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Nine top Aussie camp sites - with a view

<p>While it may be off our radar right now, travelling around Australia will be back soon and who doesn't want to fall asleep under a blanket of stars and wake to some of the best views in the country? So, take a look here at our top nine Aussie camp sites.</p> <p>Australia really is the lucky country. Every state and territory is home to a diverse range of rich scenic grandeur an it’s ready to inspire us. The great thing about camping is it gives you the best seat in the house to enjoy the wonder of it all. Here you’ll find our picks of the top 9 camping and caravanning campsites with a view.</p> <p><strong>Alpaca Magic Stud, Sutton, NSW</strong></p> <p>Canberrans, this one is for you. While this campsite is technically located just across the ACT border in NSW, it’s only a 30-minute drive from the Canberra CBD. And you’ll be warmly welcomed by fields of alpacas, llamas, donkeys, and miniature cattle studs.</p> <p>The site is suitable for self-sufficient campers – which means BYO water, toilet and shower amenities – who leave no trace.</p> <p><strong>Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, Monkey Mia, WA</strong></p> <p>Monkey Mia is one of those rare places in Australia where dolphin visitation is daily, rather than seasonal, and the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort offers a human-dolphin interaction program for free. This absolute beachfront camping resort is in the heart of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. Spend your day’s snorkelling or boating in crystal clear waters, partaking in a camel ride or an Aboriginal Cultural Walk.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2efd197bd5834a0ca654e11ac447b830" /><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843586/monkey-mia-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2efd197bd5834a0ca654e11ac447b830" /></p> <p><strong>First Sun Caravan Park, Byron Bay, NSW</strong></p> <p>Cape Byron is the most easterly point of Australia’s mainland, and <a href="https://www.firstsunholidaypark.com.au/">First Sun Caravan Park</a> reaps the benefits of its plum position on the foreshore of Byron Bay’s main beach. Let’s just say you’re guaranteed to be the first to witness the sun each day.</p> <p>For the most part, guests are also treated to unobstructed views of the ocean with sites located right alongside the beach. Yet, you’re also within strolling distance to all the major attractions.</p> <p><strong>Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT</strong></p> <p>With its remote desert location, deep cultural significance and spectacular natural beauty, <a href="https://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/accommodation/ayers-rock-campground">Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park</a> is home to one of Australia’s most unforgettable attractions – and, without a doubt, offers one of the best campsite views in the world.</p> <p>Due to Uluru’s cultural importance to the local Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara people, the closest you can camp is 15 kilometres away in Yulara at the Ayers Rock Campground. But don’t worry, it isn’t called The Rock for no reason, you will still be treated to jaw-dropping views from this distance.</p> <p>In addition to its grassy campsites, you’ll also have access to a swimming pool and it’s a great place to base yourself to explore the park’s numerous walking tracks, rockpools and Aboriginal rock art sites. It’s worth allowing a couple of days to explore and observe the changing moods of the Rock.</p> <p><strong>Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, Flinders Ranges, SA</strong></p> <p>The rugged mountains which rise above grassy plains to form <a href="https://www.australiantraveller.com/sa/outback-sa/flinders-ranges/">the Flinders Ranges</a> are more than 600 million years old. The Aboriginal Dreamtime stories that tell the tale of how this area was created have been passed down between generations for more than 40,000 years.</p> <p>In the northern part of this epic location, you’ll find <a href="https://www.arkaroola.com.au/caravan-camping">Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary.</a> Its campsites deliver some of Australia’s most spectacular mountain views and offer numerous eco-tourism-accredited guided tours.</p> <p>Whether you love birdwatching, bushwalking, geology, wildlife spotting or 4WD adventures, this wilderness sanctuary offers a multitude of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. They even have three fully equipped observatories, so you can get an even closer look at the incalculable number of stars at night.</p> <p>Pitch a tent among 600 million-year-old relics.</p> <p><strong>Lucky Bay National Park, WA</strong></p> <p>Gone are the days of paying top dollar to sit around an overcrowded resort because yes - your own personal paradise awaits you at Lucky Bay.</p> <p>You’ll find Lucky Bay just past Esperance in WA’s far south, and the campsites, which are situated almost on top of the sand, couldn’t offer more luxurious views: lush, turquoise waters lapping at gloriously white sand, a dramatic framing of rocky outcrops and beach-going kangaroos lazing about in the sunshine (yes, really).</p> <p>Swim, fish or opt for a bushwalk on one of the many trails that wind through the park past freshwater pools and a dazzling blanket of wildflowers (if you happen to be there in spring). </p> <p><strong>Green Patch, Jervis Bay, NSW</strong></p> <p>The campsites at <a href="https://parksaustralia.gov.au/booderee/camping/green-patch/">Green Patch</a> book out months in advance, so you do need to book ahead. You’ll find Green Patch tucked away in Booderee National Park in Jervis Bay on the NSW South Coast. The lucky few who get in early can expect white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and kangaroos bounding in the distance.</p> <p>The neighbouring beaches are perfect for swimming and sun-worshipping, while nearby bushwalking trails deliver several shaded picnic spots to sit and enjoy a meal with a view.</p> <p>Bathrooms, hot showers and water are all in ready supply, as are barbecues and wood fireplaces – so bring plenty of supplies for a barbie under the stars and a night-time bonfire. And don’t forget the wine.</p> <p><strong>Jan Juc Caravan Park, Great Ocean Road, Vic</strong></p> <p>Considered to be one of the world’s most <a href="https://www.australiantraveller.com/vic/great-ocean-road/the-best-itinerary-for-driving-the-great-ocean-road-in-three-days/">scenic coastal drives</a>, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road gives you the opportunity to see the iconic 12 Apostles, get up close to native wildlife, and take in iconic surf breaks, pristine rainforests and misty waterfalls.</p> <p>The natural beauty of this area draws visitors from far and wide. To truly drink in the stunning scenery, pitch a tent at the <a href="https://www.janjucpark.com.au/">Jan Juc Caravan Park</a>. And if you also want to check out the world-famous Bells Beach surf break, the park is as close as you can sleep to the action. There are barbecues, powered and unpowered campsites and cabins available.</p> <p><strong>Freycinet National Park, Tas</strong></p> <p>It’s no secret that <a href="https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/freycinet-national-park">Freycinet National Park</a> is home to some of Tasmania’s most incredible camping spots, which may explain why you have to enter a ballot system to camp during peak times (Easter and Christmas).</p> <p>Pitch a tent here to wake to breathtaking ocean views. Your days will be spent exploring the beautiful bays: Honeymoon Bay, Sleepy Bay and Wineglass Bay – with the panoramic views of wondrous Wineglass Bay the main drawcard for visitors.</p> <p>The views on offer at Alpaca Magic Stud are essentially in the name – fields upon fields of peacefully grazing animals. But if the view alone isn’t enough to entice you, book into one of the many workshops on offer: Conversations with Cows, Breakfast with the Alpacas &amp; Llamas, Needle Felt workshops, Fleece Spinning workshops, and the very popular Llama Walking Experience.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty Images</em></p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Domestic Travel

