Where would you go back to, & why?

OK, I'll start. Years ago when the train used to stop here in our little town, I went to the ticket office and asked for a return ticket. He said "where to mate?", I said, "back here of course". So thistle dome. Rus.

Curtis Is, off Gladstone QLD.
Used to spend 6wks every xmas there (up the island a bit) and would be unlucky enough to see one other family about every 3 or 4 yrs other than that place was all ours.
Took what we needed to survive for family of 4 for the 6weeks in a beach buggy. As you can tell all we needed was there on the land and in the ocean. Only real luxury was an old chescold, gas bottle and tent. Oh and the beach buggy (if you could call a $200 vehicle a luxury).

AHHHH memories.

I lived in the south west of WA as a teenager and I am continually returning to visit the area. I still have a good friend who lives in Albany, but I keep going back to the Denmark/Walpole area.

I love the forrest smell, the massive trees, and the coastline is rugged and spectacular.

We have started spreading our trips out a bit more, some up north a bit, some out east a bit, but I am drawn to the south for comfort.

Three places; 1) the whole area between Crescent Head and Port Macquarie; beautiful beaches, some council owned (dogs accepted etc), some nature reserves. Good surfing, good fishing, 4wd access to beaches(fee), Personal pick of the spots- Melauluca(spelling)- no facilities and quiet.
2)Woody Head- NP fees but excellent facilities for family; pay showers, sheltered bay, near town.
3) The camping areas around the Styx River(between Armidale and Dorrigo), a very special area.

Anywhere in the Flinders. They've saved my sanity many times. Whether from giving me time to deal with personal problems or having few quiet beers with mates around the fire.

Took my girlfriend there for one of her first camping experiences a few years ago. Now she actually enjoys it and we will be travelling Oz in camper trailer.

Barnesy

I would spend more time on the Gulf - almost anywhere.

The High Country especially in spring - almost anywhere.

The Murray River either in far NW or far NE Victoria.

And this place - A chapel in a cave at the Gorge de Galamus in southern France, I am not religious but it is a place of total calm and tranquillity.

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Mike Harding

Hi Rick,

I'd go back to Innamincka in a flash, Kingfisher Camp in the Gulf, and anywhere in WA...

cheers

Lyn

The Kimberley for me. I have unfinished fishing at Kalumburu, Walcott Inlet and the lower Ord. On the Cape there are several places calling out to me and I reckon there are probably another 6 visits there for me.

Kind regards

Hmmmm. Too many new places to go to to waste much time going back where I've already been :-)

Apart from Fraser Island that is..... Back there on Saturday :-))))))

Myall Lakes National Park NSW. Any one of the huge amount of camping grounds. It's got everything. Always go there when me and +1 have a spare weekend. I hardly ever go anywhere else, i probabkly should try and go to some different places ... . . . . . . . . . . . but hey, why change if it aint broken !

Oh ... and Mt Chanomix (snow skiing location in France)

Aw, I can't decide between....

Cullyamurra Waterhole near Inamincka
Katarapko Creek (National Park) near Berrie
Brachina Gorge, Flinders Ranges.

If I HAD to choose.....Flinders Ranges..... otherwise, I'll return to all of them.

The Kimberley for me too. Was based in Derby for a couple of years in the 70s when the mining exploration activity was high. Got to know people out on the stations and was shown many spots that few know about. Magic.

Did a lot of 4WD on station tracks and boat travelling around the coast with an aboriginal friend which opened my eyes to to things I would not have seen otherwise.

Australia has many wonderful places but I seem to keep going back to the Kimberley. Pity it is not like the 70s - too many people and controls now, but I guess that is progress and necessary because of the increasing idiot density.

Why did you have to ask this question? I won't be able to concentrate all day now.

alastair

Hi Rick

For us the answer is the Talbotville area near Dargo in Victoria.

We have also been to many of the great places in this country, and
some are truly spectacular, more so than this area, but many of then are driveby
look/see don't play and keep going on the single road e.g. fruit bat falls etc etc.

It is the confluence of features that make this area so special.

It begins with being acessible all year round, even to soft roaders and
you can camp free out of the back of the car by a river, light a fire all year round
and even take the dog.

Just the above rules out so many areas now.

But then it continues by having so many of the classic tracks completable within less than a days drive, such as Blue Rag, the 4000ft climb up Billy goats, Wonanggata and the list goes on.
But then you throw in the fact that there are at least eight tracks in the immediate area from Basalt knob to Collingwood spur that climb from the river valley to high ridges, most of which can be done in an hour or two. Some of these can be seen from your campsite even.
Then we get serious with not less than 50 river crossings across 4 rivers, mine sites and old relics to explore, spectacular roads with huge dropoffs and overhanging rocks.
Its then less than an hour to top up on supplies or to have a classic Dargo Pub experience.
The place can even still supply camping spots in peak season. Relative safe to send the kids of all ages down a river on lilo's and warm enough to enjoy swimming in the rivers.
But even at Xmas, once every 2 or 3 years you can find snow on the nearby Hotham ski resorts and overlook the ski runs with cappicino in hand.

