The Nomad … news, views, comment, opinion

July 31

Agnes Water Winner
Hooray! There’s new hope that the gaping hole left by the closure of the former Agnes Water caravan park in 2004 could be at least partially filled.
The park’s demise, which was brought about by the development of the now-failed Sansara Resort, had a hugely negative impact on the area's economy, not to mention the army of families and grey nomads who once enjoyed its character-filled facilities and its proximity to the beach and the town.
For those of you who haven’t been there, Agnes Water in Queensland is a little slice of paradise, and the razing of this much-loved and much-used caravan park was nothing short of a travesty. Anyway, to the good news. According to the Gladstone Observer newspaper, a 4.4 hectare site with approval for a mix of 180 cabins, and caravan and backpacker sites, as well as an 18-unit motel and recreational facilities is to be put on the auctioneer’s block on August 20. The site is next to the Agnes Water Bowls Club between Agnes Water and the town of 1770, meaning the main shopping precinct is only two kilometres away and the beach a mere 400 metres away.
The park proposal, which has council approval, includes plans for a 25-metre pool, tennis and squash courts, a gymnasium and a games room. The mooted  resort will reportedly provide recreational and catering facilities for resident tourists and, to a lesser degree, for the permanent residents and tourists not residing on site.
Okay, okay … it may not be every grey nomad’s cup of tea and it certainly won’t be the old Agnes Water caravan park … but in this case something is most certainly better than nothing. And – more importantly – perhaps the whole sorry affair will send out a message to all other local authorities that are considering scrapping established van parks and camping areas in favour of the developer’s dollar. And the message is … “Be careful what you do here. You, and generations of campers to come, could live to regret it.”
As Miriam Vale Shire councillor Josie Meng said of the Agnes Water caravan park, “There was a dramatic loss to the local business when the caravan park closed down, but it was also a loss to tourism … if this project goes ahead, it will fill a great gap that the closure left.”
Here’s hoping!

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July 30

Tyrader of the Last Article
Now, then. I hope everybody is sitting comfortably and is in a nice, serene mood. Well, prepare to choke on your cornflakes, splutter into your coffee, drop your wine glass, throw your beer can at the van, shout at the computer ... or carry out whatever is the most appropriate anger-venting action for you at the time of day when you read this.
Are you ready for it? Well, it seems like the proverbial grey nomad bashers are out again, you know the ones who like to generalise wildly about slow drivers and the like. Journalists devoid of ideas for columns are among the worst offenders ... and here is a classic of the genre. A chap by the name of Stuart Allen is presumably proud to call the following Sydney Morning Herald article all his own work. A piece of light-hearted fun or an unworthy attempt to get a cheap laugh at what he presumably thinks is an easy – and unfeeling – target? You be the judge.

“I have just returned from a camping holiday in the Top End, a place where natural beauty is found in the company of some of Australia's most dangerous creatures. But I encountered a type of beast you won't find in the tourist brochures.
This little known menace is most commonly found in caravan parks, which is where I first chanced upon him one evening as I strolled from the amenities block to my campsite. He was crossing my path, carrying an empty can towards a rubbish bin. He was a big one too, maybe six feet tall, with a ponderous gut and red face.
"How ya goin'?" he said, paying me little attention as we passed.
Perhaps he meant to leave me alone.
"Good thanks, mate," I said brightly, lengthening my stride. Just a few more steps and I'd be safely out of his range.
Then he turned and struck.
"What'd you do today then?"
I stopped in my tracks, my mind racing. Should I lie down and play dead?
No, that's bears. Damn, if only it was a bear. I turned to face him, being careful to avoid direct eye contact. I forced myself to speak slowly and evenly.
"Oh, we went up to the gorge," I said, taking another careful step towards safety.
"Yeah, beautiful up there at the gorge. Just beautiful. We haven't been yet but we …," and he was away, telling me everything he had done, hadn't done, or planned to do that week.
He detailed his own most personal habits, as well as those of his wife. He informed me soberly of a terrible car accident in which he had been badly injured, thus rendering him unable to sit comfortably in a canoe.
I could feel the life slowly being sucked from me. I struggled to remain conscious as he prattled on and his poison took effect. Others of his kind had seen us and were hovering nearby, waiting to feed on my carcass. Then suddenly he paused and grinned, preparing himself for the death blow.
"I heard this joke today. You'll love this …"
"Gotta go," I said as I turned and ran. For a few paces I thought I could feel his hot breath on the back of my neck, but when I eventually looked around he was nowhere to be seen.
So I've been to the Northern Territory. I've seen the crocs and the snakes and the jellyfish. They don't scare me now, though, because I've got a story that tops them all, a story about the time I escaped the clutches of the dreaded grey nomad.”

Perhaps, we should all feel a little bit sad for Mr Allen and his rather unpleasant outlook on life. It seems his perfect world is one in which strangers don’t say “G’day”, where neighbours don’t exchange tips and advice, where interesting characters are allowed to pass silently and unknown  through the periphery of your life, where opportunities for friendship and laughter are spurned, where friendly smiles are treated like acts of war, where the cup is always half empty, and  I fear the sun never shines.
Actually, pick up that dropped wine glass, open up a fresh can of beer, pour yourself a coffee, or even put sugar on your new bowl of cornflakes. I am sure life looks a whole lot better from where you are sitting than from when Mr Allen is. Oh, and spare a thought for the poor souls who have to share an office, or heaven forbid, a desk with him! It’s enough to send shivers down your spine!
Oh, and just in case it was all just a bit of fun, let’s put Mr Allen’s sense of humour to the test. Email your best ‘Stuart Allen is a miserable so-and-so’ jokes here.

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July 29

Nothing in the Air
Those of you who have camped at – or even visited – South Australia’s Coorong National Park recently will no doubt will be aware of the wildlife tragedy that is unfolding there.
A three-year CSIRO study has found water in some parts of the Coorong, at the Murray River mouth, is six times saltier than seawater. It also reveals that up to 90 per cent of birds have disappeared from the Coorong as a result of less water going into lagoons, and due to the salinity.
Apparently, the fact that some 150,000 shore birds that have gone missing but haven't turned up anywhere else is causing real concern … and no wonder! The bottom line is that the precious wetland, made famous as the backdrop to the classic Australian film Storm Boy, has undergone a fundamental change.
The Age newspaper reports that traditional freshwater plants, fish and birds — including the trademark pelican — are being replaced by a smaller number of salt-tolerant species as a result of record low flows in the Murray River. There has been a dramatic decrease in Ruppia Tuberosa - a plant species which acts as a food source for birds.
Indeed, the CSIRO study said the 145-kilometre system of lagoons which has traditionally mixed freshwater and seawater, was essentially no longer an estuary. The findings will add to political heat around the reform of the Murray-Darling river system, with the report nominating the removal of water from the system as a key factor in the Coorong's deterioration.
But all hope is, apparently, not lost. CSIRO researcher Dr Sebastien Lamontagne says a freshwater influx could still help.
"It's not necessarily a huge amount of water that is required, even a small amount of water over the barrages can make a difference," he said, adding that other parts of the Coorong and lower lakes were not as badly affected as the southern lagoon.
It seems that then there is always “hope” and something always “has to be done”, but one suspects that it really does have to be done very soon this time. Australia is a beautiful, beautiful country and one would like to think that future generations won’t have to condemn us for what we have done to it.

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July 28

A Wonderful Prospect
There’s delight in Aussie tourism circles that the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru have been shortlisted in a new contest to find the seven natural wonders of the world.
As we told you in these columns a few months ago, the New7Wonders of Nature event is seeking to update the wonder lists and is calling on the public’s help in doing so.
The Swiss-based non-profit New7Wonders Foundation expects more than a billion votes to be cast on http://new7wonders.com over the next two years before the refreshed seven wonders are revealed in 2011.
Anyway, Australia’s tourism icon heavy hitters have already done well to make the list of the final 28 from 441 original entries. They now join other contenders such as the Amazon, the Grand Canyon, Milford Sound in New Zealand, the Galapagos Islands, and Italy's Mount Vesuvius in the battle to become one of the magnificent seven.
"A place among the ultimate New7Wonders of Nature would be a stunning achievement for our nation’s iconic natural wonders," said Rick Allert, chair of government agency Tourism Australia. "We thank everyone who has played a part in ensuring Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef have made it through to this third and final stage, and are still in the running for the ultimate accolade."
By the way, back in 2007 the same Swiss foundation compiled the new seven man-made wonders of the world list, which attracted more than 100 million votes. Not enough votes were cast to push the Sydney Opera House through to the final seven, although, like Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef, it did make the final 28.
So, don’t forget to visit the website and vote if you think the Great Barrier Reef or Uluru deserves a top seven finish
Oh, any suggestions for the seven ‘Wonders of the Grey Nomad World anyone? Email us here.

