By Phil Crockart
From my point of view there is nothing like the Australian bush, and it’s about a lot more than finding a cheap or free place to stay. It’s about waking up in some truly amazing places and feeling truly alive in nature. I will never forget something as simple as sitting drinking my morning coffee looking out at the spectacular wave of South Australia’s Pildappa Rock. Magical.
So what do we need?
Water: Our tanks carry 80 litres each, enough for four showers, three dish washings and the odd loo flush. We also buy water from supermarkets as we would rather spend a few dollars on known good water than risk our tanks being contaminated or contamination from unknown sources. On long trips, 30 litres of water is purchased and put into the vacant back seat. That is plenty for drinking etc.
Food: We make and freeze enough food for two weeks (14 meals each). We thaw meals as we travel and cook either on the gas, induction cooktop or camp fire, this does not include pub meals etc. We eat well.
Warmth: It’s been only once or twice we have free camped in the bitter cold. I looked at gas and diesel heaters and took the better and cheaper path (for us) and purchased a Queen-size electric blanket. On the bitter cold nights we run the blanket on the inverter. Most times the low voltage alarm (flat battery) will come on when the sun comes up. When connected to power we have a Dyson fan heater which works a treat.
Electricity: This is not about the debate on generators, it’s about common sense and being comfortable in your travels. We have had to use the genny a few times during free camping. Once to make a morning coffee, once to charge the battery bank and once to give us a hot shower when I wanted to preserve our gas supply.
Security: We all know the risks and some dangers of free camps. I have read a number of articles on security and made some modifications to the door of our caravan. Now I’m not saying we are impenetrable but I follow a few simple rules when I choose a camp site. First, are there doughnuts or skid marks from local hoons? If so I move on. Is there rubbish (especially alcohol bottles) scattered about? (move on). If the place looks okay and a few campers are there (safety in numbers) and it ‘feels’ safe let’s stop. I leave the Ute connected and only put the stabilisers down.
Like many grey nomads, we chose the lifestyle to explore, to go to new and exciting places, and to let our eyes see the marvels of this great country … and free camping has played an important part in helping us do just that.
