Big Yengo Camping

In early November we took a weekend out and went to Yengo National Park for a family camping weekend. We camped at Mountain Arm camp ground in the Big Yengo area.

This area is behind locked gates and is beautiful. There is a house you can book through National Parks or bush camping with toilets provided. We were the only campers there and enjoyed the ease of not having to keep our children quiet! The highlight was WE SAW WOMBATS!! It was such a joy to see these gorgeous animals in the bush. We found them just outside their burrows at about 4:30pm. We were able to walk close enough to see them well at about 15 metres and then they would hide back in their burrows. There were of course many kangaroos, birds, butterflies and various insects that kept us amused too.
There was a 4WD track that circled right around Mount Yengo. It was a very pretty drive and took roughly 2 hours. There was nothing difficult about it but 4WD was definitely necessary.

You can have fires, providing you use the existing fire pits and bring your own wood. Water is also essential as there is none available. The toilets are pits that didn't smell and were very clean. Bookings are essential and you need to book two weeks in advance as keys are necessary to access the camp area. You can phone National Parks on 02 4320 4203.

We will definitely return and explore some of the walks when our children are bigger. Autumn or Spring would be the best times to camp here to avoid the extremes in weather.

Sunset - Sunrise

I am really enjoying photography at the moment! It has always given me a huge buzz to take a great shot and over the years the time I've spent enjoying the hobby has dwindled. I've continued to take photos - mainly of the kids, but my real passion has always been landscapes and nature. I completed a course with Ken Duncan earlier this month and well it could be an understatement to say my passion has returned!

In the early years of our marriage Stephen began his love of four wheel driving and camping. I thought it was great because for me it meant taking me to great locations to take photos. The two go great together. It is really quite neat that we can go on the same trip, both love it and get a great buzz for two totally different reasons.

Here are a couple of photos from Mt Oxley, Outback NSW. This was the one rare time Stephen took a photo. I did the sunset and Stephen the sunrise (I was about 8 months pregnant and wasn't getting out of bed early for anything!)

Yengo National Park

We had a wonderful day last month exploring Yengo National Park and surrounds. It was a National Parks Discovery 4WD tour. They have fantastic guides, who are volunteers and are passionate about the area and its history. We saw Aboriginal artwork, rare plants, spectacular views and found out some real interesting facts and history.

It is an all day event. We started around Kulnura at 8:15am and finished near Mangrove Mountain just after 5pm. The kids enjoyed hanging out with our friends kids and swapping places in the cars. It kept all the driving time enjoyable when they had buddies from other families. There were also heaps of stops and plenty of opportunities to get out of the vehicles for an explore, including the time we had to move a fallen tree from the middle of the track.

Our location on the Central Coast we so often take for granted, but it was a reminder of how terrific our own back yard is. There are also a few camping places around Yengo and we hope to visit one in the next few weekends..... so stay posted for a report.

Removing Tree from Track

Lily pulled out a tooth!

Flannel Flower

Dirty Gear Bag

Well the long awaited Dirty Gear Bag has arrived! Stephen was promised the bag months ago when he renewed his 4WD magazine subscription. Even the courier started to duck his head every time he passed our house as Stephen would stop him in the street just to see if maybe he had forgotten to deliver a parcel to our house.

What is a Dirty Gear Bag... some of you may ask? It is a strong canvas bag that hangs off the spare wheel on the back of our 4WD for all your dirty gear - rubbish or recovery gear that has fallen in the mud etc.

We have always pondered the idea of getting one of these and wished we had actually gone and got one during every trip. Carrying your rubbish from a camping trip in the car, especially when it consists of dirty nappies is no joy! Lugging the muddy snatch strap on the floor of the 4WD and sighing each time a child treads on it and spreads the filth takes away from the fun. Now it can all be carried OUTSIDE the vehicle in our new bag.

All we need now is a trip to use it.... photos to come!!

Fourth Baby Camping Woes

Having our fourth baby has really slowed us down this year. The older kids are going into camping withdrawals .... "when are we going camping again?" "I want to go horse riding" "when can we go outback?" are all weekly questions in our household. "Soon... When Matthew starts sleeping better" or "When Matthew starts walking" (for the outback) is the answer.

We've camped with all our kids as babies but THIS ONE... has not quite been the same. Is it that we have the extra ones to contend with? Is he really that worse a sleeper than the others? Is four really a lot of children? Not sure what the answer is, I assume it is a mixture of factors all put together.

This is not to say we haven't been camping since he was born. We've been on 5 various camping trips, which is probably 4 more than most people! BUT there have been 4 more trips that we have declined! The first trip Matthew was great (6 weeks old) since then.... well, lets say at this point in his life he doesn't enjoy camping like the rest of us. The trips were we had older children around who were happy to walk around pushing the pram made life much happier for all - thanks guys!