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July 27

Outrage Vented
Wow! Last week’s story about Maryborough’s decision not to allow grey nomads free parking in town because we supposedly don’t spend enough money has got the email bags bulging.
Not surprisingly, considering some of the outrageous comments made during the debate in the town, many of you are outraged by Fraser Coast Council’s stance.
In particular, the comments from Paul Vesperman from Wallace Motel and Caravan Park, sent the blood pressures spiralling.
He said of the grey nomads, “They certainly won't spend money on cafe cappuccinos when they can have an instant coffee in their RV. Nor will they dine at our restaurants when they can cook for themselves.”
Charming.
But it seems likely it will not just be Mr Vesperman’s business which will be feeling the grey nomad backlash, with talk of bypassing Maryborough altogether on many of your lips.
The level of ire has provoked a response from the council who have written to us “to assure you that Maryborough is indeed a 'caravan friendly' town”.
Unfortunately, the letter from Councillor Anne Nioa didn’t specify how much caravanners had to spend before they were given the promised friendly welcome!
However, Councillor Nioa does go on to say that the comments about the spending patterns were made by a single individual, and are certainly not the views of the Fraser Coast Regional Council, and the general Maryborough population.
It’s amazing how a bit of bad publicity and some good old-fashioned outrage is often enough to ‘clarify’ a council’s standpoint. Oh, and in this case the possibility that some travellers may actually follow through on threats to give Maryborough a miss and hit the townsfolk where it matters most to them ... in the back pocket ... may also have helped
Anyway, Councillor Nioa goes on to outline “the considerable lengths” the council goes to to make the city inviting and accessible for visitors travelling with caravans and RVs. Apparently, these include long vehicle parking in right in the heart of the city, free overnight parking 20 minutes from Maryborough along the river at Petrie Park at Tiaro, and free camping about 15km north of Maryborough at the The Wongi Water Holes, but permits are needed for this.
Great stuff, Anna. All to be commended. But still no mention of a re-think on the proposal to allow free grey nomad parking at McDowell Car Park on Kent Street. Somehow, the whole tawdry affair leaves a sour taste in my mouth and, judging from your responses, it has with many of you, too.

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July 24

Picture Perfect
The digital camera revolution can certainly be said to have massively enhanced the grey nomad experience for many, many travellers ... and the trend is set to continue.
According to figures released by the Photo Marketing Association, 73 per cent of Australian households now own a digital camera. And, by the end of the year, more than three million digital cameras will have been sold throughout Australia in 2009 alone.
It seems that the majority of these sales are not to first-time buyers, rather they are to customers looking for their second, third or even fourth digital camera. And certain mature travellers passing through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world and making new friends every day  are among the most consistent and most prolific photo takers.  
Marketing manager for Ted's Cameras, Dave Utton, told the News group that today's digital camera buyers are more savvy than ever.
"The expectation from consumers is way beyond where it's ever been before, as people are looking for what's going to give them a better quality photo," Mr Utton says. “People are wanting to get better value and have even more fun with their cameras."
Digital SLR features such as Live View and the ability to shoot video have sealed the deal for users who were previously thinking about moving up to a larger model. Digital SLR cameras costing about $1000 have enjoyed a massive surge in sales in the past year.
Having said that, compact cameras also offer plenty of bang for your buck with entry-level models for around $200 offering 8-megapixel resolution.
But what about the future?
Mr Utton predicts the digital camera market will eventually divide itself into clear sections.
"You're going to find the cameras will segment into markets that are more lifestyle based," he says, predicting that manufacturers will concentrate on developing features that make cameras more suitable for use in the outdoors or for travellers, for example.
All sounds great. I guess the only thing with such a fast-moving technology is that it’s tempting to hold off buying as long as you can because - as the features get better - the price also seems to come down. Then again, it will take a brave grey nomad to risk not capturing the magical memories that tomorrow will bring. Decisions, decisions!
Have you recently updated your digital camera? Have you had any photographic triumphs or disasters? How many photographs do you take each week when you’re on the road? Email us here to share your camera capers.

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July 23

Fine Time in Darwin
Well, I don’t know how many sneaky park-in-a-residential street grey nomad campers there are out there but you should all know that Darwin, at least, is playing it hardball.
While the army of campervan and station back-dwelling backpackers that descend on the tropical  paradise at this time of the year are the primary target of a council ranger fine campaign, one or two older travellers are sure to get caught in the dragnet.
Up to 164 infringement notices have been issued since May this year, and the authorities are hoping that the fines will force backpackers – and the odd renegade grey nomad - to use caravan parks.
Of course, it is not that there are not enough caravan parks in the Top end Capital, it’s just that they can get a bit pricey, especially if money is tight. Backpackers like many budget-conscious  grey nomads don’t like paying for facilities they don’t necessarily they want to use.
As one French tourist told the Northern Territory News after being caned with a $130 fine for illegal camping in a public area: "We don't make much noise and don't hurt anyone - we just can't afford staying at a caravan park for $28 a night".
But it could have been worse for the 29-year-old. Apparently her boyfriend hid under the doona when the rangers came to call, so they only had to pay for one person!
While backpackers can't understand why Darwinites don't want them to camp in front of their houses or use public car parks as a campground, locals are not amused.
"I can understand that people get upset with all the backpackers camping wherever they want," Pamela Stankiewicz of Cullen Bay told the NT News. "During tourist season the car parks around Lake Alexander are packed with campervans with interstate number plates.”
The council crackdowns on backpackers camping illegally in Darwin's streets is apparently also having the unwanted effect of pushing the problem into the suburbs.
Darwin Lord Mayor Graeme Sawyer said it was more difficult to find the unlawful campers since they started hiding in the residential areas.
"One of the downsides of the crackdown is that it has pushed the vehicles into suburban streets," he said. "That's 10 times more difficult to police than before."
Most of the budget travellers occupied car parks at the Esplanade, Mindil Beach, Vesteys Beach, East Point and the Nightcliff foreshore at night time. Mr Sawyer said the crack-down started after the council received a rising number of complaints from the public.
However, not all locals are up in arms.
Tony McManus from Lee Point still managed to see the funny side of the backpacker invasion.
"You shouldn't pick on backpackers - we should feel sorry for them," he said. "I saw some the other day ... they were so poor they had to share the one cigarette and the girls couldn't afford the top half of their bathers!"
Do you think the fining of people camping quietly in residential streets is appropriate? Would you be upset if a campervan pulled up in front of your house for a day or two? Are you a ‘sneaky-deaky’ city street parking grey nomad? Email us here to tell us your story. 

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July 21

Farewell Maryborough?
Well, the debate is over. A push by Fraser Coast councilor Gerard O'Connell to offer free overnight parking for grey nomads in Maryborough has been soundly rejected.
We reported in these columns back in May that the councillor’s idea - which he said would  actually bring in tourists and tourist dollars – had met with fierce opposition from caravan park owners and operators.
Indeed, the head of Caravan Parks Association, Tony Benson, said that if free parking went ahead then every type of RV known to man would turn up there, and it would actually be a negative as it would cost taxpayers for toilets and amenities and rubbish collection.
Well, it seems the powers-that-be in the good city of Maryborough agree … and there will be no grey nomad free parking at McDowell Car Park on Kent Street … and I’m not sure there will be a lot of grey nomads either after some of the views expressed during the debate.
According to a report in the Fraser Coast Chronicle, if grey nomads aren’t prepared to spend $15 to $25 on accommodation at a caravan park, then they certainly aren't going to spend much money in Maryborough.
Charming! No mention of the desire to show off their fine city, no mention of the good that community-minded grey nomads do, no mention of the desire to enhance the visitor experience of those that do venture seemingly unwanted and unwelcome into town. Maryborough’s decision makers seem to see everything strictly in terms of dollars and cents. And their view of grey nomads is certainly no exception. If they want to increase visitor numbers and offer a welcoming atmosphere, they clearly need to find a way to correct their shortsightedness.

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July 20

United we Stand?
Okay, then. It’s a story and a subject that has already sparked much interest in the forum. And the basic question is ... is there a growing amount of snobbery among the grey nomad ranks?
The Brisbane Courier-Mail has carried an outrage-provoking story claiming that a new class divide is causing pangs of envy ... and plenty of discussion in caravan parks across the land.
The report says that, quite simply, some grey nomads are ageing more gracefully than others and that - for some - the days of the aluminium or wood-panelled vans with lace curtains are gone.
“Those with the desire, and the means, are swapping the vacuum flask of Earl Grey tea for some of life's luxuries such as flash accommodation, custom-made fittings and fine wine to sip the afternoon away,” the article says. “Some parks have become dominated by those in luxurious caravans and RVs who entertain amid surrounds that include leather recliners, plasma televisions, stainless steel kitchens and wine fridges.”
Wow! Is that the way you guys see it?
Are those who rely on a simple van with an annex really relegated to the back of the park or, as the paper claims, engulfed in envy when they visit their well-heeled neighbours?
Certainly, some forum folk reckon there is an element of truth in the claims. Sad news indeed. "Most people get along pretty well, but there will always be one couple in the park who have a set-up bigger and better than everyone else,” says the Courier-Mail. “It certainly turns heads and seems to put them atop the pecking order."
While it claims that many of those who accessed their superannuation before the slump are cashed up compared with recent retirees, the paper does at least offer one beacon of hope.
It talks to retired Tasmanian travellers Jan Hope, 63, and Peter Thompson, 66, who have a new SUV and luxury van with cream leather recliners, plasma television, kitchen, ensuite, air-conditioning and solar panels. However, they see no class divide.
"You're not a doctor, you're not a chemist or a farmer when you're caravanning; you're just a grey nomad,” Peter said. “There are no barriers."
So, is Peter on the money, or is perhaps time to divide this site into separate places for the grey nomad haves and the grey nomad have nots?  And which is which? Are the super de-luxe travellers really having that much of a much better time? Or should we not be having this discussion at all and instead all be uniting beneath the unified grey nomad banner? Any thoughts? Email us here.

