November - April 2008 ... The Nomad

April 30

There are only two kinds of Outback camping grey nomads … those who’ve seen it and those who haven’t.
I’m talking, of course, about the 2005 Aussie film, Wolf Creek. Before we go on, I have to admit that I’m one of those scaredy cats who hasn’t been game to press the play button. The movie, for those of you who don’t
know, traces the story of three young backpackers who buy a car in Broome and plan to head across the top end to Cairns. Unfortunately for them (and for those of us who don’t need any more reason to suffer the heebie jeebies) their car breaks down, they run into an Outback ‘character’, he tows them to an isolated campsite, and then …. Well, I’m not actually sure what happens then, but I know it’s pretty unpleasant and that it is dramatic enough to prompt people to constantly say: “You camp in the bush on your own … haven’t you seen Wolf Creek?”
Well, excuse me. But I love camping out there under the endless Outback sky, I enjoy the crackle of the campfire, and the knowledge that we are the only two people around. That there is no living soul for miles and miles. Ah … solitude.
“What was that?”
“What?”
“That noise.”
“I didn’t hear anything.”
“There ... there’s something in the bushes.”
Bloody Wolf Creek. I wish I’d never even heard of it. My advice is give it a wide berth and buy yourself an extra bottle of wine.
Enjoy.

• Have you seen the film? Has it affected your enjoyoment of camping out in the wilds? Or do you refuse to ever watch it? Email us here.

***

April 29

Residents of the small village of Bendemeer, 40 kilometres north-west of Tamworth at the junction of the New England and Oxley Highways, have appealed for free overnight parking to be banned.
A dozen or so of them told Tamworth Regional Council that they objected to having their rates having their rates used to subsidise caravan and motorhome users who stayed for free, used the town’s water, and then left again.
Hang on guys! What about all of the cash grey nomads and others spend at your local businesses? What about the fuel we buy when we stop there?
Understandably, however, the owner of the village’s only van park, Amy Geddes, is keen to see free parking made a thing of the past, saying it is hitting her business hard. 
The council has now voted to ban overnight stays in the village’s Memorial Park and has asked for a report on implementing a broader ban.
It’s an interesting issue for councils all across the country. Of course, nobody wants to see even more caravan parks driven out of business. Many older travellers stay nowhere else. But the reality is that, in general, the rigs being driven by grey nomads are larger and more luxurious than ever before. That means they are more self contained and many of us aren’t keen (or able to) to pay night after night for facilities that we don’t need.
Sure, caravan parks have an important role to play in nearly every around Australia trip - but so too does free camping.
Perhaps local authorities should look at the issue from both points of view and seek innovative solutions to try to keep everybody happy. If they simply adopt the “this town ain’t big enough for the both of us” approach and shoo free campers on, they could be left counting the cost for a long time to come.  

***

April 28

Caravan parks, 1 … Developers, 0
Another small … and perhaps temporary … victory for caravan parks over the developers, and their seemingly insatiable appetite for gobbling up desirable beachside locations. The 1,100 square metre Golden Beach Holiday Park near Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast has been taken off the market and will remain a van park… hooray! But the 70-site park already has council approval for the development of three 12-storey high-rises with a total of 278 apartments, so it’s surely only a matter of time.
Nonetheless, a small victory is still a victory. While sluggish market conditions may have been part of the reason for the withdrawal of the site, valued at $12 million, from sale, so too has been its increased profitability since managers Barbara Hamilton and Rick Parkes took over.
Occupancy has been significantly up since the pair took on the job at the beginning of the year. Their secret … organising happy hour drinks, hosting campsite dinners, encouraging camaraderie between campers, and trying to put a smile on people’s faces.
Keep up the good work Barbara and Rick …and keep those bulldozers at bay!

***

April 26

And so the time is near, the final curtain …Yup, the end of the road for the CDMA network is finally (and I really mean it this time) upon us.
As of midnight on Monday, April 28, your trusted old handset that has seen you talking to loved ones from all sorts of amazingly unlikely Outback spots, will work no more. Like it or not, the Next G network now offers you your best bet of being able to stay in contact while you are camping out bush.
Launched in 2006, Telstra’s Next G network promised improved coverage and services but was plagued by claims of poor coverage and inadequate handsets.
The government demanded that CDMA’s intitial January 28 switch-off date be delayed until Next G coverage issues had been addressed.
Now, while there are plenty of people still unconvinced by Telstra’s “you’ll get the same coverage as before” Next G pledge, it has become something of a moot point. The service is here now ... so make sure you've got your Next G phones organised.

***

April 23

South Australians are being urged to come up with innovative project ideas to help reduce the number and impact of road injuries and deaths in the state.
South Australia’s Motor Accident Commission says that despite under a third of the State’s population living in rural areas, each year about 59% of road crash fatalities and 50% of serious injuries occur on rural roads. The majority (66%) of these crashes involve drivers who are local residents.
While measures looking at excessive speed, drink-drive, drug drive, and seatbelts will perhaps draw the most attention, the MAC says it hopes to see groups also come up with ideas for driver reviver sites and other anti-fatigue measures.

• Incidentally, a recent online survey found that caravans, convoys of bikers and car flags are among the most annoying things on the road for motorists. Drivers chatting on mobiles and road users who litter the highway are also major gripes. Strange. No mention of tailgating truckies. They would have been top of my list.

