Doddos Downunder

15/10/2025

13-15 Oct 2025. - Paronella Park - Bowen - home

Stayed behind the Mena hotel to revisit Paronella Park and experience the breathtaking night show. Having been before, I can assure you that it's absolutely stunning. If you haven't been, it's an absolute must-see. The hotel generously offers a complimentary one-night stay for park visitors. We indulged in a yummy meal at the pub.

A quick one-night stopover in Bowen was a treat, especially with a visit to the renowned bakery, famous for its mouthwatering pie floaters. Ask Johnny for his recommendation.

We're now back home, eagerly awaiting the keys to our new home.

13/10/2025

9-12 Oct 2025 - Mareeba
Savannah in the Round done & dusted.
What a fantastic festival. We came here not knowing a lot of the artist but boy what we saw didn’t disappoint. The old favs were Denver, Darryl Braithwaite, James Reyne, Black Sorrows and Kasey Chambers. Our favourite of the festival was the Zac Brown band singing their version of Bohemian Rhspsody. Absolutely awesome , all there songs were. James Johnston was another great artist and the funniest would have to be the hillbilly band, the Pigs. Fun times had with great mates. Would we go again…for sure.

08/10/2025

6-8 Oct 2025 - Our recent stay at Wild River Caravan Park in Herberton was thoroughly enjoyable, providing an ideal base to explore the surrounding area. The park's natural bush setting was delightful. The owners were exceptionally friendly and hospitable. We visited Atherton and stopped by The Humpty shop, which offered an impressive array of local produce and nuts. A scenic trip to Lake Barrine followed, where we indulged in delicious scones overlooking the lake. Our next destinations were Lake Eacham and Malanda, where we were fortunate enough to spot a tree kangaroo. We visited the falls and the Curtain fig tree, which was impressive. Our final stop was the Gallo Dairyland, where we purchased an assortment of artisanal cheeses and chocolates. The day was filled with wonderful experiences and enjoyable company.

07/10/2025

6-7 Oct 2025 Herberton
We visited The Historic Village in Herberton showcaseing bygone era, providing valuable insight into past lives. Definitely worth visiting. Many buildings and displays. We enjoyed warm damper with maple syrup and Billy tea.

05/10/2025

3-5 Oct 2015 - Crystal Creek Caravan Park. This picturesque park boasts friendly staff and caretakers. Conveniently located near Big Crystal Creek, a popular swimming hole that was particularly crowded over the long weekend. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Frosty Mango twice, where we indulged in the exceptional mango ice-cream. Our second visit was accompanied by Kerri and Wazza. The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly watching the NRL Grand Final and witnessing the Broncos' victory.

A lovely relaxing stay.

02/10/2025

1-2 Oct 2025 Finch Hatton Showgrounds. Short trip away On our way to Savannah in the Round music festival in Mareeba. It has been years since our last visit to Eungella, which remains largely unchanged and retains its natural beauty. We had lunch at the Chalet in Eungella, where Johnny successfully spotted a snake near the pole. Dinner at the Criterion Hotel in Finch Hatton consisted of homemade pies, which exceeded expectations. The Showgrounds offered powered and watered sites for $30 per night, providing a pleasant place to stay.

26/07/2025

24-27 July 2025 Odyssey Festival Maryborough

First stop Gin Gin Rest area. Great place to stop overnight. Toilets clean, dump point. water. Road noise did not bother us. Walking distance into town.

Enjoyed two nights at the Maryborough Showgrounds for the Odyssey Festival. Dress up 70s disco on Friday night and the main concert featuring five tribute bands, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Credence Clearwater, Killer Queen and Echos of Ponk Floyd. Outstanding was Fleetwood Mac, wow amazing voice and Pink Floyd was very good as well with amazing lighting. We did endure a bit of rain but overall nothing like we thought we were going to have. It didn’t dampen the night.

Thanks our camping friends for making the weekend special as always. Warren DarnillKerri-Lee Darnill Mark and Tracy and Dave and Sandie. Miss the two Jo’s and hubbies for not being able to make it.

20/04/2025

Easter 2025 at Gum Tree Lodge and Bush Camp, Howard, QLD.

What a great four nights we have had here! A beautiful well kept spot with the friendliest owners, George and Debbie plus wonderful caretakers and manager.

We enjoyed playing bingo, enjoyed delicious pizza, a shed tour which you have to see. The diner is decked out with memorabilia and old cars. A fire every night. Met some lovely people and their cute doggies.

Must be self contained to be here and be an adult. No kids allowed. Cheap as chips. Powered sites are $30 a night with power and water. Deck sites around the dam are only $35 a night with power and water.

My mum stayed in the unit here which is through AirBnB for only $125 a night and is so much better and bigger than a motel room.

We celebrated by sister’s Debbie Ayres birthday with a cake, a day earlier but its pack up day on her birthday ( tomorrow )

Perfect spot for a peaceful getaway. You won’t be disappointed. We definitely weren’t. Thank you Deb and George for making us feel very welcome.Debbie Ayres; Warren Darnill Kerri-Lee Darnill; Margaret Barker Russell; Debbie Ayres.

12/12/2024

Friday 6th - Wed 11 Dec 2024

Time to leave beautiful Tassie. Our trip back to the mainland was pretty calm. I prefer the night sail as it was a bit long. We watched a couple of movies in their tiny cinema.
Stayed at the Geelong Showgrounds.
Towns we stayed in on way home -

7 Dec - Morley’s Creek RV camp Gundagai
8 Dec - Bowls Club - Bulahdelah
9 Dec - Yamba stayed with our good friends Kylie and Scooter
10 Dec - Hervey Bay stayed at my sister’s Deb place - mum was there holidaying
11 Dec- arrived back home - visited dad and Rhonda on way

Tassie costs

Kms travelled 8905km
Petrol $2942.65
Accommodation $2040.10

Favourite things

Best vanilla slice - Richmond bakery
Best pie (voted by John) - Oliver’s bakery at Ulverstone
Best meal (voted by John) - Loaded fries with pulled beef , bacon jam , cheese etc at Marley’s @ Sticks & Stones at Stanley
Favourite beach spot - Honeymoon Bay Coles Bay
Favourite Camp spot - RiverEdge Campgrounds Lonnavale followed by Myrtle creek
Best cruise - Maria Island
Best drink - Italian Hot Chocolate at Beauty Point
Favourite shop - Reliquaire in Latrobe

Amazing trip with had with our wonderful friends Tracy and Mark , Sandie and Dave and my sister Jo and brother in law , Erwin.
We had so much fun and enjoyed many nights around the campfire or just outside the van listening to the guys playing.

Tassie is everything and more, from the breathtaking countryside to the crystal clear water of the beautiful oceans.

Looking forward to planning our next trip with our mates. Life is wonderful and as fun as you make it.

05/12/2024

05/12/2024

Thursday 5 Dec 2024 - Devonport

Back to the place it all started. Today is the last day in Tassie. Tomorrow we catch the ship back to the mainland.

We started at the Anvers Chocolate shop for breakfast where I had a lovely cinnamon hot chocolate and waffles.

We had a great day visiting the amazing shop Reliquaire, my goodness, it has everything in it and more. Little adventures in every corner of the shop eg. Dinosaur, Alice In Wonderland and Christmas goodies. So beautiful. The most amazing shop I have been in.

Latrobe has many little shops. A great town not to be missed in coming to Tassie.

We then took at drive out to Port Sorell to check out the coast line.

04/12/2024

Bridport Beach Tasmania