The advance of technology is changing the way grey nomads travel so quickly that it seems that soon they might not even need to pack up and hit the open road at all!
Many futurists argue that all the sights and sounds of the Big Lap will one day be experienced from the comfort of an armchair, courtesy of a Virtual Reality (VR) headset … and, in some respects, it will be better than doing it for real.
While some Australian destinations have been putting together some relatively basic VR experiences, a team from the University of South Australia (UniSA) has taken things a step further to offer ‘visitors’ a 360-degree immersive VR ‘trip’ to the 600-million-year-old landscape of South Australia’s Flinders Ranges.
Travellers can experience an ancient Flinders Ranges sea bed. PIC: UniSA
The virtual tour takes viewers on a flight over rugged mountain ranges discovering how Ikara (Wilpena Pound) was formed; transports viewers underground through historic tunnels to experience the challenges of early copper miners; and includes a virtual swim on the Ediacaran seabed, home to the first animals on Earth.
For the leader of the project, UniSA geologist Tom Raimondo, it’s about a lot more than entertainment … it’s a chance to teach people about the remarkable history, cultural heritage and scientific value of the area.
A virtual trip is just like being there … or is it? PIC: Pexels
“In some ways it could be said to be better than a real travel experience in that you can soar above Wilpena Pound, go underground, and then go back in time to actually feel like you’re swimming with ancient sea creatures,” he said. “I think for many grey nomads, this Virtual Reality experience is a chance to get a completely new perspective on the Flinders either before or after they visit for real.”
And there is also the potential for VR to help retired grey nomads to keep ‘visiting’ the places they love … even when they are physically no longer able to get out there.
“A lot of work is going into making national parks more accessible and that can mean more than putting in walkways,” said Mr Raimondo. “VR can allow everyone to share in an experience even if they are unable to get into a cave, for example … the technology has a very bright future.”
As well as the virtual tour, the UniSA team has put together Flinders Ranges videos that can be viewed conventionally on a computer. Both elements can be viewed here.
WIN! WIN! WIN!Grey Nomad Members are being given the opportunity to win an organic bamboo fitted sheet set designed for caravans from Ecoluxe Travel Decor. The winner can choose a queen, double, or two singles. The prize is valued at approximately $100.
Click here to find out more about the prize, and how to enter.
Members: If you wish to enter, please click here.
Nothing can or will ever replace reality.
How is going to replace the cool wind in your face, mosquito’s, flies, flat tyre, stoking up the warm campfire. The full starry and moonlight nights. The howl of a dingo over on the hill. A dip under a waterfall.
Including the complete overall satisfaction of all the achievements, survival and hurtles overcome during a yearly trip away.
Safe travels.