Its near unbelieveable but most of the camping areas are not in national parks but
state forest, and the area is supported by first class accurate maps.

On second thoughts please erase this post before the authorites read it and ban something.

Robin Miller

I'd like to go back to the Gunnadoo Caravan Park in Longreach. It was the place where, on our very first big trip we first felt the excitement of travelling. Our kids were small, eyes big with excitement as we sat around the campfire with other travellers singing and telling stories. That feeling of excitement carried us through our first trip and never left us.

I'd like to go back to sitting on the grass at Springvale Station in the dusk, watching the bats blackening the sky as they flew back from wherever they'd been for the day.

I'd like to be at Oenpelli Open Day watching the footy and the kids running around kicking the ball with bare feet.

Jowallbinna Bush Camp near Laura...talking to Percy Trezise

Chili Beach camp with the wind howling through the palms and the coconuts thudding down around us.

Walking through Windjana Gorge in the early morning

Canoeing down Dimond Gorge..only us to enjoy the peace and beauty

Parap Market Saturday mornings...Mindil Markets Thursday nights

I'd just like to go back to capture the feeling that I had at those time and many, many others.

Then there are any of the many lunch time stops by the sides of many different roads...just to get the feeling of being "on the road"....Or the setting up camp at any of the various campsites...just because it means we're "on holiday".

There has never been a place that bad that I wouldn't go back and never been a place that I haven't wanted to go. I just love to get out there and see it all.

A special place to us?

Of all the places we have been to, there is something strangely alluring about Fraser Isl. We will never forget the very first time that we hit the Eastern Beach after driving across the island from Moon Point (I think?). It felt like total freedom - we were so excited and had smiles from ear to ear. We have been back 4 times since then and each time we have been totally rejuvinated as soon as we touch that magic beach. It is a certain cure when you become somewhat jaded after years of tripping around.

Lawn Hill Gorge, by canoe. Magic

great places for me?....camping along yalwal creek near the junction of shoalhaven river,now locked up,almost any desert area,innaminka,victoria alpine regions when snow is about,flinders,fraser island something special,lifes too short to see enough of this land.

Morning Rick,

So many places, and each have that certain 'something' special to that dot on the map.

However Nhulunbuy in the NT is one place that I will return to. Weather is good, plenty of beaches, solitude, brilliant fishing, great 4WD tracks, magnificent sunsets,
and when we left in '92 it still hadn't really been 'discovered'

Memories are just great, and they keep us going when you just cannot get away.

Cheers

Michael B (SA)

Now this is a real challenge.m After last years long is trip away there are so many places I would revisit however these would be my favorites:
Mataranka: I just loved it there, sitting ( standing) in the thermal pools for hours on end discussing & solving all the problems of the world, with fellow members of the grey brigade, was very relaxing.
Alice Springs: I was just over awed by the majestic, rugged scenery and the colours of the landscape.
Port Stephens: When I had a boat this was a truly spectacular place, a nice spot to get your gear off to at Samurai beach.
The Gippsland Lakes: A lovely part of Australia but becomming just a tad "upmarket" & "trendy"....The rugged coastal dunes and sweeping ocean vistas make up for it though.

Hi Rick,

For us our absolute favourites are Moreton and Fraser Islands. Moreton reminds me a bit of Fraser going back some years when it was not quite so busy.

Even though our kids have grown up and left home we all still regularly go to these two spots and have a great time.

The appealing thing is the sense of freedom and relaxation in the pristine surroundings.

Have a good one.

many many places id like to return to, but the stand out would be the wa goldfields for me. Alot of beutiful country to explore, alot of history and for me one of the greatest sky shows at night- nothing like the stars on the edge of the desert, with the warm flickering glow of a camp fire. the only downside is the three weeks you spend cleaning out the red dust from the car after!

I would say the Pilbara region of WA. Many happy expeiences camping at places like Kalgan Pool, Weeli Wolli Creek (hope the spelling is right) and around the Wittenoom Georges. Unfortunately I don't get enough opprotunities to return often enough.

West Kunderang,

Upper reaches of the Macley River below Armidale. One of the last pieces of freehold cattle run in the centre of the Oxley Wild Rivers Wilderness Area. The owners (McRae Family), allow no more than five groups in at a time, each have their own seperate camp site. Bass, Freshwater Herring, Mullet & Catfish. Beautiful swimming holes, bushwalking and general lazing around. Wallabies, kanga's, platapussies, tortles and all sorts of flighty life.

Take everything in with you and bring everything out at the end of you trip (other than what you leave in the long hole at each campsite). Great cooking fireplace at each camp and heaps of aged hardwood supplied. The owners actually live at Jeogla, not on the property and you often have the whole place to yourself.

Yes! Definately go back there and am trying to set a date.

Happy to post more info if anyone desires.

