New South Wales in Australia.
A Lifetime of Camping Adventures: From Holstein to the World
At 75 years young, my passion for camping has remained a steadfast companion throughout my life. It all began when I was 9 years old, embarking on simple camping trips from Holstein in North Germany with my family. Our trusty VW Beetle and a small tent designed for five people were all we needed to create lasting memories under the open sky at the Baltic Sea near Flensburg.
The Early Days in Germany
Holstein, with its serene landscapes and rolling hills, was the perfect backdrop for my introduction to the outdoors. Our family camping trips were a blend of simplicity and adventure. We explored lush forests by hiking, serene lakes, and charming small villages and farmland, each trip etching itself into my memory. The smell of pine and oak trees and the sound of crackling campfires became synonymous with happiness and freedom.
Expanding Horizons in Europe
As I grew older, my camping journeys expanded beyond Germany, taking me across Europe. From the majestic Alps in Switzerland to the picturesque fjords of Norway, each destination offered a unique experience. I learned to appreciate the diversity of nature, from the sun-kissed beaches of Spain to the rugged coastlines of Britain, where I stayed a full calender year.
My adventures in Europe were marked by a deep sense of wonder and a growing love for the great outdoors beyond Europe, having explored the Greek Islands and Portugal plus Italy.
The Vast Wilderness of the USA
My travels then led me across the Atlantic to the United States, where I discovered the vastness and diversity of the American wilderness in the National Parks. This was in 1974. From the iconic Yellowstone National Park to the serene beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, each camping trip was an exploration of new frontiers. The sense of freedom in the expansive landscapes, the towering redwoods of California, and the tranquil lakes of the Midwest all contributed to my ever-growing appreciation for nature and wildlife and the outdoors.
The Untamed Beauty of Namibia
One of the most unforgettable experiences was camping in Namibia. The stark beauty of the Namib Desert, with its towering sand dunes and unique wildlife, was unlike anything I had ever seen before. Nights under the African sky, with its blanket of stars and the distant calls of wildlife, free lions and zebras and giraffe plus herds of elephants, created a deep connection to the natural world. Namibia’s rugged landscapes and vibrant cultures enriched my work life and camping journey in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I worked for six full years in Windhoek Namibia, travelling up to eight weeks per year in the neighbouring countries RSA and Zimbabwe and Botswana.
The Splendor of Queensland and New South Wales
Instead of returning home to the True North of Germany (Hamburg and Kiel and Lüneburg), I took six months off duty and flew to Auckland NZ with my first wife and my children, then 15 and 17 years old, obviously the best time to travel as a family.
Back in Germany and working for a few years, my adventures took me later to Queensland and New South Wales in Australia.
The pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and iconic landmarks like the Great Barrier Reef have provided countless opportunities for further exploration and relaxation. From the Daintree Rainforest to the Blue Mountains, the diversity of Australia’s natural beauty continues to captivate me.
Reflections on a Lifetime of Camping
As I look back on my lifelong journey of camping, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and the people I’ve met along the way. Camping has taught me resilience, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for nature. It has connected me with many different cultures and landscapes across the globe, enriching my life in countless ways.
Whether it was the simple family trips in Holstein as a child or the grand adventures in far-off lands, each camping experience has been a chapter in my life. Now at 75, my enthusiasm for the outdoors remains as strong as ever. Since we both retired in 2025, our annual loops from the Gold Coast are only 18 to 20 nights, driving around 2000 to 3000 km into the Hinterland, as the coastline is rather busy and campsites are booked out: Christmas is the end of the school year and families take their three or four weeks annual summer vacations.
Our annual Road Trip starting Boxing Day 2024. 🏕️🌍✨
We first went to Moree in NSW for a few nights exploring the artesian pools there. From there Dubbo NSW was our furthest destination from the QLD Gold Coast.
Heading back via Tamworth and Armidale and the Highlands, we took the Waterfall Way to Dorrigo, where we booked a Farm Stay. Then exploring Bellingen, our last destination before heading home after three weeks was Corindi Beach, only a 2 night stay to further explore the most beautiful and rather empty coast north of Coffs Harbour.
