07-05-2017, 06:58 PM
We ventured up to Fraser Island for the week of ANZAC day. Camped at Eli Creek first, and the convenience of the Trayon came to the fore. We had just started setting up for dinner when 4 German backpackers stopped near us with vehicle overheating problems. I couldn't leave them stranded, but the wife was just about to start dinner for use and 3 hungry kids!
So, off with the Trayon it was (photo 1). The young tourists were amazed at how quickly the Trayon legs were on, the rear suspension aired down, and the the Land Rover driven out from under it. The Germans and I then drove the 30kms up the beach in the dark on high tide to retrieve their gear - 2 of the smallest, cheapest looking tents I've seen! I'm surprised they even spotted them in the dark with only my little head torch as light. Back down the beach we went, much to their appreciation, home to the Trayon, dinner and a beer
After a couple of nights, we set off for Dawn Service at Waddy Point, but got waylaid when the narrow sand track tossed us toward the incoming high tide, causing us to become well and truly bogged (photo 2). During my solo recovery, we had to improvise with our own little service looking out to the Pacific Ocean. Luckily we got good ABC radio reception, so heard some sombre words and the Last Post. Certainly one to remember! I must admit, the incoming tide had me a little worried about toppling over the drop off, but that's what insurance is for
Just quietly, the wife and kids weren't the only ones relieved when we were on our way again.
Sandy Cape was our destination for the next couple of nights, (photo 3). This is a much more isolated and peaceful part of the island, only accessible at low tide which keeps most of the island visitors away (including backpackers and tourist buses!). The huge sand dune entertained the kids for hours. The Trayon easily handled the rough sections of Ngkala rocks.
Finally, we drove to our final camp site at Awinya Creek on the Western side of the island (photo 4). This part of the island is great for kids, as the beach traffic is virtually non-existent and the calm water is much better suited.
The last day saw us leave early for a long but interesting day driving some of the inland tourist tracks, all of which were easily accomplished with the Trayon, but possibly not possible (or as carefree) with a camper trailer. The Trayon certainly makes this type of touring much more viable than if camping with a tent or other options that take a long time to set up and pack up. Honestly, I don't think I would have bothered with our previous tent method.
Can't wait for our next visit!
So, off with the Trayon it was (photo 1). The young tourists were amazed at how quickly the Trayon legs were on, the rear suspension aired down, and the the Land Rover driven out from under it. The Germans and I then drove the 30kms up the beach in the dark on high tide to retrieve their gear - 2 of the smallest, cheapest looking tents I've seen! I'm surprised they even spotted them in the dark with only my little head torch as light. Back down the beach we went, much to their appreciation, home to the Trayon, dinner and a beer
After a couple of nights, we set off for Dawn Service at Waddy Point, but got waylaid when the narrow sand track tossed us toward the incoming high tide, causing us to become well and truly bogged (photo 2). During my solo recovery, we had to improvise with our own little service looking out to the Pacific Ocean. Luckily we got good ABC radio reception, so heard some sombre words and the Last Post. Certainly one to remember! I must admit, the incoming tide had me a little worried about toppling over the drop off, but that's what insurance is for
Just quietly, the wife and kids weren't the only ones relieved when we were on our way again. Sandy Cape was our destination for the next couple of nights, (photo 3). This is a much more isolated and peaceful part of the island, only accessible at low tide which keeps most of the island visitors away (including backpackers and tourist buses!). The huge sand dune entertained the kids for hours. The Trayon easily handled the rough sections of Ngkala rocks.
Finally, we drove to our final camp site at Awinya Creek on the Western side of the island (photo 4). This part of the island is great for kids, as the beach traffic is virtually non-existent and the calm water is much better suited.
The last day saw us leave early for a long but interesting day driving some of the inland tourist tracks, all of which were easily accomplished with the Trayon, but possibly not possible (or as carefree) with a camper trailer. The Trayon certainly makes this type of touring much more viable than if camping with a tent or other options that take a long time to set up and pack up. Honestly, I don't think I would have bothered with our previous tent method.
Can't wait for our next visit!
Regards,
Ryan
#254 on a Land Rover Defender 130.
Ryan
#254 on a Land Rover Defender 130.