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"Not happy, Jan": Allison Langdon lets Karl have it over embarrassing throwback pics

<p><span>Karl Stefanovic pulled an epic prank on his fellow co-host, Allison Langdon, by sharing old photos of her live on air.</span><br /><br /><span>The 46-year-old couldn’t help but pull the practical joke which received a sour response from Langdon, who did not appreciate the blast from the past.</span><br /><br /><span>“No! I hate you! You’re a dog,” Langdon roared when the old pictures came on screen.</span><br /><br /><span>“Stop it!” she yelled at the panel which included Karl, entertainment reporter Brooke Boney and newsreader Alex Cullen.</span><br /><br /><span>“She looks like she’s in a Quentin Tarantino movie,” said Brooke.</span><br /><br /><span>The picture she is referring to is of Allison on the cover of Darwin City Buzz magazine.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843024/today-show-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6361393e4bed496d9384422b1e64d4cd" /></p> <p><em>Image: Today Show</em><br /><br /><span>“It’s the best shot ever,” Karl added.</span><br /><br /><span>“I’m so mad,” said Allison.</span><br /><br /><span>“Not happy, Jan. This is my angry stance... wait until the cameras stop rolling, Karl.”</span><br /><br /><span>Not much is known about Langdon’s brief modelling career, but it is known that she quickly followed into a journalism career.</span><br /><br /><span>Before she joined the Today team alongside Karl, Allison was known for her role on 60 Minutes.</span><br /><br /><span>She is married to corporate media advisor Michael Willesee Jr.</span><br /><br /><span>They share two children, son Mack and daughter Scout.</span></p>

TV

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Inside Brady Bunch star Barry Williams’ $10 million Malibu beach house

