Doddos Downunder (2024)

03/12/2023

Can’t come to Bundaberg without a visit to here. So good. Loved our visit to see dad and Rhonda for an early Christmas gathering.

19/11/2023

17-20 Nov 2023 -
Another great stay at Barracrab Caravan Park Clairview. Shaz and staff are so beautiful and helpful. We will be back.
Fantastic company, a great night listening and dancing to Mango Junction. You won us over. 😀 we are now your groupies 🤣

17/11/2023

A big weekend coming up. Looking forward to the band tomorrow night and hopefully a dance or two.

29/09/2023

29 Sept 2023 - just as our adventures began it is over. What a great three weeks we had with our beautiful friends. Thank you for sharing this holiday with us and making it so much fun with many laughs.
Travelled 2319.4kms with fuel costing $1221.09
A few mishaps on the way within our group but we all made it safely home.
Highlights were many but I think for me where:

Sunrise at Lara Wetlands
The sunset at Dunblane station while sitting in a bath tub filled with Artisian hot water. (Bliss)
The Bush Poet comedy show
The Gala Ball
The river cruise and dinner on the Thompson River-Longreach
The Eagles show
The many nights by the campfire listening to the guys sing and play music.
Favourite Caravan park - Roses n Things Barcaldine

Fantastic holiday. Definitely worth the trip out west to the Outback Festival, Winton Queensland Australia and all the towns in between.

27/09/2023

24-27 Sept 2023- Lake Dunn (4 nights)
On our way from Winton to Lake Dunn we got a bolt in our car tyre causing it to go down,so a quick change of the tyre and on our way again.
Arrived at Lake Dunn. Dusty place but a nice spot as you are camp right on the lake. Hot showers , laundry and toilet facilities $25 for powered sites.
John and I did some of the sculpture trail. What a talented lady making these sculptures out of wire, nuts and bolts. Lovely stay here with camp fires and listening to Mark, Dave and Erwin play the guitar ,sing and play the harmonica.

23/09/2023

Last day of the festival - Sat 23 Sept 2023

What a great last day here , filled with a parade consisting of locals and lots a trucks, some old and some new.
We had lunch at the Winton Hotel then later went back to watch the Shank Brothers cooked up beef ribs. We all got a taste. Yummo!
We watched the guys and girls participate in the truck pulling, now that looks hard. They all pulls the massive truck over the line.
We hung around to watch the Shank boys again do the Chilli challenge. Now that was a laugh. Unbelievable how three remained up there.
The final concert was terrific. Consisting of G-Force from Mackay, the IRAR band and the Eagles tribute. Boy were they good and to top the night off the Bronocs got into the Grand Finals
What a great 5 days we had here.
Highlights for me was the Bush Poet comedy morning and the Eagles festival.
Lows - the smelly Winton water. Not easy to get used too. Drinkable apparently but we didn’t try.
Worth a visit. Thank you Winton for doing an amazing job for a small committee of 6 people.

22/09/2023

20-22 Sept 2023
Hit the main area of the festival on the second day to watch some broom throwing, swag throwing and some cow dune throwing. Had to watch where some threw that one lol
Thursday we went to the Bush poet breakfast and show. Well the breakfast was a bit of a nightmare for everyone as they were not expecting that many walk in’s hence breakfast took a long time. In the end though we got food and enjoyed a very funny morning listening to the comedians tell their stories through poetery and songs. Plenty of laughs.
That night we attended the Gala Ball at the Winton Showgrounds under the stars. Had a fun night but it ended way to early (10:30pm) the IRAR band didn’t disappoint. I busted both my shoes but the RFDS came to the rescue so I could continue on dancing.
Friday saw all of us visiting the Age of Dinosaurs just outside Winton. Some parts were interesting but others just too long for me.
The famous Quilton Australian Dunny Derby was on that afternoon with many colourful characters and Dunnys. Was funny to watch. Dragon played that night.

