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Camp Grounds

Carmila Beach Queensland

Carmila Beach Campground

Carmila Beach in Qld is a beachfront camping ground located 100kms south of Mackay.

The Carmila Beach Campground is located just metres from the beach. The tides go out up to a kilometre at low tide.

With clear ocean views and easy beach access it’s a perfect location for sandy strolls, magic sunrises and good opportunity to go fishing.

It’s a popular stopover for travellers heading north or south on the Bruce Highway in Queensland.

There are some basic facilities but best to bring all your provisioning with you.

About Carmila

Carmila is a tiny rural town in North Queensland in the Isaac Region.

The population of Carmila is approximately 300 residents.

The town is 72 kms south of Sarina and 110 kms south from Mackay.

Carmila Beach is 6 kms east from the Highway township of Carmila where there’s a dozen homes and long sandy sites for beachfront camping.

Carmila Beach Camping – 2WD & 4WD Access Areas

There are several camping spaces all along the beachfront but if you are in 2WD such as us you’ll need to know where you can and can’t access.

The first camping area is the only one available to Motorhomes, the rest are 4WD only due to soft sand.

That is of course unless you’re us and misjudge which one is Campground 1, 2 or 3.

Watch what happened when we ended up in the wrong spot in soft sand with the Motorhome.

Carmila Beach Camp site

We were aware that only Campgrounds 1 and 2 were available to Motorhomes and 4WD would be required to go further on to Campgrounds 3 and more.

I drove through the first Campground which was full and decided to proceed to the second campground.

Unfortunately I didn’t realise the first one was Campground 1 and 2.

Don’t be like Kev and make that mistake if you are in a Motorhome lol

Carmila Beach Campground

Carmila Beach Campground – How to book and pay

As you enter Carmila Beach Campground you will notice the signs saying there is no phone coverage and to book your space online prior to entering the grounds.

Update June 2022:
On-line facility is no longer available.

Payment for Camping Fees can be made by calling Izaac Regional Council on 1300 ISAACS or 1300 47 22 27 during business hours.

Alternatively, payment can be made over the counter at Council Offices during business hours.

Carmila Beach Campground Facilities

Carmila Beach Campground has toilets available at the first Campgrounds. There are also bins there too. A dump point is also in place.

There are no other facilities and no water available at the Campground or in Carmila.

Bottles of water can be purchased at the Puma Servo. Bring plenty of water with you.

Phone coverage is almost non-existent although occasionally it picks up service before soon dropping out again.

Open Fires are permitted. As with all fires please ensure you put your fire out completely.

5 Essentials – 4WD Accessories

  1. 4WD Recovery Tracks will get you out of most situations, especially in sand. We bought a pair of these generic branded tracks that have worked well whilst other brands include the Australian made TRED or the Australian Designed and made MAXTRAX 4wd Recovery Tracks.
  2. For our 4WD we went with this EDECOA 1500 3000w Pure Sine Wave Inverter which has been excellent value and works great.
  3. I’m a massive fan of my Victron IP65 15a Battery Charger. I use it often to give batteries a boost and it really is an essential part of my tool kit.
  4. When camping my Kings 200w Solar Blanket gets a lot of use and works really well. Only downside is it doesn’t work with Lithium batteries.
  5. Brass Tyre Deflators are a fast and easy way to lower your tyre pressure to your desired level. Perfect for when you are hitting the beach.
Drone View of Carmila Beach
Aerial view of the campground and beach at low tide

Are Pets Allowed?

Carmila Beach Campground is pet friendly and therefore dogs are welcome.

Read more: Travelling Australia with our dog MACKS

Are there Crocodiles at Carmila Beach?

Crocodiles are not common on the beaches however sightings have been made here before.

There are creeks either side of the campgrounds which are great for fishing but also a perfect habitat for Salt Water Crocodiles.

Carmila Beach at low tide
Camping at Carmila Beach

Cost is $10 per vehicle per night.
*Update June 2022 – Cost is $12.50 per night per vehicle.

Maximum stay at Carmilla Beach Campground is 14 nights.

