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Katie Guerin

About Katie Guerin

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Travelling With Kids – Top Tips For A Smooth Ride

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During our 4 years of travelling full time around Australia we’ve had loads of questions about travelling with kids. One thing we can vouch for is that traveling with kids is certainly very different than travelling as a couple. Lots of things change when kids come along, but it is so awesome and so rewarding to be able to see them out there living their best lives. Children are little free spirits when they are travelling and being witness to that is one of the best parts of being a parent.

Here’s our top tips for surviving a road trip or making life on the road with kids that much easier!

Travelling with kids is an incredible experience for the whole family!

TRAVEL DAY ENTERTAINMENT

Make sure you’ve got plenty of entertainment on hand. There’s nothing worse than bored kids or children that are constantly asking you “are we there yet?”  If you have a swag of different options to keep them entertained it will keep everyone happy. We’ve got an MSA 4×4 Accessories seat organiser installed on the back of the passenger front seat that we have stuffed full of books for Jasper because he is reading now and he loves getting into new books. We also have some colouring in and other fun activities in there to keep him occupied.

The iPad is the golden ticket on travel days and we make sure we’ve got plenty of movies, games and apps that are downloaded so Jasper can play and use them offline, because there are definitely areas where there will be no phone/internet service at all.  

Spotify is another great option for keeping the troops entertained. We love to play a fun game where we each take a turn in picking a song and then build a playlist with all of those songs that we’ve played on the travel day.

Learning a language is another great option and something you can all do together as a family. We are learning Japanese and have a set of CD’s with short lessons on each disc. We do a lesson each day and that keeps us all entertained and learning for 30 minutes of our travel day.

Packing more snacks than you think you will ever need is super important because guaranteed the kids will eat their way through them, especially if they’re feeling a bit bored or are ready to get out of the car.  Food is a great distraction, and keeping the snacks healthy will keep them satisfied and fuller for longer.

Pulling up at playgrounds for rest stops or to make a cuppa will keep everyone happy and gives the kids a chance to run around and get some of that pent up energy out.  It also means the troops will be happy to get back in the car, and perhaps even a little tired for the rest of the trip! Win win!

Taking rest breaks at playgrounds is a great way to keep every member of the family happy!

TOYS

We have a “one in one out” rule and this works really well when living in such a small space, especially if you’re towing a caravan as weights are everything. We have a storage shed so whenever we’re back on the Sunshine Coast we ask Jasper what toys he wants to swap out for the next leg of our travels. Generally we have Lego for inside the van, and for outside he has a handful of little micro mini cars and some little monster trucks and Hot Wheels cars that we are happy for him to play with in the dirt.

You’ve got to be really conscious of what you have on board and your kids will tell you that they need lots of toys, but when they start traveling they’ll be so busy playing outside and in the environment they’ll forget about all that ‘stuff’ they wanted.

There’s nothing better than playing in the red dirt!

CHORES & RESPONSIBILITY

All kids thrive with chores and responsibility and there are always plenty of jobs to be done on the road. We have a number of different chores for Jasper during our set up and pack down routine, that have grown as he has, including winding the caravan stabiliser legs up and down, and opening the internal gas vents on the van.

A wonderful book that we would highly recommend for kids of all ages is Scott Pape’s Barefoot Kids. We are not affiliated with Scott however think this book is fantastic and know that Jasper absolutely loves reading it and learning all about how to make money and how to make money grow. If you are looking for a great gift for your kids or grandkids that will provide them some really good financial intelligence at a young age, we would strongly suggest this book.

Teaching your children financial intelligence at an early age is a priceless gift!

SOCIALISATION

Being an only child, we get a lot of questions around Jasper’s social interactions with other children, especially as we are on the move all the time. With so many families now travelling around Australia there is always another child close by to make friends with, even if it is just for the day. Kids seem to have a beacon and they can spotother kids a mile away, and the beautiful thing about travelling children is that they are confident and eager to get together and play, no matter their age. Kids are so adaptable and will continually surprise and impress you as they stretch themselves outside their comfort zone.

We have met so many amazing families and people on our travels and Jasper has got friends all around the country. We also use technology to keep him in touch with his cousins, family and grandparents back home.

KEEP A JOURNAL

Every day is a new adventure and there will be so many wonderful experiences to capture. Encouraging your children to keep a journal of their travels is a great way to create a time capsule for them of treasured memories they will keep forever.

It could be a notebook, a sticker book or photo diary, or even pictures they draw themselves of locations and experiences they’ve had. Let their creativity and imaginations run wild to capture these precious memories.