20/09/2023

19 Sept 2023- Winton Outback Festival
Longreach to Winton
Day 1. Opening ceremony. Morning tea at a beautiful unique coffee shop called the Lost Poet Coffee Bookshop.
Set up camp. A lot of vans here. Mini Pool comp at our van. Courtesy of the Bawden’s. We are off to to good start. 😊
Johnny Cash Show that night.

$16-18 Sept 2023 Dunblane Station to Longreach via. Ilfracombe Met up with the Grosskopf’s & Darnill’s at the iconic Well...$

18/09/2023

16-18 Sept 2023 Dunblane Station to Longreach via. Ilfracombe
Met up with the Grosskopf’s & Darnill’s at the iconic Wellshot Hotel in Ilfracombe. Unique pub with hats everywhere of famous people and not so famous people. Funny stools to sit in. Enjoyed morning tea and the boys took a walk along the stretch of old machinery.
We had done all the tourist attractions before so we basically shopped and relaxed here.
We did do the Smithys Outback River Tour and dinner down the Thompson River again. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Beautiful sunsets.
Dinner was a delicious two course followed by damper and Billy tea.
We stayed at the Muddy Duck CP which in time when the trees grow will be beautiful. Amenities nice and clean. Park right on the Thompson River

16/09/2023

14-15 Sept 2023- Dunblane Sheep Station

8 km out of Barcaldine we stayed at the Shearing Shed on this property. First impressions was not good as I think I was thinking of Farmer Wants a Wife show 😊 but it definitely lived up to my expectations. Wazza, Kerri, Jo & Erwin didn’t want to stay so they headed off to Longreach 2 days earlier.
Sitting in an outdoor bath filled with hot artisian water and watching the sun go down was a highlight. Absolutely stunning sunsets.
We had camp fires both nights and played cards. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay there.

13/09/2023

12 & 13 Sept 2023- checked in for two nights at a beautiful caravan park in Barcaldine. The park has a quaint tea house attached which serves delicious food and has a very pretty gift shop.
We visited the Australian Heritage Workers centre, Tree of Knowledge (no wiser) , the new Rec park which is Artesian water and the township. A great place to visit. Check us out in our donut shirts. Lol

12/09/2023

3 nights at beautiful Lara Wetlands where you can just relax or fill your day in the hot spring pool, ride a bike around , canoe in the wetlands or play mini golf. All included in your price. The sunrise was spectacular. So worth getting up to see it. My photos are not edited. We will be back one day.

09/09/2023

9 Sept 2023- Lara Wetlands
Left Alpha after we all filled up our water tanks. The two roosters played havoc with a lot of our sleeping. 🙃
Jo and Erwin blew a tyre on the way to Barcaldine so John and I turned back to help them. They did a good job of it. The tyre was wrecked. Really nice b doubled stopped to see if we needed help which we thought was nice as it takes a bit to stop them.
The other guys waited for us in Barcy then we took off to Lara.
Such a pretty spot. They roped off an area for us. Perfect looking over the wetlands. The lady was so friendly on arrival.
Put our feet in the artisan spring. Nice an hot.
Will have a dip before we leave.

08/09/2023

Friday 08.09.2023. - First day of our trip to the Winton Outback Festival. Overnight at Alpha behind the local pub. Caught up with one of my son’s in Emerald. Great trip so far.

01/08/2023

28 July-2 August 2023 - Johnny’s /Doddo’s 60th birthday celebration.
Some happy snaps of a fantastic weekend celebrating. Beautiful spot. Fantastic for children and adults. Thank you for everyone that came and help Johnny celebrated his special birthday. He had a great time and appreciated the love you all shown, yes Wazza even you. 🥰🥰 P S. the highlight was definitely not when a kookaburra swooped down and took a nearly whole piece of pizza out of my hand. I am not sure how it didn’t ger my hand and lucky I wasn’t putting it up to my mouth. Bloody birds. You can’t trust them. Hence to say I ate the rest in the van. 😱

01/08/2023

Lunch for Johnny’s birthday. Nice country pub. Meals yummy.