Exploring Solitary Island Marine Park and the Beach Walk North of Coffs Coast, NSW
Nestled along the stunning Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Solitary Island Marine Park is a haven for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to unwind by the sea. This marine park stretches from Coffs Harbour to Sandon River, covering approximately 75 kilometers of coastline A. Here’s a closer look at what makes this area so special:
Solitary Island Marine Park: A Natural Paradise
The marine park is home to a diverse range of habitats, including estuaries, sandy beaches, rocky shores, and sub-tidal reefs A. It’s a sanctuary for over 550 species of reef fish, 90 species of hard coral, and 600 species of molluscs A. The park’s unique underwater pinnacle, Pimpernel Rock, is a highlight for divers and snorkelers A.
Activities and Attractions
Visitors to Solitary Island Marine Park can enjoy a variety of activities, such as fishing, swimming, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving A. The park is also a prime location for whale watching and dolphin encounters A. For those who love birdwatching, the park’s diverse birdlife, including little terns and white-bellied eagles, offers a delightful experience B.
Beach Walk North of Coffs Coast
One of the highlights of the area is the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, which traverses 60 kilometers of beaches and rainforest from Red Rock to Sawtell B. This scenic walk links a string of golden beaches, rocky headlands, and lush rainforest, providing a perfect escape into nature B. The walk is best enjoyed at low tide, as some creek crossings and rocky areas are easier to navigate B.
Things to Do Along the Walk
- Whale Watching: The headlands along the walk are ideal spots for whale watching, especially during migration season B.
- Birdwatching: Bring your binoculars to spot a variety of bird species along the shores B.
- Swimming and Picnicking: There are plenty of opportunities for swimming and picnicking at various beaches along the walk B.
- Exploring Nature: The walk takes you through Moonee Beach Nature Reserve, Coffs Coast Regional Park, and Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, offering a chance to explore diverse ecosystems B.
Conclusion
Solitary Island Marine Park and the Beach Walk North of Coffs Coast offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and relaxation. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or simply looking to enjoy a peaceful day by the sea, this area has something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your walking shoes, and get ready to experience the magic of this coastal paradise.
Here are some great camping spots along the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk:
- Red Rock Campground: Located at the northern end of the walk, this spot offers stunning views of the coastline and the chance to see migrating whales. Pretty remote, though.
- Woolgoolga Beach Campground: A beautiful beachside location perfect for relaxing after a day of walking. Caravans and Trees as well and a Lake! Great Campsite. Our favourite place at the Northern Coffs Coast with our Tiny House on Wheels. We love this little town 35 km from Coffs Harbour.
- Moonee Beach Campground: Offers amenities like picnic tables and barbecue facilities, making it a great spot to unwind.
- Park Beach Campground: Close to the town of Coffs Harbour, this campground provides easy access to shops and restaurants.
- Sawtell Beach Campground: The southern end of the walk, offering a mix of beach and bush camping experiences. Very expensive and booked out over Xmas and the New Year summer vacations.
- In case you come down the M1 from Brisbane to Sydney, take at least 7 nights for this area. Stunning country towns up the Waterfall Way with camping options in Bellingen and Dorrigo. Steep climb for Caravans and Motorhomes!
Our last night here at Corindi Beach!
Tomorrow we are heading home to the Gold Coast, only 60km south of Grafton.
This coast with its remote beaches of the most beautiful Coffs Harbour area in NSW is a paradise for families and campers and holiday seekers alike.
Blogger Peter Hanns Bloecker
Wonderweaver
OffRoad
Here are some useful links and information about Bushtracker Caravans and Hitchmaster:
Bushtracker Caravans
- Website: Bushtracker
- Overview: Bushtracker is known for its luxury off-road caravans, designed to handle Australia’s toughest terrains A. They offer a range of custom layouts and sizes to suit different travel needs A.
