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Port Augusta caravan parks

Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 10:28

Member - Christine (VIC)

Can anyone enlighten me as to which caravan park in Port Augusta is the quietest for a good nights sleep. We stayed there in 1983 and I remember we were kept awake by shunting trains. I can't remember where we stayed. Also Roxby downs caravan park info would be useful.
Fear is faith in the wrong thing.
ThreadID: 43870 Replies: 13
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AnswerID: 230969   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 10:48

Member - Doug T (W.A) replied:

Port Augusta Caravan Park at Stirling North is not too bad , I spent a couple nights there last year , near the railway but didn;t bother me, entry off Brook St, Stirling North.
Port Aususta Big 4 Caravan Park will be a better park, entry could be off Stokes Tce
check it out

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Doug & Dusty
In the Shade
Mt Bundy Stn
Reply 1 of 13
FollowupID: 491842   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 11:16

Members - Chris/Lindsay (VIC) posted:

Thanks Doug.
Fear is faith in the wrong thing.
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 230971   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 10:58

slush replied:

mate, from my experience of the caravan parks in pt Augusta i would drive through. the parks are OK but the night time activity of so locals will be a problem. anything left out side will disappear including the paint on the van. went there with our club and about 30 other people and in the morning most stuff was gone. they must of had a truck the amount of gear that disappeared, even though there was a cyclone wire fence around. it stuffed up a good club run and most opted to turn back and go home.
Reply 2 of 13
FollowupID: 491839   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 11:14

Members - Chris/Lindsay (VIC) posted:

Thanks slush. Where did you stay? Chris
Fear is faith in the wrong thing.
FollowUp 1 of 4
FollowupID: 491875   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 13:00

slush posted:

the one just over the bridge on the right going north, i go through regularly and now either stay at the rodeo camp just out of pt Germain on the north side. hot showers and toilet ($5.00 per head per night) or take a shower at the road house in Augusta ($2.00 per head) and camp about 20 ks out on the north side. some good bush camps there.
FollowUp 2 of 4
FollowupID: 491881   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 13:31

disco1942 posted:

This is another case of two different experiences. Nick and slush stayed at the same park – Port Augusta Big4 Holiday Park.

Christine stayed at the other one in town (Shoreline CP - T/T,) which has the railway shunting yard across the water. From talking to the locals this is the safer park – there is an old folks home close by and some how they seem to be able to keep our brudders away from the area. I have not found the noise from the train shunting bothersome, particularly if not parked by the fence overlooking the water but apparently Christine did. I think the shunting noise is quieter than traffic noise when bush camping close to a main road. Shows that different people have different experiences.

PeterD
FollowUp 3 of 4
FollowupID: 491885   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 13:49

Members - Chris/Lindsay (VIC) posted:

I'm actually unsure which one in 1983. I hate traffic noise too so maybe just a bush camp.
Fear is faith in the wrong thing.
FollowUp 4 of 4
AnswerID: 230980   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 11:45

Member - Nick (TAS) replied:

We stayed in the big 4 park last year and never had a drama.Even the nights were quiet.Must have been the time of the week or year because the whole town was quiet.
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Reply 3 of 13
FollowupID: 491854   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 11:54

Members - Chris/Lindsay (VIC) posted:

Thanks Nick. I think we'll stay there and keep an eye on our stuff.
Fear is faith in the wrong thing.
FollowUp 1 of 2
FollowupID: 491858   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 12:02

Member - Nick (TAS) posted:

It had about a 12ft fence with barb wire around the top and only way in was past the main office.It is right beside the main road and just off the intersection to head nth so traffic is a bit noisy, not as bad as trains though at the other park.
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FollowUp 2 of 2
AnswerID: 230984   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 12:13

Sand Man (SA) replied:

Whatever you do, I recommend you avoid Spear Creek Caravan Park, 25km South East of Pt Augusta on the western flank of the Flinders Ranges.

The most unfriendly Hosts of any Caravan Park I've had the misfortune to come across anywhere. The station has some 4WD tracks we were going to "discover" but after our experience with the Caravan Park Hosts, couldn't wait to go elsewhere.

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HooRoo !


I'm diagonally parked in a parallel Universe!
Reply 4 of 13
FollowupID: 491863   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 12:20

Members - Chris/Lindsay (VIC) posted:

Thanks for that. We had a similiar experience at Mcdonnell Ranges Caravan Park in Alice Springs last year and would not stay there again.
Fear is faith in the wrong thing.
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AnswerID: 230985   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 12:14

disco1942 replied:

The quietest park around Port Augusta would have to be Spears Creek. See Site Link . It is impossible to hear any passing traffic.