April 18

Have you been appalled at some of the mess sometimes left by fellow travellers at places like rest areas and bush camping spots? Now, I think I can safely say that grey nomads are generally not to blame for litter, broken glass, or thoughtless disposal of toilet waste … but I guess it would be ridiculous to say that every older traveller is completely innocent, either. It must also be said that, for the most part, these non-serviced camping areas are pretty well respected and the vast majority of people do the right thing. Bottom line … Australia is pretty good but we could be better.Our friends across the Bass Strait are certainly not resting on their laurels. They are taking steps to improve standards at what they call freedom camping sites … that is places away from where camping facilities are provided.
The country’s Tourism Industry Association has convened the New Zealand Freedom Camping Forum to develop a new code emphasising respect for the environment and responsible camping. Apparently, there is growing concern about the impact of freedom camping in many parts of the country.
The code will include directions in several languages on acceptable disposal of toilet waste and rubbish, and links to information about where freedom camping is allowed.
Freedom camping policy guidelines are also being developed to assist local in putting together detailed freedom camping policies for their own regions.
Sounds fair enough. I suspect that over there, as well as over here, if campers don’t show respect for the places at which they spend the night, their right to camp in such places will be slowly eroded. Now, that is something none of us would like to see.

• Have you noticed bush camping areas and rest areas becoming messier? What can be done to reduce the problem? Email us to let us know what you think.

***

April 16

I think there’s a danger that all of these free travelling guides are going to take the adventure out of being a grey nomad. I mean where’s the fun in not getting lost? Where’s the fun in not panicking about finding a decent place to camp before dusk? Where’s the fun in not arguing about what we should have done differently?
The latest publication to make things even easier is the 2008 72-page version of the Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide. We’re told there’s plenty of information about all state’s Outback towns, including places to go, things to see, and where to stay. There’s also maps, distance charts and travelling tips, and info on unique events like yabby race sand dunny derbies. Like I say, these publications are simply taking all the fun out of the grey nomad experience. I’ll be jiggered if I’m going to get one. Having said that, the dunny derbies do sound rather intriguing!
Call Tourism Queensland on (07) 3535 5010 to get your copy of the guide.

***

April 15

Well, Mackay has had a pretty tough time of it of late. Certainly, the dramatic images of the major floods the area experienced recently can’t have been all that good for its tourism industry … or anything else for that matter.
Well, help is at hand … and a number of new initiatives could persuade more of us than ever to visit the tropical city and surrounds. Personally, I’ve always been a huge fan of this region and, in particular, the national parks. Top of the list … mainly because of the platypus spotting opportunities … is Eungella National Park and it’s this park that looks set to gain the most.
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle says Tourism Queensland and Mackay Tourism, under the State Government’s Regional Tourism Infrastructure and Investment Plan, are currently investigating three tourism initiatives that would highlight Eungella’s natural beauty and emphasise the region’s vast cultural heritage.
“We’re looking at establishing a mining trail, a South Sea Islander experience and a visitor centre for Eungella National Park,” she says. “I’ve got a plan for the future of tourism in Queensland – this plan is about making sure these regions continue to thrive and attract visitors from not only Queensland and interstate, but the rest of the world.”
Hang on Desley, we don’t want it getting too crowded! The government has also just launched a $1.2 million marketing campaign to attract southerners to the Great Barrier Reef Coast during winter.
The pre-feasibility studies of the proposed projects will all be completed within the next few months.

April 14

Bad news for all of you who like to pull in at the beautiful Lions Park near Forbes in inland New South Wales. Overnight camping will no longer be encouraged at the spot after Forbes Shire Council was asked to remove signs permitting 24 hour parking by the lake.
It seems that the Department of Lands has told council it will need a licence and to lodge a Development Application to allow 24 hour parking at Lions Park which is conveniently located close to the Newell Highway. Now, the signs, are to be removed but directional signage to the four commercial caravan parks in town will remain. That, of course, will be of little comfort to those who liked to stop, revive and survive at the pleasant spot without shelling out big bucks at a van park. The area’s recently commissioned Tourism Development and Marketing Plan indicated that many who currently spent the night at the free camping area will be unlikely to utilise commercial parks. Reading between the lines then, it would seem the council is none too happy about having to discourage free camping at Lions Park and says it has not given any undertaking to police the no-camping initiative!
Furthermore, as a way of still making grey nomads and other travellers feel welcome, the council is to investigate the establishment of a ‘primitive camping ground’ either at Lions Park, near Lions Park or possibly at another site altogether.
Free campers of the world unite. We shall overcome!

April 11

Good news for pet owners. In what could be the start of something big, Shoalhaven City Council is to allow dogs, cats and the rest into their 12 caravan parks … on a trial basis. The Holiday Haven caravan parks are in some top beachfront, riverfront and lakefront locations along the South Coast of NSW, but have previously been out of bounds for pet lovers.
While a number of non-council owned caravan parks in the Nowra area have always allowed our four-legged friends, the opportunity to stay in some of the spectacularly beautiful council parks will have many a tail wagging tonight.
Apparently, the lack of dog-friendly caravan parks along the coast of the Shoalhaven has been deterring quite a few travellers from visiting the region. Certainly, I know many grey nomads would rather stay at home themselves than leave their pet pooch behind. It doesn’t seem unreasonable to have some pets allowed … as long as they are kept under control, don’t cause a nuisance, and all of their little ‘packages’ are picked up.
Shoalhaven City Council agreed to vary its council tourist park pet policy to permit park managers to exercise discretion in allowing pets within the park during off-peak periods. Woof, woof!

• What do you think about pets being allowed to stay in van parks? Do you think Shoalhaven City Council is doing the right thing or are they barking mad? Email us to let us know.

