HU Queensland 2025 - We're back!
 

We're putting the band back together! #HUQueensland25 is happening at Kokoda Park in Thornton. Shane Kuhl is hosting this event, and needs more volunteers! Online registration is open now, super early bird rates until 1 Feb. All the details here!

We're thrilled to invite you to be part of a truly special milestone: celebrating 25 years of Horizons Unlimited adventure, discovery and community.

It's All About Overland Adventure: Whether you're a seasoned veteran with wisdom to share or a complete novice hungry for ideas and guidance, it doesn't matter if you ride a motorcycle, a bicycle, or drive an expedition vehicle...
Horizons Unlimited meetings are for everyone who dreams of adventure along the road less travelled.

This 25th anniversary is about celebrating journeys, lessons, and unforgettable moments that shape us as travelers.
If you've just discovered HU, you may be wondering why you should come to a meeting - In Real Life!

Some people appreciate Horizons Unlimited events for the inspiration and information from the unique line-up of presenters and exhibitors. Some people value just kicking back with a beer among old friends and new.

Most people enjoy a little bit of everything, and everyone goes home fired-up for adventure with a smile on their face.

The atmosphere is always warm and inviting, creating a relaxed space where connections are made, and passions are shared.

Open call for submissions: We want your travel stories, technical demos, and practical how-to sessions. We're all here to learn from each other. Not every presenter has a 'round the world trip' to share. We also welcome those who enjoy sharing knowledge and skills relevant to adventure motorcycle travel and overlanding. Are you a 'gear geek' for camping? An outdoor gourmet? Do you have a great approach to roadside breakdowns and repairs? Remember what it was like to be a novice... do you have some skills and tips that would help new members of the community feel a little bit more comfortable taking their first road trip or moto-camping adventure? We want to hear from you! https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/events/presenter

HU Queensland online registration is open now, super early bird rates until 1 Feb. All the details here!

Awesome.

Can’t wait!

HU Queensland 2025 - Commonly asked questions
 

Hi everyone,

I hope that you have a most excellent day today.

When I was originally involved with HU some ten years ago, I found that there were a lot of commonly asked questions. So I thought that it may be helpful to send some of the questions and answers out nice and early.

First question for HU Queensland 2025.

May I bring my pet dog or cat?
Unfortunately, no. Kokoda Park is a land for wildlife reserve, so no pets. There is cattle on both sides of the property as well and its important to ensure that we do not spook the livestock, especially the stud farm.


Thanks everyone and don’t forget to get in your registrations. The earlier the registration, the more organised the event and the more enjoyment for all.

Thanks,

Shane

HU Queensland 2025 - Commonly asked questions Second question.
 

Are there any rides organised for after the event?

As yet, no.

I personally need to go back home and reset for work and am not in a position to organise rides.

HU can’t organise any itself, as we don’t carry insurance for rides. However, if you are interested, put a post up here, letting others know. Perhaps make contact via dm and see what happens?

Of course, any rides organised are at the riders' own risks. I know that you know, but I need to state this disclaimer for all the usual legal reasons.

Thanks everyone and don’t forget to register.

Shane

HU Queensland 2025 - Commonly asked questions Third question.
 

Hi everyone,

The third question for HU Queensland 2025 is “Where is the nearest fuel?”

The nearest fuel is in Laidley, which is a small town about 15 minutes from Kokoda Park. I'm not sure if they stock 98. If you have any concerns about fuel, I recommend the Shell roadhouse at Hattonvale, which is another 10 minutes away. Fuel up there first, before heading to the venue and you'll be all sorted.

Nearby is also Plainlands, in which there are also Ampol and Mobil roadhouses. So as long as you are prepared, you will have no problems. Plainlands also has a Bunnings, Woolworths, Supercheap Auto and BCF should you need other supplies.

HU Queensland 2025 - Commonly asked questions Fourth question.
 

"What if I'm interested in being a presenter, but I don't know what to talk about?"

My experience is that anything related to motorcycle travel is very well received. Here are some examples which are not just travel stories, but have had a huge amount of interest:

Technology. What should I take, what should I leave behind, how do I secure it, how do I power it?

Social media and documenting the journey. Cameras that work, cameras that don't.

Mounting systems, editing software, blogs, vlogs and YouTube.

Australia. There are plenty - myself included - who may only get to travel within Australia. Let's remember though, Australia is as large as Europe, actually larger.

