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Stay and play in the great north-west

Grey nomads are no longer just retirees in sleek motorhomes. Nature lovers and intrepid explorers are heading to the wide-open road in caravans, campers and tents after months of on-and-off border closures.

Camping under the stars

IMAGE: TTOURISM AND EVENTS QUEENSLAND

Outback Queensland’s north-west region begins four hours’ drive west of Townsville. With towering ancient gorges, worldrenowned fossil deposits, untouched national parks and warm country hospitality, it is a region best seen by road.

And when travelling by road, a caravan park is hard to beat.

Here are seven quirky stays during a trip to north-west Queensland: PRAIRIE HOTEL-MOTEL, HUGHENDEN An “American Pickers” dream, the Prairie Hotel in Hughenden is a must-see for its eccentric, grandmother-approved collection of stockmen’s hats and other historic memorabilia.

Make the most of this free, petfriendly campsite and outback experience in the charming town of Prairie, about 43km from Hughenden in the Flinders Shire. Patrons can also tuck into a pub meal to remember in the hotel’s country style dining room, surrounded by Praire’s old treasures and relics. PORCUPINE GORGE NATIONAL PARK, PORCUPINE Be greeted by towering cliffs of coloured sandstone, pockets of vine forest and deep blue waterholes as you make your way through the gates at Porcupine Gorge National Park. Known as Australia’s Little Grand Canyon, the scenic Pyramid Campground at Porcupine Gorge has a limited number of sites (22 to be exact!), basic facilities, picnic tables and fire rings. Planning ahead is crucial to secure your spot at this hidden wonder of the north-west. KARUMBA POINT SUNSET CARAVAN PARK, KARUMBA Shout “Ay, Karumba!” at this five-star, family and pet friendly caravan park in the heart of Karumba in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Travellers can experience where the outback meets the sea staying at one of the park’s 163 well-equipped powered sites or 22 unpowered sites and 6 ensuite villas or four cabins.

There’s nowhere better to make the most of the abundance of natural beauty in Karumba – with a swimming pool open all year to cool off after a day’s exploration. BEDROCK VILLAGE CARAVAN PARK & TOURS, MOUNT SURPRISE Hidden among the picturesque scenes of the historic township of Mount Surprise in Einasleigh Shire, Bedrock Village Caravan Park and Tours is on nine acres of true-blue north-west Queensland bushland.

It offers adventurers a perfect base to make the most of local attractions, such as the Savannahlander train and Undara Lava Tubes in the tropical north-west’s Gulf savannah. Make yourself home at one of the 35 air-conditioned ensuite cabins, 75 powered sites or 30 lawned tent sites before sitting around the campfire for an impromptu concert. GULFLAND MOTEL AND CARAVAN PARK, NORMANTON Expect “big things” from the moment you spot the Big Barramundi at the Gulfland Motel and Caravan Park in Normanton.

From wetlands and grasslands to arid savannah territory, you can see it all from above with the popular helicopter rides or a heli-fishing tour across the Norman River. The Gulfland Motel and Caravan Park covers all styles, from airconditioned motel rooms to caravanning and camping sites. There’s also a restaurant and pool on-site. TALAROO OUTBACK CAMPING AND CARAVAN PARK, MOUNT SURPRISE The Savannah Way’s newest tourist attraction, Talaroo Hot Springs combines the culture and hospitality of Ewamian people with one of north-west Queensland’s most amazing geological wonders.

Guests in one of the 16 powered and 15 unpowered sites are encouraged to make the most of “Talaroo time” and join the exclusive guided tours, experience the healing waters of the hot springs or private soaking pools, enjoy a walk to the Einasleigh River or experience a yarning circle. JULIA CREEK CARAVAN PARK, JULIA CREEK You’ll feel right at home at one of Julia Creek Caravan Park’s drive-through, unpowered and powered sites, grassed camping areas or fully self-contained cabins. Julia Creek is a friendly park where the motto is “no strangers here, just friends you haven’t met.” Whether or not you’re in the mood to socialise, you can unwind after a day on the road at one of the six artesian bathhouses overlooking the downs country (with cheese platter and wine in hand!) and soak up the therapeutic properties of the water from the Great Artesian Basin. Julia Creek Caravan Park

