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Our 21 Best Free or Low Cost Campgrounds in Australia

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Accommodation when travelling around Australia comes in many forms. Caravan Parks, Showgrounds, Campgrounds, Station Stays, Pubs and Free camps are all options for somewhere to stay overnight and depending on many circumstances our needs will vary.

For those set up and comfortable with Free and Low Cost camping when travelling we have put together our favourite places so far to stay in Australia.

In the heat of the Top End we would usually opt for powered options however the bottom half of Oz opened up many places to stay that don’t have to cost much at all.

We will continue to update this list as we keep finding more places to add. They will always be available in full at our YouTube Channel at www.youtube/c/indefiniteleave.

# Nov 2017 update.
With the recent closure of our previous Number 1 campground “Uluru by Sunrise” we have updated this list. We have also introduced 2 new campgrounds, Sandstone Park at #4 and Lara Wetlands at #12 and increased it from our Best 20 to 21. Hope you enjoy our list.

 

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Mount Gambier Showgrounds, SA

21. Mt Gambier Showgrounds

Location: Mt Gambier, South Australia

About: The Mt Gambier Showgrounds are located on the edge of the city and provides good grassed sites and full amenities. It is also walking distance to the Sinkhole.
$20 deposit for Key to amenities block.

YouTube:                   https://youtu.be/62hMyhl7Kik

Cost:                            $22 powered, $15 unpowered, $3 extra adult

Max nights stay:        No limit

Toilets:                        Yes

Showers:                    Yes

Potable water:           Yes

Pet Friendly:              Yes

Dump point:              Yes, cost $5 if not staying at the showgrounds

Powered sites:           Yes

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   No

Telstra coverage:       Yes

 

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Spring Bay Hotel, Triabunna Tasmania

20. Spring Bay Hotel

Location:Triabunna, east coast of Tasmania

About: Basic pub campground, grassed area, pay at the bar as you arrive.
Also a free camp opposite on the corner.
There’s a very popular fish and chips van next to the hotel, the pub restaurant is good by all reports and Triabunna is the gateway to Maria Island.

YouTube:                   https://youtu.be/EnCiZdQRJR4

Cost:                            $2 donation per night

Max nights stay:        7 days

Toilets:                        No

Showers:                    No

Potable water:           No

Pet Friendly:              Yes

Dump point:              No, but one is located within a few minutes drive

Powered sites:           No

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   No

Telstra coverage:       Yes

 

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Hobart from atop Mount Wellington

19. Hobart Showgrounds

Location: Hobart, Tasmania

About:Approx 15 minutes drive from the city of Hobart, there are various sites, some grassed and other on stones. Can get very busy in peak times. Call to book during peak season.

YouTube:                   https://youtu.be/R57UdGEyx7E

Cost:                            $25 powered site or $21 for CMCA members, $20 unpowered

Max nights stay:        No lmit

Toilets:                        Yes

Showers:                    Yes, $1 for 5 minutes

Potable water:           Yes

Pet Friendly:              Yes

Dump point:              Yes

Powered sites:           Yes

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   Yes, we were close to Bunnings and were able to tap into their free wifi although it was slow

Telstra coverage:       Yes

 

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Chapman River at Ante Chamber Bay campgrounds, Kangaroo Island SA

18. Ante Chamber Bay Campgrounds

Location: Kangaroo Island, South Australia

About: A beautiful river front campground. Access is by a dirt road which was reasonable condition when we were there.

YouTube:                   https://youtu.be/Bie7jawDYQ8

Cost:                            $15 per night

Max nights stay:        No limit

Toilets:                        Yes

Showers:                    No

Potable water:           No

Pet Friendly:              Yes

Dump point:              No

Powered sites:           No

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   No

Telstra coverage:       Yes, only just

 

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Gordon Recreation Reserve, Tasmania

17. Gordon Recreational Reserve

Location: Three Hut Point, Gordon Tasmania

About: Whilst we didn’t stay here it looked such a perfect location we did stop to take a look around. This would make a great place to stop for a few nights.

YouTube:                   https://youtu.be/s-Gve_xCeqM

Cost:                            $5 per night honest box

Max nights stay:        No limit

Toilets:                        Yes

Showers:                    No

Potable water:           No

Pet Friendly:              Yes

Dump point:              Yes

Powered sites:           No

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   No

Telstra coverage:       Yes

 

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Amazing 1770, Qld

16. Workmans Campground

Location: Agnes Water near 1770 in Queensland.

