Member - Chris D (Newcastle) replied:

Dear gbdid,

Sorry I can't say anything about the NP's you are going to near Bundaberg, maybe a phone call to the local NP ranger could fill you in on the detail, these rangers are usually very helpful. National Parks near the coast are usually readily negotiable outside of cyclone season.....

The Bundi Rum distillery tour is good. Later in the year (Nov) the turtles lay eggs on the beaches at Bundaberg, walk up the beach from the caravan park in the middle of the night, it is great fun.

If you venture further north to Mackay and then inland to Eungella NP, I can recommend this, there are good easy walks, pleasant camp sites and platupus pools with real plats there. It is easy driving all the way.

Hope you have a great retirement venture filled with meeting nice people.

Chris

Keith_A (Qld) replied:

Hi GB - we have been to both those NP, and the tracks are reasonably easy.
You can get into deepwater from the south, by 2WD I think.
Here is the EPA website : Site Link

For bookings - ring Bundaberg QPWS office on (07)4131 1600.

We camped at Eurimbula - very nice if you prefer less people, although the track in is a bit narrower.

The terms for the different campers can get a bit confusing sometimes.
The traditional style campertrailer is a tent on trailer design, and these vary from basic ($3000) to very expensive ($30,000 - eg "ultimate" brand camper).
The term campervan is often applied to the wind-up style - made by jayco, Coromal and Goldstream. These have all the features of a van, but wind down to the size of a trailer (we owned one for 15 years). Then there is the Poptop van and Full van.

If you are looking at the traditional style camper-trailer (tent on trailer) then visit the campertrailer forum at Site Link
Plus - if you haven't used a camper before, please ensure you erect and fold-down several times in the back yard before you go. While seasoned users find them 'as simple as falling off a log', most first time users do not have such a happy experience. Taking your time is the key.

Deep water is a lovely area (but very crowded in school/public holidays).
Bustard beach (Eurimbula) is nicer if you prefer your privacy.
For a first trip, Deep Water may be the better choice. Good amenities and easy tracks. Book before you go, and trial the camper in the back yard.
Happy camping.........................Keith

Bware (Tweed Valley) replied:

Hi gbdid,

Camping in general requires a lot of detail to eliminate hassles. In your follow-up down the page you say that your wife is unsure about the whole experience. If you want this to be a good thing, think about all the little details. If you are hiring the camper-trailer, does it come with kitchen, water tank, mattress, fly-screen or canvas add-ons.

If you would like a detailed list of what you should think about taking with you just say 'yep' and I'll give you an email address.

slain replied:

Hi gbid,

You should be fine, Deepwater is pretty straight forward, has been burning pretty extensivley lately so may well nought to see but black:(. Eurimbula is also straight forward up to Middle Creek, if you are going all the way to Pancake Creek or Turkey Beach its a great drive but can be a challenge if boggy, basicaly a lot of Eurimbula is paper bark swamp in the wet and is often imapassable, and just because the road is open it doesnt mean its passable! Check with NP's if in doubt, also some of the less trafficked tracks further in towards pancake are tidal, so be careful if you go adventuring else you could end up stayign longer than you bagained for. Stop in at the Fishing tackle shop on the way into Angnes and have a chat to Tony about local conditions and good fishing spots.