Keepit Dam: Our First Free-Camping Fiasco

After a week in Gunnedah, waiting (im)patiently to hear back about our job applications, we decided we deserved a break. Keepit Dam was calling, and with a gourmet camping menu (think Indian Goat Curry, Roast Lamb in the slow cooker, and Crumbed Chicken in the Convection Oven—because we’re clearly fancy), we set off like seasoned nomads. The short hour-long drive had us buzzing with excitement for our first free-camping adventure. What could possibly go wrong?

We arrived, nailed the setup like pros, and kicked back with homemade tuna and onion sandwiches. Daz got the gennie purring like a dream, and we basked in air-conditioned bliss. Life was good. Then, reality hit—hard. I went to do some laundry and discovered the taps were as dry as my sense of humour. A little torch-lit investigation later, we realised our water pump had, quite literally, pumped its last drop.

Cue dramatic sighs and a couple of hours spent sulking in the air-con, Cleo the Cat judging us from her perch. No water, no problem… right? Well, except for the part where we also didn’t bring enough fuel for the generator. And left the hammer back at the caravan park. But hey, the caravanning gods smiled upon us—our friendly neighbours lent us a hammer, and we shared a few tipples in gratitude (because priorities).

Keepit Dam’s Matthews Recreational is a stunning free-camp spot! A small donation helps keep this serene getaway pristine, with proceeds supporting the local fishing club. 🎣🌿 #KeepitDam #FreeCamping #Serenity"

Nightfall brought a whole new level of chaos. We opted to turn off the generator to preserve the peace, but Cleo the Cat went full jungle mode.

Windows open, instincts on overdrive, and us trying to wrestle her into submission—completely unaware that wild pigs were on the prowl outside. A sleepless night later (filled with feline theatrics, cursing, and a mild existential crisis), we woke up, packed up, and attempted to leave a donation in the honesty box—only to find there was no box. Hopefully, some scoundrel hadn’t nicked it!

Don’t let the innocent face fool you—Her Royal Highness Cleo was a full-blown demon last night.

Back in Gunnedah, we rebooked at the caravan park, where the ever-helpful manager guided us onto our site and casually pointed out that our wheels looked a little… off. Fantastic—now we needed a wheel alignment on top of a new water pump. Meanwhile, Daz hooked up the water, only to discover that in our frantic problem-solving the day before, we’d left some connections loose. Cue water spraying everywhere like a scene from a bad sitcom.

Despite the mishaps, we survived our first free-camping experience. Lessons learned: always bring extra fuel and never trust Cleo to behave.