Ian

I was born in Gympie and spent most of my youth in the surrounding areas some 30+ years ago. I spent a lot of my weekends at Noosa, Rainbow Beech, Inskip Point Double Island Point and Fresh Water. One of my favourite spots was Fresh Water. In those days they used to drive the sand mining trucks up and down the beach and that was about the only traffic there was. Then the greenies came in and advertised the area to the rest of the world. Now I believe it is like Queen/Burke/Pitt Street. Does anybody have any photos of Fresh Water as I am told that there is a Caravan Park there now? I could see Fraser from our boat but I have not been there. One day I will get there again. Anyway I digress.

I now live in Melbourne and whenever I can, not nearly enough, I visit the High Country. Winter, Spring, Sumer Autumn, Doesn’t matter what time of the year, it is a fantastic and diverse place to visit. As Robin said in a previous post, there are plenty of challenging tracks and a lot to see. In fact I will be going there in a couple of weeks even though a lot of the tracks will be closed. We will do some driving, some eating, and some drinking of good wine around the camp fire. All in all it will be a relaxing weeks. I can’t wait to get up there again.

Anywhere around the northern rivers area after revisiting the Styx River i must say it hasn't changed much over the last 25yrs.

Baz.

There are just too many great places to choose from but these would be right up there;

Cape Leveque
Coral Bay
Kimberly Region
Lawn Hill National Park
Nhulunbuy
Coburg Peninsula
Bungles........................and then there's Central Aust, Simpson Desert, the Gulf Country, South West WA & I could go on & on.........what a great country we have!

cheers & enjoy

Rick,
Not sure what you are after, but if it is somewhere close to Adelaide for a quick trip, then we like Pine Soak Hut, Ngakat NP, nice camp site and central to some good drives.

Other wise, can't go wrong with Flinders Ranges.

Regards

Rick,

One word sums it up for me

"AUSTRALIA"

I thought Russel & Mary's reply (the first reply) was gunna be hard to beat, but maybe the last reply, # 28, from extfilm was OK too.

However, I was not looking for somewhere to go, but I WAS interested in "why you do what you do".

Here's a bit about "why I do what I do".

I prefer to plan an iteneray with a theme. I consider places of intrigue & see if I can construct an itinerary that fits a given time frame (still working for a living).
Then, given the miles/days/time frames, I think about who I will invite to be with me in the car, or in their car with us. This really makes a difference as it can make or break a trip. For exmple, I would never take a novice camper/driver for an 8 hour excursion & the expect them to set up camp, cook, and then feel satisfied . It's too much, and unfair on such a person. (I love creating a themed journey & planning & executing the menus, side day trips, special features, etc.)

Then I spend heaps of time reseearching the history, flora, fauna, and land use patterns etc. I get all available maps of the area, and re consider/re jig my route(s) if necassary. Then I get to the history aspects, and often carry all the relevant historical notes, plus regional field books on birds, animals, plants etc. By the time i get to "That location", I hardly need the maps. This lets me immerse myself in that location /route.

So what I am saying is I attempt to get an intimate understanding of that location. I re- live many of these trips , and it is the buzz from a well understood locality that enables me to identify with that region. It is immensley rewarding, beleive me.

I'm not a fastidiuos geek, plenty of rough edges here, but INTERPRETATION is the key for a very rewarding experience.

e.g. I drove nearly all the 1300 km length of the Georgina River system in 2004, when it carried water in it for virtualy all of that length,. A once in a lifetime opportunity. Great vsitas, fantastic camp spots , hot as hell , tooo may flies - unbeatable, really. All with my 76 y.o. father. Tops for both of us, in so many ways.

Cheers,
& thanks for the responses.

Send me to the Flinders.

I spent a lot of time up there camping with my parents and some time working on my uncle' property near Devils Peak in the Pitchi Ritchi Pass. The smell of native pine smoke takes me back there in an instant.

There is just something about the area that is in my blood. I drive a lot from Adelaide to Whyalla for work and every time I go through Port Augusta the temptation is to turn right and keep on going.

Cheers

Paj

Im going back up to the Pilbara next week, particularly Wittenoom, Millstream and Karijini I hope it is all still where I left it 25 years ago.

Plan to include Mt Augustus to Parabadoo, Karijini national park, Dampier (Burrup peninsula) Exmouth to Coral Bay.

As for the other side of Aus I would love to go back to the Vic High Country, Blue Rag. Love to see the Tasie wset coast tracks again Tryal Harbour to Granville when it is not raining or fogged out. The highlihgts of Tas for me were Montezuma falls and the track from Queenstown to Mount McCall and the Franklin River.

Litchfield NP for me. Got to go back as it was only on return day trip from Darwin to Katherine and I preferred it to Kakadu NP which I did the day before.

Starting to get the impression that you croweaters dont get out of the state much?

Anyway for me it would be back to Alice and Central Australia. I grew up there as a kid in the 70's and my heart still skips a beat every time I see a pic or go back there. Seems like a millenium ago I lived there but at the same time it's like I never left.