The Nomad … news, views, comment, opinion

May 29

Outback Safety Net
Look out for the introduction of a new online outback visitor service that will guide adventurers down some of Australia’s most iconic tracks.
A pilot version of Desert Knowledge CRC’s iOutback system is due to begin trials on South Australia’s Oodnadatta Track in the next few months. It’ll basically be an electronic bulletin board designed to keep 4WD tourists and other road users informed of the latest conditions, events and things to see and do in desert Australia.
“It started with concerns about the safety of 4WD tourists in the outback, but when we investigated we found a whole range of reasons why people want to get location specific and up to date information as they travel along,”  says Professor Roy Jones, who heads the project. “This includes warnings – like the road is washed out, there’s a tree down across it,
there’s a big bush fire ahead. And it includes positives like now’s the time to view the desert wildflowers in bloom or observe rare birds, attend the local rodeo or picnic races or witness an Aboriginal ceremony.”
The team putting the service together says information provided can be relatively static – about the nature of the road, water, fuel supplies and facilities ahead – or it can be dynamic and constantly changing, such as weather, flood and fire threats and local events. It can also provide advice on desert etiquette about issues such as collecting firewood, camping, hunting, rubbish disposal, fire bans and safety measures.
The system will be two-way, enabling visitors to log their experiences into it for the benefit of others and chat on virtual bulletin boards.
iOutback will also enable emergency services to keep track of individual 4WDs and for drivers to post a travel plan, so that failure to arrive at the next destination would trigger an alert.
Sounds like it could be a useful service. Watch this space for more info.

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May 28

One Wheeler Rig Anyone?
Okay, we’ve had cyclists before but have we ever had unicyclists. The latest person grey nomads are urged to give a friendly wave to and perhaps a word or two of encouragement as he ventures across the continent is Indian-born adventurer Sid Rajan.
The 24-year-old will set out from Perth on Sunday aiming to become the first person to cross the country on one wheel.  Preparing for the epic trip this week, Rajan said he was feeling "quite nervous" after hatching the idea five years ago and spending the past six months training and planning.
Rajan says he is looking forward to meeting the people of Australia's outback and smaller towns and hopes people will "stop and have a chat" when they see him.
"I've heard lots of nice things, that these people are friendly,” he said. “So, I think it would be good to actually not just ride every day, but to also meet people, talk to them, even make them smile."
Rajan, who is a student at Monash University and has lived in Australia for three years, will unicycle from Perth to Adelaide over June and July, then take a break to return to Melbourne to resume his studies. He will hop back on the unicycle to ride from Adelaide to Sydney, via Melbourne and Canberra, in November, and predicts he will spend a total of about 600 hours in the saddle.
For the first three weeks he will have a support vehicle, but after that he will journey alone, camping and stopping at outback roadhouses and small towns to re-stock on energy bars, food and water.
Rajan will carry all his own supplies, estimating his backpack will weigh up to 13kg and it will take him about 10 hours to cover every 100km of the 6,000km trip.
One of the longest stretches will be a 220km ride between roadhouses on the Nullarbor, which will take him two days.
He is also fundraising for two charities on the ride, Australia's Humour Foundation Clown Doctors and an Indian Art of Living Foundation project.
So, keep an eye out guys. We reckon you’ll know he is when you see him! Give home a good old Grey Nomads cheer.

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May 26

A Green and Pleasant Van
In these lean and green times, it was interesting to read a report out of the UK about an environmentally-friendly caravan scrappage scheme.
Entrepreneur John Morphet, who has amassed a fortune estimated at £85 million, is to fund the plan out of his own pocket. He reckons the British government is taking way too long to introduce a scrappage scheme to encourage people to buy ‘greener’ caravans and so is going it alone.
“If you leave it to the government, it takes time, while I can turn on my heels and go in a different direction in a matter of seconds,” he said. “I don’t think that the industry can afford to wait for the mandarins at the department for Business, Enterprise, and Regulatory Reform to change their minds, so I’ve decided just to get on and do it myself.”
Basically, he reckons that older caravans with bad insulation, gas leaks, and out-of-date appliances are a health hazard.
He said new caravans are greener and safer than old ones because they are better insulated and have more fuel efficient heating systems than older caravans, which may not meet Health and Safety Executive guidelines on carbon monoxide emissions and current electrical or gas certificates.
Anyone with a caravan more than 10 years old can claim a rebate of £2,000 when they buy a new caravan from any manufacturer.
The old units for scrapping will be professionally dismantled and materials such as aluminium, copper and wood will be recycled and re-used and hazardous materials will be disposed of.
“There couldn’t be a better time to kick start the industry than now, when people are looking for value for money and to holiday in the UK,” said Mr Mophett, who is also chairman of the Pure Leisure Group. “This, and the hot summer we’ve been promised, could be just the ticket.”
And he might well be right ... about the industry kick-starting that is, not about the Poms getting a half-decent summer!

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May 25

Here Comes the Sun
Thanks goodness, the worst seems to be over. Floodwaters have been subsiding in northern fNew South Wales but the clean-up could take quite some time.
The Australian reports that more than 21,000 people in coastal towns including Yamba, Maclean, Bellingen and Smithtown are expected to remain isolated for days, but most of the 16,000 people evacuated from Lismore, Grafton and surrounding areas have been given the all-clear yesterday to return home. It was a similar story in southeast Queensland where the storms are subsiding, although beaches on the Gold and Sunshine coasts remained closed yesterday as 90km/h winds lashed the coast.
Grey nomads have, of course, been caught up n the wild weather. Four caravan parks were evacuated on the Sunshine Coast, where homes along the Maroochy River were sandbagged.
The evacuated parks were Tripcony Hibiscus at Caloundra, Ocean Breeze at Mooloobah, Military Jetty at Golden Beach, and Cotton Tree caravan park at Cotton Tree.
District disaster coordinator acting superintendent Daryl White said residents of, and visitors to, the caravan parks had been asked to leave because of the risk of inundation of some low lying areas, in particular some caravan parks on the foreshore areas.
Campers on Fraser Island off the southern Queensland coast were also encouraged to leave before the wild weather hit.
What a nightmare for travellers but, as we’ve said before, the inconvenience is nothing compared to the long-term suffering of people living in flood-affected areas – particularly those without insurance.
Bring on the sunshine!