***

April 10

Spiralling fuel costs are forcing more than a few grey nomads to have a real close look at their budgets and their itineraries … and their rigs.
Perhaps, the Sydney Morning Herald’s motoring editor, Joshua Dowling, has foreshadowed the way of the future for us impoverished travellers. He has just completed a five-day 3,930-kilometre trip from Sydney to Perth in a Smart car! For those of you who don’t know (and I didn’t) the Smart car - which measures just 2.5 metres - was developed as a clever parking solution in overcrowded European cities. Over here, it is more of a novelty vehicle, beloved by promotions companies.
According to Joshua, the Smart's tiny 990cc three-cylinder engine sips 4.7 litres of fuel per 100km but it has only a 35-litre tank. That means that at highway speeds its driving range is around 400 kilometres. Quite a contrast to the truckies who boast a tank capacity of 2600 litres and need only stop once for diesel between Sydney and Perth.
Joshua reckoned his fellow motorists were amazed that he would take on such a monster trip in a car of that size … and one truckie even reckoned he could fit the Smart car on the dashboard of his big rig. Apart from nearly runningout of fuel a couple of times, Joshua had no real problems though. He reckons his only fears were hitting a kangaroo (he thought he'd bounce off one rather than the other way around) and having a head-on with a truck. As he rightly points out, though. In the latter case, it wouldn’t really matter what type of car you're in: you wouldn’t be coming back from that.
In terms of across Australia fuel efficiency it sounds like the Smart car would be hard top beat … unless you were on a bike. But who’s going to be the first to try it while towing a 24’ van?

***

April 9

With a Mandarin speaking prime minister, the Beijing Olympics looming large, and a booming Chinese economy, I suppose it was only a matter of time before Aussie RVs started heading east as well.
The Gold Coast based outfit, Aussie Swagman Motorhomes, is showing the way, recently signing a $100 million joint venture to begin operations in China. The plan is for the vehicle’s shell to be exported to China where a team will assemble the luxury motorhome. The labour costs in China are obviously considerably cheaper than over here, but measures will be put in place to ensure construction standards remains just as high.
 By all accounts, the leisure market in China is expanding rapidly with huge demand from young people and grey nomads. The highways are said to be efficient and the camping sites available improving rapidly.
As Neil Ingram, the CEO of Swagman Motorhomes puts it: “We see exporting to the emerging market in China as a perfect opportunity for Swagman Motorhomes, with more and more Chinese looking to the leisure markets.”
With China’s population currently standing at around 1.3 billion, it’s not hard to see the potential if the grey nomad phenomenon really takes hold over there. Apparently, Swagman hopes to sell 200 units, at an average of $300,000, in its first year … and five times that the following year. Wow!
The world release of the RV2801, a 28 ft motorhome from Swagman's Next Generation range, will make its international debut at the China RV Show in Shanghai next month. China’s first ever RV show is apparently going to be a huge event as the savvy manufacturers vie to get in on the ground floor of an industry being driven by a booming economy, increased leisure time, and greater disposable income. 
Incidentally, I would love to know how the Chinese grey nomad experience differs with that of their Australian counterparts. I bet they still moan about fuel prices, have happy hour get togethers … and argue about the best way to reverse the rig into a site! And I’m sure they haven’t got as many snakes, crocs and road trains to worry about as we do. It is actually all starting to sound pretty good. I bet I know what Kevin and Therese have got planned for their retirement years! 

***

April 7

The latest crocodile attack in the Northern Territory again highlights just how vigilant all of us have to be when we venture north for the dry season.
For those of you who missed the news reports, a 36-year-old woman suffered eight puncture wounds to the left thigh, a cut to the right thigh and a severe cut to a finger when she was attacked by a 2.5-metre saltie at Walker Creek. She was able to live to tell the tale only because her incredibly brave husband jumped on the croc’s back and poked his fingers into its eyes, causing it to release her.
It seems certain that the numbers of croc attacks will continue to grow as their numbers increase and, as people like us, continue to venture into their part of the world.
Experts are again calling for a widespread media campaign to teach people about crocs and croc safety. That can certainly only help the situation. However, commonsense has to be the key factor here. Why do people have to camp so close to the water? Why do they have to stand in the river to fish? Why do they have to swim at that particular waterhole?
Litchfield National Park is unbelievably beautiful. Every day scores of people swim in those magnificent pools underneath cascading waterfalls. It is paradise.
However, I remember asking a ranger there which places were really safe to swim in and he looked at me and said: “The swimming pool when you get back to your hotel or van park.”  He wasn’t joking.

• Since 1971, there have been 13 fatal croc attacks reported in the Territory and 21 reported in Australia. Researchers say some 25% of the victims of croc attacks are under the influence at the time, and at least 90% of them are locals.

April 3

The ambitious plan to upgrade the Outback Way, providing an all-weather road link from Laverton in WA to Winton in Queensland has suffered a bit of a setback. The Outback Highway Development Council came away from a recent funds-hunting meeting with the Federal Government in Canberra virtually empty-handed. It was told the new Government's massive $17 billion election commitment to various other road projects meant there wasn’t much extra cash to spare for the Outback Highway project.
The highway is currently a 2800-kilometre-long series of roads and dirt crossing though Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. It takes in the Great Central Road, Gunbarrel Highway, Lasseter Highway, Stuart Highway, Plenty Highway, Donohue Highway and Kennedy Development Road and passes through Boulia, Alice Springs, Docker River and Warburton.
The dream is to have the existing 1700km of dirt transformed into an all-weather gravel surface, allowing easier freight movement, delivering health and educational benefits to remote communities and, of course, offering a more accessible adventure to nomads like yourselves. Oh, and apparently it takes 1600km off the current distance across the nation! Think of the fuel savings!
While work on highway upgrades hasn’t been as fast as some would like, progress is being made. Some $20 million has been spent on upgrading the Outback Way so far, and the search for more funding continues unabated.
The Outback Highway Development Council estimates it will cost $93 million to make the Outback Way all-weather, and a whopping $300 million to have the existing 1700km of dirt roads sealed.
Would it be worth it? I know I’d drive it (if only to avoid paying through the nose to visit Uluru!). And former deputy prime minister and chariman of Tourism Australia, Tim Fischer, certainly thinks so.
“We need the great Outback Highway today, more than ever before,” he says. “It is essential to the fabric of Outback Australia and of vital help to the tourism industry and the goal of tourism dispersal beyond the coastal fringe.”
Well, anyone who wears an Akubra as naturally as Tim does, must know what he’s talking about. $300 million! Maybe we should start a whip round.

