Australian Caravan Park Reports - Channel Country Qld

Australian Caravan Park Reports
Queensland
Channel Country

Bedourie Council Caravan Park, Bedourie (DFP)
Birdsville Caravan Park, Birdsville (DFP)
Eromanga Motel/Caravan Park, Eromanga (DFP)
Jundah Caravan Park, Jundah
Noccundra Hotel, Noccundra
Wilson River Camping Area, Noccundra (Campground)
Channel Country Caravan Park, Quilpie (DFP)
BIG4 Explorers Caravan Park, Thargomindah
Windorah Caravan Park, Windorah

Bedourie Council Caravan Park, Bedourie Next to the aquatic centre, southern end of town. All pets allowed.
There are 2 parks in town. The council one is an open area on the south side of town. There are 3 power heads with 2 points in each. The heads are not logically set out and the sites are not defined, this could cause problems if the early comers do not park so as to allow late comers access. There is no grass in the powered section Powered sites are $7 per head per night - unpowered $6. The unpowered area is nicely grassed. You book in at the info centre in the middle of town. When booking in you are offered a key to the aquatic centre ($20.00 deposit). There are 3 pools large one (not Olympic size,) children's pool and a spar pool heated from the local bore. The other park is opposite the Oasis Road House at the northern end of town. Has ensuites @ $22 per night I believe. Average staff friendliness, staff offered tourist advice. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($7.00 A1 per night, powered). Amenity number would not cope in peak times, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, dry change area, disabled facilities. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, no sites with concrete annex slabs, shade to some sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (past noon), disabled facilities. Quiet, open & roomy park, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. No bbqs, no playground, no pool. Suitable for few days.
Likes: On edge of town, near pub, open area
Parking: Bookings are made at the tourist info centre in middle of town.
Roads: Good gravel roads
Date 06/2009. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by PeterD.

Birdsville Caravan Park, Birdsville 1580 kms west of Brisbane. Florence Street. Ph: 07 4656 3214. All pets allowed.
Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($25.00 2A per night, powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, dry change area, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, no sites with concrete annex slabs, very few sites are shaded, adequate taps close by. Good laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (past noon). Quiet, open & roomy park, not enough shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. Clean bbq ($1). No playground, no pool. Suitable for a week or more.
Added Touches: Tours are organised to Big Red and bookings for flights available
Roads: Roads are good graded gravel.
Date 06/2009. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by PeterD.

This park is affiliated with Channel Country Caravan Park in Quilpie and they offer reciprocal discounts for staying at both parks. The managers are relatively new. Average management, management responsive to comments. Reasonable value for money. Very good amenities, adequate number to cater for tourists, close to sites, were clean, were in good condition, water pressure was okay, there was adequate hot water. Good sites, adequate number of tourist sites, sites were level, drive-through sites were available, adequate taps close by. Laundry. Good atmosphere to park, quiet, open and roomy park, family-friendly park. Clean UC bbq (free), lit at night, with seating provided. Suitable for a few days, the park was well maintained.
Likes: Good facilities and amenities block. Reasonable prices.
Dislikes: Poor drainage. Birdsville had 3" rain just before we arrived. Parts of the park were flooded and the water and mud were a problem up until we left.
Added Touches: Had a great bush poet who put on a show as well as a camp oven meal which was very good value and reasonably priced
Local Information: Birdsville pub, bakery, museum and hospital are all well worth a visit.
Roads: Roads in very poor condition on our arrival due to lots and lots of rain but I would guess in good weather conditions after the roads are graded they would be no problem.
Date 06/2008. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Mark & Sharon.

