Easter 2013 - Camping

[MarkChap]

Ok, I know it seems like Easter is a long way off, but it is late March this year, so not that far away

Are any of you Brisbanites up for a camping trip north again, would be good to catch up

I was thinking that we could either do Wongi Water Holes again or somewhere different

[SkattyKat]

Interested but Trevor & his work may be an issue.
Will keep an eye on this thread :2smile:

[yummymummy]

I'm in :) Wongi was pretty good nice clean grounds etc.. could be fun! star trails, light painting ;) :D

[MarkChap]

Another option, that would need an early decision to ensure spots, and a bit further for me to drive is the deer farm at Imbil.

http://borumbadeerpark.com/index.html

They have a great spot right on the banks of Yabba creek, and I am sure if we booked early enough, we could get them to reserve one end just for us

[41jas]

I haven't really thought about Easter this year with being so busy. I would be interested.

[MarkChap]

Seems a bit early Jules, but being a March Easter this year, it is not far off really

[yummymummy]

deer farm sounds nice! I'll be in for that! :) good thinking Mark! :) how exciting, can't wait!

[41jas]

loving the deer park idea...lets do it!!!

[MarkChap]

Yes, lets
I will make inquiry with them about prices etc and putting us all in the one spot

[yummymummy]

excellent!! :)) I can't wait :D it's been a long time coming...

[Rattus79]

loving the deer park idea...lets do it!!!

Hmmmn. BBQ Venison anyone? Mongo may even come up for that one! :D

[41jas]

All for it...power or non powered site...we'll be there but will be better to have everyone together. 3 nights?? Can't wait.

[MarkChap]

There is no power down by the creek Jules, but you can have a fire, they supply the wood, you just have to carry it to your camp

It is, or was a beautiful spot last time I was there

[yummymummy]

we don't need power ;) powered sites and lights get in the way of light painting lol ;)

[Wayne63]

It really is a nice spot, I was there in September (Fishing at Borumba Dam). I am hoping I can make it but unsure at the moment as i have some personal issues to deal with.
Will keep an eye on the thread though. The wood is available but is not free anymore ($10 / wheelbarrow load)

[MarkChap]

Ok, so the Deer Farm is a no go, they are fully booked and suggested that if we wanted to camp there in 2014 that we would need to book NOW or risk missing out.

So back to the drawing board

Suggestions anyone

[Wayne63]

There is a large camping ground at the dam which is only about 5k's further on, they are normally busy over hollidays as well

[yummymummy]

damn :( ok, will have a think...

[MarkChap]

Do we want bush or beach ??

I have been looking around and anything remotely popular, beach, is booked out.

We could do Baffle Creek - http://www.bafflebobs.com/

otherwise we find something in the bush, maybe Wongi again, I am happy with that

[41jas]

anything easter you have to be early....I'm happy either way...and no, we don't need power.

[yummymummy]

don't need power, I'm happy to go back to Wongi again, there are a few things I want to do there that I didn't get to do last time.

[Jacs14]

Hey I'm up for this too :D ... I'm happy for where ever, never been to Wongi and sounds like a fun place, happy to go with the flow. :efelant:

[SkattyKat]

I had decided we would commit and then if we just got a couple of nights so be it - now I see the Dear park is no go, shame.
So depending what we come up with - if it isn't too far then we are in (just that I am sure Trevor will have to work at least part of the weekend )

[MarkChap]

Well lets say Wongi again then

http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/wongi/index.html

Same deal, you need to book your permit online (http://parks.nprsr.qld.gov.au/permits/faces/publichome.jspx?_afrWindowMode=0&_afrLoop=2163890787525036&_adf.ctrl-state=o5wvbys00_104), $5.45 per person per night

[Rattus79]

anyone got examples of what you can expect to shoot there?

[MarkChap]

There are plenty of birds, last time there were hundreds of Rainbow Bee-eaters, sea eagles, Whistling Kite.
Plenty of macro opportunities
Some great sunset shots from along the causeway
It is well away from the city lights, so this year I think start trails might be on the list

And it is only a short drive to Hervey Bay if anyone wanted a sunrise over the beach.

I won't be organising, or trying to organise a model shoot this year however

- - - Updated - - -

Finaly found one that still has the images attached

http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?54166-Wongi-Waterhole&highlight=wongi

[yummymummy]

YAY! :D we're happy with that!! can't wait! :D I'll go and book my site during the next couple of days , thanks Mark!
oh and yeah we kinda gotta do star trails this time, over that nice still water. ;)

[Analog6]

I would have liked this but am going to an AIPP one at Mt Barney just a fortnight before. Unless I win Lotto I can't see myself doing two long weekends so close together. However, who knows what might happen.

[Rattus79]

Yeah, I like the idea of startrails over the lake. Even better if you manage to get some reflections.