The real value of this exercise will come when your children are grown up and sharing these memories and experiences with their own families. What a gift!

TAKE TIME OUT FOR YOURSELF

There’s no getting around it, living in a tiny space all together can be tough and you are going to have good days and bad days. As a parent, you’ll have moments where you feel like your head is going to explode and you just need some time out for yourself… and that’s okay! Making sure that you take those moments, being kind to yourself and giving yourself those little breaks is really important not only for your mental and emotional health, but for all the family too!

Remember, if you don’t look after yourself, you can’t fully look after anyone else.

There’s nothing more relaxing than swinging in our Nakie hammocks!

TRAVELLING SHAPES YOUR KIDS INTO WHO THEY’RE GOING TO BE

Travelling is going to shape your children into who they’re going to be when they grow up. A favourite author of ours , the wonderful Jim Rohn, has a fantastic saying, “Plant seeds not weeds”.  Treating your children’s brains like fertile gardens and being aware of what you are planting in there, all of those seeds of greatness, will give them the opportunity to stretch themselves, spread their wings, and be inquisitive about life.

Plant seeds not weeds!

As you can see, travelling with kids is not only an enjoyable experience but an educational one as well. Exploring with your family will create treasured memories that will last a lifetime. No matter how you choose to travel, there’s no doubt your kids will benefit from experiencing the world in a different way. This more intimate level of engagement with new people and cultures heightens their understanding of the world we share and provides valuable life lessons for every age. If you’re looking for a new way to broaden your family’s horizons don’t be afraid to take the plunge and embark on the joyful journey of travelling as a family. Get out there, take the first step and cherish each moment as you go!

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Easy Camping Meals – Weber Potato Bake

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This Weber potato bake recipe is so easy to make and so delicious, we’re not sure why we waited so long to try it! 

Perfect for a chilly night camping, the hardest part is having to wait while it cooks on the BBQ!

Being vegetarians, we added mushrooms in place of bacon, however you really could add any veggie or meat of your liking. Have you tried a potato bake on your BBQ? Let us know in the comments.

 

Ingredients

  • Olive Oil (we use the spray kind)
  • 5-6 small to Medium white/salad potatoes (cut into thin slices) 
  • 4-5 eschallots (cut into thin slices)
  • 5-6 mushrooms (cut into thin slices)
  • 500g grated cheese (we use a pizza blend)
  • Mixed dried herbs
  • Tsp crushed garlic
  • 300ml thickened cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Set up your Weber for indirect cooking with convection tray and trivet and heat for 10-15 minutes on high.
  2. Cover the base and sides of your cooking dish with a light spray of olive oil.
  3. Place potato slices onto the bottom of the tray, covering as much of the bottom as possible.
  4. Sprinkle eschallots and mushrooms evenly over the potatoes.
  5. Add a light sprinkling of dried herbs, followed by a good covering of grated cheese.
  6. Add a second layer of potato slices, followed by eschallots, mushrooms and a light sprinkling of dried herbs. Do not add a second layer of cheese.
  7. Evenly pour the thickened cream over the potatoes, saving a small amount in the bottle.
  8. Add a teaspoon of crushed garlic to the remaining cream and mix well, before pouring over the potato mixture.
  9. Season with salt and pepper and cover with a sheet of aluminium foil.
  10. Reduce the heat of the Weber to medium and bake for 30 minutes (we set a timer!)
  11. Remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes (again set a timer!)
  12. For the final stage, add another good helping of grated cheese evenly over the top of the potatoes and bake for another 30 minutes (or until cheese is golden brown).
  13. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. 

 

Other Easy Camping Meals

Follow our Lap Around Australia

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Top Tips For 4×4 Driving On The Beach – How Best To Prepare For Sand Driving

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With approximately 34,000 kilometres of coastline and over 10,000 pristine beaches, Australia really is an epic playground for anyone who loves the great outdoors and spending time in and around the water.

Being complete four wheel driving novices when we first hit the road, getting some expert advice and tuition was a great way for us to learn the basics and build up some confidence to hit the sand for an adventurous family day out.

Off Grid Beach Camping in the Zone RV Sojourn

Since then we’ve enjoyed four wheel driving on many beaches around the country and absolutely love it! From the spectacular 80 Mile Beach in Western Australia, the world famous Cable Beach in Broome, or the truly incredible environment of K’Gari Fraser Island, there is nothing quite like the feeling of freedom that comes with accessing these special places.