Packaged tours. Tell us about your trip with a packaged tour. These often make the travel accessible as they resolve logistics and challenges, whilst still offering awe and adventure.

In the meantime, if you are thinking about coming, register!

Thanks,

Shane

HU Queensland 2025 - Commonly asked questions. Fifth question.
 

Alcohol?

The event is unlicenced, but BYO is OK. The nearest pub is the Mulgowie Hotel, 106 Mulgowie Road, Mulgowie.
https://www.mulgowiehotel.com.au/

I have emailed them and advised of the potential increased patronage.

You can also travel to both Laidley or Gatton, both are about 20 minutes away. Both have great choices for your favourite drink.

Of course, as always should be expected from a social worker, I ask that you drink responsibly.
Look forward to seeing you there.

Guarantee your place at the meeting and get registered. Early registration helps us be even better organised.

Thanks,

Shane.

HU Queensland 2025 - Commonly asked questions. Sixth question.
 

The sixth question regarding HU Queensland 2025. And this is the big one ... when and where can I register.

When – now.

Where – Links below.

The "information" page:
https://www.horizonsUnlimited.com/ev...ueensland-2025

The "registration" page:
https://www.horizonsUnlimited.com/.../registration.php

Guarantee your place at the meeting and get registered. There is an upper limit on how many people we can fit in. Remember as this is our first time back for quite a while, early registration helps us be even better organised.

Thanks,

Shane.

HU Queensland 2025 - Commonly asked questions. Seventh question.
 

The seventh question regarding HU Queensland 2025.

Can I arrive early?

The short answer is no.

The long answer is no.

Definitely not before the date, as the site is used by other organisations. On the first day, Friday 2nd May 2025, we don't start registrations until 1:00 PM and we need time to set up. So if you are volunteering and want to help, that's great. The team will be onsite in the morning, we assemble at 11:00 AM. If you have volunteered to help with setup, welcome gate or registration, love to see you then.

If you need somewhere to camp beforehand, there is nearby:
https://www.luvyalockyer.com.au/centenary-park-camping... .

If you need other accommodation, look up accommodation in Laidley, Gatton, Plainlands, Toowoomba or Ipswich.

Now for the broken record part. Guarantee your place at the meeting and get registered. There is an upper limit on how many people we can fit in. Remember as this is our first time back for quite a while, early registration helps us be even better organised.

Thanks,

Shane.

HU Queensland 2025 - Commonly asked questions. Eighth question.
 

The eighth question regarding HU Queensland 2025.

Premium Teacher's Room accommodation.

What do I need to book one of these rooms?

Unfortunately, it's too late. All rooms are now booked. Should one become available through a cancellation, we will post this up ASAP.

Thanks,

Shane

HU Queensland 2025 - Commonly asked questions. Ninth question.
 

The ninth question regarding HU Queensland 2025.

What's this twilight drumming circle caper all about?

In my work as a family and children's counsellor at a DV service, I was introduced to drumming as a therapeutic technique. Since then I have learned a bit more and really enjoy group drumming. BUT ... make no mistake, whilst we can have a great deal of fun, I am not really a great drummer. In fact, I had to do the course twice just to be competent.

So what can you expect?

About 45 to 50 minutes of drumming together using hand drums, primarily African djembes, but a few other types of percussion instruments.

A few laughs.

How can you help?

I have a collection of about 20 djembes. I may have access to another 17, but that can not be guaranteed. Also, even if I do, I am not sure of the logistics of getting them there and back. Anyone got space in their car or van?

If you have a hand drum; a djembe, a set of bongos, a war drum, please bring it.

Numbers?

That will depend on hand many drums we can rustle up.

Can you lead?

I sure hope that there will be two or three people who are far better than just competent who may wish to lead the drum circle.


Now for the broken record part. Guarantee your place at the meeting and get registered. There is an upper limit on how many people we can fit in. Remember as this is our first time back for quite a while, early registration helps us be even better organised.

Thanks,

Shane.

HU Queensland 2025 - Commonly asked questions. Tenth question.
 

The tenth question about HU Queensland 2025.

Who are the presenters? What are we talking about? Some may say that's two questions, but you know what I mean.

Our presenter liaison has been working hard on this, and will keep working. Changes based on presenter registrations and feedback will occur over the next few months, so keep on checking back to this post and make suggestions.

