I have just spent a few days camping at Atkinson’s Dam
Holiday Park, which is approximately 1 hour’s drive north-west of
Brisbane. I didn’t want to fight the
Christmas crazy in the prime locations, so looked to stay close to home. I have had a fabulous time and I am feeling
exceptionally relaxed and refreshed, which is my gauge for ‘it must be all good’. The
weather was amazing the first two days and then the rain started to set
in. It is not a problem, as I am set up
for most of Mother Nature’s mood swings.
I had a bit of work I needed to do, so I set up office in my tent and it
is the nicest office I think I have ever had.
I might even stay an extra day or two.
Home office was never this good!
There are two parks at Atkinson’s Dam but sadly, neither was terribly reputable in times gone by. Fortunately, this one has new owners and they
have waived a magic wand over this old and very tired caravan park and turned
her into a surprising gem in a very short 18 months. She has a rejuvenated café, convenience store,
slash service station which produces some of the finest pizza I have had in a
long time. Pool and BBQ area have had a
spruce up. The playground looks very inviting but I showed restraint. Camp kitchen is as tidy as
any I have seen. Bathroom facilities
have all had a reno and are immaculately clean.
The cabins have had a respray and the grounds are looking mighty
fine. My favourite thing which I thought was just a little non-typical was their fabulous community campfire in a shed. Feels so very 1800's and is wonderful. The new owners are exceptionally
friendly and obliging and have brought to this caravan park a personality
resembling their own. They have added a
jumping castle for the kids and installed their own pet goats to add a little
extra bit of character. I did not feel it lacking in any area at all. $30 per powered site for 2 persons or $10 per person for unpowered in peak. Pretty close to perfect.
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| Community Campfire |
Atkinson's Dam Holiday Park is attached to the dam's Day Use Area. Sadly, the dry has seen this 2 km long dam dry out a
bit but you can still have a blast with a jet ski, canoe, kayak, paddle board
or small catamaran. Might be pushing it
a bit at the moment to enjoy your wake boarding but if this rain keeps up, she
will be good to go again tomorrow. I
have often frequented this dam when she is in her glory and she is magnificent. The bird life on this dam is spectacular
viewing. The sunsets and sunrises can
take your breath away. As this dam is
predominately an irrigation dam her levels drop dramatically in dry times and
people forget she is here quite quickly.
So close to Brisbane. Nowhere
near as crazy busy as Somerset and you can put all forms of power boat on
her, so nowhere near as much restriction as Wivenhoe. No boat permit or fishing permits
are required.
Definitely suggest you pop this spot on your must do
list. The day use area has toilets,
picnic tables, shelter and free BBQ’s. Whether you just want a quiet and quick escape
from Brisbane for the day or you want
to sleep over. You cannot go past this lovely caravan park and destination. Mention my name.. Maybe you will get a good
seat J
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