Despite the number of stories about thefts from caravan parks or campsites, Australia is still, by and large, a safe and secure place to travel.
Just ask the tourist who visited the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road and left behind an expensive camera and $10,000 in cash.
Members of the public didn’t touch the bag containing the money and the camera worth $35,000, and it was eventually opened by Parks Victoria officers. The items were handed to police, who tracked down the owner through documents and a few international phone calls.
“The owner was very happy that Australians are very honest people,” said Port Campbell police Sergeant, David Banks. “We get a lot of property handed in but this was a bit different.”
While there is no doubt that there are thefts from caravan parks and camping grounds, and that many grey nomads are too trusting in leaving out everything from campchairs and fishing rods to fridges and generators … the fact is that most people are still honest, and that Australia is one of the safest places in the world to travel.
· Have you had an experience on the road that has restored your faith in mankind? Have you had lost property returned to you, or remembered you have left valuables behind only to return to find them untouched just where you left them? Comment below