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July 17

A Private Matter
It seems private operators are increasingly being recruited to run council-owned caravan parks and that clearly has an impact on the quality … and the cost … of the services provided.
The ABC reports that Bega Valley Shire Council on the New South Wales far south coast is now looking at leasing two of its big caravan parks to private contractors. The authority reckons it could be the easiest way of attracting additional tourists and boosting revenue.
Councillor Mike Britten says camping reserves at Eden and Bermagui would be managed more efficiently if left to private entrepreneurs, and that the Shire would save money by making the lessees upgrade park facilities.
“Upgrading anything in tourism is a bit like the Sydney Harbour Bridge," he says. “You paint it and then when you get to the end you start painting again.”
Cr Britten says upgrades are always required in tourist accommodation, and that private enterprise is better suited that council to doing that … although he doesn’t specify why.
It’s an interesting concept and one that will probably lead to better facilities but it should not be forgotten that private enterprises are primarily motivated by profit and that, I am sure, will mean higher fees.
One would like to think that local government has a higher purpose than simply increasing revenue streams for themselves – or for others. In hard economic times, council-owned caravan parks which are often located in superb spots, offer an affordable accommodation option for families, as well as grey nomads. It would be a terrible shame if that were to change.
What do you think? Have you seen the effects of a council-owned caravan park being turned over to private enterprise? Good news or bad? Email your views here.

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July 16

Lost and Found
It’s great when one of those terrible lost in the Outback stories has a happy ending.
A 19-year-old British backpacker who had been missing for 12 days in dense bushland in the Blue Mountains near Sydney has just been found alive. Londoner Jamie Neale can certainly consider himself a very lucky fella despite being taken to Katoomba Hospital suffering from dehydration and exposure.
Mr Neale went missing the day after checking into the Katoomba Youth Hostel on July 2.
He was last seen the following morning but his personal belongings including a mobile phone and personal papers were still in his room.
A huge search involving units from the Blue Mountains Local Area Command, a dog unit, the Rural Fire Service (RFS), State Emergency Service (SES), Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) was launched.
However, it was two bushwalkers who eventually alerted emergency services after finding Mr Neale at the Narrow Neck fire trail near Katoomba.
Officers reached him in a Rural Fire Service vehicle before he was taken to hospital.
Rescuers had been hampered during the 12 days of their search by poor winter weather, including thick fog, rain and freezing temperatures.
The man’s father who had flown out from the UK to help in the search is to be reunited with his son at the hospital.
If only all such stories had such a heartwarming conclusion.

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July 15

Grey Nomad Power
The call by veteran grey nomad forum members Ken and Marg for a new rest area to be created on the south side of the Pacific Highway at Loganholme in Queensland has seemingly hit a nerve with the grey nomad community.
Many of you have emailed support for the proposal, thereby demonstrating the clear need for such a facility.  The spot in question is an old Department of Transport truck inspection site which is currently blocked off from the highway with a long concrete barrier. 
Ken and Marg say the highway is three lanes wide at that point and they can’t see any problems with vehicles coming out of this site and merging with the passing traffic. They also report that there is a service road beside the highway and the site - which Ken and Marg would like to see called "the grey nomads rest area" - would be big enough for 20 caravans or so. 
The land belongs to the Department of Main Roads, and it seems the most realistic outcome expectation is for a six-hour rest stop with no overnight camping allowed. Sounds good to me. If there is a suitable place available to create a new rest area, enabling weary travellers to rest up, check their vehicles, and get set for the next leg of their journey, then I reckon the powers-that-be should be making things happen.
Now for the good news. Ken and Marg have taken the bull by the horns and made a submission to Barbara Stone, the State Member of Parliament for Springwood.  Hats off to the pair for not just seeing an opportunity but for seizing it. They are an example to all of us who may occasionally complain about an issue without being prepared to do something about it.
Anyway, their proposal clearly has merit and the more support we can show for it the better chance we have of getting a ‘win’. Ken and Marg have asked all grey nomads to support the initiative by emailing their local councillor Darren Power (you can email Darren at darrenpower@logan.qld.gov.au), Barbara Stone MP (you can email Barbara at springwood@parliament.qld.gov.au), and the Minister for Roads (you can email the Minister of Roads at mainroads@ministerial.qld.gov.au) to express their solidarity.
Barbara Stone has apparently already shown she is receptive to the rest area idea and has written to the Main Roads Minister to say so. (Click here and also here to see copies of relevant correspondence.)
Right then, let all of us who haven’t already done so show our support for Ken and Marg’s pro-active approach and see if we can make a difference by emailing our views.
Yes we can!

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July 14

Golfing the Nullarbor!
How long did it take you to drive the Nullarbor? No, not the number of days you spent behind the wheel – that’s yesterday’s lingo - I mean how many shots did you play? Haven’t you heard that the world’s longest golf course, the 18-hole par 72 Nullarbor Links course is already under construction? Promoters say the course will span 1,365 kilometres along the Eyre Highway from Ceduna in South Australia to Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. I can only surmise that it will therefore be the world’s longest golf course by a ridiculously massive margin. The ambitious plan is that each site in participating towns or roadhouses will include a green and tee and a somewhat rugged outback-style natural terrain fairway. Established courses will loan a hole each to Nullarbor Links, with Ceduna and Kalgoorlie at either end loaning two holes. Other holes on the par three and four course will be purpose built. Construction began in July last year with the surveying of the 11 holes to be constructed along the Highway, including ones at Nullarbor, Nundroo and Penong.
Organisers say the new attraction is a great way to take advantage of the 250,000 people who travel the Eyre Highway each year and thereby bolster the region's tourism market and its economy.
Apparently, there has been massive interest from the Japanese, Chinese and English markets, and golf loving tourists will flood in from all over the world.
Gulp! Is this a good thing or not? How long is it until someone comes up with the idea of building the world’s biggest golf ball next to the highway and it ends up attracting more visitors than the Bight? Drop us a line to let us know whether you think this will add to your Nullarbor experience or detract. So, is the concept hole-in-one magnificence or a stinker of a slice straight into the bunker ... you be the judge? Email us here.
Oh, and construction is due to finish next month and the course's inaugural tournament will be held on October 22.

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July 13

Access for All
Maybe it’s all to do with the international exposure the Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman film, Australia, gave the area ... but it seems we might all soon enjoy improved access to some interesting parts of the far north Kimberley in Western Australia.
Whether you loved the movie or hated it, there is no doubt that the area’s incredible scenery was the biggest star. Key scenes in the film were shot in the vicinity of the Karunjie Track, an old stock route that weaves through El Questro and Digger's Rest cattle stations.
Now, although the Karunjie Track is a gazetted public road, the Australian newspaper reports it hasn't always been easy in recent times for tourists to get to the Gulabidgi Swamp, where the Drover and Lady Sarah Ashley got drunk and intimate in the film.
Likewise, locals from Kununurra and Wyndham have apparently had their own difficulties accessing the same series of billabongs near the King River, where they have fished for decades.
It seems the issues have arisen on El Questro, run by the Voyages resort group, which holds the station lease and offers everything from tent sites to gorge-view suites at $6350 per night. Nothing is cheap ... even the unpowered  sites ... here though if you are a poor old grey nomad on a tightish budget.
Anyway, according to the report in the Australian, because El Questro is a pastoral lease, Voyages is legally required to run cattle. However, as the group has no interest in doing this  it has sub-leased the grazing responsibility to Kununurra man Lindsay Ward, who runs 5000 head.
Since El Questro is on the market, the WA Government's Regional Lands and Development Department wants any sale to ensure that the Karunjie Track is fully accessible to all who want to explore the mighty mud plains, flat-top mountains, gorges and swamps which Australia's makers chose for their outback scenes.
Acting director general of WA's Regional Development and Lands, Paul Rosair, said negotiations were under way with Voyages and Mr Ward to provide an "agreed access arrangement that will continue to ensure public access across the Karunjie Track and minimise the impact on the pastoral operations of El Questro".
A section of the Karunjie Track on El Questro that gave access to billabongs had been the problem area and Mr Rosair said where "the track crosses the pastoral lease, the pastoralist can prevent access".
But he said the department wanted full public access to the track.
Mr Ward's lawyer, Emma Salerno, said her client had strong concerns about access issues, particularly passers-through who started fires or left gates open.
"He's faced with lots of challenges having a pastoral lease so close to townships," Ms Salerno said. "I don't think tourists are a problem from the pastoralist's perspective. Most of the problems come from the locals. The issue isn't whether people access the track, it's what they do on it."
We’ll keep you posted.

