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Camp Grounds

Hobart Showgrounds, Hobart Tasmania

Hobart Showgrounds

The Hobart Showgrounds are just north of the city of Hobart and the showgrounds provide a great camping location in Hobart.

With 300 sites available, the Hobart Showgrounds are Tasmania’s largest campground and able to cater for all sized vehicles.

Hobart is the capital of Tasmania and a great base to explore the south east region. The showgrounds are just 8.4kms from the city centre of Hobart.

Over 230,000 people live in Hobart which is almost half the population of Tasmania.

A feature of Hobart is the almost 1.4km Tasman Bridge over the stunning Derwent River. The bridge is a vital link between airport and the city and homeowners in the Eastern suburbs to the West of Hobart.

The Hobart Showgrounds are just 4kms from MONA which is one of the many attractions around Hobart that you must visit.

From July 2022 the Hobart Showgrounds will be closed for camping due to renovations.

It is also within walking distance to major retail stores, restaurants, cinemas, library, swimming pool, medical facilities and more.

Public transport is just a 2 minute walk from the Showgrounds in Hobart.

Tasman Bridge
Tasman Bridge at Sunset

Hobart Showgrounds Camping Facilities

Hobart Showgrounds provide plenty of facilities for campers including toilets, water, power, camp kitchen, laundry facilities and a dump point.

Hot showers are available for $1 for 5 minutes.
Update *Hot showers now $2 for 5 minutes

The amenities are in older condition however we use our own shower and toilet so this doesn’t effect us.

Access to the Laundry facilities is via a swipe card from Reception or the Caretaker and requires a $5 deposit.

Sites at the Hobart Showgrounds are big and provide options for rigs of any size including Motorhomes, Caravans, Camper Vans, 5th Wheelers and Big Rigs.

Tent camping is also permitted.

Hobart Showgrounds Camp Kitchen

Since our stay apparently grey water may not be let out onto the ground which is causing issues for some.

Our site backed onto Bunnings which may effect some people if you are a light sleeper. They work until around 11pm and start around 4am with forklifts easily heard.

It didn’t bother us but it may do for others.

We had full Telstra and Vodafone coverage and a benefit of being close to Bunnings was we could tap into their Free Wifi 😀

Hobart Showgrounds next to Bunnings

Are Pets allowed at the Hobart Showgrounds?

The Hobart Showground is pet friendly but you need to abide by some rules.

Dogs must be kept on a leash while outdoors being exercised and any droppings removed and disposed of appropriately.

We travelled throughout Tasmania with our Golden Retriever MACKS therefore the pet-friendly showgrounds in Hobart were suitable for us.

Read more: Travelling Australia with our dog MACKS

Cost to stay at the Showgrounds in Hobart

Cost is $25 for a powered site or $21 if you are a CMCA member. Unpowered sites are $20. Update March 2022: Cost now is $30 for a powered site and $22 if you are a CMCA member. Unpowered sites are now $25. Save by utilising the Stay 6 nights and get the 7th free!

Bookings must be made on-line or via the Office during business hours. Please note: If you book online there is a $4.95 booking fee.

Hobart Showgrounds Admin Building

Our stay was 4-8th February 2017

Watch the video for all the details of staying at Hobart Showgrounds. Plus, check out more low cost campgrounds around Oz.

Should you be looking for more fun things to see and do around Tassie, click here for more info https://bit.ly/2Yhcg1J

Contact Details for Hobart Showgrounds Camping

Phone: 03 6272 6812
Address: 2 Howard Road, Glenorchy, Tasmania
Website:

How to get to the Hobart Showgrounds

From the city of Hobart head south-east on Murray Street towards Bidencocpes Lane then turn left onto Macquarie Street/A6.

In 750 metres turn left onto Macquarie Street/A6 then turn left onto National Highway 1. Continue on National Highway 1 for 6.7kms before turning left onto Howard Road.

Turn right at the end of Howard Road through the main gates of the Hobart Showgrounds.

 7 Essentials – Tours to Experience

  1. Reefsleep in the Whitsundays is an amazing adventure. Spend the night on a pontoon sleeping in a swag on Hardy’s Reef in the Great Barrier Reef
  2. The Ocean Rafting tour from Airlie Beach is a truly fun day out. They took us to the best snorkeling places and the entire day was amazing
  3. For the best Full Day Island tour in Cairns we recommend the Fitzroy Island tour
  4. The Atlantic Clipper Full Day Sail is another fun and exciting experience in the Whitsundays. We can highly recommend doing this tour
  5. If you are on the East Coast, you can swim with Humpback Whales on the Sunshine Coast. The tour leaves from Mooloolaba
  6. Swimming with Whale Sharks at Exmouth is also extremely popular and a great day out with the team from Eco Adventures on Lattitude 22
  7. One of Tasmania’s best tours is the Tasman Island Cruise with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys out of Port Arthur. Three hours of cruising the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere and enjoying an up close look at hundreds of seals as well as dolphins and birdlife.

