As the effects of Tropical Cyclone Alfred are felt across south east Queensland and beyond, the major weather event has served as yet another reminder of just how vulnerable grey nomads are to the vagaries of Mother Nature.
At the same time as high winds, torrential rain, and ocean surges are lashing the east coast, a number of bushfires are burning in WA, including one at Cape Range National Park near Exmouth, and several in the south.
Just over two months into 2025, we have already seen devastating bushfires wreak havoc across large swathes of Tasmania and Victoria, and now serious flooding in the east.
We have seen campers evacuated, roads become inaccessible, and tracks closed.
Mother Nature can bring dark clouds to the Big Lap horizon. PIC: Josh Sorenson / Pexels
The need to stay alert to potential dangers and to be prepared to adapt and move plans have then become an essential skill in the travellers’ toolkit.
Given the early warning of the danger that Cyclone Alfred represented, many travellers used that time to get out of the immediate danger zone, and to make sure they had taken all possible precautions and, if necessary, were properly hunkered down.
But sometimes events come as much more quickly and catch people out.
Veteran grey nomad Cynthia Kay recalls a visit to WA’s south west a number of years ago now.
“We were staying at Shannon National Park in the Southern Forests … absolutely beautiful spot,” she said. “It was a little breezy when we first got there but nothing special.”
However, things changed very, very quickly.
“I think the wind just crept up on us or rather leapt out at us,” said Cynthia. “Suddenly, it was like a gale force wind and things were rocking and trees were creaking and we felt, very, very unsafe.”
After a terrifying night, Cynthia and husband Mark wasted no time in getting out of there.
“It was still terribly windy and the rain was torrential and driving was horrific but we decided the safest thing we could to do was to get to Albany, a couple of hours or so away,” she said. “We were more than happy to splurge on a caravan park there to ride out the storm.”
However, the winds continued to howl and the heavens continues to open and, with their van rocking and leaking, Cynthia and Mark decided to make one last dramatic move.
“I think our nerves were well and truly shot by that time,” said Cynthia. “We actually grabbed our sleeping bags and ended up spending the night in the van park’s laundry room!”
After a dry but uncomfortable night among the washing machines, the couple were relieved to find their van was still there in the morning.
The storm had passed, and Cynthia says they had learned a valuable lesson.
“Yup, we are the ultimate weather nerds these days,” she said. “We always tune into local radio, and obsessively check websites and aps for potential road closures, storms, bushfires or other alerts … we just don’t want to get caught out again.”
WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO HISTORIC WINTON
Grey Nomad members are being given the chance to win one of two double passes for the 48th Historic Winton to be held May 24-25 at Winton Motor Raceway in Victoria. The fabulous event promises two full days of historic car racing and vehicle displays of the elegant, the rustic, the weird and wacky. Both double passes (each valued at $170) offer entry for two people for both days. Camping is available at the event.
Click here to learn about Historic Winton, our competition, and how to enter.
Members: If you wish to enter, please click here.
We are currently, riding out Cyclone Alfred at Kempsey Show Grounds, heading off tomorrow for the Great Ocean Road. The Slim Dusty Museum was brilliant as was South West Rocks
The majority of grey nomads don’t do a big lap.
Yes, we’ve had to ride out severe winds & torrential rain on the QLD coast along with being stuck in a flooded area in VIC.
Not a problem, we’re retired & don’t have be anywhere in particular at a certain time.