Darren's Epic Adventure with the Grand Duke!

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The Beginning of an Epic Journey

In late 2023, we embarked on an unforgettable 20,000km adventure with our trusty 2018 Grand Duke camper trailer. The journey spanned 12 weeks, taking us through the stunning landscapes of South Australia, Northern Territory, and Western Australia. Our trip was filled with dirt roads, corrugations, and a few small river crossings, truly testing the durability and versatility of the Grand Duke.

From Victoria to Katherine

Our journey started in Victoria, heading north to Katherine in the Northern Territory. The smooth towing experience with the Grand Duke made the long drive enjoyable. Once in Katherine, we soaked in the thermal springs and explored the stunning Katherine Gorge.

Exploring the Kimberleys

From Katherine, we ventured west into the Kimberleys, a region known for its rugged beauty. Stops included El Questro, Kununurra, and Lake Argyle. The Grand Duke's off-road capabilities were put to the test, and it handled the challenging terrain with ease. We camped under the stars, enjoying the serene landscapes and the tranquillity of remote camping.

Purnululu National Park and Broome

Next, we headed to Purnululu National Park, home of the famous Bungle Bungles. The Grand Duke's robust design allowed us to navigate the park's rough roads comfortably. From there, we made our way to Broome, where we relaxed on Cable Beach and enjoyed the vibrant town.

The Pilbara Adventure

Our journey continued down to Port Hedland and into the Pilbara region. We explored Tom Price, Newman, Paraburdoo, and Karijini National Park. The rugged terrain and spectacular gorges of Karijini were a highlight, and the Grand Duke provided a reliable base for our adventures.

Winds and Snorkelling at Exmouth

Surviving the winds at Exmouth and Cape Range National Park was a challenge, but the Grand Duke stood firm. We snorkelled at Ningaloo Reef and Coral Bay, marveling at the vibrant marine life. The camper's off-grid capabilities were perfect for our beachside camps.

Shark Bay and Francois Peron National Park

We then visited Shark Bay and tackled the red sandy roads of Francois Peron National Park. The Grand Duke's robust construction made traversing these roads a breeze. The stunning coastline and unique wildlife of Shark Bay were unforgettable.

Coastal Beauty and Inland Heat

Our journey took us down to Kalbarri and Geraldton before heading inland through the heat of the WA goldfields. We passed through Mount Magnet, Sandstone, and Leonora, finally reaching Kalgoorlie. The Grand Duke's ample water and power storage kept us comfortable in the remote outback.

Southern WA and the Nullarbor

Heading southwest, we visited Denmark, Albany, and the beautiful beaches of Esperance and Cape Le Grand National Park. The pristine white sands and turquoise waters were a highlight. Crossing the Nullarbor in December was an adventure in itself, with the Grand Duke providing a comfortable retreat in the vast expanse.

Eyre Peninsula and Flinders Ranges

We reached the Eyre Peninsula, exploring its rugged coastline before heading to the Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia. The dramatic landscapes and rich history of the Flinders Ranges were a fitting end to our epic journey.

The Grand Duke: A Perfect Companion

Throughout our road trip, we enjoyed wonderful station stays, national parks, caravan parks, and a few free camps. The Grand Duke’s off-road capabilities meant we could go anywhere we wanted, and its off-grid features worked perfectly for national parks and free camps. The 160L water capacity, 200amp battery power, 100L dual-zone fridge, and efficient solar setup ensured we were always well-equipped.

Conclusion

This was our best holiday ever, and the Grand Duke played a significant role in making it so. From the rugged outback to pristine beaches, the Grand Duke handled every challenge with ease, providing comfort and reliability throughout our adventure. We returned home for Christmas, filled with memories of an epic journey that will last a lifetime.

A Grand Adventure with the Grand Duke for the Camper Trailer of the year 2024 event.

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Setting Off

Our journey began in Maryborough, Victoria, with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Stephen and I (Steph) had our 2020 Prado hitched to the Grand Duke camper trailer from Goldfields Campers, ready for an adventure through New South Wales and Queensland. The Grand Duke, with its myriad features, promised to be the perfect companion for our trip.

First Stop: Narrabri

After a smooth drive, we arrived in Narrabri and settled into the caravan park for two nights. The Grand Duke’s 160L water capacity and 200amp battery power meant we had all the essentials at our fingertips. Setting up camp was a breeze, thanks to the efficient cable management systems for the kitchen and fridge slide cables. The 100L dual-zone fridge, charged via the DC to DC 40 amp charger, ensured our food and drinks stayed fresh.

Adventure Up Mt Kaputar

Our ascent up Mt Kaputar was nothing short of thrilling. The trail was muddy, and both the Prado and the Grand Duke faced the challenge head-on. Despite some slipping and sliding, the Grand Duke’s stability and robust construction kept us safe and secure. The views from the top were breathtaking, making the journey well worth it.

