SUMMER HOLIDAYS GU ID E

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YOUR GUIDE TO HITT ING

THE ROAD THIS SUMMER

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Camping. Camping camping camping camping camping camping camping camping camping camping camping camping camping camping camping camping camping camping camping camping camping camping!

With summer holidays now here, we’ve got one thing on our minds (three guesses what it is!). Of course, it’s already too late to get a site at the most popular camping areas. That’s why we’ve found the best free and no-bookings campsites around the country. Just don’t sleep in too long after Christmas or you may miss out on these ones too!

We’ve also included a few articles on setting up a tent beach-side, dog-friendly camping and camping escapes near Melbourne. Oh, and it wouldn’t be summer without a swim. Check out our list of the best swimming holes on the east coast (particularly if you’re in Queensland and want to cool down).

Happy holidays!

The Explore Australia team

SUMMER FUN!

Acknowledgements

Editor Lauren Whybrow

Designer Lisa Rothwell

Photography credits Cover: Glenelg Beach Sunset At Adelaide, siwawut/Shutterstock; contents page: Pandanus palm trees populate North Stradbroke Island, Australia, THPStock/Shutterstock; pg 5: image courtesy of Kerryn Burgess; pg 7: image courtesy of Lyndon Sparrow; pg 8: image courtesy of Kerryn Burgess; pg 11: Image courtesy of Kerryn Burgess/Tourism & Events Queensland; pg 12: image courtesy of Kerryn Burgess; pg 15: Camping side in Australia, Totajla/Shutterstock; back cover: Massive tree silhouetted at the coast on sunset with boats, THPStock/Shutterstock

Explore Australia Publishing Pty Ltd is a division of Hardie Grant Publishing Pty Ltd

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owners and the above publisher of this guide.

Publisher’s note: We love to hear from our readers. Email us here: info@exploreaustralia.net.au

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CONTENTSTOP FREE , NO BOOK INGS CAMPS I TESBEST WATERHOLES ON THE EAST COASTL I FE 'S A BEACH AT T HESE CAMPS I TESSET-UP TENT NEAR MELBOURNEDOG-FR IENDLY CAMP ING ON THE EAST COASTSUMMER BOOKSHOP 17

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Treat yourself to summer holiday accommodation that won’t even come close to breaking the bank with our list of free, no-bookings campsites across Australia.

NEW SOUTH WALESBendeela Recreation Area, Kangaroo ValleyThis campsite in the Kangaroo Valley is a hidden and picturesque gem! The sites are on a large, shady area next to the river.

Big River camping area, Goulburn River National Park Set above the Goulburn River, you’re only a hop, skip and a leap away from some great swimming holes.

Blackbird Flat Reserve camping area, Macleay River Public Recreation ReserveFree, dog-friendly, spacious camping next to a river in summer? Count us in.

Bodalla Forest Park, Bodalla State Forest The perfect stop off the Princes Highway, this picnic spot also doubles as a shady and spacious camping area.

ALL THE FREE CAMPING YOU COULD WANT THIS SUMMER HOLIDAYS

Coachwood camping area, Chichester State Forest We like Coachwood camping area so much we almost don’t want to tell you about it. This pretty-as-a-picture campsite is next to a river in Chichester State Forest, which neighbours the magical Barrington Tops National Park.

Daisy Plains Huts, Carrai National Park These remote huts are left unlocked for campers to use. It might not be ‘proper’ camping with a roof over your head, but as you wake up to the black cockatoos squawking in the eucalypts, you won’t care so much about those pesky details.

Frying Pan Creek camping area, Chichester State Forest On the other side of the Telegherry River to Coachwood camping area, this picturesque campsite is justifiably popular.

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Glen Davis camping area, Glen Davis It’s a campsite with a view – and then some! This free camping area overlooks the beautiful Capertee Valley in the Blue Mountains.

Ingar Campground, Blue Mountains National Park What makes Ingar so good? It’s near Wentworth Falls AND a swimming hole, has toilets and easily accessible walking tracks. There are only eight sites though, so if you snooze on the morning you’re meant to leave, you may lose out on a spot.

