In between the ‘big name’ destinations, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover as you travel around Australia.
Another memorable sunset on the road
My husband and I have been CMCA members for the past five years and have enjoyed several National Rallies. However, during 2016 we decided to travel with likeminded CMCA members Robert and Jeanette Grinter who reside near Coolamon, NSW.
We live in Tasmania ourselves, and so commenced our journey from Devonport toward the mainland aboard the Spirit of Tasmania in July 2016. From there, we travelled in our motorhome to meet up with the Grinters at Wagga Wagga, NSW.
SWEET TREATS
There are so many wonderful little towns we experienced along the journey, so a few should be mentioned here for their friendliness, hospitality and incredibly clean Tidy Townships. If only our councils back at home could spy the beauty we have seen!
Our first list of places to visit included Lightning Ridge, White Cliffs and Halls Gap, plus CMCA rallies at Stawell and Canberra. At Lightning Ridge in outback NSW, Jeanette found opals and Wayne discovered his artistic side with a huge painting by John Murray.
After three days at Lightning Ridge, we travelled to Dirranbandi in south-west QLD, staying overnight behind the Dirranbandi Bakery. This is owned by a friendly couple who created yummy pastries and cakes and provided a tasty breakfast the next morning.
We camped beside the old disused train tracks at the back of the bakery, where Robert and Wayne spent a few fruitless hours resting in the shade waiting for the train. I think they might have missed it…
Keeping an eye out for the train that never arrived
WELCOME TO TOWN
We had a wonderful time along the way, chiefly staying at country towns that provide thoughtfully for tourists. The friendliness of these towns is evident – their beautiful clean and tidy towns are a credit to the people who often volunteer their own time to ensure tourists are welcomed into a peaceful environment.
Sometimes we free camp on the road, but we take every opportunity that we can to support local communities by staying at the overnight stop areas many small towns provide. These amenities can range from toilets, showers and sometimes a laundry for a small fee. We find convenience for ourselves, plus it supports the local community financially.
Many free campers are criticised for not patronising larger accommodation parks, but we feel our dollars are well spent in the community through this small fee to camp. We also add money into the local areas by purchasing fuel, food, clothing, gifts, pharmaceuticals and other items as we travel through.
The Kaneira Hotel has reinvigorated itself and the town by luring RV travellers to the region with free overnight camping
HIDDEN HIGHLIGHTS
There were numerous towns in between, but some of the more memorable towns are certainly worth mentioning. These include Bollon, QLD, with its free camp at the river, plus laundry and showers in town; St George, QLD, for its beautiful park and river areas; and Hopetoun, VIC – a small, proud community of volunteers who ensure their town is well presented. They have a beautiful lake on the edge of town for campers by donation or powered sites for a small fee.
KANEIRA COOL
On the way back we stayed at Culgoa on the Calder Highway in Victoria. Kaneira Hotel owners Martin and Leigh provide a free camping area next to their hotel.
Their story of true ‘Aussie initiative’ is seeing the hotel undergo renovations, which include accommodation upstairs (double or single suites), showers and toilet, plus tasty counter meals.
We had a delightful meal and a few drinks at the bar with Marty and Leigh who were the perfect hosts.
Next to the hotel is the handy Culgoa Store for take-away, groceries, coffee, a post office and even an op shop. This is definitely a recommended stop in the region.
Breakfast always tastes better on the road
ODD SPOTS
A couple of quirky events also occurred during our travels.
The first was at White Cliffs, where we bumped into fellow CMCA travellers that just happened to be our neighbours two doors along from our house in Devonport. Neither knew of each other’s travel plans!
Secondly, at Hopetoun we may have discovered a group of relatives with our surname.
So there will be a few interesting nights establishing our family tree on our return to Tassie.
When you get the chance to travel, ensure you to try and include the small community towns along the way. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at their hospitality and friendliness these friendly little spots can offer.