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May 22

East coast battered again
Blimey! More awful weather. Camping on the east coast this year has been a real challenge. The rain just doesn’t seem to know when to stop.
Queensland Deputy Premier Paul Lucas is now saying the flood crisis in the state's south-east is the worst since the 1974 floods that devastated parts of Brisbane. The State Emergency Service (SES) crews have responded to calls for assistance everywhere from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast and west to Ipswich.
Now, the weather system that has caused the widespread flooding in south-east Queensland is moving slowly south into northern New South Wales.
The area of greatest concern is said to be around Coffs Harbour. Residents there, who less than a month ago were hit by major floods, are now bracing for more flash-flooding.
The SES has distributed more than 4,000 sandbags to residents around the Coffs city centre yesterday and will have more available today.
So, how are the campers faring in all of this?  Well, if the area around Grafton just to the north of Coffs is any indication, they are hitting the high road ... and fast.
The office manager at the Brooms Head Caravan Park says five families moved out on Tuesday when the wind started to blow hard and another five or six individuals took their cue and booked into the remaining cabins at the grounds.
She told Grafton’s Daily Examiner that Brooms Head is not usually affected by flooding.
“Normally at this time of year we have beautiful warm days and cool nights,” she said. “It looks like a lot of campers will be spending their time taking day trips to Grafton, Yamba or Iluka or staying in their cabins and watching TV.”
Sigh! What happened to sipping piña coladas while watching wonderful sunsets , as advertised in the Grey Nomad’s brochures?

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May 21

Luxury takes a back Seat
Forget about all the good news “more campers out and about than ever” talk, the cold hard reality of the ‘recession’ is hitting the RV industry hard.
The ABC reports that there will be certainly fewer new motor homes and caravans on regional roads this winter with caravan and motor home sales down by a whopping 25 per cent. And the big boys have been hit hardest of all with sales of large, luxury vans down by more than 50 per cent.
However, Ron Chapman, from Caravanning Queensland, says that while the sobering statistics shows people aren't upgrading, the good news is that they are still travelling.
"I would have to say that in my 40 odd years in the industry, the attitude of people at all the caravan shows we've done so far is probably the most positive for domestic travel that I can ever remember," he told the ABC.
I guess I’d have to agree with Ron on that. I haven’t noticed too many non-smiling faces in paradise recently. Have you?

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May 20

Water, water everywhere
The transformation of parts of Central Australia into a green and pleasant oasis, a haven for birdlife and wildlife, is continuing apace.
The ABC says scientists have been conducting aerial surveys of South Australia’s Lake Eyre and the flood plains of south-west Queensland and the region has changed beyond belief, with tens of thousands of pelicans, ducks and other waterbirds arriving.
The national broadcaster says it is very rare for rivers to flow all the way to Lake Eyre, the vast salt pan in South Australia, but water is now steadily spreading across the lake triggering enormous pasture growth and bird breeding events.
Birds have flown hundreds of kilometres to feast on huge food stocks that have built up rapidly in the waterways. From Northern Australia 10,000 whistling ducks have made their home on a stretch of the Diamantina River.
Environmental scientist Professor Richard Kingsford has been charting the drought-induced decline of waterbirds for the past 20 years, and says the  recent rains is crucial for their survival. He has been very encouraged to find a huge pelican breeding colony on a lake north of Birdsville in far western Queensland.
“There's probably 40,000 to 60,000 ... it's very difficult to know, because they're just so close together,” he told the ABC. “It's great to see them in these sorts of numbers because it just does give you heart because there's so many places that ... you know, these guys are really feeling the pinch.”
He says that as the flood keeps on going into Lake Eyre, the birds will probably start breeding on Lake Eyre and another  pelican colony will become established.
Don Rowlands, a ranger for the Simpson Desert National Park, is thrilled to see the transformation.
“We've just come out of one of the worst droughts in history, worst drought in white fella's time, but just by adding water, the whole bloody place transforms into magnificent looking country,” he says. “Bird life, the whole country comes alive. So all you need to do is add water basically, and it turns it around.”
And, of course, the tourists, have flooded in to have a look. After all, what the weather gives, the weather can take away again!

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May 19

The Cycle Continues
Wow! I guess we’ve opened a real can of worms with our ‘Nomad’ story yesterday about the Fremantle-Melbourne walk being undertaken by arthritis sufferer Mike Pauly.
We have been ever-so-gently reminded that there are also cyclists out there taking on massive trans-continental challenges for some very good causes. Among them are those currently taking part in The Great Australian Bike Ride, a nine-stage ride around the country that began in Melbourne on 21st March and is due to end backin Melbourne on October 10. The cyclists among you are encouraged  to join in for a few days or a few weeks to help raise funds for, and awareness of, the research into mental illness being supported by Australian Rotary Health.
Riders – many of them over 60 years of age – are currently into the fifth Brisbane-Townsville stage of the nine-stage odyssey. In 13 days they will travel through some of Queensland’s great cities such as Bundaberg, Gladstone, Mackay and Rockhampton, as well as to the stunning beauty of the Whitsundays at Airlie Beach.
Don’t be afraid to show your support if you come across this bunch of intrepid adventurers ... or don’t be afraid to join them if you feel so inclined!
Find out more about the cycle and how you can support the cause at www.greataustralianbikeride.org.au.

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May 18

Walking the Walk
Okay, guys. Let’s keep an eye out for one of those intrepid walkers we see now and again who is crossing the continent to raise cash for a good cause.
On Saturday, 69-year-old Mike Pauly - who suffers from osteo-arthritis in his knee joints - set off on a walk from Fremantle to Melbourne to raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation.
Mike is an example to us all. In September last year he was walking with a stick and having problems getting up to his art studio on the first floor of the Old Royal George Art workshops in East Fremantle. 
Through his sheer determination and focusing on this target of the walk he has shed more than 15kg, taking up a vegan diet, doing aquarobics and walk training. He has proved to all arthritis sufferers that walking and exercise can reduce the pain and improve quality of life.
Mike will be walking unsupported so we are sure he will appreciate a bit of encouragement from passing grey nomads.
Click here to see Mike’s route.
Mike’s plan is to walk between 25 and 30 kilometres a day for six days a week. The entire 3500km trip will take between five and six months. Mike will be pushing all his food, water, clothes and tent in a customised baby buggy and will be camping out for 80% of the hike, experiencing the extremes of the Nullarbor winter.
Mike hopes to encourage individuals and groups to accompany him on along the walk and also plans give talks along the route.
If you spot him on the Nullarbor, please say hello. And anyone who would like to find out more or would like to make a donation to the Arthritis Foundation can contacts Mike’s friend and supporter, Malcolm Graham at Malcolm.Graham@yahoo.com.au. Please drop us a line if any of you Nullarbor crossers spot this incredible individual.