Have a look at the list of presenters at this page:
https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ev...ueensland-2025

We have got a LOT! And a great deal of knowledge and wisdom to share.

Now for the broken record part. Guarantee your place at the meeting and get registered. There is an upper limit on how many people we can fit in. Remember as this is our first time back for quite a while, early registration helps us be even better organised.


Thanks,


Shane.

HU Queensland 2025 - Commonly asked questions. Twelfth question.
 

Are children allowed?

The short answer is no. This event is open to adults 18 years and older only.

The long answer is that at this stage, we have a number of challenges.

Under Queensland law, a minor is defined as 17 years and under and has to be supervised by parents or guardians, who will want to be participating in the event.

We can't provide supervision for minors, we simply do not have the people to do so. In Queensland, this requires a business structure that accommodates Blue Cards, which we do not have.

The campus has a number of stations such as climbing walls and ropes courses that would normally be staffed by qualified personnel when schools visit. These qualified personnel will not be present during our event. Should a minor be tempted to use one of these and injure themselves, where would we stand? I actually don't know and don't wish to find out the hard way.

Some may state that we could include disclaimers etc. Most disclaimers only act as a tool of providing clarity and discouraging civil action, they actually hold no weight in law.

In Queensland, the convoluted process of obtaining a motorcycle licence means that all licensed riders are 18+ anyway..

So for 2025, HU Queensland is an 18+ event only.


Thanks,

Shane

HU Queensland 2025 - Commonly asked questions. Eleventh question.
 

Where is the event being held?

Kokoda Park
213 Mulgowie Road
Thornton.

GPS coordinates:
27.81589 South, 152.38003 East
(NOT CAMP Kokoda)

Find Laidley in the Lockyer Valley, South-East Queensland.
Travel through Laidley, heading south.
At the T intersection at the end of Laidley, turn right, following the signs to Thornton.
Keep going.
At 213 Mulgowie Road, you should see a road to your right “St Edmunds Road” You have arrived. Travel through the gates up to the centre.
We should have Welcome Gate team members with signs and hi-visibility clothing as well.

Thanks,

Shane

HU Queensland 2025 - Commonly asked questions. Question #??
 

This one got a bit out of order.

May I bring a caravan or RV?

The short answer is, unfortunately no.

The long answer of that the site does not have the does not have power infrastructure. So if we look at this in 2026, it will be on the basis that every vehicle is completely self-contained and has no need for 240 volt power. Additionally, I am uncertain that two-wheel-drive only cars towing a van can navigate safely the internal driveways. So again, if we do look at this in 2026, another caveat will most likely be that it will be on the basis of the tow vehicle being a proper four-wheel-drive. I will seek feedback on experienced vanners this year on this.

But in 2025, no caravans or RVs. It's tent camping or dormitory beds.

Thanks,

Shane

Update on presenters and schedule
 

Depending on how you look at it, we have 39 sessions available across the weekend for presentations. As at 30 January 2025, 26 sessions have been filled, leaving only 13, without allowing for repeat sessions. So the schedule is getting jam packed.

I think that if you are seeking knowledge, wisdom and connections, you will find the event of great value.

HU Queensland 2025 - Commonly asked questions. Update on question re vans.
 

May I bring a caravan or RV?

The short answer was, unfortunately no.

THIS HAS NOW CHANGED.

As long as your vehicle is fully self-contained, this is AOK.

The long answer of that the site does not have the does not have power or water infrastructure for camping sites.

Small vans that can fit in a single car space (such as Mercedes Sprinter, Toyota Commuter and Ford Econovan sized vehicles, Toyota Landcruiser, Hilux etc), which are fully self-contained are welcomed. Similarly, fully self-contained off-road camper trailers towed by 4WD vehicles are welcomed.
The allotted parking space for these is a grassed area that will not facilitate either power leads or water connections at all, just as for the tent camping. Be aware that the track to the allotted parking area for small RVs is not a smooth road.
We can not accommodate:
•Any vehicle camping that is not fully self-contained.
•Camper trailers not towed by a 4WD vehicle.
•Full sized caravans regardless of the tow vehicle. I'm just a bit worried about the drive.

I hope that this helps.

Now for the broken record part. Guarantee your place at the meeting and get registered. There is an upper limit on how many people we can fit in. Remember as this is our first time back for quite a while, early registration helps us be even better organised.

Thanks,

Shane

HU Queensland 2025 - Commonly asked questions. The Venue.
 