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July 10

Going off Track?
With the numbers of travellers in remote areas constantly on the increase, it is perhaps inevitable that ‘tensions’ on some tracks will rise.
Certainly, places like the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley can become surprisingly busy during certain times of the year and you may even struggle to find a spot at popular free camping spots. And, of course, the road itself throws up plenty of challenges without worrying about other drivers.
And over in Queensland, the Bloomfield Track going up into Cape Tribulation is allegedly becoming “rife with four wheel drive rage”, according to a report in the Cairns Post. The paper quotes one local who drives the track regularly as saying he had heard a barrage of bad reports from travellers who claim they are being bullied by people in "clapped out Land Cruisers".
"It is basically the same old story I’m hearing about people tailgating, flashing their high beams, fog lights, spotlights, the works and pushing people who really don’t know the track," he told the Cairn Post. "The grey nomads, by definition, are older people and when they all meet up and talk about their experiences they are telling people the Bloomfield is not a nice place to visit or travel along.”
He reckons it’s only a matter of time until there is a serious accident with someone going over a steep edge or ending up on their roof ... and he warns it’s not a good place to get into trouble.
But Wujal Wujal Police officer-in-charge Sgt Craig Roberts said the station had not received any complaints about "fourby rage" on the track but still encouraged all motorists to drive with courtesy, especially in the busy tourist season.
"We do drive the roads quite often and haven’t noticed a problem but we do encourage any travellers in this position to jot down rego numbers and as many details about the car as possible," he said. "We would also remind tourists to be courteous, especially if travelling in a convoy or towing a caravan, to pull over and let other vehicles pass them where safe to do so."
So, any news for out there on the tracks? Are they getting busier?  Are you noticing an increase in aggressiveness along the remote routes. Any particular ones? Email us here to share your thoughts.

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July 9

Closed to Climbers
I guess it’s been coming for a while now but the news that Uluru may soon be closed to climbers has still come as a bit of a shock to many.
Whatever the wrongs and rights of the issue, there is no doubt that the rock climb has become an iconic tourism attraction over the years ... but its time may soon have come and gone.
Parks Australia has called for public comment on a plan to ban visitors clambering up the 348m rock.  The plan runs for 10 years.
And according to the Northern Territory News, Parks Australia head Peter Cochrane has dropped strong hints that Uluru would be closed to climbers sooner rather than later. People have until early September to comment on the plan.
Mr Cochrane said the tourism industry would be given at least 12 months to adjust their marketing campaigns.  
Mr Cochrane told the paper climbers would be banned for safety, cultural and environmental reasons.
Uluru attracts about 300,000 tourists a year and an estimated 100,000 of them make the steep ascent each year.  Apparently, park managers say they are tired of rescuing people who panic and freeze halfway up the climb. They also say it is common for people to use Uluru as a toilet. E coli levels in waterholes around the base of the rock sometimes reach levels that make them unsafe for humans or animals to drink.
Yikes!
Anyway, it seems that visitor numbers to Uluru have been dropping in recent years and there are concerns in some quarters that a climb ban will do nothing to help the situation.
Perhaps, the powers that be might also consider revising their astronomical camping fees if they really want to keep people coming back.
At the end of the day, though, I find it hard not to agree with Australian Tourism Export Council managing director Matt Hingerty, who says the wishes of traditional owners should be paramount.
"This proposed plan is a realistic one," he said. "It respects the wishes of traditional owners, it recognises the value that tourism brings to the area and ultimately it will provide equal, if not better, experiences for tourists."
Research undertaken on behalf of Parks Australia over three years showed 98 per cent of visitors would still come to the park if the climb were permanently shut.
So, what do you reckon guys? Is the possible ban a good thing? Will it put you off visiting Uluru? Or is it all a moot point as the idea of actually making it up that sort of ascent without keeling over a distant dream? Email us here.

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July 8

All the Rest
Thanks to everybody who emailed in following on from yesterday’s Nomad story about truckies, caravanners, rest areas and road safety.
It was actually a bit of a shock to learn that every year in Australia, more than 200 people are killed in road crashes involving heavy vehicles ... that’s some 15-20 percent of all road deaths. However, it was somewhat more reassuring to discover that steps are being taken to help improve those unacceptable statistics.
As well all know, fatigue on the road is a huge issue for us grey nomads, as well as long-distance truckies. We have all seen for ourselves, or at least heard about, the dire need for more and better rest areas in certain parts of the country on certain roads. Improvements in that area could certainly help the situation.
Well, work will soon begin on building new parking bays in the Northern Territory as part of a multi-million dollar federal investment in rest areas.
The Rudd Government has allocated $1 million from its $70 million Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program for two rest areas on the Barkly Highway and one on the Stuart Highway. The two parking bays for the Barkly Highway will be built between Three Ways and Tablelands and between Soudan Station and Avon Downs.
The final parking bay will be built between Katherine and Pine Creek, northbound on the Stuart Highway.
A spokesman for Northern Territory Minister for Infrastructure Delia Lawrie says the bays will be sealed and have rubbish with animal protection grills.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese says the investment will help improve roadside facilities for heavy vehicle drivers.
“Upon taking office, the Rudd Labor Government readily acknowledged the lack of safe, modern rest stops along the nation’s highways,” Albanese says. “Since then we have been working with the trucking industry, as well as state and territory governments, to begin fixing this unacceptable situation.”
Apparently, the Government has already rolled out the first $30 million from the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, including $9 million for five new and eight upgraded rest areas in South Australia.
And back in May, the Federal Government also pledged to invest $6.4 million in seven new rest stops across Queensland. Rest stops on the Flinders, Landsborough, New England and Gore highways will receive new parking bays and decoupling areas.
It all sounds very encouraging. Certainly new and better rest areas will encourage all drivers to stop more often and should reduce crashes involving driver fatigue. But commonsense and greater road condition awareness and understanding will always be the most important factors in reducing the road toll. Let’s make sure we play our part.

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July 7

Working Together
Our story last week about the relationship between truckies and grey nomads certainly sparked plenty of interest out there. The article was prompted by the news of a recent motorhome accident on the Sunshine Motorway near Buderim. The driver had reportedly been trying to move over to let a truck pass when he lost control and slid down a hill. It’s just the sort of avoidable accident that we should be working hard to make sure doesn’t happen again ... next time, someone could be hurt.
Judging by your correspondence it seems that there is a lot of sympathy out there for the hard-working truckies and the difficult job they do.
“Truckies don't try to intimidate travellers,” writes Christine. “They don't get up in the morning with the sole purpose of running nomads etc off the road.”
Now, ain’t that a relief?
Christine goes on to say that one of things truckies hate most is when vehicles slow down in front of them. 
“Caravaners must maintain steady speed, until the truckie has an opportunity to pass,” she writes. “The vanner can slow down once the truck is passing, to allow the driver to complete the overtaking sooner.”
Vic has another thought. He reckons that the Transport Departments and Road Traffic authorities in the various states and territories need to put out a pamphlet for truckies and RV users on how to cooperate with each other on the road. He says advice on how to avoid accidents, especially when being overtaken, would be really useful for a lot of people.
“Perhaps the pamphlet could be given out with licence renewals or applications,” he suggests. “There are certainly a few truckies and RV owners that either aren't sure how to react to each other ... or are oblivious or just don't care.”
Clearly, an initiative like the one Vic suggests would go some way to minimising the misunderstandings between the two groups of motorists ... which has to be a good thing.
As another correspondent, Ben, points out: “When you get a big truck towering down on you, anybody would get a bit on edge!” 
And he goes on to suggest that more and better rest areas, particularly in Queensland, could help the situation a lot.
Certainly, educating both truckers and grey nomads to each other’s needs is a crucial part of the solution but there are clearly other factors in play, as well.
Christine says that Western Australia has the best roadside verges in the country, and she loves the fact the culverts are away from the highway.  She says this road building practice is very evident on the Great Northern Highway which carries a large volume of road train traffic. 
“In Queensland though, there is no roadside shoulder beyond the fog line where a motorist could pull over to evade a problem,” she writes. “Instead, there is a deep culvert, as seen in the recent accident with the motorhome.”
Indeed in that case the vehicle slid off the road into one of those deep culverts. Christine suggest that if the culvert was three or four metres beyond the fog line, the motorhome may have had a chance to recover and return to the bitumen.
Thoughts anybody? Email us here.