About: We didn’t stop here but did take a look around and it’s a good campground close to the beach and town of Agnes Water.

Cost:                            $9 per person per night

Max nights stay:        No limit

Toilets:                        Yes

Showers:                    Yes, cold outdoor shower

Potable water:           Yes

Pet Friendly:              Yes

Dump point:              No

Powered sites:           No

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   No

Telstra coverage:       Yes

 

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Banka Banka Station, NT

15. Banka Banka Station

Location: North of the Three Ways in Northern Territory

About: Great overnight stay as you head north from the Three Ways to Darwin. There’s Donkeys and Camels, a unique bar, fire pit which the owner fires up each night. Yarns are told, marshmallows burnt and in the morning a stunning sunrise to the East.

YouTube:                   https://youtu.be/OhefDO88gUw

Cost:                            $20 per night for 2 adults unpowered

Max nights stay:        No limit

Toilets:                        Yes

Showers:                    Yes

Potable water:           Yes

Pet Friendly:              Yes

Dump point:              Yes

Powered sites:           No

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   No

Telstra coverage:       No

 

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Cliff Head Campground, WA

14. Cliff Head Campground

Location: South of Geraldton, Western Australia

About:There is 3 campgrounds, Cliff Head North, Cliff Head South, we chose the middle one which is simply Cliff Head as it is larger and accommodated both us and our friends we were travelling with. Cliff Head North looks amazing.

YouTube:                   https://youtu.be/71WRACdqIxg

Cost:                            Free

Max nights stay:        72 hours

Toilets:                        Yes

Showers:                    No

Potable water:           No

Pet Friendly:              Yes

Dump point:              No

Powered sites:           No

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   No

Telstra coverage:       Yes

 

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View to the Stanley Nut from our camp site, Tasmania

13. Stanley Tasmania

Location: At Stanley in the North West of Tasmania

About: Located at the entrance to the Golf Course and looking out over the ocean, this is a fabulous campground in a beautiful location.

YouTube:                   https://youtu.be/Dl8Et13vhyk

Cost:                            $8 per night

Max nights stay:        7 nights

Toilets:                        No

Showers:                    No

Potable water:           Yes

Pet Friendly:              Yes

Dump point:              No but there is one very close by.

Powered sites:           No

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   No

Telstra coverage:       Yes

 

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Lara Wetlands, Qld

12. Lara Wetlands, Patrick Qld

Location: Lara Wetlands is a cattle station approx 30kms south of Barcaldine and 80kms north of Blackall in Queensland.

About: Lara Wetlands is a beautiful, relaxing waterhole on a cattle station just 30kms south of Barcaldine in Qld.

It has many features including a hot artesian spa, kayaks for use on the wetland and fire pits on each site. Lara Wetlands is where you go to relax and do very little except read a book and chill with an amazing scenery and spectacular sunrise and sunset each day.

YouTube:                   https://youtu.be/bhNfCONeaj0

Cost:                            $10 per person per night

Max nights stay:        No limit

Toilets:                        Yes

Showers:                    Yes

Potable water:           Yes

Pet Friendly:              Yes

Dump point:              Yes

Powered sites:           No

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   No

Telstra coverage:       No phone coverage

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Whalebone Campground

11. Whalebone Campground Shark Bay, Western Australia

Location: 15 kms south of Denham

About: I loved our time here at Whalebone Campground. A 24 hour stay, they allowed us to extend for a second night but not beyond. We were able to leave for a short time and then come back for another 48 hours. Caught Squire at night from the beach.

YouTube:                   https://youtu.be/cNslqZE9q_w

Cost:                            $15 per night

Max nights stay:        2 nights

Toilets:                        No

Showers:                    No

Potable water:           No, there is a water station in Denham

Pet Friendly:              Yes

Dump point:              No, there is one on left hand side as you arrive at Denham

Powered sites:           No

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   No

Telstra coverage:       Yes but very limited

 

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Cassowary Coast Campground, Mission Beach

10. Cassowary Coast Regional Council Campground Mission Beach

Location: Mission Beach, North Queensland

About: Located directly beside the beach, Powered and unpowered sites, old amenities. Al about location.