Jacob’s River camping area, Kosciuszko National Park Only a short drive from Jindabyne, Jacob’s River camping area gives you more than enough reasons to visit the alpine area in summer. It’s an attractive camping area set next to Jacob’s River. While away the time swimming and fishing.

Manning River camping area, Barrington Tops State Forest Cool down by camping on the banks of the Manning River under the temperate rainforest. The fishing’s not bad, either.

Ingar Campground, New South Wales

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Newtons Crossing camping area, Yambulla State ForestThere are only five sites, but chances are people will overlook this lovely inland spot in favour of a place on the beach. Their loss – situated next to the river in the midst of the forest, Newtons Crossing camping area is a winner.

Paddys River Flats camping area, Tumbarumba You’ll fall in love with this simple camping area near Paddys Falls, where you can swim, fish or go bushwalking.

Pindari Dam camping area, Pindari Dam You don’t have to pay to camp here, but you’ll probably enjoy this small, casual camping area with its view over the dam so much you’ll be happy dropping a few coins into the donation box.

The Pines camping area, Olney State Forest Give us a campsite among the pine trees at Olney State Forest, with good facilities and lots of shade.

Rocky River Fossicking Area camping area, UrallaYou’ll strike gold at this free campsite – maybe even literally! You can hire fossicking equipment at the visitors centre. Otherwise you can just relax at the shaded campsite and cool down in the swimming holes in the river.

VICTORIABlue Pool camping area, Briagolong State Forest Walk down the steep gorge to find a deep blue pool surrounded by trees. You can’t pay for a summer cool-down this good – and at Blue Pool camping area, you don’t have to.

Fort O’Hare camping area, DartmoorWith clean, tidy, grassy and shady campsites on the bank of the Glenelg River, Fort O’Hare is a pleasant spot to camp.

Horseyard Flat camping area, Alpine National Park At this simple campsite among the trees, you’ve got access to walking and lookouts (but no actual horseriding facilities, sorry!).

Jones camping area, Toombullup RangesA good spot for anglers next to Hollands Creek near Mount Samaria State Park.

Pineapple Flat camping area, Alpine National ParkBounce in with your 4WD, set up camp at the grassy, shaded sites, enjoy how picturesque it looks, before bouncing off again to tackle some of the 4WD tracks in the park.

Vaughan Springs camping area, Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage ParkVictoria has less free campsites than it did at this time last

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year, so expect Vaughan Springs to increase in popularity. The sites aren’t the most scenic, but it is a spacious camping area with swimming nearby.

Waterfalls camping area, Pyrenees State ForestPleasant sites under the trees near some excellent bushwalks.

Western Beach camping area, Lake Albacutya ParkOn the shores of Lake Albacutya, this camping area is peacefully situated under the river red gums.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA Port Parham camping area, Port ParhamYou’ll find this family-friendly camping area north of Adelaide. Splash about in the shallow waters or try your hand at crabbing – just don’t get crabby if you come up empty handed.

Campsites along the Heysen Trail (mainly walk-in camping) These campsites are all well maintained and normally free! There are sometimes huts at these campsites so you can ‘camp’ with a roof over your head.

Alpine National Park camping, Victoria

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Tiparra Rocks camping area, Yorke Peninsula ReservesOne of a few free camping areas along the coast in the Yorke Peninsula Reserves, come here for the water-based activities. Permits required.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Campsites along the Bibbulmun track, south-west of Perth (mainly walk-in) Designated campsites along the Bibbulmun Track are free and no-bookings sites (although the sites are normally small), so go to town and camp all along the track!

Bidjar Ngoulin camping area, Munda Biddi TrailThis basic campsite is on the Munda Biddi Trail. The peace, quiet and beauty of Bidjar Ngoulin, nestled as it is in a towering forest, more than makes up for the limited facilities.

Wungong camping area, Munda Biddi TrailA bush campsite surrounded by Western Australia’s remarkable jarrah trees. This campsite is on the Munda Biddi Trail, which is always a good option for free campsites.

Cockle Creek camping area, Tasmania

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QUEENSLANDBabinda Creek camping area, BabindaThis free campsite is 6km from Babinda, near the swimming hole at Babinda Boulders (which rates as one of our favourite swimming holes on the east coast and has toilets, showers and barbecues. Note: you can only stay for 48 hours.