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May 15

Predictable parking uproar
Surprise, surprise. A recent proposal by a Maryborough councillor to offer free overnight parking for grey nomads in the town has met with fierce opposition from caravan park owners and operators.
Gerard O’Connell’s idea – which he reckons will actually bring in tourist and tourist dollars – is currently being considered by the Fraser Coast Regional Council ... but Caravan Parks Association Queensland has already made its feelings abundantly clear.
The head of the organisation, Tony Benson, says that if the free parking goes ahead “every type of RV known to man will turn up”.
Indeed, rather than bringing money into the region, he reckons the plan will instead cost taxpayers for toilets and amenities and rubbish collection.
Yup, it’s the same old stuff we’ve heard many times before.
“Why should the ratepayers of Maryborough be asked to subsidise the travel costs of a select community?” Mr Benson told the Fraser Coast Chronicle. “We think it's ridiculous.”
Fair enough, caravan park managers are worried the plan will take business away from sites that are already struggling to survive. And they argue there are smarter ways to attract tourism such as providing an RV parking area during the day so travellers can do business instead of handing out a “freebie”.
But it’s probably about time certain operators stopped looking at grey nomads as a free lunch. As a group, the nomads are hurting like everybody else in these challenging economic times. 
And ultimately, they can vote with their feet - or more accurately - with their wheels.
It’s a point not lost on the insightful Cllr O’Connell.
“Grey nomads are currently bypassing Maryborough,” he says. “My overriding concern is not to jeopardise any business ... it's about getting new business into towns.”
After meeting with the unhappy Mr Benson and representatives of the Huntsville Caravan Park in Tinana, the Wallace Motel and Caravan Park in Maryborough, and Poona Palms Caravan Park, Mr O'Connell says he will continue to weigh up the costs and benefits of the plan.
“We will look at the dollar value of what a grey nomad is worth,” he says.
Charming. And that from our knight in shining armour! Wouldn’t it be nice to be welcomed to a town because of the personality and charm you bring with you, rather than because of the size of your wallet?

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May 14

Heading South?
Well, amid all the talk of the caravanning holiday being more popular than ever, there are still real signs that the economic downturn is – inevitably –  hitting the caravan and motorhome industry hard.
For example, two of the Sunshine Coast's biggest sellers of motorhomes, fifth wheelers and caravans have reported significant decreases in both sales and enquiries.
“Our enquiry rate has dropped off and consequently sales havereduced as well - I would say about 50% down from November 2008,” Motorhomes Queensland manager Russell Hicks told the Sunshine Coast Daily. “We would imagine this is happening because of the impact on people's super funds, and the value of those funds dropping so much that people don't have spare cash available to go out and purchase a motorhome.”
Sounds about right.
And Queensland RV business owner Tony Roche goes even further, saying current market conditions are the worst he has seen in 15 years.
“Queensland has been harder hit than other states because 20-25% has been wiped off super funds, because of the Storm Financial collapse and because we have a higher percentage of retirees here,” he said. “I would say enquiries are down 30% and sales are also down considerably.”
He reckons that self-funded retirees who, 12 or 18 months ago would have been trying to buy a new $120,000 or $130,000 motorhome, are now out to spend 40, 50 or $60,000. Mr Roche says retirees depend on their nest eggs and the share market, which have both been decimated along with their ability to buy that super luxury rig.
“Talking to these retirees, we feel the confidence, the desire and the dream are all there,” Mr Roche said. “So we think that come the end of June, a lot of these retirees will say, 'That was the year we'd prefer to forget, but let it not stop us achieving our dreams'.”
And let’s hope it doesn’t stop them. This country is way too beautiful, too varied, and too fascinating to miss out on.

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May 13

Prehistoric Pit Stop
A grey nomad who made an unscheduled toilet stop really hit the jackpot when he accidentally discovered the fossilised remains of a 100-million-year-old marine reptile.
Now, a major archaeological dig is about to start to uncover the fossil near Richmond, 500km west of Townsville in Queensland.
Paul Stumkat, the curator of the Kronosaurus Korner museum at Richmond, said a retired couple from Townsville made the find  near where the Richmond Shire Council has had a couple of quarries for road base.
"It's a good place to look for fossils because the overburden has been removed," Mr Stumkat told the Brisbane Courier-Mail. "He was about 5km past the quarry when he made a pit stop ... I just wish I could stop for a pee and stumble over something like that."
However, it seems that fossils are commonly found near the town which is the geographical centre of a Cretaceous Period inland sea .. but not often of this size and significance.
The creature discovered by the grey nomads is an ichthyosaur, a creature that looks like a dolphin although it is a reptile rather than a mammal.
"We don't yet know exactly how large it is but these creatures grew to four or five metres - maybe about the size of a large dolphin or small whale," Mr Stumkat told the Courier-Mail. "They ate fish and squid and are not the sort of thing you trip over every day."
The fossil is expected to go on display at the museum.
What treasures have you accidentally uncovered on your road trips? Email us here to share.

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May 12

Saving Private Businesses
We’ve been getting some good feedback on our recent stories on the great grey nomad migration north and the economic benefit it brings to recession ravaged tourist operators.
Christine says she has been living in a caravan park in Cairns since last July, paying an average of $200 per week for a concrete slab and a spot on the grass.
She notes that the park went very quiet from the end of September, but says she has certainly done her bit for the Cairns economy.
“It's all relative,” she writes. “If we camp in a park or on the bank of a river or lake, we still have to buy fuel and food, the happy hour ‘resources’ and vehicle maintenance.”
She reckons that when it comes to nomads, no one misses out. The travellers get their travel, and the communities they pass through reap the financial rewards.
Too right. It’s a classic win-win situation. And as the influx kicks in and the parks up north get busier and busier let’s hope they remember to look after their customers as well as their bottom line.

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May 11

Along Came a Spider
Now, I don’t want to give those of you heading north up the east coast at the moment a scare ... but, according to many press reports, a spider invasion is under way.
Yup, if you are already nervous about taking the midnight walk to the drop toilet, it’s probably best you don’t read any further.
According to the experts, tarantulas are turning up in homes and other places in north Queensland where they are not normally found.
Apparently, it is all to do with the late wet season in the state, and sightings of the whistling tarantula which usually prefers living on and under the ground, have shocked residents in and around the North Queensland town of Bowen.
Keith Bryant and Lorna Brackley were visiting the area when they spotted two of the creatures.
"It looked like a hairy monster and great legs and when it was spread out it was nearly the size of a saucer,” Mr Bryant told the ABC. “I got a hell of a fright to be quite honest ...  it is very frightening, believe me.”
The whistling spider has also been spotted in public areas in the town of Bowen, keeping pest controller Audy Geiszler busy.
"Well, up to now we've probably had up to half a dozen to 10 sightings around town," he told the ABC.  "I mean, it's not in plague proportions by any means, however that's more than you would normally have in a year."
Queensland Museum's world renowned spider expert Doctor Robert Raven says the movement is weather related.
"The males are actively moving around and they're looking for females and they may have been concentrated because of the water lying around the place,” he says. “The tarantulas are fatal to dogs and cats; they bite people quite regularly; they're quite a painful bite."
No one is believed to have been harmed during the recent unusually high presence of the arachnoid in Bowen.
Have you got a scary spider encounter story to tell? Please drop us an email here to give us the rundown.