***

April 1

On the 100th birthday of Witches Falls, Queensland’s first national park, the State government has unveiled plans to double the amount of land under national park control by 2020.
The Queensland Premier Anna Bligh says the total area under national park protection will rise from almost 7.6 million hectares to around 12 million hectares – that’s almost two Tasmanias or the size of North Korea. In addition, the total area under conservation tenure will grow from 8.3 million hectares to 20 million hectares – that’s the size of Scotland and England combined.
The massive expansion will be paid for by a new green fund, Eco Fund Queensland. The government says Eco Fund Queensland will be funded by government and by companies who will make a financial contribution to it as a way of offsetting against the negative environmental impacts of development projects.
The Premier says Queensland will get a double benefit.
“We cut emissions, and the jobs and economic activity associated with the off-set will stay right here at home,” she said. “New and expanded national parks and alternative energy projects will result. It’s a win win.”
The Eco Fund will be up and running by January 1 next year.
“We already have more area within national parks than any other State and, through this fund, we will add even more,” Ms Bligh said. “Queensland has 282 national parks, covering almost 7.6 million hectares from desert to rainforest to reef and we want more. Future generations will thank us for our foresight and planning.”
Ms Bligh has also announced that the government will spend an extra $643,000 encouraging people to visit the state’s national parks, making a grand total of nearly $2 million spent on national park promotional campaigns.
Sadly, the Premier made no mention of any plans to re-examine the Queensland National Parks book-ahead policy for camping which, judging by feedback received here at Grey Nomad Central, is causing an awful lot of grief out there on the road.

• Are you happy with Queensland National Parks book-ahead policy for camping? Or do you think it is detrimental to your carefree ‘we’ll-get-there-when-we-get-there’ travel itinerary? Have you ever arrived at a camping site you have ‘booked’ to find somebody else already in residence? Do you find that you sometimes want to extend your booking or cut short your visit but can't get a signal on your mobile or don't want to waste $1 per minute trying to sort it out? Email us here and share your views.

***

March 28

Exciting news for all of us who love travelling up and down the west coast. The first 10-kilometre stretch of the coastal road that will link Lancelin, just the north of Perth, to Cervantes has been completed. And, wait for it, it was done so four weeks ahead of schedule!
According to the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Alannah MacTiernan, that means stage two of the project can now begin earlier than planned. Construction of the remaining 55-kilometre stretch of the Lancelin to Cervantes coastal road project is now expected to be completed in 2011. It is the final section of what is known as the Indian Ocean Drive, which will ultimately link Perth's northern suburbs with coastal towns and tourist destinations all the way north as far as Dongara.
The Indian Ocean Drive offers a scenic alternative route for all us nomads seeking refuge from the high-speed freight traffic on the Brand Highway, and the Lancelin-Cervantes section will travel through the Nambung National Park (where the Pinnacles are), as well as the Wanagarren and Nilgen Nature Reserves.

• Another fantastic drive with staggering coastal views taking us into the heart of the places we want to visit without having to battle road trains and the like to get there. Sounds good, doesn’t it? But is there a downside to projects like this? Do you think some areas of outstanding natural beauty should not be ‘spoiled’ by roads? Do they take away the adventure? Email us here to let us know what you think.

***

March 27

Besides representing a major step towards solving one of the great wartime mysteries, the recent discovery of HMAS Sydney off the coast of Western Australia has also served to put the town of Geraldton even more firmly on the grey nomad must-visit destination list.
The ship was located largely intact some 66 years after it sank during a battle with the German raider Kormoran at the cost of 645 lives. Not surprisingly, Geraldton's Visitors Centre has since been inundated with inquiries from people wanting to pay their respects.
An HMAS Sydney memorial was opened in the city in 2001 and information tours are run five times a week. The Geraldton Tour Guide Association says grey nomads have been spreading the word about the memorial for a while now, and the discovery of the ruins will make it the first port of call for visitors.
Of course, Geraldton is already a natural stopping-off point for grey nomads venturing up or down the coast. In season, the wildflowers of the area are a huge drawcard, as are the beaches, the fishing and the climate. Camping spots at Coronation Beach and Ellendale Pool are highly recommended, and there are a number of excellent van parks, too. With the HMAS Sydney discovery so much at the forefront of our national consciousness, Geraldton is going to a happening place for a while to come.

• A national commemoration will be held on November 19, the 67th anniversary of the loss of HMAS Sydney II. A memorial service will be held at the HMAS Sydney II memorial site.

***

March 26

Still reeling in shock from the inflated fees you got stung for over the long weekend? Well, count yourselves lucky! One ‘resort’ in Busselton, Western Australia, is trying to charge luckless campers $1500 a week to park their caravan there. Ludicrous? Of course it is, and don’t the operators know it. So what’s going on?
Well, the Smiths Beach Resort is the upmarket replacement for the old Smiths Beach caravan park. It seems that when the Shire of Busselton granted approval for the resort, plans included 16 bays for caravan and park homes (of which 10 have been developed into park homes) and an area for 20 campsites. There were, however, no conditions that restricted the amount of money the resort could charge for a caravan bay. And what better way of frightening away caravanners and campers – whose faces no longer fitted – than by charging obscenely inflated fees?
According to a report in the Busselton Dunsborough Mail, one outraged couple were told that caravanners weren’t encouraged to stay at the site since the resort had a certain standard. They were apparently told that they would be better off, financially, if they stayed in one of the beach shacks or apartments (which cost $220 and $295 respectively a night in low season).
I’m sure all grey nomads will join us in wishing the Smiths Beach Resort and its management team all of the success they deserve … none at all! Thank goodness, the positive experiences of the Big Lap still outnumber the negative ones by about a million to one.