Life is seasonal, this season will pass onto the next, probably without us noticing until we stop to reflect and look back - so we don't despair. The children grow up so fast and I would like to think we can cherish each moment before it moves onto the next - I'm happy for life to slow down a little so we can enjoy our baby and all his little mile stones.

We have a map of Australia under a plastic cover on our dining table. Each day we ponder over it... will we go outback, to the beach for two weeks or should start planning (and saving for) a big 12 month trip for 3 years time? We'll await and see what unfolds.

The Joys of Camping - Flies!

In 2004 we took our two small girls to the Flinders Rangers in South Australia. It was the days before the red Patrol and the days before camper trailers. I found the days a little long with constant fatigue and MORNING SICKNESS! The nights were COLD and uncomfortable in a swag. Call me soft, a wimp... whatever you like, but I do LOVE our camper trailers. Thank goodness the days of travelling in our bouncy 4 Runner and sleeping in a swag are long gone!

Enjoy these photos of our Lily as she has become totally oblivious to the flies and enjoyed a juicy, fresh orange.

Comeroo - Outback Camping

Comeroo is about 150km north of Bourke, out in the middle of nowhere and has become a family favourite of ours.

It is an 100,000 acre working property, with friendly hosts Bruce & Chris and a lovable dog, Ralph. There are always new animals for the kids to feed, pat or play with and plenty of Yabbies in the dam for Stephen to catch. Last trip we enjoyed a camel wagon ride to the letterbox and back - it was very entertaining at every gate. Stephen kindly offered to open and close the gate not knowing the run he then had ahead of him as Bruce would get the camels "galloping" as fast as they would go! We also went on a self guided 4WD trip accross the property - got ourselves very lost but enjoyed the exploration much the same and took quite a few nice photos.

I love the 24 hour fire, the sunsets and the peace. Stephen - the artesian bore, yabblies and finding something new on each visit. The kids - feeding the animals, Ralph and exploring. We all enjoy the friendly hospitality and can't wait to get there again.

June Long Weekend 4WD Day

What a fabulous June long weekend. The last 3 years has been torrential rain... I remember them well since hiring camper trailers - and drying them all!

This year we spent the Saturday four wheel driving around the Watagan's area. We had 7 vehicles and 27 kids all up!!! We found a lovely place for a BBQ lunch - Boarding House Dam in the Watagans National Park. There is a bush walk, water falls, BBQ's and plenty of space for the 27 kids to enjoy themselves - which they did!

Thank you to the Dehoogh family for this top photo! I wasn't in the car, the girls where screaming and our son, Daniel... well his face says it all - no fear.

Many thanks to Andrew & Leanne for a great day out.

Lemonade Scones

A favourite of ours while camping is Scones. This recipe is so easy to cook making it a fun activity with with the kids. They are totally scrumptious straight out of the camp oven, eaten hot with jam & cream (we generally pack ready to go whipped cream when we know we're gong to cook these treats)

We haven't made them for a while since we cook gluten free now for Lily - but will add a new recipe when we've had a few experiments.

Lemonade Scones

1 cup Lemonade
1 cup Cream (I take long life - so it is something less that needs to fit in the fridge)
3 cups Self Raising Flour

Combine all the ingredients
Knead on a floured surface
Flatten dough to approx 2cm
Use a round cutter to cut out scones
Place on foiled and oiled tray close together
Cook in pre-heated camp oven for approx 10 - 15 minutes.
Enjoy with jam, cream or just butter.

Photo Shoot for Camper Trailer Magazine

Glenworth Valley, on the Central Coast was the location for a photo shoot with Carlisle Rogers from Camper Trailer Australia Magazine. Complete Campsite will be on the front cover with their 2009 Nomad Camper Trailer. We were lucky enough to tag along and be apart of the shoot with our kids and two of their friends.

Glenworth Valley is a great camping location, so close to home! There is horse riding, quad bike riding, canoeing, absailing etc. You camp along the river and are allowed to have camp fires, which is always a bonus! There is also a brand new amenities block built up on the hill, not too close to the camping yet close enough for convenience.

All the kids had a go on the rope swing while waiting to be models for the photos and enjoyed their moments of "Stardom".

Point Plomer

Point Plomer (March 2007)

Point Plomer is smack bang between Port Macquarie and Crescent Head in Limeburners Creek Reserve. Owned by National Parks, Point Plomer is accessed via the small surf town of Crescent Head. The drive is 15km of mainly dirt road, which is not the smoothest of ride. Plenty of two wheel drive cars were down there, but be prepared for a bumpy ride! An alternative access route is available from Port Macquarie.

From Port Macquarie we took the punt at Settlement Point. We then drove along the beach for about 10 minutes (making sure it is low tide) to reach our camp. An adjacent track suitable for 4WD’s is a second option with 2WD’s able to take Maria River Road which also takes you to Crescent Head.

The drive was picturesque with some lovely billabongs full of lily pads on the way. Each drive around the area was interesting making our day trips always different as we explored the different tracks and their outlook.

