You can swim in the river right in front of the park. Care needed here though as the current can be very strong. The area has a lovely sandy beach. The surf beach is patrolled at several clearly marked points. The park has no pool. You find out why when you take an early morning walk. The council has a magnificent pool complex right next door to the park. We just couldn’t believe the number of people our age "doing laps" at 6.00AM in the morning! They were mostly locals and the lifeguard was even on duty. Made us walk an extra couple of kilometres! Walking in the whole of this area is easy and flat – no excuses for any age not to do some exercise daily. There are plenty of diversions which make the time go more quickly – you can even organise your walk to get a tail wind on the way home!

There is no camp kitchen as such and only one 20 cent electric BBQ for a huge park. No fires allowed by the way. Once again though the council has excellent parkland right next door and there are lots of covered BBQ’s to choose from. We loved the gentle lights on top of each power pole. Each has a photoelectric cell and it switches on automatically at dusk.

If you are looking for a night out there is the Oz Rocks nightclub, and a plethora of restaurants ranging from the excellent local fish and chip shop with tables outside to five star jobs. Most are within easy walking distance so you can really let your hair down. Don’t miss Simply Pies right opposite the park entrance. Wonderful place plus excellent bread and, naturally, a Silver Medal winner. Every Sunday they close off one street outside the park and turn it into a market. This is fantastic and not to be missed, as it truly is an Australian Made craft market. It has everything and is a great spot for picking up cheap Christmas/birthday presents. There is an Internet café just across the road from the park.

One gorgeous shop "A Country Lane" was closed Mondays. Probably just as well or Chrissy would have had a field day. Lots of country knick knacks, teddy bears and other soft toys, beautiful timber articles for virtually any room of the house, ornaments – so many temptations. The shop itself was beautifully laid out – full but not cluttered – back walls of cream, blue and terracotta – we will be back just to visit this shop if nothing else. They also have a similar shop at Montville according to signs inside the door. They are open Tuesday to Sunday – so make sure you are there on one of those days but watch your budget!!!!

All the comments made above apply to Pincushion Caravan Park as well – price is identical too. The only difference is it has sites divided with neat pole fences and it has a more natural feel, as roads are mostly dirt. You are however right on the river and ocean beach. This park is the more suitable for tent based camping. There is a more conventional formal area near the main entry with bitumen roads. Both parks have quite a few permanents, but they tend to be grouped out of the way so you don’t notice them. Both parks offer the same discount – stay for seven days – pay for five. A very good deal indeed!

Driving opportunities are also enormously varied. You can explore the endless string of beaches to the north and south. Bribie Island is also a good spot. Elanda Point is absolutely fantastic and trip to the Buderim Ginger Factory is a must see.

For those travelling north next you might like to try Barkoola Caravan Park at Woodgate Beach – pets most welcome or one of our all time favourites Elanda Point just in from Pomona – no pets as it is in a National Park at Cooloola. Those travelling west might like to give Imbil Deer Park a try – pets most welcome.