RV Friendlies & Events

Chillagoe is located 141 kilometres west of Mareeba and 205 kilometres west of Cairns and is one of the most interesting and unusual places in northern Queensland. Chillagoe offers visitors the rare combination of a relic copper mine, historic town attractions, limestone caves and Aboriginal rock paintings. If the mining history of Chillagoe is what brought you out, be sure to head for the museum. Wander through informative sites and don't forget to include the town cemetery in your walks. Keep in mind that mining is not the only option in town and it would be a shame to leave without sampling some of the other incredible Chillagoe attractions! Chief amongst them are the substantial systems of limestone caves at the Chillagoe-Montana National Park, located approximately one kilometre from town. There are over 560 known caves in the area, and some feature spectacular formations of stalactites and stalagmites. From the caves there's a walking track to the nearby Balancing Rock formation and some Aboriginal rock art, or you may prefer to walk the nine kilometre return track to Royal Arch Bluff, looking for wallabies and birds. If you head west out of town for 14 kilometres you'll find The Archways, another stunning limestone feature. Chillagoe also contains an observatory, and offers chances to explore for fossils, plus every year in May the Great Wheelbarrow Race finishes in the town and is an iconic event well worth a look.The best source of up to date information about tours, sites and walks is the Chillagoe Hub Visitor Information Centre, located on Queen Street.Tourist/Visitor Centre       Chillagoe VIC, 21-23 Queen St, Chillagoe QLDPh: 07 4094 7111chillagoehubinfo@bigpond.comwww.chillagoehub.com.auCasual Parking       Queen, Cathedral St & Towers StShort Term Parking           Chillagoe Observatory & Eco Lodge1 Hospital Ave$10pppn unpoweredDump Point   Rodeo Grounds, Frew StPotable Water          See General store & VIC for locationsHospital        21 Hospital Rd, Ph: 07 4094 7500Dentist           Chillagoe HospitalPharmacy     Chillagoe General Store, 11 Queen St, Ph: 07 4094 7100

Melrose is the oldest town in the Flinders Ranges and is located 265 kilometres north of Adelaide. There are several heritage-listed sites in Melrose including Jacka’s Brewery, lovely cottages and stores. The Courthouse Heritage Museum offers informative displays and pioneer stories of the way life was in the region’s oldest town.Tourists travelling in self-contained vehicles will find short-term parking available at the showground. Parking costs $10 per vehicle per night, and the length of stay can be negotiated. Access to showers, power and water is available at an additional cost.Melrose Showground is a great place to begin your discovery of the area. Bushwalking in the Mount Remarkable National Park is a great way to explore the area and experience the stunning views from Cathedral Rock and the War Memorial.Cost: $20pvpn, showers, power and water at additional costParking: Negotiable stay limit, pets on lead, m/coverage, bins, toiletsOpening Hours: Open 24hrs 7 days

Penola is 388 kilometres south-east of Adelaide in one of South Australia’s most productive wine growing regions. Heritage listed buildings line the wide streets containing many restaurants, cafes, unique shops and galleries. Penola is a fantastic base to explore the quality vineyards of the Coonawarra area, and the beautiful beaches nearby. The town is steeped in history and was once home to Mary Mackillop, the first Australian to gain Roman Catholic Sainthood. Visitors can take the self-guided ‘Walk with History’ tour, and download the talking app, which takes in many of the state heritage-listed buildings and cottages of the township. The John Riddoch Centre functions as the Visitor Information Centre, John Shaw Neilson gallery, local history display and council offices.Short-term parking is available at the CMCA RV Park for self-contained vehicles up to 11 metres. A low cost of $3 per person per night for CMCA members. Covered members area, bins and barbecues are provided, and pets on leads are permitted. A free dump point can also be found at McCorquindale Park, off Cameron Street, and potable water is available at Portland Street in front of the council depot.Penola is a wonderful place to visit, especially for RV travellers. Tourist/Visitor Centre       27 Arthur St, Penola SAPh: 08 8737 2855www.wattlerange.sa.gov.auCasual Parking       Parking avail in main & side streets, 2hr limit. IGA also has large car park.Short Term Parking           CMCA RV Park, Eastern end of John St. Grey water dump point. Five night maximum stay in any 21 day period. $3.00 per site per night and an additional fee of $2.00 per person per night (members), $15pvpn for non-members.Dump Point  McCorquindale Park (Showgrounds), Side of Rymill Hall off Cameron StPotable Water          Portland St, Penola, front of Council DepotHospital        Penola War Memorial Hospital, 18 Church St, Penola, Ph: 08 8737 2311Doctors Surgery     Penola Medical Clinic, 18 Church St, Penola, Ph: 08 8737 2218Pharmacy     Williams MG Pharmacy, 38 Church St, Penola, Ph: 08 8737 2273Supermarket            Penola IGA Fresh, 23 Church St, Penola, Ph: 08 8737 2205