If you’re keen to get your 4×4 on the beach, check out these quick tips on how best to prepare for sand driving, from our good mate Tony at Australian 4×4 Treks:

1. TYRE PRESSURES

Drop your tyre pressures to 10-12 psi – this helps to make a larger footprint and stay on top of the sand, as opposed to sinking down into the sand.

The incredible remoteness of 80 Mile Beach in Western Australia

2. KEEP MOMENTUM

Keep a controlled momentum when driving on the sand – not too fast, but fast enough to stay on top of the sand, not sink into it.

The famous camels of Cable Beach, Broome Western Australia

3. CONTROL STEERING

Keep your steering controlled and stay as straight as possible. Resist the urge to turn the wheel to avoid resistance from the sand against your tyre walls.

Spectacular K’Gari Fraser Island is a must visit bucket list destination!

4. TURN OFF THE TECH

Turn off your vehicle’s technology – the vehicle stability control and traction control will work against you when driving in the sand.

Check out our Fraser Island Part 1 episode including the full Sand Driving Masterclass by clicking the image below:

Driving on the beach can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, however it is necessary to make sure that you are fully prepared for it. Check out next week’s blog that details the 4×4 and recovery gear recommended, and everything you need to prepare before hitting the sand.

Remember not to drive above your limits, stay alert, and above all else, take some time to appreciate the beauty of Australia’s beaches while enjoying your four wheel driving adventure! Happy trails!

Teewah Beach, Noosa North Shore Camping
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7 Genius Hacks for Cleaning Your RV Like a Pro!

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Cleaning. It’s certainly not on the top of our favourite list of things to do however one thing is for sure – it doesn’t matter whether you get away for a few weeks a year, are embarking on your own lap of Australia, or are living full time in your RV like us, looking after and maintaining your vehicle’s interior is key to healthy and happy travels.

You’ve got your standard cleaning routine down pat, but what about those trickier items like window screens, fans and drains? With a few clever hacks up your sleeve not only can you avoid potential issues that may arise, you’ll also save heaps of time and money when cleaning up!

We’re sharing our top 7 cleaning hacks plus some bonus natural cleaning recipes that will have your RV shining like new in no time.

Off Grid Camping in the Zone RV Sojourn

* The following information is a guide only and is not intended to take the place of professional advice. We would recommend you speak with your RV manufacturer for specific maintenance advice relating to your set up and associated products.

DRAINS

There’s no getting around it, grey water is stinky! Your RV drains and pipes can easily be forgotten about… it’s the old ‘out of sight, out of mind’ scenario. However, this is one area of your RV interior we would encourage you to regularly maintain, in fact we do this little routine once a week. Not only will this help keep your drains smelling better, it will also help reduce the build-up of nasties and bacteria in your pipes. Sprinkle some bi-carb soda on your kitchen, bathroom and shower drains followed by a good splash of white vinegar. Let the bi-carb and vinegar bubble and react, then follow with 500ml to 1L of boiling water to flush your pipes.

Bi-Carb Soda and White Vinegar are awesome natural cleaning solutions for your RV!

WINDOW FLY SCREENS AND BLINDS

Window fly screens are probably one of the hardest parts of an RV to keep clean. Not only do they get dusty and dirty from the environments you camp in, they are an easy trap for bugs and insects to get caught in.

We use a hard bristled small head brush to gently clear away any bugs, dust or debris that get caught in the mesh, followed by cleaning wipes or a damp microfibre cloth to wipe over the entire screen and blind. You’ll be amazed at how much dirt and dust comes off your screens, even with regular cleaning!

Our hot tip is to make sure you clean both sides of the fly screens and blinds, inside and out, as regularly as you can to avoid heavy build up that is harder to remove.

MAXXFAN

We love our Maxxfan for keeping the van ventilated and cool even during raining weather, however it doesn’t take long for the screen to get full of dirt and dust and look atrocious! A great design feature is that the screen can easily be removed by swivelling the small clips, and we find a rinse under running water quickly and easily removes the crud.

A dry microfibre cloth is a great way to clean off excess dust from the fan blades and housing, followed by a damp microfibre cloth or cleaning wipe to bring it up sparkling clean.

The Maxxfan keeps our caravan well ventilated and nice and cool!

SIROCCO FANS

We wouldn’t be without our Sirocco fans! The clever gimbal design allows 360% directional airflow that really makes a difference when travelling in hotter climates. While traditional fans can be painful and time consuming to clean, having to navigate the cage, fan blades and housing, the Sirroco’s have small plastic clips on the back side that allow you to completely remove the cage and fan blades for super easy super quick cleaning!