[41jas]

I might book this over the weekend...yay..we will head up reallllllly early the Friday. Is anyone going earlier than Friday.....I don't wont to set up in the wrong place..... Mark, will we set up around the same spot we were before?

[41jas]

Is this all go...I will book it as soon as I know it's a firm weekend...we are keen.

[MarkChap]

obviously can't speak for others, but I WILL be there, rain hail or shine (except if we get another rain event like we just had)

- - - Updated - - -

And yes Jules, I think the same spot will pretty well

[41jas]

Cool bananas...booking!!!

- - - Updated - - -

It should be right but Wongi is closed until the 5th Feb....I will check on booking tomorrow.

[yummymummy]

yeah it's closed at the moment cause of the floods, should be right by the time we're going though I think? I'll jump on on 5th and book our site too, and we'll be going up really early on the friday too. :)

[41jas]

Just letting you know I booked 3 nights...29th March to the 1st April.
You had to register your name and email before it will allow you to book.
I booked under the group of "Ausphotography"
Now the waiting game..lol
Costs just over $32.00 for the two of us.
Yayy Can't wait. It's nice out there and it says the park is open. A week or so ago it was closed. So all is looking good.

[yummymummy]

I'm gonna book next week :) can't wait! bring on Easter!! :D

[SkattyKat]

I will try to remember to book later today, when I am on PC :p

[MarkChap]

Booked and Paid,

4 nights, will be heading down on the Thursday afternoon

[gabby]

I just checked where Wongi is and wouldn't care to drive that far with easter traffic-The Bruce HWY north to Bundy or Baffle Creek is yuk at best of times. I would definitely recommend the beauty of Baffle Creek (although I haven't been there since I was a kid travelling across that crystal clear river on the old ferry to my aunt and uncle's place on the other side.) I'll keep an eye on decisions made on the thread.

[41jas]

I can't wait for this....bring it!!!!!!

[Allan Ryan]

Sounds interesting

does anyone have a link to a site for Wongi, location, booking, facilities etc..

Sorry - just found it on secound page. Cheers.

[41jas]

Can't wait...counting down the days

- - - Updated - - -

I just checked out the website and how many spots they have left....98 out of 100 Thursday and 84 out off 100 Friday. Looks like a full house!

[MarkChap]

I just checked where Wongi is and wouldn't care to drive that far with easter traffic-The Bruce HWY north to Bundy or Baffle Creek is yuk at best of times. I would definitely recommend the beauty of Baffle Creek (although I haven't been there since I was a kid travelling across that crystal clear river on the old ferry to my aunt and uncle's place on the other side.) I'll keep an eye on decisions made on the thread.

Gabby, decisions have been made, Wongi it is, most of us have booked in already

[MarkChap]

Can't wait...counting down the days

- - - Updated - - -

I just checked out the website and how many spots they have left....98 out of 100 Thursday and 84 out off 100 Friday. Looks like a full house!

They are the available numbers Jules, so at this stage there are only 16 people booked in for the Easter weekend, so looks like we will just about have the place to ourselves :)

[MarkChap]

Just over a week to go now, getting just a little excited

[41jas]

Sorry Mark...a misunderstanding...Thats good its not over crowded....maybe the weather scared some off but last time there were LOTS of people around so less is best :)
I can't wait either.
Ivan has the camper ready and packing it up this weekend...just have to buy the food Thursday night and leaving around 3am Friday.

[yummymummy]

we won't be coming guys :( The tarago died, and we're spending every spare cent on the car :-/ have a great time, but we WILL be along to the next one.. might even catch you up your way Mark xo

[Analog6]

Well I'd sort of hoped to get along to this but I have the most dreadful flu and conjunctivitis, plus we have some family matters to settle at Woolgoolga so may go down then. Have a great time everyone, and post lots of images.

[MarkChap]

we won't be coming guys :( The tarago died, and we're spending every spare cent on the car :-/ have a great time, but we WILL be along to the next one.. might even catch you up your way Mark xo

oh no, damn cars

There will be another time

- - - Updated - - -

Can we have a quick show of hands for this

Definate
Me + 1
Jules and Ivan
Kathy and maybe Trevor

Have I missed anyone ??

[Jacs14]

Was hoping to be able to join in on this, but now looks like both the kids are going to be away for easter as well so need to be here for the dogs :/ sooooo was thinking about a day road trip but looks like it may be a bit of a drive for a days trip, Damnnn well it just means one thing we need to organise another camp meet up ;)
Have a fantastic time everyone

[SkattyKat]

Hey Mark,

Trevor & I will be there for Friday & Saturday night, coming home Sunday morning.
Trevor has work commitments Sunday & Monday -
See you there !! :)
(Still trying to book - keep having issues with the site)

[SkattyKat]

OMG - Booked !!!!
I have earned the trip haha
Roll on Friday !!

[MarkChap]

All set and ready to go
Might end up setting up camp in the dark on Thursday night, but I don't care