YouTube:                   https://youtu.be/am1lfMRd-xw

Cost:                            $21 per night unpowered, $25 powered, $3 for extra adult

Max nights stay:        No limit

Toilets:                        Yes

Showers:                    Yes

Potable water:           Yes

Pet Friendly:              Yes

Dump point:              No

Powered sites:           Yes

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   No

Telstra coverage:       Yes

 

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Portland Harbour, Vic

9. Henty Park Campground

Location: Portland Victoria

About: Loved our time in Portland and this great relaxing campground helped us enjoy our stay. Completely free and offering great facilities. Level grassed sites, friendly ranger and located at the Cable Tram station.

Since we stayed it has reduced from 72 hour stay to 48 hours. This Free campground is under much pressure from the local Caravan Parks and we need to ensure we respect it, keep it clean and tidy and it wouldn’t hurt to do as we did and notify the Council of what you spent in town during your stay.

YouTube:                   https://youtu.be/e5llKV3Dykg

Cost:                            Free

Max nights stay:        48 hours

Toilets:                        Yes

Showers:                    No

Potable water:           Yes

Pet Friendly:              Yes

Dump point:              Yes

Powered sites:           No

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   No

Telstra coverage:       Yes

 

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8. Bay of Fires Tasmania

Location:North-East coast of Tasmania

About:Very popular campground in a beautiful beachside setting. St Helens is 20-30 mins away with dump point, water, groceries, fuel, gas etc.

YouTube:                   https://youtu.be/5fYV4IuSmLc

Cost:                            Free

Max nights stay:        No limit

Toilets:                        Yes

Showers:                    No

Potable water:           No

Pet Friendly:             Yes

Dump point:              No

Powered sites:           No

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   No

Telstra coverage:       Yes but only in certain spots.

 

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Barn Hill Station

7. Barn Hill Station

Location: approx. 1 hour drive south of Broome, Western Australia

About: Fabulous Campground on a Cattle Station with 200 sites. 10kms of dirt road to access but easily done even in our Motorhome. They even have a lawn bowls green. It has a very rustic charm, the stars shine bright at night and they make 8 loaves of bread, home made sausage rolls and lamingtons each day for purchase. It is very busy in peak times of June and July.

YouTube:                   https://youtu.be/XO1ujTjFv4E

Cost:                            $25 unpowered for 2 adults or $32 powered

Max nights stay:        Nil

Toilets:                        Yes

Showers:                    Yes

Potable water:           Yes

Pet Friendly:              Yes

Dump point:              Yes

Powered sites:           Yes but power can be limited source, comes from solar

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   No

Telstra coverage:       Yes

 

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Beach at Osprey

6. Osprey Campground

Location: Cape Range National Park, near Exmouth Western Australia

About: We weren’t able to stay here as we had our dog with us but we took a look around and the location is incredible. Very clean and tidy.

Cost:                            $10 per adult per night

Max nights stay:        No limit

Toilets:                        Yes

Showers:                    No

Potable water:           No, water available at info centre a few kms away

Pet Friendly:              No

Dump point:              No, one is just a few kms up the road at info centre

Powered sites:           No

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   No

Telstra coverage:       N0

 

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Happy Hour at Quobba, WA

5. Quobba Campground

Location: approx. 50kms north of Carnarvon, Western Australia

About: Located around the corner from the Carnarvon Blowholes, the campground offers some of Australia’s best snorkeling. The coral is amazing and there’s lots of fish of many species, Turtles, Rays and Reef Sharks. We also enjoyed fresh oysters directly from the rocks at low tide.

The campground is right on the beach, some with views and others protected by the dunes.

YouTube:                   https://youtu.be/x4a0vYJm7Ak

Cost:                            $11 per person per night, kids under 16 free

Max nights stay:        No limit

Toilets:                        Yes

Showers:                    No

Potable water:           No

Pet Friendly:              Yes

Dump point:              Yes

Powered sites:           No

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   No

Telstra coverage:       No

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Sandstone Park Campground, Carnarvon Gorge Qld

4. Sandstone Park, Carnarvon Gorge Qld

Location: Carnarvon Gorge is located in the Carnarvon National Park approx. 600kms north west of Brisbane and 200kms south of Emerald.

About: This is a new campground which only opened in 2017 and fast became extremely popular with the travelling public. It’s astounding 360 degree views are incredible. The facilities are fantastic and the sites are big. There’s plenty of access to firewood and did I mention the incredible views!!