Our stay was 10th June 2018

Check out our: 16 Great Queensland Free Camps from Brisbane to Cairns

Carmila Beach Campground Contact Details

Phone: 1300 472 227
Address:
29 Esplanade, Carmila, Queensland
Website:

How to get there:

Follow the Bruce Highway north of Clairview or south of Mackay to the highway township of Carmila.

Turn right heading north at the Puma Fuel station into Music St which becomes Carmila Beach Rd.

Follow Carmila Beach Road for approx 6 kms to the T junction and turn right.

You can’t miss it.

Carmila Beach to Mackay

It is just over 103kms from Carmila Beach to Mackay.

Other great places to stay in the region:

Pin – Carmila Beach Campground

Have you camped by the beach at the Carmila Beach Campground?

Safe travels   

Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.

Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.

________________________________________________________________

Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:

Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – http://ebay.us/9vMXEH – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.

Samsung s21 Phonehttps://ebay.us/QAdwva – this looks an insane camera within a phone. We have friends and our son who own one and it seems quite extraordinary with their camera quality. If you’re after a new phone this is what I’d be looking at.

Canon 800dhttps://ebay.us/Q0UV1z – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.

Nikon Coolpix p1000https://ebay.to/37cORUV – We have the Nikon P900 and this is the new model. The zoom lens is unbelievable and so awesome when travelling and you want to capture photos from a distance.

Lenses

Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/3nx5pyG  This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lenshttps://ebay.us/br9MeO This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/33xYeht – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lenshttp://ebay.us/zWvfuI  – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.

Our Go Pro 9 Hero Black – https://ebay.us/6CQOVC  –  is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo  This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Where to Find Us

Follow us, Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/indefiniteleave

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3

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Camp Grounds

Florence Falls Campground, Litchfield National Park NT

Florence Falls Campground

Litchfield National Park is a fantastic location south of Darwin in the Northern Territory. Within a short walking distance to Florence Falls is the Florence Falls Campground.

The campground is excellent with big sites making it easy to park your Caravan, 4WD or Motorhome. 

There are two camping areas at the Florence Falls Campground.

The lower level and old 4WD Campground has smaller sites that are more suited to campervans and tent camping with the upper level campground suitable for all 2WD.

Florence Falls Campground Facilities

Most of the camp sites in the Florence Falls Campground are sloping so you may need to level up your Van.

The sites are all gravel and they are all unpowered. There are no powered sites.

Each site comes with its own fire pit although you will need to bring your own fire wood.

On our latest visit in 2021 we noticed there is a sign saying you can collect firewood from the side of the main road in to Litchfield National Park.

There are modern toilets and showers at the Florence Falls Campground which are currently quite new and very clean.

The facilities also include barbecues.

Florence Falls Campground Amenities Block

There are no bins and you will need to take your rubbish away with you to dispose of. Please ensure the area remains clean and tidy.

Generators are not permitted in the Florence Falls Campground.

Caretakers are now located within the campground and were helpful to us in providing information and advice about roads and where we could go.

Our Campsite at the Florence Falls Campground 2017
Florence Falls Campground Campsite 2017
Our 2021 Florence Falls Campground Campsite
Florence Falls Campground Campsite 2021

Are Pets allowed at the Florence Falls Campground?

This is National Park and therefore it is not pet friendly and dogs are not allowed.

When we first visited Litchfield National Park we had MACKS looked after with Mad Paws.

Read more: Travelling Australia with our dog MACKS

The Florence Falls Campground has no phone coverage although in the early morning, sometimes we did receive limited coverage until around 9am.

Phone coverage is spasmodic throughout Litchfield National Park and isn’t something you should rely on having access to during your stay.

Florence Falls Campground Pay Station
Florence Falls Campground Pay Station

For the best chance to find a site you should arrive before midday, ideally between 8am and 10am.

Many campers arrive late in the afternoon and end up disappointed as the campground is almost always full by soon after lunch time.

There are 2 Campgrounds at Florence Falls Campground, the upper section known as the 2wd campground and the lower section known as the 4wd campground.

The campgrounds are near to each other and both are accessed by a sealed road.