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May 8

Battle lines drawn
Residents and campers of a British caravan park say they have been hung out to dry by a blanket ban on all washing lines.
The Sheerness Holiday Park in Kent says the lines represent a ‘health and safety hazard’ ... this despite the fact there have never been any accidents caused by washing lines at the park.
The park, which boasts hundreds of chalets, caravans, cottages and apartments, says guests can pay to dry their clothes in its launderette.
"We are sorry if a few holidaymakers at the park feel inconvenienced by our washing line restrictions – but our park rules do make it clear that aerial clothes dryers and washing lines are not permitted," park manager Donna Hough said. “We are keen to maintain a neat and tidy appearance on our parks for the benefit of all holidaymakers – and highly visible lines of washing are not consistent with this policy.”
She says they have also received professional advice that the washing lines themselves - not always readily apparent when not in use - could constitute a health and safety hazard to guests, and to children in particular who are actively encouraged to act their age by running around and playing on the grass areas.
The natives though are restless.
"We want our washing lines back,” said Jackie Skinner, who is staying at the site. “These rules are ridiculous,"
And aggrieved park visitors have now even taken the step of starting their own Facebook group – ‘Sheerness holiday park ... rebels against the rotary line ban’ – to vent their annoyance.
“Everyone should just rebel and put their washing lines up,” posted a Nicola Budds on the site. “What are they going to do ... get rid of everyone on site?"
So, what’s your view? Do ad hoc washing lines represent an unsightly danger to other travellers, or should van parks allow people to dry and let dry? Email your views here.

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May 7

What do you make of reports that American hunter ‘tourists’ are queuing up to pay for the privilege of shooting saltwater crocodiles?
A Northern Territory Government plan to slaughter 25 adult salties each year has alerted some wealthy US hunters to the prospect of bagging one of the notorious man killing creatures made famous stateside by the high-profile Steve Irwin.
The Brisbane Courier-Mail reports that hunters in the US are willing to pay $US5000 ($6800) or more for the chance to kill a croc in the Northern Territory.  
However, the controversial tourism pitch may need more work if it is to attract the wealthy Americans it is aimed at. They say they want to be able to take home their kill, a demand that would require federal law changes in Australia.  
"Most of them would want to take it with them," said Arizona Hunting Club president, Robert Hoskins.  
Mr Hoskins, whose club has 450 members, believes hunters would be willing to pay $US5000 for the privilege of landing a man-eating croc. "I'd pay that, maybe more," he said. "There is a big market for that in the United States, from Florida to Louisiana."  
He says that if it was all legal people – including himself – would happily fly from the US to the Outback to shoot a croc. 
US hunters are accustomed to hunting deer, turkey, coyotes, bobcats, bears and mountain lions. And Mr Hoskins believes hunters are also keen on bagging a man-eating croc or two.  
"It's because of the danger that it's appealing," he said.  "And alligator is actually really quite tasty. My kids love alligator tail."  
Australia would be more appealing if there was less red tape associated with hunting a croc, he said. In some US states, alligator safaris were assigned through a lottery system.  
Salties were hunted commercially in the NT for 26 years before they were declared protected in the early 1970s when there were only about 3000 of the animals left. Now up to 75,000 salties lurk in Territory waterways, notorious for fatal croc attacks on humans.  
The plan, part of a five-year blueprint to control the animals, has been branded "repugnant" by animal advocates. 
So what do you think? If the decision is made that a certain number of saltwater crocs should be culled each year, is it only sensible that the government earns some tourist dollars at the same time? Or is the whole concept a sickening insult to the work of the late Steve Irwin? Email us here with your views.

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May 6

Nomads Boost Economy
It seems like tourism operators up north are appreciating the reliable dry season influx of the grey nomads all the more this year. 
With the economic downturn hitting international visit numbers hard, caravan park operators and other businesses in places like Far North Queensland are realising just how much they rely on the ‘grey dollar’ to keep them going. 
Googara Beach Caravan Park owner Brad Richards said his business at Hull Heads, near Tully, would drown without the annual influx of retirees. 
As the first groups, singles and couples arrive in the Far North, he said he was relieved at their resilience despite many being hit hard by the collapse of the stock market. 
"It is the backbone of my income. We tread water the rest of the year and it is only once the nomads arrive that we start to make a profit," Mr Richards told The Cairns Post. "I do not expect any less this year ... I thought we would lose a lot when diesel went through the roof and when cyclone Larry hit but in either case, that did not happen." 
Of course, the unusually cold weather in the southern states has made the annual migration north start a little earlier this year and tourism businesses, mum and dad corner store owners and fuel station operators will all feel relief from the economic downturn. 
Jo Gilcrist and her partner Rod Gibbs, who spearheaded the grey nomad charge after arriving at the Lake Placid Tourist Park late last week, are a case study in the importance of the sector to the region’s economy. 
The Cairns Post reports that the Victorians have been on the road in their ‘typical’ $100,000-plus four-wheel-drive, a caravan and boat rig for six years and are back for their fourth winter in Cairns.  
“We are trying to spend our kids' inheritance in Cairns," Ms Gilcrist told the newspaper. "We buy our food, fuel, bait and all of our essentials here as well as supporting the park and taking tours." 
Park owner Philip Jacka said the nomads' contribution allowed his business to survive bad years. 
"The money they bring into the region is phenomenal and especially in these tough times, they should be encouraged," he said. 
Spot on Philip. And the RACQ agrees. A spokesman for the motoring organisation, Gary Fites, said the economic impact of people who had shelled out so much money to go travelling needed to be respected. 
Yes, yes, yes. A little respect and a little understanding, please.  As a group, we do bring enormous economic benefit to an enormous number of communities and businesses. So, don’t try to exploit us by charging exorbitant fees for facilities we don’t need. And don’t treat us like we are somehow picking the community’s pocket when we spend the odd night at a rest area or free camping spot close to town. We feel the financial pain, too. So, all you northern and rural tourism operators - appreciate us now when times are tough but remember us also when things boom again. Promise?   

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May 5 (cont'd from front page)

Fishing for trouble
Well, here’s a sobering reminder to all you anglers out there of just how important it is that you do the right thing. A South Australian couple has been fined almost $6,000 in the Kununurra Magistrates Court for illegally fishing barramundi in the Ord River.
The ABC reports that Jan and Ludmila Bohacik pleaded guilty to being in possession of 11 barramundi in October last year  – the legal limit is one per person.
The couple were camping on the lower Ord River when Fisheries' officers inspected their freezers. Peter Godfrey from Fisheries says the couple were fined a whopping $5,778.
Yikes!
“We advertise our rules and regulations in a series of brochures and we also put signs throughout the important fishing areas in the Kimberley,” he said. “It's very important that people find out the rules before they go fishing and not afterwards and be faced with a fine, as in this case.”
Too right, Peter. Having said that, I’m sure there’s many of you out there who – like me – would be more than happy to land just one bloomin’ barramundi!