Do yourself an enormous favour and make sure you visit Sandstone Park at Carnarvon Gorge

Watch this video of Kevin with Olivia, the owner of Sandstone Park Campground, as they trek their way up Boolimba Bluff. – https://youtu.be/wRVMIbOSL8w

YouTube:                   https://youtu.be/DTmneeEwmpQ

Cost:                            $20 per night

Max nights stay:        No Limit

Toilets:                        Yes

Showers:                    No

Potable water:           No

Pet Friendly:              Yes

Dump point:              Yes

Powered sites:           No

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   No

Telstra coverage:       No phone coverage. Some Wifi available at Info centre café.

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Sandy Cape overlooking the campground

3. Sandy Cape Campground

Location: 10 kms north of Jurien Bay, Western Australia

About:This place is Fun, Fun, Fun. Grab a sand board and race down the dunes. Fishing, swimming, boating, so much fun to be had. There are BBQ’s available and the sky at night lights up with the stars.
While we were there a great coffee can was available making Burgers, Hot Dogs, Coffees, shakes and more.

Watch the hilarious footage of Adele sand boarding here – https://youtu.be/BcilkWaEAsU

YouTube:                   https://youtu.be/Qru0AUdjCNs

Cost:                            $15 per night

Max nights stay:        No Limit

Toilets:                        Yes

Showers:                    No

Potable water:           No

Pet Friendly:              Yes

Dump point:              Yes

Powered sites:           No

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   No

Telstra coverage:       No, unless you climb up onto the dunes.

 

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Lucky Bay Campground, just amazing!!

2. Lucky Bay Campground

Location: Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia

About: Located in the incredible Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance on the south coast of Western Australia, this is a very special place where the kangaroos come into your site or meet you on the beach to say hello. The views are scintillating and the experience is not to be missed.

Our Tip, select site number 12.

YouTube:                   https://youtu.be/ELFgZgdLMls

Cost:                            $10 per Adult per night, children over 6 are $2.20. Seniors $6.60 per night

Max nights stay:        No limit

Toilets:                        Yes

Showers:                    Yes

Potable water:           Yes

Pet Friendly:             No

Dump point:              No

Powered sites:           No

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   No

Telstra coverage:       No

 

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Rapid Bay Campground

1.Rapid Bay Campground

Location: 1.5 hours south of Adelaide

About: As Darryl Kernigan’s bumbling Lawyer once said, “it’s the vibe” and Rapid Bay gives great vibes.

This is a fantastic campground, so peaceful, so stunning and a great place to relax, swim, snorkel and go fishing. It gets very busy at peak times.
The original Jetty here was destroyed in a storm and a new Jetty costing $3.8m was recently built to replace it.
Divers come from afar to dive here looking for a rare Sea Dragon, only found in these waters.

YouTube:                   https://youtu.be/O9wgn_NeahQ

Cost:                            $7 per person per night

Max nights stay:        Nil

Toilets:                        Yes

Showers:                    No

Potable water:           Yes, sign says it’s not but it’s trucked in from Adelaide

Pet Friendly:              Yes

Dump point:              No. Yankalilla is 24kms away and has dump point, fuel, groceries, gas etc.

Powered sites:           No

Unpowered sites:      Yes

Free Wifi:                   N0

Telstra coverage:       Yes

 

We know we haven’t seen them all, tell us about your favourite Free or Low Coast campground?

Thanks
Kevin & Adele
Indefinite Leave

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Email: hockeys@indefiniteleave.com.au

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The Best of Broome, Western Australia

broome

The Kimberley region in the north of Western Australia is home to Broome, the areas largest and most popular township.

During winter in the peak season the population trebles as tourists flock to Broome to enjoy the beaches and laidback lifestyle during the dry and warm weather. Tourists fly in from all over Australia and International guests are also able to fly direct to Broome.
Photo1a
Gantheaume Point sunset

Travellers make their way by 4wd and Caravans, Motorhomes or Campervans for the opportunity to see the region and explore its incredible beauty. Many base themselves at Broome before driving off to see amazing Beaches and Gorges or to visit the Pearl Farms that are part of Broome’s long history.

These are our best tips on Things to See and Do in Broome, Western Australia.

Photo2a
Full moon over Cable Beach

Cable Beach
Broome has one of the world’s most renowned beaches, Cable Beach. It is 22.5kms of beautiful pure white sand which meets the pristine Turquoise waters that make this beach so famous.

