After spending a few hours at The Dish in Parkes and as they have a large car park to accommodate for caravans and or camper trailers we decided to have lunch there. The view was quite pleasant and we even saw a cycling squad come through with a support team.

We were excited about coming to Dubbo as it was our first time and we were looking forward to seeing the Zoo. We have been to the Monarto Safari Park here in South Australia but unlike the Dubbo Zoo you take a bus to each attraction or the walking trails from each exhibit. More on that in the blog.

Blizzardfield Private Campground, Dubbo

Duration: 2 nights

Location: Richardson Rd, Dubbo

Distance: 167km (via Parkes Observatory)

Cost: $15/night – Un-Powered

We were pleasantly surprised by our choice of campground at Blizzardfield. Peter and Janet have set the campground up well. Being seasoned travellers themselves, they saw a gap in the market and set up this parcel of land they have into a low-cost campground.

You must be self-contained as there are no facilities, and they only allow caravans and motor homes to a maximum stay of 72 hours. You must call before arrival and there is a box at the entrance for your camping fees to be paid into. You can fill up your water tanks upon arrival and again when leaving.

They do have laundry facilities for a small fee if you do not have these facilities on board. It made for an interesting afternoon as they back onto the Dubbo Airport by watching the roulettes practice.

Facilities

• Potable Water
• Rubbish Bins
• Laundry
• Powered or Un-Powered sites available

Taronga Western Plains Zoo (Dubbo)

Cost: $95.40 – 2 adults

We had such an amazing day at the zoo. It was easy to see the affection the Zoo Keepers had for the animals they were looking after, they all appeared to care deeply and was so lovely to watch that interaction. I loved how organised they were.

The volunteers really made it a wonderful experience, they had a wealth of knowledge and made the whole experience inclusive and wholesome.

The Zoo Keeper with the hippo’s seemed to be talking to them. Maybe she was earning their respect.

The cost of the ticket allows you entry for two consecutive days.

Taronga Zoo is home to hundreds of rare and endangered animals including giraffes, rhinos, elephants, and big cats. They have daily zookeeper activities and offer extra activities that are an added cost to your entry fee.

The best part for us was that you can drive your car around the Zoo, they have provided ample parking at each exhibit, and you can take a picnic to have with your vehicle, sit in a park (like we did) or buy food from the café.

You could choose to cycle with your own bike or walk around the Zoo. Alternatively, you can hire push bikes or electric carts.

They say to allow at least 3 hours. I am telling you that is nowhere near enough time. We were there all day and sometimes we revisited enclosures as they were so interesting.

Shanty on Namoi Camping

Duration: 1 night

Location: 219 The Island Rd, Narrabri

Distance: 269km from Dubbo

Cost: $20/night un-powered

What a cracking spot, and only 5kms from the town of Narrabri. When I spoke to Bill on the phone to get the directions, I was quite confused and concerned we would get lost. But to his credit he was spot on with those, apart from one little spot that we arrived at. So, I called Bill, and he set us straight and we were soon set up.

He has an old bus with a plethora of tourist information maps and a very rustic camp kitchen for everyone’s use. There are no facilities so you must be self-sufficient, and you can not dig holes. You are welcome to collect wood for your fire. Or Bill can supply some for you after you arrive.

First, we set up on the top level overlooking the Namoi Creek. A few minutes after setting up Chris said I would much rather be down by the water. Well as I knew rain was on its way my nervous streak came out. “Wouldn’t you rather be up here” “nope” so next thing we are making our way down to the creek. Now I will admit this was so much better.

We enjoyed a couple of tinnies and some sausages on our trusty tiny cast iron frypan, perfect size for 4 sausages. We also threw some seasoned veggies in Al foil in the fire to roast. Delicious!

Facilities:

• Fire Rings

• Camp Kitchen

Leaving Shanty’s on Namoi

So, it rained and rained and rained and it rained all night long at Shanty’s, to say I was genuinely concerned, was an understatement. Yep, there was no way out as the ground was too soft to go forwards and the big hill we needed to climb over, was too close to get a run up and too soggy. So, what to do? Of course! We reversed all the way down to a bigger and flatter area that had a solid base under it.

Made for an interesting morning, with that and my expert marshalling to Chris. The main thing is, we did not get bogged, and we did not end up in the creek!

Heavy Rain along the Newell Highway

Back on the road and faced with gale force winds and sideways rain, our windscreen wipers could not keep up with the rain.

