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Australia Day Weekend Adventure at Hanger O
Australia
Day long weekends are made for adventures, and this year, we packed up the
caravan and headed to Hanger O, a hidden gem just outside of Gympie. With the
caravan prepacked, we hit the road early Thursday morning, excited for a
weekend of exploration, relaxation, and a little history.
Hanger
O: A Piece of Aviation History
Hanger
O is no ordinary campsite—it’s steeped in history. Originally an aircraft
hangar, it’s been transformed into a unique camping destination. The site
boasts a mix of open spaces, shady spots, a large swimming pool, and even a
pond for kayaking. The hangar itself serves as a communal space, perfect for
gathering with fellow campers for drinks and music. Its connection to aviation
history gives the place a rustic charm, making it a one-of-a-kind destination
for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.
Day
1: Serenity and Solitude
When we
arrived on Thursday, we discovered we had the entire campsite to ourselves.
Bliss! After setting up our cozy little spot under the shade of gum trees, we
wasted no time diving into the pool. With the sun shining and no one else
around, we had a private oasis to cool off and unwind. The day passed in a haze
of relaxation, punctuated by dips in the water and quiet moments enjoying the
peaceful surroundings.
Day
2: Exploring Gympie
We woke
early Friday morning, greeted by a chorus of birds and the promise of another
sunny day. After another refreshing swim, we decided to venture into Gympie.
Our
first stop was Mary Street, the heart of Gympie’s historic district. The
charming street is lined with heritage buildings housing boutique shops, cafés,
and local treasures. A gentle breeze accompanied our stroll, and we found
ourselves browsing through unique stores, picking up small mementos of our
trip.
By the
time we returned to Hanger O, the campsite had begun to fill up with fellow
weekend adventurers. We ended the day with a sunset swim, sharing the pool with
a few others as the sky turned a brilliant mix of orange and pink.
Day
3: All Aboard the Mary Valley Rattler
Saturday
kicked off with an early breakfast at SoMa SoMa Café in Gympie. This quirky
café is a must-visit. With its eclectic decor, friendly staff, and a menu that
offers everything from hearty breakfasts to specialty coffee, it set the tone
for the day. The vibe was warm and inviting, and the food was nothing short of
amazing.
After
breakfast, we headed to Gympie Station for a ride on the Mary Valley Rattler, a
heritage train that takes passengers on a scenic journey through the lush
countryside of the Mary Valley. To our delight, pets were welcome, so our pup,
Shari, joined us for the ride. The train chugged along, offering breathtaking
views of rolling hills, quaint villages, and verdant farmlands. It was a step
back in time, and having Shari along made it even more special.
The
evening back at Hanger O was lively. The campsite was bustling, the pool was
packed, but we managed to squeeze in a swim before joining others at the hangar
for drinks and music. The atmosphere was festive, and it was a great way to
unwind after a day of exploration.
Day
4: Relaxation and Camaraderie
Sunday
was a slower start, finally giving us a chance to sleep in. We spent the
morning meeting and chatting with fellow campers, swapping stories, and making
new friends. The afternoon was all about water—kayaking in the pond, cooling
off in the pool, and soaking up the last rays of the weekend sun.
As
night fell, the campers gathered around a communal fire. The crackling flames,
laughter, and clinking glasses created a sense of camaraderie that perfectly
encapsulated the camping spirit. It was a memorable evening of storytelling and
relaxation.
Day
5: One Last Dip
Monday
morning brought a bittersweet feeling as the long weekend came to an end. As
other campers packed up and headed out, we found ourselves alone at the
campsite once again. We took advantage of the solitude with a final morning
swim, savoring the quiet and cool water one last time.
Before
heading back to camp, we returned to SoMa SoMa Café for lunch. Just as with
breakfast, the food was outstanding. We couldn’t resist lingering a little
longer, enjoying the relaxed vibe of the café before running a few errands in
town.
The
afternoon was ours to enjoy, and we spent it by the pool, appreciating the rare
luxury of having the space entirely to ourselves. As the sun set, we
reluctantly began packing up, knowing that the workweek was waiting just around
the corner.
A
Weekend to Remember
Our
Australia Day weekend at Hanger O was nothing short of spectacular. From
exploring Gympie’s rich history to making the most of the campsite’s unique
features, every moment felt like an escape from the hustle of daily life.
Whether it was the charm of Mary Street, the nostalgia of the Mary Valley
Rattler, or the peaceful swims under the stars, Hanger O delivered an
unforgettable experience.
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