03/07/2023

30 June-3 July 2023
First stops Calliope Rest stop. Even though it was really busy it was still peaceful.
1 July we checked in to the Big 4 Breeze Caravan park in Bargara. The park was packed. Our site was not very big but surprisingly still quiet with the amount of people around.
We celebrated my Dad’s 88th birthday with delicious party cakes made by my sister Deb then we had a yummy bbq that night. Erwin played the guitar and him and Jo sang. It was great.
Sunday we went to the RSL club for lunch where Jo and I won’t a raffle prize. $40 and $100.
Dinner of pizza that night and then said our goodbyes to Dad , Rhonda, Deb , Phil and Jo and Erwin.
Great weekend.
Caravan park is right near the beach which has a coffee shop at the end of the surf lifesaver building.
Good location but you pay for it in school holidays.

19/06/2023

So lucky we could enjoy a fire every night at this friend’s property. Loved trying new things in the camp oven. Beef ribs one night , pizza from stratch amd last night did rissoles and veggies in alfoil parcels on the coals. All turned out very yummy. Favourite was the pizza. The time here was so relaxing. A beautiful piece of serenity not far from home. Perfect getaway. 15-18 June 2023

15/06/2023

First night of our three days away at a friends property. Great start. Camp fire and camp oven full with beef ribs cooking. So peaceful.

04/06/2023

Great weekend celebrating my sisters 60th and my brother-in-laws 62nd birthday. Had a great time listening to Erwin playing the guitar around the fire. Can’t beat that. Thanks for the invite Jo. I would have been devastated if I wasn’t. Lol.
Still a beautiful spot but that Marto and Gen created. His presence was with us but you still feel a wave of sadness that this true gentleman was taken too soon.

02/06/2023

2-4 June 2023. Weekend away to celebrate my sister Jo’s 60th. Nice way to start sitting around a fire listening to Erwin playing the guitar. Full moon. Beautiful

07/05/2023

Sat 6-8 May 2023 - NRMA Agnes Water Holiday Park
First time here at this magical place. I can see why people flock here and continually come back.
The beach is long and so pretty with clear waters.
They have a cafe on site for breakfast and lunch and I heard very good coffee ( I don’t drink coffee).
Amenities clean and friendly staff.
Plenty to do in Agnes and 1770 if you wish. We did the Paperbark Trail walk which is definitely worth it.
Next time we are back we will do more activities as we will stay longer.
Had a great time here catching up with our friends Hazel and Stuart, Warren and Kerri-Lee and my sister and hubby Joanne and Erwin.
We will be back.

06/05/2023

Friday 5 May 2023- Quick overnight stop at the free campsite at Calliope River Ranch then off to Agnes Water for the weekend. Great spot. Very busy though but still able to find a spot for us and the Darnill’s. It was surprisingly nice and peaceful.

25/04/2023

3 nights at Barracrab Caravan Park Clairview was a very relaxing experience.
The amenities are not new but always clean.
The staff were very friendly and the Non powered sites are large. We would book unpowered again.
Beach front powered sites are small.
Beautiful spot.

24/04/2023

Memorial Dawn Service- Lest We Forget
Nice to see a good roll up nice an early this morning. Remembering all those great men and women that fought to make our life so much better.
Remembering dear Ron our step-dad who fought in the 42nd Battalion. Not able to march today but in our thoughts.
Thank you Barracrab Caravan Park Clairview for putting on the service and the free breakfast.