Eromanga Motel/Caravan Park, Eromanga Main street (Webber Street). Ph: 07 4656 4885. Dogs on leash.
The worst park I have ever been in. Average staff friendliness, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, poor value for money ($15 2A per night). Amenities are close to all sites, were dirty, condition is poor. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, poor water quality. Poor laundry, no rec room. Quiet, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, no permanents. No bbqs, no playground, no pool. Clean pool is shaded, kid-safe pool area, tables and chairs provided. Suitable for overnighter.
Likes: Small flat and some grass sites.
Dislikes: The amenities block was dirty and not cleaned. The shower heads, taps & basins were black with filth. The paint work was filthy. The showers were just fibreglass cubicles with dirty curtains and no drying area. The laundry was similar. If anyone stays at the park I suggest they use the showers at the community hall at the other end of the town.
Parking: Plenty out the front.
Local Information: Cheapest fuel in Qld across the road at the refinery.
Roads: Sealed road from Thargomindah/Noccundra around to Quilpie through Eromanga. All maps show some gravel sections but they have recently been sealed.
Date 07/2008. Park Rating 1:
Report submitted by PeterD.

Jundah Caravan Park, Jundah 95 kms north of Windorah, 210 kms south-west of Longreach. Ph: 07 4658 6930 would be the shire council or caretaker - no one on site.
Called in there a week intending to stay. There was only room for about 8 vans. We were about to drive in and set up when we were approached by a resident. She said they were having problems with power and the breaker kept tripping. I indicated that I would park next to her and use the other power head and she said that they were also having power problems and "they would probably unplug you as well." I did not think much about shoe-horning into another site and plugging into the block so we departed for the overflow. The overflow was a couple of streets away at the sports ground - dry desolate and dusty. The amenities were very good though. We unhitched and had lunch, during that time we suffered dust from quads and trail bikes. We drove around town (Sunday) and everything that was supposed to be open wasn't. We hitched up and departed for Stonehenge. Nicer place.
Date 07/2008.
Report submitted by PeterD.

Noccundra Hotel, Noccundra 1,116 kms West of Brisbane. 145kms west of Thargomindah. The only inhabited building in the town!
UPDATED REPORT NEEDED

Wilson River Camping Area, Noccundra The pub looks inviting from the front but is as dry and untidy as any other back country pub. 50m away is the hall with new facilities at the front of it. These are kept clean and tidy, the water is nice and hot. They serve the campers along the Wilson River (about a kilometre or so away) as well. I believe there are some power points around the back somewhere but I did not explore. I free-camped on the water hole on the Wilson River, 400m south of the hotel, and drove back and forward to the amenities as there was a water hole in between because of recent rains. All in all it was a pleasant camping spot.
Date 07/2008.
Report submitted by PeterD.

Channel Country Caravan Park, Quilpie 1,334 kms west of Brisbane. 21 Chipu street - same street as Bowls Club. 1 km south-west of town. Turn off Brolga Street at bowls club and park is just past football oval. Ph: 07 4656 2087. Pets at manager's discretion.

The amenities block has been renovated and is in very good condition. Friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($22.00 2A per night, powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is very good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, concrete annex slabs to most sites, shade to some sites, poor water quality, adequate taps close by. Good laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon), good camp kitchen. Quiet, open & roomy park, family/friendly atmosphere, a few permanents. UC gas bbq, congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. Clean heated pool, kid-safe pool area. Suitable for a week or more, well maintained park.
Likes: Newly refurbished amenities block
Dislikes: Concrete slabs are getting old and the surface is deteriorating.
Added Touches: Campfire at night with resident song leader during tourist season.
Roads: Sealed roads in good condition.
Date 06/2009. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by PeterD.

Manager's name is Bob and Sue Stewart. Outback Parks takes all reports issued carefully and since December 2008 we have replaced the managers and have started to renovate the toilet block. We are in the process of upgrading the sites and planting more trees. Safe travelling to all.
Date 06/2009.
Report submitted by Troy, Outback Parks.

This park is the only one in town thus the relief manager couldn't care less whether you came in or not. It was a case of work things out for yourself. Amenities, I was told, were cleaned once per week. There was no care or pride taken overall in this park. Never again. Average staff friendliness. Price was as expected, poor value for money ($23.50). Amenities are close to most sites, were dirty, condition is poor, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, drive-through sites, poor water quality. Basic laundry, no rec room. Quiet, open & roomy park, not enough shade. No playground, no pool. Suitable for overnighter.
Likes: Hot water spa.
Local Information: Opal fossicking nearby.
Date 10/2008. Park Rating 2:
Report submitted by Maurie.