Tell me about the venue?

I'll do better than that, I 'll show you some photos.

Like what you see? Register!


Thanks,

Shane

And some more photos
 

More photos of Kokoda Park

HU Queensland 2025 Help needed.
 

Anyone who is:
Travelling by car or truck,
Staying for the whole weekend,
Is willing to pick up stuff from my place in Ipswich on the way there, and
Is also willing to drop stuff back on Sunday.

Please let me know. My little Impreza simply is too small for the drums, the HU stuff, and a change of clothes!

Thanks,

Shane

HU Queensland 2025 – Two (2) teacher rooms now available.
 

HU Queensland 2025 – Two (2) teacher rooms now available.

Due to some unforeseen circumstances, we have two, and only two teacher rooms available.

If you have already registered and elected camping or a bunkhouse bed and would like to upgrade, email me ASAP shane@horizonsunlimited.com . We have to do the upgrade manually, including the price difference.

First in first served.

If you haven't yet registered and do intend to attend, well then, get to it!


Thanks,

Shane

HU Queensland 2025 - Teacher rooms update
 

Hi everyone,

Just to let you know that one of the teacher rooms was snapped up overnight. So one left as at 24th February 2025.

Registration link:
https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ev...d-2025#pricing

Thanks,

Shane

HU Queensland 2025 - Commonly asked questions. 14th question.
 

Tell us about the two foundations that the event is supporting.

The two foundations are the Kokoda Youth Foundation and the Happy Paws Happy Heart Foundation.

Both of these foundations speak to my my core belief that we need to do better for the children who are being left behind in the 21st century.

More information on the Kokoda Youth Foundation can be found at this link:

https://kokodayouthfoundation.com/

One example of the work by the KYF is their digital detox program.

The increase in technology use highlights the highly addictive nature of technology use, particularly among young people. To address this growing concern, the Digital Detox Program offers early intervention for 12–14-year-olds already exhibiting signs of digital dependence.

Conducted every school holiday, the program includes an 8-day, fully funded camp which provides participants with the opportunity to disconnect from technology and engage in various adventure-based and educational activities.

Happy Paws Happy Heart Foundation runs a range of animal assisted therapy programs pairing clients with rescue animals. My hope is that over time, we will be able to fund spaces in programs for children who have experienced domestic and family violence.

More information on the HPHH foundation can be found at here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5aouiPgj9w

https://www.hphhfoundation.org/


Thanks,

Shane

HU Queensland 2025 – Communications equipment sought.
 

Hi everyone,

As far as I am aware, both Optus and Telstra have adequate reception at Kokoda Park. I will double check during the fortnightly briefings.

However, resiliency is about preparing for the storm, weathering the storm and recovering for the storm. In that way of thinking, I would like to have UHF handheld radios as a backup. I believe that I have two available and would like to have at least four on hand.

If anyone attending has UHF handhelds, space to pack them and are willing to loan then to the event, please let me know.

Thanks,

Shane

shane@horizonsunlimited.com

HU Queensland 2025 – Rides, safety, insurance and waivers.
 

Just a reminder about ride outs, safety, insurance and waivers.

Travel to, participation in and travel from a Horizons Unlimited event is no different to any other adventurous activity. Participate ate you own risk. This is not about ignoring responsibility, we will do everything we possibly can to increase safety at all events. Rather, its an acknowledgement of the need for everyone to practice healthy risk mitigation and risk management AND have a great time.

There will be no official ride outs organised this year. If there are any “ad hoc” rides, this will be organised organically, with the meeting point/form up point off-site. I suggest Centenary Park, about five minutes away as an excellent place to both set off and finish a group ride.

The country roads in the area are used by locals on all forms of equipment, including tractors, harvesters, trucks and tractors. Having fun includes staying alert and upright.

When you arrive to register, you will be asked to sign and acknowledge two waivers. One is the standard Horizons Unlimited waiver and the second if for the venue, Kokoda Park.

I personally recommend that everyone riding a motorcycle in Australia carry the following:

• Breakdown and towing insurance that includes motorcycles.
• Comprehensive vehicle insurance.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Life insurance.
• A set of tools customised for road side repairs for your bike.
• A spare set of

keys. Maybe that's just for me.


Thanks,

Shane

Great advice Shane.
On another note will there be food trucks or a coffee cart in addition to the planned meals?
Regards Rex

HU Queensland 2025 - Food trucks on site
 

Hi everyone,

Rex has asked a great question, which I really appreciate. Its great to be in a position to put this information out early.