22/04/2023

22-25April 2023
First time camping at Clairview with the Darnill’s. So relaxing with a nice cool breeze. Facilities pretty old but clean and very functional. It’s all about location, location, location. Staff were very friendly
Warren Darnill Kerri-Lee Darnill

02/12/2022

Updated. Fuel costs. $3528.69

Day 42 -Friday 2 Dec 2022 Home Sweet Home

Woke up to sun today after rain the whole time in Bargara.
Quick look at beach before heading home after 42 Days.
What a journey we have had.
Travelled 9203 kms
Accommodation costs $1479
Highlights - National Innes Park, Flinders, Second. Valley. and the Barossa really too many to name.
Favourite Caravan Park - Coobowie
Favourite town -Hahndorf
Scariest - Cooper Pedy (85km wind gusts)
Uniqueness -Silverton & Coober Pedy
Near misses-semi swerve into our lane
South Australia is a beautiful state. The countryside is stunning. We saw a lot but still more to explore another time.
The weather wasn’t the best at times but we made it there and got home safely.
Until our next journey. Thanks for following.

01/12/2022

Day 41. 29-30 Nov & 1 Dec 2022. Bargara
The last three nights have been spent in Bargara. Horrible weather. Raining the whole time. We came here to visit my dad and catch up with my sister Deb and Phil before Christmas. Had a lovely time with them. We still got to go to the Macadamia cafe where we had a lovely lunch and brought the yummiest caramel and macadamia slice I have ever tasted. That’s dessert tonight.
Tomorrow is our the last leg of our trip.
Looking forward to home.41–

28/11/2022

Day 40 - Monday 28 Nov 2022

Today we went up to Mount Tambourine. What a beautiful place. So pretty.
Visited Curtis Waterfalls.
Dinner with Stuart and Hazel at Mario’s Italian Restaurant in Broadbeach. The meal was so good.

27/11/2022

Day 38 & 39. Sat & Sun 26 & 27 Nov 2022

Arrived at Yamba (Sat) today to visit our good friends Kylie and Scooter. We ended over on their speed boat to the pub at Iluka for dinner and a Neil Diamond show. Great food and great company. Had a few dances to Mr Neil Diamond. We had a faster trip home in the speed boat as water was so calm. So much fun. Beautiful spot on the water.
(Sun) said our goodbyes to our dear friends and arrived at Elanora after crossing the border back into Qld, to another beautiful spot overlooking the trees, our other dear friends Hazel and Stuart who we met on our NSW trip. Really so blessed to have special friends.

25/11/2022

Day 36 & 37. 24 & 25 Nov 2022. Thursday and Friday - Forster

The last two days we left Canberra and arrive at Forster. We tried to camp in the National Park but we was too crowded.😞 but it was a beautiful drive

A beautiful spot here. Very pretty with the lake and ocean. We saw dolphins today but couldn’t capture them on video

23/11/2022

Day 35- Wednesday 23 Nov 2022. Canberra

Today we visited the Cockington Green Gardens which has a miniature replica display of an English village. Beautiful display. Also a display of Winton China and doll houses. In the way out there were some very cute bunnies hoping around.

Next stop was the Ainslie Lookout. Great views of the city.

22/11/2022

Day 34 - Tuesday 22 Nov 2022. Canberra

Drove to the Australian War Memorial today even though we have been before we wanted to look again. Takes awhile to see it all. Unfortunately the section we wanted to really see was closed

Next stop was the Questacon, Science building. It was interesting and fun. So many school children there though which spoilt it a little trying to have a go on things.

Today the weather was not as windy and cold. No rain thank goodness. 3 degrees last night. Night should be a fraction warmer. 🎉

21/11/2022

Day32 and 33. Sunday & Monday 20 & 21 Nov 2022. Holbrook and Canberra

In the last three days we have been in 4 States from SA we crossed into Victoria, NSW and now ACT.

Sunday we headed to Holbrook to stay behind the Riverina Hotel. On the way we saw a bit of water laying around in NSW especially near Albury. We had lunch at Colbinabbin and viewed some beautiful painted silos.

Arrived at the hotel in Holbrook and as we were walking in John spotted Roothy from the 4WD action show on TV and YouTube. John couldn’t believe it as he just saw his vehicle in the Birdwood Motor Museum (Milo) we chatted for a bit and then we had a few drinks and dinner. Great free place to stop.

Next morning we had breakfast in town at a great cafe then visited the HMAS Otway submarine display.

