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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 $1.50 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 $3 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.

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

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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.

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Adventurers Diary

Dalmeny Campground, Dalmeny NSW

Dalmeny

The Dalmeny Campground is perfectly located overlooking spectacular Dalmeny Beach.

This is a very popular camping spot for Caravans, Motorhomes, Campervans and Tents.

With it’s spectacular ocean views, fantastic surfing opportunities and excellent fishing along the beach it’s a perfect place to relax and unwind.

If you’re looking for the ideal Narooma camping location, the Dalmeny Campground is your escape from chaos.

About Dalmeny

Dalmeny is just 5 mins drive from the beautiful nearby town of Narooma on the south NSW coast and is 340 kms south of Sydney.

It is known for it’s many stunning beaches which provide excellent swimming, fishing and surfing opportunities.

With a population of around 2000 people Dalmeny is a peaceful laid back community which thrives during the summer tourism season when travellers and holiday makers visit Dalmeny, Narooma and nearby winery regions such as Tilba Tilba.

Brou Beach, which is commonly called Dalmeny Beach, is located in the Eurobodalla National Park where there are lots of fantastic walks and you can visit Brou Lake which is the perfect spot to swim, kayak and throw in a line.

This is one of our favourite regions within the NSW south coast.

Dalmeny Campground Location

The Dalmeny Camping area is some amazing real estate given the panoramic outlook from the position of each Caravan and Motorhome.

The campground is located on a hilltop of sloping grounds so most sites are not level but they do provide spectacular views.

Remember to bring your levelling chocks and enjoy some of the most exquisite views you’ll ever have whilst camping here at Dalmeny Campground.

Don’t forget your camera and binoculars to witness the amazing Humpback Whale season as they make their way north and back again, playing and breaching along the Eastern coastline.

Dalmeny Campground
Dalmeny Campground

Dalmeny Campground Amenities

There is a large amenities block located here which includes toilets, hot showers and a laundry which are all modern and clean.

A dump point is also available onsite just near the amenities block. Bins are also located at the campground.

A children’s playground is located in the park next to the Campground.

An IGA for all your groceries and a fuel station are located directly across the road.

There’s also a great Fish and Chips shop which is popular with other campers.

An aerial view of Dalmeny
Dalmeny Beach
Dalmeny Beach

Fire pits are available for hire along with firewood, just see the caretakers who will look after you.

The beach is excellent for swimming although not all beaches have lifesavers and can be subject to rips and dangerous surf conditions.

Surfing the beaches surrounding Dalmeny is very popular with plenty of great wave action.

There’s lots of good fishing along the beach in the gutters and we saw a few fish being caught during our stay.

You may even spot the resident Emu’s that often wander along the beach.

We had good Telstra coverage and I also had 1 bar of Vodafone network during our stay at Dalmeny Campground.

Are pets allowed at Dalmeny Campground?

The Dalmeny Campground is pet friendly and therefore dogs are allowed.

Read more: Travelling Australia with our dog MACKS

Dalmeny Campground
Drone view of Dalmeny
Dalmeny Campground

Cost to stay at Dalmeny Campground

Cost to stay is $33 per night for 2 adults for powered site. Children 5-16yo are $6 each per night.
* Updated 27/12/2022 Prices vary throughout the year depending on season. Off peak is $31, Shoulder season is $37 and Peak season is $56 a night for a powered site.

Unpowered sites are available and are $26 a night for off peak, $34 a night during the Shoulder season and $45 a night in peak times.

Check the Dalmeny Campground website for more details.

Also look for Stay 7 nights and pay for only 6 deal or any other offers they may have throughout the year.

Our stay was 22nd February and 28th February to 6th March 2019.

For video reviews on hundreds of other Caravan Parks, Campgrounds and Free Camps around oz, simply click on the Where to Stay Button above or here to search by category. Alternatively you can click on the Destinations Button above or here to search by State.