However, once we crossed the border at Goondiwindi into Queensland we went onto the Leichhardt Highway. Oh, my goodness, that road is bumpy, you jump all over the place. Luckily, the rain had stopped for this part of the journey.

Monte Cristo Rest Area

Location: Leichhardt Highway, Billa Billa

Duration: 1 hour

Distance: 274km from Shanty’s on Namoi

Cost: Free

We stopped at a roadside stop called Monte Cristo Rest Area on the Leichhardt Highway in Billa Billa. Really set aside as a truck stop but cars and RV’s can use it. Not too close to the road but close enough and it is all bitumen.

We were not feeling the love and just knew there must be something better. So made the decision after we set up to move.

Facilities:

• Picnic Tables
• Toilets
• Rubbish Bins

Kumbarilla Rest Area

Duration: 1 night

Location: Moonie Highway

Distance: 123km from Monte Cristo Rest Area

Cost: Free

After about 53km, we turned onto the Moonie Highway and the road improved considerably.

We made it to the Kumbarilla Forest Area and found this awesome roadside stop that had lots of bush camps out the back of the rest area. We found something better!

We also watched a pretty sunset whilst I prepared dinner.

Once again set up for the trucks but if you can negotiate the huge ruts out the back, you can get right in the bush

We enjoyed a peaceful evening around the campfire!

Facilities:

• Toilets (Chris said they were gross)

• Picnic Area

• Shade

Driving from Kumbarilla Rest Area to Mooloolah

We drove from Kumbarilla Rest Area to Mooloolah where we stayed a few days with family. The journey there following Google Maps which I am sure took us on some very questionable roads was interesting to say the least.

Driving along Dalby-Cooyar Road

We started following the Dalby Cooyar Road where we had the heaviest rain we had seen in a long time, leaving so much ponded water on the road.

Travelling along the New England, D’Aguilar Highway and the Kilcoy-Beerwah Road

These sections of roads were very scenic and there was certainly a lot of retaining on the D’Aguilar Highway where it appears they have cut into the hillside to make the downhill section of road.

Commissioners Flat Road and Bald Knob Road

It became interesting when we turned onto Commissioners Flat Road which led us to Bald Knob Road. Looking back at the maps we should have turned onto Peachester Road and followed that all the way down to Steve Irwin Drive.

Instead, we went up Bald Knob Road as Google Maps advised Peachester Road was only a suggestion…. Obviously, we should have taken the suggestion!

Bald Knob Road to Brandenburg Road

From Bald Knob Road we then had to go down Brandenburg Road. Anyone who is from this area would know that when you get to that turn off there is a massive red sign saying “Road not suitable for caravans, trucks and buses” Not my photo, this is taken from Google Maps.

Finally onto Steve Irwin Way

After we finished our melt down we made our way around all these tiny populated streets to hook up with Steve Irwin Way. It made for an adventure but apart from Brandenburg Road the rest had some of the most beautiful countryside we had ever seen. So hilly and gorgeous.

Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park – Caloundra

Duration: 3 nights

Location: 1 Beerburrum St, Dicky Beach, Caloundra

Cost: $62/night powered

We really love the beaches at Caloundra so took the opportunity to spend a few days there exploring and getting the washing up to date before our cruise.

The Dicky Beach caravan park as far as caravan parks go, have everything you need for facilities. We just do not personally like staying in caravan parks. This is no offence to Caravan Parks but give us bush site by a creek or river and we would be incredibly happy and content.

The office girl (I cannot remember her name) who looked after us when we checked in, was amazing and went out of her way to ensure we were happy and had a good site.

Everything was in working order and the facilities and grounds were kept very clean and tidy. Brilliant location, right across from the beach.

It is an excellent location being adjacent to all the shops and Cafes. If you don’t feel like cooking you have many choices for eateries.

Dicky Beach was named after the S.S. Dicky which ran aground in 1893. There were several attempts to refloat the ship, but all efforts were unsuccessful.

By the 2000’s S.S. Dicky was eroded by wild weather, sand, and waves, parts of her slowly slipped away. By 2015 Archaeologists removed exposed elements of the S.S. Dicky hull. You can read more about S.S. Dicky’s history on the below photo board.

There were lots of people swimming at the beach or kite surfing or just surfing. It is a great beach.

We also enjoyed the many walking tracks along Kings Beach, which is not far from Dicky Beach.

Map of our journey from Parkes to Caloundra.

After seeing such lovely countryside and everything was so green, it really was a nice section. We really enjoyed travelling inland to see more places that we have never seen before. We highly recommend it.

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