Arrived Canberra to freezing cold winds and rain off and on. The camp kitchen here is 5 stars.
3 degrees overnight so will have to rug up.

19/11/2022

Day 31 - Saturday 19 Nov 2022 -Nhill Vic

Left SA due to the pending weather conditions on its way.
Arrived in Victoria today.
Last day today with my sister Jo and hubby Erwin.
What a great time we all have had together. It was so nice to have them with us and I hope we get to do it again. I know I will miss them tomorrow when we go our own way. ❤️ I hope they continue to have a safe journey.

18/11/2022

Day 30 - Friday 18 Nov 2022 Murray Bridge

Today we went up the Murray River on Captain Proud. 3 hour trip included the most yummiest lunch. Highly recommend. Captain Steven was funny and full of knowledge.
We also went to Old Tailem Town. What an amazing attraction. The place consisted of many old buildings that formed a town. Incredible what this one man has done to make this a great tourist attraction. So interesting. They do ghost tours there to. I would hate to do that. I got the creeps in one of the huts as I swear the chest was moving. When I asked Jo to looked she went all quiet and then went BOO and scare the living daylights out of me. Once I got over my fright we couldn’t stop laughing. You had to be there 😂😂😂 bloody sisters. Joanne Grosskopf

17/11/2022

Day 29 - Thursday 17 Nov 2022

Left our Hipcamp site. Had a great time and saw so much of the Fleurieu Peninsula despite the cold weather.
Today we arrived at Murray Bridge. Staying at the Marina Caravan Park.
Walked around the Wharf and the beautiful gardens then headed out to Tailem Bend to visit there ‘The Bend Motorsport Park’. Great complex and great area to sit and have food/drinks and watch the cars go around the track. We were lucky to see some practice today. John loved it.

16/11/2022

Day 28 - Wednesday 16 Nov 2022

Today we went to Goolwa first up and travelled on the Cockle train to Victor Harbour. We did have morning tea at of course a bakery where this time John had a scallop pie before we left. 😀 the trip was nice there and back. Relaxing looking at the ocean and countryside. We came back to Goolwa and met up with Jo , Erwin and Jo’s travel friends at the Goolwa Hotel for lunch.
Went back to Victor Harbour where we went on the horse pulled tram ride over to Granite Island. A beautiful draft horse pulled us over and back.
Back at camp. Another small fire tonight. Last night here and it was just beautiful sitting outside over the dam tonight. Still cold though but i had many layers on. Lol.

15/11/2022

Day 27 - Tuesday 15 Nov 2022
Today we did the east Peninsula. Beautiful countryside. First stop was the bakery at Yankalilla to try the pies. Worth it John reckons 😀
Walked to the Ingalalla Falls which was running with all the rain. Beautiful walk to it.
Stopped at Second Valley where the water was so clear and blue in some spots and green in others. So pretty.
Rapid Bay was also a gorgeous spot to go. Had a great cave there too.
Last stopped was Cape Jervis where you catch the Ferry to Kangaroo Is. John got ripped off with his little piece of whiting. $12. Overall the countryside is hilly and green. Had to capture the beauty in a photo.
Lucky enough tonight to light a fire. No rain. Bloody cold here though. Heater is now on. 😀

14/11/2022

Day 26 Monday 14 Nov 2022

Cloudy and cold day today but at least no rain and the wind has died down.
Visited the most gorgeous town of Hahndorf. Had a yummy breakfast at a cute cafe Love the quaint town. So many different shops.
Next stop was the Motor Museum in Birdwood. Took us easily 2 hours to go through it. I thought I would be bored but definitely not. The story of Tom Krause doing to the Birdsville mail run was most interesting. Very hardworking and creative man who did a lot of bush mechanics.
We also visited the Toy factory at Gumeracha where the big Rocking Horse is. Took the scenic road back to Hahndorf to eat at the Hahndorf Inn. Had to try some German food and beer. Not to bad but prefer a good Aussie meal. John enjoyed his German sausages.

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