The park is family run by one branch of the family and the sheep station by the other. The park is in a great bushland setting. You can choose powered sites on an irrigated grassed area or in a natural setting. In season they supply firewood for the communal fire pits. Generally there is a very sociable atmosphere.

PeterD
Reply 5 of 13
FollowupID: 491866   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 12:25

Sand Man (SA) posted:

Peter,

Read my reply above.

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HooRoo !


I'm diagonally parked in a parallel Universe!
FollowUp 1 of 3
FollowupID: 491877   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 13:10

disco1942 posted:

Sand Man – If I had not been typing my reply when you posted yours I would have seen yours and referred to it. Please note our posting times.

My experiences in the few times I have stayed there have been completely different. I did not go there expecting to do any 4 wheel driving, it is sheep country and I would not expect any thing there of interest for that type of activity. We did however have some nice walks following the old Port Augusta water supply pipe lines up the gullies.

I have seen several comments in other newsgroups, all favourable. Yours is the first one to the contrary that I have seen. What are the experiences of others in this group?

PeterD
FollowUp 2 of 3
FollowupID: 491878   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 13:18

Member - vivien C (VIC) posted:

Peter,

No personal experience, just the comments made by a family we met in Alice Springs. They enjoyed their stay at Spear Creek and were full of praise.

I guess it just comes down to personal experience and expectations. We're all different. We have stayed at McDonnell Range CP many times and always found it very good.

These things can change so many times with new owners, improvement or deterioration of facilities etc.

I've probably stayed somewhere and hated it where others found it just great. We put our experiences in the forum and it's then up to the person asking to make the final choice.

Viv
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FollowUp 3 of 3
AnswerID: 230987   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 12:31

Mal and Di replied:

Interesting comments about Spear Creek.
Both conflicting.
Port Augusta has a problem with things walking in the night but the Big 4 should be Ok.
Roxby Downs is another matter.
From my understanding there is such a shortage of accomadation the parks are full all of the time.
The amount of rent they get from the workers I can't imagine they would keep a couple of sites for the occasional tourist.
Better make some phone calls first.
M.
Reply 6 of 13
FollowupID: 491870   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 12:39

Members - Chris/Lindsay (VIC) posted:

Thanks Mal and Di. We only want unpowered and a shower so if there are no spots we'll just head up the track and bush camp.
Fear is faith in the wrong thing.
FollowUp 1 of 3
FollowupID: 491923   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 17:46

Aknot posted:

Chris/Lindsay

Showers at Roxby were very hot at a cost of $5.00 per head. Went there late last year after bush camping.

Regards
Debbie
FollowUp 2 of 3
FollowupID: 492094   Submitted: Monday, Apr 02, 2007 at 10:06

Members - Chris/Lindsay (VIC) posted:

Will take note. Thanks. Chris
Fear is faith in the wrong thing.
FollowUp 3 of 3
AnswerID: 230993   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 13:35

Member - Hughesy (NSW) replied:

Christine,

Just moved from Roxby. The Myall Grove Caravan park (first on the right as you get to town) is the best and they do hold some spots spare for travellers but would definately pay to book ahead. But the best spot to camp at the moment is Lake Mary which has filled up from the rain back in Jan. Its located on the right about 35km south of Roxby. There is a sign just inside a fence. Follow the track along about a k or 2 and camp on the side of the lake where ever you like. Its free too.

As for Port Augusta we've satyed at the Big4 park heaps of times and never had any issues. Just ask for a site down the back or away from the highway.

Are you heading up the Borefield Rd to the Ood or Birdsville Track??
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Cheers,
Hughesy
Reply 7 of 13
FollowupID: 491882   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 13:40

Members - Chris/Lindsay (VIC) posted:

Thanks Hughesy, will take heed of your advice. Chris.
Fear is faith in the wrong thing.
FollowUp 1 of 6
FollowupID: 491884   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 13:44

Members - Chris/Lindsay (VIC) posted:

Forgot to say we are heading up theBorefield road and Oodnadatta track to do our 2nd Simpson Crossing IF the flooding has abated. Any advice for the track? Chris
Fear is faith in the wrong thing.
FollowUp 2 of 6
FollowupID: 491890   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 14:44

Member - Hughesy (NSW) posted:

I went up to William Creek in early Jan before the rain and the worst part was the Borefield road (although still pretty good). The road gang was working on the Oodnadatta track (west of the borefield turnoff) and hence I reckon they would have fixed any trouble spots after the rain by now.