Relaxation at Copeton Dam

Next, we made our way to Copeton Dam for a night. The serenity of the dam provided a perfect backdrop for relaxation. Our camper’s 200-watt solar blanket harnessed the sun’s energy, keeping our batteries charged and ready. The comfortable bed, enhanced with an extra 20mm foam topper, ensured we had a restful night’s sleep.

Campfire Cooking at Clarence Gorge

Clarence Gorge was a highlight of our trip. With both canvas sides of the lounge area rolled up, we enjoyed stunning views while relaxing in the spacious interior. The 4-burner stove proved invaluable for cooking meals for our group. We whipped up some amazing campfire dishes, making the most of our surroundings and the camper’s fantastic kitchen setup.

Thrills at Emu Creek 4x4 Park

Our adventure continued to Emu Creek 4x4 Park for another night of excitement. The park’s rugged terrain provided ample opportunities for off-roading fun. The Grand Duke’s amber bug lighting was a blessing at night, keeping the insects at bay while we enjoyed the evening outdoors.

Final Stop: Janowen Hills 4x4 Park

Our final major stop was Janowen Hills 4x4 Park in Queensland. The challenging trails tested our skills and the capabilities of both the Prado and the Grand Duke. Once again, the camper trailer impressed us with its durability and ease of use, making the experience both thrilling and comfortable.

Journey Home

As we made our way back to Maryborough, we took a break just above Dubbo to reflect on our journey. The Grand Duke had exceeded our expectations in every way. Its thoughtful design, from the comfortable sleeping arrangements to the efficient kitchen and power systems, made our trip enjoyable and hassle-free.

Conclusion

Our trip with the Grand Duke camper trailer was a grand adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, thrilling off-road experiences, and cozy campfire moments. The Grand Duke proved to be a reliable and feature-packed companion, enhancing our journey and ensuring we had everything we needed. Whether tackling muddy trails or relaxing by a serene dam, the Grand Duke delivered comfort and convenience every step of the way.

We can’t wait for our next adventure with the Grand Duke, confident that it will continue to provide the perfect blend of rugged capability and homely comfort.

Southern Flinders Ranges and Yorke Peninsula, Nov-Dec 2022

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Southern Flinders Ranges and Yorke Peninsula, Nov-Dec 2022

Goldfields Eureka + 2018 Mazda CX-5 diesel

Our biggest trip in the year or so since we've had our Eureka (two weeks, 3,250 km).

Heading west from Melbourne we spent our first night at the Robe Holiday Park. Robe was extremely windy but we survived. Thanks to a tip from a fellow camper on Facebook, I modified the three main awning legs with a hole and a bit of rope at the bottom, so that they could be pegged down. This worked great.

Next we headed towards Adelaide and spend a night with a friend at Christies Beach. The following day we continued north to a station stay called Flinders Bush Retreats. This location was the absolute highlight of the trip. We camped for three nights off-grid by a dry creek with no-one else around for miles. Dead quiet and only a lot of flies to keep us company

While we were in the area we spent a day at Wilpena Pound. Weather was pretty warm but a short hike up to the Wangara Lookout was worth the effort.

Next we headed south-west to Spear Creek Caravan Park, about 25km south-east of Port Augusta. This is not your average Big4 park! We were able to get a peaceful bush site well away from anyone, with the advantages of a flushing toilet 50m away and showers and laundry a 5-10 minute walk. Lots of birdlife to be seen here, too.

After two nights there we headed back to the south to visit Melrose and Mount Remarkable, and then trekked all the way down the Yorke Peninsula to spend a couple of nights at Point Turton Caravan Park. This is a popular spot and the sites are small, so after nearly a week in the bush it was a big contrast to be packed in like sardines! However it was a good base from which to head down to the Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, including Inneston ghost town and the wreck of the Ethel. Definitely worth a visit.

Finally it was time to head bush again, or more accurately, beach. There are numerous $20/night off-grid state campsites up the west side of the peninsula, and we chose The Gap, where we spent a couple of peaceful nights. Dolphins were spotted passing by.

Then we made our way home with an overnight stop at the Bordertown Recreation Lake. This is a donation box site ($10/night) which looked promising but there was a lot of highway (truck) and train noise.

We had planned to visit Kangaroo Island, but getting conveniently timed ferry sailings proved to be difficult, so we decided to spend more time elsewhere, and in the end were very happy with our itinerary.

Eureka notes:

Everything worked worked well, on the whole.

• Towing was a breeze

• We stayed snug inside in varying conditions from near-gale winds to quite hot

• Battery was fine with the upgraded 260W solar panel we use

• Upgrading the gas hose for the hot water service has made the shower more convenient. The mesh intake filter requires frequent cleaning or the unit stops working. A bit annoying so I'm curious if anyone has found a way to make this easier.

Fun With The Family In The Black Panther.

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Had a great long weekend away in the Black Panther. 
We went to Bridgewater on the Loddon. We stayed at the caravan park there. Cost was $40 a night.
The kids had an absolute ball, riding bikes, playing in the camper, walks along the river, checking out the ski boats and the playground at the caravan park was great! We set up all the walls as the little one could crawl/walk around. 
My eldest Amelia can not wait to go away again!