Australia So Much to See

Corner of Station Street and Third Avenue Injune; Station Street being parallel and one block to the east of the Carnarvon Highway (Hutton Street as it traverses through the town).  Station Street was the historic main street.  Third Avenue becomes the road to Tarcoom and is a truck route.  

A neat and clean small park with level sites. Green lawns in park with bitumen to park caravans on.

Large new amenities block - with steps. Old block and laundry at ground level still open, but plans under way develop this as a disability access amenities block. Update: Disability access bathrooms now available.  Water quality good, water pressure good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, hand dryer provided. Amenities block incorporates a large laundry (doubles as town laundry). Laundry in old block was also still in use at the time of our visit. 

There was also work being undertaken on picnic grounds near creek across road where there were a few campers not needing power had camped (overflow). This may have been incorporated into the park on expansion.  Picnic area; barbecue was out of order when were stayed. Update: Since replaced.

Some road noise from trucks coming into town on Tarcoom Road (park one block back from present main street and main road). Quiet at night but trucks start early. New cabins at bargain price of $55 per night for two. Update $65 as at 2011.

Pros: Neat clean and tidy park.  Green lawns and gardens full of flowers. Pets (well controlled) permitted. 

Cons: Some noise from trucks on Tarcoom Road.  Other deficiencies have been addressed by the expansion and renovations.  

Tourist Information: Close enough for day trips to a number of parks. Fish and chips with salad $8 on Wednesday evenings at nearby Bowling Club; other meals from $15.  Dump point north end of town. 

$12 per night for two powered. Under new management system with an on site manager and fee now $25 for two powered and $22 unpowered.

Date of stay: September 2009.

Rating 9  (On the basis of the reported disability access bathroom and expanded number of sites, re-inspection may result in a higher score)

Three kilometres south of the Warrego Highway on Evanslea Road.  The small townsite of Jondaryn is near the highway.     

Expect a rural experience rather than a flash caravan park.  We really enjoyed our stay at Jondaryan.  Small campground at a community run historical shearing shed and village.

Campground consists of 8 very long drive-through bitumised sites with lawn either side to step out onto; in peak they accommodate two rigs. Sites slope downhill significantly. Tents on lawns around caravan sites. Powered sites but no water provided for campers.

Quaint old amenities blocks, including showers in an old railway carriage. Not suitable for disability access.  Inadequate numbers if campground was full.  Good new toilet block including a disability access toilet at nearby shearing shed. Amenities close to all sites, average cleanliness and reasonable condition for old buildings which keep with the theme of this living museum.  Water pressure was good, there was adequate hot water (unless someone has switched off the power outlet near the washing machine and needed to ignite the instantaneous gas heater for some of the showers). Handwash and paper towels provided. Basic laundry.

Additional accommodation in old shearers quarters, cabins. Also a number of old caravans which may be used for events accommodation.

Tourism information: Tours of old shearing shed with demonstrations, tour of historic village created from buildings brought in from region and displays of old rural machinery. Entry ticket includes guided tour and self guided walks around entire area any time. With relocated buildings, sheds of machinery and numerous displays, talks and demonstrations, at least two days could be spent at this living history of the Darling Downs museum.  Entry to Jondaryan Woolshed historical area $13 or $11.50 with concession, and special rates for children and families. Update April 2019: Entrance fee now included in camping fee, and for separate entry is $10 or $8.50 concession, children $5. Fee includes guided tours. Most buildings on display have ramps for wheelchair accessibility.  Park is close enough to commute to Toowoomba.

Pros: Pleasant and quiet rural location, a few kilometres from highway and town. Pets permitted.

Cons: No water provided for campers. Old bathrooms. No disability access showers.  Update: A new amenities block and a dump point have been added.  There are some taps with town water suitable for filling caravan tanks, but not provided for direct use to caravans. 

$14 per night for two powered ($11 unpowered) at time of visit. Update: April 2019 $28.50 powered for two people, $22.50 unpowered for two people.  $10 per extra adult and $5 per extra child.  Price includes museum entrance fee.

Date of stay: September 2009

Rating 7

Web: Jondaryan Woolshed Bush Caravan Park

Phone: 07 46922229

Email:info@jondaryanwoolshed.com.au

Queensland

Ten kilometres south of Stanthorpe on the New England Highway, west side of road in a semi rural environment. 

Caravan sites are behind the office and modern cabins, and heading down the hill, screened and quiet from the highway traffic.  Roomy drive through sites.  There is a tent area further down the hill alongside a small weir on the Severn River, which is a very pleasant camping environment.  A second amenities bock and the well equipped camp kitchen with free gas burners in this area.  Picnic tables near weir. 

Park had a high percentage of permanents, semi permanents, on site vans, and back packers working in seasonal horticulture in the area. 

Nice tiled amenities blocks. Good water pressure and adequate hot water.  Large laundry. Water on tap is straight from the weir with drinking water provided from a tank.  No disability access bathrooms.  Bathrooms not close to all sites due to spread of the camping area. 

We paid $20 for two powered, which included an advertised 20% Senior’s Card discount, from a site fee of $25.  Seniors price given although I had neglected to ask, or show card.  As at April 2017 $32 powered and $25 - $30 unpowered for two adults per night. Now a Family Parks chain park, a 10% discount applies to those with Family Parks membership. 

Pros: Large park set well back from Highway, small weir at far end of campground. Tenters can camp along edge of this weir. Nice bathrooms with full length mirror in ladies bathroom and mats in ladies showers. Pets permitted. 

Cons: Water on tap not suitable for drinking (untreated weir water). 

Tourist Information: Close to wineries, berry and olive farms as well as Granite Belt and Girraween National Park.

Date of stay: September 2009.

Rating 8

Web: Country Style Accommodation

Phone: 07 46834358

Email: info@countrystylecaravanpark.com.au 

On line booking available