While the pros and cons of free and cut-price camping areas continue to be the subject of fierce debate in many rural communities, there appears to be no such division in the Queensland town of Julia Creek.
Grey nomads have long been singing the praises of the set-up at the Outback settlement, 660 kilometres west of Townsville, which offers free camping for four days next to Julia Creek, and even offers free push bikes to enable visitors to ride into town and explore the area.
The McKinlay Shire also runs an RV Camp Host program from April through to September where people can stay at the site for up to three weeks in exchange for issuing camp permits and making sure the site runs smoothly.
Grey nomads Joe and Cheryl Walshe have just arrived to begin their third camping hosting stint there in the past 12 months. The couple from Ballarat in Victoria have been travelling for nearly four years after selling their house … and they love returning to the Julia Creek RV Friendly Site.
“To sit outside as the sun sets and watch the stars appear while listening to the fish jump in the creek is awesome,” Joe told the North Queensland Register. “We also love meeting other travellers as they pass through; we have made many friends.”
As well as ensure the smooth running of the site, the Walshes say they also organise nightly happy hours with the RV Site guests where laughs aplenty are guaranteed.
McKinlay Shire Mayor, Belinda Murphy says the Walshes are nearly ‘locals’.
“They have embraced everything about life here and are very valued members of the community,” she told the Register. “They do such a wonderful job and we love having them around.”
Any grey nomad who would like to volunteer as a Julia Creek RV Friendly Site Camp Host in 2018, contact McKinlay Shire Council on 4746 7166 or tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au
· Have you enjoyed staying at Julia Creek? Where else gets a big thumbs-up for their approach to free and cut-price camping? Comment below.
Julia creek is a great town with friendly people. The free camp is really good, love the nightly happy hour.
Top place to stay, Great town, very friendly. Spent money on food,fuel, and a few meals at the local. The horse and rider made from car parts in front of the RSL is just stunning. We will stay again .