As the caravanning and camping lifestyle gets increasingly popular and campsites that were once reliably empty are now reliably overcrowded, a growing number of grey nomads are choosing to beat the crows by travelling off season.
And while having less people competing for a camping spot is a huge plus, there are challenges to ‘doing things the wrong way round.’
The severity of winters in Tassie, for example, can come as something of a surprise to ‘pampered mainlanders’, and – conversely – the heat and humidity of the tropical north can catch out those who have never experienced it in the warmer months.
The build-up is officially up and running in Northern Territory and travellers who have chosen to linger longer in the north this year are beginning to feel its impact.
Trying to keep coo! can be a full-time occupation when traveling iin the north during the build up. PIC: Kampus Production / Pexels
Over the next couple of months, the pre-monsoonal season will see temperatures and humidity rise sharply, and residents and visitors alike famously run the risk of ‘going troppo’ or experiencing ‘Mango madness’.
But there are serious upsides.
Now a veteran grey nomad, Patrick Barry, spent most of his working life in the Territory. And, speaking to the Grey Nomads a few years ago, he said any adventurous caravanners and motorhomers travelling in the north before, during, and after the wet season can expect a ‘very different experience’.
“Pre wet season, or the build up, is a good time to travel about the Top End as the scenery comes alive with greenery and wildlife, all the waterfalls are flowing, and most campsites are quiet and peaceful,” he said. “With all the amenities available in vans today, relief and comfort from the heat and humidity is fairly easy.”
The build-up generally lasts until December with Monsoonal rains arriving just before, or around, Christmas.
“The monsoonal period can be a little daunting in a caravan but there are plenty of periods you are able to get out and have a look around,” he said. “With modern technology available and fairly accurate weather reports it can be done safely, but be prepared to get a bit wet at times.”
Patrick says that after the wet season is also a good time to tour the Top End, with stunning scenery and the creeks and rivers in full flow.
And, of course, the fishing now is amazing. Authorities say that the increasing cloud cover and rainfall ignites the barra action, especially in the saltwater estuaries and the lower tidal river reaches.
Grey Nomad Members are being given the opportunity to win one of two double Gold Passes the spectacular Barrington Coast Airshow which will bring the skies over the NSW town of Taree to thrilling life on Saturday, November 9.
Each Double Gold Pass is worth $300
Click here to find out more about GN membership, the prize, and how to enter.
Members: If you wish to enter, please click here.
We’ve been up in the NT in September, October & early November regularly.
It’s great when the crowds have all headed back down South.
The weather is quite warm & humid but you get used to it.
We wouldn’t stay up there for the wet season though, with all the floodways across the main highways running, restricting travel.
Too wet & stormy for us.
The day school holidays end is the day we travel. Simple as that.
If I want to experience the discomfort of the build-up ever again, I’ll dress up in a lot of clothes, boil a big pot of water on the stove, and turn the diesel heater up to high