Gray Nomads share their prime must-visit winter migration locations

Charlesville, QLD

While the Gray Nomad community can be found almost scattered anywhere in Australia, Johnston says most Nomads head up North for the winter when the weather is at its most benign.

For the Johnstons, they generally head out to Charleville first.

“Our top winter destination would be the Evening Star Caravan Park 8 kilometers west of Charleville. On 30000 acres of Thurlby Station, the caravan park has a woolshed, lots of red soil, and entertains nomads every evening,” she said.

“One of the best features is the enormous fire Craig the owner builds daily and all the nomads sit around the fire and are served damper and treacle every night.

“Craig is involved in growing rare and endangered plants and there is a vegetable garden where you can pick fresh. There are morning tours through the farm where Craig tells the environmental history of the land and identifies the plants and trees, and also, Craig offers star gazing tours in the evening.”

The Evening Star Caravan Park also offers a bar and boasts a massive entertainment space perfect for those looking for a late-night boogie. Johnston says Craig is every bit of a character as much as the caravan park itself and has entertained Nomads more than once with his dancing and Running Bear duet with his sister.

Atherton Tableland, QLD

Next on Johnston’s list is Walkermin on the Atherton Tableland, where Mount Uncle RV Retreat holds special memories for her from last winter.

The park is located on a large property that has become a banana plantation, and agave plantation- used to make tequila- and includes Mt Uncle Distillery with their award-winning liquor and spirits.

“When we were there last year there were about 70 peacocks, 20 pea hens, a racehorse, ducks, and a turkey wandering around the RV park and nearby pond with scrub turkeys often seen in the banana plantation. There are also alpacas, a cow, a few sheep, and some geese,” Johnston shared.

The distillery has a large history display of the property just inside the door, and there are tastings of their already famous award-winning gin, rum and tequila. To top it off, the park is also dog friendly and features its own dog exercise yard.

Alva Beach, QLD

Tucked away in the small coastal village of Alva and just a 15km drive from the town of Ayr and Burdekin Shire is Alva Beach Tourist Park. Located a few hundred meters at the back of the dunes of the beach. The park consists of 5 acres of tropical grounds with park sites and cabins set amongst coconut palms and hibiscus hedges.

Johnston suggests visiting the area during September when it’s mud crab season.

“We stayed at Alva Beach Caravan Park and started fishing with a normal fishing rod and line, and started to pull in mud crabs. Each day we caught enough mud crabs for a feast and went back to the caravan to cook them up,” Johnston recalled.

Goodwood Island, NSW

Just a short trip from Yamba and Iluka, travelers can visit Browns Rocks Caravan Park on Goodwood Island, NSW.

This island is in the middle of the Clarence River and the Caravan Park is located just beside the water. There is a narrow road around the island but the water is only about 20 feet from your caravan and according to Johnston, “the fishing is excellent.”

“The views are superb, and people sit in the evening looking at wonderful sunsets on the river and often have a fishing line in the water as well. The park is peaceful being out of the main busy tourist area and yet still convenient for shops and entertainment in Iluka or MacLean,” Johnston said.

The river has never been fished commercially and is full of many different varieties and sizes, perfect for fishing aficionados.

Lara Wetlands, QLD

Lara Wetlands is a 15,000-acre station stay and is 28 kilometers south of Barcaldine. The area offers caravanners and campers a truly unique bush camping experience by their lake. Lara also features a thermal pool, camp kitchen, showers and toilets, grass sites and plenty of bird life.

“It was such a peaceful environment and you can just back your caravan up to the edge of the water and sit and watch the birds or go on a walking track around the area,” Johnston shared.

Ilfracombe, QLD

Ilfracombe is located in the heart of Queensland, Australia, between Longreach and Barcaldine. This area offers Queensland’s most authentic, untouched wilderness and award-winning cultural and heritage experiences.

Although the sites at the caravan park itself were a little tight, Johnston says the entertainment in the area is sensational.

“The owner of the park is a bush poet and storyteller and everyone was entertained at happy hour by her Australian bush stories and poems. This was quite unique and well worth the stop,” she said.

For those looking to visit the northern regions of Australia, Johnston says winter is a “lovely time” to do so but does advise travelers to stay safe when traveling in this region.

“There are a lot of non-friendly animals you will come in contact with so follow the advice of locals. Do not approach wild kangaroos or animals, they are not friendly and be wary of crocodiles, snakes or spiders. If swimming in the north, also be wary of deadly stingers,” she explained.

“Every place is different so read up the information on what the hazards are. Be safe and enjoy your trip.”