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The 2016 range for Eagle Caravans
looks absolutely brilliant!
All new models

released and
FULL OF
EXTRAS!
CONCORDE 19 6
The Concorde looks to soar with a layout thats sure to
impress. The perfect balance of features and comfort for
two. Available in either a queen or single beds.
The kitchen has plenty of access and ample bench space.
The front robes have hanging space as well as overhead
storage above the bed. The large windows at the front really
light up the bedroom area.
The full ensuite has an option to have a washing machine
and full height linen cupboard. The ensuite is a good size
for a 19 caravan.
This model is sure to be an Eagle favourite.
Canterbury Caravans Brisbane RVs Vacation Caravans

140 Centerbury Rd, Bayswater VIC 3153 284 Bruce Hwy, Burpengary QLD 4505 247 Main South Rd, Christchurch 8540
(03) 9729 8188 (07) 3888 3273 00 11 64 3343 5039
Visit www.eaglecaravans.com.au for more information

Tribal choice for your next getaway
Its a
Paramount!
ENFORCER 19 6
The Enforcer is a crowd
The L-shaped dining easily seats four pleaser for all, with its
people and keeps the layout open. accommodating extras
and family friendly design.
This model will
go wherever you like
with the off-road features
that make this caravan
truly tribal.
BM-Pro Management
System. 17 Wheels, 3.5t
Enduro suspension, twin
shockers for an easy ride.
Externally this model is
decked out for action with
a toolbox, checker-plate
Plenty of space up front all round, under-body
for the kids with drawers protection and 2x 150
and a large robe. watt solar panels.
Family fun off-road

with a difference
Available only by authorised dealerships.
Visit www.paramountcaravans.com.au for more information

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137
110 SPECIAL
FEATURE!
110 EASTER FAMILY
ont s
HOLIDAY GUIDE
r
Published March, 2017 Make the most out of you
iday this Eas ter!
family hol
www.caravanandmotorhome.com.au SAVE MONEY

147 Freds Best Penny Pinchers
22 HUON TRAIL, TAS 60 ALICE SPRINGS

TO ULURU, NT FESTIVAL
The best of Tasmania is on show here, 134 Boddington Rodeo
with coastal free camps, stunning Stunning gorges and canyons,
islands and enough attractions to wildowers and a big red rock await
TECH TALK
keep us entertained for weeks you on this journey to the centre
137 Motorhome
Shakedown Trip
42 LITCHFIELD AND 80 KARIJINI NATIONAL
KAKADU NATIONAL PARK, WA
PARKS, NT Explore and experience the
THE BETTER HALF
Feel the spirits of the country & connect breathtaking scenery and culture
152 Tips on Buying a
New Caravan
with the oldest living culture on earth at of the Pilbara Region fun for the
Kakadu and Litcheld National Parks whole family
42
92
22
FEATURES REGULARS RV PROFILES
92 CROWD-FREE CAMPS! 18 Letters 35 MDC XT17 HRT Off Road
Leave the crowds behind and enjoy
168 Gizmos and Gadgets 53 Elite Luxury Class 2010
173 ACC Letter Family Van
these stunningly scenic free camps 177 Next Issue
in complete peace! Its the guide 73 Golden Eagle Mino
youll be icking back to for years
to come
DEALER PROFILE
EXPERT ADVICE 160 Parravans Caravan World
120 STUART HIGHWAY - 154 Insider View
HOW-TO GUIDE Joseph Van Woerkom
165 Diesel Talk
PRODUCT PROFILES
The Stuart Highway is alive with
incredible attractions, events and Berrima Diesel 159 Grasshopper Anti-Flap Kit
towns this is your complete guide 166 Ask the Expert 163 Oztent Malamoo Journey
to making it the trip of a life time Advantage Caravan Repairs Family Tent
PARK OF THE MONTH
120 171 Lake Boondooma Caravan

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MDC CAMPERS AND
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PH: 1300 494 494
W: www.mymdc.com.au
EDITORIAL
COASTAL
CARAVAN PARKS
UN E R ! ree s ut a deve
are forcing some of working person wont be able to afford that some had occupied for 25 years.
our favourite coastal to take these holidays. Caravan One Vietnam Veteran stood to lose an
caravan parks shut, parks have a place in our history but estimated $80,000, whilst others feared
and we couldnt unfortunately the economy speaks they would be left homeless, with no
be angrier. When louder than nostalgic values. laws to protect their rights.
theres more money to be made from One property group we looked at Where does this all stop? Weve got
lucrative resorts or shopping centres, already had 61 sites under their belt as record numbers in caravan sales and
who loses out? We do! of last year. The developer specifically manufacturing, but it looks like the
The latest victim is a caravan park targets coastal areas, closing the money-grabbing developers are set to
at The Entrance on the Central Coast. caravan park and turning it into an force us off our own beachfronts! Not
The family friendly park is set to be Active Lifestyle Retreat. on my
torn down, with new zoning instead Its not just us travelling vanners
pegging it for unsightly 31-storey who are drawing the short straw,
apartments, and its not the only one! either. Dozens of permanent van park
The Brooms Head Council are residents have been left in tears after Fred Wrigh
slugging their rate-payers with a $7.91
million dollar facelift to the iconic
Brooms Head Caravan Park, which
will see camping sites phased out and
removed, replacing them with what
one local calls high-maintenance
high-priced cabins.
Th is means the average family
can wave goodbye to camping in
affordable beachside sites, instead
being forced to fork out top dollar if
they want to stay how un-Australian
is that! According to Southern Cross
University academic, Rod Caldicott,
the fact that the humble caravan park
could be history isnt surprising.
If all the land gets sold off and they
put up high-class hotels, apartment
complexes or resorts, they might
ONLY &223(5 GUARANTEES
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LIFE ON THE ROAD
EDITORIAL
PUBLISHER Glenn Wright
GENERAL MANAGER Sam Livolsi
MANAGING EDITOR Tim Ferrier
CHANGE
EDITOR Fred Wright
SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR Marg McAlister
DEPUTY EDITOR Kathryn Thomas
FEATURES WRITER Jazmin Malcolm
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Andrew Leimroth, ACC,
IS AS GOOD AS A Marg and Rob MCAlister, Trina Morris, Joseph Van Woerkom,
Amy Smith, Lorraine Holloway, Bob and Phyllis Bowers, Ian Robertson
HO I
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
Ph: 02 9741 3978 Email: editorial@candm.com.au
Post: 2 Stanley Street, Silverwater NSW 2128
PHOTOGRAPHY
John Habereld, Robert Cameriere, David Woltschenko,
Peter Rhodes, Dean Johnson, Daniel Ward
hat g to
DESIGN
in o ch
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ryan Weeks
is that more the ever-changing demographic of GRAPHIC DESIGNER Scott Osborne
and more vanners across Australia, well now PRODUCTION
families are be including content for all those PRODUCTION MANAGER Bronwyn Rowe
hitting the road so their children families and young couples weve
DVD CREW
have the opportunity to experience seen travelling around.
DVD PRODUCER/PRESENTER Fred Wright
this beautiful country the way us Making the decision to experience DVD FIELD PRODUCER/CAMERAMAN John Habereld
Grey Nomads have for years. If I had Australia with your children is
WEBSITE
to guess, Id say its a result of the something that will benefit your kids
WEB MANAGER Gerwood Stewart
economy, mixed with a developing throughout their entire life in fact, WEB CONTENT COORDINATOR Jazmin Malcolm
national pride and appreciation for most of us began our love of camping ADVERTISING
how unique Australia is. and caravanning at tender ages, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Glenn Wright
Each year more and more families travelling with our parents. To help
NATIONAL ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER
are either selling up, enrolling the people get out there and on the road, LEISURE DIVISION
kids in homeschool and hitting weve also shuffled our article line-up, Mark Wilde
Ph: (02) 8719 3658
the road or investing in a caravan to ensure were bringing our readers Mobile: 0467 307 509
Email: mwilde@expresspublications.com.au
and spending weekends and school the best possible industry info, latest
holidays exploring the country. And RVs and news to help you find the rig ADVERTISING PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Lilian Vella
lets not forget about young couples of your dreams. Ph: 02 9741 3815
Email: lvella@expresspublications.com.au
We still have all your favourite
articles and the magazine is still SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% focused on bringing you Phone: (02) 9741 3888 Fax: (02) 9737 8017
the best free camps, money saving Email: sales@emgstore.com.au Back issues phone: (02) 9741 3888
tips and travel destinations youve PUBLISHED BY:
come to expect, but well now EMG Express Media Group a division of Express Publications Pty Ltd
be including families and young ACN 057 8087 904, under licence from EP Investments Pty Ltd
ACN 003 109 055
couples too, because thats what the All Rights Reserved 2 Stanley Street,
SILVERWATER NSW 2128, AUSTRALIA
caravanning community is all about, Ph: (02) 9741 3800 Fax: (02) 9748 1956
being inclusive of everyone! Website: www.expresspublications.com.au
DISTRIBUTED BY:
Marg
GORDON & GOTCH 26 Rodborough Road, Frenchs Forest NSW 2086
How could we not want to share Marg Mcalister

All material in this magazine is protected by copyright laws and may not be reproduced in part or
full without the written permission of the publisher. Prices, dates and information quoted in this
such amazing places as this issue were correct at the time of going to press but might be subject to variation. In respect to
with our younger generation! marg@candm.com.au technical information provided for any vehicle modications or driving maneuvers referred to in
the articles published in this magazine, the Publisher expressly disclaims any belief in the truth or
falsity of the technical information or driving maneuvers provided and is merely passing on the
technical information or driving maneuvers as a service to readers. No warranty is given as to its
accuracy and it should not be substituted for expert advice from a qualied motor mechanic in
CONTACT US: respect of technical information provided for any vehicle modications or from a qualied driving
instructor in respect of any driving maneuvers referred to in this magazine.
Email: editorial@candm.com.au By submitting an unsolicited contribution to our magazine you agree to provide us with a
licence to reproduce your material in print and electronic mediums worldwide with the right
Post: Caravan & Motorhome, 2 Stanley Street, Silverwater NSW 2128 to edit any written contributions
All prices quoted in this magazine are correct at time of publication
14 www.caravanandmotorhome.com.au
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FAMILY
TRAVELS
Hey Caravan & Motorhome,
Thank you for the travel inspiration in your
magazines. I thought Id share a travel of my own.
My family and I recently visited Healesville, just
60km from Melbourne and we loved the whole area.
We visited The Big Bouquet, which had a great
gerbera and alpaca farm onsite, and also visited the
White Rabbit Brewery. The highlight for us had to be
the famous Healesville Sanctuary, which the whole
family loved. Spending a few days in the heart and
soul of the Yarra Valley at Healesville was amazing
and we cant wait to plan more family trips.
Safe travels,
Darrin Wall
WATER WONDER
Hi Marg and team,
Many thanks for the great articles you have contributed over the years, we
have always enjoyed your common sense approach to every challenge faced on
the road. Now I hope to contribute with this one, which came about after we
faced many continual issues with grey water. We were preparing for a trip to
The Man From Snowy River Festival and had a flash of brilliance. We took
one 20L water container, a small length of suitably fitting hose and a small
wood block to create a solution to our problem! Easy to fit and store, plus it
has a screw top lid for safety sake and it barely cost us a thing. Keep up the
good work, hope to see you on the road someday.
Cheers,
David Bryden
LIVE IN THE MOMENT EDITORS
Hi Fred and Marg,
I am writing this letter in wonderment as to
PICK
why some of the caravanners are on the road at all.
We use the Camps Australia Wide edition 8 book
and Wiki camps to find most of our stopovers and
caravan parks, but we are continually amazed at
some of the negative comments that people write
what do they expect for $20 to $40 per night?
Five star luxury? If they want luxury, they should
be staying in hotels and paying upwards of $100
per night. If we find a caravan park a little run
down, we use our own facilities in the van. Youre
all travelling, you should be soaking it up and
enjoying yourselves we are!
Keep up the great work,
Ray and Sandy
BARK BUSTING TIPS

Good morning Trina, reward them with. This changes their
I was reading an article about barking emotional state from aroused or fearful
dogs when I realised you might be able to focussed and calm exactly what we
to help. We have a 14 month Maltese are aiming for.
WHAT YOURE
Shih Tzu who barks at other dogs and If theres barking, do not over-react SAYING ONLINE
anything that comes to the door. Yet as give them one firm cease cue such as WHAT DO YOU THINK IS
they come closer, she seems frightened. Enough or Hush or Quiet. Lead them HIGHWAY ETIQUETTE?
OR WHAT RULES DO YOU
She has a great nature and does not stop to isolated timeout zone for a minute
WISH OTHERS KNEW?
licking your feet when anyone comes less if the dog is naturally anxious and
inside the house. Can you help out with release when they are calm and quiet. SUE POWERS: Learn to keep left
ways to stop her barking? I hope this helps, unless overtaking would be a great
Many thanks, Regards, Trina etiquette starter.
Chris Lantry MOYRA MEWETT: Why have a
different attitude when walking on the
footpath compared to driving on the
Hi Chris, road? You dont push people out of
Its a complicated behaviour the way, you step around people who
problem with multiple causes, which have stopped... All without swearing at
needs more time/space than we have them. On the road its different!
here. Please email the team for Trinas WENDY WAKEHAM: We check
Bark Busting Tip Sheet for a detailed constantly behind and both sides and
always pull over when possible to allow
training program. others to pass. Its common courtesy
To begin, have some delicious
TJ MADIGAN: Make sure if the back
soft treats ready. Stay alert, watch end of your vehicle is lowered due
for triggers likely to make Fido bark to tow ball weight your headlights
and if they do not react, reward them arent pointing directly into the eyes of
lavishly. Pre-empt potential reactivity oncoming drivers
by getting his focus off the trigger and www.facebook.com/
onto you, before he has a chance to bark caravanandmotorhome
by distracting them with tasks you can
WERE FIGHTING TO
JOIN THE FIGHT KEEP FREE CAMPS OPEN!
WWW.CANDM.COM.AU/CLUBCM
TRAVEL
HUON TRAIL, TAS
Credit: Tourism Tasmania and
Andrew Wilson
FOLLOWING THE
HUON TRAIL
The best of Tasmania is on show here,
with coastal free camps, stunning islands
and enough attractions to keep
us entertained for weeks
WORDS BY FRED WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME
www.caravanandmotorhome.com.au 23
TRAVEL
HUON TRAIL, TAS
journey through THE BEAUTY OF

the South Coast of BRUNY ISLAND
Tasmania should be RVers will love Bruny Islands nationa
on every RVers bucket parks, bushwalks, beautiful beaches
list, and we couldnt and local delicacies, which are all
wait to see what beauty awaited us an easy walk or drive from the ferry
between renowned Bruny Island and terminal. To reach Bruny Island,
Ida Bay. Bruny is a short 80km trip you need to catch a ferry with your
from Hobart, making it incredibly RV on board from Kettering on the
accessible and the perfect escape mainland. Its a short but enjoyable
for RVers. Here youll be treated to trip and when you disembark The
incredible shorelines, amazing oysters house of Whisky is only three
and fascinating history. The rest of kilometres away. Here youll find the
the trip was just as interesting, with best Tassie whiskies available, with
a top-notch train ride from the bush a fl avour mix that will make you
to the beach and a happy hour to appreciate how delicate these liquors We loved exploring Willie
Smiths Apple Shed and
remember in Dover. Th is south coast are. A tasting is certainly the way to seeing how the cider is made
trip proves that theres so much more go, but make sure you leave your RV
to Tasmania then meets the eye. in a free camp, as parking is not easy
WHEN TO VISIT
VANNERS WILL LOVE
THE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES,
The trip from Hobart to Kettering is all on
the C625, youll need to take a ferry from
here to Bruny Island. To get to Huonville
NATIONAL PARKS AND BUSH from Kettering, take the B68 and Huon
Hwy and take the same highway to get
WALKS OF BRUNY ISLAND from Huonville to Ida Bay.
Enjoy an evening wine in the

rocky surrounds of Bruny Island.
Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Sam
Shelley Photography
Our JB Gator perfectly
handled the road in to
Cockle Creek Free Camp
with a van in tow or have a nominated that RVers will love is the Bruny Island
driver. We also recommend visiting Safaris, which offer breathtaking views DONT MISS FRE
Get Shucked oysters, who present at every turn and the Inala Nature FAVO DS
URITE
oysters fresh from their farm to your Tours, which give RVers a personalised PENNICOTT
plate. You can even take some away to birdlife and wildlife tour around the WILDERNESS JOU
Dock Head Building,
eat at your own leisure during a happy island. It was hard to tear ourselves away
Franklin Wharf, Hobart TAS
hour or Tassie dinner. from the beauty of this special place, but Ph: (03) 6234 4270
Adventure Bay is where Pennicott we couldnt wait to get back on to the W: www.pennicottjourneys.com.au
Wildnerness Journeys depart from mainland and continue on to Huonville.
and its magnificent beaches and WILLIE SMITHS APPLE SHED
pure white sands will quickly beckon THE QUAINT 2064 Huon Hwy, Grove TAS
Ph: (03) 6266 4345
you to have a stroll and take in the TOWN OF W: www.williesmiths.com.au
picturesque scenery all around you.
We had met Robert Pennicott from HUONVILLE YUKON TOURS
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys years Back on the mainland, we pointed 3333 Huon Highway,
Franklin Marina TAS
ago and looked forward to making a our caravan towards Huonville, which
Ph: 0447 972 342
trip on his famous yellow boat, which is a large town steeped in interesting W: www.yukon-tours.com.au
has wowed many travellers over the history and fi lled with unique
years. During your trip, you can attractions. One of our favourites was HOUSE OF WHISKY
look forward to an interpretive and Willie Smiths Apple Shed. Theyve 360 Lennon Rd, North Bruny TAS
engaging cruise and get up close and won Australia-wide awards for their Ph: (03) 6260 6344
W: www.tasmanianhouseofwhisky.com.au
personal to huge fur seals as they bask ciders and attract thousands of visitors
on rocks. Youll also be impressed by through their doors every year. To
sea caves and geysers of water that appreciate just how great these ciders that Tasmania was once known as The
rise vertically around you, making you are, you must try a tasting platter and Apple Isle.
realise just how diverse and alive with chat to the owners about their journey. Make sure you drop into the
wonder this island is. Theyve even set up a restaurant where Huonville Information Centre too,
Some of the other amazing attractions you can relax and reflect on the fact where you will meet some of the most
CARAVAN PARKS
CAPTAIN COOK HOLIDAY PARK
786 Adventure Bay Road,
Adventure Bay TAS
Ph: (03) 6293 1128
W: www.captaincookpark.com
HUON VALLEY CARAVAN PARK

