Activities in October, 2017: Travel Bulletin

Ron and Viv Moon’s latest news and info from Australia’s treks and tracks

SAT PHONE SIM CARD HIRE (AUSTRALIA-WIDE)

If you have an Iridium Satellite handset without a connection, quite often it is more economical to hire a SIM card and use your own phone. Short- and long-term hire is available. Satellite phone models suitable for SIM hire are the Iridium 9500, 9505, 9505A, 9555 and 9575. For more information: www.satellitehire.com.au/satellite-phone-sim-card

LAKE MOONDARRA FISHING CLASSIC (QLD)

Visitors, competitors and fans of this great fishing classic, held this year near Mt Isa from October 27-29, can expect to see the dragon boat regatta, live entertainment, and the hugely popular fireworks display. There are also trade and community exhibits, food and beverage stalls, and bar facilities. The Classic will also deliver thousands of dollars’ worth of trophies, cash and prizes. Full details: www.lakemoondarrafishingclassic.com.au

ONLINE CAMP BOOKINGS (SA)

From June 1 this year, entry and camping for Ikara-Flinders Ranges NP, Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges NP, Innamincka Regional Reserve, Malkumba-Coongie Lakes NP, Witjira NP and Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre NP will need to be booked through an online booking system. The system has now been rolled out across South Australia. See: www.environment.sa.gov.au

CASTLEMAINE SHOW (VIC)

For a great country show that features art and craft, cooking, wood-chopping events, horses, a snake display, and lots for the kids to do, head to Castlemaine for its annual show. This year the show runs from Friday, October 28 to Saturday, October 29. For more details: www.castlemaineshow.com.au

BALRANALD 5 RIVERS OUTBACK FESTIVAL (NSW)

This festival, held October 13-15, promises three exciting days of fun, music, great food and fabulous entertainment. There’s plenty to see and do, with activities and events including market stalls, a fishing competition, a 4WD muster, a camp oven cooking competition and much more. For more details: www.5riversoutbackfestival.com.au

CEDUNA OYSTERFEST (SA)

This gastronomical delight, held from the Thursday, September 28 to Sunday, Oct 1, will be centred on Ceduna’s fabulous oysters. There’s an alfresco dining area with live entertainment, kids entertainment, cooking demos, and the ever-popular oyster-shucking competition. Check out: www.ceduna.sa.gov.au/oysterfest

CROOKED PLAIN (NT)

Crooked Plain is a 225ha working cattle and sheep property located about 100km south of Darwin. It’s just 14km from the township of Adelaide River and 10km off the Stuart Highway, not far from Litchfield National Park. You can hide away and be totally secluded, or you can partake in the normal day-to-day tasks of running such a property. The property is pet-friendly and has camping and cabins available. Bookings are essential: www.youcamp.com/view/crooked-plain

LONGFORD SHOW (TAS)

The 161st running of the Longford Show is due to be held on October 21. It gets off to an early start, with show-jumping commencing at 8.30am. Then there’s sheep and dog judging and even demos on how to rescue snakes. Of course, there will be a wood-chop competition and lots more. For details: www.longfordshow.com.au

FESTIVAL OF THE MINER’S GHOST (NSW)

Held in Cobar from October 27-29, the Festival of the Miner’s Ghost focuses on family entertainment. The festival has something for everyone to enjoy, which includes a spectacular fireworks display over the old Great Cobar Open Cut Mine. There are also markets in the park, street theatre, clowns, buskers, the police charity golf day, family kite-flying day, monster fancy-dress dance, and a mine open day.