Australia Day Weekend Camping Trip To Australian Adventure Park Burrum Heads

We always say that the best moments in life are those you spend with someone you love. We’ve had tons of these amazing moments our travels – like seeing the Colosseum where chariot races and gladiators once entertained the citizens of the Roman Empire,  walked the city of romance Paris, dropped by St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, The castles, the history, the scenery, the people, the food, Heidelberg, Germany. These are some of ‘our moments’ that we will treasure forever and we certain will still speak about in years, even decades, to come.

If there’s one activity that’s been a stand out for us our whole life, it’s camping. There’s just nothing like the great outdoors anytime of the year – afternoon breezes, the chatter of wild forest animals in the background, the way the light filters luminescent through lazy green leaves before landing on you. Camping is a great way to take a break from the normal hustle and bustle of everyday life. We’ve been camping in some form or other every year since we can remember. Camping also gives us the opportunity to unplug from the rest of the world, which in turn allows us to slow down and focus on the smaller things for a little while. The October weekend we packed the trailer, kayaks and our pup (Shari) and headed to our “new” favorite camping location, Australian Adventure Park.

Formerly known as Flame Lily Adventure Park, owners Jimmy and Cathy Swan with business partner Kristie Nash have been rebuilding after taking back ownership since our last visit on the Australia Day Weekend. The Burrum Heads Park was left abandoned for about three months before the three took over the reins, added some new infrastructure and got all the activities back in full operation.

Situated on the Burrum River, Queensland, Australia, 30 kilometres North West of Hervey Bay, 10 kilometres off the Bruce Highway, a 108-acre Adventure Park is designed for group outdoor activities to serve as host to families, corporate teams, schools and groups. Guests can also opt to camp for the weekend or take the more luxurious option and book one of eight waterfront glamping tents that have a king size bed, eating nook, tea and coffee making and a mobile wardrobe. We booked Glamping Tent (8) as it has the most space to put up our Gazebo, park a trailer and car.

And for keen anglers, the catch and release of a fish is "guaranteed" with 10,000 bass, perch and bream fingerlings released into the 11-acre, man-made lake seven years ago.

Some of them are now up to 48cm... They are massive.

Around the lake are picnic spots to allow visitors to relax by the lake, launch a kayak from the bank, exercise or read a book. Powered and non-powered camp sites are situated on the lake edge for absolute waterfront camping suitable for all types of tents and caravans to allow scenic camping.

GUESTS who ask for a WiFi password while visiting the Australian Adventure Park won't get the answer they are looking for because, there simply isn't one.

Camping also gives us the opportunity to unplug from the rest of the world, which in turn allows us to slow down and focus on the smaller things for a little while. Whenever we go camping, we always come back feeling way more relaxed that we felt when we left. One reason for this is that camping is also an amazing opportunity for me to catch up on my history, family tree, which is always ambitiously, long and growing by the weeks. The campsite is near a lake, Kim and our pup (Shari) swam all day every day. Kim took her for a paddle around the site in one of our kayaks, we had a lay day in Hervey Bay due to a storm. We did some hiking, watched some kids trying archery, astronomy photography, cookouts, and sitting around the campfire with people we just met, drinking, telling yarns and playing Heads up.

We cannot speak highly enough of A Taste of Burrum. The fish and chips would have to be amongst the best we have eaten and we have visited many around Australia and overseas. The portions of fish are so generous; ours were huge in fact with just the right amount of lemon and salt. The chips were cooked to perfection, not greasy and really fresh. You don't walk away hungry that’s for sure. The premises are spotlessly clean and tidy, with a lovely feel about the place, great coffees and Chai as well. The owners are so warm and friendly and are focused on customer service and satisfaction. We would highly recommend people try it for themselves.

It's hard to resist the appeal of a local market, with its fresh, seasonal produce direct from the farm gate, handmade creations, original giftware and grassroots colour and entertainment. We dropped into Burrum Heads Boot Sale Market on our way for morning coffee.

ABOUT BURRUM COAST

Step back into a simpler time along the Burrum Coast, home to the tiny fishing villages of Burrum Heads, Toogoom and the townships of Howard and Torbanlea. About 30 minutes from Hervey Bay you’ll hit the Burrum Coast which harks back to old beachside holidays reminiscent of the 1970s.

Burrum Heads

At Burrum Heads, explore rivers and creeks by boat or canoe, or take advantage of the clear, warm water for fishing. Burrum River Cruises offers a two-hour morning tea cruise along the Burrum River.

Toogoom

Tiny Toogoom is a seaside community about 15 minutes from Hervey Bay. Here you’ll find unspoiled beaches and great fishing, as well as wildlife and bird watching. Dine at the tea gardens or at its absolute waterfront restaurant with heavenly views and great photo opportunities.

Howard

In the Hervey Bay hinterland and 25 minutes from the coast sits the historical village of Howard. Inside a beautifully-restored Queenslander, you’ll find guided tours and Devonshire teas.

There’s also a small museum which tells of the area’s coal mining and fishing history, and includes some war memorabilia. Swim and fish at secluded spots along the Burrum River here.

Torbanlea

Just 25 minutes from Hervey Bay, Torbanlea is a small historic town on the road to Bundaberg. There are 11 buildings in the Burrum Mining Museum here and they contain a staggering 4,400 items of memorabilia which reveal this region’s past as a booming coal area.

Accommodation along the Burrum Coast ranges from holiday units and B&Bs to caravan parks and camping.

“Never go on trips with anyone you do not love.”