***

March 20

Here we go again! The Easter long weekend is upon us … it’s time to batten down the hatches and await the arrival of the rest of the camping world. Hopefully, you have managed to find a nice quiet spot away from the madding crowds, or a caravan park that hasn’t hiked its prices to stratospheric levels.
While having to queue to use the shower and having to dig ever deeper into your pocket for a site are both annoying holiday side effects, they pale into insignificance compared to the other common Easter occurrence … carnage on our roads! If, for whatever reason, you do find yourself on the move over the weekend, please take extra care. Time-poor holidaymakers take ridiculously long trips in ridiculously short times in order to ‘make the most of the long weekend’. It can result in tiredness, irritability, frustration and, ultimately, danger. Then, of course, the on-a-schedule truckies will still be flying up and down the highways and byways as usual. Time, thankfully, is one commodity that most of us are lucky enough to have in good supply … so let’s be courteous, considerate and safe.
Just to give you an idea of how dangerous our roads are becoming - according to the Australian Trucking Association, heavy vehicle fatalities in Queensland alone this year currently sits at 26 … that’s already 17 more than the same time last year. Scary stuff.

***

March 19

Hot on the heels of its New South Wales equivalent, Caravanning Queensland has launched the Queensland Caravan Park & Touring Accommodation Directory. The incredibly useful booklet contains 140 pages of information on places to stay, as well as regional tourism information, detailed RACQ maps, main Queensland themed routes and trip distances, and lots of travelling tips. You can pick up a free copy at all of the usual tourism outlets or download one from www.caravanqld.com.au. Failing that, the helpful folks at Caravanning Queensland are all too happy to post you out a copy. Just give them a ring on (07) 3862 1833.
Once you’ve received your copy, let us know if there have been “excessive” price hikes at parks you may have stayed out before … and we’ll try to find out how they try to justify the rises. Oh, and if you find any that have kept their tariffs the same or (good luck with this one) actually reduced their rates for older travellers, let us know that, too, and we’ll send them a special www.thegreynomads.com.au certificate of appreciation!

***

March 18

With all of this talk of climate change and global warming doing the rounds, maybe it’s only a matter of time before politicians start thinking about banning driving holidays or making the Big Lap around Australian illegal! Could grey nomads really become 21 st century outlaws? Could the quest for ever-scarcer fuel plunge us all into a Mad-Max style Outback adventure?
Gulp! But let’s not panic yet. Science could yet save our potentially endangered lifestyle.
Honda Motor of Japan is researching the use of a Rankine cycle-cogeneration unit that is designed to raise the efficiency of hybrid vehicles and could eventually have application in motorhomes. It recaptures the engine’s waste exhaust heat, which it then converts to steam and then electricity to recharge the batteries.
The system employs a high-pressure water pump to force water into an evaporator that creates steam, using the reaction of a catalyst. The steam is then sent to an expansion tank where it turns an electric generator that charges the batteries. I don’t know about you but I for one will sleep a little easier tonight knowing that the boffins are on the case.

***

March 17

The Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW (CCIA) has released the 2008 edition of The NSW Caravan & Camping Holiday & Touring Guide.
It’s full of information to help grey nomads looking for particular features such as sites accommodating larger RVs, ensuite sites or parks with internet facilities. The guide also provides comprehensive maps and regional information for destinations around the state.
“The guide is a valuable resource of information for caravanners and campers which simplifies the holiday planning process by including detailed listings of the facilities offered by holiday and tourist parks across New South Wales,” said Mr Barry Baillie, CEO, Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW (CCIA).
The Guide is available for free at Holiday and Tourist Park Members of the CCIA and commercial affiliates, Visitor Information Centres throughout NSW, and at various Caravan and Camping Shows. For $5 postage and handling, the guide can be ordered via www.tournsw.com.au or by calling CCIA on 02 9615 9999.

***

March 13

If you think it’s been wet and wild at camping spots along the east coast this summer, spare a thought for our mates in England who have been copping it pretty tough, as well.
Take the West Sands Caravan Park on Selsey beachfront in West Sussex, for example. This week, the place was indundated with water when waves came crashing over an 800m section of the shingle sea defences. Around 30 soggy people had to be rescued from the floodwaters and, at one point, there was genuine concern for their safety. At least us Aussies can now be pretty confident of drying out in a sea of sunshine … I wonder if they can say the same!

***

March 11

The small Victorian town of Edenhope is a friendly place… but it seems the small army of resident corellas there have well and truly outstayed their welcome. Indeed, the owners of Edenhope Lakeside Tourist Park say the noisy birds are scaring away guests … and leaving them out of pocket.
Since November last year, thousands of corellas have been roosting in the surrounding gums and cypress trees and, although Steve Ord and Eveline van Breugel try to move their non-paying visitors on each night, the next morning they are back … more disruptive and more destructive than ever.
In a letter to West Wimmera District Council, Mr Ord and Ms Breugel said the corellas had ripped up park grounds, destroyed plants, fouled caravans, damaged trees, broken windows and made an unholy din. Even a council-organised scare shoot had failed to have the desired effect. So, with guests tending to move on sooner rather than later, the corella crisis is really hitting the van park’s bottom line. If you’re a birdwatching enthusiast, or if you’re just curious, do the park a favour and put this one on your trip itinerary … it sounds like a stop you won’t forget. The corellas are expected to hang around until May or June.
The park is located on Lake Wallace, which is surrounded by a 5.5-km walking track. Besides corellas, twitchers may also expect to see a number of species of water birds, including black swans, ibis and the great crested grebe.

March 5

Don’t forget that the NSW Caravan, Camping, 4WD and Holiday Supershow is nearly upon us. If you’re passing through, planning a trip, or are taking a break from travelling, the mega-event which runs from March 29-April 6 at Rosehill Racecourse near Parramatta is certainly worth a look.
Organisers say there are hundreds of motorhomes, campervans, fifth wheelers and slide-ons to check out, and there will also be stacks of info about destinations from all around Australia. There will also be plenty of 4WD vehicles on display and a chance to learn some off-road techniques. As usual, there should be some great bargains on accessories and gadgets.
The show is open 10am-6pm daily. Adult admission costs $18, pensioners $13. Free parking is available.