Caliguel Lagoon camping area, CondamineCamping in Queensland in summer? You’ll be glad there’s a lagoon nearby where you can cool down. A seriously charming campsite with good, clean amenities and plenty of water-based activities.

Wuruma Dam camping area, near Eidsvold This increasingly popular camping area has good facilities and great fishing. The view’s not bad either.

TASMANIAApsley Waterhole camping area, Douglas–Apsley National ParkAs you swim in the Apsley River swimming hole near your free campsite in Douglas–Apsley National Park, you’ll ask yourself: does life get any better than this?

Boltons Green camping area, Southwest National ParkBoltons Green is the end of the road in Southwest National Park – from here it’s all walking tracks and endless ocean vistas. You need to get a permit for this camping area.

Dago Point camping area, Lake SorrellSet on the shaded banks of Lake Sorrell, camping doesn’t get much better than this. And since fishing is banned, it doesn’t get as crowded as you’d expect.

Green Point camping area, MarrawahWater, water everywhere at Green Point camping area. This unprotected camping area (bring a strong tent!) overlooks the wild and beautiful Southern Ocean.

Hastings Forest Picnic Area camping area, Southern ForestsYou might expect a free camping area to be ugly, with bad facilities and nothing to do. Well, may we introduce you to Hastings Forest Picnic Area camping area, which is nestled beside Esperance River on soft, mossy ground with toilets and all the activities you could want nearby?

Lake Barrington West camping area, Lake BarringtonCome here for the angling (permits required) and stay for the views and peace and quiet.

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We’re going to let you in on a secret – Australia’s swimming holes are just as spectacular as its beaches, especially as you won’t have to fight for a spot in the water. Here are our eight favourite swimming holes along the east coast (including some with great camping areas).

Polly McQuinn’s Weir, VictoriaThere’s a rumour going around that the swimming hole at Polly McQuinn’s Weir is bottomless. While we can’t say one way or the other, it is certainly deep enough to allow you to jump off the surrounding rocks into the pool.

Located near Strathbogie Ranges in the High Country, this area is famous for being the Kelly gang’s hiding place. We’re not sure whether Ned ever stripped off his metal armour and took a dip in one of the small pools or the nearby river, but he was missing out if he didn’t.

Blue Pool, VictoriaBlue Pool camping area has more claim to fame than just being the only campground with a toilet in Briagolong State Forest. It’s also, as the name suggests, situated next to the fantastic swimming hole of Blue Pool. You’ll find this site in East Gippsland, a bit over two hours’ drive from Melbourne. But the secret is out about this waterhole – it’s one of the most popular spots in the park on a hot day.

Five Mile Swimming Hole, QueenslandIt seems a particularly cruel twist of fate that some of the most spectacular beaches in the world are too dangerous

COOL DOWN AT THESE EAST COAST SWIMMING HOLES THIS SUMMER

to swim at. But there are some croc- and stinger-free swimming spots in north Queensland, if you just know where to go.

Five Mile Swimming Hole is only a few kilometres south of Cardwell just off the highway, with ladders and rope swings leading to the water (which is thankfully free of deadly animals!). There’s no camping at this site, so make sure to soak up all the time you can at this serene spot.

Hepburn Pool, VictoriaHepburn Springs might be better known for its mineral springs, but once upon a time Hepburn Pool was the famous water of this region.

This enchanting pool was built into the Spring Creek in the 1920s and hosted the Victorian Swimming Championships in the 1930s. Over time, the pool slowly fell into disuse.

Revived by volunteers in the ’90s, the pool has an old-world charm about it that might just have you reaching for your bloomers.

Cedar Creek rockpools, QueenslandSituated in the Gold Coast hinterland is nature’s version of Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World. The Cedar Creek rockpools

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are a series of cascades and rockpools in Tamborine National Park, and can be reached on the spectacular Cedar Creek Circuit walk.

These rockpools are popular with the locals, and there are plenty swimming holes to choose from (although the rapids can get a little hairy).