Other great places to stay in and around Hobart:

MONA

Things to do in Hobart

MONA

The Museum of Old and New Art is one of the most popular attractions in Hobart and a must visit.

MONA is the largest privately funded museum in the whole of the Southern Hemisphere and has some very quirky, interesting pieces of art including a machine that replicates the human digestive system!

Open 5 days a week Thursdays to Mondays from 10am – 5pm so be sure to time your visit on these days.

Book your Hobart Tour with MONA Ferry and Entry here>

exSalamanca Markets

Salamanca Market

The Salamanca Market is located on Hobart’s waterfront and is within easy walking distance of the city centre.

Consisting of over 230 stalls there is something for everyone including locally grown fresh produce, hot coffee, delicious food options for breakfast and lunch as well as hand-crafted gifts.

The market has been a long standing attraction in Tasmania with January 2022 marking 50 years of this famous Hobart market.

Salamanca Market is open every Saturday from 8.30am – 3pm.

Book a Port Arthur Tour including Salamanca Market & Carnarvon Bay Cruise here>

Mt Wellington

Mount Wellington

Feel on top of the world when you ascend to the summit of Mount Wellington.

It rises 1,271 metres above sea level with the city of Hobart nestled at its foothills. On a clear day the 360° views are breathtaking!

One of the distinct features of Mount Wellington are the Organ Pipes which are the towering fluted rock columns on the cliff face.

We drove the narrow sealed road to the summit in our Motorhome but if you would rather not navigate it yourself, book a tour and enjoy the stress-free comfort of the coach.

Book your Mount Wellington Morning Tour here>

Hobart Sightseeing

Hobart Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing

Another way to see the sights of Hobart is to purchase a 24hr or 48hr Hop on Hop Off ticket on Hobart’s iconic open top double decker bus.

Board and disembark the sightseeing bus at your leisure which stops at 20 of Hobart’s popular attractions.

Book your Hobart Hop on Hop Off Bus Sightseeing 3 Day Pass here>

Cascade Brewery

Cascade Brewery

Take a tour of the Cascade Brewery or simply stop in for a drink or two! Cascade Brewery in  Hobart is Tasmania’s oldest brewery and dates back to 1824.

Taste test their range of beers and alcoholic ciders. The Cascade Pale Ale is the oldest continuously brewed beer in Australia.

The historical old brewery is set in the foothills of Mount Wellington and is just a 5 minute drive from the city of Hobart and 18minutes from the Hobart Showgrounds.

Brewery tours take 1.5hrs and depart from the Cascade Brewery Bar a number of times throughout the day and include a tasting.

Book to secure your spot, unfortunately we didn’t book and arrived too late to do a tour.

Wrest Point Casino

Wrest Point Casino

Visit Australia’s first ever legal Casino. Wrest Point Casino was opened in February 1973 in Hobart Tasmania premier waterfront location on the edge of Sandy Bay.

We dropped in for an afternoon drink and had a look around Australia’s oldest Casino. 

Wrest Point Casino has over 10 restaurants and bars including The Point, the restaurant on the 17th floor with 360° revolving views of the Tasman Bridge, Mt Wellington and the majestic River Derwent.

Hobart Weather

Hobart Weather

Hobart has a mild temperature climate and experiences four distinct seasons. In Summer, there is a lot of tourist activity and the time when a lot of outdoor festivals are held.

Winter temperatures are naturally crisp and the mountain tops are covered in snow.

July is the coldest month and the maximum average temperature only reaches around 11.6° C with minimums averaging around 4.5° C.

Autumn time the leaves on the trees are a beautiful red colour and Spring the parks and gardens come to life with flowering European bulbs and blossoming trees at the time of the flower festivals.

Hobart is exposed to the southerly winds from the Antarctic but fortunately protected by Mt Wellington.

Even on a clear summer’s day, it is very noticeably a number of degrees cooler at the summit on Mt Wellington.

Check out the: Great Free Camping in Tasmania and Great Low Cost Campgrounds in Tasmania

Pin – Hobart Showgrounds

Pin - Hobart Showgrounds
Pin - Hobart Showgrounds
Pin - Hobart Showgrounds

Have you camped at the Hobart Showgrounds as your base for exploring in and around Hobart? Tell us about your Hobart 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.

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.

_______________________________________________________________________

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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.

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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

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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.

_______________________________________________________________________

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

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

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3

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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.

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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

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________

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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