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July 6

All Seniors Get a Fare Go
The government’s $50 million National Seniors Transport Scheme is now fully operational, offering all seniors the ability to take advantage of concession fares on interstate public transport.
Western Australia and Queensland have both now adopted the scheme which was originally introduced on January 1 in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory. Before then, Seniors Card holders were only able to get public transport concessions in their home state.
"This scheme will benefit 800,000 Senior Card holders who were previously unable to access public transport concessions outside their home state," said Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin. "This brings the total number of seniors who can access interstate concessions to more than three million."
Clearly, this is good news all round and will provide incentives for seniors to spend their tourist dollars at home, as well as offering a boost for communities and businesses that depend on tourism.
From a grey nomad perspective, saving a few dollars on the odd bus journey or train trip in the big cities isn’t going to make a massive difference in the greater scheme of things but, hey, every little helps. And it’s a step in the right direction.

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July 3

Setting Sites on Baffle
The Baffle Basin in northern Queensland is a little slice of paradise ... and it could soon be a lot more accessible to appreciative grey nomads.
A plan for a caravan park and camping site at Winfield has been submitted to authorities and, if approved, it will initially offer six cabins, 12 camp-sites, 16 motorhome sites and a kiosk.
According to the development application for the Baffle Shore Holiday Village, a second stage of the project would double those figures, providing accommodation for up to 68 groups at a time. Colonial Cove Estate developer Lionel Rasmussen says the  project, which is estimated to cost about $3 million, will create five permanent jobs.
Friends of Baffle Basin (FOBB) spokeswoman Sabine Holt told the Bundaberg NewsMail the group supported increased tourism.
“When people come to the area and see how beautiful it is, they want to see it conserved and managed properly,” Sabine said. “We hope that any development would be built using sustainable practices, such as recycled water, to protect the creek.”
She said FOBB would examine the application and may make suggestions for ecologically-friendly measures.
The development application will be available for viewing at the Bundaberg Regional Council's offices until August 7.
We’ll keep you posted.

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July 2

The sometimes difficult relationship between truckies on one hand and caravanners and motorhomers has once again been brought into the spotlight, courtesy of another nasty road accident.
Fortunately, no-one was injured though when a couple driving their motorhome along the Sunshine Motorway near Buderim careered from the road and down an embankment.
According to the Sunshine Coast Daily, the driver had been trying to move over to let a truck pass when he lost control and slid down the hill.
The vehicle skidded for several metres before toppling on to its left side and resting in a pool of water.
The paper said that police diverted one lane of traffic before closing the highway for 15 minutes while tow trucks recovered the vehicle.
Without knowing the ins and outs of this particular incident, it does really highlight a wider issue that deserves some attention.
Many grey nomads readily admit to feeling intimidated by big trucks on the major roads like the Pacific Highway … and to such an extent that they seek out less busy routes. And there are the road trains on narrow outback roads that present a whole new series of challenges. Trucks, of course, are a fact of life and all who travel this country have got to learn to deal with them.  So, do you agree with the assertions of some truckies that many grey nomads behave eratically on the road, particularly when a truck is nearby?  Could we do more to improve our on the road relationships with truckies? And, if so, what could we do? Email us here.

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July 1

Warts and All
The nightmare spread continues. In the latest piece of bad news, a cane toad has been discovered on the doorstep of one of the Kimberley's best known tourist attractions.
According to Perth News, the single toad was located at Warmun, near Turkey Creek, a main gateway to Purnululu National Park and the famous Bungle Bungle ranges.
The find was reported by Kimberley  Toad Busters (KTB), a volunteer organisation committed to stopping the spread of the noxious pest into WA.
Apparently, the toad was on a truck while stores were being unloaded at the local school. This is the third time a cane toad has been found inside Western Australia after hitching a ride across the border.
In 2008, a cane toad was discovered at a Karratha garden centre and just months earlier you may remember the Nomad reported one was found at the Kununurra caravan park.
The latest toad to be found was believed to have got into supplies before they were loaded  on to a truck in Darwin.
KTB spokeswoman Sandra Boulter said the arrival of cane toads in the national park would be a disaster for native wildlife populations which were still recovering after being devastated by bush fires.
"They could be the straw that breaks the camel's back,'' she told Perth News.  "They are poisonous to other animals at all stages of their life."
Ms Boulter said the transport industry needed to made aware of the risk 'hitchhiking' toads posed, not only in the Kimberley but to any destination they were travelling to  WA.
"There seems to be a belief that the toads are a long way off and it is going to take a long time for them to hop to Perth,'' she said. "That's not what is going to happen. It will happen by hitchhiking ...they will set up satellite populations and the fear is they will then join up.''
Cane toads are already at the WA-Northern Territory border in the far northern reaches of Lake Argyle.
While KTB are praising the efforts of remote communities which continue to find and catch the poisonous invaders, they are also urging the public to learn the difference between cane toads and native frogs.
Let’s do our bit if we can to fight off the invader. The stakes are very high indeed.

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June 30

The Roads less Travelled?
It’s that time I’m afraid. From midnight tonight the 8.3c fuel subsidy in Queensland is to be scrapped ... and that’s bad news for all grey nomads who love to explore the many wonders of the sunshine state.
The distances are huge and the costs are about to get a whole lot higher. Indeed, motoring groups are saying the hike coupled with school holidays could see motorists paying up to 10c a litre more at the bowser. Ouch!
Inevitably, the extra costs are going to have a knock-on for the way nomads plan their adventures ... and it’s going to be tours and life’s little luxuries that are most likely in the firing line.
Motorhome owners Sue and Jim Rudd are a good example. The couple who arrived at Port Douglas this week told the Cairns Post  they had already talked about what the price jump would mean for them.
"When you're travelling along the Bruce Highway and see a sign that says something is 80km off the highway, there is less of a chance we are going to want to drive there because of the increased cost," Jim said. "It isn't as bad for us as some pensioners that we have met who quite literally survive from pension to pension."
Jim and Sue say the sunshine state is too beautiful and too interesting to remove from the must-visit list but may not be prepared to go to out-of-the-way places ... and tours would also go.
"For example, we spent  about $50 at the Port Douglas markets today plus another $50-$100 in town," he said. "We are also planning on going on some tours while we are here but if we have to pay more for fuel, we will reign in costs such as these."
And Daintree Riverview Caravan Park and Cruises owner Simon Andrews said he was sure his business would suffer as a result of higher fuel costs.
"I dare say this is going to put a downward spiral on an already slow season but that is the circle of life," he said."We are just going to have to tighten our belts."
The changes have come about as part of a July 1 Budget measure to tackle the effects of the global financial crisis with Premier Anna Bligh saying she would be "naming and shaming" oil companies and service stations who use the axing of the subsidy to rip off motorists.
Queensland motorists can also expect to pay an extra 20 per cent on vehicle registration from tomorrow.

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June 29

Swap and Go
I guess it was only a matter of time before the home swap trend made its way into the caravan and motorhome world.
A new website designed for international recreational vehicle swapper has just been launched, offering the same holiday benefits as those enjoyed by people who exchange their homes.
According to a report in the Bribsane Courier Mail, the service was started by Chris Farrow, a motorhome owner from Hexham in England, after he swapped motorhomes with friends who lived in France.
"Owners can have the reassurance that they will exchange with like-minded people who care about their motorhomes and RVs," Chris enthuses. "We have around 75 members on the website from all over Australia and a total of 500 members from all around the world.
"There have been plenty of exchanges to and from Australia which seems to be very popular."
Details and photographs of motorhomes and their owners throughout the world from Australia to Alaska are made available on the website www.motorhomeholidayswap.com with membership cost an annual fee of approximately $90.
Owners can stipulate such things as whether it's a smoker or a non-smoker motorhome, when you want to make your exchange and whether you would prefer your motorhome not to be used by small children.
One problem with the site, though. We are lucky enough to be living and travelling in a beautiful country set up for long term travellers. It just doesn’t get any better than this, does it?

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June 26

Tragedy Spurs Debate
Well, here’s an interesting one for all of you who like to take ‘Rover’ with you on your adventures.
A recent crash of a motorhome and a sports utility vehicle in America that resulted in two deaths is being blamed on a dog that jumped onto the lap of the driver of the motorhome. It seems the distraction caused the motorhome driver to cross the centre line of U.S. Highway 151 in the state of Wisconsin and collide with the SUV. A 55-year-old man and a 13-year-old boy died.
Not surprisingly, the incident has caused a maelstrom of controversy in the US. Newspapers are saying that it is not a matter of blaming the dog, rather it is the fault of the pet owner who chooses to drive with an unrestrained pet.
Experts say driving with an unrestrained pet as a passenger presents a risk to everyone on the roadway as pets can be unpredictable in their behaviour. Furthermore, any unrestrained object in the cabin of the vehicle can cause injury or distraction to the driver, resulting in the kind of tragedy that happened here.
A Humane Society spokesperson about dogs travelling in cars be crated, gated off from the driver or otherwise restrained: “There are harnesses for every type of dog, every weight, size, which go around the dog and hook on to the seat belt,” said Gayle Viney.
So, what do you guys think? Do you restrain your dog for those long outback drives or is that unrealistic? Does your dog ever distract you on the road? Should there be some sort of regulations about pets being restrained, or was this incident just one of those freak occurrences that people shouldn’t overreact to? Over to you. Email your views here.