Karloo Pools, New South WalesRoyal National Park is Australia’s oldest national park, and this grand old dame is a familiar friend to many Sydneysiders. But this friend has been hiding a secret – the spectacular Karloo Pools.

The swimming hole is situated in the middle of the national park, and is made up of three pools. You’ll have to trek along the Karloo walking track to reach them, so you’ll want to step right in when you get there. There are falls nearby, so be careful of the ebbs and flows of the water.

Babinda Boulders, QueenslandBabinda Boulders almost look as if they were dropped into the ground by giants a millennium ago. Situated between Cardwell and Cairns, this swimming hole is another croc-free area to cool down in within northern Queensland. There’s something magical about the pools – make sure to read up on the Aboriginal legends surrounding the pools before visiting the area.

Be cautious while swimming in the pools and avoid any turbulent waters.

Bents Basin, New South WalesIt might not be Bondi Beach, but Bents Basin has an appeal all its own, not least that it offers people who live in western Sydney a place to cool down without having to trek to the beach. This delightful swimming hole is an interlude off the Nepean River on the way to Warragamba Dam, halfway between Camden and Penrith. It’s a large patch of water, which means that – unlike Bondi – you won’t need to fight for a swimming spot.

Kayaking down Babinda Creek, Queensland

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Flinders Beach camping area, North Stradbroke Island, QueenslandNorth Straddie is only a short drive and ferry ride from Brisbane, which makes it a popular destination for local holidaymakers.

There are a few beachfront areas to choose from on the island, including the popular Cylinder Beach. But the 4WD-accessible-only Flinders Beach camping area, nestled behind the dunes on the north-east end of the island, is our pick.

While it has limited facilities, this campsite has fantastic beach access, which is just what you need in summer. And it’s generally quieter than the other spots.

Also worth a look: Beach camping sites on nearby Moreton Island and camping just off Ocean Beach at Bribie Island.

Paradise Beach camping area, Gippsland Lake Coastal Park, VictoriaParadise Beach camping area is one of the few spots in Gippsland Lake Coastal Park you can enjoy with your dog.

The campsite also lives up to its name, with spectacular views over both the beach and Lake Reeve Wetlands.

Facilities include toilets, drinking water and access for caravans and camper trailers. But you probably won’t want to spend much time at the campsite – the coastal park offers great opportunities for watersports like waterskiing and surf fishing.

Sloop Reef camping area, Bay of Fires Conservation Area, TasmaniaCampers at Sloop Reef really have won the pick of the draw. With clear blue waves and pure white beach, it’s an idyllic spot.

The campsite has limited facilities, but activities are in abundance from fishing and canoeing, to swimming and hiking. What else makes Sloop Reef a top beach camping spot? It’s free, doesn’t take bookings and is pet friendly.

Broken Head Holiday Park, Broken Head, New South WalesWant the beauty of Byron Bay, but less hustle and bustle?

Want to camp on, or close to, some of the most attractive beaches in the world? Why are we even asking the question – of course you do! We’ve picked the best beach camping spots to be found all over Australia. Most of these campsites are simple and have limited facilities. But with views like these, who’s complaining?

TOP 10 BEACH CAMPING SPOTS Sloop Reef camping area, Tasmania

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Broken Head Holiday Park is 7km south of the popular tourist town, situated right next to the lush and fertile rainforests of Broken Head Nature Reserve.

It has powered and unpowered sites, and you can pitch your tent right on the beachfront.

Diamond Head camping area, Crowdy Bay National Park, New South WalesCrowdy Bay National Park isn’t as flashy as some of the state’s other coastal parks, but it has a quiet charm that appeals to active campers. People come to Crowdy Bay for swimming, fishing, boating, walking and hiking.

Diamond Head camping area is located right by the beachfront and has good facilities. If you’re staying at Diamond Head, making the short loop walk to Indian Beach is recommended – there are fantastic views along the coast, mountains and forest.

Alexander Bay camping area, Esperance, Western AustraliaEsperance has plenty of stunning beachside campsites. Lucky Bay is certainly the most well-known campsite in the area (and one of our favourites), but the nearby Alexander Bay camping area is equally beautiful – and has shaded campsites.