We give the cage and fan blades a quick rinse under running water, followed by a quick wipe over with a dry microfibre cloth. And we wipe down the housing and all other parts again with a dry microfibre cloth, before putting the fan back together. It honestly doesn’t get any easier than that!

Sirocco fans by Caframo are THE BEST!
Small clips at the back make dismantling the fan much easier for cleaning

AIR CONDITIONER FILTERS

Again, we use a dry or damp microfibre cloth to dust over the entire unit and vents.

We suggest referring to your RV Air-conditioner manual for advice on cleaning the filters as all models seem to differ slightly, however all are usually very easy to clean or replace. Take care when removing your filters as most AC units use small plastic clips and parts that are a pain to replace if broken.

WASHING MACHINE DRUM CLEAN

We have a 2.5L Camec teardrop washing machine in our Zone RV Sojourn and absolutely love it! It’s a great little workhorse and given we do a load of washing most days, it does the job in only 25 minutes, using as little as 14L of water! Great for our off grid lifestyle!

Constant use of your washing machine can mean build-up of grime on the drum, so doing a drum clean every now and then is a great way to keep your machine maintained and working well. Most machines have a drum clean setting or refer to your manual for best advice regarding your make and model… just ensure your washing machine is empty (that means no clothes in the machine during your drum clean cycle!).

Another great way to keep your machine sparkling clean and smelling its best is to do an empty wash using vinegar. White vinegar is a great natural cleaner and deodoriser, is very inexpensive and can be purchased from your local grocery store! Too easy!

Camec 2.5L teardrop washing machine

LEATHER UPHOLSTERY

No matter whether you have leather or PU leather (AKA pleather) on your upholstery, a great natural way to keep it clean and looking its best is to make up a mix of water and white vinegar and use a damp microfibre cloth to gently wipe over the material. If you find you have greasy stains, a small sprinkling of bi-carb soda left to sit for a little while will help lift any marks, before wiping of.

After you have cleaned, you will need to condition. A natural oil such as lemon oil or flaxseed tend to work best. Just dab a small amount on a dry microfibre cloth and rub into your leather or PU using small circular movements. Wipe off any excess with a clean dry microfibre cloth.

NATURAL CLEANING RECIPES

If chemical-laden cleaners are not your thing, here are some natural cleaning recipes to get shining results without harsh chemicals.

Glass & Mirror Cleaner:

– 1.5 cup white vinegar

– ½ cup water

– 8-10 drops of lemon essential oil

*You can add a small amount of rubbing alcohol or witch hazel which helps the solution evaporate

Soft Scrub/Cream Cleanser:

– ¾ cup baking soda

– ¼ unscented liquid Castile soap

– 1 tbsp water

– 1 tbsp vinegar

– ½ tbsp On Guard Cleaner Concentrate

– 5-10 drops of lemon essential oil

* We recommend using only the highest quality, purest oils available. We choose dōTERRA Essential Oils for this reason.

Check out our full Cleaning Hacks Episode for more tips, tricks and advice!

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RV Maintenance 101 – Tips, Tricks and Advice

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Are you ready to hit the open road? Or perhaps you are already out there enjoying an RV lifestyle? No matter whether you’ve been travelling the country for years or are just dipping your toe into caravanning, having a reliable and well-maintained RV is fundamental if you want it to last the distance, keep you safe, and continue to run smoothly along your travels.

It doesn’t matter what your set-up or camping style is, this  guide is full of tips, tricks and advice on how best to look after your RV. From simple fixes and preventative tips to more detailed advice on specific areas, these are the things that you can manage in between getting your RV serviced by the professionals. And on that point, if your RV is still within its warranty period make sure you keep to the service schedule so you don’t potentially void any of your manufacturer’s warranty.

Off Grid Camping in the Zone RV Sojourn

* The following information is a guide only and is not intended to take the place of professional advice. We would recommend you speak with your RV manufacturer for specific maintenance advice relating to your set up and associated products.

WIRING

Wiring can become frayed, pulled out or broken over time. However those little wires have pretty important jobs, particularly when it comes to your RV tail lights and the breakaway system. Keep your wiring clean and protected from the elements – we use a small wet bag to store and cover our cables and wiring when not in use.

Wiring to regularly check:

– Anderson plugs, towing plugs, trailer socket, connectors and adaptors

– Reverse camera connector

– Breakaway system

– RV driving lights

As a side note, we check our driving lights every time we are hitched up and ready to travel!