This park is also affiliated with the Birdsville Caravan Park and both parks offer reciprocal discounts for staying in both parks. Friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, good value for money ($19.00 2A per night unpowered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, dry change area. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, adequate taps close by. Basic laundry, good camp kitchen. Peaceful, open & roomy park, not enough shade, family/friendly atmosphere. Clean UC gas bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere. Suitable for few days, well maintained park.
Likes: Nice and quiet. Open fire with bush poet in residence when we arrived. Good amenities. Great camp kitchen.
Dislikes: Smell of sulphur in the water which is unavoidable.
Added Touches: Bush poet, happy hour, large fire pit.
Date 06/2008. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Mark & Sharon.

Friendly welcome. Sites roomy and reasonably well grassed, with slabs on many of them. Shade a little limited. Power and good water to all sites. Amenities good, plenty of hot water, adequate for number of sites. Easy walk to town centre. Of interest in area is Baldy Top Lookout and pretty Lake Houdran. $22 per night 2 people for powered site reasonable value. Suitable for few days stay. Note that no autogas is available west of Charleville. Road from Charleville to Quilpie is two lane sealed all the way.
Date 05/2008. Park Rating 3.
Report submitted by Peripatetic Perrys, North Rocks.

No longer under management by Noel & Gina Lyell. Check on current activities.
Update supplied by Noel & Gina Lyell.

Good management, friendly management, management responsive to comments, management was helpful. Good value for money. Average amenities, adequate number to cater for tourists, close to sites, were clean, were in good condition, water pressure was okay, there was adequate hot water. Good sites, adequate number of tourist sites, sites were level, the site size was okay, annexe slabs were available, drive-through sites were available, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Laundry, rec room, good camp kitchen, kiosk, dump point. Good atmosphere to park, quiet, open and roomy park, shady park, family-friendly park. Dogs allowed, at managers discretion. Clean UC gas bbq (free), with a congenial atmosphere, lit at night, with seating provided. Suitable for a few days, the park was well maintained.
Likes: The enthusiasm of the managers and daily activities including a variety of informal get togethers around the campfire.
Dislikes: As the water is mainly bore water there is a smell of sulphur in the air. Fresh rain water tank available for the tea and coffee connoisseurs.
Parking: Limited parking in entrance.
Added Touches: Opal fossicking area and self drive tour available to their own Opal Lease about 70km NW of Quilpie. Daily activities include daily BYO Happy hours
Local Information: An excellent Information Centre and Museum in town. Opal Shops. Beware of advertised specials at Meads AUF Buy-Rite Supermarket as prices may not be honoured. Try the other supermarket in Buln Buln Street. A visit the St Finbars Catholic Church and see the opal clad altar, lectern and font is a must. Nature trail on the Bulloo River a pleasant walk.
Roads: Narrow sealed roads from Charleville, Windorah and Eromanga.
Date 08/2007. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Mike of Mulgrave.

The managers are a young couple who are very enthusiastic about the park, the town and the district. In the winter months, regular activities are organised by the park managers - camp oven meals a couple of times a week, poetry and pudding on other evenings. Most afternoons a happy hour and talk on the district is organised by Gina. Tuesday morning tea at the park with residents from the local aged care hostel is a nice touch. Amenities are basic but clean. Good laundry facilities provided. Generally a good atmosphere to the park with managers who are very welcoming. Quilpie bore water taste is basic but ok if a carbon filter is used. Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($20.00 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good there was adequate hot water, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, concrete annex slabs, poor water quality, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon), good camp kitchen. Peaceful, open & roomy park, family/friendly atmosphere. Pets at manager's discretion. Clean UC gas bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere. No playground, no pool. Suitable for few days, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Enjoyable organised activities in very happy atmosphere
Parking: Space outside office or in side street
Added Touches: Nightly campfire and camp oven meals a few evenings a week. Good information provided on local attractions
Local Information: Lake Houdraman about 4 kms east of town is beautiful - dry weather access only. Meals available at Bowls Club
Roads: Good single lane bitumen from Charleville.
Date 05/2007. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Toto.

