Just the start ... grey nomads are heading north early.
The great grey nomad northward migration seems to start earlier and earlier every year… and 2019 looks set to be no exception.
The Katherine Times reports that the convoys of caravans and motorhomes are already heading into the Northern Territory hotspot in what might be an attempt to beat the crowds. It’s not normally until well into May that the annual influx gets into full swing, but caravan park sites and car parks are already filling up.
Riverview Motel and Caravan Park manager Craig Batten told the newspaper there were a number of reasons why grey nomads had made such an early appearance.
“The grey nomads chat to each other constantly … word gets out that Katherine and all of the surrounding areas get really busy during the middle of the year, and a lot of them want to beat that,” he said. “Travelling around Australia in a caravan makes it easy to switch up plans and head in a different direction.”
Mr Batten said the glorious weather in the Centre and the cooling temperatures in the south were obviously adding to the temptation to head north early.
“The lack of a wet season is definitely a factor,” he said. “Roads are open and all the sites and swimming spots have been much more accessible.”
Grey nomads Gordon and Kerrie Crabb from Terrigal on the Central Coast of New South Wales told the Katherine Times that an early arrival gave them greater flexibility.
“If we had come a month later we would have had everything pre-booked, and that would have meant we were locked in,” said Ken. “We are happy to be about four weeks ahead of the pack, even if other people are also trying to beat the migration.”
During June, July and August, the 130 sites at Riverview Motel and Caravan Park are usually full, and some travellers booking sites up to 12 months in advance.
Given their early arrival, the Crabbs were amazed to find they already had plenty of company
“We were actually surprised by how many people were here already,” said Ken. “We heard it just gets crazy in June, July and August!”
We stayed at Camooweal waterhole last night & it was nearly empty & seeing very few vans on the road, now at Barkly Homestead & also quiet
HEADING UP FROM PERTH AT END OF JULY, ANY PLACES IN PARTICULAR THAT I NEED TO BOOK IN ADVANCE AND IF SO HOW FAR AHEAD. THANKS FOR ANY INFO AS THIS IS MY FIRST TRIP.
We are in Bourke and they are hoping a few more of us find our way here. No water in the river, no paddle boat ride, but still a town to experience . As we have been traveling full time for 3 years now it’s our first time in Bourke. http://www.eaglecam.info
This is my wife and myself first time travelling out of Tassy with the van.
Can anyone tell us some of the best spots to book into. And stay. Would prefer free camping if possible.