nature – Page 2 – Chris & Sharon's Camping Adventures

We booked a cruise this year with our daughter and 2 grandchildren with P&O Australia. They were great and there was plenty of activities for us and the kids to do. We departed from Brisbane and had an overnight stop in Cairns, where we took the Karunda Sky Rail through the rain forests to Karunda. And, 1/2 a day in Airlie Beach where we booked a day out on a yacht called the Lady Enid through the Whitsunday Islands. They provided lunch and an opportunity to do a little bit of snorkelling. More on that later.

So, we thought, why not have a holiday before the holiday and drive to Brisbane, the long way. What could go wrong!

This blog is also a tribute to my dear Mum who sadly passed away earlier this year. I know she would have loved following along with my stories. She was, after all, my most loyal supporter. I miss her terribly, but I know she would be happy that I am still exploring.

Bruce’s Bend Camping Mildura

Leaving from our home along the Murray River east of Adelaide, we followed the Murray River to Mildura and camped at Bruce’s Bend, which we found on our Wiki Camps App.

Duration: 1 night

Location: Billabong Rd, Nichols Point

Distance: 300km from home or 407km from Adelaide

Cost: Free

Access is good to the Nichols Point area and near to town to top up for supplies if needed. There is a boat ramp and dispersed camping and that is about it for facilities. The views of the river were very pretty and we found it very peaceful apart from the cars constantly going along the road to the boat ramp. If you have your fishing rod handy, you could try throwing a line and see how you go catching dinner. As like any camping along the river, I would not suggest going in after rain as the ground can become quite boggy.

Facilities:

Boat Ramp

Mamanga Campground, Yanga National Park

As with all National Parks in NSW you must book online. Yanga National Park is still a free campground but as you must book you have to pay $6 booking fee which is non-refundable.

There are 14 campsites in this campground and is situated on the Murrumbidgee River found near Balranald. There are 2 sections here – one for tents/swags and a more accessible area for caravans and motor homes.

It is 2-wheel drive access to the park on unsealed roads but in saying that they are only dry weather roads.

Duration: 1 Night

Location: Mamanga Campground Trail, Balranald

Distance: 174km from Bruce’s Bend Campground

Cost: Free to camp but there is a $6 booking fee

Camping Yanga National Park Murrumbidgee River

If you have a kayak, you could do some exploring along the Murrumbidgee River or throw a line in and see if you can catch dinner. It is a very peaceful campground and there are also other campgrounds in the park you can choose from.

Facilities:

Composting Toilets
Picnic Tables
Barbecue Facilities

A fire ban is in place from October through to March. You will need to check their website to see what you are allowed to do.

Hay and Hay Plain

After leaving Balranald you have 133km of nothing, no trees, no towns, nothing. In saying that, as boring as that trip is, it is quite fascinating. The Hay Plain extends from Balranald in the west, Narrandera to the east, Deniliquin to the south and Booligal to the north. The Sturt Highway runs through the middle and the township of Hay sits in the middle. From Hay to Narrandera, it is another 174km of almost nothing. You will travel through Darlington Point and there are some National Parks to visit.

Flat treeless plain of Sturt Highway Hay Plain

The Hay Plain is the flattest place in the Southern Hemisphere with a difference of only 17 meters between the highest and lowest points. Within the Hay area, there are irrigated crops gown of maize, cotton, wheat, oats to name a few.

Hay is another one of those towns that if you do not turn at the roundabout, you miss the town. Please do yourself a favour and pop in and say hi. The old buildings, especially the Court House are stunning plus they are a RV friendly town, they also provide a potable water tap at the Information Centre. Plus the staff have a wealth of knowledge, and they sell beautiful home-made jams and chutneys. We did not stay in Hay on the way up to Brisbane and but chose to stay there on the way back home. So more on the campground later.

Brewery Flat Reserve, Narrandera

Duration: 1 night

Location: Old Brewery Rd, Narrandera

Distance: 307km from Yanga National Park

Cost: Free

After enjoying our break and lunch in Hay we continued with our journey across the Hay Plain to Narrandera.

We do love the town of Narrandera it is another incredibly old rural town. Balranald is in the Riverina region of south-western New South Wales. The town is at the junction of the Newell and Sturt Highway and sits next to the Murrumbidgee River. There are plenty of places to explore and activities to do in Narrandera like cycling, fishing, kayaking, and swimming.

The campgrounds are found at the remains of the former Oakbank Brewery, all that stands is the tower. It is not accessible to the public and is privately owned. The area has been set up by the council for free camping for caravans and RV’s. You must be able to hold all your grey water.