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June 25

Better Sign Language
Money talks ... and that could mean a warmer welcome for grey nomads in these tough economic times.
Talwood in western Queensland is set to become the latest rural town to soften its grumpy approach to on-a-budget free campers. Goondiwindi Regional Councillor David McMahon and Talwood Hotel publican, Hamish Lindsay, are calling for the “one night only” warning sign to campers at the Talwood Recreation Grounds to be ripped down and thrown in the tip.
Having embarked on a listening tour earlier in the year, the pair reckons encouraging caravanners to stay for more than one night in towns like Talwood and Toobeah would be a good thing.
“Tourists are good for the town so the longer they stay, the better,” Mr Lindsay told the Goondiwindi Argus newspaper. “Signs like this just discourage people from stopping. If they think they can only stay overnight, a lot of people decide to just keep on driving.”
Hallelujah!
Margaret and Alan Benson from the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia are self-described grey nomads who’ve been travelling around Australia in their van for over a year. And they reckon the sign is long past its sell-by date.
 “We stayed last night and we read the sign and were about to head off this morning, when Hamish told us we were more than welcome to stay for another night,” Margaret said.
“We come from a small town, and our three children went to a small school, so we were delighted to stay and enjoy the Macintyre Small Schools Athletic Carnival.”
Could the penny finally be about to drop at some of these rural towns? Grey nomads – even us free-camping ‘cheapskates’ - put a lot more into a town than we ever take out.
And what a wonderful bunch we are. Brian and Carolyn Crow from Nerang on the Gold Coast told the local paper that the council might instead consider putting in an “Honesty Box” so people can make a contribution towards the cost of power and water.
To be honest, I’m not sure some of these other “stay-at-our-van-park-or-get-out-of-town” communities deserve the likes of Brian and Carolyn. It’s a classic case of some people looking to see what they can put in, and others looking to see what they can take out.

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June 24

Inland is In
Economic downturn. What economic downturn?
Outback Queensland tourism operators say they are not seeing any signs of visitors tightening their belts. Indeed, Western Queensland tour operators are reporting more visitors travelling through the inland.
The ABC reports that, in the south-west, there has been a 47 per cent increase in visitors through the Thargomindah Information Centre in May - most of them heading to Birdsville or Lake Eyre to see the desert transformed by floodwaters.
Tony Martin from Longreach's Qantas Founders Museum says visitors to that attraction are also spending about twice as much as last year.
"If there's an economic downturn, we haven't really seen it or experienced it here at the moment," he said. "You've only got to go out and stand on the Landsborough Highway and see them rolling in and out of town - operators are saying if there is an economic downturn, it maybe hasn't affected the central west.”
He speculates that maybe it's just the coastal regions that are feeling the pinch.
"We're clearly seeing the spend per head double in recent months and that trend is continuing,” he said. "People are tending to say 'we won't spend the big dollars on the international holiday' ...  people are deciding to stay longer in their own backyard and spend the money in their own backyard and just see what's inland of the coast."
The Blackall-Tambo Regional Council says numbers through Blackall's visitor information centre are so far the highest in 16 years.
And I reckon a very high proportion of those victories are going to really like what they see.

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June 23

Petition Slams Plans
Opposition to a proposal by the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee to redevelop the public caravan park at Torquay in Victoria is growing.
According to campers’ lobby group The Torquay Concerned Campers Committee, some 1700 people have signed a petition condemning the plans for the Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park.
Russell Harper from the committee told the Star News Group that the people who had signed the petition were furious about GORCC’s lack of transparency. The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee is appointed by the Victorian Government under the Crown Land Reserves Act to manage foreshore reserves along the Great Ocean Road.
“They seem to be changing their mind and we want to get everything out on the table,” Mr Harper said.  “They’ve also put the fees up by 18 per cent but, from our discussion, that’s only half of what they’re going to do.”
Mr Harper said he had also lost faith in GORCC’s ability to manage the coastline between Torquay and Lorne.
“They’re supposed to be experts – they get $5 million a year from the caravan parks and they’ve spent less than five per cent on upgrading them,” he said. “It should be an ongoing process. They are not maintaining the fundamental things that provide their income.”
And the Member for Western Victoria in the state’s upper house, David Koch, said that that the plan to relocate 21 campsites would change the unique character of the caravan park.
“The redevelopment will require extensive work including soil movement and tree removal,” he said. “In an endeavour to lift financial returns from this established and supported caravan park, GORCC is plundering this pristine coastal landscape.”
In response, Great Ocean Road Coast Committee executive officer David Clarke said his organisation was aware of the campers’ grievances.
“We’ve worked well with campers and a lot has been achieved,” Mr Clarke said. “We’re keen to improve the caravan park and we’re aware that the campers have still got some concerns.”
Watch this space.

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June 22

Going for Gold
There’s almost certainly going to be gold in them thar’ hills when the North Queensland Gold Panning Championships 2009 gets under way in August.
The event held at Mareeba is a magnet for grey nomads who have already been converted to the ways of the metal detector, as well as those who are just plain curious.
It’s a colourful and character-filled occasion which is well worth putting on your itinerary if you are going to be in the vicinity. There are events for juniors, beginners and experts so there’s no excuse not to get your hands ‘goldy’. Each contestant in the various heats is given a 15 kilogram bucket of washed gravel with between 5 and 12 flakes of gold disbursed throughout. The idea is to pan off the gravel without losing any pieces of gold. Penalties apply for every piece of gold that is lost.
You get to keep all of the gold that you find in the competition - and the gold is real.
For those who have never tried panning for gold, organisers say this is an opportunity to take a lesson, practice in the panning tanks, and then come and join the fun.
The event will be held on August 8, the same day as the Mareeba Markets, and the Mareeba Historical Society has its doors open for those who are interested in the district’s past.
There will also be displays of gems, nuggets and metal detectors, and the Cairns lapidiarists will be demonstrating gem faceting techniques, while the Department of Mines will be there to answer all questions about mining and prospecting law.
More details at:  http://www.nqminersden.com/gold_panning_championships.htm

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June 19

Tough Times in the US
There are no real signs that the battered RV industry across the pond in the US is about to recover significantly.That country’s biggest manufacturer by market share, Winnebago Industries Inc., has just posted a loss of US$8.6 million in its fiscal third quarter. The company, which is based in the state of Iowa, saw its revenue plunge by 64 percent to US $50.8 million, as motor-home shipments fell 62 percent during the quarter.
Winnebago said it held up better than the competition during the quarter. During the first two months of its fiscal third quarter, industrywide motor-home sales fell a staggering 77 per cent.
Scary stuff.
Motor-home sales, which are closely tied to consumer confidence, have been falling in recent years, as rising fuel prices followed by the economic recession drives consumers away from showrooms.
One key problem for the industry is the tight credit markets, which has locked out all but those with the most-sterling credit histories. Many dealerships are asking for down payments of as much as 20 percent.
Winnebago’s Chief Executive Robert Olson said lack of access to credit "remains the biggest hurdle" for the industry.
"We continue to believe there are dealers who want to replenish their inventories and retail customers who want to enjoy the RV lifestyle but can't because of the constraints most lending institutions have placed on both wholesale and retail financing," he said. "We are seeing that some of the local banks, some credit unions, are helping prospective buyers, but I will say their criteria to lend money has become very, very stringent."
Winnebago has been cutting costs to cope with the downturn. Last week, the company announced the closure of a fibreglass factory in Hampton, Iowa, resulting in the loss of 40 jobs.
It could be worse, though. Several of Winnebago's competitors, including Monaco Coach Corp. and Fleetwood Enterprises Inc., have sought bankruptcy protection and sold off assets in recent months.