Cost to stay is $6.60 per adult per night, children are $3.30 per night or there is a family rate of $15.

Update March 2022:
$10 per Adult per night, Children 5 – 17 years $5 per night and Families (2 A & 4C) $25 per night
Update June 2025:
$15 per Adult per night, $8 per night per Child up to 15 yrs old.

Our stays at Florence Falls Campground were 25th-27th June 2017 and 19th – 20th May 2021

View our 29 Best Low Cost Campgrounds in Australia

The video provides information on how to pay for your stay at the Florence Falls Campground and lots more about Litchfield National Park.

Florence Falls Contact Details

Phone: 08 3999 3973
Address:
Florence Falls Trail off Litchfield Park Road, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory
Website:

How to book Florence Falls Campground:

There is an on-line booking facility for the Florence Falls Campground, pay to stay at the website for Florence Falls Campground.

Tip: The Florence Falls Campground 2WD and old 4WD Campground fill up fast so best to arrive early in the day to secure a campsite and avoid disappointment.

Update March 2022: There is now an on-line booking system via the N.T. Government website

Check out our: Brisbane to Darwin Free Camping

How to get there:

From Darwin it is approximately 115kms drive to Litchfield National Park and takes about 90 mins to drive there.

Take the Stuart Highway south from Darwin to the Batchelor Rd exit on the right.

Follow the signs along Batchelor Rd through the township of Batchelor and also Rum Jungle until you arrive at Litchfield National Park.

The road in from Berry Springs is now fully sealed and is another entry in to Litchfield National Park.

Follow Litchfield Park Rd until you see the sign to turn right to the Florence Falls Campground.

The roads to Litchfield National Park and the Florence Falls 2WD Campground are fully sealed.

Do you need a permit for Litchfield National Park?

A permit is not required for Litchfield National Park however you do need one when you enter nearby Kakadu National Park.

Find more information on the Kakadu National Park Pass here>

Florence Falls is within easy walking distance from the Florence Falls Campground
Florence Falls

Florence Falls

The Florence Falls Campground is the perfect place to stay to get out and enjoy Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls and so much more.

Florence Falls is 135 steps down from the Lookout to a short track at the base of the falls. Here you can swim and enjoy the scenery of this amazing waterfall.

Please don’t climb to the top and jump in, we witnessed people ejected and fined by National Parks staff for doing so.

It’s also extremely dangerous for both those who jump and others below.

Florence Falls is 135 stairs down from the Florence Falls Campground

5 Essentials – Camping Accessories

A good Tent or Swag is the first decision for going camping. We like the Coleman Tent from Tentworld or the Wanderer 7 Man Tent from BCF. For a Swag, we were so close to buying the Kings Double Swag from 4WD Supacentre .

We like our BCF Wanderers Camping Chair which gets a lot of use as we travel Australia.

No more lugging around a huge BBQ and gas bottle now that we have a brilliant Gasmate Dual Burner Butane Cooktop from Tentworld

A good Portable Fridge Freezer we have found to keep the beers cold and steaks frozen are the Kings 70 L Fridge Freezer in the budget range, the Waeco 75L Dual Zone Fridge Freezer or the ever popular and long lasting Engel 75L Fridge Freezer.

A good quality Hand Held UHF is ideal and I like this Uniden UH750 5 watt UHF for long range and quality. The 5 watt range will give you maximum distance, especially if you need help!

Buley Rockhole
Buley Rockhole – Rock Pools

Things to See and Do in Litchfield National Park

There are a number of other falls and rock pools to explore in Litchfield National Park.

By basing yourself at the Florence Falls Campground, you are easily able to access all of the other attractions.

Buley Rockhole

Nearby Buley Rockhole rock pools are a lot of fun. Lay in the fast running stream and swim and jump in the deep holes of water.

There are different sections you can enjoy, just be careful of the very slippery rocks whenever walking across the waterways.

Buley Rockholes are our favourite spot in the park and it is often busy with lots of people enjoying the cool fresh water rock pools and swimming holes.

Wangi Falls

Wangi Falls is a short drive further on from the Florence Falls Campground.

