Taking the Big Lap is one of the greatest adventures that anyone can undertake. Travelling this vast country in a caravan or motorhome will inevitably throw up plenty of surprises, generate memories for a lifetime, and spark new interests and hobbies.
Some long-term travellers unlock a passion for gem seeking, or for seeking out rural cemeteries, or for fishing, or stargazing, or painting.
Pretty much all though enjoy meeting new people and learning about the history of the places they are visiting. Greg and Helen M – like so many other grey nomads – have discovered that stopping at Outback pubs is a perfect way to do both of these things … and to give a little boost to the rural economy.
The couple spends between two and six months a year escaping the Victorian winter in their 22’ Roadstar off-road caravan towed by a 3.2-litre Ford Ranger.
And they are always on the lookout for a country pub with a warm welcome, a cold beer … and perhaps a place to camp for the night.
“We have actually visited 76 country pubs in our Aussie travels and like them for the friendly greetings you receive when you enter these old, sometimes remote, pubs,” said Greg. “We enjoy learning the history of not only the pub, but the area as well … and if it happens that some of locals are present, this is all the better.”
And with so many pubs visited, do the couple have a favourite?
“All the pubs have their individual charm but we do particularly like Cameron Corner and Mungarannie on the Birdsville Track, possibly because of the remoteness,” said Greg. “But, they all have something special to like about them and, last year, we particularly enjoyed the Yaraka Pub and enjoyed the company of the publicans.”
While many pubs permit free or at least quite cheap camping, often also allowing use of their facilities, Greg says it’s nice to be able to do something in return.
“We then make sure we support them by buying a meal and drinks,” he said. “And we think most grey nomads and caravanners and campers are like minded.”
Last year, Greg and Helen said they decided to get well and truly off the beaten track, away from the coastal area and to make Outback pubs their main focus … and they were not alone.
“We thought we would enjoy a very quiet holiday, remote enough to not have too many other tourists,” he said. “However, we soon realised that there were many other travellers who were doing exactly the same!”
