Balranald Caravan Park

We pulled into Balranald Caravan Park because it was getting late in the day, and we had driven enough. You know how it is, all you want is to set up quickly and go for a walk. So, Balranald it was. And what an excellent choice!

IN-PARK ATTRACTIONS

The park sits slap bang on the Murrumbidgee, and that creates a couple of interesting features. The first one is the levee that runs through the park. When you are on the banks of a major river, you can expect a bit of water from time to time. It’s good to know that they have that under control.

The other thing has nothing to do with the river. It has plenty to do with someone’s sense of humour. Scattered throughout the park are all sorts of ‘attractions’, a frog sitting in a chair here, a corrugated iron bird in the bush over there, a sign offering a free parent with everyone purchased! Just are the sort of things that you remember.

The park doesn’t need these to be good, but when I think about the park I always smile because of the attractions. One other that is very hard to miss is the part of the old bridge that straddles one of the park roads. It is very impressive!

STAYING AT BALRANALD CARAVAN PARK

The check in is easy and friendly, and that really sets the tone for the whole park. We had a lovely large grassed site, which was easy to get into that could easily accommodate a large fifth wheel RV or full canvas camper trailer. The amenities were excellent, and very clean and they do have a range of cabins on site.

I didn’t get a chance to inspect the cabins, something to do with exploring quirky things, but they do come in a variety of layouts and berths. Basic cabins with cooking facilities are close to shared amenities, with private bathroom facilities available in the ensuite cabins. For water views, choose from the elevated Deluxe River View and River View cabins, both come with ensuites, verandahs and cooking facilities.

There are some great BBQ sites around, and an open fire pit which would be really popular during the chilly season. There is a good camp kitchen on-site with plenty of equipment.

HISTORIC BALRANALD

One other thing sticks in my mind, and it is something that I have not seen before. When you go outside the park there are some signs. Obviously if there is a sign, it needs to be read. Well, be prepared for a lengthy read. This is the Balranald and District Military Heritage Trail, and according to the local tourism site:

“The theme of the Balranald and District Military Heritage Trail is Courage, Initiative, Resilience and Compassion. It consists of stories of the experiences of individuals from the district during periods of conflict and how those who returned contributed to the community. Stories include those of a WWI nurse, a chaplain who rode with the 4th Light Horse, a WWI Italian soldier in the Alps, and survivors of the charge at the Nek and legendary night-raid to liberate Villers-Bretonneux. There are also stories of WWII pilots, POWs, service women, intelligence officers, and a member of the Volunteer Defence Corps.”

You will walk for 1km to read them all, but they really are worth the read. Some are sad, some are amazing, but they are all worth reading.

After our walk along the signs it was back to the park for a great night’s sleep. Fresh air does that to you. Balranald Caravan Park is a lovely place to stay and has a touch of humour that makes it memorable.

BALRANALD CHARM

In town, inspect a replica of the Southern Cross that Sir Charles Kingsford Smith chartered across the Pacific in 1929. The Balranald Southern Cross Museum also houses the Lady Southern Cross and the remains of Burke and Wills’ wagon.

Locals artists pay tribute to the southern bell frog throughout town. Eight kilometres yonder, wander the Yanga National Park, significant to local indigenous people.

FURTHER AFIELD

If you’re travelling from Adelaide, Sydney or Melbourne, Balranald is the last ‘stop’ before Mungo National Park, a desert oasis 150km away. Here, walk in ancient footsteps and marvel at the Walls of China.

Two-wheel-drive accessible when dry, the route suits novice outback adventurers but you can depart by tour if you prefer.