The camping area is situated in native bush just off the beach, and is accessed by an unsealed road. Van sites and facilities are limited, but you can bring your dog. Once you have set up tent, head down to the pristine beach to enjoy stunning panoramic views and great swimming and fishing.

Johanna Beach camping area, Great Otway National Park, VictoriaIf you’re a surfer, there is arguably no better place to camp on the Victorian coast than at Johanna Beach camping area. The beach is the back-up venue for the Rip Curl Pro, normally held at Bells Beach.

Johanna Beach is situated in Great Otway National Park,

so you can choose between spending your days on the beach or in the pristine rainforest.

Wauraltee Beach camping area, Yorke Peninsula Reserves, South AustraliaOne of the campsites maintained by the Yorke Peninsula District Council, Wauraltee Beach camping area is extremely basic and has basically no shade.

But don’t let that deter you! The beach is pretty enough that you’ll feel happy bringing your own … well, everything (including your dog).

The main activities at Wauraltee Beach are fishing and swimming, as well as gazing at the spectacular sunsets. A camping fee of $10 per night applies.

Ocean beach camping areas, Coorong National Park, South AustraliaLike the name suggests, there’s really nothing but the beach at these bush camping sites. Only accessible by 4WD, the sites have basically no facilities – but the location more than makes up for it.

Cleaverville Beach camping area, Roebourne, Western AustraliaIf you love the beach, you can hardly find a better camping spot in Western Australia than Cleaverville.

Situated behind the dunes of the beach, the campsites are basic and you’ll need to bring your own firewood and drinking water, as well as a portable toilet.

The beach is the main attraction with boating, canoeing, fishing and swimming opportunities. As well as the many water-based activities, you can also just sit back and enjoy the view.

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Feel like going camping, but don’t want to travel too far from Melbourne? We’ve found the best campsites within one or two hours from the city, so you no longer have any excuse for not taking that weekend camping trip.

CAMP CLOSE TO MELBOURNE THIS SUMMERNioka Bush Camp, Plenty Gorge ParkClose enough to Melbourne, yet far enough away that it still feels like a break, this campsite is on the river in Plenty Gorge Park. The reserve is maintained by Parks Victoria, and has a good selection of facilities, including toilets, hot-water showers, drinking water and a camp kitchen (so you can try out some of our camping recipes!). It’s not the most scenic site in the world, but it is great for a weekend getaway from Melbourne.

Anderson Reserve camping area, Anderson ReserveThe spacious campsites at Anderson Reserve camping area are stretched out along the foreshore at Indented Head on the Bellarine Peninsula, with good facilities: you’ve got hot showers so you can wash off the sand, drinking water so you can wash out the sand, and barbecues so you can roast up a few snags and then sit back and enjoy the view – on the sand, of course. The campground is only open over the summer months, so get in quick.

Kurth Kiln camping area, Kurth Kiln Regional ParkKurth Kiln camping area is a short distance east of Melbourne. The camping areas are spacious and surrounded by a pretty bush setting. It’s one of the best camping spots close to Melbourne, and has opportunities for cycling, horseriding and bushwalking. Facilities are limited – you’ll basically only find fireplaces and toilets – but the trade-off is that you can bring your dog and the camping is free.

The Gums camping area, Kinglake National ParkThe Gums camping area is in the heart of the land that was scorched by the 2009 bushfires, and the campsites are once again surrounded by bush. Around 10km from Kinglake in the Great Dividing Range, the Gums is great for families with fishing and bushwalking nearby. This is quite a simple camping area, and you’ll only find barbecues, toilets and caravan access – don’t forget to bring your own drinking water! Bookings are required and you’ll also have to cough up a camping fee.

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Andersons Garden camping area, Mount Disappointment State ForestDon’t let the name fool you; Mount Disappointment State Forest is not disappointing. Only around 9km from the Hume Highway, this easily accessible campground is a charming spot under the mountain ashes. The facilities are limited, with toilets being the only real amenity provided. Yet you can bring your dog and camping is free. Be prepared to bring your own entertainment too – walking is really the only activity around here.