On a warm sunny day the beach is packed and you can hire an umbrella and deckchairs for you to enjoy your day.

Photo3a
Relax with a deckchair and umbrella at Cable Beach

Cable Beach is a very popular vantage spot to watch incredible sunsets or you can drive your 4wd onto the beach and relax while you swim and play and then sit back to enjoy the sunset from the comfort of your vehicle.

It is also home to one of Australia’s most famous nudist beach. To the north of the beach entrance it is clothing optional. Also to the north is where you can choose to ride a Camel.

Photo4a
Camel rides on cable Beach

Late in the afternoon is an interesting time to arrive at Cable Beach. If you time it right you can watch as the crowds walk down the streets armed with cameras for that perfect Sunset photo and the Camels are led, all strung together, down the footpath as they make their way to the beach for an afternoon of entertaining more travellers.

150 metres up the beach is dog friendly and MACKS was able to enjoy a swim and run on the beach.

Often voted as one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, Cable Beach will never disappoint you.

Photo5a
Crowds enjoying Cable Beach

Gantheaume Point
At the very southern end of Cable Beach is Gantheaume Point. Here at very low tides you can walk out around 30-40 metres and see Dinosaur footprints dated as old as 130 million years ago.

The rugged cliff face at Gantheaume Point also provides a stunning viewpoint for the amazing sunsets that Broome is so famous for. The Red sandstone rocks provide the perfect viewpoint to watch as the sun goes down and night begins.

Photo6a
The sunsets from Gantheaume Point are incredible

This is also a fantastic viewpoint to look back up the beach to Cable Beach or take your 4wd onto the sand and enjoy the day right on the ocean doorstep. Just make sure you allow for incoming tide, they do rise fast in this region.

It is accessed by taking the Gantheaume Point turnoff from Gubinge Road, following it for a few kms on bitumen before continuing on dirt road for the last 3 kms to the carpark.

Photo7a
The Worlds oldest operating open air cinema

Sun Pictures
When in Broome, venture to the World’s oldest operating open-air garden cinema, Sun Pictures, and take in a movie in the fresh air and view of the stars above, not just onscreen. Around 10 years after the building was built in the early 1900’s, the cinema opened in 1916 and its history since is amazing. During peak season tours of the Cinema are available.

Photo8a
Stairway to the Moon

Stairway to the Moon is a natural phenomenon that occurs in only a few places and Broome is one of them. Each month the moon peaks at the perfect time for its light to shine on the low tide flats providing an imagery of steps leading all the way into the sky to the moon.

Its reflection off Roebuck Bay provides an ideal vantage point, perfect for absorbing this event. We chose the Mangrove Hotel and enjoyed a late afternoon of a few drinks and dinner before settling in to watch nature take its course.

Website: www.mangrovehotel.com.au
47 Carnarvon Street, Broome

Photo9a
The Mangrove Hotel makes a perfect vantage point for Stairway to the Moon

Fishing Charter
Whilst in Broome, Matt and I ventured out with Absolute Ocean Charters.

We were picked up from our location where we were staying and taken to the beach near Gantheaume Point where an amphibian boat took us across the beach and into the water to our fishing vessel where we boarded for a day on the ocean.

Photo10a
Just a couple of the fish we caught

On our way out we saw Humpback Whales and Manta Rays and a quick attempt to catch some Cobia was unsuccessful. Once we arrived at the first designated location we were quick to take our spots and get a line overboard.

It wasn’t long before the first fish were hooked and whilst some made it to the boat, others were being taken by sharks so we were off to the next spot.

The day turned out to be a challenge with strong currents, sharks and other factors making it difficult but Matt and I did catch some fish we were able to take home.

Photo11a
My first Mackerel

I got my first Mackerel which I was happy about, not big but good fun.

The guys from the Charter were great and they have some very awesome electronics on board to charter a fishing trip.

www.absoluteoceancharters.com.au
Ph: 0427 798 155
E: info@absoluteoceancharters.com.au

Photo12a
Horizontal Falls from above

Horizontal Falls
Horizontal Falls is a natural phenomenon located north of Broome and accessed by a Seaplane flight to a pontoon located in the McLarty Ranges in the Kimberley’s. We chose the Full day package adventure with Horizontal Falls Adventures including a flight to Cape Leveque and 4wd back to Broome.

