Relax, unwind and do nothing at Tooleybuc!

We free camped on the opposite side of the river from the town – allows dogs – expect nothing except space, and plenty of it (and we were there Oz Day weekend). Toilets are a short drive over the bridge so do not despair – as was a playground – club, pub, general store and post office.

Tooleybuc has a population of 250 in the township, and services the surrounding area of 5000. Industry is cereal crops and orchards (plenty of places to get fresh seasonal fruit after you leave Swan Hill). Wineries a-plenty and ‘boutique tourism operations’ who maybe should promote themselves as we found none of them???

The river was refreshing for a dip (once you got through the Murray mud). We saw (and felt) plenty of fish, and there was plenty of fisher-people on the banks and in boats looking for them.

We took a drive to Kyalite – consisting of a pub and caravan park a fishing and boating destination – again with free camping on the other side of the river from the town. This looks nice, but if you don’t fish not much to do.

Lucky Phil at the general store, was probably nicer to locals. The hotel served nice food, but took forever (we had takeaway). The township itself is beautiful. Great park and play area for the kidlets (mine wouldn’t leave), walkways winding around the river, picnic areas, boat ramp and clean toilets.

The gardens in the township showed that the community took great pride in their town – and plenty of people stopped on their way through to use the toilets, play in the playground and have a picnic.

To us Tooleybuc was a great getaway – we stayed for 3 nights and had 2 full days exploring. We relaxed and recharged after a busy end of year and Christmas period – ready to start our 2016 energised. You may find it a useful stopover to another destination.

This is our second time camping on the Murray and we have always found it quiet, peaceful and recharging – probably the effect of consistently flowing water.

Shh Don't Tell Anyone About This Spot

It is rare to find a camp site that is cheap, great, close to the beach, not packed and doesn’t take days to get to. And yet between Christmas and New Year we have found one such campsite and it was only 3 hours drive from home (Ballarat).

We hesitantly share this spot with you – as you know when you find a hidden gem you don’t share it, because then it gets ruined when all the crowds go. We share it in the hope that you will also enjoy and respect it as those who camp there now do.

The locals now about this little spot, bringing their families out from Mt Gambier to enjoy one of the nicest beaches in SA and cheapest camp ground around.

The Australian coastline is dotted with fishing villages. Some have expanded and grown particularly thanks to tourism, some haven’t. Carpenters Rocks is one of those places that still is a fishing village. It has a General Store (very general-not much that this shop does not have including a laid back attitude), a Tavern, shacks and fishing fleet to match. The local Progress Association have created a community hall complete with tennis court, playground, BBQ, toilet and large campground with ‘100 sites’.

Camp fees are by donation at the general store – they ask a minimum of $5 per night. There is no power. We saw a snake. There is plenty of space and dogs are allowed (horses too!) The beach is a 5-minute walk across the road. There is a toilet that flushes. Good strength 3G.

There is walking tracks, 4wd’ing, fishing, swimming, boating and well a whole heap of relaxing to do!

A word of warning the toilet gets cleaned every few days – I wouldn’t like to see it if the campground was full. It naturally ran out of paper (but prepared campers have their own right?). Additionally, the lock didn’t work when we were there – so you get to ‘meet your neighbours’.

Port Macdonnell is a short drive away and Mt Gambier is not far away either if you feel the need for a change of scenery or to replenish supplies.

We spent 3 nights at Carpenters Rocks which gave us an opportunity to explore the area and see the comings and goings of the camp ground. Most people came and went in 1 night. Many were groups from Mt Gambier. Noise was a minimum, no late nights and no early mornings. Everyone was considerate of other campers – just as it should be. Apart from the horse (and rabbit) poo there was no evidence of any other animals. There was  no rubbish around, bins were supplied.

This is a great campsite for short or long trips!

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