After work last Friday, we drove up to the mountains to Thunderbird Park for camping. The park is just about a little over an hour from our place. Marcus has been talking nonstop about this trip. Honestly I was looking forward to it as well to have a break from work.
Aside from the camping grounds, the park also has heaps of activities for all ages. The area is well managed with very good amenities and it’s really not that remotely wild.
As soon as we got there, we started setting up our tent. We got a 4-person Coleman Instant Up tent replacing our old massive tent that we normally use for camping. It really helps a lot not to spend too much time setting up specially with a kid who always “wants to help”.
First night was pretty chill.
Marcus got his mining permit. lol
The following morning, we went mining for thundereggs. Thundereggs are rock (or geode) formations with crystals or quartz inside it. You buy a ticket and permit from the shop and just head out to the mining field. Before going to the mining grounds, the staffs will give the usual reminders about safety and some good tips on where to dig and what to look for. It’s was real life minecraft. Not gonna lie, it was a lot of work digging.haha But Marcus didn’t actually mind. He was really into it. And the experience is all worth it when you do find one. And we did. We actually found 2 with one of them relatively bigger.
thunderbird park reception display
crystals and quartz display
After mining, we drove out of camp to a nearby place called Glow Worm Caves for a tour. These species of worm actually glows green in the dark and they are only found in Australia and New Zealand. After the introduction, we watched a film about the conservation effort. Then we went in to check out the caves. Inside the cave is just tranquility. Looks and feels almost like you are in space (or how I imagine it would be). Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take photos inside the cave. But we got this one:
glow worm mum and marcus
Second Night – Camping in the Storm
Not pictured was me in the rain trying to cover the car from hail damage. Luckily, the hail wasn’t too big like in other areas.
By the Lake
The morning came like there was no storm last night. After a quick brekky from the park resto, we went to check out the lake and the other side of the park. Tried these (I don’t know what they are called). Pretty nice ride for the family. Mum and Dad pedaling and Marcus was driving. lol
marcus and marcel by the lake
After the lake, we had a go at the mini-golf. Marcus was so excited about this. He was jumping and celebrating everytime any of us makes a shot.
We surely had a lot of fun at Thunderbird Park and we haven’t even checked out the walk trails and other activities. This is a place I can recommend to other friends specially if they are not into hardcore like really outback camping. We are definitely coming back and maybe bring friends with us.
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