This was an incredible experience and they did way more than expected. We didn’t go through the Falls just once or twice but 11 times. They really provided excellent value. We also did a boat trip through some local Gorges.

Photo13a
Entering Horizontal Falls

The Falls are created by water rushing through a breakwall giving the same effect as a normal waterfall. The waters flow very fast and depending on tides as to how much of a drop there is when going through.

Horizontal Falls also gave us the opportunity to jump in the water next to some Tawny Sharks. Whilst they don’t bite, these guys suck their food so fast you don’t want your hand in the way.
We got in the shark cage swimming right next to them and were then able to feed and pat them. Another part of the incredible experience that is Horizontal Falls.

Photo14a
Tawny Sharks from the shark cage

Cape Leveque
We were so keen to get to Cape Leveque given its incredible beauty but it looked out of our reach in the Motorhome until we became aware of this tour. This is a very remote location of Aboriginal significance. An Eco resort provides accommodation and the beaches and fishing are outstanding.

A fabulous lunch of fresh Barramundi was provided by Kooljaman Wilderness camp at spectacular Cape Leveque. Then it was off to explore the beach where its untouched beauty left us in awe.

Photo15a

A huge day and an unforgettable experience at Horizontal Falls.

Watch our video in Horizontal Falls here – https://youtu.be/5xEzO0z_m7E

Horizontal Falls Adventures
www.horizontalfallsadventures.com.au

Photo16aPhoto17a
Famous Matso’s Brewery in Broome

Matso’s Brewery
Matso’s Brewery is an absolute must see when visiting Broome.

The Micro Brewery began in the late 1990’s and has won many awards since then. Sit back and relax with a beautiful lunch and one of Matso’s great range of their very popular beers. My favourite though was undoubtedly the famous Matso’s alcoholic Ginger Beer. They are so refreshing and taste fantastic.

www.matsos.com.au
60 Hamersley Street, Broome

Photo18a
Adele couldn’t bypass the opportunity for some new Pearls

The Pearl industry has a long history with Broome going right back to the 1880’s. The more experienced Japanese divers were used for finding Pearls until WW2 and Broome has maintained a close relationship with Japan. There are memorials around town and the city also has a Sister City agreement with the Japan city of Taiji.

The Willie Creek Pearl Farm is a current and operational Pearl Farm in Broome and runs tours throughout the year.

Adele couldn’t resist the opportunity and did a little Pearl shopping of her own when we were in Broome.

Photo19a
Town Beach

Town Beach
Town Beach looks out over the spectacular turquoise waters of Roebuck Bay. It’s a popular spot to swim and picnic by the beach and the café overlooking the Bay is also very popular and has stunning views. There’s a children’s playground and small waterpark very close by, guaranteed to keep the kids entertained for hours.

Town Beach is also another very popular location to watch the Stairway to the Stars. It can get very crowded here so get in early for a spot and relax and enjoy an evening under the stars.

This is a perfect location to chill and enjoy at any time of the day.

Photo20a
Streeters Jetty

Streeters Jetty

Built in the 1880’s, Streeters Jetty was used for Pearl Luggers to unload their cargo. It stretched across the mud flats of Dampier Creek. At 10m tides the Jetty goes underwater.

The Jetty proves to still be popular for tourists who visit each day. It is now Heritage Listed.

Photo21a
Wharf Jetty was closed to the public during our stay in Broome

Wharf Jetty is a deep port jetty built to accommodate large Cargo vessels and cruise ships. It is also a popular fishing jetty however it was closed during our time in Broome.

Further around from the Jetty we came across a beautiful beach and interesting rock formation stretching into the waters. As the tide went out 4wd’s began to enter the beach. People were swimming, fishing and snorkeling and Adele took MACKS in for a swim too.

Photo22a

Travelling in Broome with pets is not easy however here are a few tips on how to handle it.

• wait until near to the end of peak season and some visitors have begun to head south. Early to mid August is probably ideal.
• Choose one of the overflow parks. We stayed at the Seventh Day Adventist overflow and it was excellent.
• If you are having trouble getting in to a caravan park, ring every day between 8-10am, don’t give up, Broome is worth it. As the overflow parks were forced to close we had to find a caravan park to take us. If they say they will ring you, don’t wait for their call, just ring each morning in case of a cancellation or opportunity that may arise.