Anderson plug, trailer socket and reverse camera connector

HITCH & COUPLING

There are many moving parts on the hitch that can stiffen over time that will benefit from a regular light lubrication. Make WD40 your best friend and regularly spray your:

– Hinges (inside & out)

– Jockey wheel

– Chains & shackles

– Hitch coupling

TOOL BOX & EXTERNAL BOOTS

Storing heavy items low and centred in your toolbox and external boots is not only great for weight distribution, it will also help avoid excess movement during travel (or nasty surprises when opening boot doors after travel!). We always lock our boots, toolbox and any external doors before travel, and make it a habit to walk around the van prior to driving to double check everything is in place.

Avoid using occy or bungee straps to tie items down as they can flex and become loose during travel.

Regularly check your toolbox and boot seals and clean with a light going over of silicone spray to help keep the rubber seals in tip top condition.

Regularly spray rubber seals with Silicone Spray Lubricant

GAS

Turn off gas bottles prior to travel. When arriving at camp, ensure your internal vents are open, clean and unrestricted to provide ventilation when gas appliances are in use, before switching your gas bottles back on.

Check the condition of your gas hoses and bottles every time you swap and go or refill!

STABILISER LEGS

We would recommend traveling with your stabiliser legs in a backwards facing position. In the unlikely event that a stabiliser leg drops during travel this position will drag the leg along the road, rather than digging it in. Do a walk around every time before travelling to ensure all stabilser legs are correctly locked in place for travel.  

Regularly lubricate stabilser legs with a light spray of WD40.

Off to explore the roads less travelled!

WHEEL & TYRE MAINTENANCE

Maintaining your RV tyres is one of the most important things to keep on top of. Not only do they keep you rolling, your safety on the road depends heavily on the health of your tyres.

4 C’s of tyre maintenance (thanks to the Tasmanian Fire Service):

1. Check your tyres when they are Cold.

2. Check your Caps are in good working condition and are not cracked or allowing dust into your valves.

3. Check the Contents (tyre pressures) of your tyres are spot on at all times.

4. Check the Condition of your tyres across the tread to see how they are wearing.

Use a torque wrench to check and adjust the tightening torque of your wheel nuts, to your manufacturers predetermined recommendation.

CLEANING THE CARAVAN EXTERIOR

For a composite caravan like our Zone RV Sojourn, handwashing the exterior with warm mild soapy water using a soft cloth is generally quick and easy (especially if you are washing regularly). If you are heading to a commercial car wash be sure to keep the high pressure washer away from windows and doors, seals and decals, as too much high pressure over time can impact the integrity of these parts of your RV.

Avoid using brushes or bristles on acrylic windows as they can easily leave scratch marks, so opt for a soft or microfibre cloth instead when cleaning these areas.

Regularly check window and door seals and clean with a light going over of silicone spray to help keep the rubber seals in tip top condition.

Another tip is to phone ahead to the vehicle wash bay to check the height clearance against the height of your caravan (including air conditioners and other accessories located on the roof of you set-up).

The composite construction of our Zone RV Sojourn makes for easy exterior cleaning!

CLEANING THE AWNING

The awning is probably the trickiest part of your RV to clean. Unfortunately, with regular use it can end up pretty dirty over time which can increase the chance of mould growth. Pulling the awning out to give it a good clean and letting it air-dry in the sunshine before being put away is key. Avoid using a high pressure cleaner on the awning fabric as this can delaminate the material. Instead, opt for a citrus spray cleaner (diluted if necessary) and soft scourers to spot clean as required.

Remember to regularly lubricate the awning arms using… you guessed it WD40!

CLEAN THE SOLAR PANELS

To make sure that your RV’s batteries are always being maintained and performing at their best it’s important to keep your rooftop solar panels clean. No need to use harsh chemicals or expensive cleaning products, warm mild soapy water and a soft cloth will do the job perfectly. Remember to stay safe when accessing the roof of your RV!

Maximise the efficiency of your solar panels by keeping them clean!

CHECK YOUR PLUMBING & PIPES

It’s certainly not our favourite job as grey water can be super stinky, however keeping your plumbing and pipes clean and in working order can avoid much bigger headaches down the track.

Regularly inspect the plumbing under your van to ensure there are no cracked pipes or leaks, and clean out the no-return valves as these can get blocked with built up gunk and hair over time.

A few great tips to reduce what is being flushed through your RV pipes is to:

– wipe off dirty dishes with paper towel prior to washing up

– use smaller quantities of personal products such as shampoo/conditioner and body wash to reduce residual build up within the pipes

– choose natural cleaning and personal care products over harsh chemicals

A great natural alternative to a chemical based drain cleaner is to use bi-carb soda, vinegar and boiling water.

