GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #9 | Page 19

RV TRAVEL The area is perfect if you like a spot of kayaking, water sports with the kids, or just kicking back beside a very big pool, but there are some things to note: the first is that you’ll need to have your caravan or camper tanks topped up with fresh water first, as there is none on site and you should BYO firewood. More importantly, you should be prepared to move to higher ground if rain starts, as the river has been known to bust its banks, but there are many attractive options. The best endorsement comes not from me but for a couple we met there who planned to stay for two nights, but stayed two months and called off the rest of their trip! CLEM WALTON PARK CAMPING: Lakeside – free FACILITIES: None except great bush camping sites STAY LIMIT: None. BYO water, firewood and take away all your rubbish CARAVAN ACCESS: Okay for on-road caravans GETTING THERE: 67km east of Mt. Isa, Qld, 54km west of Cloncurry, off Barkley Highway VIEW MAP Carmila Beach Rest Area, Qld. Pic: www.freecampingaustralia.com.au CARMILA BEACH REST AREA, QLD If you’ve ever try to book a spot at late notice on the Queensland Sunshine Coast you’ll be up against an army of regulars reluctant to give up their spot in the sun. So, instead, try the Carmila Beach Camping Rest Area, located 6km east of Carmila. Turn off the Bruce Highway at the Puma service station, follow the road down to the end and turn right. The last 300m of track can be quite sandy and narrow so approach with caution, or preferably walk the track first and drop your tyre pressures on your tow car if unsure. Once there, you’ll find two drop toilets, along with a dump point, but no other facilities – just the beach with its tranquil waters in the estuary and reportedly good fishing a short walk north of the camping areas. The maximum stay, with space for up to 20 caravans, is three nights and it’s dog friendly. CARMILA BEACH REST AREA CAMPING: Free, but BYO water, firewood and take away all your rubbish FACILITIES: Two toilets, dump point STAY LIMIT: Three nights CARAVAN ACCESS: Okay for quite large vans, but I suggest you access it in the morning or late afternoon when the sandy track is denser. GETTING THERE: Turn right off the Bruce Highway at the Puma service station, about 65km south of Sarina and follow the road through Carmila to the beach. VIEW MAP gorv.com.au 19