This is a big rock pool with lots of fun to be enjoyed. Climb into the rocks to find small pools of water with views back over the main area.

Wangi Falls
Wangi Falls

You can also have a picnic in the grounds overlooking the Falls or take the walking track

There is also the Wangi Falls Cafe to enjoy lunch and a drink after your swim.

Tolmer Falls

The Tolmer Falls plunge 35m into the pool below and are one of the most magnificent of the waterfalls in Litchfield National Park.

Take the 1.5km loop Tolmer Creek Walk along the side of creek, up and around to the top of the falls and ending up at the lookout and viewing platform before the short walk back to the carpark.

No swimming is permitted at Tolmer Falls.

Tolmer Falls

Read more: Things to See and do in Top End Darwin, NT and Kakadu and Litchfield National Park by Motorhome

Check out these great places to stay in Kakadu National Park:

Pin – Florence Falls Campground

Pin it
Pin it

Have you enjoyed a stay at the Florence Falls Campground? Tell us about your Litchfield National Park camping experience.

Safe travels

Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.

Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.

__________________________________________________________________________

Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:

Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – http://ebay.us/9vMXEH – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.

Samsung s21 Phonehttps://ebay.us/QAdwva – this looks an insane camera within a phone. We have friends and our son who own one and it seems quite extraordinary with their camera quality. If you’re after a new phone this is what I’d be looking at.

Canon 800dhttps://ebay.us/Q0UV1z – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.

Nikon Coolpix p1000https://ebay.to/37cORUV – We have the Nikon P900 and this is the new model. The zoom lens is unbelievable and so awesome when travelling and you want to capture photos from a distance.

Lenses

Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/3nx5pyG  This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lenshttps://ebay.us/br9MeO This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/33xYeht – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lenshttp://ebay.us/zWvfuI  – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.

Our Go Pro 9 Hero Black – https://ebay.us/6CQOVC  –  is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo  This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.

_______________________________________________________________________

Where to Find Us

Follow us or Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indefiniteleave/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indefinite_leave/

Website: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/indefiniteleave

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3

_____________________________________________________________________________

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through a link on this page we may receive a small commission. It will not cost you any more, in fact we’ve sourced out some great deals for you. Thank you for supporting us.

Continue Reading

Camp Grounds

Little Roper Stockcamp, Mataranka Northern Territory

Little Roper Stockcamp

Are you heading north to Katherine or Darwin? Don’t miss this great place to stay at Mataranka called Little Roper Stockcamp.

It opened only 5 weeks prior to when we were there the first time back in 2017 and we have visited a couple of times since.

Little Roper Stockcamp is one of the most enjoyable outback stays you will have.

It’s also listed as one of Our Best Low Cost Campgrounds in Australia.

Des and Telka, the owners of Little Roper Stockcamp are fabulous.

Checking out a snake at Little Roper Stockcamp
Owner Des gave us a snake to check out

Des is a former stockman and school Principal while Telka is still teaching at the local school.

They are a lovely couple and work hard on their property in Mataranka.

Every morning is free brekky and there’s friendly python snakes you can hold or pat Cows, Buffalo, Pigs, Chickens and their pet dogs.
Update 2021 – Johnny Cakes are $2 each and are delicious!

All the animals are friendly and the kids get a lot of enjoyment out of interacting with them.

Des making the awesome Johnny Cakes

Little Roper Stockcamp Facilities

There are rustic toilets and showers with a unique difference that are semi-open air which adds to the country atmosphere.

Washing facilities are available for a small donation.

Update 2021– There is now a Guest Laundry with washing tubs and two Washing Machines.

It is just $4 per wash and it is a case of leaving the money in the bucket.

There is a Dump Point in the township of Mataranka just 5-10 minutes away.

Little Roper Stockcamp campsite
Camp Oven Dinners at Little Roper Stockcamp

During our stay we had 1-2 bars with the Telstra network, just enough to use it.

We had no Vodafone or Optus coverage.

There’s a communal fire pit set up each night to cook dinner on an open fire in the cooking pots provided.

You can start up the fire at any time if you’d like to sit around it or cook a meal.