Check out these other great places to stay near Dalmeny NSW:

Pretty Beach Campground

Congo Campground

Ulladulla Headland Holiday Park

Nearby Narooma
Narooma NSW

Contact Details for Dalmeny Campground and Caravan Park:

Phone: 0428 635 641
Address: 1 Noble Parade, Dalmeny NSW
Website
Facebook

Emus on Dalmeny Beach
Emus on Dalmeny Beach

How to get to Dalmeny Campground:

From the Princes Highway turn in to Mort Avenue at Dalmeny to Dalmeny Beach until you come to the Dalmeny Campground on your left.

The entrance is on the ocean side, it is a one way road in and out of the campground.

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

Things to see and do in and around Dalmeny Campground

1. Dalmeny and Narooma Beaches

Dalmeny and Narooma are a stunning beachside location and there is so much to see and do.

You will also be able to see the resident Dalmeny Emus regularly wandering along the beach!

Josh’s Beach is nearby and is another popular place for swimming and fishing.

Yabbara Beach is a bigger beach and more preferred for beach walks and is similar to Duesburys Beach next to it.

Kianga Beach is popular for surfing and fishing and there are BBQ’s and picnic area overlooking the beach making it a favourite Sunday lunch position for locals and visitors.

2. Kianga Point

Take a drive out to Kianga Point off Dalmeny Road and enjoy a picnic lunch with spectacular views.

The circular drive around Kianga Point provides stunning sweeping views along the beaches and across to the islands offshore.

Kianga Point
Kianga Point

3. Australia Rock

See Australia Rock, a rock formation in the shape of the map of Australia. It is located at Wagonga Head and you can drive there along Bar Rock Rd.

Be sure to check out Australia Rock, it’s one of the most popular attractions close to Dalmeny Campground.

4. See the Seals

While at Australia Rock, take the walk along the Bar rock wall and see the Seals as they laze about and swim in the waters of the entrance to Wagonga Inlet.

Here you can witness the Australian and NZ fur seals in their own habitat, sunbaking and playing in the waters and catching some lunch throughout the day.

Australia Rock is one of the popular attractions close to Dalmeny
Australia Rock Narooma

5. Feeding Stingrays

Watch the stingrays being fed at the Apex Park Boat Ramp.

When the charter boats come in from their day out fishing the Stingrays school around the boat ramp in hope of a free feed.

Sometimes if you are lucky the fishermen help you to feed the Stingrays.

We were fortunate and one of the guys brought over a fish frame and showed Adele how to attract a Big Stingray to take the fish from her hand.

He also helped key the pelicans at bay who were also keen on an easy feed.

Feeding Stingrays at nearby Narooma
Feeding Stingrays Narooma

6. Montague Island Tour

We highly recommend the Tour to Montague Island called Montague Island Tours with Wazza.

The tour leaves from Narooma and takes you for some amazing snorkelling with the Seals before a tour around the lighthouse and keepers cottage.

It was a great day out, swimming with seals and enjoying tour of Montague island.

Seals at Montague Island is one of the other more popular attractions close to Dalmeny Campground
Seals at Montague Island

Pin – Dalmeny Campground

Pin It!

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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.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all of 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.

_______________________________________________________________________

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/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

Mount Gambier Camping, South Australia

Mount Gambier Showwground

In Mount Gambier we chose to go camping at the Mount Gambier Showgrounds.

The Mount Gambier camping area at the Showgrounds is close to town and within easy driving of the local landmarks.

The Umpherston Sinkhole is a short walk away and Blue Lake is only a short driving distance from this Mount Gambier camping ground.

There is no Free camping in Mount Gambier so the Showgrounds are an excellent alternative.

Umpherston Sinkhole is just 1.7kms from Mount Gambier Showgrounds Camping Area
Umpherston Sinkhole is just 1.7kms from Mount Gambier Showgrounds Camping Area

About Mount Gambier

Mount Gambier is in the very south east of the State of South Australia.

It is approximately 435 km drive from Adelaide to Mount Gambier which is just 17 kms to the Victorian border.