177 Wilmot Road, Huonville TAS
Ph: 0438 304 383
W: www.huonvalleycaravanpark.com.au
The Wooden Boat Centre is DOVER BEACHSIDE

very intriguing and will keep TOURIST PARK
GREAT
you entertained for hours 27 Kent Beach Rd,
PARK
Dover TAS
knowledgeable locals in the area. The
FRANKLIN TO Ph: (03) 6298 1301
information centre is hard to miss
GEEVESTON
W: www.dovertouristpark.com.au
thanks to the bright purple paint work
and large windmill. Theres also a Our next stop was Franklin, and we as you hear about the trip it made
Honey Pot shop here that serves some immediately made our way to the from Denmark to Australia and the
of Tassies finest honeys. Wooden Boat Centre to learn about restoration, that returned the ship to its
As you continue to travel south, Tasmanias wooden boat building original beauty.
your attention will be drawn to the and watch vessels being built by keen Our next stop was the fantastic town
magnificent Huon River with its craftsmen. The Yukon, a large sailing of Geevaston, which has a long and
magnificent boats and reflections ship built in 1930, is tied up on a colourful history that the Information
of their sails in the water as the late nearby wharf and if you love the feeling Centre workers will happily tell you
afternoon makes its way across the of being under canvas, quietly sailing about. Theres a self-guided walk
sky, making for a fantastic photo down the Huon River, this is a tour around town that puts local identities
opportunity and a great final image as opportunity that you cannot miss. You and their stories on show through
you turn to leave. wont be able to hide your amazement wooden sculptures and plaques as well
We loved exploring
Tasmanias hidden gems in
our JB Gator Caravan
TRAVEL
HUON TRAIL, TAS
FREEDOM
CAMPS
97: GORDON A happy hour at Dover Beachside
FORESHORE RESERVE Tourist Park is the perfect way to
Camp area at Gordon. Channel Hwy.
end a day of exploring
Honesty box on Hwy side of toilet block
as a Tasmanian Timber Memorial in a great happy hour with both them

Heritage Park for those wanting to and the travellers around. The Dover
soak in the history. Test your tastebuds Holiday Park is the perfect place to base
88: DOVER HOTEL at the lolly shop in the main street, yourself. Its close to the supermarket,
Camp spot at Dover. At rear of hotel which will take you back to your caf, fuel station and has one of the
for self-contained vehicles only. childhood, or take a walk through friendliest RSL clubs, with budget
Check in at bar
the middle of town to see a family of conscious meals and magnificent water
resident platypus! From here, it views, that we found on our trip.
BIGGEST was off to have one of the best As we explored the far south, we
94: COCKLE CREEK
FREE CAMP happy hours weve enjoyed in a enjoyed the welcoming attitude of locals
CAMPGROUND long time. and realised that if you show an interest
Camp area 26km S of A6/C635 jcn.
in their town, youll discover a terrific
HAPPY HOURS
Dirt road. Maximum stay 30 days
lot of people. Some of these people were
AND PEACEFUL found at Hastings Caves and Thermal
93: CATAMARAN BEACHES Pools, who provided without a doubt

the cleanest and most well maintained
CAMPGROUND We travelled further south to Dover environment weve found on this Island
Camp area 23km of A6/C635 jcn,
via Cockle Creek Rd. Signposted. and found a great holiday park that continent. RVers will love the warm
Dirt road. Maximum stay 30 days was almost right on the water. From pools with their nearby hot showers,
the moment we arrived, the hosts were toilets and huge undercover area, which
helpful and welcoming and we enjoyed has gas BBQs, large tables, a roaring fire
TRAVEL
HUON TRAIL, TAS
and big seats to enjoy a beaut lunch or

dinner. Making a days trip from Dover
to Hastings Caves and Thermal Pools,
with its wonderful information centre
and caves tour, will leave you with
plenty of happy memories.
As you explore, youll start to
feel yourself drawn further south to
Ida Bay, which is a great little area
thats close to scenic free camps and
interesting history.
EA D E R
LR
CHEAP TREATS IA
O
FF
C
10% OFF
ER
S PE
GET SHUCKED OYSTERS OYSTERS

S PE
1735 Bruny Island Main Rd SEE PG 174-175

R
FOR DETAILS
FE
Great Bay TAS The travellers here

C
IA
Ph: 0497 268 841 LR
EA in Tassie are just as
W: www.getshucked.com.au friendly as the locals!
THE WOODEN BOAT CENTRE

3333 Huon Hwy, Franklin TAS IDA BAY
Ph: (03) 6266 3586
W: www.woodenboatcentre.com AND BEAUT
FREE CAMPS
LUNARIS GEMSTONES When you get to Ida Bay, youll be hours of travel on a tramway from the
175 Lune River Rd, Lune River TAS
swept away by its beauty. Our first bush to the beach. The train driver
Ph: (03) 6298 3182
W: www.lunarisgemstones.com.au stop was Lunaris Gemstones, where of the diesel locomotive does a most
we found out about Tasmanias engaging recount of the early days
HASTINGS CAVES AND interesting wealth of gemstones and and explains why the railway came
THERMAL POOLS where to find them. On the advice of a into existence and the wives of the
754 Hastings Caves Rd, Hastings TAS
local, we headed straight from here to families who pioneered this isolated
Ph: (03) 6298 3209
W: www.parks.tas.gov.au/reserves/hastings Ida Bay Railway, where we and several wilderness. As we headed off the train
other RVers, spent many enjoyable we followed some friendly travellers to
After our journey from bush

to the beach on the Ida Bay
Railway, the staff kindly hopped
off and posed for a photo!
Spot seals basking or playing on the
rocks when youre aboard Pennicott
Wildnerness Journey! Credit:
Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman
SPOT SEALS BASKING OR PLAYING ON

THE ROCKS WHEN YOURE ABOARD
PENNICOTT WILDNERNESS JOURNEY!
Enjoying a cruise on the Pennicott

Wildnerness Journey! Credit:
Tourism Tasmania & Peter Aitchison
TRAVEL
HUON TRAIL, TAS
a nearby free camp.

The whaling history in
Cockle Creek Campground is Ida Bay area is truly
blissfully peaceful and scenic, with fascinating
a short walk bringing you right to a
wonderful white beach and a boat
ramp. Its also as far south in Australia
as you can travel in a vehicle and
although there are some dirt roads, the
surface is great for towing caravans.
Theres many other free camps here
too, with the Catamaran Campground
closest to the boat ramp, but also
smaller in size. Theres an information
centre here with knowledgeable
volunteers who simply love the region.
They told us all about the French
history, as well as the whaling station
that was once here and the near
extinction of the Southern Right
Whales. Th is seemed a world apart
from where we are today, thanks to VISITOR INFORMATION
conservation and protection efforts.
SO HELPFUL
HUON VALLEY
TRANQUIL COVES AND SANDY VISITOR CENTRE

2273 Huon Hwy, Huonville TAS
BEACHES, WITH A BACKDROP Ph: (03) 6264 0326

W: www.huonvalleyvisitorcentre.com.au
OF DISTANT MOUNTAIN PEAKS BRUNY DENTRECASTEAUX
MAKES COCKLE CREEK ONE OF

VISITOR CENTRE
Ferry Terminal, Kettering TAS
THE BEST FREE CAMPS

Ph: (03) 6267 4494
W: www.brunyisland.org.au
On our way into the beautiful

Cockle Creek Free Camp
Flat, grassed sites and plenty of
room awaits you at the Cockle
Creek Free Camp
WAVING GOODBYE
TO WILDERNESS
COUNTRY
Tasmania has always held a huge
appeal for us and we cant wait to
return, as there is always something
new to explore. Make no mistake, at
the most southerly point of the Huon
Trail you are in wilderness country,
but youre never without the friendship
of locals who are only too happy to
point you in the right direction. From
cruising the Huon River to tasting
local brews and visiting caves, this
was a trip fi lled with adventure and
we know caravanners will enjoy every
moment here.
1 HOW TO
GET THERE
The trip from Hobart to
Kettering is all on the
4 C625, youll need to
take a ferry from here
to Bruny Island. To
get to Huonville from
Kettering, take the B68
2 and Huon Hwy and
take the same highway
to get from Huonville
to Ida Bay.
LEGEND
CARAVAN PARK
FREE CAMP
VISITORS INFO
3 1 Hobart
2 Kettering
3 Bruny Island
4 Huonville Visiting Hastings Caves was
a real highlight of my trip
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RV PROFILE
MDC XT17 HRT OFF ROAD
ANYWHERE,
ANYTIME FREE CAMPER
The MDC XT17 HRT Off Road is the ultimate free camper,
with top notch solar, water and batteries and a tough construction
y p y llows
and enjoy it for weeks tough exterior with a fold-out bed and RVers to visit the remote bush or lush
on end, thanks to large interior filled with state of the riverside camps without sacrificing all
the fantastic MDC art appliances and a huge amount of the comforts of home.
XT17 HRT Off Road space. Because MDC are completely
Caravan. MDC have a collective Australian owned and operated, they UNIQUE FEATURES
400 years experience in the camper know exactly how harsh our climates
trailer industry and have used this can be, and have designed this van INDEPENDENT TRAILING ARM
CKS
SUSPENSION WITH TWIN SHO
knowledge to create one of the top to handle it. They also know how far
off-road pedigrees on the market. The their van can take you, which is why SLIDE OUT KITCHEN AND
FRIDGE SLIDE
XT17 HRT Off Roader is tough and they have Australia wide servicing UCTION
COMPOSITE PANEL CONSTR
durable, with its superior composite and a serious focus on keeping their
panel construction providing RVers customers happy well after theyve hit 300W OF SOLAR
with a strong, lightweight van that has the road. With this experience and SLIDE OUT BED
been expertly built to go the distance. focus, its no wonder MDC have been
INNOVATIVE DESIGN
For a 17-foot van, MDC have absolutely
excelled in creating a spacious, internal
which they have packed with top of
the range appliances such as a reverse
van, with innovative design allowing
them to turn the dinette into an extra
design capable of rivalling larger vans cycle air con, 2.5kg NCE auto washing bed. The spacious features dont stop
in terms of appliances, storage and machine, 150L fridge/freezer combo, there either, there is a huge amount
open plan living. They have achieved state of the art oven and a full ensuite. of cupboard storage in the van, which
this by implementing a fold-out bed RVers also have the chance to increase RVers will be able to fully utilise thanks
into the layout, creating more room, the amount of sleeping space in the to the huge payload.
INTERNAL FEATURES RVers will love the storage areas in the XT17 HRT Off Road, with dedicated front
storage for your power and battery system as well as a large boot for bulky items.
FRIDGE: Vitrigo DP150 compressor
This is perfect for keeping weight low and at the front. Theres also a large triple
150L fridge/freezer
drawer storage area on the drivers side and a huge payload to match, which means
SINK: Thetford Argent
you wont have to worry about overloading on those big trips.
MICROWAVE: 800W standard
WASHING MACHINE: NCE 2.5kg full auto
AIR CONDITIONING: FJ3200 Dometic
ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM: Kenwood cd/usb
LIGHTING: LED downlights
COOKING EQUIPMENT:
Thetford Triplex gas 4 burner & oven
TV: 24 HD TV with DVD
HEATING/COOLING: Reverse cycle AC
LOUNGE: Dinette
TABLE: Folding
SLEEPING CONFIGURATION: 2 + 1
MAIN BED: Queen sized slide out
BATHROOM CONFIGURATION:
Thetford ensuite with shower
TOILET: Thetford cassette
CUPBOARD LOCK TYPES:
Marine grade catches, push to release
RV PROFILE
EXTERNAL FEATURES
SHOWER: Yes Hot/Cold
CHASSIS: 150x50x3mm Galvanised
FRAME CONSTRUCTION:
Aluminium Frame 50x25 & 25x25 RHS
OUTER SKIN: Aluminium composite panels
STONEGUARD: Steel Frame, Vinyl Cover
CHEQUERPLATING: Black, 1290mm
INSULATION: Polystyrene, full
SUSPENSION: Fully independent trailing arm,
twin shocks. 12 electric brake hub
WATER TANKS: 170L (Fresh), 85L (Grey)
TYRES: Off-Road Mud Terrains
AWNING: Automatic Electric Roll Out
BOOT: Front upper through boot,
large triple drawer storage drivers side
HOT WATER: 14L Truma Gas Boiler
BATTERIES: 3x 100AH AGM
INVERTER: 1000W Inverter
SOLAR PANELS: 3x 100W
ROCK SLIDERS: Front and Rear
FRIDGE: External slide to handle up to
KITCHEN: Full slide-out kitchen, 4 burner stove
WHY CARAVANNERS
WILL LOVE
Stay off grid for weeks on end thanks to incredible free camp capabilities offered by the MARKET DIRECT
XT17 HRT Off Road. Roof-mounted panels give RVers a huge 300W of solar power, which A collective 400 years of industry
is hooked up to 300Ah AGM batteries and a 1000W inverter a top notch power set up experience allowing them to expertly
for any free camper. This is complimented by 170L of fresh water and 85L of grey water cater to RVers
storage, all protected by stone guards. Huge range of upgrades, options and
features for RVers wanting to perfect
their new rig
Australia wide delivery so you can set
BUILT
off to your free camp from home
TOUGH
The composite panel construction in this
van is a true indication of how dedicated
MDC are in terms of creating a tough,
durable caravan thats capable of reaching
even the most remote free camps. MDC
have used an aluminium frame during
construction and paired it with aluminium
composite panels on the outer skin to
create one of the toughest vans on the
market. This ensures complete strength
throughout the entire design whilst still
keeping weight low. It also eliminates the
chances of wood rot in the van, meaning
the frame will still be sturdy in years to
come, regardless of how many free camps
you venture to. MDC have also included
a custom galvanised chassis, steel frame
stone guard and 1290mm of chequer
plating to provide a higher level of overall
protection and strength when travelling.
RV PROFILE
LAYOUT KEY
1. SHOWER 4. SLIDE OUT KITCHEN
2. FRIDGE/FREEZER 5. DINETTE
3. SLIDE OUT BED 6. FRIDGE SLIDE
Tow with complete ease thanks to

1
the tandem independent trailing
arm suspension, which has been TECHNICAL SPECS
ingenuously designed to follow the
MAKE/MODEL: MDC XT17 HRT
same track as your tow vehicle. This
EXTERNAL BODY LENGTH: 233 (7.1m)
has been expertly paired with twin
EXTERNAL WIDTH: 72 (2.2m)
shocks and a 12-inch electric brake hub
EXTERNAL HEIGHT: 74 (2.25m)
to make getting to those free camps an
TARE WEIGHT: 2540kg
absolute breeze.
BALL WEIGHT: 210kg
ATM: 3500kg
RRP: $64,990
5
THIS RV IS
PERFECngTa FO R
reliable Enjoy a stainless steel slide out
Vanners wanti
off roader kitchen complete with deluxe four
ng to burner cooker, to make outdoor
Free campers wanti
ns cooking a breeze. Theres also a
2
reach remote locatio
tou rer s wa nting beaut fridge slide, capable of holding
Long ter m
fort a portable fridge of up to 110L.
to do the big lap in com
g for a life tim e
Rvers lookin and
van capable of both on
off road touring
4
CONTACT
MDC CAMPERS AND
OFF ROAD CARAVANS
PH: 1300 494 494
W: www.mymdc.com.au
ER CO
2017
FEATURES INCLUDE:
Captain Cook custom TWO-TONED WALLS

EASY ACCESS TO YOUR VAN
made walls combine MESH SCREEN, CLEAR
ultra-modern styling with PLASTIC WINDOWS
innovative design. They 2 ZIP DOWN DOOR PANELS
OPTION TO SET UP FULL This annexe offers the space, the comfort and the functionality
are versatile enough to ANNEXE OR INDIVIDUAL WALLS to move, roam, explore or just stay and relax for a while.
suit any roll out or wind
YOUR KIT INCLUDES:
out awning. Whether Anti-ap kit to secure roof
you are heading off for a and attach walls
Curved roof rafters
weekend getaway or a Draft strip to prevent breeze
year long adventure, this Velcro side strips to attach walls
annexe will meet all your Wall, pole & peg bags for storage
Instructional DVD Both Walls/Full Front End Wall/Half Front End Wall/Full Front End Wall
traveling needs.
Find us at these upcoming shows:
Apr 21-23: South Qld Caravan, Camping, Boating
& Fishing Expo, Nambour Showgrounds, QLD
Apr 22-30: NSW Caravan, Camping RV & Holiday
Supershow, Rosehill Racecourse, Parramatta NSW
May 12-14: Coffs Harbour Agricultural Show,
Pacic Hwy, Coffs Harbour NSW
IDEAL FOR:
Touring
Privacy
Short Stays
Protection
Our Burke & Wills shade annexes provide a functional

solution that create privacy without compromising
your view. Features include improved ventilation, thermal
insulation, high tear and tensile strength and re retardant
(AS1530.3).
The all new Captains Quarters FEATURES INCLUDE: FEATURES INCLUDE:

extends your living space by PARTITION WALL 92% SHADE End Wall End Wall/Full Front
2 DOORS
2 metres giving you room to set up 3 WINDOWS
ANTI FLAP KIT
a spare bed. Use as storage, use as 2 DOORS WITH SCREENS
MULTIPLE PEGGING POSITIONS
a man cave or as a kids play area. EASILY SLIDES INTO AN
CARRY BAGS
ANTI FLAP KIT
End Wall/Half Front Both Walls/Full Front
AR
3 YR
W
RA N T
NATIONWIDE AUSTRALIA MADE FOR 3 YEAR HEAD OFFICE:

INSTALLATION WIDE AUSTRALIA WARRANTY 354 Mons Rd, Forest Glen Sunshine Coast QLD 4556
SERVICE
1300 783 776

CC40263
Find the closest Australia Wide Annexe Distributor near you on our website
ONSITE MEASURE & FITTING SERVICE www aust lia eannexes com au
NENW
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Find your nearest stockist at

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Victoria: (03) 9798 3954 New South Wales: (02) 4421 2055
Queensland: (07) 5483 9111 South Australia: (08) 8277 4388
www.snowyrivercaravans.com.au
CM242_06_v
TRAVEL
LITCHFIELD AND KAKADU NATIONAL PARKS, NT
WORLD CLASS
PARKS
Feel the spirits of the country and connect
with the oldest living culture on earth at
Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOB AND PHYLLIS BOWERS
TRAVEL
he Top End is a region of and often ask which is better?. This

timeless places, and none is an impossible question to answer,
more so than Kakadu and as Litchfield NP is 1500km whereas
Litchfield National Parks. Kakadu is a massive 20,000km. In
Considered to be two of general terms Litchfield is an elevated
the top ten attractions in Australia, a tableland with numerous waterfalls all in
visit to either park will enable travellers close proximity whereas Kakadu is a vast
to connect with the worlds oldest living low wetland with sandstone escarpments
culture. Darwin is the best place to just oozing Aboriginal culture. Our
start, as both Litchfield and Kakadu explorations took us to Litchfield for five
are within 150km from the capital city. days then to Kakadu for nine days, both
Many people try to compare the parks from the Darwin end.
WITHIN TWO HOURS OF