The grounds aren’t great for being level so the hosts provide levelling chocks to use if required.

Read more about: Our Best Low Cost Campgrounds in Australia

Are pets allowed at Little Roper Stockcamp?

Little Roper Stockcamp campground is pet friendly.

This allowed us to stay the first time with our adorable Golden Retriever MACKS only a few weeks before we had to say farewell to her in Darwin.

Read more: A Tribute to MACKS the Best Dog I’ve ever known

Kev making hay while the sun shines at Little Roper Stockcamp

It’s best to bring as much water with you as possible, the local H2O is bore water in the town of Mataranka and doesn’t taste that great.

Just 2 kms down the road is the Mataranka Thermal Pools or it is a short 5 minute drive to Bitter Springs.

Both of these are incredible and definitely need to be visited during your stay.

Come meet Des and Telka, enjoy a fabulous outback experience with some very special features.

Mataranka is an hours drive south of Katherine in the NT, around 4.5 hours south of Darwin.

Entrance to Little Roper Stockcamp
Camping at Little Roper Stockcamp

Cost to stay at Little Roper Stockcamp

Cost to stay is $15 per night unpowered or $30 per night powered.
Update 30/7/2018: Unpowered cost is now $20 per night. Powered remains $30 per night
Update 27/3/2022: Unpowered cost is $30 per night and powered site is $35 per night for 2 adults. Extra adults are $10 a night. Single Adults – $15. Children are free.
Update June 2025: Unpowered cost is $30 per night and powered site is $40 per night for 2 adults. Extra adults are $10 a night. Single Adults – $15. Children are free.

Our stays were firstly 25th-27th May 2017 and again on 17th May 2021 as part of our Brisbane to Darwin trip.

Read more: Brisbane to Darwin Free Camping

5 Essentials – Outside RV Accessories

  1. To plug your RV with standard 15amp in to standard residential 10amp power source you will need a converter. We love our waterproof Ampfibian and after over 4 years it’s still perfect.
  2. Most people carry a Generator for back up power. 4wd Supacentre has a good low cost and popular generator while the Yamaha 2000w is a robust yet quiet excellent performer.
  3. A 20m 15amp Power Lead will ensure you reach your power source in Caravan Parks and Campgrounds.
  4. You will want a good blue Drinking Water Hose. Your typical green garden hose is not suitable for drinking from.
  5. A 4 way tap handle will help you find water whenever you need it

_____________________________________________________________________________

Contact Details for Little Roper Stockcamp:

Phone: 0427 880 819
Website:
Address: 547 Homestead Road Mataranka NT

Open hours are during every dry season starting in April

Beautiful Bitter Springs
Bitter Springs

How to get to Little Roper Stockcamp

Mataranka is approximately 100kms and a 1 hour drive south of Katherine in the Northern Territory.

From the Stuart Highway just south of Mataranka turn East in to Homestead Road.

Follow Homestead Road and go over Roper Creek and Little Roper Stockcamp is on your left soon after.

5 Essentials – Camping Accessories

A good Tent or Swag is the first decision for going camping. We like the Coleman Tent from Tentworld or the Wanderer 7 Man Tent from BCF. For a Swag, we were so close to buying the Kings Double Swag from 4WD Supacentre .

We like our BCF Wanderers Camping Chair which gets a lot of use as we travel Australia.

No more lugging around a huge BBQ and gas bottle now that we have a brilliant Gasmate Dual Burner Butane Cooktop from Tentworld

A good Portable Fridge Freezer we have found to keep the beers cold and steaks frozen are the Kings 70 L Fridge Freezer in the budget range, the Waeco 75L Dual Zone Fridge Freezer or the ever popular and long lasting Engel 75L Fridge Freezer.

A good quality Hand Held UHF is ideal and I like this Uniden UH750 5 watt UHF for long range and quality. The 5 watt range will give you maximum distance, especially if you need help!

Refreshing Bitter Springs

What is there to do in and around Mataranka?

Bitter Springs

Once you have found your Bitter Springs accommodation at Little Roper Stockcamp it’s time to head to Elsey National Park and find these amazing spring fed thermal pools within Roper Creek.