Definately stay or drop into the William Creek pub. New owner and his wife are top people and a vast improvement over the previous bloke.

Hope you have a great time.
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Cheers,
Hughesy
FollowUp 3 of 6
FollowupID: 491916   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 17:30

Member - JohnR (Vic)&Moses posted:

Roxby seems to have a worker population but last year when we called in late we got the last spot next to some travellers going from Tassie to the Territory. Sometimes you can strike it lucky. Was pretty good sort of park anyway.
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Who?
John
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FollowUp 4 of 6
FollowupID: 491920   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 17:36

Sand Man (SA) posted:

Hughsey,

You must be missing your "local" after moving from Roxby.

Have been amazed when you have commented in the past, of your trip from Roxby to William Creek for a "social" outing.

I think it was you who stooped once to ask if I needed any help on the Borefield Track when I had destroyed a tyre on the Jack?

I have a mission to check out the new owners of the William Creek Hotel.
Hope they are "maintaining the standard" of the place.
William Creek is one of the Icons of outback Hotels. One of my favourite places.

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HooRoo !


I'm diagonally parked in a parallel Universe!
FollowUp 5 of 6
FollowupID: 492226   Submitted: Monday, Apr 02, 2007 at 21:26

Member - Hughesy (NSW) posted:

Yeah Sandman, might have to make the Tilpa or Paddlesack pubs my "local" now. Those sort of pubs beat a city pubs any day.

Yeah and you were god damn unlucky to blew a tyre 5 or so Km's sort of the bitumen.

If your ever heading over this way drop me a line.
Simpson Desert 2006
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Cheers,
Hughesy
FollowUp 6 of 6
AnswerID: 231002   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 15:22

Member - Phil G (SA) replied:

Stayed multiple times at both the Big 4 and at Spear Creek - both have been very good.
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Reply 8 of 13
AnswerID: 231009   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 15:41

Pomgonewalkabout replied:

If you are crossing the Simpson, will you be going up the Oodnadatta Track via Maree?
If you went that way you could always stay at the campsite in Quorn?

Stayed at Port August lots of times, never any dramas.

cheers

Reply 9 of 13
FollowupID: 492093   Submitted: Monday, Apr 02, 2007 at 10:05

Members - Chris/Lindsay (VIC) posted:

We are coming back that way.
Fear is faith in the wrong thing.
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 231099   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 21:50

Mal and Di replied:

I spoke earlier about Pt Augusta and Roxby but neglected to mention Mambray Creek.
Stayed over back in Jan this year, Lovely spot with hot showers and clean toilets.
Very nice walks and plenty of wildlife and birds.
National park so you it is an honour system and not very dear.
M.
Reply 10 of 13
AnswerID: 231106   Submitted: Sunday, Apr 01, 2007 at 22:02

mechpete replied:

Hi Christine ,
I have stayed numerous times at the park on the RHS at the corner of the
Stuart High Way intersection can,t think of the name but its a good park .
cheers mechpete.
Reply 11 of 13
AnswerID: 231178   Submitted: Monday, Apr 02, 2007 at 09:52

Patrol22 replied:

I had a forced stay in Pt Augusta couple of years back after injuring myself while in the Flinders. Not only did I find the folk at the local hospital extremely professional and courteous, our stay of a week at the Big 4 was also a good experience. Quiet, friendly, clean etc - everything I needed to get fit enough to get back on the road. Oh and we found the local aboriginal people to be nothing other than courteous and very proud of their city.
Reply 12 of 13
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AnswerID: 231275   Submitted: Monday, Apr 02, 2007 at 17:17

Member - Lance S (VIC) replied:

Hi, we stayed at the Big 4 in Port Augusta for 2 nights in August last year and Roxby Downs for 3 nights in 2004 and didn't have a problem in either park. We got told by the local coppers not to take our wives and kids to the pub, as the local boys don't see much action, and will try and get "friendly" with our wives. So we went to the pub (minus the wives and kids ) to check it out, i think they would rather a fight then a feed. The park was empty when we were there. I know why.
cheers,
Lance
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