EACH OTHER, TRAVELLERS
CAN EASILY FIT BOTH
KAKADU AND LITCHFIELD Lost City is like walking
through an ancient
INTO THE ONE TRIP civilizations stone

temples (Litcheld NP)
DONT MISS
SWIMMING AT WANGI FALLS
Wangi is just one of many rock pools
or waterfalls for swimming in Litcheld
Ph: (08) 8980 6000
W: www.nt.gov.au
Cost: Free
CROC SPOTTING
AT CAHILL CROSSING
45 km N of Jabiru
There are more crocs here than
anywhere else in Kakadu. Dozens
when we were there.
Cost: Free
SUNSET FROM THE

TOP OF UBIRR ROCK
47km N of Jabiru
Spectacular sunset viewing from the
top over the Nadab oodplain
Cost: Free
SWIMMING AT THE
TOP OF GUNLOM FALLS
Turn E 87 km S of Cooinda, 11 km N
of Mary River Roadhouse, 36 km dirt
along Gunlom Road.
The most popular place
to relax in Litcheld NP An innity rock pool provides
is Wangi Falls spectacular views
Cost: Free
The Bamboo Creek tin mine
ruins where fortunes were
sought (Litcheld NP)
LITCHFIELD
Named after Frederick Litchfield park within close proximity to the most Falls and Surprise Falls. Wangi is the
who was part of the Finniss popular Wangi Falls. From here we most popular by far as it is right at the
Exploration Party of 1864 Litchfield easily radiated outwards and explored camping ground, has a large grassy
National Park has been shaped by water everything Litchfield had to offer. picnic area and a kiosk. Two waterfalls
cascading down the sandstone plateau Definitely a standout feature of plunge into a large rock swimming
of the Tabletop Range. Soon after Litchfield are the seemingly endless hole. But wait theres more! A track
Litchfield was discovered it became a options for cooling off, including leads to the top of the falls where
copper and tin mining centre until the Wangi Falls, Florence Falls, Buley theres another plunge pool. As sunset
1955 takeover of the pastoralists and it Rockhole, Tjaetaba Falls, The cast its dying rays, we watched the top
wasnt until 1986 that it was designated Cascades, Walker Creek, Sandy Creek of the falls glow deep red. On another
as a National Park.
After careful consideration we chose
Wangi Falls Campground as our base Walking to the Cascades:
as its located within 40km of all the one of Litcheldss many
short walks
attractions Litchfield has to offer Its
also the most beautiful place in the
CHEAP TREATS
- LITCHFIELD
BAMBOO CREEK
TIN MINE RUINS
A fascinating insight into a tin mine
where fortunes were sought and lost.
Bamboo Creek at the northern end of
Litcheld
Ph: Tourism Top End on (08) 8980 6000
W: www.nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves
day a tree python posed for my camera. head out along the eight kilometre
CARAVAN PARKS Florence is another double waterfall dirt track to The Lost City. Here,
LITCHFIELD SAFARI CAMP
with swimming at the bottom accessed you wander through impressive giant
4km past the Wangi Falls turnoff, by 135 steps through rainforest. sandstone pillars that reminded us of
Litcheld National Park Camping is also available nearby. Buley an ancient lost civilization.
Ph: (08) 8978 2185 Rockhole is a series of small pools and Not being waterfalled out yet we
W: www.litcheldsafaricamp.com.au popular with small children. Tjaetaba went to Tolmer Falls. No swimming
Cost: Powered sites: $35/couple;
Unpowered sites $25/couple
Falls are on a three kilometre walk. here, but the falls that drop down
Basic facilities, BBQs, sma elow the falls is an Aboriginal a spectacular 100m escarpment are
above ground pool. N sacred site, but swimming is allowed viewed from a platform that juts out
ONLYKVA I N at the top. Next, The Cascades are over the valley 100m below. Then
PAR ELD
KAKADU LODGE LITCHFI at the end of a short walk with the explored further to find the Tabletop
Jabiru Drive, Jabiru, NT
Ph: (08) 8979 2422
last section over rocks and pretty Swamp a large lagoon clothed with
W: www.auroraresorts.com.au swimming holes. Walker Creek has water lilies and surrounded by a forest
Cost: $46/couple; unpowered $36 walk in camping with a couple of of paper barks.
All the usual plus: lagoon style pool small swimming holes. Finally, a day trip along the
and spa with adjoining restaurant, BBQ Keeping with the theme of water- 4WD only Reynolds Track to Blyth
area, camp kitchen, laundry. Centrally
located in the middle of Kakadu.
based attractions, we headed out to Homestead Ruins, Sandy Creek and
Bamboo Creek Tin Mine, which offers Surprise Falls. We loved the fascinating
COOINDA LODGE KAKADU a fascinating insight to the mining magnetic termite mounds all along this
Kakadu Hwy, Kakadu NT days of Litchfield. Tin was mined from track these unusual creatures orient
Ph: (08) 8979 1500 1905 until 1950 when the relentless wet their homes north-south allowing the
W: www.kakadutourism.com/
accommodation
caused it to close. From there, those least possible surface area to be exposed
Cost: $46/couple; who are a little more adventurous can to the hot sun.
Unpowered $36/couple
All the usual plus: lagoon style
waterfall pool and spa, restaurant and
TO VENTURE THE LOST CITY
bar, BBQ area, camp kitchen, laundry,
shop with locally made craft, fuel,
OF LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK
and air strip.
Nearby cultural centre and Yellow
IS LIKE WALKING THROUGH AN
River Cruises
ANCIENT CIVILISATION
Our Wangi Falls camp
for our 5 days in
Litcheld NP
TRAVEL
Jim Jim Falls

escarpment towers
150m above the creek
CHEAP TREATS KAKADU

- KAKADU Kakadu is a living cultural landscape successful operations that have been
with vast flood plains shaped by rivers, wound down to make way, over many
ROCK ART SITES AT UBIRR
billabongs and seasonal waterfalls, years, for an expanding national park.
AND NOURLANGIE
Ubirr: 47km N of Jabiru; beneath every rocky outcrop lies Ranger mine still operates, but is due
Nourlangie: 37km S of Jabiru ancient Aboriginal culture and right for closure.
Ph: (08) 8938 1120 at its centre is Jabiru, a small town On the way to Kakadu a quick stop
W: www.parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu of 1000 people, born from uranium at Fogg Dam to observe the NTs
Both these sites have fascinating
mining. For tourism purposes Kakadu birdlife should not be missed. Then,
rock art and each locations art is
very different has been divided into seven regions: just before entering the Park a stop-
South Alligator, Jabiru, East Alligator, over at The Bark Inn is a must. We
WARRADJAN ABORIGINAL Nourlangie, Yellow Water, Jim Jim could not resist their offer of free
CULTURAL CENTRE and Mary River Regions. We visited overnight camping, without power for
Near Cooinda Lodge 55km S of Jabiru
nearly every destination, but will focus the first night. Its decor is a reminder
Ph: (08) 8979 0051
W: www.parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu on only the most significant. Its history of the buffalo hunting days when
An impressive display of Kakadu goes back eons when the original countless buff were destroying
Aboriginal culture, craft for sale. NOTE: inhabitants lived at one with nature, Kakadu. At the bar we were greeted by
No photography allowed in the centre leaving remnants of their culture buffalo and deer heads, and of course
through rock art and rock shelters. courteous attendants. It also boasts
RANGER GUIDED ACTIVITIES
Free ranger guided activities are Early 1900s pastoralist ventures were two original bull catchers cut-down
conducted throughout Kakadu, such as not successful, leaving a legacy of Toyotas kitted out to catch the buff.
art site talks, guided walks, slideshows uncontrolled buffalo herds destroying South Alligator Region is best
and cultural demonstrations. the landscape and massive culling explored from the Aurora Resort where
Visit the Bowali Visitor Centre near
followed to bring them under control. camping with power is just $20 with
Jabiru for details
W: www.parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu In the 1970s uranium mining began a resort style pool and spa. A bit of
TRAVEL
FREE CAMPS
134: WANGI FALLS
Camp area 66km SW of Batchelor
Cost: $6.60 per person, per night
BEST FREE
CAMP IN
LITCHFIELD
142: MERL CAMPGROUND

Camp area 36km N of Jabiru turnoff.
Near Ubirr Rock
Cost: $15 per person, per night
Through a city of termite

mounds on the way out of 143: MALABANJBANJDJU
Kakadu to Mary River CAMPGROUND
Camp area 16km S of Jabiru turnoff or
32km N of Cooinda
cheap luxury in Kakadu! This region East Alligator Region is the premier Cost: $6 each/night
has access to short walks, bird hide and destination of Kakadu. Many access
boat ramp for fishing. it from Jabiru but its better to camp
Jabiru Region is centred on the in the region at Merl Campground.
152: GUNLOM
township of Jabiru. Here is the The best order to experience the area Camp area 124km S of Cooinda turnoff or
famous Mercure Kakadu Crocodile is to do the Bardedjilidji Walk in the 48km NE of Mary River Roadhouse.
Hotel, shaped like a croc. Its foyer morning, lunch at Cahills Crossing Turn E 87km S of Cooinda turnoff or
has a hunting crocodile scene with a then on to Ubirr Rock via the Border 11km NE of Mary River Roadhouse,
stuffed croc chasing a big barra. The Store for late afternoon and sunset onto Gunlom Rd. 36km dirt road
Cost: $15/person/night
hotel also has an excellent Aboriginal at Ubirr Rock. We thought the
art gallery. Jabiru has a small shopping Bardedjilidji walk one of the most
centre with a supermarket and only interesting in Kakadu. We wandered
four and a half kilometres out of town through towering layered sandstone
is the Bowali Visitor Centre with formations, through narrow chasms,
displays of Kakadus living culture. into a large ancient living cave then
through a large hole in the sandstone
formations. We were often asked
Our camp beside an
impressive g tree at Aurora Where is the best place to see crocs in
Kakadu Hotel campground their natural state? Our reply was You
will see more at Cahills Crossing than
anywhere! They laze in the sun on
the mud banks at low tide, constantly
cruise the river and, as the tide covers
the crossing, congregate above the in
the swift flowing water. There were
dozens! Ubirr Rock must be visited late
afternoon. Most of the rock art is from
the last 1500 years with the most recent
showing white fella contact. Much of
the art has been painted over very old
art. Rock shelters provided Aboriginals
with cool refuge from the summer heat.
For the final spectacle we joined the
hoards that climbed to the top of Ubirr
to watch the sunset over the floodplains
Captivated by the view of
Nadab oodplain from the
top of Kakadus Ubirr Rock
WITH OVER 20,000 KM OF SPECTACULAR

WETLAND, VANNERS CAN EASILY SPEND
A WEEK AT KAKADU NATIONAL PARK
and distant escarpment. Cooinda Lodge, a luxury lodge and van
Nourlangie Region has three main park. Almost adjacent is the circular VISITOR INFO
attractions; The Anbangbang Billabong designed Warradjan Aboriginal
For Kakadu it is important to get as
walk is great for wildlife photography Cultural Centre with first class displays
much information as possible before
and the adjoining short steep climb developed by the Bininj and Mungguy entering Kakadu even though there are
offers views of the escarpment. At peoples. Yellow Waters boat tours are information centres in the Park.
the spectacular art sites we glanced popular. And finally Jim Jim Falls Entry fees: adult $40 each, concession
back to ancient times when our fi rst Region, featuring Twin Falls. The only $30 each, child $20 each, family $100
people sheltered here and explored way in is a 60km dirt track for 4WDers
DARWIN
relationships of people to country only. At Jim Jim a two kilometre walk If travelling from Darwin visit the
through paintings like Lightening over rock, opposite a 150m sheer cliff Darwin Tourist Information Centre.
Man. Yellow Waters Region is leads you to a massive plunge pool 38 Mitchell Street, Darwin NT
centred on the indigenously owned and sandy beach great for swimming. Ph: 1300 138 886
W: tourismtopend.com.au
Unfortunately you cannot swim at
Twin Falls, however, if you dont want
WHEN TO VISIT to drive the rough road, there is a boat
KATHERINE
If travelling from the south visit the
The best time to visit is during the dry shuttle for $12.50. Katherine Tourist information Centre.
winter months as many destinations Mary River Regions main attraction Cnr Lindsay Street and Katherine
Terrace, Katherine NT
are inaccessible during the hot, is Gunlom Falls and camping area.
humid, wet summers. Ph: 1800 653 142
Although it is along a 37km dirt road, W: www.visitkatherine.com.au
TRAVEL
HOW TO GET THERE

The famous crocodile shaped
Gagudju Hotel in Jabiru has LITCHFIELD KAKADU
an interesting foyer The Park is about 140km south west of The Park is about 140km from
Darwin via Batchelor Darwin via the Arnhem Highway
The Park is also about 115km south through Humpty Doo.
west of Darwin via Berry Springs with The Park is also about 59 km west of
some dirt sections that get corrugated. Pine Creek (149 km from Katherine)
These sections are being upgraded. from the Stuart Highway.
it is suitable for 2WDs and caravans,

2
with care. The camping area is located
100m from the falls and plunge pool.
Most visitors, including us, tackled
the steep, short rocky climb to the
top. Here there are rock swimming
holes with the most beautiful being 1
an infinity pool with great views over
southern Kakadu. Continuing south is LEGEND
the exit from Kakadu with Pine Creek CARAVAN PARK
FREE CAMP
59km further. VISITORS INFO
We are often asked Which is best, 1 Litcheld
Litchfield or Kakadu? Well, thats like 2 Kakadu
trying to compare apples with oranges.
Phyllis and I love them both.
Relaxing in the
innity pool at the
top of Gunlom Falls:
Pool with a view
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RV PROFILE
ELITE LUXURY CLASS 2010 FAMILY VAN
A With a variety of layout options to suit any family and an abundance

ES
of space, the Elite Luxury Class 2010 Family Van will ensure
your next holiday will be one to remember
nown throughout And so, with Australian families you and your family enjoy idyllic
the industry for their in mind, big or small, Elite Caravans travels as safely as possible.
award-winning, high have created the Luxury 2010
quality designs, Elite Family Van a finely furnished and UNIQUE FEATURES
Caravans have taken well-appointed caravan built with
out the Caravan Manufacturer of the meticulous attention to detail and an OPTION OF SINGLE, DOUBLE
Year twice in three years. However, unwavering commitment to safety. OR TRIPLE BUNK BEDS
its the smart f loor plan that allows From Rocker Roller suspension 3.2T ROCKER ROLLER
more space, the extra modifications and specifically chosen building SUSPENSION
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RV PROFILE
WHY TRUST ELITE

CARAVANS?
Caravans built to suit your
specications
Dedication to communication
during every step
Australian made and owned
2013, 2015 Caravan manufacturer
of the year
Packed with entertainment, ranging

from the Sphere 24inch LED TV,
mounted on a three-arm bracket, to
the Fusion RA-205 Audio system both
perfectly linked to the Fusion speakers
conveniently placed through the living
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SPACE TO LIVE
This van has absolutely everything a family convenience, like the fold out kitchen bench,
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FOR ANY
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No two families are alike and no
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of the van, separated by a privacy screen
because they know that happy family life is
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WHY THIS IS
THE PERFECT Fit everything you need and more TECHNICAL SPECS
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FAMILY VAN number of dedicated external and MAKE/MODEL: Elite Luxury Class 2010 Family Van
Spacious living space with internal storage areas. There are EXTERNAL BODY LENGTH: 2010 (7m)
separated sleeping quarters a number of boots, drawers and EXTERNAL WIDTH: 77 (2.35m)
for privacy cupboards for you to take advantage EXTERNAL HEIGHT: 10 (3.05m)
Ensuite with shower/toilet and of and all your power and battery TARE WEIGHT: 2260kg
separate ceramic basin needs are protected in the one area, BALL WEIGHT: 180kg
thanks to the huge tunnel boot, ATM: 3200kg
Superior 3.2T Rocker Roller
which still has ample room for more GVM/GTM: 3020kg
suspension for a safer and
storage around it. RRP: $83,750
smoother ride
Unlimited entertainment for the
whole family never fear those INTERNAL FEATURES
rainy days again FRIDGE: Dometic RMD8551 190LTR
SINK: Stainless Steel
AIR CONDITIONING: Air Command IBIS MK3
COOKING EQUIPMENT:
Thetford 3 Gas / 1 Electric Mini grill
SPLASHBACK: Full
ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM: Fusion RA-205 Audio
TV: Sphere 24 LED TV on 3-arm bracket
SPEAKER CONFIGURATION: Fusion speakers
LIGHTING: LED
SMOKE ALARMS: Yes
CABINETRY: Stick Furniture
CUPBOARDS: Yes
LOUNGE: L-shape
TABLE: Swingaway table
SLEEPING CONFIGURATION:
Queen size bed + single, or double or triple bunks
MAIN BED: Slatted bed base
MATTRESS TYPE: Innerspring Pillowtop Mattress
UNDER-BED STORAGE: Gas Struts
PRIVACY SCREENS: Yes
BATHROOM CONFIGURATION: Combined shower/toilet
TOILET: Thetford C402 Toilet
SHOWER HEAD: Adjustable Shower head
WINDOWS: Dometic
PANTRY: Pull-out pantry
MICROWAVE: 25L Sphere Microwave
RV PROFILE
LAYOUT KEY
1. QUEEN BED 4. BUNKS
2. MINI GRILL 5. COMBINED ENSUITE
3. FRIDGE 6. L-SHAPED LOUNGE
1
Luxurious home features take exciting
EXTERNAL FEATURES new shape in Elite Caravans Luxury
Class Family Van. From the sleek
ANTENNA TYPE: Jack Antenna
panoramic design of your Dometic
ROOF HATCHES:
double glaze kitchen windows,
3x Dometic Mini Roof Hatches, 1x Power Hatches
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CHASSIS: Allgal Chassis
bunk beds, this is one van combining
OUTER SKIN: Stucco Aluminium
style and function like never before.
CHEQUERPLATING: Front Chequerplate
Not only do they look great but your
INSULATION: Full Insulation
windows even expel heat in the
SUSPENSION: 3.2T Rocker Roller Suspension
summer, conserve it in winter and
WATER TANKS: 2x 95L
reduce outside noise all year long
WHEELS: 15
while tted blinds give you the privacy
TYRES: On-road
you deserve, and y-screens keep any
HITCH: Standard Coupling
AWNING: 16ft Awning
nasties out. 2
BOOT/S: Front Tunnel Boot
GAS CYLINDER SIZE: 2x 9kg
HOT WATER: Suburban Gas/Electric HWS Theres quality in every aspect of
BATTERIES: 105AH Battery the Elite Luxury Family Van, so of 6
SOLAR PANELS: Provision for solar
JOCKEY WHEEL: 8 Jockey Wheel
course the suspension would be of no
exception. Thats why theyve included
3
EXTERNAL LIGHTING: Hella Annex Lights a 3.2T Rocker Roller suspension.
EXTERNAL ENTERTAINMENT: Unlike the simpler Rocker suspension,
External Fusion Marine Speakers the Rocker Roller can achieve greater
distances before wear and tear begin
to appear. Theres also a signicant
5
reduction in spring breakages. This is
due to the specic engineering that
provides allows for separate smaller
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ELITE CARAVANS
PH: 1300 797 705
W: www.elitecaravans.com.au
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19-21 TECHNOLOGY DRIVE, SUNSHINE WEST VIC 3020
THE
HEARTOF
AUSTRALIA
Stunning gorges and canyons, wildflowers and
a big red rock await you on this journey to the centre
WORDS BY LORRAINE HOLLOWAY, PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN AND LORRAINE HOLLOWAY
TRAVEL
ALICE SPRINGS TO ULURU, NT
TRAVEL
or almost every vanner we