***

March 3

Well, it seems like we’ve got company out there on the road. According to Queensland Tourism Minister, Desley Boyle, more and more young people – or ‘Generation Y nomads’ – are taking trips to the state’s regional areas. Apparently, the number of 18 to 24-year-olds touring has increased by nearly 70 per cent in the past year … and the number of ‘Y nomads’ is expected to continue to grow.
“While there may now be better roads, more comfortable cars and satellite navigation, for generations of 18-24 year olds a 'road trip' with friends has been a rite of passage,” the minister said “Its great to see a new generation choosing driving holidays.”
Couldn’t agree more ... just as long as they respect the rights of their fellow campers, and keep the racket down! And remember, they’re not really Generation Y nomads at all … they’re more like trainee grey nomads.
Have you noticed a big jump in the number of apprentice grey nomads on the road? What do you think about it? Drop us a line here to let us know.

***

Still in the Sunshine State (or the Smart State) … Tourism Queensland, the State Govermment, and the RACQ have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work more closely together to safely ‘drive’ tourists to the regions. With more than 560,000 touring holidaymakers in Queensland last year, it’s not surprising that the-powers-that-be want to make the most of the financial windfall that these travellers represent.
“Drive holidays provide maximum benefit for regional Queensland communities,” State Tourism Minister, Desley Boyle, said. “Every petrol stop, every overnight stay, every beer at the local pub is money in the pockets of the local community.”
Too right. But while it’s all very well seeing the grey nomads – and other big trippers – as mobile cash dispensers, the government might also start being more sympathetic to some of the issues they face. Spiralling fuel costs doesn’t make it any easier to pay top dollar for resort-style van parks offering facilities you don’t really need. It’s great for those who want them – and want to pay for them – but just make sure we have a choice.

***

February 5

With the ridiculous amount of water dumped on the east coast this summer, it’s time somebody came up with an idea to stop the poor caravanner floating away. Split Solitary Caravan Park at Sapphire Beach on the mid North Coast was just one of the many van parks which had to evacuate its guests as water levels rose dramatically. Apparently, two tourist cabins were flooded, while people wanting to use the park’s games room would found themselves knee-deep in water. Not good.
But it could have been worse, of course. In England, freak weather conditions at the end of last year actually washed 12 caravans off their sites at the Pool House Caravan Park and down the River Severn. The park’s owners are refusing to give in to nature, however, and are set to buy flotation devices capable of lifting vans up when floods strike. The caravans would still be attached to the ground and would return to their bases when flood waters receded.
It seems, these flotation devices have been in huge demand since the UK floods and, looking at weather patterns around the world, it’s not hard to see why. The flotation devices work with a cantilever or piston system that enables the van to rise up and down on the flood water. Essentially it becomes a boat at anchor, capable of rising 11 feet high.
If it doesn’t stop raining soon, I might see if I can find space for one of them in my rig!

***

The trend towards more resort-style van parks is gathering momentum, as they replace the traditional parks at a rate of knots … but not everybody is happy about it.
Not only do the fees tend to go through the roof as people are forced to pay for facilities they do not necessarily even want … but the atmosphere changes, too.
Regular campers at the Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park in Torquay, Victoria are worried that a planned revamp of the park, that will see new cabins built and some existing sites scrapped, will mean the park will use its ‘uniqueness’. They have formed the Torquay Concerned Campers Committee to help ensure the proposed work – which is part of the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee’s $5 million masterplan – doesn’t destroy what is good about the park, and alienate people who have been visiting for years.
The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee has welcomed community input into the proposed upgrade and written submissions will be accepted until February 22.
Visit: www.gorcc.com.au

***

January 26

In something of a climbdown for Telstra, the Telco has finally admitted what people out in the bush had been saying for some time … the Next G network is not as good as CDMA! The great CDMA switch-off – which had been scheduled to take place on January 28 – will now not take place until at least April 28.
The turnaround came in the wake of a report from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) confirming that Telstra had not met the benchmark requiring Next G to perform as well or better than the CDMA system. Communications Minister Stephen Conroy then ordered Telstra to report back to him by April 28 before any closure is allowed to proceed.
Senator Conroy said the ACMA had found that in rural areas Next G's handsets and equipment were not giving users the same level of coverage they had previously received. And the NSW Farmers Association recently released a survey of 1,200 farmers showing almost one third found Next G not as reliable as the CDMA network. Telstra Country Wide managing director Geoff Booth has now welcomed the delay, announcing he is confident that any issues with Next G will be ironed out by April 28. He urges anyone having problems with the Next G network or Next G handsets to get in touch so that all of the problems can be sorted.
So, here’s hoping that the saga will eventually have a happy ending, and that we’ll all enjoy an enhanced phone coverage when we’re camping out bush … rather than a worse one! It doesn’t seem an unreasonable expectation.

* * *

January 16

More evidence … if any were needed … that the grey nomad boom continues unabated comes from new statistics released by the Caravan, RV & Accommodation Industry of Australia. It seems that, in 2007, 63% of new caravans and recreational vehicles were bought by people aged 55 and over … that’s up from 57.9% in previous years.
The number of new RVs registered has also risen from 5317 in 1996 to more than 18,440 last year. Where will it all end?

Well, the ACCC has certainly been looking out for us recently. Its inquiry into the retail petrol market - while ruling out “obvious evidence” of collusion in fuel pricing - has said that thousands of petrol stations use new computer software to monitor the prices of competitors and then set their own prices. Nah… not obvious at all! So, the advice remains the same, try to buy your fuel on a Tuesday when prices are traditionally at their lowest. I wonder approximately how much cash the average grey nomad would save doing the Big Lap if they only bought fuel on Tuesdays, instead of say Wednesdays. Can anyone out there work it out?