We spent seven nights at this beautiful location, which was seven nights too short! The cost per night is $10 per couple plus approx $3 per child depending on age. We recommend obtaining a National Parks Pass as this saves you $7 each day. There were clean, flushing toilets and cold showers (for the light hearted a solar bag shower is a good option!). There are no powered sites.

Bait, ice, firewood and drinks are available for purchase from the office with nearby Crescent Head the option for other necessities. Crescent Head also gave us a great meal out at the Golf Club, with the Chinese Restaurant section supplying great value for money meals. Port Macquarie is also fairly close with the punt being an exciting part of the journey. The punt costs $2.60 per way so be prepared with your shrapnel. In Port we stopped at Port Marina Laundromat, where the owner offered a great service of washing, drying and folding of our clothes for no extra charge whilst we enjoyed the local shops.

Why did we have to go the Laundromat you may ask?? Well, it rained and rained and rained. We can now confidently say that you can remain dry and comfortable in a Complete Campsite Camper Trailers in the rain. The fully enclosed annex was excellent. We played board games, the children coloured-in and we relaxed with a cup of tea. Small amounts of water trickled in after two days of very solid rain but over all we faired very well, all things considering.

Point Plomer is renowned for its surfing, however there is much more on offer with its wildlife, spectacular landscape and peaceful feel. Every day brought in new things to see (especially when the rain stopped!). Goannas wandered around, Kangaroos hopped by and the odd dingo passed up the beach in the evening. There were plenty of birds and different types of frogs. Dolphins visited our beach daily and starfish, crabs and even octopuses were a delight to watch during low tides. There was a paved walk up to the point where the views were amazing. We stopped and watched the rays riding the waves. It would be a fantastic place to spot whales migrating.

The camp ground was busier than we expected over the weekend, although weekdays remained extremely quiet. Even with the extra people the camp ground was still quiet and very pleasant. The office manager did say that it was much busier than usual. We still recommend arriving on a Friday morning or Sunday afternoon to get a good spot to camp. Those that arrived on Saturday were left with sites that others had already passed over.

Over all we loved our week and definitely would recommend Point Plomer and its surroundings to anyone. Our three children were happy, the grandparents were happy, so in turn we were very happy! Point Plomer is definitely on the list to return to.

Camping with Kids - Article for Kidz on the Coast

Camping with Kids

by Christine McPherson (March 2009)

Camping is all about getting back to basics and spending time together. There’s no better way to enjoy your family and to build memories with the kids than camping! It is so lovely to work as a team setting up camp, taking a peaceful family bush walk, preparing a meal to cook over the fire, and then sit back with a cuppa all whilst the kids toast marshmallows and sing songs together around the camp fire.

Why is camping with the kids sometimes NOT like that in so many ways?

Here are a few tips to make your next camping adventure a little more like the above perfect picture.

1. Don’t travel too far! Pick a location that is easy to get to, allowing plenty of time for setting up camp without the pressures of darkness.
2. Keep the family well fed and hydrated. It is always helpful to have fed the family first before trying to work together to setup your campsite. Hungry bellies after a long journey, is a sure recipe for disaster – not just the with kids but for marriages too!
3. Have designated jobs for each person. Keep them age appropriate and give lots of encouragement along the way.
4. Keep the children’s bed time roughly the same as home. If the kids go to bed late and get up with the sun, it will definitely make for tired, cranky little people. This in turn makes for tired and cranky parents. It is also a good idea to make sure their bedding is comfortable and warm. The whole idea of getting away together is to enjoy each other, therefore I urge you that this is a big one for a successful camping trip!
5. Bring toys and activities that compliment and engage the children with the environment. Our three year old brings his Tonka trucks to dig around in the sand or dirt. He also collects sticks for the fire in his dump truck. Our seven year old brings a sketch book to draw in and collects leaves, shells etc. They all enjoy cooking and love to flip the pancakes or make a cake in the camp oven.
6. Be organised. Having a camping box ready to go with all your pots, pans, cups, plates right down to the foil, glad wrap, pegs, sunscreen etc makes packing a whole lot easier. A tick sheet with your essential items is also helpful. A dirty clothes hamper is also very useful in keeping your tent area tidy and makes sorting back at home a breeze. Any measures you can take to be organised before, during and after the trip are well worth the effort of adding to the pleasure of the adventure.
   
   

We love camping as a family. It can sometimes be a challenge but overall it is well worth the effort. If you are still a little hesitant or want to make sure your next camping trip is pure comfort then why not consider hiring one of our camper trailers with a queen bed, lights, water tank, power, bunks, table and chairs all supplied for your comfort. You may also like to check out one of our family camping tours to Barrington, Gloucester or even the NSW Outback. All the hire and tour information is on our website http://www.hitthetrack.com.au/ All that is left now is to give it a go