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Entrance to Barn Hill Station

Barn Hill Station
Barn Hill Station is approximately a 1 hour drive south of Broome and is one of the best Campground stays in all Australia. In fact the beach made my #1 beach in Australia – http://indefiniteleave.com.au/best-beaches-australia-1-10/

An active Cattle Station, it sits directly on this amazing coastline where the white sands meet the spectacular waters of the West Coast.

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Red Cliffs and White Limestone rock cliffs overlook a stunning beach

The Cliffs overlooking the beach are a mix of Red soil or White Limestone, providing the most incredible views.

Barn Hill Station provides 200 campsites, either powered or unpowered and there’s so much rustic character to the place which makes it unique and fun.

There are corrugated iron toilets and showers with no ceiling, just you and the stars above. It makes for an amazing experience at night.

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Lawn Bowls at Barn Hill Station

The Stars really do come out at night here, glistening in the sky like they only do in outback Australia.

Should there be any rumour of a couple matching our description having been seen skinny dipping in the amazing tranquil turquoise waters of Barn Hill Station when the beach appeared entirely deserted, we will neither confirm nor deny said rumours and our response will always be “no comment”.

Have you been to Broome?

Share with us your experience of Broome.

Thanks
Kev& Adele
Indefinite Leave

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The Very Best of Things to see and do in Tasmania

tasmania

If you haven’t been to Tasmania you should start planning a trip and do it. It really is one of Australia’s travel destination highlights.

The great benefit of travelling Tasmania is that everything is so close. You don’t have to drive far to reach another amazing location and therefore you can pack a lot into a short time. Read more

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An Australia by Road Adventure

australia road adventure

We met a young family from Newcastle by the pool at Cape Hillsborough Tourist Park and they told us about their adventure they were currently pursuing. Dad, Mum and their 6yo daughter are in a sedan and tenting their way around Australia in 3 months. I couldn’t help but to gasp at the thought and explained we were doing the same but we had it planned over two and a half years.

The whole of Oz in 3 months – Wow!! Good on them.

Cape Hillsborough Cape Hillsborough

For what feels like the zillionth time they showed envy at our planned 2.5 year sojoin. If I had a dollar for every time someone has said to us “we’re so jealous” we could have funded this trip entirely. That night, it got me thinking……

How did I really get to this point where I’m doing something so amazingly ambitious as packed the house up, left family and friends, bought a Motorhome and just departed on a whim.

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Leaving my brothers place the first morning of our adventure

Two and a half years is such a long time to be away. There’s likely to be lots of things we will miss and with both our Mum’s now in their early 80’s it wasn’t an easy decision. We are both very very close to our Mums. Our youngest son is just 22 and with his work commitments, he has remained in Brisbane.

Reflecting back recently, Adele and I always have loved to travel. When Adele and I met she was 9 weeks from leaving to travel around Europe for 3 months. There were no Mobile Phones, No Facebook, No Instagram and no text messaging back then. Just postcards and snail mail!! Everyday I’d check the letterbox in anticipation but so often nothing would be there.

Soon after we married we bought a 4wd and our first trip was with a tent to Stradbroke Island, a beautiful place easily accessed by Barge in Brisbane. We loved it so much we began making regular trips to Straddie and Moreton Island, with other trips to Double Island Point and Fraser Island thrown in.

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Christmas on Moreton Island about 1989. My first 4wd.

Since we left, I’ve received news that two friends have lost their mothers who have passed away, another friend has lost her sister after losing her short battle at just 42 years of age, my cousin has just passed away after a short battle with Brain cancer and others too have received terrible news. It was the passing of my Father in 2008 that changed my life and has taken me on a journey to discover what I’m really meant to do in my life and it has turned out to be entirely different to what I thought.

When my Dad succumbed to melanoma in January 2008 I was a Company Director and Board Member of Australia’s second fastest growing franchise (*according to BRW Feb 2009). My role was travelling around Australia and New Zealand supporting and training new franchisees and all of a sudden I didn’t want to leave home, I just wanted to be with Adele and my two sons.

The passion for working long hours and making massive wealth died the day I buried my father. It no longer provided any interest to me.

DadMy Dad

In fact, it was then I realised that life does have an end date and for me, working my arse off was taking me away from everything I had enjoyed in life.

We had loved going camping and once travelled down the NSW coastline from Brisbane with friends to North Haven and back, just stopping a few days wherever we thought the beach looked perfect.

