Just to clarify the situation with Mataranka, the Mataranka Thermal Springs are currently open. The Mataranka region is great option for the Easter Break - check out the Parks Access page for further information on what's open in the Katherine/Mataranka area. http://www.nretas.nt.gov.au/?a=1294

 Books » Travel » Travel Writing
Lake Eyre

A Journey Through the Heart of the Continent

By Paul Lockyer

Lake Eyre occupies a vast mythological and real landscape - its basin makes up one sixth of the Australian continent and it is the 'inland sea' so many early explorers died trying to disover. But for most of the time the lake is empty, a vast salty desert plain. Only once in a generation when the great rains sweep in from Queensland, does the lake fill up. When this happens an astonishing transformation occurs; overnight the lake changes, the desert blooms, great flocks of birds, brumbies, dingoes and other wildlife find their way to the water's shores. And for the people who live there, the deluge changes everything. In this stunning book, reporter Paul Lockyer tells the story of the great lake - from its ancient beginnings to its present day - and the tales of all those it affects, from intrepid early exploreres like Burke and Wills and pioneers like Birdsville mailman Tom Kruse to characters like racing car driver Donald Campbell, showmen like Fred Brophy, artists like John Olsen and cattle kings like Sir Sydney Kidman. Along with environmental scientist Professor Richard Kingsford, Paul explores one of the world's great wonders and reveals why it holds such resonance for so many Australians.

My Review:
I will be honest. I bought this book for my husband who is the caravan chef in out touring home. The book was 'not for us,' for starters I never use refined white grain products like white pasta that the recopies rely on a lot and I use a much hider range of fresh fruit and vegetables.  I am far too natural healthy food conscious to have done more with this boo I bought than glance though it once and decide I would never use it.  If you like to use recipes and want easy caravan cooking it may be for you.  It is light weight, something you need for a caravan book.

Books » Cooking, Food & Drink » Cooking » General
Complete Caravan Chef

By Eva Stovern, Explore Australia

Combining the popular Caravan Chef and Caravan Chef 2 recipe books, The Complete Caravan Chef includes 30 new recipes, inspired by seasoned traveller Eva Stovern's caravanning trips around Australia. Designed for holiday-makers with a spiral-bound format, The Complete Caravan Chef features delicious and easy recipes for preparing satisfying, tasty meals in a campervan or cabin, or at a campsite, plus plenty of useful tips on equipment, utensils and storage. From savouries, soups and salads to pasta, rice, meat and shellfish, your onthe- road pantry requires just 30 ingredients, selected for their versatility, long storage life, easy preparation and availability. In this edition, Eva also provides instructions for using thermal cookware in a caravan kitchen, with step-by-step directions for cooking a range of dishes. Completing the menu, The Complete Caravan Chef includes a new sweet treats chapter. The 10 desserts include recipes for almond bread and cheesecake, providing a satisfying finale to any meal, whether enjoyed on the road or at home.

About the Author

Accompanied by her photographer husband Thom, Eva Stovern has travelled all over Australia. Beginning with a tent, she soon upgraded to a camper trailer, followed by a modest full-sized caravan and a luxurious van with all the bells and whistles. She now travels in a medium-sized full van, custom built by Crusader. Eva is passionate about travel, wildlife and the environment. She enjoys scouring grocery shops in small country towns and sitting down to a home-cooked meal in front of a fiery outback sunset, far removed from restaurants, and the hustle and bustle of city life. Eva has a cooking and editorial column in Touring Australia and will be featured in their upcoming DVD. She also provides the WhatsUp Downunder website with recipes and a travel editorial every month, and appeared on their TV show. In addition to this, Eva has her own website www.caravanchef.com and plans to develop it with travel and cooking tips.

Just taking a computer break then I will pack the watercolours in the car :-) We head north on the painting, exhibiting, research, writing and tutoring tour for me and fishing trip for Reg. I hope to get a couple of hundred kilometres out of the way before pulling over in a free overnight camp site to sleep tomorrow night and then we should be in set up in Dubbo Thursday
morning. Dubbo Craft Alive is open to the public Friday till Sunday.  I have exhibited at Dubbo before. Good town, good show.

The 2012 Eco Tourer Unofficial Get Together will be held on the 15/16Th of
September at the Lake Sambell caravan park Beechworth.
We have been given a group area and a 10% group discount.
You will need to contact the caravan park and book individually. Indicate you
are with the Eco Tourer group and they will assign you a site in the group area.
Unfortunately unlike previous get togethers this caravan park requires a deposit
of $29 when you book.
Prices are $29 per night less the 10% discount.If you stay 7 nights you only pay
for 6.
Dogs are permitted subject to the normal park rules.
Contact information for the park
Web Site--- http://www.caravanparkbeechworth.com.au
Phone-------0357281421

This get together is open to any Eco Tourer owner

If you are planning your winter tour north be aware many roads are still closed due to flooding and the wet season could continue into May this year. Check the Road Conditions before travelling so you will not be disappointed. Road report information is compiled by RACQ in partnership with The Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Police Service and other government sources/websites.

I must check those reports myself. One location we planned to head to, Moree, was severely affected by floods and while the floods have subsided in many areas the road repairs will be ongoing for a while. You may need to allow additional traveling time.  Photo is of Moree.

The Savanna Way on the eastern side of the country, is one area that is not recommended driving at the moment, give it a couple of months to dry out and check the road conditions before taking that route this year.

Mission Beach Visitor Information Centre - Cassowary Coast - Queensland
‎Feast of the Senses Sunday 25 March 2012

Market Day Extravaganza – Held in the centre of Innisfail, encompassing Edith and Rankin Streets. Again sponsored by our friends at Australian Bananas, this will be a huge market of local produce, fruit, wines, herbs and spices, meat, local arts and crafts. The town will come alive with colour, sound and smells – a day not to be missed.