Oztrail Awning Tent; Saunders Beach QLD

At Saunders Beach just north of Townsville we found a free camper van parking spot, right on the beach & close to the river, we found out there are several in the area along the coast with full facilities, toilets, open cold beach shower, and electronic BBQs. 

Not much room for tents except rite next to your car, BEWARE, the nice green grass in the park is green because it has popup sprinklers after dark so don't camp there, lucky we got a tip from a local.

As part of my getting ready for this trip I bought the OZTRAIL AWNING TENT to attach to my awning on the side of my vehicle. I Thought it would be a great accessory for my set up.

The tent is quick & easy to put up, once the awning is up you thread the sail feed into in front & back, then simply clip the tent to the sail feed which remains in-place for a quick set up. Then clip the sides to the roof & side poles and peg the corners out. Then tighten all the clip straps, and adjust the awning height and it's done for a  bedroom or lounge room. 

It has 3 doors/windows that all zip closed, and a small window. Waterproof covers and  midgee proof netting on all doors. You can roll up the covers to make an airy bug proof lounge or close them for a warm bedroom. The door along the truck is excellent for gaining access to the vehicle, and running 12v accessories.Bugs may get in this door because you have to fully open it to get into the doors.  

It has a tough deep tub floor & light weight sides & roof. It was easy to pack up & even fits back in the bag. It should be easier to set up next time because everything is already set at the right length. 

Oztrail, Awning Tent Set Up

Sunset, Saunders Beach, QLD, Australia

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Mackay To Townsville

Had a good bbq with some old mates & there 3 legged dog Bundy, in Mackay last night, was good catching up after a year back in the city.

Me and my mate James (picked James up at Bundaberg ) We have been working together in the city for the last year, been mates for ages .He is travelling with me to Cape York and back

We are heading north again on Saturday, adopting a more relaxed sight seeing pace.

Nice long, straight, flat, almost boring roads but they are brand new to me. Breaking new ground!

Mackay is the furthest I've been till now. Expanding horizons and exploring new places broadens the mind.

Snapped a photo at the giant mango, & found a ridiculous look out at Inkerman Hill, well worth a look, spotted a tamarind tree on the way out, James said they tasted like sour lollies - free lollies on a tree!

Got to Home Hill, no hills in sight, just before dark, picked up a mad deal at I.G.A a solid 2kg of grassfed whole rib fillet for $15per kg - bargain! .

Sliced it like a loaf of bread, 2 for me please and 3 for me said James

Perfect cooked on the fire, & washed down with a cold beer or scotch, at our camp just over the Burdekin river at the outskirts of Homehill town.

Giant Mango, Inkerman Hill

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Mackay

Stayed the nite last night at Bakers Creek caravan park, mycow accommodation, nice sunny spot rite by the creek, good rates & friendly people.

First time I've had a fish on the trip, only cat fish but didn't have to go far to catch it.

I actually worked here last year replacing the old caravans with nice new one that we built.

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Hitting The Road

I have finally escaped from Brisbane after 18 months of planning, planning, set backs (a whole year), organizing, re-organizing, shopping (for gadgets, my favorite part), modifying and upgrading my vehicle, and packing, oh and re-packing.

Work finished up the other week, not a moment too soon as my boots had also decided to finish work too. 

It has been in my head for some-time now, I want to see more of Australia, I like getting away from the city, generally going bush, like a long way off the beaten track .  .  .  So when I made the decision to go, I really just had to figure out where to start.

Planning:

Where to go?

How to get there?

What am I going to need?

Organizing:

Where is everything going to fit?
What do I need?

Gadgets:

Primus Fridge/Freezer

140w Portable Solar Panel
Kayak for fishing

Modifications to Mitsi Challanger:
Heavy duty Toughdog and Ironman suspension, springs and Firestone airbag assist
Load rated Pajero Rolla roof rack & full size basket
MCC Falcon Bull Bar

My first attempt to escape from the city resulting in a write off to my first Mitsi Challager at Inskip near Rainbow beach, that set me back a year

My present  plan is to head up the east coast to Bundaberg, Mackay, Airlie beach, Townsville & Cairns. 

Beyond this heading north on dirt roads 4wd tracks, deserted beaches & uncharted horizons.

So Come and Join Me!

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