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North Haven, just south of Port Macquarie in NSW

I also love playing cricket but business and my career took over.

I got back to playing cricket when I turned 40 and in June and July 2015 Adele and I travelled to London and Wales where I played cricket with Cameron, my youngest son.

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Hockey Cricket
Cameron and I playing cricket in London in 2015

It was early 2015 we had met some backpackers from Germany who had just hired a Motorhome and been to Cairns and back. I knew it was something we should do and when we drove home that night we began to talk about it and I couldn’t believe it when Adele, the conservative one in the relationship, didn’t hesitate in agreeing. The travel bug was still living inside us.

My brother suggested hiring a Motorhome first to see if we would like it but we knew, this was meant to be. We weren’t daunted in any way.

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The Great Australian Bight

I believe we need to find what it is that we are here on this planet for. Why were we put here, what is our purpose?

It might simply be to be the best partner and parent you can be. Or possibly it’s to achieve great things in your career. It might be sport or it might have something to do with your artistic talents. For me, it’s time now for adventure and travel.

Work funds life – it isn’t life.

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Sunrise at the Bay of Fires in Tasmania. The dawn of another magical day.

Working my butt off for long, long hours and going through the motions of the daily grind until one day the stress has me carried out in a wooden box has zero interest to me any more. There just has to be more to life than working, mowing the grass, watching TV, paying bills and doing it all over and over again like Groundhog Day.

There has to be more to life!!

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Whitehaven Beach in the amazing Whitsunday Island on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland

We are given just one shot at this earthly existence, don’t waste it!!

If you’re like us and you love to travel, make it happen. Don’t wait until the kids are old enough, until you have enough money, until the house is paid off or any one of another multitude of reasons you may be hesitating. With great planning and preparation you can do it very cost effectively if necessarily. You can home school your children and experience all that life can offer at the same time. Let the highway be their greatest education.

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Loch Ard Gorge, the Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Here’s a Tip from someone whose children are now in there 20’s and I can reflect back on fatherhood of youngsters. It may not seem like it while they are young but the thing they crave from us as parents the most is Time.

We just need to be there.

It’s not what we leave for our children but what we live in them.

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Karijini National Park, Western Australia

If budget is an issue, everything you need to buy, buy it as cheap as you can. Look for great value second hand items and stay patient until it happens. The old adage “you get what you pay for” isn’t actually true any more. With thorough research you don’t have to buy the most expensive of anything. Great research, patience and product knowledge will help you buy what you need without having to sell a kidney.

We have a storage shed full of “stuff” back home and to be honest, I don’t need anything more than I have in the Motorhome.

Australia is an amazing country. Each state is so different and provides incredible sights and lots of fun things to see and do. There is also so much to see and do that costs very little or nothing at all.

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Coles Bay, Freycinet National Park Tasmania

So what are you waiting for?

Get planning, create a deadline and make it work for you.

Enjoy your travels.

Thanks
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

Website: www.indefiniteleave.com

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Our 12 months Costs and Expenses for Travelling Australia

indefinite header_

February 2017 represents 12 months since we left the safety and routine of our home and embraced life on the road, the uncertainty of every day, waking up in entirely new surroundings and starting off the day with a new group of strangers as our neighbours. Read more

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Kakadu and Litchfield National Park by Motorhome

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Our trip to the famous Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks is by Motorhome, our Winnebago Esperance, which we chose for us to enjoy our two and a half year planned adventure around Oz. Read more

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It’s all about an Adventure

all about adventure header

As we drove out of Darwin in the Northern Territory we passed an RV camp, a free rest stop on the side of the highway, and another just near the town of Adelaide River and it made me question what our trip was about.

We often see travelers pulled over in these rest areas whereas we had chosen caravan parks and places with power, it’s so hot and humid in the Top End of Australia. Read more

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The Best Beaches in Australia 1-10

Australia's Best Beaches

Australia’s Top 30 Beaches from our experience travelling Australia
by Indefinite Leave

After extensive travel of Australia we have come up with a list of our favourite 30 beaches in Oz. Read more

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The Best Beaches in Australia 11-20

beach AUS

Australia’s Top 30 Beaches from our experience travelling Australia
by Indefinite Leave

After extensive travel of Australia we have come up with a list of our favourite 30 beaches in Oz.

Today we continue on from our beaches ranked 21-30 and provide our next best 10 beaches of Australia.
Read more

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