<p><em>The Brady Bunch</em> star Barry Williams has listed his 2808-square-foot Malibu beach house in the US for $US6.375 million ($AUD9.6 million), as he plans to part ways with his lavish abode.</p> <p>Located in a gated community, the three-bedroom, four-bathroom home comes complete with magnificent ocean views and also features an expansive outdoor deck to enjoy those summer nights on the beach.</p> <p>The open floor plan is surrounded with a wall of windows, bringing in plenty of natural light and fresh air.</p> <p>Also included is an extravagant stone fireplace and a spacious chef’s kitchen with state-of-the-art steel appliances.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 399.13793103448273px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7823639/bb.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/94700db6fd15421ca13a57caa2b58187" /></p> <p>Heading towards the upstairs area of the home, the master suite comes with two private decks, a number of closets and another fireplace.</p> <p>The beach house is situated in one of only two beachfront streets in Malibu and was predominantly used as a holiday and weekend home for the 64-year-old.</p> <p>Williams, who played the eldest brother Greg Brady in the smash hit sitcom<span> </span><em>T</em><em>he </em><em>Brady Bunch</em>, built the house himself in 1974, with his brother Craig lending a helping hand.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to look inside Barry Williams’ Malibu beach house. </p> <p> </p>

TV

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What Brady Bunch star Eve Plumb look like now

<p class="Default"><span>Most famous for her role in the iconic 1970s sitcom, <em>The Brady Bunch</em>, Eve Plumb played “middle” child, Jan Brady, in the hit series. </span></p> <p class="Default"><span>Here we have a new photo of the actress taken in March this year compared with one of her as Jan Brady taken back in 1971.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;" class="Default"><span><img width="500" height="323" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/39341/eve-plumb-in-text_500x323.jpg" alt="Eve Plumb In -text"/><br /></span></p> <p class="Default"><span>Running from 1969 until 1974, Eve Plumb recently revealed that she hopes that her role on the TV show isn't the only one she’s remembered for.</span></p> <p class="Default"><span>“I’ll always be Jan Brady to so many people,” the now 59-year-old actress told </span><span>Closer Weekly</span><span>. “I can’t escape it, but I can do other things,” she added. </span></p> <p class="Default"><span>Having recently starred as Mrs. Murdock in <em>Grease Live!</em> opposite Julianne Hough and Vanessa Hudgens, Plumb admits that while she found success as a child star, adulthood proved difficult for the entertainer.</span></p> <p class="Default"><span>“I had so much success as a child,” she explains. “But once you age out of being the cute kid, then what? If you’re not ready for it, it can be very difficult.”</span></p> <p class="Default"><span>Over the years since <em>The Brady Brunch</em> stopped filming, Eve</span><span> admit</span><span>s that she still gets recognised as Jan Brady at auditions. “If it gets me in the door [for jobs], then fine!” she said. “If you’re surprised to learn I can do other things, then great! I will audition for anything! Whatever comes my way!”.</span></p>

TV

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Over60 Bookworm, Jan Wild, reviews last three October books

<p>Last week, we introduced you to the new Over60 Bookworm, Jan Wild, blogger at <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://retirement-planning.info/" target="_blank">Retiring Not Shy</a></strong></span>. Each month Jan will review the books for the Over60 Book Club to help you decide what you should read for the month. </p> <p>In her first video, Jan reviewed the first three books (out of six) for the Over60 Book Club for October: The Beekeeper’s Secret by Josephine Moon, Flesh Wounds by Richard Glover and The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney.</p> <p>In part two of her review of the October reads, Jan shares her thoughts on This is Gail by Juliette O’Brien, At the Edge of Orchard by Tracy Chevalier, and Dying by Cory Taylor. If you’re looking for some good reads this month, be sure to watch the video above for Jan’s review.</p> <p>Have you read any of the October books yet? Join the conversation with Jan by leaving a review of the books you’ve enjoyed at the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/community/book-club?reviewMonth=October">Over60 Book Club</a></strong></span>. Happy reading everyone!</p> <p>Missed out on Jan’s first review? Watch Jan introducing the first three books of the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/books/2016/09/over60-bookworm-jan-wild-october-2016-books/">October Book Club reads here</a></strong></span>.  </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/books/2016/08/50-books-every-kid-should-read/"><em>50 books every kid should read by age 12</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/books/2016/08/what-your-book-organisation-reveals-about-your-personality/"><em>What your book organisation reveals about your personality</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/books/2016/08/what-i-learnt-from-500-self-help-books/">What I learnt after reading over 500 self-help books</a></em></strong></span></p>

Books

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Where they are now: The Brady Bunch