Sorrento Foreshore camping area, Sorrento Foreshore ReserveSorrento is one of the most popular holiday towns in the already popular Mornington Peninsula. That means that hotels here can cost more than you want to pay for a short weekend away. Luckily, there’s Sorrento Foreshore camping area, which has hundreds of sites. This camping area can get rather hectic, so if you’re after some peace and quiet, this is not the place for you. But if you’re after a family-friendly site with proximity to many of the attractions of the Mornington Peninsula and great facilities, you can’t do better.

Fairhaven camping area, French Island National ParkFairhaven camping area is on French Island, just a hop, skip, jump, ferry ride and bus trip away from the Mornington Peninsula (it’s almost as isolated as Sorrento Foreshore camping area is accessible). French Island isn’t as famous as neighbouring Phillip Island, but it is a beautiful natural spot where you can kick back for a few days. The only amenities at the campsites are a drop toilet and water that needs to be purified before you can drink it. You’ll have to bring your own stove. After you’ve had enough of kicking back, take a walk around the island and keep an eye out for the native wildlife.

Nash Creek camping area, Bunyip State ForestDon’t worry. As far as we can tell, there aren’t actually bunyips roaming between the trees at Bunyip State Forest. Even if there were, we doubt it would be enough to turn people off camping at Nash Creek camping area. Bunyip State Forest was another section of the state severely affected by the bushfires in 2009 but, as with Kinglake, the forest has experienced a spectacular regeneration, and is a place where Melburnians can enjoy abundant nature and wildlife. Nash Creek camping area is in the heart of the forest, and has access to the forest’s great walking paths and mountain-biking trails.

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Want to camp with your dog this summer? As most national parks and many holiday parks don’t allow dogs, it can feel like your options are limited. But there are still plenty of great camping areas, with fantastic facilities, activities and views you can camp at with pets (and the rest of your family). The usual common-sense rules about camping with your pet apply!

DOG-FRIENDLY CAMPINGON THE EAST COASTCoachwood camping area, Chichester State Forest, New South Wales Hidden next to Barrington Tops National Park is Chichester State Forest, where you’ll find Coachwood camping area. This attractive campground is on the banks of the Telegherry River in the state forest. You’ll need to bring your own firewood and drinking water, and the campsite is inaccessible for two-wheel drives in wet weather.

Other dog-friendly camping areas in the Hunter Valley: Manning River camping area, Watagan Headquarters camping area, Lake Glenbawn camping area, Lake Liddell Recreation Area camping area, Lake St Clair camping area, Wharf Reserve camping area

Darlington Park camping area Beaudesert,QueenslandOne of the most popular camping areas on the Explore Australia website, Darlington Park was a shoe-in for this list due to its fantastic facilities, which make it perfect for families with pets. The camping area’s facilities range from a kiosk, to disabled access, to a playground and cricket ground for the kids, although you do need to bring your own drinking water.

Other camping areas around Brisbane that welcome pets: Burgess Park camping area, Atkinson Dam Waterfront Caravan Park, Boonah Showground

Loyalty Beach Campground and Fishing Lodge Cape York, QueenslandJust 45 minutes from the tip of Cape York, this campsite has a prime location. The camping is spectacular, offering 500 metres of grassed beachfront sites where you can set up shop. The amenities at Loyalty Beach include everything from powered sites to hot showers, and pets are allowed under supervision.

Other camping areas in Cape York that welcome pets: Bramwell Station Tourist Park, Home Rule Rainforest Lodge camping area, Cullen Point camping area, Granite Gorge camping area, Musgrave Roadhouse

Mystery Bay Camp Ground (bush camping)Mystery Bay, New South Wales If the spectacular views from Mystery Bay Camp Ground weren’t enough to convince you to visit this campsite, the fact that your pet can come along and enjoy the view as well might be. This is bush camping, so don’t expect too many amenities. Mystery Bay camping area can fit all sorts of rigs and is shaded by gum trees.

Other dog-friendly camping areas on the south coast: Araluen Creek camping area, Danjera Dam camping area, Newtons Crossing camping area

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The best books for summer!

SUMMER BOOKSHOPExplore Australia by Caravan & Motorhome (5th ed)

by John and Jan Tait

Now in its fifth edition, Explore Australia by Caravan and Motorhome is better than ever! This caravanning bible now includes an additional 400 caravan park listings, bringing the total list to over 1000 for caravan parks from around the country.