FLUSH YOUR WATER TANKS AND GREY TANK

It’s really important to clean out and flush your water tanks and grey tank regularly (every 6-12 months) to keep them in their best condition, and avoid the build-up of any nasties. Camec sell a tank clean product that we have used in the past to clean our fresh water tanks and that does the job nicely. A great and easy alternative is bi-carb soda. Use 1 teaspoon for every 500ml of water in your tanks, leave to sit for 30 minutes then flush out.

Check out our full RV Maintenance 101 YouTube Episode for more tips, tricks and advice!

RV maintenance and cleaning doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Remember, preventive maintenance is key when it comes to looking after your rig. Taking the initiative now will not only save you time, money, and stress later, but can help create many incredible trips over the years that are safe and smooth!

So don’t shy away from getting your hands dirty – with these tips, you can have confidence in tackling those routine RV maintenance and cleaning tasks! If you’re interested in the WD40 story, check out this great post – WD40 Myths, legends and fun facts

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Feel Good in Kenilworth, QLD – Camping Sunshine Coast Hinterland

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Get ready to explore the beauty of nature and be charmed by the picturesque countryside of the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland with a road trip to Kenilworth! This stunning part of South East Queensland has everything a traveller could hope for – native wildlife, lush national parks, rolling hills, historic townships, charming cafes and galleries, country pubs, crystal clear swimming holes and breathtaking views. Whether you’re caravanning your way around Australia, getting away for the weekend or just out for a day trip to explore this majestic region – here are some must-do activities that will make your visit special!

Kenilworth Rural Camping

KENILWORTH BAKERY

Infamous for their 1kg donut challenge, no visit to this quaint country village is complete without a stop at this trendy bakery café. Indulge in one of their incredible donuts, made fresh every day, tempt your tastebuds with their original ‘coffee in a donut’ or take on the ultimate sweet challenge! While you’re there, take some time to marvel at the fantastic murals painted by local Sunshine Coast artist Daus Von Roe.

Kenilworth Country Bakery donuts….yum!

KENILWORTH DAIRIES

Make sure you leave some room in your tummy for lunch at Kenilworth Dairies. Once operated by the Kraft Cheese Company, Kenilworth Dairies now supports local dairy farmers across the region and produces award winning cheeses and dairy products that are udderly delicious! We enjoyed the cheese platter for 2 that showcases a selection of cheeses, locally made condiments, and a hearty serve of fresh and dried fruits.

Kenilworth Dairies cheese platter for 2…. udderly delicious!

FIG TREE WALK

More green less screen! If getting the kids into nature is on your priority list you will love this family friendly short walk. Located just 7km out of Kenilworth, the Fig Tree Walk is a very easy and accessible 1km circuit that takes you through the lush rainforest, with its towering Moreton Bay Figs that are over 150 years old. A fantastic easy hike that even the littlest family member will love!

Fig Tree Walk – the huge Moreton Bay Figs are incredible!

EUMUNDI MARKETS

If you’re in the region on a Wednesday or Saturday, you can’t go past a visit to the famous Eumundi Markets. Set in the main street of this quaint little village the markets are renowned for their locally made artisan treasures. “Make It, Bake It, Sew It, Grow It” is their slogan and with over 1.2 million visitors per year to their 600 stalls, you too are guaranteed to find something that just has to go home with you!

The beautiful Mary River flows through the region

When it comes to campgrounds Kenilworth and the surrounding regions have an abundance of options for every style of traveller. From off grid farm stays, free camps or private properties, to low cost show grounds with access to power and water.

The country sunsets were stunning!

We stayed at Kenilworth Rural Camping, a fantastic off grid Hipcamp property within walking distance to the main street of town. Adjacent to the Charles Street Mary River Parklands, this lush 5 acre property is limited to only 5 campsites with beautiful drive through grassy areas. Pull up your RV or pitch your tent, light the campfire and sit back and relax in this beautiful environment. We loved it so much we extended our stay (a number of times!).

Hot tips:         

–  Fill up your RV water tanks or camping containers at Memorial Park, opposite the Show Grounds in town, before heading to camp. This is a great easy access location with plenty of room to pull up your van or motorhome, and the council bins on site are a great place to dispose of your rubbish.

– Stroll down to the Charles Street Parklands for a walk along the Mary River, or take your lilo or pool noodle and float down the lazy river.