* * *

January 8

What a wet and wild one it’s been for those of us caught up camping on the east coast. Horizontal rain, wild seas, dark and heavy clouds, rumbling thunder, floods … this isn’t the way it was portrayed in the grey nomad brochure! But are we happy? You betcha life we are! It’s certainly added a little bit of added excitement to the amenities block chit-chat and nowhere has the excitement been greater that at van parks at Kyogle, Wooyong, Evans Head and elsewhere, which were evacuated due to the rising waters.
It’s hard not to feel especially sorry for those families who have had their once-a-year camping trip tarnished by such severe weather conditions. For grey nomads, at least, tomorrow is another day and there is plenty of camping adventure and fun ahead.  Hopefully, it will make us appreciate those glorious sunny days all the more.

* * *

As the countdown to the great CDMA mobile phone network shutdown continues, the bickering over the effectiveness of the new Next-G network in remote areas continues. Telstra says it will appeal a ruling by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that said Telstra’s Next-G network “coverage everywhere you need it” adverts were misleading. Now, the Western Australian Nationals are demanding Telstra replace Next-G handsets that do not work. According to Nationals’ leader Brendon Grylls, thousands of people across regional Australia were talked into switching to handsets that were not compatible with rural fringe coverage. What about the grey nomads? Incidentally, I’m still holding on to my CDMA phone until they supposedly turn it off on January 28. Can anyone out there tell us how Next-G is stacking up out in the bush?

* * *

December 14

Well, the school holidays are nearly upon us. It’s time to park up somewhere as quiet (and inexpensive!) as possible and let the once-a-year holidaymakers have a small taste of what we can enjoy all year around. Except, of course, that most of the time we can do it without the huge crowds, without the exorbitantly-inflated camping costs, and without the constant risk of being mown down by about 100 kids’ bikes when we’re on our way to the amenities block.
For some grey nomads, it’s a time to try to hide away from the often noisy and sometimes thoughtless army of excited short-term campers. But, for others, it’s a time to reflect on just how lucky they are to be able to permanently live this on-the-road lifestyle. It’s a time to empathise with young families trying to snatch some quality away-from-the-everyday-pressures time with each other. It’s best not to get too worked up about the extra noise, the queues for the showers and the laundry, and the overflowing rubbish bins. They’ll all be back to their jobs and their schools soon enough, and the grey nomads will once again rule the campsites and caravan parks. Yup, it’s best not to get worked up … but I just wish those kids wouldn’t leave their bloody bikes in the toilet block doorway!  

* * *

Bushfires are continuing to devastate large areas of Kangaroo Island in South Australia … one life has already been lost, some 20,000 hectares burnt out, and one house destroyed. It’s yet another reminder to us all of just how a dangerous a country Australia can be. Of course, we as campers, have a responsibility to make sure that nothing we do runs the risk of triggering a fire. We also have a responsibility to ensure that we know how to behave in the event of being caught out near a bushfire. Sadly, our desire to head out into remote and beautiful countryside can occasionally put us in harm’s way. And it’s not just when we are out in the national parks and bush camps that bushfires may put us under threat. Apparently, firefighters in the south-west of Kangaroo Island have had to work very hard to protect a threatened caravan park, and who can forget the 2004 Eyre Peninsula blazes that left caravanners at one van park standing in the sea to gain protection from the flames! No … however much fun we are having, or however relaxed we are feeling … we must always be aware of the dangers. Mother Nature can be very cruel.

* * *

December 10

Well, surprise, surprise! The Federal Court has just found that Telstra misled customers about the coverage of its Next G mobile network. Apparently, the ‘everywhere you need it’ advertising line was just an incy-wincy bit far-fetched, as was the claim that Next G customers would get the same or even better coverage than they did on the CDMA network. I have been amazed at some of the places I have been able to get reception with my CDMA phone when attached to a booster aeriel. It’s really made a difference to me, and many nomads, having that communication option while out in the bush. I guess it’s going to be trial and error with the new Next G network but it already sounds like it’s not going to be as good. I guess that’s just the price of progress!

* * *

Have we got any budding Magda Szubanskis out there? Iris Pictures is making a documentary series for SBS Television called ‘About Women’. They are particularly interested in finding a couple of older women who are about to leave on a road trip, preferably in February 2008. The idea is just to talk about the motivations behind embarking on the adventure and the expectations they have of it. Could this be the start of something big? Drop researcher Kirsty de Vallance a line at kdevallance@irispictures.com.au if you are interested in finding out more.

December 4

It seems that the troubles in the American economy are having an effect on its recreational vehicle industry.  The bottom line is that nobody ‘has to have’ a top-of-the-range motorhome and - with house prices slumping, fuel prices soaring and optimism plummeting - sales are taking a hit. Indeed sales of RVs in the US are set to fall next year. I guess we have become so used to hearing endless positive news about the industry that talk of less people hitting the road – even in America – comes as a bit of a shock. Even more reason to enjoy it while we can … who knows what’s around the corner?

* * *

No, this isn’t a joke. A local council in Australia is reported to be actually considering buying some riverfront land to ESTABLISH a caravan park! According to the Murray Valley Standard newspaper, the Murray Bridge council in South Australia is seriously considering the idea. The land in question at Hume Reserve would be within walking distance of the CBD and sounds like it would be top spot. However, before we all get too excited, it is also reported that the ‘railway land’, which currently belongs to the state government will be put on the international real estate market in March, 2008. The government hopes to attract investors interested in developing a five-star accommodation and a conference centre. I hope the Murray Bridge council gets its way… but I know what the most likely outcome is. Nope, the dream of seeing caravan parks actually being established in beautiful waterfront spots may still be some way off.

