Easter 2012 Sundown National Park

[bunsen Member Find all posts View Profile Close bunsen]

We left home shortly after 9am on Friday and hit the road, destination Sundown National Park. After a few hours on the road, and a quick lunch stop in Warwick, we eventually turned off at Ballandean and found our way onto Sundown Road.



The road made it's way past several wineries and finally on to a nice gravel road towards the park entrance.



After passing through the gate, I decided to follow the advice I had read previously and let the tyres down to a cushy 24psi. Within a few minutes of driving within the park, I think I was glad that I had as the track became pretty rocky and rough. I spent most of the 40 minute trip to the Red Rock Gorge in low range which made for an easier drive rather than working overtime swapping cogs in high range and using the brakes on the descents.



We really wanted to camp at one of the sites further into the park, as they sounded much nicer than the site at Red Rock Gorge, but after travelling 4 hours, the kids wouldn't have last the extra 2 hours. In the end it worked out in our favour, as we found out that the water/river at the other site(s) was stagnant. In addition to that, we were spending the next day exploring a property just outside of the park, so the 4hr return trip and the property drive would've been hard on us all.

[bunsen Member Find all posts View Profile Close bunsen]

When we arrived, our friends were just finishing off their setup. There were only two other families camped at the site, and both had young kids which was a good sign.



After setting up, we all went for the quick walk down to the lookout to check out the Red Rock Gorge.



Back at camp we started getting ready for dinner, and finalising the essentials for the evening.


The potty came in handy for our 4yr old daughter.

[bunsen Member Find all posts View Profile Close bunsen]

This was the second time that we had been camping as a family of four, so bedtime was a novelty for the kids. We let them enjoy the experience for a while, and finally with a few ultimatums they eventually fell asleep. We enjoyed catching up with our friends around the campfire, but it wasn't long before we all called it a night. Temperatures were apparently around 8 degrees which made for a lovely night, however our 2yr old started to stir at about 1am. We thought she was cold, so we removed a layer of clothing from her and put her between us under the doona. She slept well, but we struggled a bit?

On Saturday, after breakfast, we jumped in the cars and headed back out towards Ballandean for a quick pit stop, and onto a property which our friends are looking at buying.





The property was great, and backed onto the Severn River. The landowner jumped into our friends Challenger and guided us along some of the tracks. We eventually stopped by the river for a few hours and had a splash and some lunch before heading back to camp.

[bunsen Member Find all posts View Profile Close bunsen]

When we got back to camp I found that we had another camper in our midst, however it appeared that he wanted to be alone?

[bunsen Member Find all posts View Profile Close bunsen]

We went through a similar routine for Saturday night, and the kids went to bed leaving the adults to catch up again. I found it tough with our 2yr old, as she's still a bit unsteady especially on uneven ground, and with the campfire going I found myself on edge until they went to bed. One thing that made it easier was the high chair we brought along. She was quite happy sitting in it colouring in while we prepared dinner/breakfast.

Saturday night was a fair bit warmer for the most part, but the cool winds arrived early in the morning which brought the temperatures down.

Sunday morning was rather eventful, as the Easter Bunny had a small window in which to deliver the eggs around the campsite. The kids were thrilled and all eggs were found before the wildlife got to them!

After a casual pack up we ventured out of the park again on the 40 minute bumpy trip. I'm glad it was the last time, as the same track, 40 minutes at a time, gets a bit monotonous. There was a bit of traffic coming into the park, so that provided a bit of entertainment.




The obligatory shot.

After getting back to Ballandean, we stopped at the servo so I could pump up the tyres, and then it was off to Girraween for lunch and a walk.



After a quick bite, the others went for a walk along the creek, while my 2yr old and I packed up the car. We then went for a walk to the rangers station/information kiosk. There was a nice static display of the flora and fauna native to the park, which my daughter was thrilled with.

[bunsen Member Find all posts View Profile Close bunsen]

The park was pretty busy, with the car park full. I really liked what I saw and I think we'll be making a return trip to do some more exploring. We'll have to bring the child carrier to make it easier for all of us to go for a walk. I was told that I wouldn't be able to see any of the features of the park, but I was pleasantly surprised to see the Pyramid (if that's what it's called).



We all regrouped and said our farewells to our friends and set off back home. It was a great trip, and we hope to do many more similar trips. The drive back was uneventful with not much traffic on the way. The kids caught up on some sleep which made it for a peaceful drive. We haven't succumbed to the DVD player for the kids (yet), but regardless they did really well!

Thanks to the forum members that have provided the inspiration to go camping again with the tin lids. It's a different experience than pre-kids, but as we get more accustomed to it, it will become more natural.


The view from the top of Cunninghams Gap.

[Snaga Wishing I was lost Find all posts View Profile Close Snaga]

Great report Bunsen!
We have number two due in a few days so I'm guessing we'll be in for this type of camp in a the not too distant future

Bush camping all the way was it?

[bunsen Member Find all posts View Profile Close bunsen]

Great report Bunsen!
We have number two due in a few days so I'm guessing we'll be in for this type of camp in a the not too distant future

Bush camping all the way was it?

Yes it was 99% bush camping. There was a long drop dunny there, but between the loo stop at Ballandean and a few trees, we were sorted.

[jimmy91 Member Find all posts View Profile Close jimmy91]

nice trip report. I went out to Girraween a few years back and stayed in the camp grounds, there's a decent walk out to the rock pools thats worth the walk.

[DaveZ Member Find all posts View Profile Close DaveZ]

We camped a couple days at Girraween last week but also went for a drive through Sundown. We took a different track though just after entering the park. Were the sign points you to the left, there is an unmaintained track that goes straight ahead, took us a good 2 hours before we rejoined the main track and continued on to the lookout. Looks like it would have been a nice place to camp there but I had my teenage daughter with me and she prefers her modern amenities, ie hot showers, so it was Girraween camp grounds with the crowds for this trip. I wouldn't mind spending some more time in the area for a better look around.

Cheers,
Dave.