BIG4 Explorers Caravan Park, Thargomindah 1,025 kms west of Brisbane. At the western end of Dowling Street. Turn right coming in from the west at the first T junction. The park is at the end of the street. From the east just keep going to the end of Dowling Street or from the north turn right into Dowling Street just past post office. Ph: 07 4655 3307 or 1800 820 890. BIG4 member. Pets allowed (not a typo).

Manager's name is Ide & Paul Rush. This park is very well run by Paul and Ide and spotlessly clean. We had a great time for the week we were there. The council also needs to be congratulated in spending the amount of money that has got this park to the standard that it is. The amenities camp kitchen and surrounds are immaculate. Very friendly staff, good staff response to complaints, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, very good value for money ($17 with disc 2A per week, powered, off-peak season). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is very good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, no sites with concrete annex slabs, shade to some sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon), dump point, van parking. Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. Clean UC gas bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. No playground, no pool. Suitable for a week or more, well maintained park.
Local Information: Park is walking distance to local hotel and motel restaurant both have good meals. Lots of area drives from Thargo just a few are Quilpie, Noccundra, etc
Roads: Road from Cunnamulla is bitumen but narrow in spots.
Date 05/2009. Park Rating 5:
Report submitted by Baz&Mick.

Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, good value for money ($22 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is very good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation, disabled facilities. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, large sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, good rec room, good camp kitchen. Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. Clean UC electric bbq, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. Suitable for a week or more, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Good drive through sites (2/3 of the sites.) Large non powered camping area. Excellent facilities. Close to town.
Roads: Bitumen roads both sides of town but can be cut in wet weather.
Date 06/2008. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by PeterD.

A pleasant park within walking distance of the main street. We were told the managers had only been at the park for 3 weeks. They were friendly but not very visible around the park. The facilities were modern and first rate. Average staff friendliness, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was higher than expected, poor value for money ($22.00 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is very good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation, disabled facilities. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, large sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, good camp kitchen, dump point. Peaceful, open & roomy park, family/friendly atmosphere. Clean UC bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere. Suitable for few days, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Excellent amenities. Large sites.
Dislikes: Atmosphere a little impersonal.
Parking: Parking outside office
Local Information: Old hospital located at the Visitor Information Centre worth a visit (eastern end of town). River walk near caravan park a pleasant walk.
Roads: Single lane bitumen of reasonable standard east of town.
Date 05/2007. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Toto.

The lawns are now well established, the trees have grown considerably, the bore water smell has dissipated due to a new cooling pond setup by the Bulloo Shire Council and we have recently become a BIG4 park. New managers are Mark & Justine Jolly.
Date 11/2006.
Update supplied by Park Manager.

Windorah Caravan Park, Windorah 240 kms north-west of Quilpie. The park is located in town in the same street as the hotel and shop. Ph: 07 4656 3162.
This is a fine little park and the price of $10 2A still terrific value. Amenities basic but very clean and perfectly adequate, select your own site and a very friendly caretaker lady calls in the afternoon to collect fees. Sites themselves are not very well defined and surface is all gravel, but there is plenty of room for everybody. Suitable for short term stay.
Date 05/2008. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Peripatetic Perrys, North Rocks.

This council caravan park is great value with good basic facilities, powered sites and very good drinking water. There is no longer a caretaker on site, (just set up camp) and a council employee collects the fee in the morning. The town should be congratulated for providing this facility for travellers. Discounts for longer stays. Very friendly staff. Price was lower than expected, very good value for money ($10.00 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, disabled facilities. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, large sites, adequate taps close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon), dump point. Quiet, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. Dogs on leash. Clean wood bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere. Suitable for few days, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Good basic facilities, pleasant surroundings and value for money.
Parking: Do not need to check in. Just set up camp and fee is collected in the morning.
Added Touches: Screened room with table and chairs near bbq. area. Camp fire area provided. Need to supply own wood.
Local Information: Windorah is a small friendly town of 80 people. Small museum and historical log hut at Information Centre (gold coin donation). Pink sand hills worth visiting on Birdsville Road 20+kms west. Good meals available at the hotel.
Roads: There is now an all-bitumen single lane road from Charleville to Longreach via Windorah and the Diamantina/ Thomson Development Roads.
Date 05/2007. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Toto.

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