Take some noodles with you and float down Bitter Springs where the water temperature is 33-34c.

Whilst Crocodiles have been spotted at Bitter Springs they are rare and it’s not often you visit without there being a crowd already enjoying the fun.

Bitter Springs is located by following Martin Rd all the way to Roper Creek.

There is a carpark there and signs directing you to the short walk to Bitter Springs Thermal Pools.

Mataranka Thermal Pools
Floating in the Mataranka Thermal Pools

Mataranka Thermal Pool

The Mataranka Thermal Pools are a series of crystal clear natural pools which you can float down to Mataranka Falls.

This is a small water flow over rocks that has incredible force given it’s small size.

Mataranka Thermal Pools are located just behind the Mataranka Homestead at the end of Homestead Road past Little Roper Stockcamp.

Territory Manor Barra Feeding
Matt feeding Barra

Territory Manor Barramundi Feeding

Territory Manor is located on Martin Road on the left as you head out to Bitter Springs.

We stopped in for an ice cream and to watch the Barramundi feeding.

Our son Matt was invited to feed a Barra.

If you’ve never seen a Barramundi bite you should try.

But you better be watching closely, they are super fast and it all happens very quickly.

Katherine Gorge
Cruising Katherine Gorge

Katherine Gorge

Just an hour north of Mataranka is Katherine Gorge located in Nitmiluk National Park which is simply amazing.

It is made up of Sandstone and has formed in to 13 Gorges and features waterfalls and rapids.

Kayaking the Katherine Gorge is very popular way to experience it.

Katherine Gorge Swim
Swimming in Katherine Gorge

During the wet season the Gorges fill with water and Salt Water Crocodiles are able to make their way in to the waters of Katherine Gorge.

There is therefore no swimming in the wet season.

At the start of the dry season the Salt Water Crocodiles are captured and removed back to the lower reaches of the Gorge.

Fresh Water Crocodiles live in Katherine Gorge and there all year round.

They do not attack humans and it is safe to swim there during the wet season as we did.

To see the full beauty of Katherine Gorge, you do really need to do a tour which is our experience.

Book your Tour of Katherine Gorge here

We of the Never Never Homestead

We of the Never Never

Jeannie Gunn left Melbourne in January 1902 after her husband bought in to the Elsey Cattle Station at Mataranka.

In those times white woman were not considered appropriate on a cattle station is such remote locations but Jeannie had other ideas.

In 1908 Jeannie wrote an Autobiography called We Of The Never Never of her life moving from Melbourne to Mataranka.

She talked about her time there which was short lived when her husband Aeneas died of malarial dysentery just over 12 months of arriving.

The park in Mataranka has memorials of people featured in her book.

We of the Never Never Book had sold over 1 million copies over 30 years ago in 1990 and in 1982 a movie by the same name was made and filmed in Mataranka based on Jeannie’s novel.

Nathan ‘Whippy’ Griggs –

Nathan ‘Whippy’ Griggs

Whenever you are visiting Mataranka, be sure to check whether Nathan ‘Whippy’ Griggs is doing a show at the Mataranka Homestead which is just down the road from the Little Roper Stockcamp.

Nathan is a legendary whip cracker and is a five time Guiness World Record holder.

His show is very captivating and entertaining.

You can even be one of the lucky audience members and join Nathan up on stage!

Photo with Nathan ‘Whippy’ Griggs after the show

______________________________________________________________________________________

Other great places to stay in the region:

Pin – Little Roper Stockcamp

Pin -Little Roper Stockcamp
Pin - Little Roper Stockcamp

Check out these other interesting stories:

Have you stayed at the Little Roper Stockcamp in Mataranka?

Tell us about your Mataranka camping experience.

Safe travels   

Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.

Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:

Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – http://ebay.us/9vMXEH – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.

Samsung s21 Phonehttps://ebay.us/QAdwva – this looks an insane camera within a phone. We have friends and our son who own one and it seems quite extraordinary with their camera quality. If you’re after a new phone this is what I’d be looking at.

Canon 800dhttps://ebay.us/Q0UV1z – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.