The population of Mount Gambier is 29,940 making it the city with the second highest amount of residents in South Australia.

The beaches of Port Macdonnell are an easy 28 km drive south from Mount Gambier which are great for surfing, swimming and snorkelling.

There is lots to see and do in Mount Gambier which is why so many travellers base themselves here to explore the region.

Sunset while camping at Mount Gambier Showgrounds

Mount Gambier Camping Facilities

Camping facilities at the Mount Gambier Showgrounds include clean toilets and showers.

Drinking water is available and a basic camp kitchen is provided.

There is a Dump Point on site and laundry facilities include a washing machine but no dryer.

The Camping area at the Mount Gambier Showgrounds can accommodate Motorhomes, Caravans & Big Rigs of 10m+ but camping in tents is not permitted.

I had excellent Telstra and Vodafone coverage.

Mount Gambier Camping at the showgrounds
Mount Gambier Camping facilities at the showground include Dump Point

Cost for Camping at Mount Gambier Showgrounds

It is great value at just $22 per night plus $3 for Matt for a powered site with water. Unpowered sites are $15.

Cost Update November 2022:

Powered Site: $25 per night for 2 people

Pet Friendly Mount Gambier Camping at the showgrounds

Mount Gambier Showground Court Case

In 2020 a Caravan Park took action against the Mount Gambier Showgrounds in their efforts to expand its camping facilities.

In recent years only 8 or 9 fully self contained Caravans or Motorhomes were allowed to stay at the Mount Gambier Showgrounds.

The Magistrate however over ruled the Caravan Park and the Showgrounds have applied for space to increase the numbers to 22.

The Magistrate though ruled in favour of 30 sites, pending dump point being installed and fire hoses.

This work is currently being completed and it is expected the Mount Gambier Showgrounds will be operating with 30 sites in March 2023.

The website Border Watch says the Mount Gambier Agricultural and Horticultural Society president Brian Kerr commented “I hope having that facility there will enable more people to stay locally in the South East and in Mount Gambier and have a look at our region”

This is fantastic news and great that common sense prevailed.

Are Pets allowed at the Mount Gambier Showgrounds Camping Ground?

The campground is pet friendly which was great as we were travelling with our beautiful Golden Retriever MACKS at the time.

Read more: Travelling Australia with our dog MACKS

While we were in Mount Gambier, we visited the spectacular Umpherston Sinkhole and the amazing Blue Lake. Be sure to check them both out when you visit this fabulous region.

Check out the video for all the details on camping at the Mount Gambier Showgrounds.

Our stay was 12-14th March 2017

Mount Gambier Showgrounds is one of our favourites.

View all of our 29 Best Low Cost Campgrounds in Australia here>

Contact Details for Mount Gambier Showgrounds

Phone: 0408 492 182
Address:
1 Pick Avenue, Mount Gambier, South Australia
Website

How to get to the Camping ground at Mount Gambier Showgrounds

Upon entering from South Australia from Victoria, head along the Princes Highway/A1 for 48 kms.

Turn left onto Pick Avenue/C192 and follow Pick Avenue for 500 metres.

Enter the Mount Gambier Showgrounds Camping Ground via Gate 4 off Pick Avenue.

Umpherston Sinkhole

What to do in Mount Gambier

Umpherston Sinkhole

The Umpherston Sinkhole is one of the most spectacular places in the Mount Gambier region.

This amazing sunken garden is a very tranquil setting full of beautiful plants, flowers, ferns and a fountain. At night, the garden comes alive with hundreds of possums as they enter the garden to feed.

Umpherston Sinkhole was once a typical limestone cave and was naturally formed when the roof collapsed.

Named after James Umpherston who transformed the sinkhole into the magnificent garden in 1886.

Phone: 08 8724 9750
Address:
Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier, South Australia
Opening Hours:
Open every day from dawn to dusk and until late in the evening

Blue Lake
South Australia’s Blue Lake

Blue Lake

Another one of Mount Gambier’s stunning attractions is Blue Lake. The lake sits on one of the extinct volcanic craters in Mount Gambier.

