Stay Mozzie-Free in the Aussie Outback with Platinum Campers
The enchantment of the Australian Outback is undeniable. As you set up camp under a vast sky studded with stars, the peace and tranquillity that envelops you is unparalleled. But with nightfall comes the buzz that we’re all too familiar with – the dreaded mozzie. This buzzing isn’t just a minor annoyance; it could also carry potential health risks. But worry not! Platinum Campers is here with expert advice to ensure your journey remains memorable for the majestic landscapes and not the mosquito bites.
Essential Towing Tips for First-Time Camper Trailer Adventurers
Discovering the open road with a camper trailer unlocks a world of possibilities. However, for beginners, towing a camper trailer might seem a daunting task. Here at Platinum Campers, we’re committed to making your camping experiences as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Let’s go through some key tips to help you tow your camper trailer like a pro.
Stargazing in Queensland with Platinum Camper Trailers
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sleep under a blanket of stars in the Australian outback? Imagine exploring one of the world’s longest lava tube systems by day and witnessing the splendor of the night sky by night. Welcome to Platinum Campers’ celestial journey through the mesmerizing world of stargazing in Queensland!
Camping on Bribie During Christmas
Camping on Bribie Island over Christmas Discover the Magic of Bribie Island: Unforgettable Camping Adventures Await! Bribie Island, located just off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is a popular destination for camping during the Christmas season. With its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and abundance of outdoor activities, it’s the perfect place to spend the holidays. One of the best ways to experience Bribie Island is by camping with a camper trailer. This allows you to easily explore the island and all it has to offer, while still enjoying the comforts of home. Camper trailers come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Many camper trailer campsites on Bribie Island have amenities such as electricity and water hookups, as well as shared facilities like bathrooms and showers. Some popular campsites on the island include Bongaree Beach and Banksia Beach. Both of these campsites are located near the water and offer stunning views of the ocean. Bongaree Beach is especially popular among families, thanks to its wide range of activities and facilities. The campground has a playground, BBQ areas, and a swimming pool, as well as a shop and café. Banksia Beach is a little more secluded, making it a great option for those looking for a more peaceful camping experience. In addition to the beautiful beaches, Bribie Island also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The island is home to a number of parks and nature reserves, where you can go hiking, birdwatching, or even spot some wildlife. For those who enjoy fishing, Bribie Island is a paradise. The island is surrounded by waterways and offers some of the best fishing in the region. You can go fishing off the beach, or rent a boat and explore the waterways. No matter what you’re looking for, Bribie Island has something for everyone. Whether you want to relax on the beach, go fishing, or explore the island’s natural beauty, camping on Bribie Island is the perfect way to spend your Christmas vacation. With its warm weather, beautiful scenery, and abundance of outdoor activities, Bribie Island is the perfect destination for a holiday to remember. Website Link
A trip to Lone Camel Bush Camp
Meeting Saltbush atThe Lone Camel Bush Camp CAMPSITE SPOTLIGHT Lone Camel Bush Camp Meeting Saltbush @Lone Camel This was a great trip away from the office! Nathan Price from Saltbush.au had given us a call earlier in the week, and asked if we would like to come out for a day and answer some questions about the Camper trailer industry in general. How could we say no, what a great opportunity to take out the Chase, put it through its paces at a 4×4 Only campground, and to check out a local campsite, that I personally hadn’t been to yet. Saltbush is an outdoor media company specialising in Outdoor news, and stories from around Australia. While here exploring Lone Camel, Nathan asked me a few questions about the industry, and what we as a business have noticed changing since covid. But before we get into that – Let’s check out the camp site. HiCamp The Lone Camel Bush Camp This is an awesome campground situated only 45 minutes from Brisbane city. You will need a 4WD Vehicle as this location is not suitable for cars. While you can take your camper trailer – Caravans are a no go. It’s a little tough to find – so make sure you get directions from the owners. 