Aussie couple's free 'hidden gem' campsite discovery: 'Like stepping into a postcard'

Australia has always been a nation of travellers, with many of us relishing every opportunity to pack a bag, jump on a plane and go and explore foreign places. However, a global pandemic followed by a cost-of-living crisis has meant that thousands of Aussies have had to forgo their overseas adventures in favour of more local travel.

More than 1 in 3 Aussies now take fewer trips, according to research from Youi, while 1 in 4 have chosen to visit destinations closer to home in the last year. The survey also discovered that, of the more than 2000 Aussies interviewed, more than half said they were planning to embark on a road trip in the next three to four months.

Road trips and camping have seen a massive spike in popularity in recent times, thanks to being an affordable way to see some really spectacular places in our own backyard. Better yet, through some savvy planning ahead, travellers can often find free or extremely cheap places to stay, meaning that they don't have to cross a holiday off of their bingo cards altogether.

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Hipcamp Global Social Media Lead, Brooke Wood, says it’s no surprise Aussies are eager to head outdoors this summer given how world-class our landscapes are. "Australia also has plenty of hidden gems waiting to be explored," Booke says.

24-year-old Aussie, Pascale Rae, who frequently goes on camping trips with her partner, discovered one such hidden gem, telling Yahoo Lifestyle about her experience.

Hidden gem riverfront campsite

"Wild Cherry Tree is a stunning campsite situated along the Wellington River [Victoria]", she says, adding that it offers plenty of camping spots.

"Even if one area is full, there are many other options nearby," she continues. "It is also free to stay there which is great for people who are looking for low-cost road trips in Victoria."

Among the many perks Pascale cites about Wild Cherry Tree is that it is fairly easy to access. "You can take the freeway almost the whole way there, avoiding the need to tackle 4WD tracks in the dark," she explains."

She continues, "A key stop on the way is the town of Licola, where you can stock up on supplies before venturing into the Victorian High Country. The owners of the general store are incredibly sweet and stock all your camping essentials."

What to do at Wild Cherry Tree campsite

While the campsite is fairly bare bones in terms of amenities (although it does offer bathrooms and firepits), Pascale says that the location cannot be beaten.

"When it comes to camping preferences, everyone is different," she says. "While some enjoy the breathtaking sunsets and sunrises on the mountaintops, I personally love falling asleep to the sound of running water and waking up to dip in the river. In winter, it’s even like a refreshing ice bath!"

She continues, "We chose this spot for its stunning natural beauty. With the river running alongside the campsite and a red rock wall framing the water on the opposite side, it felt like stepping into a postcard."

Pascale says that she and her partner used their time at Wild Cherry Tree Campsite to swim and explore the bushwalking trails and even slow-cooked some lamb in the firepits, calling the experience "absolute bliss."

Word of warning for fellow travellers

While Pascale and her partner clearly fell in love with Wild Cherry Tree and its surroundings, she does offer some words of caution.

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"The wildlife around the campsite was incredible, but we did have a couple of frequent visitors—two rather large goannas," she laughs. "At first, their appearances were a bit startling, but they quickly became part of the experience and even entertaining.

"Just a tip: be sure to keep all food sealed and packed away securely."

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