Bellthorpe running creek

​W hat used to be a cattle property is now the pride of a friendly family who actually bring their gear down from the house to enjoy their own creekside encampment. Running Creek Parklands is on a flood plain hence the portable toilets, but that entices a certain type of clientele that includes us. Lovely grassed sites in the open, under trees or by the creek offer spacious choices and when they throw in animal feeding, a fire pit and cheap delivered wood who can complain? It is dog friendly here and we had our share of friendly dogs with us. A cool and dewy morning saw us head  up the steep and windy Bellthorpe Range Road past Running Creek state forest and in to Bellthorpe National Park. Green scenic farmland borders the road and is an interesting attraction before reaching the forest drive. Marcel took Matt for the mandatory hill start drill at Old Brandons Sawmill site while we others adjusted our air for a comfortable trip. Early days and Leighanne was smiling as the Jeep found the more direct lines through the mud. Others were happy that meant less dust especially for Kerry and Chris at the tail. Lush rain forest lulled the ladies and all agreed they should be the ones to clean the cars back at home. Sadly Sarah the photo bomber (notice how she always smiles for the camera) was to leave as Tiny had to come rescue the family due to a broken front uni (or something like that) on the Jeep. Morning tea filled in time and kudos to Trent for accurately analyzing the car problems and getting in touch with Mr Grimstone... that extra antenna on the bullbar helps with phone service... and then there was four.