Dinner outdoors in the beautiful green environment

So whether your interests lie in foodie delights, exploring nature based pursuits while taking in breathtaking valley views, or simply kicking back under magical star-filled skies – don’t miss out on visiting one of South East Queensland’s hidden gems!

Check out our YouTube Episode for all the stunning footage from our time Kenilworth!

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Easy Camping Meals – Soldiers Fruit Cake on the Weber

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During a recent visit to the Charleville WW11 Secret Base we discovered the story of the soldiers fruit cake and were inspired to learn more about this war time tradition.

With their loved ones scattered all over the country and world, holding together the front lines against enemy forces, the symbol of this simple fruit cake became one of love, hope and comfort. Wives and mothers all across Australia would bake their family fruit cake in what was known at the time as a Willow cake tin, bundle it up in calico and send it through the post to their solider. 

History tells that many of these cake tins travelled hundreds of miles across Australia and the world, back and forth between the war and the safety of the soldier’s home town. 

 

Ingredients

  • 750g bag mixed fruit (or individual portions of currants, raisins, sultanas, Glaće cherries, dates, mixed peel etc)
  • 125ml Brandy
  • 250g butter
  • 300g sugar
  • 6 large eggs
  • 375g flour
  • Tsp baking powder
  • Tsp mixed spice
  • 100g flaked almonds

Instructions

  1. Set up your Weber for indirect cooking at a low heat.
  2. Line a deep cake tin with greaseproof paper.
  3. Combine your dried fruit in a bowl and cover with Brandy. Leave or as long as desired (or overnight).
  4. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each one.
  5. Add sifted flour, baking powder and spice into butter and egg mixture. Mix well. 
  6. Add Fruit mixture and nuts, stir well.
  7. Spoon cake mixture into prepared tin and bake for 3-4 hours on a very low heat.

Tips

  1. If you don’t want to use alcohol, apple juice works well in place of the Brandy.
  2. Once cooked, leave your cake to cool in the tin, wrap well in foil and store in an air-tight container.
  3. We found the lowest Weber heat setting was still cooking the cake too quickly, which resulted in a slight burning of the bottom and sides. To avoid this, wrap your cake tin in a couple of layers of foil to protect the bottom and sides during cooking.

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SEAFOOD SAGANAKI FRASER ISLAND

Easy Camping Meals – Seafood Saganaki on the Weber

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We recently had the great pleasure of filming an episode with the fantastic crew from Channel 7’s hit lifestyle TV show, Creek to Coast. If you haven’t seen the program, be sure to check it out on Saturday’s at 5.30pm or stream online via 7plus.com.au. During that time we were able to put one of our easy camping meals to the test.

We caught up with Sally Jenyns, Creek to Coast resident chef, who showed us her version of a Greek Seafood Saganaki, an all-in-one-dish taste sensation!

So where better than the world’s largest sand island, K’Gari Fraser Island, to give this fantastic recipe a go! With only a handful of ingredients and only one dish required, not only is this a super easy meal to make on the go, it’s also a super easy cleanup (which is always a winner in our opinion!).

Ingredients

  • Dash olive oil
  • Thinly sliced brown onion
  • Thinly sliced fennel bulb
  • Thinly sliced garlic clove (or teaspoon of crushed garlic)
  • 1 can of tinned diced tomatoes
  • Sliced kalamata olives
  • Fresh white fish, cut into bite sized pieces (we use Snapper)
  • 1 fresh squid sleeve, cut into bite sized pieces and scored
  • Fresh prawns
  • Feta cheese
  • Fennel leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Using your Weber frypan, fry off onion, fennel and garlic in olive oil.
  2. Add tinned tomatoes and kalamata olives and stir, cook for a few minutes.
  3. Add your seafood – fish, prawns and then squid – and cover with the tomato sauce. Close Weber lid and cook for a few minutes.
  4. When your seafood is cooked, sprinkle dish with crumbled feta and serve immediately.
  5. Dress with fennel leaves and enjoy! Yum!

K’Gari Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island

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IMG_1743

Easy Camping Meals – Thai Style BBQ Fish

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South Stradbroke Island is one of our favourite places to visit when we are back on the Gold Coast spending time with our family and friends. This week was a great opportunity to try out one of our easy camping meals.

This time we were treated to a delicious cook up with our lovely friend Bec, head chef of Tipplers Cafe – a South East Queensland institution renowned for its laid back beachside environment and mouth watering fare.

Whether you’re visiting the island for a day trip, or staying over at one of the 3 campgrounds, Bec’s Thai Style BBQ Fish is an easy camping meal to cook up on one the free gas BBQ’s, after snagging yourself a fresh catch of fish.