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May 4

Are we still in Kansas?
Grey nomads pretty much know that sooner or later they are going to have to endure some pretty extreme weather conditions out there in the wide, blue yonder. But nothing could have prepared those staying at the Dunleith Tourist Park at The Entrance on the New South Wales central coast for the ‘mini-tornado’ that swept through yesterday afternoon.
The giant water spout actually picked up one caravan and dumped it into Tuggerah Lake.  The Sydney Morning Herald reports that three women were believed to be in the caravan as it was lifted.
Police said a 54-year-old Erina woman with a broken arm, an 88-year-old Gosford woman with cuts and scratches to her arm and a 57-year-old Raymond Terrace woman with lacerations were taken to Gosford Hospital.
Water spouts are similar to tornadoes and twisters, Jimmy Deguara from Australian Severe Weather told the SMH. They begin over water but can move onto land.
"It's still called a tornado or twister but the dynamics are different," he said. "They still look like a funnel to the ground. With these types of conditions all that's required are cloud and air-lift moisture … they can develop where two winds meet and you can get a funnel out of that."
Patrons at The Entrance Hotel saw a "mini-tornado" in the lake which came from the sea and travelled through the caravan park.
The caravan was towed from the lagoon some time later and residents were left cleaning up the damage, police said.
Yikes! And them moral of the story is … never complain about the odd downpour or ocean breeze as things could be a lot worse. And expect the unexpected.

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May 1

"The Grey Nomad's Guidebook provides expert advice on: when and where to go; choosing a rig; financing and planning a long-term trip; managing your affairs while you are away; health on the road; setting up camp; hobbies and pursuits; and safety and maintenance, as well as a state-by-state breakdown featuring detailed maps showing major roads and attractions.
This comprehensive guide has been fully revised to include new material on superannuation, mobile communications, wireless internet connections, global positioning systems, caravan park prices and electoral registration, as well as the most up-to-date contact phone numbers, websites and prices. New chapter Six of the Best details several grey nomads personal experiences on half a dozen of the most iconic roads and tracks in Australia.
From the cities and the caravan parks to the bush camps and the campfires, grey nomads can't afford to leave home without the revised The Grey Nomad's Guidebook!”

Wow. Sounds great. Anyway, shameless plug over! Normal Nomad service will be resumed on Monday.

April 30

Fresh Start for Fossils
A museum in Canowindra, west of Bathurst in New South Wales, has come up with an innovative way to attract volunteers to help out there ... and hopefully it’s one that could be adopted elsewhere.
The town’s Age of Fishes Museum has filed a request with Cabonne Council, asking that volunteers from outside the region be given free access to a powered site at Canowindra Caravan Park for the duration of their stay.
Board member Monica Yeung said it was hoped the initiative would provide a boost for the museum, which often struggles to source volunteers with experience in science and geology.
“We are always looking for volunteers with an interest in geology,” she told the Canowindra News newspaper. “This would be a nice gesture to attract and thank volunteers willing to travel from interstate to help a museum like ours  ... this is also an innovative idea that has the potential to start a trend for other organisations in the area.”
Museum volunteer Don Spalding, from Parramatta, said he would take up the offer of a free caravan park site and saw it as an extra incentive for working at the museum.
“It’s an added selling point,” Mr Spalding said. “I love the country and the museum and this would be another reason to come out here.”
Canowindra, which is popularly known as the Balloon Capital of Australia, is a pleasant country town with a population of approximately 2,000. It attracted great attention a while ago when an ancient fish fossil site was discovered nearby. The fossils are believed to be 360 million years old, preserved in rock.
The Age of Fishes Museum currently relies on volunteers to operate and will need to attract 10,000 visitors annually before it can employ casual staff. Current visitation is 8500 people annually.
Anyway, Cabonne Council has indicated its support for the proposal on the basis that it will benefit the museum, as well as having flow through advantages for other Canowindra businesses. Volunteers, however, would need to commit to a minimum number of working hours to have access to the caravan park for free.
Good on yer, Canowindra. Sounds like a great idea offering a win-win for everybody concerned. Hopefully, you’ve really got something started.

April 29

Fire Ravages Site
If ever there was a compelling argument for continuing to do your maintenance checks with vigilance and regularity, then incidents like the one at South West Rocks in northern New South Wales over Easter is it.
A 75-year-old woman camper came back from an outing to a very nasty surprise ...  the camper-trailer she was staying in had been reduced to a smouldering pile of ashes!
Nearby campers on the Trial Bay ground said they noticed the trailer was on fire early in the evening while the lady was out.
“We heard a noise that sounded like a generator going but by the time we noticed it was too late,” said Sydneysider Pam Cliff, who, with her husband Peter, was camping on the next pitch.
Other campers rushed to throw water on the blaze, but were unable to put out the fire.
“It happened so quickly and by the time we noticed it alight it was impossible for anyone to enter the camper-trailer,” Mrs Cliff told the Macleay Argus newspaper. Mrs Cliff’s own tent was probably saved because the wind blew the flames the other way.
South West Rocks fire brigade rushed to the scene and extinguished the blaze, but the trailer was totally destroyed. The only thing that survived was a sole camping chair. The police, who also attended, said the woman was taken to a motel for the night.
It is believed the fire started after gas from a leaking connection to a cylinder was ignited by a gas light.
Scary stuff indeed! Thank goodness no-one was hurt in this incident.

April 28

Tragedy in the Kimberley
The death of a young British tourist in the Kimberley is another tragic reminder – if any were needed – that the rugged Australian country-side is a dangerous place for the unwary or the unlucky.
The 19-year-old died after he slipped and fell into Lennard Gorge while taking photographs.  He landed 20 metres below from where he had been standing and although his two friends climbed down into the gorge to try to resuscitate him, it was too late. State Emergency Service rope rescue teams from Broome and Kununurra travelled to the scene – some 250 kilometres from Derby in WA's far north –and recovered the man’s body yesterday morning.
A post mortem will be performed at Derby Regional Hospital and Derby Police will prepare a report for the State Coroner. Family members in the UK are being notified.
It seems such a terrible tragic waste of a young life. However, it proves all too graphically once again that one moment of poor judgment can be incredibly costly in such an unforgiving environment. None of us are immune from making mistakes or being caught by surprise and we must all remain vigilant and sensibly cautious. No matter how many people find their way out to the Outback, it remains – and hopefully always will – a wild and uncompromising place to be. 

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April 27

Sticker Celebration!
Friends, Australians, grey nomads! The day that some were beginning to doubt would ever dawn is nearly upon us. Yes, the long-promised, never-delivered, grey nomad website bumper stickers will be with us at some stage this week.   It is official. It is confirmed. It is going to happen!
Now, those of you who participated in last year’s wildly hyped ‘forum fun day’ will have already put your names forward for delivery of your completely free grey nomad bumper stickers. Stand by your mail
box, guys!
But now, as a way of apologising for the unbelievably late arrival of the stickers, we are making them available free of charge to all grey nomads. That’s right ... completely free to all! Simply email us your name and address here and wait for a very special delivery.
Just think. Soon you will be able to identify yourself as a www.thegreynomads.com.au visitor. Perhaps, you’ll be able to share an unexpected happy hour drink with a friend from the forum or maybe you’ll just encourage some other traveller to join the online grey nomads community.  It’s an exciting time that again re-enforces just how far this website has come.
While the exact design of the bumper stickers remains a closely guarded secret, I can reveal that they measure 5 centimetres by 20 centimetres. Small enough as to not dominate ... yet big enough to create a bit of interest  and to enable you to nail your colours to the mast. Yup, if you don’t want to wait for a lucky sticker sighting at a camping area near you to see the exciting design for yourself, email your details here immediately. It’s a huge wait-by-your-mail box event  that some over-eager nomads are already labelling “bigger than Ben Hur’. Trust me. You do not want to miss out on this!     