- Contact: You can reach them at (07) 5476 5833 or via email at [email protected] A.
Hitchmaster
- Website: Cruisemaster DO35 V3
- Overview: Hitchmaster’s DO35 V3 is a popular off-road coupling known for its strength and ease of use B. It features a patented drop-on design and high articulation for better off-road performance C
For the Northern Territory loop, the most common rigs are typically 4WD vehicles and off-road caravans designed to handle the rugged terrain and remote conditions. Here are some popular options:
4WD Vehicles
- Toyota Land Cruiser: Known for its reliability and off-road capabilities.
- Ford Ranger: Offers great towing capacity and off-road performance.
- Nissan Navara: A versatile option with good off-road features.
- Mitsubishi Triton: Reliable and capable of handling tough conditions.
- Holden Colorado: Strong performer with excellent off-road capabilities.
- Isuzu D-Max: Durable and well-suited for remote areas.
- Volkswagen Amarok: Comfortable ride with good towing capacity.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee: Powerful engine options and good towing capacity.
Off-Road Caravans
- Bushtracker Caravans: Luxury off-road caravans designed for Australia’s toughest terrains.
- Cruisemaster DO35 V3: Popular off-road coupling known for its strength and ease of use.
- Jayco Outback: Built for off-road adventures with robust construction.
- AOR Caravans: Specializes in off-road and touring caravans.
These rigs are well-suited for the diverse landscapes and challenging conditions of the Northern Territory loop.
The main difference between outback and semi-offroad caravans lies in their design and capabilities for handling different terrains:
Outback Caravans
- Purpose-Built: Designed specifically for harsh, remote environments A.
- Heavy-Duty Chassis: Built with a robust chassis and independent suspension systems like Coil Off-Road or Airbag suspension A.
- Large Wheels and Tyres: Equipped with larger wheels and all-terrain tyres for better traction A.
- Enhanced Protection: Features stone guards, under-body water tanks, and reinforced cabinetry to withstand rough conditions A.
- Self-Sufficient: Often includes large freshwater tanks, solar panels, and battery systems for extended off-grid travel B.
Semi-Offroad Caravans
- Moderate Off-Road Capability: Suitable for dirt roads and mild off-road conditions B.
- Strengthened Chassis: Includes a chassis raiser for increased ground clearance and independent suspension with shock absorbers B.
- Medium Wheels and Tyres: Bigger wheels and tyres compared to standard caravans but not as rugged as outback caravans B.
- Basic Protection: Some stone guards and basic cabinetry reinforcement but not as extensive as outback caravans A.
- Lighter Weight: Easier to tow with smaller vehicles and suitable for both sealed roads and mild dirt roads B.
Key Considerations
- Outback Caravans: Ideal for extensive off-road travel and remote areas with rough terrains A.
- Semi-Offroad Caravans: Best for travelers who want to explore dirt tracks but spend most of their time on sealed roads C.
Here are some popular brands and models of off-road caravans and 4WD vehicles that are well-suited for the Northern Territory loop:
Off-Road Caravans
- Bushtracker Caravans: Known for their luxury and robust construction, ideal for remote areas A.
- Jayco Journey Outback: Built for off-road adventures with a sturdy frame and good amenities B.
- Lotus Trooper: Combines off-road capability with stylish features C.
- New Age Commando 20 Series: Offers luxury and extended off-road capabilities C.
- Goldstream RV Panther: Designed for red-track touring and comfortable camping C.
- Kedron Top Ender: Built specifically for off-road use with strong chassis and body construction C.
- Sunland Blue Heeler: A proven off-road caravan with good durability C.
4WD Vehicles
- Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series: A classic choice with excellent off-road capabilities and reliability D.
- Ford Ranger: Versatile and powerful, great for towing and off-road driving D.
- Nissan Patrol: Known for its ruggedness and ability
Outback Australia and more to come here soon!
P H Bloecker
Website Ezytrail Off road Caravans and semi Off road
You must be logged in to post a comment.