know, that big red rock
at the centre of Australia
is their dream place to
visit, not only for the
destination, but for the journey. Alice
Springs is the usual starting point to
prepare for your trek to Uluru and
its fi lled with fantastic museums,
galleries and attractions to, along with
a comprehensive information centre
where you can stock up on travel tips
and advice. Form here your pilgrimage
to one of Australias best natural
wonders and with so many gorges, We were shown
waterholes and flora and fauna along the kitchen or
cooking cave
the way, there is a little of something
for everyone to write on post cards to
send home. BEFORE
YOU START
To start, we visited the Alice Springs gardens. This caf serves great home
CHEAP TREATS Reptile Centre and the Olive Pink cooked gourmet food. The gardens were
Botanic Gardens. The reptile centre is a established by Miss Olive Pink, who
Take a hike or ride your pushbike
around the base track at Uluru. Bike great place to get close up and personal worked tirelessly to build an Australian
hire available at Uluru to some critters you would not normally Arid Regions Native Flora Reserve in
Ph: 0437 917 018 see. I was anxious to see a Thorny the 1950s and are now named in her
W: www.outbackcycling.com Devil, knowing it was the wrong time honour. We were told if we wanted
Wander through Kata Tjuta on the
of year to see them in the desert. John to buy indigenous art works, to check
Valley of the Winds Walk
Watch the sun rise or set over Uluru got to handle a beautiful huge python out the Salvation Army Waterhole
or Kata Tjuta during their daily demonstration. At Gallery, where artworks are available
For the more serious hikers, take the Olive Pink Botanic Gardens we for sale. All proceeds go back to the
lunch, sunblock and plenty of water enjoyed lunch at the Bean Tree Caf artist, and each piece of artwork
and hike Kings Canyon Rim Walk
after a pleasant walk around the botanic includes the profile of the artist.
While in the
area, you must
visit Kata Tjuta
The iconic Red Centre Way
road marker
THE RED CENTRE WAY IS THE

HEART OF OZ DONT WAIT FOR
THE BUCKET LIST, GO NOW!
EAST WEST CARAVAN PARKS

MACDONNELL MACDONNELLS
RANGES Stunning gorges are dotted along
AYRES ROCK
CAMPGROUND
BEST PLACE
TO STAY
Make sure you take a trip into the East Larapinta and Namatjira Drive. Ph: (08) 8957 7001
MacDonnell Ranges along the Ross Namatjira Drive is named after the W: www.ayersrockresort.com.au
Highway. While not as spectacular as well-known Albert Namatjira, who
KINGS CANYON CAMPGROUND
the West Macs, there is still plenty to was born and educated at the nearby Bookings highly recommended
fi ll a day or two. Hermannsburg Lutheran Mission. for powered sites
We chose to drive the 110km to the Standley Chasm missed our patronage Luritja Road, Watarrka National Park
Arltunga Historical Reserve to find out due to lack of caravan parking space, Ph: 1800 837 168
about the hard life in the Red Centre however, further along the gorges kept W: www.kingscanyonresort.com.au
back in the 1890s. We learnt about us busy, as we slowly moved our way WINTERSUN CABIN
the Government Battery and Cyanide west. Ellery Creek Big Hole and the & CARAVAN PARK
Works, saw ruins of the old post office, three kilometre Dolomite walk part North Stuart Highway, Alice Springs
the managers and assayers residences of the Larapinta Trail, Serpentine Ph: (08) 8952 4080
and the old gold room. The full walk Gorge walk to the lookout for an W: www.wintersun.com.au
around the site takes around 40 minute. overwhelming view of the gorge, The
Guided brochures are available from the Ochre Pit with its coloured cliffs a majestic gorges; words do not suffice.
Visitors Centre at the entrance of the sacred area, Ormiston and Redbank National Park camping is available at
park. Arltunga was the site of Central Gorges. Where do I start to describe Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge and
Australias first town; due to drought the mystical beauty of these ancient Ellery Creek Big Hole, and there are
and lack of gold the town gradually ranges? How can I share with you, the two 24hour rest areas along Namatjira
dwindled, leaving only ruins. The feeling of being lost in an ancient time? Drive Point Howard Lookout and
drive from Ross Highway to Arltunga The red quartzite, currently decorated Neil Hargrave Lookout. It took us five
includes approximately 33km of gravel with spinifex, small trees and beautiful days to drive to Ormiston Gorge, with
road. There is a small bush camp outside wildflowers the centre saw a good a pressing appointment in Alice, we
the reserve with limited facilities. wet winter in 2016 rugged ranges, returned in one day.
RED CENTRE WAY
Anxious to leave Alice and back into Camped at Lasseter Highway overflow campsite, so on checking
explore mode, we departed south via Rest Stop, a view of a mountain gave in at the campgrounds/caravan park,
the Stuart Highway to Erldunda, interesting conversation amongst some discovered they dont let you into the
the turn off to the Lasseter Highway campers one night. Most claimed it overflow until all sites are sold.
and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. was the first view of Uluru. We have Still early in the afternoon, we drove,
The highway drive is good, the views all seen photos of THE ROCK, and caravan in tow, a further 18km out
are amazing as you pass through the this one was definitely NOT Uluru. for our first visit to THE ROCK. We
Red Centre. With plenty of stops to Instead, Mt Connor, another mountain drove around the base, marvelling at
stretch your legs and learn a bit of formed at the same time as Uluru and each turn at the gorges, rock holes,
history as you go, no one could ever Kata Tjuta. You have to drive a lot and the sheer size of this beautiful
call this section of highway boring. further west for your first vista. orange arkose sandstone formation. To
Overnight rest areas with phone put it in perspective, Uluru is 348m
satellites, lookouts, points of interest ULURU - high, The Eiffel Tower is 324m high,
and roadhouses break up the journey,
Stuarts Well, Erldundas Desert Oaks,
KATA TJUTA Sydney Harbour Bridge is 134m and
the Statue of Liberty is only 93m. The
Mount Ebenezer Roadhouse and its Yulara, the support town and resort slab of sandstone you see above the
Indigenous Art Gallery and Curtin for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National ground continues underground for an
Springs Wayside Inn, all offer camping Park was bigger than I thought it estimated five to six kilometres!
along the way. would be; supermarket, chemist, A lot of history unfolds around
newsagent, resort shops, cafes as Uluru and Kata Tjuta: geology
well as restaurants, fuel, mechanical building the area; tourism opening
DONT MISS services, everything you need after the area; and most importantly the
445km drive from Alice Springs. knowledge that comes from the
ALICE SPRINGS We had been told there was an Tjukurpa, the stories that govern
REPTILE CENTRE
Stuart Terrace, Alice Springs
Demonstrations daily at NO MATTER IF YOURE A FIRST
11am, 1pm and 3.30pm
Ph: (08) 8952 8900 TIMER OR A RETURN VISITOR,
W: www.reptilecentre.com.au
ULURU WILL ALWAYS LEAVE
OLIVE PINK BOTANIC GARDENS
AND BEAN TREE CAF YOU WITH AN OVERWHELMING
Cnr Tuncks Rod and Barret Drive,
Alice Springs
Entry by donation, gardens open
SENSE OF AWE
8am to 6pm daily
When exploring Ellery
Ph: (08) 8952 2154 Creek Big Hole you are
W: www.opbg.com.au provided with a GPS
tracker, so you dont
SALVATION ARMY get lost
THE WATERHOLE
88 Hartley Street, Alice Springs
Ph: (08) 8951 0207
W: www.salvationarmy.org.au
ARLTUNGA
HISTORICAL RESERVE
Follow Ross Highway from Alice,
then signage along Binns Track.
The last 33km are on an unsealed road
Ph: (08) 8956 9770
W: www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au
MALA WALK RANGER BEST WAY

GUIDED WALK AT ULURU TO SEE
8:00am Oct to April ULURU
10:00am May to Sept
W: www.uluru.com/UluruWalks
TRAVEL
Sunrise viewing at Uluru -

simply stunning
the Anangu, the traditional owners. the dual name of Ayres Rock Uluru
FREE CAMPS Much of it is so sacred that stories and remains one of the few dual named
43: POINT HOWARD cannot be told. features in Australia.
LOOKOUT A few years ago actually around While tourists feel it is their rite
80km west of Alice Springs, 500 million years ago what we of passage traditional owners prefer
Namatjira Drive now know as inland Australia, was visitors not to climb the rock. Daily,
covered in an inland sea. Sand and queues of tourists trek up and stumble
mud settled on the floor of the seabed down. It is not prohibited, but Anangu
46: NEIL HARGRAVE LOOKOUT, and turned to rock. Some of the rock ask you, as visitors to their land, that
NAMATJIRA DRIVE became conglomerate, some turned you respect their wishes. We chose
Rest area 107km W of Alice Springs or into sandstone. As the sea subsided not to climb, instead we enjoyed the
24km E of Glen Helen. 800m S off Hwy
the centre of Australia was subjected free guided Mala Walk at the base
to massive forces. Rocks folded and with indigenous Ranger James. James
tilted and moved around. Erosion told us about the class room, the
69: SANDY WAY REST AREA over the last 300 million years caused kitchen and briefly about the secret
Rest area 56km W of Curtin Springs or softer rocks to peel away, exposing the womens area. It was an insight to
28km E of Yulara. Tracks over dune to
camp spots
conglomerate of Kata Tjuta and the life and culture of the Anangu and
arkose sandstone of Uluru. the significance of Uluru; we enjoyed
The Rock was originally named the short walk and the informative
Ayres Rock in 1873. The first track to tour immensely. The base walk
the rock was set in 1930 by Len Tuit, around the rock is a level 10.6km loop
64: SALT CREEK REST AREA an Alice Springs resident; tourism taking approximately three and a half
Rest area 48km N os Lasseter Hwy. On officially arrived to the Red Centre and hours; shorter hikes are available to
Lurijta Rd, 20km S of Ernest Giles Rd jcn a base camp set up at Ayres Rock. By various waterholes and features. A
1985 Ayres Rock was handed back to visit to the cultural centre to gain an
the Traditional owners, on condition it understanding of Anangu culture is
be leased by the federal government for highly recommended as part of your
ninety-nine years. In 2002 it was given visit to Uluru.
TRAVEL
Ranger James shows us a VISITOR INFO

traditional schoolroom
ALICE SPRINGS VISITOR

INFORMATION CENTRE
Parson Street, Alice Springs
Ph: (08) 8952 5800
W: www.northernterritory.com
$25.00 per person entry to Uluru-
Kata Tjuta National Park, three day
(72 hours). Pass available at the
entry to the park.
Permit for Mereenie Loop $5.00 per
vehicle, available on the day of travel
from Kings Canyon Resort General
Store, Glen Helen Resort
or Hermannsberg
Many of the walks in the National
Parks are closed when forecasted
temperatures exceed certain
temperatures. When planning a
walk, ensure you wear enclosed
shoes and hat, sunblock and carry
Kata Tjuta, 50km to the west of Tour busses shuttle guests from the and carry plenty of water.
Uluru is a pleasant drive and sealed all resort to the sites and you may well
the way. There are several walks; we have to shuffle for a view. is worth the saving. The camping
walked part of the Valley of the Winds Yulara camping grounds offer grounds are within walking distance
walk to the Karu Lookout, a grade 3 various types of accommodation, to the town square, shopping centre
moderate 2.2km return hike, before cabins, powered and un-powered sites. and eateries, and a free shuttle bus
returning to the picnic area for lunch. When all sites are full, the overflow runs approximately every 20 minutes
The full 7.4km circuit takes around 4 caters potentially for at least another throughout the resort.
hours and is rated grade 4. hundred campers. You are able to Make the most of your three
Sunrise and sunset at both Uluru enjoy all the amenities; however, you day/72 hour National Park pass, on
and Kata Tjuta are worth the will be camped in an unprotected your last day, you may be able to take
experience, however, dont expect to area on red dirt. At more than half another swing around the rock
have the viewing decks to yourself. the price of an unpowered site, this before you leave.
Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Plenty of freedom
camping available
You can get up with the
eagles and kites as they
soar above the canyon
BE INSPIRED BY THE SOARING

SANDSTONE WALLS OF
KINGS CANYON
KINGS CANYON
WHEN TO VISIT Leaving Yulara, we back-tracked to return. This was a strenuous walk, it
Luritja Road into Kings Canyon in the took us more than five hours, despite
Best time to visit is between April
and September, however, night time
Watarrka National Park. We chose to being advertised as three and a half. It
temperatures do drop in winter, and frost stay at the Kings Canyon Resort, due was definitely worth the climb up and
in Alice Springs are not uncommon. to its close proximity to the canyon the pain of the scramble down again.
During peak tourist periods, rangers walks. Two walks are available, an Some of the cliff walls are over 300m
conduct guided walks and campre easy meander along the ancient creek high and you are up with the eagles and
talks in many of the National Parks.
Waterholes in gorges, while very
bed, or the more arduous walk six kites as they soar through the canyon.
tempting, are known to be very cold. kilometres around the canyon rim, The resort is clean and friendly, the
Prolonged exposure, even during involving rock stairs, cliff walks, steps camping grounds boasting many sites
summer can result in hypothermia. down to the Garden of Eden and both powered and unpowered. You can
TRAVEL
HOW TO GET THERE

top up with groceries and souvenirs Darwin to Alice Springs via Stuart Highway National Highway 1/A87 is 1,946km.
at the Outback Oasis General Store. Adelaide to Alice Springs via National Highway A87 is 1,531km. Alice Springs to
Keep an eye out for the local dingo Uluru via Stuart and Lasseters Highway is 463km. Travel in NT outback can be
who wanders through the park at subject to road closures. Make sure you check out for road closures before travel.
www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/roadreport
sunset. Looking starving, it is easy to
forget this is a wild animal. Do not
feel compelled to feed it. Fuel can LEGEND
be purchased before your return to CARAVAN PARK
Alice Springs via the Mereenie Loop FREE CAMP
2
VISITORS INFO 1
(permit required), Ernest Giles Road, 1 Alice Springs
or if you need to stick to the bitumen, 2 MacDonnell Ranges
via Lasseter Highway. We chose the 3 Uluru
Mereenie Loop, approximately 125km
of gravel road, in reasonable condition
the day we drove it.
We returned to Alice Springs with
an overwhelming feeling of awe, having
spent two weeks in the beautiful Red
Centre. This is the ultimate destination
to write home about. Make sure you buy
the tea towel, and take your compulsory
selfie at the rock to send back to the
Grandies. Dont feel intimidated by
having to spend the $25.00 fee to enter 3
the Uluru- Kata Tjuta National Park. If
you bypass them, you may live to regret
missing them.
Uluru beautiful NATIONAL PARK

after a wet season CAMPING
Available in both East and West Macs
Panorama Camp Ground, Trephina
Gorge
Arltunga Bush Camp, Arltunga
Ormiston Gorge
Redbank Gorge
Ellery Creek Big Hole
Check for details on the NT website for

opening times, fees and facilities
www.nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves
John enjoyed the

rugged beauty on the
Dolomite Walk
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TRAVEL
KARIJINI NATIONAL PARK, WA
TRAVEL
A didgeridoo demonstration by this

young fella was amazing
arijini National Park had

always been on our wish
list, we have seen and
heard so many fantastic
reviews that there was no
doubt that we would make a bee line
straight for it. However, as our trip
dates coincided with the WA school
holidays and the annual Karijini
Experience, we were concerned
about how busy it would be and if
we would be able to get a camp spot
in the national park. Before we left
Paraburdoo, we rang the visitor centre
and lucky for us, the friendly lady told
us that there are more than enough
camp spots available within the
national park, which was a relief. however we felt it was reasonably breathtaking, one minute your walking
We were not sure what to expect priced. We booked in for six nights along the path from the car park and
from Karijini, however going by to allow ourselves plenty of time the next minute your staring over the
feedback we had received from fellow to explore the many gorges and cliff into a huge gorge, the colours were
travellers we had a feeling we wouldnt participate in a few of the free events mind blowing as the gorge is lined
be disappointed. We had decided to for the Karijini Experience. with white Sappy gums against the
stay within the national park, more reddest of rock. The rock is made up of
specifically the Dales Recreation Area, SWIMMING HOLES mostly iron and silica-rich sediments
which was located on the eastern side AND WATERFALLS compressed into the earth many
of the park close to the Visitors centre, A short walk from our campground millions of years ago. During our time
not far from all the spectacular gorges. was Dales Gorge, where we spent many there we were lucky enough to make
Being a national park campsite it had days exploring. Our first adventure and the Ranger Walk and Talk, as well
basic toilet facilities and no power, swim was at Fern Pool. The scenery was which gave us a bit more insight into
the gorge and Fern Pool. According
to the traditional Aboriginal creation
stories, Fern Pool is a bottomless pool
and a significant cultural site for the
traditional land owners, in which a
serpent lives down below the water,
therefore any visitors must pay their
DONT MISS
THE KARIJINI EXPERIENCE
Generally Held in mid-April,
2017 dates will be announced soon
Karijini National Park, NT
Ph: 0458 532 897
W: www.karijiniexperience com
FERN POOL, GREAT