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April 24

Crackdown in Byron
Byron Bay in northern New South Wales is the latest place to crack down on ‘illegal’ camping.
Apparently, residents have become increasingly agitated about the numbers of campervans and the like parking up for the night at the beach, in the CBD, and even in residential areas.
They have told Byron Shire Council that the sneaky campers contribute nothing to the local economy, take up already scarce parking spots and leave piles of rubbish behind. Now, Byron Bay is an incredibly popular backpacker destination and it’s probably them – more than the odd grey nomad - who will feel the effects of the clampdown. But it’s still interesting to know which way the wind is blowing in terms of  ‘free’ camping ... and we suspect other areas will be replicating Byron’s approach.
Up until now the council there has basically installed signs that prohibit parking between 1am and 6am, and sent rangers out to conduct the occasional early morning patrol on known problem streets, moving campers on and issuing fines.
But, the Northern Star newspaper says that a report to be presented to the council concedes the current approach is failing to stop the spread of illegal camping, and proposes new ways to crackdown on the practice.
“Even with the best intent and vigorous enforcement, response is still a reactive, rather than proactive approach, and only addresses the problem after the damage or nuisance has occurred,” the report says.
Now it’s looking to get more serious. Proposed measures include a more concerted and consistent enforcement effort by council rangers, more frequent liaison with campervan hire, caravan parks, backpacker and rental companies, 24-hour access to accommodation, and a push for greater use of highway rest areas at Bangalow, Tyagarah, North Ocean Shores and Yelgun.
The council also plans to use big electronic message boards at peak holiday or event times, warning that street camping will not be tolerated.
The report says the measures may cause camping and caravan groups to think the area is a ‘non-friendly’ destination for campers, but support for tougher action on street camping would be expected by residents and accommodation businesses.

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April 23

Northward Bound
The great annual post-Easter migration of grey nomads heading north to avoid the chilly southern winter is well and truly on again.
Numbers are expected to be as high as the negative consequences of the global financial crisis are being to some extent offset by a lowering in fuel prices.
Of course, one of the most popular destinations remains the Sunshine State itself, and the CEO of Caravanning Queensland, Ron Chapman, reckons he knows exactly why.
"The warmer weather, uncrowded beaches, diverse national parks and expansive Outback areas are just some of Queensland's appeal," Mr Chapman told the Brisbane Times. "Victorians and New South Welshmen in particular are keen to escape the cold by spending a few months travelling around Queensland ... many come back year after year and have permanent bookings at key tourist parks along the coast."
It’s a fantastic time of the year for grey nomads. As well as the sunshine, there’s meeting up with old friends to look forward to ... and, of course, the prospect of making so many new ones. And there’s so much new country to explore, so many great camps to discover and perhaps even a fish or two to land.
What a life!

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April 22

Caravan Culture
Three Sunshine Coast caravan parks have been given heritage listing as the authorities perhaps begin to acknowledge both the current and historical importance of this great Aussie holidaying tradition.
The three newly heritage-listed caravan parks are the privately-run Tripcony Hibiscus Caravan Park at Caloundra, and Cotton Tree and Noosa River, operated by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
“Seaside holidays are in our blood,” said the chairman of The Queensland Heritage Council, David Eades. “These three caravan parks not only demonstrate the evolution of tourist accommodation but remain true examples of waterfront caravan parks that blended nature with accessible, affordable amenities.”
Rapid development on the Sunshine Coast in the past 25 years has created a land squeeze for other prime waterfront accommodation, with at least eight caravan parks and some council camping reserves closing.
Mr Eades said heritage listing would not impact on the day-to-day running of the caravan parks.
“It will be business as usual,” he said.“I can say these listings have been made with the blessing of the owners and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council. They stem the loss of caravan sites on the coast – and retain that immediate access to the water for holidaymakers.”
He said that while the heritage listing wouldn’t stop facilities from being upgraded, it would stop future changes of use, assuring the continuation of these places as caravan parks for many years to come.
Thomas Booker, owner of Tripcony Hibiscus Caravan Park, applauded the heritage decision.
“This, on top of confirmation of a 30-year lease, gives us confidence in the future,” Mr Booker said. “We can move ahead with our planned redevelopment, bringing facilities up to the 21st century.”
Heritage reports show that the three sites drew holidaymakers to their shores well before caravanning became fashionable in the 1950s.
Salvation Army advertising suggests Cotton Tree was a popular campsite as early as the 1880s.
The Tripcony Hibiscus site has attracted campers since around 1912. Noosa River has been a camping destination since the 1920s.
All three quickly became prime destinations for caravan enthusiasts with the upsurge in road holidays and private car – and caravan – ownership from the 1950s.

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April 21

Need Inspiration?
If you’re in or around Sydney over the next few days, it may be worth ducking into the NSW Caravan Camping 4WD and Holiday Supershow at Rosehill Racecourse.
It’s billed as the biggest event of its type in Australia, with more than 500 state-of-the-art caravans, camper-vans and motorhomes on display, as well as exhibits and entertainment. The event is already under way and runs until April 26.
More than 75,000 people expected to attend this year, an awful lot of whom will be grey nomads or wannabe grey nomads. The scale of the show underlines yet again the growing importance and popularity of caravan and camping. Indeed, it is said to be among the fastest growing sectors in tourism, with annual growth rates of more than 10 per cent over the past 12 years.
The Supershow is open 10am-5pm every day and there is plenty of free parking. Admission is $19 for adults and $14 for pensioners and senior card holders.
See you there.

April 20

Families Rule OK! 
The results are in. The votes have been counted. And the verdict in our controversial poll asking: “should families be banned from caravan parks and camping areas?” has shown what a caring, sharing, understanding bunch we all are.
Yup, by an overwhelming margin of some 83% to 17% you have decided that the fun-loving ankle biters should be free to menace the grey nomad population with their speeding bikes, and that hardworking mums should be allowed to clog up the washing machines in caravan park laundry rooms. It’s a shock outcome!
Thanks to all who responded to the poll and it certainly proved to be an emotive issue.
One correspondent even took the extraordinary step of labelling our tongue-in-cheek holiday conundrum as ‘silly’.
“All it will succeed in doing is bring the grumpy old twits out in force,” he wrote. “To travel and have a different outlook on life should be an experience that everyone, young and old should enjoy.”
It’s a good point and well made.
The family-loving writer then goes one step further suggesting that as grey nomads have the advantage of being able to travel in "off peak" times they should let the families have the run of the place in the peak periods.
Holy smokes! Has the cunning plan backfired?
But most of you recognised the right of everyone to enjoy this great land and many fondly recalled the pleasure they had in taking their own young families out on the road.
“Grey nomads started as kids camping, train them young, train them early and they learn from their dads,” said another nomad correspondent. “Like the lore of tarps, huge barbecues, chairs, beer hour etc and how to survive a 10 inch downpour.”
There were, of course, a number of you who rather liked the idea of a camping place free of children, with segregated areas for families and older travellers one thought-provoking suggestion.
In the main, however, “live and let live” and “show respect and earn respect” were the overwhelmingly positive themes.
Good on you all. There’s certainly nothing like a controversial subject to get the in-box bulging. Maybe next week we’ll ask whether dogs should be banned from caravan parks and camping areas. Gulp!