4 Campsites Up to 22 guests per site No electricity, water, sewage or TV. Must be self sufficient It appears this place is currently not available. Will update if we hear anything. Biggest Trends 2022 Nathan asked me, “What have you noticed changing in regards to customers’ needs and wants?” And for me, I think the most notable thing I have noticed is people’s power needs are growing! Lithium battery upgrades, 240v fitouts are becoming more and more popular. https://youtu.be/jTVnGIh22q4 How Camper Trailers Are Made Nathan asked me, “What’s your build process, and how does it differ from others in the industry?” This is a great question. The Camper trailer industry is essentially made up of 3 styles of manufacturing for camper trailers. (Does this cover every manufacturer in the industry, no! There are more methods, these are just the most common). https://youtu.be/O56wCyOhNUM Why Don’t You Go to Show? This question is one we get asked a lot, “Why haven’t I seen you guys are a camp show?” For us, it is a couple of reasons. With demand as high as it currently is, it is difficult for us to maintain a full showroom and visit a show at the same time. We would have to gut our showrooms to go to a show, and right now, we have decided against that. The logistics involved are a nightmare – and hey – entry to a showroom is free! We also now have been selling a lot online and over the phone with virtual tours etc. We hope to head back to shows soon when things calm down a little. 🙂 Images from Lone Camel Some images of the Chase S4 out on the trails at Lone Camel Bush Camp Ground
8 Reasons Why Camping with Kids is the Best
Top 8 Reasons why Camping with Kids is the Best! Think it’s too hard to take the kids camping – there’s a lot of reasons why its a great idea Reasons to take your kids camping… Since COVID, more and more Australian families have decided to hit the road and go camping! If you ask me, it’s a welcome side effect and distraction to the pandemic. Over the last few years, there have been a number of very large studies that have shown kids are spending less time outdoors, and are less connected to the natural world. A recent article: Natural Childhood (Stephen Moss, The Nation Trust UK) even coined a new term for this, “Nature Deficit Disorder”. Simply put, nature has a lot of competition these days – the image of children spending hours in front of TV’s, devices, and consoles are becoming all too commonplace. While we could discuss the reasons and issues why this phenomenon has developed in our modern world, like traffic, “stranger danger”, and the resulting modern “helicopter parents,” who watch and direct their kid’s every move, denying them the freedom they enjoyed when they were themselves growing up. We’re going to focus on how regular camping trips away with the kids can be a great way to reconnect with nature, spend more quality time with the family, and help you raise more resilient adults, and create memories that will last a lifetime. And with that – here’s Platinum Campers top 8 reasons why camping with the kids is the best! 1. It teaches them not all holidays don’t need to cost heaps You can grab a campsite for $20 bucks – try to find a hotel room for that amount! When first starting out in a tent, with just a small outlay of a couple $100 dollars you can be out in the bush, on the beach, or in the outback before you know it. Plus with the money you save on accommodation, you can do more activities at your destination! 2. Help develop their sense of Adventure! Camping, even if it’s just for one night is awesome! New environments, unfamiliar sights and sounds, other kids to meet and play with, a tent or camper trailer to help put up and sleeping under the stars all make for a fun-filled adventure. Some say it’s in our genes, the Wanderlust gene (DRD4-7R), a sense of adventure ensures life remains open and full of possibilities; promoting the positive outlook that underpins great current, and future mental health. 