It’s very distinct cobalt blue coloured water is most prominent from December through to March year whereas from April to November the lake is a more steel grey colour.

There is a 3.6 km walking trail which leads to the various viewing platforms around Blue Lake and to the underpass between Leg of Mutton Lake Crater and Blue Lake.

Address: Lot 391 John Watson Drive, Mount Gambier, South Australia
Opening Hours: 24 hours

Little Blue Lake

Just 11 kms south of Mount Gambier is the Little Blue Lake. Little Blue Lake is a popular place for swimming and diving.

There is a stepped walkway leading to a floating pontoon on the lake for easy access.

The temperature of the water in Little Blue Lake is a constant 12 degrees.

Address: Lot 747 Mount Salt Road, Mount Shank, South Australia
Opening Hours: 24 hours

Kilsby Sinkhole

The last place you would expect to find an amazing and extremely popular diving spot is in the middle of a sheep farm.

Kilsby Sinkhole is located just 10 kms from Mount Gambier.

This unique geological feature was once just a watering hole for travelling stockman but now is an incredible crystal clear 60 metre chamber of water and a divers delight.

It is one of the first sinkholes to be dived in the Mount Gambier region and this world famous dive site is also used as a training site by the SA Police Divers.

Phone: 0408 825 355
Address:
Sisters Road, The District Council of Grant, South Australia
Website
Opening Hours:
Not open to the General Public – a tour booking is required to access the sinkhole

Engelbrecht Cave

Engelbrecht Cave is an amazing cave system right in the centre of Mount Gambier. It winds its way under streets and homes in town and is definitely a cave with a difference.

Take the 45 minute guided tour where you will be able to view the sinkhole before entering the two caverns and also see the clear blue water of the underground lake.

The Engelbrecht Cave is the only cave which is actually a tourist site as well as a cave dive site.

Phone: 08 8723 5552
Address:
26 Chute Street, Mount Gambier, South Australia
Website
Opening Hours:
Open 6 days a week – closed Wednesdays

Mount Gambier weather
Fine weather in Mount Gambier during our visit in March 2017

Mount Gambier Weather

Mount Gambier experiences mild, generally dry Summers, cool Winters and mild temperatures in Autumn and Spring.

There is usually a moderate amount of rainfall in autumn, spring and winter.

August is generally the wettest month with February normally receiving the least amount of rainfall.

Mount Gambier recorded it’s highest ever temperature of 44.9 °C on 2 February 2014. The lowest temperature on record has been −3.9 °C on 20 June 1950 and 2 July 1960.

Other great places for camping in the Mount Gambier region:

Pin – Mount Gambier Camping

Pin - Mount Gambier Camping
Pin - Mount Gambier Camping
Pin - Mount Gambier Camping

Have you been camping at the Mount Gambier Showgrounds? Tell us about your Mount Gambier 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.

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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.

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Camp Grounds

Longreach Camping Area Qld

Apex Riverside Park

The Apex Riverside Park Longreach Camping Area is the perfect location to stay when exploring the area. It is an easy 3 kms out of town. Plus, it is situated right on the Thompson River which we hear is great for fishing.

For a very low cost Longreach Camping option, you cannot go past the Apex Riverside Park at Longreach.

It provides an awesome affordable base to allow you to explore Longreach and all the wonderful experiences it has to offer.

Longreach Camping

Longreach Camping Facilities – Apex Riverside Park

This Longreach camping ground provides Toilets, Bins, BBQ’s and Water. Potable Water is available from the Caravan Day Parking Area on Kite Street in Longreach.

A Dump Point facility is available only minutes away in the town of Longreach.

We had good Telstra and Optus coverage.

There is no power at the Apex Riverside Park Longreach Camping area however generators are permitted.

Apex Riverside Park Camping Area Longreach

Is the Apex Riverside Park Longreach Camping Area Pet Friendly?

The Apex Riverside Park camping ground in Longreach is pet friendly. Dogs are therefore allowed. You will find chickens, roosters and brolgas roaming freely througout the campground.