<p>It’s hard to believe that it has been 42 years since The Brady Bunch ended its popular five-year series. Re-runs pop up quite regularly, making it a hit again with a new generation of fans. </p> <p>Since the family bid farewell in 1974, the majority of the cast has appeared in various TV programs and films, though some have chosen to remain out of the spotlight.</p> <p>Here we catch up with the cast of the much-loved blended family and see how they are doing. Scroll through the gallery above for images. </p> <p><strong>Florence Henderson (Carol Brady)</strong></p> <p>Henderson has appeared on the US version of Dancing with the Stars and also hosted a daily chat show called The Florence Henderson Show on Retirement Living TV. She has four kids and her second husband passed away in 2002.</p> <p><strong>Robert Reed (Mike Brady)</strong></p> <p>Sadly Reed passed away in 1992 of HIV and colon cancer. After playing the lovable dad on The Brady Bunch, Reed starred in TV movies, some series and some on-stage productions. He is most known for the popular mini-series Roots.</p> <p><strong>Barry Williams (Greg Brady)</strong></p> <p>Williams has chosen to work on many projects since the show wrapped, but he is most known for his 1992 New York Times best-selling autobiography Growing Up Brady: I Was a Teenage Greg. He starred in some fairly cheesy films and has also hosted a 70’s popular culture quiz show. He has one child and has been married twice.</p> <p><strong>Maureen McCormick (Marcia Brady)</strong></p> <p>McCormick battled with drugs in her post-Brady days, but has managed to turn things around. She has been popular in the US reality TV circuit, losing 34 pounds on Celebrity Fit Club. She also worked as the spokeswoman for Children International. Interestingly she was a contestant on another reality show called Gone Country, where she competed to be a country singer. In 2008 she released her autobiography Here's the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding My True Voice. She is married with a daughter. </p> <p><strong>Christopher Knight (Peter Brady)</strong></p> <p>Another actor keen on the reality TV scene, Knight was a participant in a VH1 reality series called The Surreal Life. On the show he met and began dating another housemate (and America's Next Top Model winner) Adrianne Curry. As a couple they made a spin-off series, entitled My Fair Brady, thought they ended up divorcing in 2011. </p> <p><strong>Eve Plumb (Jan Brady)</strong></p> <p>One of the cast members who stayed out of the spotlight for the most part, Plumb has declined to take part in Brady family reunions and TV appearances. She has been involved in two stage productions in New York, and has also had success as a painter. She has been married since 1995.</p> <p><strong>Mike Lookinland (Bobby Brady)</strong></p> <p>The youngest of the boys, Lookinland was most recently involved in an episode of the Stephen King 1994 miniseries "The Stand," and has not done much other acting. He was in the news in 1997 when he was arrested for driving under the influence. He is married with two sons.</p> <p><strong>Susan Olsen (Cindy Brady)</strong></p> <p>Olsen had a 2009 coffee-table book entitled Love to Love You Bradys which is devoted to the less than popular Brady Bunch Variety Hour. She has also been successful in the art world and is an animal-rights activist. She has been married twice and has one son. </p> <p><strong>Ann B. Davis (Alice)</strong></p> <p>The kind-hearted housekeeper to the Brady’s, Davis did some theatre work in the 90’s before retiring from the acting world. She passed away in 2014 at the age of 88.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/tv/2015/11/dr-quinn-cast-now/"><em>What the cast of Dr Quinn look like now</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/tv/2015/11/netflix-knows-when-you-get-hooked-to-a-tv-show/"><em>The weird fact that Netflix knows about you</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/tv/2015/11/netflix-hacks/"><em>6 Netflix hacks you need to know</em></a></strong></span></p>

TV

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The strange thing you never noticed about the Brady Bunch bathroom

<p>If you’re like us and spent much of your childhood watching <em>The Brady Bunch</em>, you’ll know the bathroom played a prominent role in the TV show. It was a symbol of the blended family, an important resource that caused many of the family squabbles but was ultimately shared harmoniously.</p> <p>So it was with disbelief that it was revealed to us that the Brady family never had a toilet! And no, it’s not that they forgot or didn’t care about realism. When <em>The Brady Bunch</em> first aired in the seventies, networks considered it extremely crude and crass to show a toilet bowl on the silver screen, so they simple did without. Only a glimpse of the toilet’s tank was ever shown. Oh, how things have changed on TV…</p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/07/princess-madeleine-family-pics/"></a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/10/household-tricks-from-1900s/">Vintage household tricks from the 1900s</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/07/princess-madeleine-family-pics/"></a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/11/clever-ways-to-use-adhesive-hooks-at-home/">14 clever ways to use adhesive hooks in the home</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/07/princess-madeleine-family-pics/"></a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/11/household-products-never-to-buy/"><em>8 household products you should never buy</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/07/princess-madeleine-family-pics/"> </a></em></strong></span></p>

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