3. You can see more stars and go Stargazing The night sky is full of stories, adventures, and curiosities. And when out camping, you usually are away from the bright lights of civilization and will be able to see literally 1000’s of more stars than at home. Let your eyes adjust to the night sky and start talking about stars, Earth and out place in the Universe. Not only is gazing into the night sky one of many ways to encourage your child’s natural love of learning, it’s also a step toward raising thoughtful, introspective, universe-conscious people. 4. Camping helps build resilience Too often today kids, remain in their comfort zones; and let’s be honest, we parents can sometimes fall into the same traps. We’re all spending more time indoors than ever before. This environment, for many, is predictable, secure, and closely monitored. While stability is good, being inside constantly stimulated won’t help a child to develop confidence & resilience. Helping to put up a tent, finding the campsite shop and being sent to pick up supplies, dealing with adversity (broken poles, forgotten tent pegs, bad weather), by comparison are all great ways of building resilience. When kids learn that they can deal with adversity, they become more robust and confident adults. 5. Camping gives kids the freedom to explore and be creative As a parent, I understand the worry of letting your kids play alone outside in 2021. The world in a sense has become a more dangerous place. But, having the freedom to play, explore and generally behave the way children should is one of the vital elements missing from modern life for many children. Family-friendly campsites are a safe, and secure environment for kids to play and explore in, giving them a sense of freedom. This freedom, along with the more natural environment is a great way to boost creativity. Being bored gives kids the opportunity to be creative and use their imagination to play games and entertain themselves; something they typically don’t need to do when they’re at home. 6. Get the kids moving and exercising (without forcing it) Camping with kids in a word, is an Adventure! It’s not just about sitting on camp chairs all day, sure some days, but not most of them! Depending on where you camp, when you get up in the morning there is a world of possibilities. Hiking, canoeing, playing beside the creek and swimming, collecting firewood, climbing trees, playing hide and seek, the list is literally endless. Brought bikes? Riding on the dirt and over bumps in a new environment is a lot of fun! Obviously the sort of exercise your kid does will depend on age and your campsite, but the main point here is you are all moving and outside, and most importantly, hopefully having fun! 7. They make new friends – And so do you One of the best parts of camping is the new friends and people you meet along the way. And the same goes for your kids! Chances are there are other families camping nearby and the kids have the chance to explore together. I never worry about them getting bored because they always find someone to hang with and these kids are typically avid campers too, so they already have that in common. And of course – you will have a lot in common with the parents! 8. You’re creating lifelong memories Why do memories matter? Happy memories are not just
7 of the best spots around Brisbane to take your Camper Trailer
Looking for the best camper trailer spots around Brisbane? Luckily, living in the sunshine state means you have access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and majestic, lush rainforests on your doorstep.
Campground Spotlight: Lake Tinnaroo
Places to take your camper trailer Campground Spotlight: Lake Tinaroo Camping, fishing, skiing, bushwalking, and more – Lake Tinaroo has it all Located around the back of a dam in Danbulla State Forest, Lake Tinaroo is one of those spots the locals talk about. Popular for swimmers, skiers, fishing Barra (permit requried), red clawing, bird watching, and picnickers alike. Fishing at Lake Tinaroo Fishing at Lake Tinaroo is on a Tinaroo Dam. Constructed in 1958 on Barrow river, it hold 436,500 lega litres of water, and has an average depth of 13 metres. Fishing here can be quite the experience either on a boat or just straight from the banks. Most know for the Barramundi and Red Claw, Lake Tinaroo also has a healthy stock of Sooty Grunter, Fork-tailed catfish, archerfish, bony bream, silver parch, Sleepy cod and others. Unfortunately, Tilpia were illegally introduced here, and have established themselves. You should destroy this pest species if caught. (and in fact it is illegal to release them back into the lake if caught. ) A permit is required to fish within Lake Tinaroo. They can be purchased from a QLD post office, Government fisheries website or at