Grey nomads who have been travelling for decades have seen plenty of changes to the lifestyle … and not always for the better.
In their half century of camping, Tom and Angie Wallace (not their real names) have used tents, swags, rooftop tents, camper trailers and – for the last 20 years – caravans.
“Eleven years ago, we upgraded to a Kokoda 21’ on-road van with a shower, toilet and solar panels giving us the freedom we enjoy,” said Tom. “The Outback is our favourite place, simply due to its isolation, its beauty … and the great people we meet there.”
Last year though, the couple spent four weeks travelling between Rockhampton and Maroochydore and were shocked by the coastal crowds.
Grey Nomads like Tom and Angie enjoy the free camping offered by many country pubs.
“Some parks seemed like they were designed for 14’ vans,” said Tom. “People were camping on top of each other, and there were noises like toilet doors banging during the night and dogs barking.”
And Tom says the parks often charged ‘like wounded bulls’.
The couple were much happier when they began travelling inland from central Queensland to northern central NSW.
“The accommodation varied from bush camping beside rivers or lakes, to sports grounds and showgrounds; and from behind pubs to small town caravan parks,” said Tom. “We found fellow travellers doing this were more friendly, sharing campfires and happy hours, and generally did not camp on top of each other.”
And Tom and Angie were happy to observe most campers supporting local towns by getting supplies and fuel there.
While more crowded campsites is one change the couple don’t appreciate, they certainly do appreciate the improvements in camping equipment they have seen.
“We now have portable toilets and ensuite toilets instead of digging holes, and hot showers at the turn of the tap instead of hanging a bucket under a tree branch,” said Tom. “And there’s no more using torches held in your mouth for cooking, thanks to gas lamps and now LED lighting.”
Tom and Angie agree though that the most important ingredient to their happy half century of camping has been the passion they share for it.
“We are fortunate that we both enjoy the grey nomad lifestyle and have the same approach,” said Tom. “We love the freedom of not booking ahead and then, if we like a spot, we stay … if not, we move on.”
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Yes there have been major changes to the GN lifestyle over the last twenty years. One has to expect and accept changes especially with so many people older and young caravaning about the country.
I always found inland and regional areas the best to visit and stay.
I sometimes caretake small farms and rural properties meeting great people with a lot in common and making real good friends. Not a real lot has changed out in these regional areas, bush towns and communities. It’s where the real Australia is for me.
Cheers.
We agree with you, inland areas are far more interesting than resort style coastal locations.
The real Australia is out there in the bush camped all by yourselves with no-one else around.
We started out camping in a 2 man nylon tent over 40 years ago.
We went through 3 progressively larger canvas tents then 2 camper trailers & onto a 17ft caravan which we’ve owned for the past 14 years.
We mostly bush camp out by ourselves.
We’ve always had a great time over the years no matter what we’ve used to camp with.
The bush, its flora & fauna is what we’re interested in.
Do not see many cars and tents anymore.