IMAGE: TTOURISM AND EVENTS QUEENSLAND Pyramid Camping Area 1

HERMAN’S TOURS & TRAVEL

DAY TRIPS FROM $97

Saturday 12 February 2022: Love is in the Air – Secrets on the Lake Montville .................$106* Saturday 26 March 2022: Boreen Point - Apollonian Hotel .................................................$108* Saturday 30 April 2022: The Ginger Factory..........................................................................$97*

MORE 2022 DAY TOURS:

Hampton Festival, Clydesdale Spectacular, Jumpers & Jazz Festival, Ocean View Estate Winery, Llama Farm, Aqua Duck & Eumundi Markets *Lunch Included EXTENDED HOLIDAYS

25 TO 27 FEBRUARY 2022 GO ‘NUTS’ FOR KINGAROY TWIN SHARE $1298 P.P.

MORE 2022 HOLIDAYS FOR YOU

15 TO 19 APRIL 2022 WHERE ELSE BUT CHARLEVILLE – EASTER 2022 TWIN SHARE $1890 P.P.

Opera in the Capricorn Caves, Norfolk Island, Vintage Rail Journey, Longreach & Winton.

Single Supplements: Kingaroy $125, Charleville $296 ille$296i l S l Ki

Our extended holidays include return home transfers – Brisbane Metropolitan area.

Day Tours – * Includes Lunch. Extended holidays include return home transfers (Brisbane Metropolitan Area). Itineraries and prices quoted are subject to change.

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Take a trip down the mighty Darling River DROUGHT-busting rain in the west has set the stage for the Outback traveller to see it in a whole new light.

“It’s a once in 20 or 30-year experience to see the Outback after the rain it has recorded in recent months,” says Paul Brockhurst of CT Travel.

“Rivers, lakes and dams are full to the brim and the waterfalls are gushing, so it’s a very special time as it doesn’t happen that often.”

The Murray-Darling system is flowing and the Darling River is calling. A 15-day luxury coach tour departing April 26, will follow the mighty river for more than 700km then swing across to Broken Hill, Australia’s first National Heritage City, and Silverton.

See the fish traps, one of the oldest manmade structures on earth, at Brewarrina, and learn the stories of the 19th century river ports of Bourke and Louth while on a journey that presents a different picture to the drought-affected Outback of recent years.

Carnarvon Gorge region will also be at its spectacular best. Join a small group tour for seven days departing March 21 or May 30, to explore the Carnarvon region from the Wallaroo Outback Retreat.

The 29,000ha station represents some of Australia’s best beef cattle country with views of the magnificent Arcadia Valley from the western escarpment of the Carnarvon Ranges.

See ancient forests, Aboriginal cultural sites, canyons, majestic cliffs where water has eroded a dramatic gorge system through layers of sandstone, and rugged wilderness with experienced local guides from Boobook Eco Tours.

Simon and Michelle, Australian Nature Guides, will lead the way to the Moss Garden in the Carnarvon Gorge, where lush ferns and moss line crystal clear waters against a dramatic waterfall backdrop.

For more rainforests and waterfalls, spend four relaxed days among nature’s wonders at O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat in the Gold Coast hinterland, leaving either March 6 or June 19.

After a wine over lunch at Canungra Valley Vineyards along the way, stay in luxury accommodation with a la carte dinners at O’Reilly’s where you can rise to morning bird spotting walks and the famous Tree Top Walk.

“The countryside is a picture after the rains,” Paul says. “It’s a great time to start planning to head out and see for yourself what happens when the rivers are flowing again.”

Full itineraries and a list of upcoming tours where you can choose your destination and duration, are on the CT Travel website. Visit cttravel.com.au

Magnificent Carnarvon Gorge

February 2022 Norfolk Island (8 Days) March 2022 O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat (4 Days) Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days) April / May 2022 OB NSW - The Darling River Run to Broken Hill (15 Days) May / June 2022 Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days) O’Reillys Winter Escape (4 Days) July 2022 Western Qld Loop inc Birdsville (12 Days) August 2022 Lightning Ridge (7 Days)

CT TRAVEL

Coolum Tours & Travel

September 2022 Fraser Island Whale Watch (4 Days) Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (3 Days) Nth Qld Savanah Way (12 Days) October 2022 South Australia - Flinders Rangers (10 Days) November 2022 Tasmania (14 Days) Hunter Valley Xmas Lights (5 Days)

FREE CALL : 1800 1400 66 (AUS) 0800 0088 10 (NZ)