CIRCULAR POOL FOR KIDS
& KERMITS POOL
What an amazing Karijini National Park, NT
place to sit and Ph: (08) 9189 8121
chill overlooking W: www.parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/karijini
Circular Pool
Fern Pool was my
favourite swimming
spot in Karijini NP
OFFERING SPECTACULAR RUGGED

SCENERY MIXED WITH AN ANCIENT
CULTURE, KARIJINI NATIONAL PARK
WILL TAKE YOUR BREATHE AWAY
respects as they enter the pool. from Fern Pool, with the surrounding
Our next adventure was only a rocks of the falls creating a natural WHEN TO VISIT
close hike from Dales Campground amphitheatre. As the weather was
to Circular Pool, another significant still very hot and we had hiked two Best time to visit is during the dry
season, during the months of May
Indigenous cultural site. Circular Pool kilometres from Circular Pool, we
to September.
was magnificent, it had a peaceful, fi nished off the walk with yet another November to April can be
spiritual aura about it. As we were told relaxing swim before we tackled the extremely hot and is cyclone season.
we paid our respects before we went tough stairs back up to the carpark.
for a swim, however as the water was
coolish, I went and found a quiet ledge
on the rocks away from the growing
crowd, to sit and admire the beauty and
feel of this special place. I could only
imagine how special it would have been
to be the only person there. Sitting
there watching the fresh water trickle
out of the rock, creating a waterfall into
the pools, made me feel very lucky.
From Circular Pool, we hiked
along the river, scrambling over rocks
and through the river, finishing up The views from the top of
at Fortescue Falls. Fortescue Falls Mount Bruce (the 2nd highest
is a beautiful waterfall downstream mountain in WA) were worth
the 10km return hike
TRAVEL
FREE CAMPS
437: MT ROBINSON
REST AREA
Rest area 109km NW of Newman or
86km SE of Auski Roadhouse.
800m E of Hwy
438: ALBERT TOGNOLONI

REST AREA
Rest area 179km NW of Newman or
17km S of Auski Roadhouse. 2km E of
Hwy. Follow tracks to the R along ridge.
439: DALES GORGE FAVE

CAMPGROUND
CAMP
Camp area 8km E of Karijini Visitors
Centre. Generators allowed.
Showers at Info Centre for a fee
ALL THE GORGES

A short drive from our campsite,
were both Weano and Hancock
Gorge, however due to having a
poor wet season the ranger advised
against going into Weano Gorge
and the hand rail pool as the water
was stagnant and not nice to swim
in. Hancock Gorge however, was a
different story, so we headed down The amazing rock
formations of Karijini NP
into the gorge, swimming through
the sheep dip into the Amphitheatre
and then continuing along the spider gorges the views were again spectacular. from the parks gorges.
walk into the Kermits Pool. Kermits Whilst in Karijini we decided to go Our last destination in Karijini
Pool was by far voted our favourite and explore Mt Bruce, which is the was to Hamersley Gorge, on the
part of Karijini, so much so that second tallest peak in WA and only north-west side of the national
we tackled the obstacles again for a a mere 10km hike to the summit and park. After we made ourselves some
second visit before we left. I think back. It was a tough hike and it was lunch we spent many hours cooling
one of the reasons we like this place not a place for the faint hearted, with down in the water and swimming
so much was that it was never really some quite steep drop offs. However, along the gorge to explore a little.
overcrowded, so we could feel that like a herd of mountain goats, our The rocks here were amazing, the
we could sit and relax and take in the group managed to successfully reach way the different layers of iron and
surroundings in peace. the summit, which afforded us some silica travel up and down along the
We also went and had a look at the amazing views of the surrounding cliff edge, you can only imagine the
lookouts for Joffre and Knox Gorges national park as well as the Marandoo movement and the force of the earth
and whilst we didnt hike down into the Mine, located only a short distance so many millions of years ago.
The Sheep Dip was
great fun on the way
to Kermits Pool
SECLUDED FROM THE MADDING CROWDS

AND SAFE FOR SWIMMING, SHEEP DIP
WAS A BIG HIT WITH THE KIDS
CARAVAN PARKS
KARIJINI ECO RETREAT
Savannah Campground (off Weano
Road), Karijini National Park
Ph: (08) 9425 5591
E: reservations@karijiniecoretreat.com.au
W: www.karijiniecoretreat.com.au
TOM PRICE TOURIST PARK

Nameless Valley Drive, Tom Price WA
Ph: (08) 9189 1515
E: tompricetouristpark@westnet.com.au
W: www.tompricetouristpark.com.au
PARABURDOO AMAZING
WILDLIFE
CARAVAN PARK
LOT 1 Camp Rd, Paraburdoo WA
Ph: Contact the Rocklea Palms hotel on
(08) 9189 5018 for bookings Dales Campground
in the afternoon was
W: www.ashburton.wa.gov.au/
the perfect place to
visit-ashburton/paraburdoo practice on the old
six strings
TRAVEL
KARIJINI
EXPERIENCE
As our stay also coincided with the
Karijini Experience, where we were
lucky enough to participate in many
of the events available. The Karijini
Experience, is an eight-day event
created to allow visitors to experience
and be captivated by the amazing
landscape, as well as celebrating
and protecting the environment and
culture of the Pilbara region.
With activities and performances
that catered for all budgets there was
plenty to choose from, including a
range of paid events consisting of a
culinary experience, a degustation
meal, an opera performance in the The magnificent Fern Pool
is an amazing place to cool
Kalamina Gorge, photography off with a dip
workshops, art workshops and kids
COINCIDING WITH THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS,

THE KARIJINI EXPERIENCE IS THE PERFECT
FESTIVAL FOR TRAVELLING FAMILIES
The Karijini Experience had

plenty of free activities.
This one was on making
traditional weapons
The lovely shady
campsite at Dales
Campground was a nice
place to relax
painting workshops. However, for us daily yoga, book reading, spear and runners of all shapes, sizes and ages
full time travellers, it was all about boomerang throwing, tool and weapon involved. Everyone did an amazing
the free kids events ranging from making, bush tucker to the evening job, whether they were running,
events of night sky stories and walking or skipping across the line in
movie nights, of course featuring the their respective distances.
VISITOR INFO infamous Red Dog. The last day of the Karijini
The kids had fun making spears and Experience week began with an
KARIJINI VISITOR CENTRE
Banyjima Drive, Karijini National Park.
trying their hand at Aboriginal art but opportunity to meet and greet with local
Open 9 am to 4 pm daily. Closed for our favourite was certainly attending artists, elders and custodians who kindly
season December to February the musical workshop, where all the shared their knowledge of caring for
Ph: (08) 9189 8121 kids were able to participate playing country. The final evening events then
W: www.parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/ the drums and rocking out! As a concluded with the Moonrise Makers
karijini-visitor-centre
family, we also participated in the Market, where we were lucky enough to
TOM PRICE VISITOR CENTRE Indigenous Marathon Foundations purchase an amazing Indigenous canvas
Central Road, Tom Price, WA Deadly Fun Run, which was run on painting and lastly the Moonlight
Ph: (08) 9188 5488 the air strip near the info centre. It Lounge show, which included
W: www.tomprice.org.au/ was a two kilometre or four kilometre performances by local musicians
travel/visitor-centre/
run/walk with lots of local kids and including the Pigram Brothers.
TRAVEL
HOW TO GET THERE
LEGEND
CARAVAN PARK
FREE CAMP
VISITORS INFO
1 Paraburdoo
2 Karijini
Chillin with some

tunes back at Dales
Campground after a day
of swimming and hiking
2
FINAL WORDS
Whilst our trip to Karijini National
Park accidently coincided with the
Karijini Experience, it is something 1
we felt privileged to be a part of
and would highly recommend it to
anyone, be it singles, couples, families
and grey and not so grey nomads,
as it is so inclusive of everyone and
there is so much on offer for all
tastes. Whilst we only had a short
drive from our campground to
activity headquarters for most of the
activities, there is also bus services
available from the Visitors centre The massive escarpments of
and Tom Price, enabling you to Karijini are breath taking
experience the evenings events whilst
enjoying an extra beverage or two
theres nothing to stop your fun!
Karijini National Park certainly
didnt disappoint us, we were in awe
of the natural beauty and ruggedness
of this place. Northern WA itself is
an amazingly spectacular area and
every place we visit, it seems to be
upping the ante more and more and
we have already stated that we are
coming back. The Pilbara is certainly
a place of contrasts, with natural
wonders and mining occurring side
by side, we were lucky enough to
experience its beauty at present and
just hope that it stays this way for
many generations to come.
VER YOU GO!
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CROWD -FREE
!
UN
Leave the crowds behind and enjoy these stunningly

scenic free camps in complete peace! Its the guide
youll be flicking back to for years to come
WORDS BY JAZMIN MALCOLM PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARAVAN & MOTORHOME
Australia and spoke to our knowledge we needed to find Australias best and
expert team of travellers most hidden free camps in every single state. From
in order to bring you the quiet gems in the Northern Territory to secret, tropical
absolute best crowd-free escapes in Queensland, youll love having these camps
free camp guide for 2017. all to yourself so what are you waiting for?
MAJOR FEATURE
CROWD-FREE CAMPS
THE CAMPS THNAT
UEENSLAND SHOULD BE O T!
EVERYONES LIS
LAKE HOUDRAMAN,
QUILPIE
WHERE: Old Adavale Road, Quilpie QLD
GPS: 26 35 6 S 144 18 22 E
Lake Houdraman is a nature lovers

dream come true. Camp right on the
foreshore and enjoy wonderful, shaded
campsites that are often visited by the
unique Quilpie wildlife. Thousands of
colourful waterlilies line the banks each
season and the vast waters are inhabited
by waterbirds of all sizes on sunset.
This oasis is located on Wanko Station
and open to the public, as long as RVers Pull up a chair, get the re going
continue to respect it and take their and relax at Lake Houdraman!
Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
rubbish with them.
DIAMANTINA RIVER
LAKE HOUDRAMAN CAMPGROUND,
IS A NATURE LOVERS BIRDSVILLE
WHERE: Eyre Developmental Rd,
DREAM COME TRUE Birdsville QLD

GPS: 25 54 16 S 139 22 29 E
We love our wide open,

country spaces!
The iconic town of Birdsville isnt just
known for its races, their free camps are
also spectacular. They are all walking
distance to town, with the Diamantina
River grounds our favourite thanks to the
large, level areas available. Duck in to
town and see their excellent collection
of artwork and artefacts at the Wirrarri
Visitor Centre or time your trip with
their famous Birdsville Races, but get
in early! Its crowd-free during the year
but the races, which occur on the 1st
and 2nd of September, bring people in
by the thousands.
FEATURE
CROWD-FREE CAMPS
Our family loves visiting the Leichardt

River Falls camping area
LEICHHARDT RIVER
FALLS CAMPING
AREA, GREGORY
WHERE: Nardoo-Burketown Road,
Gregory QLD
GPS: 181314.4S 1395234.5E
The Leichardt River Falls camping

area presents a tranquil, natural free
camp thats perfect for every RVer.
Camp on both sides of the bank, atop
the cliffs and right beside the water
for the best views. Theres no creature
comforts here, but the incredible
sunsets and serene landscapes
certainly make up for it. To soak in
more of the area, take a five-minute
stroll to Walkers Monument and get
360 views over the region or visit the
fantastic Burketown Pub on your way
in or out for a delicious outback meal
complete with top notch hospitality.
STANAGE BAY, WEENGALLON CAMPGROUND,

STANAGE WEENGALLON
WHERE: 13188 Barwon Hwy, campground offers large sites and clean
WHERE: Banksia Rd, Stanage QLD Weengallon QLD facilities that boast ushing toilets and
GPS: 22 8 3 S 150 2 3 E GPS: 28 21 30 S 149 3 19 E showers. The best place to camp if you
dont have facilities on board is near
the tennis courts, as its close to these
Enjoy the most exquisite, coastal Relax in the serenity of camping in amenities. If youre here in August, gear
sunsets at the relaxing Stanage Weengallon, which is just a few minutes up for another great Pink Ladies Day,
Bay Campground. Once youre away from one of Queenslands best which attracts hundreds of RVers to the
here, youll almost never want to outback towns of the same name. The small town for champagne and fun.
leave. Theres large shaded areas,
plenty of angling and swimming Spread out and relax by
the re at Weengallon
opportunities and a top-notch Campground
pub just 200M down the road that
serves delicious meals. To get the
best shing tips, visit Vonnie at
the BaitNTackle store. Many have
said this free camp is the highlight
of their trip thanks to the amazing
townsfolk and waterside spots. Isnt
it time you visited?
FEATURE
CROWD-FREE CAMPS
NEW SOUTH WALES

THE HIDDEN
WATERSIDE CAMPS
YOULL LOVE
COORONGOOBA
CAMPGROUND,
WOLLEMI N.P.
WHERE: Wollemi National Park, NSW
GPS: 33 7 20 S 150 19 18 E
The Coorongooba Campground is in

the heart of the beautifully scenic
Wollemi National Park, in between
Sydney and Newcastle. Despite being
close to two major city centres,
Coorongooba is wonderfully tranquil.
Explore the many bush walking trails
in the park, enjoy a kayak down the
Ticking items off our river or simply sit back and relax.
Wollemi scenery list. Youll love how much there is to do
Credit: Stephen Guildford
when you step outside your doorstep.
ROSES PARK, THORA

WHERE: Waterfall Way, Thora NSW
GPS: 30 25 33 S 152 46 45 E
Roses Park Free Camp is so scenic and

restful that youll pull up for camp and
immediately earmark it for future trips.
This little known campground is set
back from the river on raised ground,
surrounded by mountainous ranges,
pine trees and river settings that
our neighbours said reminded them
of Switzerland. The lovely Bellinger
River below is within easy walking
distance and Grifths Lookout is a
short 15-minute drive away and offers
panoramic views. A gold coin donation
is appreciated at camp.
The place was deserted, save

for us and a happy nomad couple.
PORTERS CREEK
PICNIC AREA,
MATHOURA
WHERE: Porters Creek Road, Mathoura NSW
GPS: 35 53 44.2 S 144 57 49.9 E
Crowds wont be a problem at the scenic

Porters Creek Picnic Area in Mathoura. This
top-notch region is a gateway to the stunning
Barmah-Millewa Forest, where hundreds
of species of birds, animals, plants, trees
and aboriginal sites lay waiting for you to
explore. If youre a lover of nature, its well
worth visiting the Gulpa Creek Reedbeds Bird
Observatory on the other side of town for an Enjoy a private, owing
in-depth look into the area. Otherwise, sit riverside spot along the Murray
River here at Porters Creek
back and enjoy the tranquillity of your camp.
Theres enough
room to spread out
wherever you wish
RENOWNED FOR
SPARKLING WATER
AND WHITE SAND
NORTH HEAD
CAMPING AREA,
BENANDARAH
ROCKY BRIDGE Enjoy the amazing Rocky Bridge WHERE: 538 North Head Rd,
Campground in the wonderfully crowd- Benandarah NSW
CAMPGROUND, free Belanglo State Forest. Theres GPS: 35 43 9 S 150 16 29 E
BELANGLO plenty of dry rewood around to help
WHERE: Belanglo Firebreak Rd, you complete those roaring happy hours
Belanglo NSW and heaps of room to spread out and
GPS: 34 30 47 S 150 13 36 E enjoy yourself. The best thing is, its North Head Camping Area is one
only 140km from Sydney, making it the of the few camps on the gorgeous
NSW coast that we found peaceful
perfect escape for a weekend or a week!
in shoulder season. From your bush
camp up top, its a short walk down
Theres nothing better to the pristine beachfront, which
than a roaring campre is perfect for relaxing, swimming
and good friends
or having a picnic. Theres also
friendly kangaroos who have become
accustomed to being hand-fed,
however, dont leave food out for the
possums! The road can be easily
navigated by a 2WD if you avoid the
pot holes, and is worth every second
of the drive in. If you dont have a
4WD capable van, take Durras Rd
from the north. Trust us this is one
you dont want to miss!
VICTORIA
A peaceful spot right by the river!
Credit: Bob and Phyllis Bowers
ROTARY PARK,
ECHUCA
WHERE: Rose Street, Echuca VIC
GPS: 36 8 46 S 144 44 2 E
This restful free camp is right on

the Campaspe River and perfect for
vanners to relax. John, the caretaker,
regularly visits to make sure everyone
is comfortable, and is only too happy
to tell you about the Miniature Steam
Train that goes past camp on the last
Sunday of every month. RVers are
encouraged to enjoy a ride as well
as leave a donation if they stay in the
camp, which is huge and offers both
water and dump point facilities.
ENJOY A CROWD-FREE WATERSIDE OASIS

AT BRUCES BEND RIVER CAMPING
Pull up alongside a owing river and BRUCES BEND
enjoy Milduras best free camp spot RIVER CAMPING,
NICHOLS POINT
WHERE: Billabong Rd, Nichols Point VIC
GPS: 34 12 19 S 142 13 44 E
Enjoy a crowd-free waterside oasis on

the Victorian and New South Wales
border at Bruces Bend River Camping.
RVers will be spoilt for choice when it
comes to attractions near this free camp,
thanks to the delightful paddle-steamer
trips and the historic Chaffey Trail. For
something the whole family can enjoy,
take a tour in Orange World on their
miniature train or visit the Ancient Walls
of China dunes in Mungo National Park.
FEATURE
CROWD-FREE CAMPS
AYSONS RESERVE, Enjoy having the owing

Campaspe River right on your
BURNEWANG doorstep at Aysons Reserve
WHERE: 727 Burnewang Rd,

Burnewang VIC
GPS: 36 27 34 S 144 40 8 E
Soak in your idyllic surrounds at the

fantastic Aysons Reserve Campground,
which is nestled next to the Campaspe
River near Rochester and Elmore and
not too far from Bendigo. The area is
enormous, with large, green grassed
areas and ample shade. We highly
recommend bringing a fishing rod or
canoe for the family, as the river is a
stones throw from your front door.
HUNTS BRIDGE AVON RIVER RESERVE, GRE GRE SOUTH

CAMPGROUND, WHERE: McPherson Rd, leisure. The birds at sunset are some
BUNGAL Gre Gre South VIC
GPS: 36 38 25 S 142 58 43 E
of the only sounds youll hear, as well
as the gentle ebb and ow of water,
WHERE: Elaine-Egerton Rd, which is perfect for a quick sh. Large,
Bungal VIC level campsites are edged by a bike-
GPS: 37 42 40 S 144 5 44 E Avon River Reserve allows you to riding track for those wanting to get the
surround yourself in nature and soak family together and explore.
in peaceful surrounds at your own
The brilliant Hunts Bridge