the Kairi store. Under 18’s are free! Boating Access: There are no restrictions – and several concrete boat ramps available. Camping with a Camper Trailer Camper Trailer Campgrounds There is a range of accommodations around Lake Tinaroo and in the various towns across this vast tablelands. There are 5 main camping areas along the 28km Danbulla road. Platypus camping area Nested under towering hoop pines, this waterfront camping area overlooks the dam wall and has beautiful lake views. You’ll find plenty of shade to set up camp in. The hoop pines here are more than 40 years old and supply high quality plantation timber for plywood, furniture and flooring. Getting There Platypus camping area is in Danbulla State Forest, on the central part of the Atherton Tableland, 70km (1.5hrs) from Cairns. The camping area is 4km from the western entrance and 24km from the eastern entrance, on Danbulla Road. Most of Danbulla Road is unsealed but it is accessible to all vehicles. You can also get to the camping area by boat. Book Here Downfall Creek camping area Nestled on the banks of Lake Tinaroo, you’ll have endless water views from your camp site. After you’ve set up camp, spend the day on the water, fishing, waterskiing and swimming, or check out the 2.4km Regeneration walk that leads to the Kauri Creek camping area. Getting There Downfall Creek camping area is in Danbulla State Forest, on the central part of the Atherton Tableland, 70km (1.5hrs) from Cairns. The camping area is 7km from the western entrance and 21km from the eastern entrance, on Danbulla Road. Most of Danbulla Road is unsealed but it is accessible to all vehicles. You can also get to the camping area by boat Book Here School Point camping area Set up camp in this peaceful camping area that has stunning lake and forest views and rich birdlife. Swim, canoe and fish from this camping area, or jump in your 4WD and explore the feature-packed Danbulla Drive. Enjoy a cool rainforest walk, or take in the stunning views from the Gillies lookout. Remember to take your lunch because there are quaint picnic areas scattered along the drive. Getting There School Point camping area is in Danbulla State Forest, on the central part of the Atherton Tableland, 70km (1.5hrs) from Cairns. The camping area is 1km from Danbulla Road, 16km from the western entrance and 12km from the eastern entrance, on Danbulla Road. Most of Danbulla Road is unsealed but it is accessible to all vehicles. You can also get to the camping area by boat. Book Here Fong-On Bay camping area Explore the park from you camp in this large, open area against a backdrop of rolling hills, forests and pine plantations. If you’re travelling with a large family or group of friends you’ll find plenty of space to set up on this water-flanked peninsula. Most sites have water access and all have stunning views of the lake and beyond. Getting There Fong-On Bay camping area is in Danbulla State Forest, on the central part of the Atherton Tableland, 70km (1.5hrs) from Cairns. The camping area is 4.7km from Danbulla Road, 16.5km from the western entrance and 11.5km from the eastern entrance, on Fong-On Bay access road off Danbulla Road. Most of Danbulla Road is unsealed but it is accessible to all vehicles. You can also get to the camping area by boat. Book Here
Location Spotlight: The Gorge
Camping Location Spotlight: The Gorge Looking for a great spot to take your camper trailer? The Gorge Camping Reserve it’s one of those places, you’ve only ever hard about it through word of mouth, but can never remember the name when your planning a trip away. A privately owned bush camping reserve, that even has a couple of toilets and bush style showers. The owners always limit the number of campers allowed to stay at any one time, so you can rest assured you will have a nice private area to set up camp. Address: 51 Gorge Rd, Charlwood QLD 4309Phone: (07) 5526 0683 Visit The Gorge Website Campfires Are Allowed Amenities Showers and Toilets available. Bring own Drinking water & firewood Powered Sites Are not available at this site. Bush Camping at it’s finest Bush camping is all about relaxing and letting the kids explore. With a huge frontage onto the lake you can bring you inflatbles and spend your days lazying by the water. Plus remember – while bush camping you are sharing your space with Australia’s wonderful wildlife – so be prepared for spiders and other creepy crawly’s! If you want to check out this amazing spot check out their website and book your next camping trip at The Gorge!
