Tough Questions
 

We're a family of five - three boys 23, 20 and 17 - returning to Australia this July to visit relatives and spend some fun time together on a trip somewhere. We will be based on the Gold Coast for most of the time. On numerous previous trips we have traveled quite extensively in Australia (and NZ), especially Queensland. This year we would like to see some place new, but in the interest of economy (bad exchange rates with the US$ plus very high international air fares), we will be quite limited as to how far we can fly and how much we can splurge. So, for example, WA or NZ will probably not be feasible.

Hinchinbrook Island looks very appealing but I'm not sure it's a place the boys will enjoy very much. They absolutely LOVED Heron Island for the snorkeling, Brampton Island for the water activities (tubing, etc) and Fraser Island for the freshwater lakes and sand dunes. I know my wife and I would love Hinchinbrook as a place to relax and enjoy walks along the beach and into the rainforest. But I'm not so sure the boys will...there's no surf and I doubt the snorkeling will be that great. And being an eco-friendly kind of place, I doubt there will be much in the way of water sports. Has anyone out there who's taken a family to Hinchinbrook willing to comment? Any other island suggestions?

We've also done some fantastic trips to the outback in past years - the Top End and the Red Center a couple of times each, as well as the Kimberley and the Flinders Ranges. The boys really loved those trips too, especially Kakadu and Litchfield. What other outback options would be worth considering? I've long thought about Lawn Hill Gorge in western Qld, but that looks really tough to get to unless you take a 3 day tour from Mt Isa. Then there's Cape York. We have not been any further north than Cape Tribulation.

Although seeing more of the south of the country is quite appealing to me, my wife and boys would prefer to stay in the north to get the warmer weather.

Any information or creative ideas most welcome!

Ralph, if your boys like fishing and hiking (some is very rugged) I think they'd be happy on Hinchinbrook. Sure, there's no surf or other non-eco activities such as paragliding and jet skiing -in NQ you'd need to go to Magnetic or Green Islands for that.

But Hinchinbrook has turtles and sometimes dugongs in the sea grasses, dolphins, lots of birdlife and beaches and is just spectacular. I do believe the resort does a reef snorkelling trip, not to outer reef, but to coral surrounded Brook Islands. Or check with Hinchinbrook Ferries.

Lawn Hill Nat Park is just a paradise in the middle of nowhere - we drove in (4WD) via Mt Isa and returned to Cairns through Karumba on the Gulf, Normanton, Georgetown, etc - savannah country nearly all the way with those huge outback skies, stunning at night. We camped at Lawn Hill for a few days, rented a canoe, and hiked around the ridges. Spectacular also. Plus Aboriginal guides for rock art - and nearby world- famous Riversleigh Fossil fields, which were closed to public at the time we were there, but believe are now open. Am pretty sure the non-camping accommodation at Lawn Hill is now at nearby Adel's Grove.

May one ask how you did all those trips to the Outback?

Did you get there by road or fly somewhere and duck out on day trips?

I only ask cos if your sons are up for an adventure and can stand being away from the surf, and if you've not done it this way before, then go on a road trip.

I too have Lawn Hill on my list. And there are trips that will take you there but they are expensive - go a Google.

On the other hand, if it appeals, you can travel overland Cairns to Darwin or Cairns to Alice CHEAPLY. Stop at small town pubs; stay in converted shearers' sheds. Eat round the fire; sleep under the stars.

I have only done Alice to Cairns with these folk.

http://www.desertventurer.com.au/

Your sons might enjoy. I did.

There is another company who offer similar from Cairns to Darwin - can't locate them just now.

Pat, afterall..belated thanks for your advice and suggestions, which I have not had a chance to carefully look into yet. I like the idea of a long car trip but my wife and kids aren't so keen....on past trips to the outback, we flew out to Alice or Darwin and drove from there.

Hey, Ralph, have you guys been to Carnarvon Gorge? I can't remember, tho it seems that you gave me advice on it when I was thinking of doing that. It looks awesome and is a drive from Brisbane. Also a drive is Lamington NP which I assume you have been to. Another idea which comes to mind is the outback country in NSW around Broken Hill. There is quite a discussion of it on the forum so should be in the archives. Just thinking of places I want to go . . .
Sally in Seattle

Sally...Thanks. Yes we've been to Carnarvon a couple of times. Think we stayed 5 nights at the Oasis Lodge the first time. Carnarvon is fantastic...great for hiking and nature and a little off the well worn path of most international visitors. We've also been to Lamington, and since it's just 1.5 h from the Gold Coast, we've done the drive many times. Never been to Broken Hill so that is an area we are considering....good suggestion!

Hi Ralph,
My vote is for Lawn Hill as well. We had a spectacular time there. We had our own 4WD and the road in is really not too bad, certainly been on a lot worse. It's a great spot.

Also, have you considered the Undara Lava Tubes, I've not been there but it's a place that appeals to me.

Our last camping trip was to Bowen, Ravenswood, Burdekin Falls Dam, Charters Towers, Rubyvale, Cania Gorge and then home to Brisbane. You know these outback towns are just fantastic, full of character and have quite a lot to offer.

Cania Gorge isn't too far away, just near Monto and it is a beautiful place and the caravan park there is one of the loveliest I have stayed in. (There's another near the dam - but not talking about that one).

Rubyvale is another great place - have you and your family done any fossicking? This would be a great place to head to for that.

Have you been to Stradbroke Island or Moreton Island? Your boys would love it at either place I'm sure.

Anyway, Ralph I'm sorry I've started to waffle on a bit - I just love my home state of Queensland and I was actually reflecting on that last trip we had - it was such a lovely time. I hope your holiday this year will be just as lovely.

Thanks stormbird...some good tidbits in there, though we have seen a few of them before...Undara, Cania Gorge and Moreton Island in particular. A return to Undarra is not out of the picture, since the kids did not go with us the first time. Plus we think it is a really interesting and fun place to go.

Ralph

take a couple of days and head a little south to byron bay
beauty beyond belief and for a bit of a culture shock take the boys to nimbin ...bangalow markets on a sunday are great too...good cafes for lunch in bangalow..lots of bargains!

Some time you should put Kangaroo Island on your travel list; though July might be a bit chilly. We have been there twice and really enjoyed both times. Rent a vacation house on the beach.