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June 18

Something in the Air
Look out for changes to the Outback scenery in the coming months and years.
Australia’s status as one of the world's worst per capita polluters is well established and it seems that wind power is being embraced as part of the solution.
Plans to build the country’s biggest ever wind farm in the New South Wales outback town of Silverton have just been given the green light, and nearly 600 turbines will eventually power more than 400,000 homes in the state.
In the first stage of the project, 282 wind turbines will be installed, while an additional 316 turbines will be added in the second stage of the scheme. When completed, the wind farm is expected to have a total installed capacity exceeding 1 GW. The estimated annual output of 3.5 million MWh would be enough to supply 4.5% of the energy needs of New South Wales.
Construction is expected to start by early 2010 and take up to five years.
Since 2005, the New South Wales government has approved 14 wind farms with a total capacity output of 2,486 MW. It projects that when all the farms are operational, they will save more than 6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually and have the capacity to serve 800,000 homes.
While they may not be everybody’s cup of tea ... particularly if you happen to live close to one of them ... these wind farms are certainly going to help to make a difference to the future of our planet. And it’s going to make looking for Outback windmills a whole different experience. What do you think? Is this a good idea? Email us here.
To find out more about the latest wind farm project, check out http://www.silvertonwindfarm.com.au

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June 17

Tax Stamped Out
Finally, New South Wales is to be brought into line with the rest of the country in terms of taxes on the purchase of new caravans and camper trailers.
It was announced in the state budget that stamp duty on the vehicles is to be abolished as of July 1.
However, the duty will continue to apply to motorised campervans and mobile homes.
Not surprisingly, the Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW (CCIA) has welcomed the announcement, saying the decision will benefit both NSW consumers and businesses.
Barry Baillie, CEO of the CCIA, says that an unfair playing field has been present for some years, where manufacturers and dealers in Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia were exempt from Stamp Duty taxes.
“Consumers of caravan and camper trailer products have been severely disadvantaged over the years by having to pay excessive taxes in NSW when they could purchase the same vehicle interstate for substantially less,” he said. “Consumers will now save around $1,000 on the purchase of a new caravan or camper trailer in NSW, giving them more money to spend on their travels.”
The industry also predicts that over 130 New South Wales based caravan and camper trailer manufacturers and dealers will directly benefit from the abolition of the stamp duty.
The CCIA said the move could see a return of some 400 jobs to the industry that had previously been hit by the effects of the economic downturn. There are around 100,000 caravans registered in NSW with around 2,600 sold every year by NSW businesses, which is worth around $83 million annually to the NSW economy.
“As the fastest growing domestic tourism sector in Australia, caravan and camper trailer holidays will now be even more affordable for Australians,” said Mr Baillie. “And that means additional dollars being spent in regional communities on caravan and RV trips.”
Sounds like a victory for commonsense.

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June 16

Many Happy Returns
Okay, Aussie caravan lovers. We know our holiday camping traditions are super well entreched but can we match the story of British ex-teacher Sheila Davies who has been going back to the same caravan park every year for 60 years.
The 72-year-old started visiting her idea of heaven when she was two, and she’s been going there ever since, along with five generations of her family.
She told the Daily Mirror newspaper she fell in love with camping just before the war.
"There was me, my brother Peter and my mum and dad. We had a small tent and slept on groundsheets,” she said. "There were no luxuries but it was that or no holiday at all."
After the war the family love affair with camping continued and as dad Frank's garage business prospered, the family invested in what was in those days the height of modern holiday luxury - a caravan.
Then in 1949, the Edwards towed their caravan to a place that would change Sheila's life forever ... or keep it the same, depending on your viewpoint.
"We discovered a site called Church Farm in West Sussex,” she says. “It was by the sea near Pagham and we had such a lovely time we decided to go back ... I went there with mum and dad and my gran went too, she loved it."
Sheila remembers that at the beginning it was very primitive.
“ We'd get milk straight from the cow and buy farm vegetables. Everyone mucked in,” she says. “As children we'd wander off for hours along the beach. After the war you had to be careful of munitions but they eventually got cleared up. It was idyllic.”
So, the Edwards went back the following year, and they returned the year after that, and the year after that. You get the idea. They are still returning there now. Now the party includes son Alan and daughter Mary and grandchildren Hannah, nine and Thomas, seven.
And here’s a story for the times. From that first holiday, when the camp was just a field with cold tap, Sheila has watched the site grow. Now it's Church Farm Holiday Village, run by Haven Holidays, a 21st century complex with pools, bars and restaurants.
"Next year, due to the economic climate, I doubt I'll be able to afford the luxury,” Sheila says. “But the fun and the memories will never fade."
An interesting tale. So, have any of you out there got memories of returning to the same place year after year? Email us here.

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June 11

Call for Camel Cull
Many grey nomads will need no reminder of the fact that wild camels are roaming this country in huge numbers. And it will be no surprise to those who have seen these giant creatures crashing through our fragile ecosystems that they cause huge environmental damage.
It was a problem dramatically highlighted by Desert Knowledge Co-operative Research Centre’s (DKCRC) report on Managing the Impacts of Feral Camels, which was presented to governments late last year.
Now the group has lodged a large Caring for our Country grant proposal it hopes will fund a cross-jurisdictional control program involving WA, SA, the NT and Queensland and enlisting the support of government agencies, Aboriginal bodies, pastoralists and natural resources managers.
It is envisioned that DKCRC or its successor will play a coordinating role. The outcome of the application is expected shortly.
The Managing the Impacts of Feral Camels study found that more than a million camels, the largest wild herd on Earth, are ravaging a vast region of 3.3 million square kilometres in Australia’s heart. The camel plague inflicts major damage on fragile desert ecosystems, scarce water supplies, rare plants and animals, Aboriginal cultural resources, remote communities and pastoral enterprises across the inland.
“The damage camels inflict has gone largely unnoticed by the bulk of Australia’s population,” warns lead author Glenn Edwards. "The camel herd is doubling every nine years and has the capacity to wreak havoc across the deserts," he adds.
The world’s largest camel ‘kingdom’ is spread across three States and the Northern Territory, with major hotspots where the WA/SA/NT borders come together, and in the Simpson Desert.
The study calls for a national program to reduce camel densities to around 0.1–0.2 camels/km2, which may involve removing an estimated 400,000 animals.

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June 10

Trial Bay Fury
Not content with raising prices to virtually unaffordable levels at the beautiful Trial Bay Gaol camping area on the New South Wales Mid North Coast, the State Government now wants  to build up to a dozen holiday cabins there.
Not surprisingly, the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s latest money-making scheme has enraged residents, tourism operators and hopefully a few grey nomads.
Indeed, the holiday accommodation building plan has been described by the State Opposition as scandalous. The area's MP and Nationals leader Andrew Stoner said the "crazy" tourism proposal showed the Rees Government had its priorities all wrong.
"Instead of focusing on protecting the unique coastal environment at South West Rocks, the Wildlife Service has been directed to become a revenue-raising venture," Mr Stoner told the Sydney Morning Herald. "The State Government should be backing the local tourism operators who have worked hard to build viable businesses, rather than going into competition with them."
I have to admit, I’m not too worried about local businesses facing a bit of competition but I am worried about this slice of heaven completely changing character. For years, this has been an idyllic stop for holidaying families as well as nature-loving grey nomads. First we had astronomical price hikes, now holiday cabins. Next, the money hungry powers-that-be will want to build a hotel on this magical spot. Outrageous. And if they can build cabins here, why not build them at Mitchell Falls, or Cape le Grand, or the Devil’s Marbles, as well? After all, if it makes money, then why not? Be afraid, be very afraid.
The owner of the nearby Trial Bay Eco Tourist Park, Tony Mayne, is obviously concerned about the effect the plan may have on his business’s bottom line, and he said local tourism operators were not prepared to stand idle as the NPWS "cannibalised" their profits by building in the Arakoon State Conservation Area.
He told the Sydney Morning Herald that he had spent a decade taking his caravan park's annual turnover from $200,000 to $1.3 million and it would be grossly unfair if the State Government cashed in on the area's popularity by building cabins in the most beautiful part of the region.
"The location they are talking about is a superior spot, a pristine site which is absolute beachfront," Mr Mayne told the newspaper. A NPWS consultant had been unable to promise a recent community meeting that the plan would adhere to the State Government's self-imposed rule that decreed its commercial ventures should do no harm to established business operators, Mr Mayne said.
A NPWS spokesman said improving "visitor facilities and experiences" would increase tourist numbers at Arakoon and South West Rocks, benefiting local businesses.
Oh well, that’s all right then. Do what you like as long as someone is making a good profit out of  it!
The NPWS spokesman did guarantee however that the planned buildings would not be on the beachfront or along the ridge line.
Crumbs of comfort in a scary world, grey nomads. Crumbs of comfort.

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June 9

Take Care on the Road
As the roads north becomes ever busier, swelled in part by the annual migration of sun-seeking grey nomads, the appeals for us all to take care on the roads become ever more pertinent.
Driving in unfamiliar conditions, sometimes for long stretches and often towing a caravan or driving a large vehicle like a motorhome increase the need for extreme vigilance.
Sadly, the dangers have been highlighted once again by another accident in the Northern Territory in which a car and caravan rolled approximately 40 kilometres north of Elliott.
According to police, the 63-year-old female driver of a Toyota Prado towing a caravan was travelling north along the Stuart Highway when she lost control of the vehicle after passing another car.
According to local media reports, it appears the driver overcorrected when the caravan started to sway. The caravan then slipped over the edge of the road causing the Toyota Prado to roll and land across the southbound lane.
The driver and her 64-year-old husband were taken to Tennant Creek Hospital. The woman was treated for minor injuries while her husband sustained spinal injuries.
Once again, police are warning tourists travelling in the Territory to be aware of unfamiliar road conditions and drive to their capabilities. Naturally, the warnings are equally relevant in whichever state or territory you happen to be driving.
Let’s all heed the advice no matter how desperate we are to get “down the road a few more kilometres” or to “get to that wonderful camping spot we’ve been told about tonight”. 