Top 10 Places in Australia to take your camper trailer
Platinum Campers Top 10 Places in Australia to take your camper trailer Ready to Explore in your new Camper? Learn More Here’s the Platinum Camper Trailer and Caravan’s State-by-State wrap on some of our best known camper trailer spots. This is just but a small samples of what Australia has to offer – there are so many more than just these 10, but this will wet your appetite and possibly introduce you to some locations that are not so well known. Let’s face it; anywhere you can camp in your camper trailer is going to be better than a day in the office. Bribie Island – QLD Camp behind the dunes on the Ocean Beach, and enjoy fantastic opportunities to boat, fish and explore. Bribie Island National Park and Recreation Area, just a short drive from Brisbane offers a variety of coastal camping experiences, some accessible by high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle, others accessible by boat. Camping permits are required and fees apply. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site. Website Link Kilcowera Station – qld Kilcowera station is located a 14-hour drive from Brisbane and offers up a genuine outback experience. Throughout the area, there are plenty of places to make camp with your camper trailer. One of the most scenic spots at Kilcowera Station is the Cardenyabba lagoon. This area of natural beauty is the perfect place to spend an afternoon kayaking or catching yabbies. Spend your day exploring the 120,000 acre Station. As with most Outback destinations, the night sky is not affected by light pollution. There is nothing quite as Australian as enjoying a cold one next to a roaring campfire under the stars. Website Link Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park – sa The lowest natural point in mainland Australia can be found in Lake Eyre, approximately 15 m below sea level. Lake Eyre is also the largest salt lake in the country, however nowadays, it’s rarely ever full. Even just to see a small flood in the lake, you may have to wait three years. This is because the amount of water that fills the lake is dependent on the intensity of the rainfall in the surrounding areas. But the lake still makes our list because it offers a unique camping experience, where you can try for yourself at one of two campgrounds within the park: Halligan Bay and Muloorina Station Bore. Website Link TALBOTVILLE HISTORIC TOWNSHIP CAMPING AREA – VIC Speak of Victoria and we immediately think High Country… a place that is the 4X4 Mecca of Australia. I could fill a book with descriptions of magic campsites around here. So let’s just drill down to the best one. Talbotville – an abandoned gold mining town north-west of Dargo, best accessible by 4WD only and literally surrounded by endless days of tracks. The town is long gone, leaving a perfect level green grassed camping area beside the most pristine river, the Crooked River. If there was a campsite in heaven, this would be it! Website Link Ayers Rock Campground – NT Nothing screams Australian outback more than Uluru. One of the best places for those touring with their trailer camper in the Australian Outback is the Kata Tjuta National Park. Set against the warm red sands of the desert, Ayers Rock Campground is the perfect place to pitch up and explore some of the finest Outback scenery in the world. The campsite is located just 15 km from Uluru and plenty of desert oaks provide shade from the heat of the day. Located over 1500 kilometres from Adelaide, this stunning destination definitely requires a camper trailer fit for purpose. Hardcore drivers would be able to reach it after a solid 17-hour drive. But it is better to split the journey between several days and enjoy what the heart of Australia has to offer along the way. Website Link Niggly Cave, Junee Cave State Reserve, TAS Calling all explorers! The Junee Cave is just far enough off the beaten track that it’s less popular among the tourists, but in reality, it’s not even 100 km out from Hobart. This large cave system, consisting of nearly 300 caves, is a great choice if you want to feel as though you’ve got the entire place to yourself. For bragging rights, don’t miss Niggly Cave, Australia’s deepest cave at 375 m deep. What’s more, Tasmania’s first national park, Mount Field National Park, is only 5 km away in the nearby town of Maydena where you’ll find the Land of the Giants Caravan Park. With plenty of campsites suitable for tents, campers, and caravans, you’ll feel right at home at this serviced camping and caravan park. Website Link 1770, QLD The town of 1770 is found on the Queensland coast between Rockhampton and Bundaberg. It has two good caravan parks – one on the shores of Bustard Bay and one that is a 10-min walk to the pristine surf beach. Eurimbula National Park, just before the town, has two waterside camping opportunities at Middle Beach and Bustard Bay. If you are into boating and fishing these are the picks. A few kilometres south of 1770 is Deepwater National Park with numerous camping opportunities tucked amongst the shade trees just 5-mins walk from the surf beach which you will have all to yourself. Website Link The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park, WA Until space travel to Mars becomes a reality, a trip to the Pinnacles will have to do. The vastness of the land, the jagged rock formations, and the yellow sand are convincing enough to make us feel as though we’ve been transported into outer space (without the deadly side effects). For an even more eerie experience, visit this desert in the late afternoon to see the sun cast strange shadows on the sand. Although there are no campsites in the park, there are accommodation options in the nearby town of Cervantes, like RAC Cervantes Holiday Park. Website Link Simpson Desert Regional Reserve, SA This breathtakingly beautiful desert landscape