All of the information has been rechecked and updated, so that authors John and Jan Tait can share their unrivalled knowledge of how best to see Australia by caravan.

Find out more

RRP: $49.95

Driving Holidays around Australia

by Lee Atkinson

Want to take a road trip this summer, but not sure where to go? Let road trip guide Lee Atkinson tell you where to go in Driving Holidays around Australia. Lee has selected out the top 40 road trips around the country and clearly sets out detailed touring information for each trail. There is information on the best time to travel, itinerary options, attractions in towns, national parks, potential side trips, food and accommodation listings, maps and a ‘kids spot’ for family road trippers.

Find out more

RRP: $39.95

Australia’s Top 100 Places to Go – The Ultimate Bucket Listby Jennifer Adams and Clint BizzellWith the help of the Australian public, Jennifer Adams and Clint Bizzell from Network Ten’s Places We Go reveal the 100 places you must visit in Australia before you die (or they disappear – sorry, Great Barrier Reef). Having flown, run, skied, cycled, hiked, swum and driven around every corner of Australia, Jen and Clint want to share their knowledge and love of this great continent with aspiring travellers everywhere. Australia’s Top 100 Places to Go – The Ultimate Bucket List is the ultimate list of what to see and do in Australia.

Find out more

RRP: $34.95

Australia’s Best Camping

by Kerryn Burgess

Author Kerryn Burgess travelled the length and breadth of Australia, personally visiting hundreds of national parks, state forests, beaches and beyond to identify the best camping areas in Australia.

Australia’s Best Camping is smart and opinionated, packed with carefully selected camping spots for families, couples and groups travelling with a tent, a caravan or a campervan, and will get you through your summer holidays!

Find out more

RRP: $34.95

TOUR VINE BY VINE

OUR CLASSIC

BESTSELLER

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The best books for Summer!

SUMMER BOOKSHOPBush Tukka Guide by Samantha MartinThe Bush Tukka Woman shares her knowledge and love of bush tukka – along with some delicious recipes.

Find out more

RRP: $19.95

Hungry Campers Cookbook by Katy HolderHungry Campers Cookbook brings together the fun of family camping holidays with fresh, healthy, gourmet recipes.

Find out more

RRP: $29.95

Explore Australia’s National ParksFind all the national parks currently carpeted in wildflowers.

Find out more

RRP: $49.95

Gourmet Touring around AustraliaFrom cabernet to camembert, discover the very best gourmet stops along Australia’s touring routes.

Find out more

RRP: $36.95

Budget Rest Areas around Australia by Paul SmedleyYou can holiday in Australia without breaking the bank! Find out which rest areas you can stop at overnight.

Find out more

RRP: $39.95 (paperback); $49.95 (spiral-bound)

Explore Australia 2015Explore Australia is an invaluable travel bible for anyone planning an extended holiday in Australia. Don’t hit the road without a copy.

Find out more

RRP: $59.95

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BEST FORWEEKENDGETAWAYS

Food Trucks Feastsby Erika BudimanA feast for your eyes as well as your tummy, this is the first book to reveal the recipes behind Australia’s most successful food trucks. Find out more

RRP: $34.95

4WD Australia: 50 Short Getaways by Linda Lee Rathbun and Steven David MillerYou don’t have to take a month off to go on a 4WD getaway. Here are some getaways close to major towns you can tackle in a long weekend.

Find out more

RRP: $39.95

Top Walks in Victoriaby Melanie Ball Explore the best of Victoria – on foot! There are walks for every level of walker in the book.

Find out more

RRP: $34.95

Aussie Loos with Views! by Marion HallidayDid you know that some of our most stunning views can be experienced from the loo?

Find out more

RRP: $19.95

A Moveable Feastby Katy HolderThis gorgeous new cookbook by food stylist Katy Holder is full of recipes that look good, taste great and travel well. Find out more

RRP: $34.95

Boating Survival Guide by Doug KingStart your boating adventures with this book, whether you’re just looking at buying your first boat or you’re an experienced boatie.

Find out more

RRP: $29.95

HAPPY TRAVELLING