The question is "Will there be food trucks on site?"

The short answer is no, there will not be food trucks on-site.

The long answer includes:
Previously, if I go back over 10 years ago, dealing with multiple vendors for catering, including local charities, was proving very challenging. This year, as a re-boot, I am not in a position to go down that route. Besides HU, I have some hefty work commitments and am fairly tapped out. I guess I mention this only to flag that I am open to the idea for future events, as each event will become more organised, flow better and can embrace continuous improvement and development each year.

Part of the drive to run the event is to support the Kokoda Youth Foundation. They provide a fantastic service to young people in need and our support for that includes purchasing meals as part of the event. I mention this only to also flag that as we slowly, but quite surely, work to re-establish events in other states that again, food trucks remain a real option.

So, back to the short answer,. At HU Queensland 2025, there will not be food trucks onsite.

Thanks,

Shane

HU Queensland 2025 – Status report, numbers and stuff.
 

Hello everyone.

It's Friday morning, 7th March 2025. Here in South East Queensland, we are still hunkered down, waiting for Tropical Cyclone Alfred to do it's thing.

I thought that it might be interesting to share with you some numbers.

Participant registrations. As of this morning, we have 53 people registered as participants. A good many of them have also listed as volunteers, so it looks like no one will be stretched. This is something I remain very mindful of. As far as I can tell, there are about 90 people who have marked on different facebook posts as “going” but not yet registered and I encourage people to do so, for no other reason that it builds confidence that the event will be successful.

Exhibitors. We have at least four exhibitors coming. This includes some great industry leaders and two authors.

Presenters and speakers. We have 15 presenters and speakers booked in. That doesn't include the representatives from the Kokoda Youth Foundation and the Happy Paws Happy Hear Foundation.

Drums. As of last count, I have around 30 djembe drums for the drum circle on Saturday and Sunday evenings. If you have one, and can fit it on your vehicle, please bring. If you can lead a beat, please let me know.

Social media. We have used both the Horizons Unlimited Bulletin Board (HUBB) and several facebook sites to promote the event. Where we haven't done anywhere near as well, in fact, nothing really, is other social media platforms such as X, Instagram, Tik Tok and so on. I don't see that being addressed any further for this year and I welcome any offers of suppport for 2026 and beyond in this space.

Thanks,

Shane

HU Queensland 2025 - Commonly asked questions. Fifteenth question.
 

When do I need to register by.

The short answer is – it depends.

The long answer is that it depends on what you want out of the weekend. You see, things need to get organised. Catering needs to have food ordered, T-shirts printed and shipped, labels made and so on.

The catering staff at Kokoda Park have asked that we submit a catering plan to them one month prior. So given that our start date is Friday 2nd May 2025, and I need to update the catering plan beforehand, I need the registrations of those who want meals to done by Monday 31st March 2025. That's only three weeks away folks.

If you just roll up on the day, that will be brilliant to see you there. You just need to remember to grab a salad roll from the Shell at Hattonvale, Evolve Coffee Shop, Golden Harvest Bakery – all great options - as it's not likely that we can provide catering for you.

The BEST answer is ... if you can, do it now!

Thanks,

Shane

HU Queensland 2025 - Presenters. AND REGISTER, NOW.
 

Hi everyone,

Just to let you know that we are NOW FULL UP WITH PRESENTERS

The indoor venue is fully booked, so we have no more room for presentations that require an indoor venue with data projector etc.

If you are up for an outdoor presentation such as tyre changing, wheel bearings, how to set your bike on fire – all been done before – please email me. shane@horizonsunlimited.com .

I will put up a schedule soon.

Now for the broken record. Register now. Especially if you want catering, as I need to let the catering staff know on 31st March 2025. That's now less than two weeks away!

Thanks,

Shane

For those still undecided ....
 

HU Queensland 2025. The schedule
 

HU Queensland 2025.

Final (ish) schedule posted on the relevant facebook pages, as I have run out of space on the HUBB. Of course, subject to last minute changes, but this is the plan.

Looking good for a great weekend.

Thanks,

Shane

Schedule on Facebook? I can't find it?
 

Hi Shane

Looking forward to the get together. I hope the weather is on our side.

You mention you posted the proposed schedule on Facebook but I can't see it on the HU page? is it possible to attach a link?