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June 8

Eccentric - or just fun?
Okay, the grey nomad lifestyle is not for everyone but does hitting the open road, enjoying endless sunsets, and meeting new neighbours everyday necessarily make you an oddball?
It seems that there are certain people both at home and overseas who think it does. A recent article in a Canadian newspaper examined a fresh generation of travel buzzwords doing the rounds ... words like 'Babymoon’ for an expecting couple taking one last trip before the arrival of travel-thwarting offspring, or ‘poorism’ for people deliberately visiting slums and sleeping in appalling conditions in order to experience "reality" and brag about it at a subsequent dinner party.
It was actually quite an interesting article but then I read the definition of Grey Nomad and my eyes nearly popped out of my head.
“Eccentric retired individual who perpetually coasts around in a motorhome, boat or caravan.”
Yes, you read correctly. ECCENTRIC! The cheek of it. Is enjoying the freedom to explore the paradise that is Australia after a lifetime of hard work really such an irrational thing to do? Are we all just a little bit strange?
Over to you. Email here to let us know whether or not you feel you qualify as an eccentric and if so why. And maybe you also want to email the writer of the article which appeared in the Toronto Star, Reb Stevenson. She is a Toronto-based freelance writer and can be reached through www.rebstevenson.com.

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June 5

Fuel in the Sun
The Queensland Government is to stop subsidising fuel by 8.3 cents a litre ... and the caravanning industry fears grey nomads are now going to steer clear of Far North Queensland.
Caravanning Queensland CEO Ron Chapman predicted grey nomads, who last year accounted for more than 80 per cent of domestic drive-holiday visitors, would downsize their dreams after the Premier announced the decision to slash the state's fuel subsidy.
"This is very much an anti-tourism decision," Mr Chapman told the Brisbane Times newspaper. "Now people won't travel as far and therefore won't spend that time travelling throughout the Far North."
He reckons Far North Queensland market will bear the brunt of the decision as travellers will save fuel costs by only venturing as far as central Queensland. Mr Chapman says a couple travelling from Melbourne to Cairns typically spent two-thirds of their travel time - an average of 68 days - in the Far North. So, how does the maths stack up? Well, according to figures from the RACQ, based on an annual travelling distance of 15,000 kilometres, it will cost at least an extra $193.20 a year to run an eight-cylinder vehicle used to tow a caravan.
A hefty hit ... but is it really enough to deter people from visiting the wonders of Cape York or the Gulf Country or the Daintree?
Queensland’s Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor doesn’t think so. He rebuffed suggestions that travel costs, including fuel prices, influenced people's decision to travel to a destination.
"The removal of the fuel subsidy will simply place Queensland's fuel pricing on par with other states and drive tourism remains strong Australia-wide," he said.
While slamming the State Government for slugging the region's already ailing tourism industry, BIG 4 Cairns Crystal Cascade Holiday Park owner Russell Drayton broadly agreed. He told the Brisbane Times that he didn’t anticipate the fuel price hike would greatly affect his business.
Yes, times are hard for many grey nomads and the axing of the fuel subsidy is unwelcome news but it’s hard to imagine that an extra 10 cents a litre is going to stop us boldly going into Queensland’s northern paradise in search of sun and fun. That really would be a false economy.

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June 4

On With the Show
Roll up! Roll up! All grey nomads and budding grey nomads. One of the greatest caravan and camping shows on earth is under way in Brisbane.
The 41st Queensland Caravan, Camping & Touring Show at the RNA Showgrounds features hundreds of new caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, off- road vehicles, tent trailers and fifth wheelers. Among the 300 individual exhibitors will also be those showcasing the latest RV equipment, 4WD and towing vehicle accessories, off-road products and services for alternative power, refrigeration and communications.
Last year more than 80,000 people visited the show over seven days and the numbers are expected to be even bigger at this year’s event, which got under way yesterday.
However much of an experienced traveller you are, there is always something innovative and interesting on offer at the show and it is well worth a look if you are in the area. Of course, for the soon-to-be grey nomad, there are insights aplenty and there will be no shortage of people willing to share their expertise and talk all things caravanning and camping.
If you do get along to the Brisbane show, you should also take advantage of the program of speakers on offer. Talks will cover topics such as towing, motorhoming, touring, maintenance and technical advice. And the program of entertainment will include ‘Thommo’s’ bush cooking, Tania Kernaghan singing, and humorous verse from bush poets Noel Stallard and John Best.
Entry is $12 for adults and $8 for concessions. Are any of you going to this years’s show? Is there anything you particularly recommend to your fellow grey nomads? Email us here.

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June 3

A Booming Voice
It seems that it’s taken a pretty dramatic economic downturn for our worth to the tourism industry to be more fully appreciated.
Yup, you can forget gen X and gen Y, it’s the baby boomers who are set to save the under-pressure tourism sector industry during these difficult times. However, according to research unveiled at this week’s ‘Baby Boomer Tourism Summit’ held in Sydney, we’re feeling a bit overshadowed by younger generations. Can you believe they’re holding a summit in our honour? Anyway, those who are supposedly in the know reckon that we feel there are few businesses are interested in courting us or our money. Hmmm! I’m not sure about that.
Anyway, summit convenor Leigh Kealton reckons tourism operators are yet to fully understand the boomers, whom he dubs the ‘original backpackers’.
"The boomers haven't lost the sense of adventure they had in the 1960s and '70s," he says. "They don't necessarily want to spend the kids' inheritance, although some will feel like they've earned a bit of luxury, but most do want to travel comfortably, get beyond the usual 'package' experience and have some fun."
According to a report in the West Australian, Kealton says few businesses realise that boomers are the fastest-growing group using Facebook. He also points out that boomers and backpackers share a similar mindset in that both feel they have a limited window to travel and are influenced less than others by the fortunes of the economy.
"The current economic climate has been a body-blow for many retirees' nest-eggs but they are also aware that they are ageing and they won't always be fit enough to take on the travels and adventures they would like to do," he says.
I suppose that’s pretty true but I’m not sure I like to have it spelled out quite that clearly. Nonetheless, it’s a lot better than what another speaker at the summit, futurist Ross Honeywill, had to say. He describes the boomers as “cashed-up and cranky”. Charming, Ross! But I’m not sure either description fits the average grey nomad very snugly. After all, we’ve realised that the best things in life are free or pretty close to it, and how can you be cranky when you’re enjoying all that this magnificent country has to offer? Maybe it’s Ross who is the real cranky one because he isn’t out there with us on the road to adventure. One day, Ross. One day.

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June 2

Winter of Content
The annual migration north of thousands of caravans, motorhomes and camper trailers raises once again the eternal question … who are the kings and queens of the grey nomad lifestyle.
The West Australian reckons its found a couple of likely contenders. The newspaper reports that Mandurah couple Jim and Eillen McLeod-Smith haven’t experienced a cold winter for 27 years.  The sun-seeking pair, who are both 80 years old, first packed their caravan and headed for the warmer climes of Broome in 1982.
The West Australian says that not even Jim’s heart attack on the way home from there five years ago could dim their enthusiasm for their winter sojourn, and he reckons he’s still got a couple of trips left in him.
Settling in at their home away from home at Roebuck Bay Caravan Park, Mr McLeod-Smith said they now tackled the 2500km trip ‘nice and easy’.
“We used to do it in a few days but now that we are getting a bit older it takes six,” he said.
And, as temperatures in the south plummet in the coming months, Jim and Eillen can expect plenty of of company from fellow grey nomads, as caravan bookings have defied a predicted slowdown caused by the global financial crisis. No doubt Broome will stay full to bursting from now until early September as per usual.
So are the McLeod-Smiths worthy contenders for the kings and queens of the seasonal grey nomads? And what about the permanent grey nomads? Have any of you out there been travelling this great southern land full-time for years or decades, or know anyone who has? Drop us a line here.

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June 1

Are they Paving Paradise?
With talk of the ‘bitumening’ of the Kimberley’s Gibb River Road never far away, there is further evidence that the wild area may be falling prey to the march of civilisation.
Some  17 years after the upmarket El Questro Station opened its doors to big-paying guests, Home Valley Station ... some 40 kilometres further west along the iconic route ... is now offering another quality alternative.
It’s going to offer top-of-the-range self-contained cabins called Grass Castles, as well as middle-market guesthouse rooms and two camping areas. There's also a large communal centre with food and bar.
The 265,000-hectare property, which was bought by the Indigenous Land Corporation in 1999, is budgeting for 30,000 visitors this dry season, with 50 per cent expected to be self-drive campers.
Despite the similarities between the two stations, Home Valley’s new general manager, Daniel Lukritz, doesn't regard El Questro as a direct competitor. Indeed, at $420 a night including breakfast, Home Valley's eight stand-alone Grass Castles suites on the edge of Bindoola Creek, are a comparative snip. El Questro, perched high above Chamberlain Gorge, can command $1500-plus a person a night.
Ouch!
So, what does it all mean? Are the idle rich going to edge out the idle poor grey nomads from our wild and rugged paradise? Is the thin end of the wedge getting ever thicker? Are our days of free and cut-price camping along such wondrous routes as the Gibb River Road numbered? Or is it already too late? Email us here with your views.

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