The Avon River Reserve
Campground is massive and there is an ideal spot for a
are several campgrounds for you quiet weekend away
to choose from, making it perfect
for those wanting peace and quiet.
Theres beautiful, cool waters
below for campers staying here
in summer or sheltered camps
back from the water for winter.
From Hunts Bridge take a short
walk to the brilliant Moorabool
River and enjoy the peaceful area
and birdsong echoing in the air
it really makes you appreciate
Australias great free camps!
The Marshall Family loved these

lush, wide open spaces
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
MOINGUP SPRINGS,
STIRLING RANGE
NATIONAL PARK
WHERE: Stirling Range National
Park, WA
GPS: 34 24 0 S 118 6 9 E
Over 100 years ago, Moingup Springs

was a stopping place for drovers, now
its one of the most peaceful parks in
Western Australia. Youd be crazy not
to put aside $6.60 each to enjoy the
lush surroundings, complete with a
huge range of nature walks or hikes.
To top it off, theres flushing toilets
and fantastic gas BBQs for those
wanting to truly make the most of their
stay in this slice of paradise.
COASTAL, INLAND,
RIVERSIDE
Relax in complete peace
and quiet. Credit: TWA
WA HAS IT ALL!
Trina and Ray

relaxing by beautiful
BILYUIN POOL, Bilyuin Pool
Credit: Trina Morris
PEAK HILL
WHERE: Meekathara Rd, Peak Hill WA
GPS: 25 54 18 S 118 39 44 E
Nestled under shady trees and a

beautiful, owing river, is the extremely
tranquil Bilyuin Pool Camping Area,
which is at the site of the historical
yet abandoned Bilyuin Hotel. The
birdlife here is amazing, with galahs,
budgies, ducks, swamphens, hawks
and even the ever-stunning rainbow
bee-eater inhabiting the area. If the
water levels are up, grab a kayak or
your swimmers and enjoy a lazy day on
the water with family or friends.
FEATURE
CROWD-FREE CAMPS
CLEAVERVILLE Its hard to believe that these

breathtaking views are free.
BEACH CAMP, Credit: Trina Edwards
KARRATHA
WHERE: Cleaverville Beach, Karratha WA
GPS: 20 39 7 S 117 1 2 E
This wonderful Cleaverville camp is

perfect for RVers in low season, as
it puts the beachfront right on your
doorstep. During the months of October
to April its free to stay and outside of
those months its low-cost. The best
thing is, its only a short drive from
Karratha, so you can duck in to town
and visit their historic Roebourne Gaol
or undertake the intriguing Yaburara
heritage trail. Make sure you bring
mozzie repellent to enjoy a beautiful,
bug-free sunset over the ocean.
CLEAVERVILLE CAMP IS PERFECT FOR

RVERS IN LOW SEASON, AS IT PUTS THE
BEACHFRONT RIGHT ON YOUR DOORSTEP
BOONDI DAM CAMPGROUND, WALLAROO
WHERE: Great Eastern Hwy, Dam Campground. We recommend EAST BAY
Wallaroo WA walking up the Big Boondi Rock, CAMPGROUND,
GPS: 31 10 52 S 120 23 4 E which has panoramic views or taking a MANYPEAKS
leisurely stroll around the dam, which
comes alive with unique wildowers WHERE: East Bay Rd,
The serene surrounds of Goldelds after rain. The road in is easily navigable Manypeaks WA
Woodlands National Park has long been in good weather, but take your time if GPS: 34 56 16 S 118 10 45 E
a favourite of ours, as has the Boondi its just rained.
The crowd-free East Bay

Campground will set you right
beside one of the most incredible
beaches youll ever see. The best
thing is, its almost always clear of
other campers and the ocean on
your doorstep is often visited by a
pod of dolphins. Theres also great
fishing and 4WDing if you want to
leave your van up top. We highly
recommend taking Homestead Rd
near Manypeaks for the easiest
access and parking in spot one for
he best views.
FEATURE
CROWD-FREE CAMPS
OUTH AUSTRALIA
APPILLA SPRINGS,
TARCOWIE
WHERE: Tarcowie SA
GPS: 33 0 9 S 138 28 46 E
The lush, open area and unforgettable

scenery at Apilla Springs will make you
feel like your miles away from society.
There are very few places in South
Australia where you can camp on a
permanent water hole in the mid north,
completely free of charge without ghting
the crowds and we were thankful to
have found it! Its closed in low-season
(from November-April) and if you want
How peaceful an idyllic is to explore while its open, take a short
this free camp? We love it! walk to the springs or navigate the rocky
Credit: Tony Kemp
surrounds. Its well worth a look!
PILDAPPA ROCK, MINNIPA BURNERS BEACH,

WHERE: Pildappa Rd, Minnipa SA isnt complete without climbing the rock POINT SOUTTAR
GPS: 32 45 1 S 135 13 46 E to enjoy the views over the wheat elds.
We enjoyed the BBQs and happily left a WHERE: Point Souttar Rd, SA
donation as req ested GPS: 34 53 59 S 137 14 38 E
Pildappa Rock is a wonderful place
to camp, as it offers sunsets and
incredible night skies that will leave you Burners Beach has two camp spots,
breathless. The best thing is, you wont the rst one is to the right of the
have to ght for a spot in these large, track in and the second is just over
level grounds, but we suggest choosing a kilometre away by the boat ramp,
wisely to escape any wind. A trip here which we thought was the better
spot. Once youre here, youve got a
Camping under these stunning beach in front of you and
rocks is so blissful.
Credit: Trina Morris craggy mountain cliffs behind its
perfection! We paid $5 a night for a
week, which was mind-blowing, as
several parks were asking more than
this per night. For a couple of dollars,
we were in free camp heaven.
Get a roaring re going and
enjoy this crowd-free camp.
Credit: Liz Slattery
LAWRIE PARK, NELSHABY

WHERE: Flinders View Dr, Nelshaby SA camps weve found! The camp was a easily house several vans. We highly
GPS: 33 7 46 S 138 6 37 E few kilometres off the main highway, recommend camping next to one of
so it was very quiet. There were their fire spots. Weve even heard of
flushing toilets, designated campfire farmers coming down for a chat and
Liz Slattery loved Lawrie Park, saying, areas with bench seating built around offering fresh eggs to campers for $3 a
It was one of the best set up free them and lots of level space that could dozen hows that for hospitality!
BOWMAN PARK,
CRYSTAL BROOK Bowman Park is perfect
for the whole family
WHERE: 140 Bowman Park Drive,
Crystal Brook SA
GPS: 33 19 46 S 138 14 26 E
Youll have the whole area to yourself

at the restful Bowman Park in the RV
friendly town of Crystal Brook. The
only sounds youll hear are the chirps
from the myriad of birdlife or the
crunch of the inquisitive peacock, who
wandered through on our trip. RVers are
encouraged to spread out and play ball
with the family, cook up a feast on their
BBQs or take one of their great walking
tracks, which are easy to navigate and
scenic. Theres also an intriguing amount
of historical buildings nearby.
FEATURE
CROWD-FREE CAMPS
TASMANIA KING WILLIAM LAKE

CAMPGROUND,
DERWENT BRIDGE
WHERE: Lyell Hwy, Derwent Bridge TAS
GPS: 42 8 49 S 146 13 3 E
Theres two free campsites for RVers

to enjoy at Lake King William. The rst
is great for vans of all sizes, its 100m
off the road, 1.8km in. The second not
suited to large vans is 3.6km in and
900m off the road, near the boat ramp.
Both encapsulate all the best aspects
of Tasmania; blissfully quiet, scenic and
surrounded by nature. Theres seasonal
trout in the river that shermen can aim
SPACIOUS, for if they have the correct licenses, and
its close to the Cradle MountainLake St
QUIET, FREE! This waterside oasis is
easily accessible and Clair National Park, which is just begging
blissfully crowd-free
to be explored.
CATAMARAN CREEK BRADYS LAKE CAMPGROUND, BRADYS LAKE

CAMPGROUND, WHERE: Lyell Hwy, Bradys Lake TAS
RECHERCHE GPS: 42 13 42 S 146 29 43 E
WHERE: Cockle Creek Rd,

Recherche TAS
Imagine pulling up to a lush, green-
GPS: 43 33 15 S 146 53 14 E
grassed free camp beside a beautiful
Tasmanian lake and knowing you
have the whole area to yourself. This
The Catamaran Creek Campground is exactly what youll get at Bradys
is the perfect escape for families Lake. The most easily accessible sites
and RVers alike, as it offers a large, are beside the boat ramp, but you can
quiet campground close to the always camp up a little further for
boat ramp and creek, making it complete ambient privacy. If youre
ideal for shing. Its a lot drier then lucky, youll spot the playful platypus Restful and beautiful
surrounding sites and the entire the perfect combination
who likes to patrol the lake edges while at Bradys Lake, Tas!
area is lush and green. Gather Credit: Trina Morris
youre enjoying a happy hour!
some of the pinecones or nd some
rewood nearby to create a roaring
re perfect for a family happy hour
in these peaceful surrounds.
Family fun at
Catamaran Creek.
Credit: Ian Smith
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FEATURE
CROWD-FREE CAMPS
NORTHERN TERRITORY
A happy hour well never forget at
Henbury Meteorite Conservation Reserve!
Credit: Andrew and Shelly Johnston HENBURY
METEORITE
CONSERVATION
RESERVE, GHAN
WHERE: Ernest Giles Rd, Ghan NT
GPS: 24 34 16 S 133 8 33 E
For a couple of dollars, you can have

he stunning Henbury Meteorite
.
The vast landscape is breathtaking Conservation Reserve all to yourself. This
Credit: Mehdi Hussain huge expanse of land was created when
a meteorite hit the area 4,700 years ago,
making twelve huge and equally amazing
craters. We highly recommend taking
a ride around the rim of the craters or
enjoying a peaceful happy hour while
watching a famous Northern Territory
sunset. Bring your own rewood and
water, and enjoy the undercover shelters
and ready-made repits. The cost is
$3.30 per adult or $7.70 for a family,
which hardly seems fair when youre
Flat sites all to ourselves! surrounded by the best of the Northern
Credit: Celia Barry Territories outback.
NEIL HARGRAVE I enjoyed a musical happy

hour that Ill never forget at
LOOKOUT, FREDS
the Neil Hargrave Lookout
MOUNT ZEIL FAVOURITE

WHERE: Namatkira Dr, NT
GPS: 23 44 57 S 132 54 13 E
Out of all the free camps Ive visited in

the Northern Territory, the Neil Hargrave
Lookout has to rate among my favourites.
The lack of other campers was apparent
from the moment we arrived and we
enjoyed large, open sites with great views
over the MacDonnell Ranges, providing
breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
When we stopped on our way home, the
bins were being emptied, the rewood
restocked and the water lled, which
shows real initiative by the council, who
are only too happy to provide us RVers
with a top-notch free camp.
MANAGER
THE
BMS1230
FEATURE
CROWD-FREE CAMPS
TOP TIPS FOR FINDING

HIDDEN GEMS
CHECK YOUR DATES BUILD YOUR MAKE THE MOST
A lot of people make the mistake of RELATIONSHIPS OF SOCIAL MEDIA
cancelling their plans to visit a free camp Everyone says that its best to talk to If theres one thing we constantly hear
based on online forum discussions that locals and it absolutely is! However, on our Facebook page, its people
say its too crowded or busy, without its better to build relationships with the asking for help nding a previous post
checking the dates. This is important, as locals to get more than just the run of the with a cracker free camp or attraction.
it could be busy in high season or around mill information. This couldnt be more Our best tip is to save or share the
an event, but completely deserted in low important when it comes to the best free posts which interest you so that you can
or shoulder season. camp, scenic or shing spots. easily come back and nd them later.
Its super easy and can save you hours
of frustration when youre trying to nd
something specic.
SHARE YOUR
EXPERIENCES OUR AUDIENCES FAVOURITE
CROWD-FREE CAMPS
Do you have a top-notch free camp
that you think should have made the DIANE REED:
list? Send us an email at: Tassie in winter is awesome. All camps
are crowd free in the cooler months.
editorial@candm.com.au with your
Family time spent nding favourite free camp and you could MARGARET OHALLORAN:
hidden gems is our favourite! Free camp at the Irishtown Recreation
Credit: Carolyn Soper be featured in the magazine!
Ground, ten minutes from Smithton
on the way to the Tarkine Drive is
our favourite.
MICHAEL FAULKNER:
Wings Wildlife Park out the back of
Ulverstone. Its a great spot and we
have it earmarked for a week soon.
SANDRA SMITH:
Gregory Downs was great and
anywhere along the Murray River.
www.facebook.com/
caravanandmotorhome
Home is where PROUDLY
you park it.

AUSTRALIAN
MADE
Escape from it all and relish the great outdoors without

having to leave all your home comforts behind.
You can rely on Century to provide the power to run the
things you need so you can have your home away from home,
wherever you find yourself.
13 22 87 | www.centurybatteries.com.au
FEATURE
EASTER HOLIDAY SPECIAL
ER
FAMILY
HOLIDAY
WORDS BY JAZMIN MALCOL
Weve scoured Australia oull never have to stress about

where to take the family for Easter
for the six best regions to again thanks to this superb Easter
take your family for that holiday guide. We have absolutely
everything covered, with the best
special Easter holiday attractions, events and places to stay in each
youll never forget state. Make this Easter a memorable one!
FEATURE
ESPERANCE, WA
Credit: Amy Smith

WHERE TO STAY
With three dedicated childrens play
areas showcasing a jumping pillow,
playground and swing set the Pink
Lake Tourist Park, just five minutes
from the beachfront, is the perfect
place to stay with the family. Theres
also three sheltered BBQ areas for
those delicious outdoor dinners. If
youre planning to free camp, theres a
beaut spot in the safe confines of the
Gibson Soak Hotel, just 25 minutes
from the Pink Lake Caravan Park.
The steaks here are divine and the kids
will love the wedges! Our whole family loved relaxing
by the van in Esperance.
West Beach in Esperance is second

to none. WHAT TO DO
There is no shortage of family feed the ducks and mini steam train
attractions in Esperance. The Bird that operates during school holidays
and Animal Park will no doubt be a and weekends. Top it all off with a trip
highlight for kids of all ages, as it gives to West Beach, which is perfect for
Credit: Karyn Fanous
them the chance to cuddle rabbits and swimming and surfing!

guinea pigs and hand feed the animals.
The fantastic Adventureland Park is
another highlight, with a huge whale THE BEST EVENTS
for the children to climb on, as well Take the whole family down to the
as a maze, fenced playground, pond to Esperance Village Markets at the
Museum Village on the 16th of April
and enjoy a fun-fi lled day that is sure
Credit: Jason Deleeuw
Conquered Adventureland?
Try Esperances beachfront playground. to leave everyone impressed. Theres
entertainment for the whole family
here, with live music, clowns, face
painting and so much more! Taste your
way through the flavours of Esperance
by indulging in local foods or simply
explore the various boutique stalls
around either way, youll love this
great Easter event!
time at
Our family loved spending quality
the beach together.
Credit: Jason Deleeuw
Townsvilles beautiful
beaches are on
Rowes Bays doorstep
TOWNSVILLE, QLD
WHERE TO STAY camping and fishing. Theres public experience you cant forget, thanks to
For beachfront living that the whole showers and toilets, plus a large shaded the koala, kangaroo and cassowary
family can enjoy, you must visit the playground for everyone to enjoy. feeding opportunities. Theres also
picturesque Rowes Bay Holiday Park, a huge range of shows, interactive
which has views over to Magnetic exhibits and a live croc feeding! We
Island. With a free pool, half tennis WHAT TO DO also recommend taking a short ferry
court, playground and enough paved Experience the Great Barrier Reef to Magnetic Island so you can swim in
pathways to ride or scooter on for without getting wet at Reef HQ their protected beaches, hire a jet-ski
hours, the kids will be spoilt for choice. Aquarium on Flinders Street, which or mini moke and visit the Bungalow
From here, its an easy walk to The is the worlds largest living coral Bay Koala Village to cuddle a koala or
Strand beachfront, where youll find reef aquarium. Theres interactive kiss a croc on their interactive wildlife
a large beachside waterpark, delicious displays, glass tunnels and heaps tours. Theres so much for the family
gelatos in every conceivable flavour and of knowledgeable volunteers. To to do in Townsville that youll almost
the famous Reef HQ Aquarium. experience more of Townsvilles great never want to leave!
If youre after a beachside free camp, diversity, duck over to Billabong
enjoy Balgal Beach, which offers great Sanctuary, where youll get a wildlife
THE BEST EVENTS
Hand-feed a kangaraoo Reef HQ Aquarium has an incredible
or cuddle a koala at display featuring more than 20
Billabong Sanctuary animated, life-size dinosaur models that
will make for a perfect Easter treat. The
fearsome T-Rex, and Queenslands very
own Muttaburrasaurus, plus many more
will be making an appearance until July
8 this year. Theres also the Easter Hub
Rally ShowNShine for the car lovers
and the always fantastic Cotters or
Willows Markets, which are both held
on the Easter Sunday. For a gold coin
donation, you can even hop on Timmy
the Train at the Cotters Markets.
FEATURE
NAROOMA, NSW

WHERE TO STAY
Relax in the swimming pool or by the
BBQ with family at BIG4 Narooma
Easts Holiday Park. When youre not
exploring, the kids will love playing
on the giant jumping pillow, cruising
around in the pedal go-karts, taking
advantage of the recreation lounge or
playing with the board games supplied.
Theres also a tennis court and a huge
chess board to keep everyone happy.
Its close to everything as well, which
makes walking to events or attractions
a breeze! If you want to immerse
yourself in a natural camp, check out
Mystery Bay, which is only 10 minutes
from Narooma. Theres toilets, showers,
fires allowed and most importantly, One of the many camps we
fishing and swimming opportunities visited on the way to Narooma.
for the family.
WHAT TO DO
Credit: Karyn Fanous
Families will love the beautiful white and personal with the oceans most
beaches at Narooma, which are perfect amazing mammals. To see more of the
for snorkelling or swimming in. There wildlife, jump on a Montague Island
are also fantastic tours available, with tour and get up close and personal
our favourite being the whale watching with hundreds of seals, who use the
our, which lets you get up close island as a playground. You can also
spot humpback whales and dolphins at
Taking the kids for a snorkel certain times of the year. Finish this off
or swim is a must. with a visit to the amazingly restored
vintage village of Tilba, which we loved.
THE BEST EVENTS