Nikon Coolpix p1000https://ebay.to/37cORUV – We have the Nikon P900 and this is the new model. The zoom lens is unbelievable and so awesome when travelling and you want to capture photos from a distance.

Lenses

Lens – Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/3nx5pyG  This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lenshttps://ebay.us/br9MeO This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/33xYeht – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lenshttp://ebay.us/zWvfuI  – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.

Our Go Pro 9 Hero Black – https://ebay.us/6CQOVC  –  is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo  This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.

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Follow us or Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-

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Camp Grounds

Barn Hill Station, Western Australia

Barn Hill Station

Barn Hill Station is one of our favourite Campground locations in Australia and has one of our very best beaches in the country.

Located just south of Broome, it sits on a large cattle station overlooking the Indian Ocean.

The sunsets each night are simply spectacular.

Magnificent beach at Barn Hill
Barn Hill Station beach

Barn Hill Station is a family run cattle station in the Kimberleys region in the north of Western Australia.

It is located just over an hour and a half drive and approximately 140 kms by road south from Broome.

In 1986 the owners of Thangoo Station passed on a parcel of the Cattle Station to their daughter and soon after Janice and her husband established 3 huts in the area that is now a thriving camping ground.

There are now 400 sites attracting thousands of visitors each season.

The campground is 9kms from the Great Northern Highway along the gravel road which is suitable to Motorhomes, 4wds and Caravans, Big Rigs or Campervans.

Read more on our favourite Beaches: The Best Beaches in Australia 1-10

Take walks along the beach and enjoy the beautiful turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and red rock cliffs.

The Campground comes with a rustic charm, typical of a Station Stay but with a quality all of its own.

Our campsite at Barn Hill Station
Rustic open air toilets at Barn Hill Station
Open air toilets at Barn Hill Station

Barn Hill Station Shop

Barn Hill Station has its own shop with basic supplies plus ice, ice creams, milk and bait.

It also bakes fresh bread each day and some other yummy delights.

Don’t miss the vanilla slice, they are delicious.

Entering Barn HIll Station
Lawn Bowls at Barn Hill Station
Lawn Bowls – just one of the campground activities

Barn Hill Station Campground Facilities

The Campground offers powered and unpowered sites. The unpowered sites have the best beach views.

The energy for the powered sites are self generated by Barn Hill Station and therefore it is unsuitable for the use of power for air conditioning and your hot water system.

Barn Hill Station provides some quirky facilities including open air toilets and showers.

With no roof you can shower at night under the stars and see the Milky Way.

Campers parked up right around the cliff edges
Spectacular caves along the beach
Exploring Caves along the beach

Fresh potable drinking water is available to fill your water tank in your RV. Some unpowered sites have a tap to use.

Telstra coverage was patchy at best during our stay.

A dump point is available and there are Gas Bottles to swap also on site.

Are dogs allowed at Barn Hill Station?

Barn Hill Station Campground is pet friendly and dogs are allowed to stay. We were able to stay with our beautiful Golden Retriever MACKS.

Read more: Travelling Australia with our dog MACKS

Beachside camping
Glorious contrast of turquoise water against the rugged red cliffs
Barn Hill Station beach

From tents to Big Rigs and everything in between, Barn Hill Station can accommodate everyone who would like to stay and enjoy this breath taking part of the Western Australia coastline.

The Campground even comes with it’s own bowling green. Feel free to book in for a game 🙂

Barn Hill Station Fishing

Fishing from the beach can be great and if you have a boat it’s even better.

4WD’s are only allowed on the beach for the purpose of launching a boat or retrieval.

The road into Barn Hill Station
Road into Barn Hill Station. Open and close 3 gates

The road in is 9kms of unsealed track and does have corrugations which varies in severity however it is suitable for all vehicles including Motorhomes and 2WD’s.

There are 3 gates to open and close as you make your way in.

Generators are ok to use between 8am to 9pm. Bins are also available.

There’s a great playground for children and Pony Rides for $5 are sometimes available too.

MACKS loved the beach at Barn HIll
Our dog MACKS loved it too

It does get very busy during peak times and all 200 sites can be booked out.