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April 17

The Great Escape
High winds are notoriously dangerous for caravanners
... and not just when the vehicles are on the road!
A couple were extremely lucky to escape without serious injury earlier this week when a 12-metre tree branch fell on their caravan as they slept in the South Australian town of Robe.
The Border Mail reports that South East emergency services were relieved that minimal damage was caused when a strong front drove wild weather across the region, including around 1000 lightning strikes and gale force winds.
The only emergency situation arose when gusty wind at the height of the storm resulted in a woman being trapped in her caravan after a 12-metre pine tree branch fell on the poptop caravan she and her husband were sleeping in. Miraculously, the woman sustained only minor scratches and the man escaped completely unscathed.
Robe CFS captain Rodney McMartin said the branch fell onto the van’s annexe and pierced the roof of the caravan, taking crews an hour to remove.
Mr McMartin said the accident could have been “very nasty” and said the couple were lucky to escape unhurt.
Winds of just under 100kph were recorded at Naracoorte, Robe and Cape Jaffa.
And the moral of the story is ... be careful where you park up for the night. Tumbling tree limbs do cost lives.

April 16

Should we ban Families?
It’s official. The caravanning lifestyle is well and truly back in vogue ... as any of you out and about over the Easter weekend and the ongoing school holidays can no doubt testify.  
Some people say it is the wonderful experience a camping trip offers, some people say it is the economic downturn ... but the reason behind the trend is perhaps unimportant. It’s the ‘No Vacancy’ signs and the queues for the showers that really matter!  
Caravan, RV and Accommodation Industry of Australia chief executive Ben Yates said better infrastructure, cushier caravans, good prices and locations, and the atmosphere of the parks were behind the change. 
“We’re finding we’re getting a lot more people who may not have holidayed in our industry before who are a bit more frugal with their spending,” he said. “Frugal is the new black, and it’s no longer the case where you spend exorbitant amounts on big trips. It’s more about being careful but still having the experience.” 
No wonder the caravan industry is expected to continue to grow. You just have to look at the Easter experience of Tassie to see what is going on. 
According to local media, local and interstate holiday-makers have swarmed to the parks in record numbers. 
One Bruny Island caravan park owner has reportedly turned away more than 1000 hopefuls ... hundreds more than ever before.  
The Tourism Council of Tasmania believes the influx is probably linked to the economic downturn.  
"In tough economic times people still want to have a holiday but they are forced to trade down and really look for value,"  the council's chief executive officer, Daniel Hanna, said.  “These parks certainly offer value for money and a good family getaway."  
Port Arthur Caravan and Cabin Park is a great example. Owner Tony McIntyre said he could have filled his park twice over.  
"We're busy every Easter and we generally have the same people each year," he said. “But we've definitely turned away more than usual."  
It’s great to see such growing interest in the caravanning lifestyle. It’s great to see families enjoying the great outdoors and discovering the beauty of this wonderful country together. And, it must be said, it’ll be great when the holidays are over as well! 
So, do you think all these 9-5ers and bike-riding ankle biters are a nuisance and should get back to work and school as soon as possible, or do they enhance the grey nomad experience, allowing us to even more fully appreciate our endless good fortune? 
Email us here to register your vote in this exclusive www.thegreynomads.com.au poll.
Email "Ban" if you want to see all under-50s excluded en masse from caravan parks and camping areas Australia-wide. Email "Freedom for All" if you would like to see these youthful intruders continue to wreak havoc on our peaceful lifestyle by using 'our' amenities blocks and laundry facilities. Results will be announced in next Monday’s ‘Nomad’.

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April 15

Make a List, Check it Twice
The importance of those regular vehicle maintenance and ‘let’s-get-ready-to-roll’ checks can scarcely be emphasised enough.
While most of the time there is no problem and the only real gain is peace of mind, you can bet your bottom dollar that the one time you forget to give everything the once over you will have a drama.
Just ask the grey-nomad couple from Esk in south-east Queensland who ran into a spot of bother. Earlier this week, their caravan became detached from their towing vehicle and ploughed into a pedestrian sign. And guess where it happened? Right in front of Mt Isa Police Station, of course!
Happily, nobody was hurt in the incident and after initially becoming stuck, the red-faced nomads and the police managed to free the caravan by pushing on the sign.
According to a report in the north West Star, the couple said it was the first time they had run into any trouble during their travels.
They plan to continue their tour through Mount Isa to Alice Springs and along the Western Australian coast.
And the moral of the story is ... always check, check and check again. Especially if you are parked in front of a police station.

April 14

Holiday Cheer
We hope you all had a happy and peaceful Easter. By all accounts, the caravan parks and camping areas have been full to bursting this holiday season. We trust you’ve all managed to cope cheerfully with the queues at the amenities blocks, the children racing around on their bikes, and the general increase in noise levels.
Sometimes the change in the atmosphere and the change in activity can serve as a welcome reminder of just how lucky we are. To see people squeezing in a few days or a few weeks holiday between work commitments should remind us of just how privileged many of us are not to be restricted by such schedules. Of course, there are plenty reading this who were among the Easter campers still dreaming of packing in their jobs and joining the grey nomad revolution. Hopefully, this short taste of the lifestyle - even in such crowded conditions - enables them to imagine just how wonderful it will be when the crowds have dispersed. Join us!
Still on Easter, the national holiday road toll has finished at 14, after two more deaths on Monday. Queensland and New South Wales both recorded five deaths. Victoria, Western Australia, the ACT and Tasmania all recorded one death each. South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory were fatality free. Last year's national road toll was 21.
In South Australia, traffic support branch Superintendent Mark Fairney praised the efforts of Easter road-users – and said he hoped the safe driving behaviour would continue beyond Easter.
"Motorists have shown in 2008 that a reduction in the road toll is possible, it's not a dream and we can do it again," Supt Fairney said. "Think beyond your destination, think about the journey."
It’s good advice that we should all heed.

