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NQLD & western NSW 2026
  • Jolly Nomads
  • Jolly Nomads

NQLD & western NSW 2026

A 109-day adventure by Jolly Nomads Read more
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  • Trip start
    May 15, 2026
    Jolly NomadsNQLD & western NSW 2026Traveler

    Yamba, northern NSW

    May 15 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    After a delayed departure and a couple of admin stops en route, we arrived in Yamba late in the afternoon. A break in the rain allowed us to get comfortable before nightfall. Weather dependent, we are looking forward to exploring the town and surrounds over the next few days.Read more

  • Jolly NomadsNQLD & western NSW 2026Traveler
    11

    Yamba days 2 and 3

    May 16 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Day 2 in Yamba started with an early morning punch up between two good sized kangaroos. We kept a safe distance and were delighted that the weather cleared enough for us to explore the beaches of Yamba and surrounds. The Wobbly Chook Brewery had some interesting drops but the Sanctus Brewery Triple B Stout at 10% ABV was my favourite. Sadly the extreme rain over the previous few days had forced the closure of the golf course. However, we did get a chance to enjoy the swim up bar at the resort on our final afternoon.Read more

  • Jolly NomadsNQLD & western NSW 2026Traveler

    Brisbane

    May 18 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

    Thankfully we had a dry 'pack-up', but we left Yamba under ominous grey clouds. It rained all the way to Brisbane; often with such an intensity we reduced our speed significantly. The remainder of our time in Brisbane was fine and sunny, a welcome change from the rain that had been our almost constant companion since leaving Nambucca Heads. We always enjoy the quirkiness of the inner Brisbane suburb of Paddington and I was able to catch up on the history of an early chapter of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes.Read more

  • Jolly NomadsNQLD & western NSW 2026Traveler

    Bundaberg

    May 21 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Our resort level holiday park at Mon Repos Beach was a fabulous base from which to explore Bundaberg. The Bundaberg Rum Distillery tour provided an interesting insight into Australian history as well as a delicious tasting afterwards. Monsoon Aquatics is Australia's largest coral farm which since its establishment in 2019 already has a global market. Whilst not the laying or hatching seasons, Mon Repos Turtle Centre is a fascinating look into its work preserving a range of turtles. The Hinkler Hall of Aviation tells the story of Bert Hinkler. Bert was one of the world's pioneering aviators who worked for a period as the Chief Test Pilot at AVRO. A risky profession in those days! Lighthouse Rock 2026 was a highlight of our Bundaberg visit; our favourite artists were Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock), and Mental as Anything. I even managed to squeeze in 9 holes at Bargara Golf Club. In summary, an enjoyable visit to a vibrant Central Queensland city.Read more

  • Jolly NomadsNQLD & western NSW 2026Traveler

    Seventeen Seventy

    May 25 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    This quirky coastal town in central Queensland is famous for being the site of Captain Cook's second landing in Australia in May 1770. We took a day trip in a former Australian Army LARC (Light Amphibious Resupply Cargo) to Bustard Head Lighthouse. Built in 1868 and automated in 1986, the site fell into disrepair until a team of enthusiastic volunteers banded together to preserve and display this important piece of Australian history. We were also treated to some delightful flora and fauna sightings. Highlights included; the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, the endangered Beach Stone Curlew, Sting Rays, Dolphins, White Bellied Sea Eagles, Ospreys, and a Nautilus Shell; the external chambered biological structure of the chambered Nautilus, a marine cephalopod.Read more

  • Jolly NomadsNQLD & western NSW 2026Traveler
    1

    Rockhampton

    May 28 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 25 °C

    Clear skies and warm sunshine embraced us for our visit to Rockhampton, nestled on the banks of the Fitzroy River. First stop was the Pilbeam Theatre to enjoy the stunning performance by 'Echoes of Pink Floyd'. We returned a couple of nights later for an enjoyable Dolly Parton tribute show. As the biggest cattle producing region in Australian we had to sample the local steaks at the iconic Great Western Hotel, complete with indoor rodeo arena. The predominant Victorian architecture around the CBD were undoubtedly financed by a significant gold mining industry that commenced in the 1860s. On a visit to Emu Park, we were deeply moved by the tribute to our ANZAC Forces, installed in time for the 2015 commemoration largely due to the drive and passion of a local resident. We finished off our visit to Rockhampton with a sunset cruise out of Yeppoon Harbour in perfect conditions.Read more

  • Jolly NomadsNQLD & western NSW 2026Traveler

    Airlie Beach

    Jun 3–7 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    In all our travels, we have not previously spent any time at Airlie Beach. It did not disappoint. Perfect weather and a fabulous coastal vibe. A day trip to the reef provided us with one of the best snorkelling experiences we have had; plentiful colourful coral and fish, and numerous clams of all sizes. The Saturday Morning markets had the usual overpriced bumphf with the exception of some local gin that is now in the bar of the camper. The Par 3 course (9/18 holes with alternate tees, 45-85m long) was challenging and alot of fun.Read more

  • Jolly NomadsNQLD & western NSW 2026Traveler
    2

    Charters Towers

    Jun 7–10 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    Home to one of Australia's longest serving and most outspoken politicians (Bob Katter), Charters Towers is an important mining, agricultural and educational town in North Queensland. It's numerous well presented tourist attractions speak volumes of a proud, tight knit community that treasures its history. It's stunning History of Charters Towers Mosaic Mural contains over 5,000,000 hand cut tiles and took over 10,000 hours to complete. Notably it was largely sponsored by local businesses. The Texas Longhorn Tour exposed us to a range of rare and award winning cattle. I also learnt more about artificial insemination than I need know. Titley and Co is the most impressive western outfitter we have ever visited. An astonishing selection of jeans, shirts, hats and boots that may just seduce us to return later in our travels.Read more

  • Jolly NomadsNQLD & western NSW 2026Traveler

    Undara National Volcanic Park

    Jun 10–14 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Situated 437 kilometres NW of Townsville just off the Gulf Development Road, the Undara Volcanic National Park was established in 2009 to protect Australia's longest lava tube and the unique fauna and flora found in the area.
    It lies within the McBride Basalt (Volcanic) Province which is one of 11 discontinuous cenozoic volcanic regions in north Queensland. A total of 164 eruption centres (volcanoes, vents and cones) have been identified within the province. The majority of flows are less than 8 million years old; the activity that formed the tubes occurred approximately 190,000 years ago.
    Anne-Maree and I explored parts of the province on self guided walks and guided tours. A great experience from the comfort of an unpowered site at a very well appointed holiday park. Even had a Rufus Betong and its buddy come to visit our camp fire on a couple of occasions.    Read more

  • Jolly NomadsNQLD & western NSW 2026Traveler
    1

    Coastal Wet Tropics

    Jun 14–17 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    The coastal wet tropics area of Far North Queensland includes the longest continually existing rainforest in the world. It also contains some alluring attractions including; Charley's Chocolate Factory (Mission Beach grown cacao beans), Murdering Point Winery (very good tropical fruit wines, ports, liqueurs and creams) and Paronella Park.
    Charlie's Beach House, right on the sand at Mission Beach provided the best restaurant night we have had in a long time. A remarkable menu that combined regional seafood with a selection of meats from their in house smoker. An refreshment list with an astonishing range of delightful Australian and international wines, beers and liquor. All in a quirky hut-like structure formerly known as The Shrubbery Taverna. Combine that with live music and dancing after dinner at The Garage Bar and Brewhouse next door, we had a cracking night. So good in fact we went back for more the next night.    Read more

    Trip end
    August 31, 2026