Its Easter, and its time to celebrate in
Narooma at The Tilba Festival, which
is held on Easter Saturday from 9-5
pm. The whole family will love this
festival, which closes off the street to
make way for market and food stalls,
face-painting, street performers, great
music and more! Thats not the only
festival, either! The famous Narooma
Oyster Festivalis an award-winning
event that showcases the regions most
delicious oysters and mixes it with more
great food, music and entertainmentfor
the whole family. Dates havent been
set this year, but its set to be a pearler!
FEATURE
Credit: Lyndel McKenzie

Take a scenic drive, the kids
will love the view!
BAROSSA VALLEY, SA
WHERE TO STAY
If youre not staying at the Discovery take your family on a stunning journey golf and bowling at Barossa Bowland.
Parks Barossa Valley Park, then youre through impressive vineyards and If youre heading back to Adelaide,
missing out! They have just opened flowing creeks on their dedicated stop at Gorge Wildlife Park, which is
their brand new on-side water park, paths. Theres even family-friendly mid-way and ideal for unforgettable
which has three slides, a gigantic wineries, with many boasting large wildlife encounters.
tipping bucket and super fun splash playrooms! Whistler Wines is perfect
zones for the kids. Theres also bike for the kids, as it has a kangaroo THE BEST EVENTS
hire, a playground, bouncing billow enclosure and family friendly activities The Barossa Valley is famous for its
and swimming pool for everyone to in abundance during the holidays. The markets, and every family should go
DO YOU WANT A FAMILY ESCAPE THATS NOT

MILES AWAY? THE BAROSSA IS PERFECT
enjoy. This goes to show families that Barossa is filled with playgrounds, too. at least once to truly experience the
the Barossa isnt all about wine! From Tanunda Park which gives diversity of this region. Our favourite
kids access to a liberty swing, large was the Barossa Made Markets, which
WHAT TO DO playground and more to the popular has dozens of stalls boasting Barossa
Do you want a family escape thats not Steamtrain Park, which has a full- made jewellery, ice cream, clothes food
miles away? The Barossa is perfect. sized, explorable train in the middle! and more! Theres one on the 15th and
Hire a bike (or bring your own) and Theres also 18-hole dinosaur mini- 20th of April. To enjoy the markets
of a bygone era, make an appearance
at the quintessential Barossa Vintage
Family dinners are always

yummier when youre travelling! Festival, which has over 90 events in
five days. Theres a twilight concert,
a fun (and free) family trail, festival
parade and so much more!
The kids loved

Discovery Parks
Barossa Valley!
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CM244_15
FEATURE
PHILLIP ISLAND, VIC

WHERE TO STAY

Camping with the family on our
way in to Phillip Island.
The BIG4 Phillip Island Caravan Park
will be the place your kids beg to come
back to every holidays. Theres a huge
jumping pillow, fantastic playground,
games room complete with table tennis,
volley-ball court and best of all buggy
hire! For those big family cook-ups,
enjoy their modern camp kitchen or
head outside and cook up a family feast
on the BBQ. Its the ideal location for
any family! Less than half an hour
away is the beaut Dalyston Recreation
Reserve, which offers a massive, green-
grassed area for families to enjoy from
as little as $5 a night! Its a small price
to pay for serenity at the entrance to
this beautiful, family-friendly island.
Credit: Visions of Victoria

WHAT TO DO
Enjoy shrinking or rotating rooms, into the augmented reality room,
mini-golf games, huge mazes and where youll float on an ice floe, close
super fun puzzles at the popular A enough to pat a penguin, stroke a seal
MazeN Things fun park. It even has or marvel at a whale. To see Phillip Get up close and
personal with koalas
the thrilling LOOK OUT!!!! Slide, Islands penguins, sit at Summerland on Phillip Island.
which is the highest indoor vertical Beach and wait for them to arrive at
slide in the Southern Hemisphere. sunset or to the underground viewing
Keep the wow factor going at the to watch their antics. Theres also the THE BEST E EN S
WWF Antarctic Journey centre, Maru Koala and Animal park, Koala The Churchill Island Heritage Farms
where you can see how cold a penguins Conservation Centre and delicious annual Easter Fun Festival, which is
home is in the Chill Zone and step chocolate factory. held over the Easter long weekend is
always a real treat for the family. Theres
The WWF Antarctic Journey old-fashioned farming demonstrations
centre takes everyone on and activities, food vendors, live
thrilling adventure.
entertainment, music, exclusive kids
workshops and games area, working
draught horses, vintage caravans and
the exciting Easter Egg Hunt Sunday
morning. A standard Churchill Island
Heritage Farm ticket is needed or entry is
free with a bundled 4 Park Pass attraction
ticket. If youre here after Easter, you
cant miss Grantville Pirate Festival, at
Credit: Visions of Victoria
Maru Koala and Animal Park. Your

kids will love the pirate games, jumping
castles, dress-up competitions and roving
entertainers, such as Pirate Pete and his
crew. Theres even a live stage show and
pirate show bags what a way to spend
the Easter holidays!
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HEADING
N H E
CHE HW Y !
STUART
FEATURE
STUART HWY GUIDE
d ible a tt ractio ns, events and

a rt H ig hw ay is alive with incre ing it the trip of a lifetime
The Stu
is yo u r com plete guide to mak
towns this IN
Y BY CARAVAN
MALCOLM PHOT
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& MOTORHOME
WORDS BY JAZM
e of
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pu re w on de r. You ll get to vent etched into every corner
ay is 2,834k m of e history that is w
he St ua rt Highwclassical ly country towns, bask in th dscapes. Putting thought in to ho
T A us tr al ias m os t t beau tif ul ly arid lan rted!

of Australias mos urney. Lets get sta
and soak in some p will make it a once in a lifetime jo
youll make th e tri
MAP YOUR ADVENTURE ; WHERE YOU
NEED TO STAY
; WHAT YOU
NEED TO SEE
LEGEND
MAJOR TOWN
CARAVAN PARK
FREE CAMP
FUEL STOP
FEATURE
STUART HWY GUIDE
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

WHY PREPARE? FIVE THINGS
HIWAY-INN
Cnr Stuart and Carpentaria Highways, EVERYONE NEEDS
Daly Waters TO CONSIDER
PH: (08) 89759925
W: www.dalywaters-hi-wayinn.webs.com CROSSWINDS
Crosswinds are difcult because
The team at Hiway-Inn in Daly Waters unlike rain or fog, they cant be
see vanners broken down far too often immediately seen. There have been
several incidents where a crosswind
due to easily avoidable maintenance has hit a van and thrown the weight
issues. There are a limited number of too far to one side, causing van
mechanics and workshops along the sway and accidents. The best way to
avoid this is to ensure your tyres are
Stuart Highway, many of which are in spot on and you have the necessary
remote locations, which means they accessories to minimise sway.
do not carry or have the easy access THE ESSENTIAL FUEL STOPS
to parts that a mechanic in the city CHECKLIST There are countless towns along the
might have. Having your van and vehicle Stuart Highway that arent equipped
; Have you had your van and with a service station, which means
maintenance up to date is important vehicle thoroughly serviced? you could be in serious trouble if
to prevent delays. Getting parts to us ; Have you checked the weather? you havent planned ahead.
can take days, and as much as we love ; Have you packed extra water? SEASONS
having you join us in the bar for a drink, ; Is your van equipped for The season you tour the Stuart
time delays and waiting for parts could no facility free camping? Highway in could really make or
; Have you planned your fuel stops? break your trip. The summers can be
impact your chance to see the great harsh and the winters are freezing, so
sights the Stuart has to offer. choose wisely. The best time weve
found to visit is during Autumn, when
the temperatures start to cool but
dont drop to freezing.
UP TO DATE MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE
Up to date maintenance is the
IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN difference between an enjoyable
trip and an expensive one. What
AN ENJOYABLE TRIP a lot of RVers over estimate is the
amount of repair shops along this
AND AN EXPENSIVE ONE route and the amount of spare
parts they have on hand.
LONG-HAUL TRAVEL
The Stuart Highway ranked #1 in
Allianzs report on high-risk sections
of highway, and for a good reason!
Theres a lot of RVers who arent
used to long drives in this vast,
desert landscape and many more
who underestimate just how long
the stretches between towns can be.
FREE CAMPS ALONG THE STUART
DESERT OAKS
WHERE: 167km south of Alice Springs
GPS: 24 54 16 S 133 11 46 E
Relax amongst red dirt dunes and

beautiful wild owers at the Desert Oaks
free camp. Theres exceptionally clean
drop toilets and enough space to spread
out and nd some privacy or have a
happy hour with new-found friends. The
best spots are just over the dunes!
THREE TOP FREE

CAMPS WE KNOW
Credit: Denise Watson
YOULL LOVE
ISLAND LAGOON LOOKOUT
Enjoy sweeping views over the
WATCHING A SUNSET OVER LAKE Island Lagoon at this top-notch
free camp. Theres a beautiful
HART IS A TRULY MAGICAL MOMENT breeze atop the lookout, the sites
are at and theres plenty of room
THAT RVERS WONT SOON FORGET for privacy.
MONALENA LAGOON over an hour from Port Augusta. This

WHERE: 106km north west of huge rest area offers wonderful, at
Port Augusta, SA THE PEBBLES CAMPGROUND
sites, shaded picnic areas, a water tank
GPS: 31 43 8 S 137 13 44 E Turn off the Stuart when you see a
and a basic shelter. Theres a few trees sign for Telegraph Station and youll
for you to park under and youll almost be treated to a sacred, nature-lled
never have to ght for a spot. All north free camp that showcases the
beauty of this outback desert. The
Enjoy a large, quiet reprieve at the truly bound trafc should take caution when roads in are corrugated, but the
outback Monalena Lagoon rest area, just entering due to restricted vision. drive is well worth it!
FINKE RIVER REST AREA

This is one of the most well
maintained rest stops in the region.
Workmen pressure clean the blocks
regularly and the amenities are
always stocked, but its the beautiful
owing river that makes it worth it, as
well as the large, level sites.
FEATURE
STUART HWY GUIDE
DEVILS MARBLES
WHERE: 105km south of Tennant Creek
GPS: 20 34 3 S 134 15 50 E
Can you believe that you can bask

the beauty of one of Australias most
incredible natural wonders for less
than $4? We cant! The Devils Marbles
Campground has an honesty box for the
$3.30 donation and heaps of room to
lounge about in. Watch the sun throw
hues of pink, orange and red over the
marbles or take a walk up the top this
is one campground that youll be talking
about for years to come.
This iconic free camp boasts a beautiful

sunset over glistening salt lakes LAKE HART
WHERE: 39km east of Pimba
GPS: 31 13 58 S 136 24 19 E
Lake Hart is one of the most iconic free

camps on the Stuart Highway, offering
glistening views over its rich, salty
surface. There are shaded picnic tables
close to the lake and a vast expanse
of at land to camp on. Watching a
sunset over Lake Hart is a truly magical
moment that RVers wont soon forget.
HUTCHISON
MEMORIAL
WHERE: 13km south east of Coober Pedy
GPS: 29 4 25 S 134 51 15 E
Quiet, peaceful, beautiful RVers will

love this free camp, which is just 13km
from Coober Pedy. Theres amazing
views out over the vast, expansive
landscape and if you camp further down
the track, you can get complete peace.
We recommend bringing some repellent
it is the outback, after all!
FEATURE
STUART HWY GUIDE
THE BEST ATTRACTIONS

PORT AUGUSTAS COOBER PEDYS The Woomera
HERITAGE DRIVE-IN MOVIES
Missile Park is
spectacular!
Port Augustas Information Centre is one
ARE PERFECT!
of the most vibrant weve ever seen, with
fascinating displays on everything from
FOR THE FAMILY
indigenous heritage to the European
explorers and miners who made this
outback land their home. Theres also WHY YOU
the Australian Arid Lands Botanic CANT MISS
Garden, which has 500 acres of desert COOBER PEDY
beauty and information with drive-
through parking for RVs. It also features
a lookout over the top of the Spencer
Gulf, where clear blue green waters roil Credit: SATC
against bright red cliffs.
Other highlights include the famous
Pichi Richi Railway, Homestead Park
THE ABANDONED
Pioneer Museum and the picturesque Fayes underground TOWN
McLennan and Water Tower Lookouts. home cant be missed Woomera was entirely abandoned prior
to 1947 thanks to rocket and missile
Coober Pedy is a phenomenal
place to visit, with award-winning facilities that were built in the area.
attractions and history galore! Today, RVers see the remains of these
RVers must visit the Old Timers at the Aircraft and Missile Display Park,
Mine, which is shrouded with
old-time mystery and also serves in the centre of town. The Heritage
as an opal shop and museum. Centre in the Oasis Community is also
Fayes underground home is a popular attraction and features plenty
another unique phenomenon that
showcases delicate antiques and of displays explaining the history of the
even an underground pool and the range and Len Beadells expeditions, as
weekend drive in movie theatre is well as a bowling alley installed by US
one of only thirteen in Australia!
Air Force personnel in the 1970s.
ALICE LIKE YOUVE

NEVER SEEN IT
Welcome to the heart of Australia! To
discover the true story of Alice Springs,
you must visit the incredible Telegraph
Station, which is brimming with history A trip to Alice is
sure to be on every
and helpful staff. Another is the National vanners bucket list
Road Transport Hall of Fame, which
will have you raving to friends for years
about their pristine auto collection.
In the same precinct is the equally
fascinating Ghan Railway Museum,
where youll learn all about the Great
Northern Railway and the afghan camel
drivers who helped build it. Finish this
off with a tour from Mark at Sandrifter
Safaris its the perfect end to your time
in this amazing town.
THE NTS TOP
NATIONAL PARKS
Litcheld National Park is lled w
sparkling waterfalls, crystal clear
swimming holes and wonders of nature
that will make you truly appreciate the
area. Theres a number of short walks,
such as the Lower and Upper Cascades
and Wangi Falls walk. Theres also
low-cost camping at Wangi, Florence
Falls and Buley Rockhole all year round.
If youre looking to be impressed even
further, visit Kakadu National Park and
enjoy a peaceful bush walk that takes
you to some of the most hidden and
breathtaking waterfalls in Australia,
with the Gunlom Top Pools a favourite
of ours. Theres also scenic ights and Cool off in the many gorges
of Litcheld National Park
ranger guided activities to enjoy.
LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK IS AUSTRALIAS MOST

FILLED WITH SPARKLING WATERFALLS, ICONIC OUTBACK PUB
CRYSTAL CLEAR SWIMMING HOLES
AND WONDERS OF NATURE
After enjoying the Mindil Beach
Markets, relax with a beautiful sunset
It wouldnt be a Stuart Highway

trip without stopping in at the
Daly Waters Pub in the Northern
Territory. This iconic and quirky
pub radiates history and is often
THE BEAUTY OF DARWIN lled with RVers enjoying the
entertainment and atmosphere.
Darwin is an exceptional town that is or Darwin Military Museum. To experience Across the street is the Daly
bursting with attractions and activities for the diversity or get a taste for adventure, Waters Pub Museum which is a
RVers and their families to enjoy. If you enjoy the Mindil Beach Markets at sunset, creative testament to the region.
While youre in the area, visit the
want to learn about the region, you cant visit the fascinating Reptile Centre or take original Qantas Hanger, which
go past the guided Darwin Walking Tours a tour of the many waterways! was built in 1928.
FEATURE
STUART HWY GUIDE
THE BEST CARAVAN PARKS

BIG4 HOWARD
SPRINGS
WHERE: 170 Whitewood Rd
Howard Springs NT
PH: 1300 831 169
W: www.big4.com.au/Darwin
From the moment you arrive to the
moment you leave, youll be blown
away by the hospitality and fantastically
large happy hours complete with
live entertainment at BIG4 Howard
Springs. Its the perfect base for the
start or end of your trip as its close to
everything Darwin has to offer and its
lled with immaculate amenities.
BIG4 MACDONNELL
RANGE HOLIDAY
PARK
STUART RANGE SHORELINE

OUTBACK RESORT CARAVAN PARK WHERE: Palm Pl, Ross NT
WHERE: Hutchison St, Coober Pedy SA WHERE: Gardiner Ave, Port Augusta SA PH: 1800 808 373
PH: (08) 8672 5179 PH: (08) 8642 2965 W: www.macrange.com.au
W: www.stuartrangeoutbackresort.com.au W: www.shorelinecaravanpark.com.au
RVers who visit the BIG4
This pearler of a caravan park is located This park is one of the best we stayed MacDonnell Range Holiday Park
right in the heart of Coober Pedy and at in the Port Augusta area and we cant help but rave about the
is an example of how great outback really enjoyed the friendly nature of friendly service provided by
Brendan and his team, who go
hospitality is. Choose your own site the owners Mark and Kylie, as well as above and beyond to make your
and take advantage of the large indoor the waterside views. The showers are stay enjoyable. The highlight for
kitchen while meeting like-minded enormous and the best youll nd on every vanner and their family
is the huge and free pancake
travellers. Travellers will love treating your trip, the pool is relaxing and the breakfast offered on Sundays,
themselves to a pizza from the on-site camp kitchen is seriously superb. If which brings crowds of RVers
pizza restaurant and ducking in to the we didnt have to leave for Darwin, we from every corner of the park.
Its also central to the highlight
drive-in movie theatre, which plays would have stayed longer! attractions in Alice Springs and
movies every weekend. wonderfully clean.
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FEATURE
STUART HWY GUIDE
THE EVENTS YOULL LOVE

TERRITORY
TASTE FESTIVAL
WHEN: 22 23 April 2017
WHERE: Darwin Convention Centre, NT
W: www.territorytastefestival.com.au
With over 40 stallholders, youll be spoilt
for choice when it comes to tasting
some of Darwins most impressive local
foods and wines.
Credit: Territory Taste
DESERT MATARANKA NEVER