April 9

Not Just Deserts
It’s that time of the year again and the wildflowers have begun blooming in far south-western Queensland.
The desert region is now reportedly lush with vegetation and the sight is expected to draw tens of thousands to the Birdsville area this winter. Jess Cullen from the Birdsville Hotel said that flooding earlier this year means the usually arid environment is looking spectacular.
"There's definitely lots of flowers around - a lot more up - and the bird-life is just incredible," she told the ABC. "At the moment it's basically just a red background and it's just green wildlife everywhere. It's definitely worth having a look ... just to see the desert in green, completely different to what it has been for the last few years."
The ranger in charge of the Simpson Desert National Park, Don Rowlands, says tourist buses, caravans and plenty of light planes have been arriving in recent weeks.
"There is a real buzz in the air,” he said. "People coming across to come and have a look down at Lake Eyre ... it really is a picture."

April 8

Support the RFDS
The Royal Flying Doctor Service is expecting its busiest Easter on record this weekend and is reminding grey nomads and others to drive carefully and act safely during the holiday break.
Close to 80 people were transferred to hospitals last Easter in Western Australia alone - which was the busiest Easter period ever for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
"We are well prepared," RFDS Medical Director Dr Stephen Langford said. "Last year we transferred 76 patients all over Western Australia during the Easter weekend and, of those emergencies, 67 patients were transferred to hospital on our fixed wing aircraft and nine were airlifted from areas closer to the city on the Fire and Emergency Services Authority rescue helicopter under the care of an RFDS doctor."
The WA Minister for Regional Development Brendon Grylls echoed the call from the RFDS asking people to act safely this Easter.
"It is important for holiday makers not only to take care while driving but think about safety issues when camping out, swimming or holidaying in remote areas," Mr Grylls said. "Last year, Good Friday was the busiest day for the service when 24 patients from all over the state were transferred to hospital with a range of serious medical conditions.
"If people drive safely and act safely during the holiday season, then it may make the workload of the Royal Flying Doctor a little easier, but more importantly, it keeps families safe from harm."
The RFDS has 12 aircraft which cover a service area in WA of 2.5 million square kilometres and saves the lives of many patients in remote areas who may not survive a trip to hospital by road.

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April 6

Much Ado about Nothing
Three Belgian tourists travelling in the outback have turned up alive and well after unknowingly sparking a police search for them.
The Northern Territory police were alerted to the fact that the trio were missing after failing to rendezvous with a friend in Alice Springs at a pre-arranged time on Friday.
Yesterday, the three men, who were on a sight-seeing trip to Serpentine Gorge and Ochre Pits, about 100km west of Alice Springs, showed up at a police station safe and well after hearing media reports about their disappearance. A Northern Territory police spokeswoman said a misunderstanding between the friends had set off the search.
"They were made aware of the fact that they were deemed to be missing and they thought `oh, that's no good', so they contacted their closest police station," she told the media.
"Obviously they had continued and there was a misunderstanding about whether they were expected to ring this chap or not.
“Hermannsburg police went to all those areas that they had said they were going to visit before heading back to Alice Springs, and they (the police) went even further outside those areas in a ground search."

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April 3

Something to Crow About
Hope springs eternal for all of you adventurous birdwatchers out there.
While the seemingly never-ending drought may have taken its toll and there are reports of fewer waterbirds in spots like South Australia's Lake Eyre, the picture is not so bleak elsewhere.
Indeed, in western Queensland millions of waterbirds have reportedly flocked to the outback Diamantina Shire and are now breeding.
Diamantina Mayor Robbie Dare says plentiful food has caused huge numbers of ibis, pelicans and other birds to congregate around Bedourie and Birdsville.
"It's definitely a sight to see and anyone going down there just pull up at any creek crossing and you'll see millions of birds - fair dinkum it is unreal,” he told the ABC.
"Millions, there are millions and millions. Mainly Ibis - and a fair few pelicans are turning up and the darts and a lot of other smaller waterbirds.”
The mayor says that the water has fallen away in the shire and so the fish are getting more exposed.
“There's millions and millions of little fish there too, so it's a lot easier for the birds to feed,” he said. "While there is plenty of food there, they will stay … there is a lot of fish in that system."
Happy twitching.

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April 2

It's Showtime
Promotions have begun for the New South Wales Caravan, Camping, 4WD and Holiday Supershow to be held at Rosehill Racecourse from April 18-26.
The New South Wales Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Jodi McKay, says the largest caravan, RV and camping event in Australia will showcase more than 500 state-of-the-art caravans, campervans and motorhomes, as well as a large number of tents and camping accessories.
“Camping holidays are an inexpensive way for holiday makers to enjoy the many attractions and regional areas of New South Wales,” Ms McKay said. “It’s no wonder caravan and camping are amongst the fastest growing sectors in tourism, with annual growth rates of more than 10 per cent over the past 12 years.”
The event generally attracts some 75,000 people.
The CEO of the Caravan and Camping Industry Association, Barry Baillie, says the NSW Supershow will offers something for every budget.
 “Whether you choose to tow a caravan, drive a motorhome or stay in a holiday park cabin, the caravan and camping industry continues to be one of the best value of money holidays on offer and the NSW Supershow has it all on show over nine days for visitors to browse, choose and buy.”
Mr Baillie says that the theme of the NSW Supershow this year is ‘Caravanning… it’s Magic’ with Australia’s top magician, Matt Hollywood, making a GOLF caravan disappear right before the audience’s eyes on three occasions during the nine-day event.
Tania Kernaghan will also play twice daily with songs from her new album, ‘Livin’ The Dream’”.

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April 1

Floods hit Mid North Coast
What emergency services are describing as a one-in-100-year flood has left large parts of  New South Wales mid-north coast a disaster area.
More than 1,700 people are expected to remain trapped for up to three days and the ABC reports that the threat of further flooding in the region is serious.
Residents in the Coffs Harbour area say the damage rivals that of the devastating 1996 flood.
Ambulance crews worked through the night rescuing people in trouble, including a woman who went into labour while trapped at Urunga, south of Coffs Harbour.
They also spent 40 minutes saving a man who was stranded on the roof of his car after it was washed off a bridge.
Towns south of Coffs Harbour, including Bellingen, Darkwood, Urunga and Thora, are expected to remain cut off for two to three days.
State Emergency Service (SES) spokesman Dave Webber says crews have worked through the night to respond to nearly 810 requests for help in the towns, where 1,700 people are trapped.
Earlier this morning, Coffs Harbour Mayor Keith Rhoades told the ABC the full extent of the flooding had become clear.
"Tens of hundreds of people here on the Coffs coast are going to wake up and look at the inundation of their places of residence and their workplaces and just stand there and say, 'This is just terrible,' and it is," he said.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting more heavy rain, which could see floodwaters rise again today, and authorities are advising residents and visitors not to try to walk, ride or drive through flood-affected areas.
NSW Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan says emergency service workers from across the state are working hard to keep residents safe and people should listen to warnings to stay put and avoid the roads.
"There is a message there: look, this is nature. We need to take care," he said. "Please take advice from people, don't drive through flooded roads. That can be extremely dangerous to yourself and also the people who might have to try and rescue you.”
People with questions about the flood-affected areas are being urged to call 1800 227 228