Ingredients

  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 very small knob of ginger, peeled
  • 1 coriander root, washed well and chopped finely
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon kaffir lime leaf, chopped finely
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 tablespoons coconut cream
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 fresh local fish fillets
  • 4 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
  • 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds
  • Washed coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pound the ginger, garlic, kaffir lime leaf, salt, pepper and coriander root in a mortar and pestle to a paste. Add spices and coconut cream and continue blending to a smooth paste.
  2. Rub the fish fillets with the paste.
  3. Heat the BBQ and brush some vegetable oil onto the BBQ hotplate, drizzling the rest over the fish fillets. Make sure the BBQ hotplate is hot before you add the fish, as this will help to stop the fish sticking to the BBQ.
  4. Place fish fillets onto the BBQ and resist moving them or flipping them until the fish is cooked at least 2/3 of the way through.
  5. Once the fish is 2/3 of the way cooked through, then flip and finish cooking.
  6. Serve drizzled with sweet chilli sauce, wedges of lime, coriander leaves and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

Other Easy Camping Meals

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TFGF.SpiritofTas

Sailing on the Spirit of Tasmania – Top 10 Tips

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If you are planning to caravan or motorhome around Tasmania, chances are you’ll be taking your vehicles over to the small island aboard the Spirit of Tasmania. Here’s our Top 10 Tips – everything you need to know before sailing:

1. BE PREPARED (But don’t be early)

Check out Spirit of Tasmania’s website for all your pre, during and post sail information. They have a great itinerary and road trip planner, plus a fantastic pre-sail checklist to ensure you are 100% prepared for your trip. Checkout opens 2.5 hours before your sail time (in most cases) and closes 45 minutes before sail time. The check-in and boarding process is systemised and easy!

2. BIOSECURITY (Know what you can’t take with you)

Spirit of Tasmania will send you all the information you need to know about what you can and can’t take into Tasmania, upon booking. Take the time to read through the information and check out the FAQ on their website for full details. For a full list of Tasmanian biosecurity requirements, visit Biosecurity Tasmania. 

3. TOILET BREAK (Especially the kids)

A mandatory toilet break for everyone travelling before you commence the check-in process is a great idea, especially for the kids! 

4. FUEL RESTRICTIONS (Taking a car or camper?)

Spirit of Tasmania will send you all the information on what you can and can’t take onboard. Read through the fine print and check the FAQ on their website for full details. If you are travelling with a vehicle or camper there are restrictions on carrying fuel, LPG and propane, so best to be prepared.

5. BOOK A CABIN (Especially if you have kids)

Crossings can be anywhere between 9-11 hours depending on the weather conditions so booking a cabin is a great idea. You’ll have a private space to retreat to when you need. And, if you are sailing overnight having a bed to sleep in, as well as a private toilet and shower, makes the journey much more comfortable. 

6. FEED THE FAMILY (Don’t go hungry)

There are so many dining options on board the Ship to keep the troops happy and full, plus a number of bars and lounge areas to ensure every member of the family is satisfied!

7. TOURISM HUB (Purchase your National Parks Pass)

Pick up your National Parks Pass at a discounted rate, plus there are loads of brochures and information on everything Tassie – from regions to experiences and attractions. 

8. EXPLORE THE SHIP (Pick up a map at Reception)

Pick up a map of the Ship at Reception and have fun exploring the decks, facilities and activities. There’s something for everyone!

9. WAVE GOODBYE (To Melbourne City)

Find a good spot on the port side of the Ship and wave goodbye to the city. If you are sailing at night the city lights are beautiful! Be sure to be on deck 15 minutes after sail to get the best view!

10. KIDS PLAY ZONES (Decks of fun)

There is plenty of fun for kids of all ages. There’s a play area for the little ones, a games arcade, and two cinemas for the bigger kids.

BONUS TIP (Don’t get sea sick!)

The Bass Strait is notorious for big seas that are no fun to cross. Be prepared with sea sickness tablets just in case. We love to use our doTERRA Essential Oils like Ginger and the Digestive Blend to keep us feeling our best when we are on the high seas!

 

Check out our YouTube episode #131 for our complete Tasmania Touring Guide – what you need to know before you go! Including the best campgrounds, best foodie experiences, best waterholes, best tours and attractions, best free activities, the locals favourites, and Tassie’s #1 destination. As well as the must have apps, maps and resources that you’ll need to make the most of your time in Tasmania! Plus the Top 10 Tips for sailing on the Spirit of Tasmania. 

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