We recommend contacting the campground ahead to ensure availability, especially during June and July.

Cost to stay for 3 adults on an unpowered site per night was $37.50.
Updated March 2022: Cost now is $45 powered or $35 unpowered for 2 adults, $17.50-22.50 for extra adults and $8 extra for children.

Updated June 2025: Cost is $55 powered or $45 unpowered for 2 adults per night. Extra adults are $22.50 per night. Children between age 5-12 are $5 per night.

Our stay here was 24-25th August 2016

Barn Hill Station remains one of our favourite stays around Australia and we really look forward to getting back there again.

Read more on our favourite Campgrounds: Our 29 Best Low Cost Campgrounds in Australia

For more details and a walk through Barn Hill Station watch the video and enjoy one of Australia’s best places to visit.

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Barn Hill Station Contact Details

Phone: 08 9192 4975
Address: Great Northern Highway, Broome,Western Australia
Website
Facebook

When is Barn Hill Station open?

Barn Hill Beachside Station is open for camping from April to October each year.

How to get there:

From Broome, head East for approximately 35kms to the Roebuck Plains Roadhouse and turn south in to the Great Northern Highway.

Drive south for approximately 90-100kms and turn right into the entrance to Barn Hill Station just past the Eco Beach Resort turnoff.

5 Essentials – Outside RV Accessories

  1. To plug your RV with standard 15amp in to standard residential 10amp power source you will need a converter. We love our waterproof Ampfibian and after over 4 years it’s still perfect.
  2. Most people carry a Generator for back up power. 4wd Supacentre has a good low cost and popular generator while the Yamaha 2000w is a robust yet quiet excellent performer.
  3. A 20m 15amp Power Lead will ensure you reach your power source in Caravan Parks and Campgrounds.
  4. You will want a good blue Drinking Water Hose. Your typical green garden hose is not suitable for drinking from.
  5. A 4 way tap handle will help you find water whenever you need it
Stunning Barn HIll Beach

What is there to do at Barn Hill Station?

Rock Caves

Walk up the beach to discover the incredible coastline along with amazing rock caves and stunning views.

The Limestone cliff faces provide a stunning backdrop along this rugged coastline.

Fishing

The fishing can be excellent even directly from the beach.

Friends who are regular visitors have often caught some great fish from their tinnie so if you have a boat it’s a great spot for fishing.

Swimming

Go swimming in the gorgeous turquoise waters off Barn Hill Station beach.

As always in tropical waters be aware of sharks and stingers whenever swimming.

Rustic open air Showers

Campground Activities

Play bowls or enjoy the many events put on around the Campground including live music, Sunday morning markets and Taichi classes and more.

Barn Hill Music Festival

Keep an eye out for the Barn Hill Music Festival each year with lots of great music and fun.

Read more: 49 Amazing Things to do in Western Australia

Pin – Barn Hill Station Camping!

Pin It! Barn Hill Station

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Safe travels

Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.

Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.

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Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:

Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – http://ebay.us/9vMXEH – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.

Samsung s21 Phonehttps://ebay.us/QAdwva – this looks an insane camera within a phone. We have friends and our son who own one and it seems quite extraordinary with their camera quality. If you’re after a new phone this is what I’d be looking at.

Canon 800dhttps://ebay.us/Q0UV1z – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.

Nikon Coolpix p1000https://ebay.to/37cORUV – We have the Nikon P900 and this is the new model. The zoom lens is unbelievable and so awesome when travelling and you want to capture photos from a distance.

Lenses

Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/3nx5pyG  This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lenshttps://ebay.us/br9MeO This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/33xYeht – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lenshttp://ebay.us/zWvfuI  – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.

Our Go Pro 9 Hero Black – https://ebay.us/6CQOVC  –  is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo  This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.

__________________________________________________________________________

Follow us, Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indefiniteleave/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indefinite_leave/

Website: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/indefiniteleave

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3

_______________________________________________________________________

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through a link on this page we may receive a small commission. It will not cost you any more, in fact we’ve sourced out some great deals for you. Thank you for supporting us.

Continue Reading

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