We parked near to the toilets as the campground is based on dirt. Therefore given where we were, we didn’t have too many people driving past and fortunately didn’t find it overly dusty. It does get busy in the afternoon.

During our second Longreach Camping stay, it was quite full so we joined others in the overflow area on the opposite side of the road.

Our Longreach Camping in the Apex Riverside Park Overflow on 11 May 2021

Enjoy the video for more details.

The cost to stay at the Apex Riverside Park, Longreach is just $3 per day or $15 per week.
Update 2021: $5 per night per vehicle or $27 per week.

Our Longreach Camping stays at the Apex Riverside Park are 29th August to 1st September 2017 and 11th May 2021. Our second visit was during our Brisbane to Darwin trip.

Read more: Brisbane to Darwin Free Camping

Apex Riverside Park Longreach Camping Contact Details:

Phone:  07 4658 4150
Address: Lot 206 Landsborough Highway, Longreach, Queensland
Website:

How to get to the Longreach Camping Area

Take the Landsborough Highway north from Longreach and take the first right before crossing the river.

Follow the road and turn left at the T Junction. The Apex Riverside Park Longreach Camping Area will very soon be on your left.

Longreach Camping at the Apex Riverside Park
Longreach Camping at the Apex Riverside Park

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!

Longreach Camping Area

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What else is there to do in Longreach?

There is so much to see and enjoy at Longreach. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the reinvigorated outback town. We recommend you allow at least 4-5 days.

We thoroughly enjoyed all Longreach has to offer and their unique experiences are some of our favourite experiences in all of Australia.

Read more: Our Favourite Experiences as we Travel Australia

Things to do in Longreach ASHOF

Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame & Outback Heritage Centre

Longreach is known as the heart of the outback Queensland and for the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. It truly is a magnificent centre and has received a $15m makeover.

We not only looked through all of the amazing exhibits and galleries but also made the most of the opportunity and did the complete experience which included the live show which we thoroughly enjoyed and certainly recommend.

Live Show ASHOF

Qantas Founders Museum

Another of the top tourist attractions in Longreach.

There were two things we wanted to explore while we were in Longreach and the Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach, Queensland was one of them!

We can happily tick it off our list. It was great to wander through the museum and the National Heritage listed Q.A.N.T.A.S. Hanger and see the history of Qantas and the advancement from the 1920’s.

It was an exceptional experience doing the 747 and 707 Jet Tour and Wing Walk in addition to checking out this amazing museum.

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Outback Pioneers Starlight Cruise

Outback Pioneers Tours & Experiences

Outback Pioneers have created 3 fabulous tours providing unique experiences showcasing the pioneering past of Australia’s iconic outback and we thoroughly enjoyed two of them.

The Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience provides Australia’s only stagecoach gallop!

Besides the tremendous thrill of riding in an authentic restored stagecoach, you are treated to a delicious home-made morning tea, an Australian movie in a Retro Cinema and the hilarious old time tent show!

The Starlight’s Cruise provides a sensational sunset cruise along the majestic Thomson River, a traditonal aussie bush dinner, after dinner entertainment including the barefoot poet, a light and sound show finishing with billy tea and damper.

Update October 2022: Sadly Scotty the Barefoot Bush Poet passed away in late October 2022.

The Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience as well as the Starlight’s Cruise Experience are highly recommended and not to be missed when visiting Longreach.

Read more about our: Top 10 Things to Do in Longreach

Outback Pioneers Experiences

Other great places to stay near Longreach:

Thomson River sunset

Pin – Longreach Camping

Have you visited Longreach and stayed at the Apex Riverside Park Longreach Camping Area? Tell us about your Longreach 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 – https://ebay.to/2XOjXhi – 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/2yQwPed  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/2XlOZ0I – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lenshttps://ebay.to/2TWt0vA  – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.

Our Go Pro 9 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V  –  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.

_______________________________________________________________________

For more fun and information 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/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

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