* * *

November 29

According to new data released by Tourism Research Australia, 62% of grey nomads travel anti-clockwise when they’re doing the Big Lap. Interesting. Does this mean grey nomads are now going to be sub-divided into two separate categories… anti-clockies and clockies? And why didn’t the researchers grill this rebellious clockwise minority more about their reasons for doing so?
It can’t just be down to the old prevailing-wind-can-save-you-fuel-cash theory.There has to be more to it. Maybe they are just looking for attention. Or maybe they want more people to wave at coming in the opposite direction. Are there any clockies out there who can let me know what’s going on? After all, wouldn’t it be simpler if we all went in the same direction at the same time? I’m sure the tourism authorities tracking our movements and plotting more efficient ways to grab a slice of the grey dollar think so. So, I’ve only got one thing to say to you clockie troublemakers … stop acting like individuals and get into line!

* * *

Incidentally, the same Tourism Research Australia study found an increasing demand from grey nomads for ensuites at caravan parks. We’ve had mixed feedback from people about ensuite facilities. Obviously, those at the higher end of the rig scale boasting their own relatively spacious facilities are not as dependent on ensuites … and so aren’t as bothered. However, there is certainly no shortage of travellers who get quite enraged about the dearth of ensuites in some parks in some areas. Certainly, when the midnight walk becomes an inevitable part of life, there’s a lot to be said for having the facilities right there. And, have you noticed the amenities block seems to get further and further away from your site when it gets dark? Ten metres seems like miles when it’s quiet and creepy and everyone else is asleep. So, is it best to park up near the toilets or is the risk of other people waking you up as they do their own midnight walk too great? Problems, problems. And what about those parks that close off one or two of their amenities blocks as soon as it is not at full capacity! Grrrrrr! Don’t get me started on toilets!

* * *

November 26

Well, here’s a turn up for the books. A caravan park that actually wants to increase its capacity. With developers gobbling up desirable waterfront van parks like there’s no tomorrow, sometimes you wonder where we’re all going to be parking up in a year or two’s time. The Mackay region alone is facing the loss of several parks but, in a dramatic twist, the Andergrove Van Park actually wants to open up another 57 sites. It’s about time that people started to realise that not offering enough spaces to cater to the needs of grey nomads and other travellers means people start bypassing towns altogether, costing the local economy a fortune. Could this be the start of the reverse-trend or will the developer’s dollar continue to remove these irreplacable van parks forever? I know what I’m betting on.
Incidentally, the company that owns the Andergrove, the National Resort Group, is also opening a new resort south of Bowen, with 64 of the 186 available sites for tourists. What do you make of this new trend towards resort-style parks?  Do you think we end up paying for services we don’t really want in the first place. Email ‘The Nomad’ here.

* * *

Have you ever noticed how finding a payphone at a van park is getting harder and harder? It’s not always convenient or cost effective to use your mobile and you kind of expect public phones to be available. It seems, though, that at least in some parks they are an endangered species. Apparently, the lower use brought about by mobiles means they now offer very little return to the payphone owner. Help, though, could be at hand. OzVoIP.com, a Queensland-based internet telephone supply company, believes its coin-operated, stand-alone Internet payphone that operates on a broadband Internet connection could be the way of the future.
It says the payphone offers cheap calls to the user and, crucially, will deliver solid returns to businesses who, install them. Any business with a broadband connection can connect the phone for immediate use. It will offer calls at $1 for 10 minutes nationally, $2 for 10 minutes overseas, and $3 for 10 minutes to mobiles. The company hopes caravan parks and campgrounds will be important customers for the new product.

* * *

The Eyre Highway Operators Association … a group of businesses operating on the Nullarbor Plain … is formalising its alliance with WA police. The move will hopefully enable the organisation to better assist in emergencies and collect intelligence to help crime fighters.  Police say they have only got limited resources to police the normally quiet and always remote highway, and so the alliance with these businesses is vital, particularly in the event of incidents like motor vehicle crashes or chemical spills.

* * *

In a sign, perhaps, of things to come Gladstone City Council has imposed new regulations on two popular camping spots – Oaks on Facing Island and South End on Curtis Island.
It seems the campsites have been just a little too popular at some times of the year. Last Christmas there were apparently more than 70 campers at the Oaks …  now just 35 camping permits will be issued there at any one time; while a maximum capacity of 20 campsites have been issued for South End.
While grey nomads may not be the main group frequenting these particular sites, similar restrictions can probably be expected at other camping locations that are popular with older travellers. Watch this space.

* * *

A national survey in America has revealed that 25 per cent of people heading off on a family road trip experience stress related to packing the vehicle. The only surprise there is that the figure wasn’t higher. After all, we’ve all laughed at the couple in the van next door arguing about where someone or other has put the TV remote/GladWrap/envelopes/playing cards/boom gate key. Oh, it’s hilarious … until it happens to you! As we all know (and always forget), the secret is to have a place for everything and to have everything in its place. Anyway, American RV manufacturer Dodge was so appalled by this packing/stress link revelation that it decided to do something about it.  The company challenged 16 teams to pack more than 60 typically needed pre-determined items into an all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The winners, the super efficient Schindler family performed the task in under three minutes to win $5,0000 in expenses and the use of a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan for their next holiday. Did they cheat? It takes me that long to unzip my suitcase!
So, how long does it take you to pack for a big trip?

* * *

Okay, Australia is a big country with lots to see but have you ever thought where you might like to go next? It may be hard to imagine now but maybe in 10 years or so you might feel you’ve seen everything there is to see in this great southern land. Perhaps you think you might like to camp your way around the US, or Canada, or Europe.  And what about after that?  Well, maybe when your children’s children’s children are old enough to be grey nomads Antarctica or even the moon could be an option. Apparently, NASA is sending a prototype inflatable habitat (blow-up tent!) to Antarctica to see how it stands up during a year of use. The structure offers 384 square feet of living space and has, at its highest point, an eight-foot ceiling. It is insulated and heated, has power and is pressurised. NASA says the cold, isolated landscape of Antarctica is the perfect place to test one of its concepts for astronaut housing on the moon. Wouldn’t it have been easier to do the experiment in Tassie? Must dash.