Thursday, 22 August 2013

The Surprise of Mt. Surprise

Ever heard of Mt Surprise?  We hadn’t, before the Normanton Information Centre lady gave us a brochure on it.  We had already decided to take the higher road toward Cairns and the Undara Lava Tubes was on our radar... but Mt Surprise?  That hadn’t registered as being only 50 odd kms from Undara and the only other licensed operator for tours into the Undara National Park.

It looked kitsch on the photo and in a way, it is.  The caravan park is called “Bedrock Village” and they a whole Flintstones theme going on here.  What they do have, that can’t be bought, is a friendly and welcoming place.  For a start, they treat families as families and don’t put an artificial age on what a child is.  Some have said children are under 12, some have said under 14 and most caravan parks say under 15.  I don’t know how my 16 year old is more expensive to keep at a caravan park than my 14 year old, but apparently, he is!  Here, a family is 2 adults and up to 4 children (paying for them if they are 5-18). 

They have a mini golf course here, which has already gotten some use from our boys, a pool and rec room (with a large TV for the cricket) but as I alluded to before, they have what you want to bottle and take with you everywhere - the desire to make your stay with them memorable.

Last night, the older boys and I joined in with  their activity night.  The staff put on some games, like passing the tennis ball in your neck, inside golf, ten pin bowling and a brain-teaser, and organised us into teams to take part in the events.  We got to mix with quite a number of people and just have some fun.

They also run a small café and offer home cooked meals for those who want one and are willing to pay.  Last night was Spag Bol and tonight is wood fired pizza.  Andrew is tempted by tonight’s offering, even though we have our own food!

Today, we went to the Undara Lava Tubes and I will put up some photos of that when we get somewhere with a better connection.  We had a wonderful tour, and some of the staff and participants from the activity night were with us for that.


TRAVELLER’S TIP:


Be prepared for the detours and pleasant surprises along the way. I am one who plans down to the nth degree (if given the chance).  Leave room in your schedule for unexpected blessings.

1 comment:

  1. Have you seen the tall termite mounds yet?? They should be along that route. Sounds like you found a perfect spot to stay!

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