FRIENDS on Norfolk Island Rock Rock &Roll &Roll Feat. Kris Knight DEPART BRISBANE from $2589pp 7 nights – twin share 16 - 23 July 2022 DEPART SYDNEY from$2639pp 7 nights – twin share 15 - 22 July 2022

All Inclusive Holiday PackaAll Inclusive Holiday Package: ge: ✓ Return economy class airfare to ✓ Return economy class airfare to Norfolk Island – incl. airline taxes Norfolk Island – incl. airline taxe✓ Meet&Greet at Norfolk Airport s ✓ Return airport transfers on Island ✓ Meet&Greet at Norfolk Airport✓ 7 nights twin share accommoda on ✓ Return airport transfers on Island ✓ 7 days car hire per room ✓ Daily fully cooked breakfast ✓ 7 nights twin share accommodatio✓ Half Day Island Orienta on Tour n ✓ Welcome Dinner Premium BBQ at ✓ 7 days car hire per rooParadise Hotel m ✓ Daily fully cooked breakfast ✓ 2x 2-course dinners at Paradise Hotel followed by performances by ✓ Half Day Island Orientation Tour Kris Knight as Buddy Holly/Chris Isaak ✓ 2-course dinner performance by ✓ Welcome Dinner Premium BBQ at Kris Knight as Buddy Holly/Chris Isaak

Paradise Hotel at the Norfolk Island RSL

Norfolk Island shopping bag, map, ✓ 2x 2-course dinners at Paradise handy hints and shopping discounts

Hotel followed by performances by Kris Knight as Buddy Holly/Chris Isaak‘The Australian Buddy Holly Show’

and ‘Wicked Games’ – featuring

✓ 2-course dinner perKris Knight formance by Kris Knight as Buddy Holly/Chris Isaak at Shake your tail feather to the rock’n tunes the Norfolk Island RSL of Buddy Holly and Chris Isaak and dance the night away with rock and roll band ★ Norfolk Island shopping bag, map, The Foxtails – all while enjoying a South handy hints & shoppinPacifi c holiday. g discounts

THIS WILL BE AN EXPERIENCE NOT TO BE MISSED! 3 Shows • 15-23 July 2022

Brimming with energy, Kris Knight bursts onto the stage bringing to life 2 of Rock&Roll’s most treasured icons … Buddy Holly & Chris Isaak!

Backed by a trio of talented musicians and performing a swag of hits, this exci ng tribute has audiences dancing in the aisles. Kris has performed in Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, New Caledonia, NZ and tours Australia consistently. Bringing 2 hours of memorable songs and wi y comedic fun, get ready for a great night out!

Your all-inclusive holiday package:

Wrapping up your fl ights, accommoda on, daily breakfast and car hire, as well as fun add-ons chosen to ensure you get the most out of your holiday to our beau ful Island:

Half Day Island Tour: Familiarising you with the layout, history and places of Norfolk

Island – incl. morning tea.

Welcome Dinner – Premium BBQ at Paradise Hotel: Your chance to meet Kris

Knight (aka Buddy Holly/Chris Isaak) over a BBQ buff et dinner.

Two 2-course dinners at Paradise Hotel: followed by performances by Kris Knight as Buddy Holly/Chris Isaak. 2-course dinner at Norfolk Island RSL: Relax in the friendly atmosphere of our local

RSL club and then let Kris (aka Buddy Holly/Chris Isaak) rock your socks off again.

Norfolk Island shopping bag, handy hints & shopping discounts Discover Norfolk Island:

Situated a short two hour fl ight from Sydney or Brisbane and midway between Australia and New Zealand, Norfolk Island is packed full of things to see and do. The UNESCO World Heritage listed Kingston Area will take you into the history of turbulent convict years, and today’s vibrant ‘Norf’k’ culture (born out of the infamous ‘Mu ny on the Bounty’) can be explored via tours, displays and even a chat with a friendly local. Encounter our pris ne environment via swimming, reef snorkelling and rainforest walks. Our cafés and restaurants off er delicious, fresh and organic meals and local art, cra s, toys, shoes and tax-free items are amongst shopping highlights.

Free Call : 1800 1400 66 (AUS) / 0800 0088 10 (NZ) Phone : (international) +6723 22502 Email : christan@travelcentre.nf Address : PO Box 172, Norfolk Island, 2899 www.facebook.com/norfolkislandtravelcentre