GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #37 | Page 47

We are so fortunate in Australia to have so many varied landscapes to explore. Flawless coastlines, snowy ranges, bushlands, red deserts and tropical rainforests to name but a few. RINGERS REST Regardless of how many times we explore our tropics, there is a certain magic in their plateaus: the rolling green hills, prehistoric forest and hidden waterholes housing thundering waterfalls that you can hear long before you can see. These are the kinds of landscapes that never cease to amaze us. While the grounds don’t have any fancy facilities, the budget site fees, free water and country feel are a huge part of its appeal. The owners of the RV camp, Dave and Tammy, are very friendly and accommodating – and the killer sunsets and sunrises combined with the atmosphere of ‘togetherness’ found at the communal fires certainly helped us fall in love with this place. A few months back, we spent a week scratching the surface of what’s on offer high up on the Tablelands in tropical north Queensland. If you’re heading that way this year with your camping setup in tow, we reckon the following places are worth stopping by to enhance your exploring experience… In hearing some great reviews about Ringers Rest RV campground in Mareeba, we decided that was where we would base ourselves for the week. A UNIQUE VIEW When we heard about the RV park’s deal with Cairns Hot Air Ballooning, we decided to give it a go – even having a fear of heights, we decided the discounted experience was too good to pass up. The special prices are only available to their campers, and in return the hot air balloons use part of their property as a landing ground. So, either way, you’ll be able to watch the balloons from the grounds and hear the roar Tractor ride at Ringers Rest.