SONG FESTIVAL NEVER FESTIVAL
WHEN: 8 17 September 2017
WHERE: Alice Springs, NT
W: www.desertsong.com.au WHEN: 20 21 May 2017
WHERE: Mataranka, NT
Enjoy 10 glorious days of music and
W: www.coodardie.com.au/never
entertainment in the desert heart of
The Never Never Festival is a
Australia at this thrilling annual event. fantastic weekend for everyone,
with a Campre Friday and a family
Credit: Amy Smith fun day, rodeo and interactive
sports held over the weekend.
EXPERIENCE THE
TRADITIONAL
OUTBACK AT ANNUAL
DALY WATERS OPAL FESTIVAL
WHEN: 14 April 17 April 2017
WHERE: Coober Pedy, SA
DALY WATERS W: www.opalfestival.com.au
CAMPDRAFT, RODEO KATHERINE CUP Experience the Easter weekend like

never before at the Coober Pedy Opal
AND GYMKHANA WHEN: 5 August 2017
WHERE: Katherine Racecourse, NT Festival. Immerse yourself in street
WHEN: 1 May 2017
WHERE: Daly Waters, NT W: www.racenet.com.au parades, activities, reworks and live
W: www.dalywaters.net.au The Katherine Races is a great family music. The pinnacle of the event is the
Caravanners will love this energetic day that boasts a full racing program, Opal Symposium, which is arguably the
event that brings in crowds from every fashions on the eld, novelty events worlds best opal mining expo lled with
corner of Australia. Theres bronc and plenty of food and drink. Theres experts and opal history. Dont miss out!
riding, camp drafts, bull riding and live even local entertainment for the whole
entertainment youll love it! family to enjoy!
Credit: Rob Annesley
CITY OF PORT
AUGUSTA CUP
WHEN: 10 July 2017
WHERE: Port Augusta Racecourse, SA
W: www.theracessa.com.au
Take in one of Port Augustas most
spectacular racing events of the year
at the family friendly City of Port
Augusta Cup. RVers everywhere
ock to these races, which showcase
fashion, fun and racing action.
FEATURE
STUART HWY GUIDE
HOW CARAVAN AND

MOTORHOME WOULD DO IT
THE TOWNS WED STAY IN
PORT AUGUSTA MACDONNELL RANGES
TRAVEL IN
WINTER!
Spend a minimum of three days in Port Slow the pace down and enjoy two
Augusta to visit the Australian Arid nights in the MacDonnell Ranges. If you
Lands Botanic Gardens and take in love nature and bushwalking, youll be
everything the family friendly Wadlata in heaven, as there are several trails for
Outback Centre has to offer in terms of you and the family to explore.
history and intriguing displays. DARWIN
LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK Jump on a cruise, visit Mindil Beach
COOBER PEDY Wangi Falls, Buley Rockhole, Berry markets at sunset, spot crocs on a
Theres so much to do in Coober Pedy Springs, the several walking tracks and tour, see the Reptile Centre or enjoy
that it would almost be a crime to birdwatching opportunities mean youll Crocosauras Cove in a thriving city that
breeze through. Play a round of golf need at least two days here. deserves a minimum of one week.
on their unique course, join an Oasis
Tour sunset tour, sleep underground
for a night at Ribas underground
facilities or enjoy their drive-in
movies on the weekend.
ALICE SPRINGS
From the National Road Transport
Hall of Fame to the Telegraph Station,
Reptile Centre, incredible Sadrifter
Safaris, Kangaroo Sanctuary and
more Alice Springs is packed with
activities for everyone to enjoy and
deserves at least five days.
OUR BEST OVERNIGHTERS

WOOMERA pet owners, park at Curtin Springs TENANT CREEK AND DALY
A great overnight stop that allows you to and venture in on a tour its WATERS
learn of the missile and rocket history by unforgettably beautiful. RVers must experience Daly Waters Pub,
walking amongst their skeletons. where youll be fascinated by the wall art
DEVILS MARBLES for hours and see Tenant Creeks Nyinkka
CURTIN SPRINGS AND ULURU Camp beneath this wonder of nature Nyunyu Cultural Centre, which is the best
It wouldnt be a trip along the Stuart for at least a night and watch one of the of its kind for Aboriginal exhibitions.
without visiting famous Uluru. For most magnicent sunsets youll ever see.
MATARANKA
Matarankas bitter springs and
famously warm thermal pools are
enough to have you relaxed for hours.
KATHERINE
You must spend a night here to enjoy
Katherine Gorge and the Kakadu National
Park, which boasts several walking tracks
perfect for a family adventure.
Credit: Elizabeth Slattery
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We loved watching the
bucking bronc action
BODDINGTO S RODEO
ROARS A gold mining town d n and country
LIFE!
hospitality at one of the best rodeos in the region
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN ROBERTSON
RODEO with slick precision throughout the day, main rodeo begins after the mornings
CELEBRATIONS making for exceptional entertainment. qualifying heats, where we saw some
Boddington Rodeo has been held in Even the kids are well catered for, with strong skills from some of the juniors.
the same complex since 1976, making it rides and activities near the entrance. The crowd favourite was certainly the
the 40th anniversary when we arrived. bull riding. The word was out that an
Boddington Rodeo has the biggest LET THE impressive bull called Organ Donor
prize money in Western Australia RODEO BEGIN was the bull to risk a ride on to gain
and is known for how RV friendly it maximum points, but as the day
is. As we arrived, country hospitality In terms of events, theres: bull riding, continued, the bulls seemed to be coming
pervaded the streets and the adjacent saddle bronc and bareback riding, out on top. We certainly saw thrills and
rodeo complex looked great, with break-away and team roping, rope and spills as we held hope for each rider as
competition rumoured to be fierce for tie, steer wrestling, steer un-decorating they left the gates. Later, we gained
the contenders! The various events run and the barrel races for you to enjoy. The ringside seats with some first timers from
FESTIVAL
BODDINGTON RODEO, WA
Perth to enjoy the steer wrestling, where Click go the shears under the
we watched the steer ride and other watchful eyes of the judges
events in awe. The premier event was the
bull ride and saddle bronc opens the
final test of man against beast, which had
the crowd on the edge of their seats!
VISITOR INFORMATION
BODDINGTON
COMMUNITY RESOURCE
AND TOURIST CENTRE
20 Bannister Rd, cnr Wuraming Ave
PH: (08) 9883 8246
W: www.boddington.wa.gov.au
MORE THAN JUST

A RODEO
Boddington Rodeo is more than just
bulls and broncs, which is why its
loved by so many travellers. The official
opening of the Arts Exhibition is
on Friday, with the gallery open for
BODDINGTON RODEO IS MORE THAN
viewing the rest of the weekend, along JUST BULLS AND BRONCS, WHICH IS WHY
with the Art and Craft Shoppe. Theres ITS LOVED BY SO MANY TRAVELLERS
also the Friday Night Community
Festival, with theres stalls, food, blow. We saw two shearers still tied hundred metres away so head off there
entertainment and free entry. Finish to the hundredth-of-a-second after after the rodeo to freshen up for the
the night off with live music at the ten sheep were shorn! The overflow Bushman Ball which kicks off at 5pm
Boddington Hotel afterwards. Saturday parking on the local oval is just a few til late on Saturday.
brings a small market to the main
street as a backdrop for the morning ACCOMODATION
Street Parade at 10am. Watch riders, WHERE TO STAY Aside from the Caravan Park set
classis cars and the local community along the river and walking distance
show off their town. Then head down BODDINGTON CARAVAN PARK to the rodeo grounds, the town has set
adjacent to the rodeo grounds for the Wuraming Avenue, Boddington aside every conceivable space for vans
PH: (08) 9883 8018
shearing competition. Skilled visiting E: caravanpark@boddington.wa.gov.au and motorhomes to park overnight.
shearers vie with locals for the quickest All bookings are via the Caravan
Park under the pleasant overseeing of
managers Christine and Derek. The
local mining company has supplied
the town with many amenities. Theres
even free wi-fi in the main street,
which blew us away. Talk about
country hospitality!
FESTIVAL DETAILS
Boddington Lions Rodeo Grounds,
Hakea Road, Boddington WA
WHEN: First Saturday of November
every year
Long time rodeo stallholders PH: 0419 943 672
sit in the shade of their W: www.boddingtonlionsrodeo.com.au
Optimum Shop
ODUCING THE
YSSEY 1
ble Odyssey 1 BBQ is perfect for camping or for
n the go. The Odyssey 1 has a bigger cooking surface,
delivering a hotter ame with its high capacity burners which
create a better cooking experience.
There are a range of Odyssey models available to suit every
situation - camping, apartment patios or family feasts at home!
Check the range out at gasmate.com.au

or search Gasmate Odyssey.
TECH TALK
MOTORHOME SHAKEDOWN TRIP
FIRST-TIMERS
GUIDE TO
MOT R O ES
Motorhomes are a great alternative to towing a heavy van,
but its important to know the right way to travel with them.
Heres some great tips and tricks to get you started
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN ROBERTSON
TECH TALK
or people looking to surrounds without a heavy vehicle, comprehensive guide on the best
take the plunge and while a motorhome enables you to way to perform a shake-down trip
invest in their first RV visit free camps and remote regions and assuage some of those concerns.
it can be hard to choose a caravan just cant go. However, for From learning to reverse park a bigger
between a caravan, or those who are either used to towing vehicle, to rolling out your awning and
a motorhome. Both have their a caravan or driving smaller vehicles, using your toilet, we cover everything
advantages: a caravan gives you a motorhome can seem daunting. youll need to know about how to hit
freedom to unhitch and explore your Thats why weve compiled this the road in a motorhome.
Once we park, its a ick of the switch to

expand the slide-out, then sit down with
a glass of wine so easy!
THEIR STORY
My wife Cecily and I hired four
different models of motorhomes in home, your budget, age and needs will without having to worry about
Tasmania to experience the most dictate the size and layout for you, and muddy boots and getting drenched
diverse conditions both on the road by picking up someones dream" that as you negotiate from the driver's
and climatic. Tasmania has a lot of has become a nightmare for them you seat to the van door, fiddling with
dirt roads, some mountainous country get more value for your dollar. the keys.
and wet winters which we experienced Get on the road and practice living A walk around (island) bed
in mid-July to make sure our needs in a confined space in a nomadic was also a priority as clambering
and wants were accommodated when lifestyle to experience what your over each other to get in or out of
we did commit. particular needs are and by not bed made it uncomfortable for all
Our first motorhome we bought was committing to new, if you have made including the person trying to sleep.
a two year old, second hand model the wrong choice, then you are not The bedroom needed to be private
that had only 19,000km with all of losing the full depreciation of a new too and this is achieved by the high
the luxury features fitted. We did van or motorhome. We had a list of our backed dining seats.
have leaks to be resolved after the first wants and our needs and this formed We like a separate shower cubicle
winter but these were easily rectified. our final decision for our purchase. and find this useful whether free
There are some great second hand A walk through design was very camping for short or long periods or if
buys for first timers, as even though important to us as you can park in the caravan park necessitates queues or
you think you have bought the perfect the pouring rain, walk straight into is not clean. A white vanity sink was
layout and features, just like building a our kitchen, bathroom and bedroom important to my wife as so many vans
and motorhomes had stainless steel weeks prior, luckily it was opened for
sinks which was like cleaning teeth in large vehicles the day of our departure.
the laundry sink. We had regularly consulted the shire
We had an extra 120watt solar panel for weather and road conditions before
added, fitted a full bull bar and CB departure as a trip can quickly become
radio. We also carry a satellite phone. unstuck because of the elements.
Safety and security in times of an As we were the only motorhome in
emergency is well worth it if travelling the convoy of sixteen rigs all the rest
remote. We also had a welder friend fit were caravans or camper trailers we
a steel bracket on the rear of the van, noticed how much easier it was to
for a second spare wheel with six manoeuvre the motorhome around
wheels on the road, only having one wash-outs and pull off to the side when
spare did not seem adequate. large road trains went past, than the
While we don't have pets, on other caravans. Asset Protection
the road we have talked to various At the morning tea breaks we
owners. Having pets in a motorhome simply stepped out of the motor home keeping your RV in
allows more space to move around with our coffees. The vanners had to
or be placed securely and still be endure the roadside dust from passing
pristine condition
monitored at the same time. vehicles as they jumped from tow PROTECT AGAINST
vehicle to van before getting their Hail & Heat Damage
Protect Paint /breglass
MAPPING YOUR cuppa in hand. Even more pleasant
and convenient if it was raining! from UV damage
SHAKEDOWN Arriving at Rawlinna we were set Prevent dirt dust &
bird/bat damage
TRIP up with glass of wine in hand, while
the other caravanners were negotiating WE MANUFACTURE COVERS FOR
Camper trailers Caravans
We chose to begin our shakedown their rigs, making sure they were level, Slide-ons Motorhomes
travelling as a convoy with our rolling out awnings etc. Likewise on 5th wheelers
caravanner friends to Rawlinna, WA, departure it was screens down, awning
via the Trans Australia Railway Line. in, gas off and off we go. Our set-up
With over 400km of gravel road we felt and pack-down times were at least
like this route would best display the half of the caravanners. Just a press
capabilities of our motorhome, while of the button operates the electric
travelling with the security of friends. awning defi nitely a one person job
They had had enormous rain falls and so easy to decide to put it out or
and the road was closed for the two retract at any time.
Travelling in convoy with

caravanning friends provided
security and comparison for
set-up and pack-down times
CM238-05
For peace of mind

during any storm
Contact Brian for samples on
1300 304 332
0419 701 825
Sunshine Coast QLD
info@caravancovers.com.au
www.caravancovers.com.au
www.motorhomecovers.com.
au
We are agents for imported prestige covers
TECH TALK
GO WHERE
OTHERS CANT
We often see No Caravan Turning
signs. As motorhomers we can access
these, as our turning circle is smaller. We
have even done a 3-point turn along a
road yes, we went the wrong way! We
have parked in some amazing places,
near rivers and up gravel tracks where we
have hiked on some breathtaking trails,
sampled cellar door wines and dined on
the local fare that a caravan would not
even get into, and if they did, would have
to reverse all the way out again.
After a long hike we have everything The motorhome uses no
on hand in the motorhome at these more fuel than a common
sedan or medium 4WD
outstanding panoramic scenic tourist
destinations; no need for a backpack
stretched to the limit with all of your FUEL RANGE
belongings because you couldnt take Our previous 23ft motorhome used
the van with you. We can stop and stay 13.5L per 100km. The new 29ft
at the sights, have a shower, change motorhome gives 15L per 100km
clothes. With a van at camp you then when travelling at 90-95km/hr. This
have day trips to pack for and make the is not much different than a regular
return trip along the same route. tow vehicle or sedan with no caravan
attached. On average, a tow vehicle
with caravan attached would use
SUSPENSION approximately 20L fuel per 100km.
The suspension was great, we enjoyed
a smooth ride both on and off road.
As with any vehicle, when tackling ENGINE POWER
corrugations its important to monitor Some people may be concerned the
tyre pressure and drive to the conditions. motorhome may not handles hills, we
An amazing rural freecamp oasis

in the South-West of WA at Ayr
Saileen - park where you want
We have no problems with hilly can defi nitely say this is not true it on loose uphill acceleration it took
terrain in the motorhome, its
just like driving a car handles hills beautifully. With the time to grip. No problem with the
8-speed automatic it picks gears new motorhome, as it has rear wheel
smoothly and runs well. Our previous drive mode which we particularly
motorhome was front wheel drive and looked for in our new purchase.
TECH TALK
FREE CAMPING
ABILITIES
As previously mentioned, we were able
to reach places caravans cant, therefore
we have stayed at some phenomenal
free camps. Of course getting there
is only the half of it, thats why we
purchased a motorhome with solar and
then added another 120W panel to give
us more charge to cover our night use,
even when cloudy.
HOW DOES IT
HANDLE?
The motorhome sits on the road well
and we did notice less wind turbulence
from the passing road trains where The reason to live... travel and
their slip stream can sway vans and meet up with new friends and old
suck you towards them. For the size
of the truck the turning circle is very for the distance and space required
good and even when we did go past for your motorhome you turn
a turn off or had to do a U-turn we the wheel and you get the same
were able to with considerable ease. response, unlike reversing a caravan
A van would not be able to negotiate where the wheel rotation is opposite
this. Even in residential areas we can to intended direction. Our new
complete a cul-de-sac turn as easily motorhome is nine metres, which
as a car. In regards to reversing, it is meant we needed a truck licence
exactly the same as reversing a car, my wife already had hers, so I had to
you just have to make allowances sit for mine. I got it, easy.
Reversing a motorhome is exactly the

same as reversing a car, you just need to
keep in mind the extra space needed
TECH TALK
COMFORT
As previously mentioned, we were able
to reach places caravans cant, therefore
we have stayed at some phenomenal
free camps. Of course getting there
is only the half of it, thats why we
purchased a motorhome with solar and
then added another 120W panel to give
us more charge to cover our night use,
even when cloudy.
Having an island bed was a must for us

so much easier to get in and out!
Being able to walk straight from the cab to

the living space is great during the wet
TECH TALK
WHAT WE
LEARNED
Overtaking is easy as our total length precisely instant feel of wind etc. reduce rattle and arrive safe. Try not to
is shorter than most dual wheeled vans and drives just like a larger 4WD, have items loose and as with a caravan
and tow vehicles and the engine is with observance of the longer braking pack light gear at top and heavier lower.
very responsive. With large underfloor distances only. Reversing is similarly We use our oven space whilst travelling
storage which helps to lower the achieved, especially with rear as the red wine cabinet.
centre of gravity we have not needed mounted cameras. As a side note, NSW Caravan
to add large chequer plated boxes to You know immediately if there are Association released a Pre-Trip Checklist
the rear or tow frame, as many vanners any issues with cupboards or drawers which listed twenty items to attend
do, this saves us on weight and any opening while in transit, rather than to before setting off our motorhome
weight distribution issues. being surprised at the end of a trip as would require only four of these jobs as
No problems with sway! The van with a caravan. Most motorhomers have most related to tow and brake coupling.
is part of the vehicle so follows you their cupboards packed very well to Time better spent on the road.
Motorhomes have their cupboards

packed very well to reduce rattle,
so all your belongings arrive safe
Our motorhome has extra storage

under the oor, which means we
can even take the golf clubs!
A BBQ by the Boab trees with slideout

barbie and portable bluetooth speaker
lantern combo
SAVE MONEY
FRED'S TIPS
FRED'S TOP 20
PI
Caravanning around Australia doesnt have to be an
S
expensive exercise! Fred gives you his top 20 tips on
how to save thousands of dollars from start to nish
WORDS BY FRED WRIGHT, PHOTOHRAPHY BY CANDM
SAVE MONEY
FRED'S TIPS
1
Save thousands right away by Tassie attractions are so close
together that you can easily
choosing what tow vehicle and ride to each in the towns
van you want. This way, youll
have its weight, which will directly
relate to the tow vehicle you pick.
You dont have to buy the biggest and
most expensive tow vehicle on the
market, and it doesnt always need to
be a 4WD.
2
Buying a new van right from
the start is a great idea for
some, but if you want to save
money, buying second hand could
save you thousands in more ways
than one. Pre-loved vans already have
their problems smoothed out, which
means there wont be any (potentially
expensive) surprises for you. Its also
highly likely that the previous owners
have installed all the mod-cons
needed for travelling, so you wont
have to fork out extra money to set
your van up. How good is that!
3
Develop a travel plan that is
f lexible and allows for climate
changes. This means you
wont be stung with extra nights
of accommodation that you didnt
factor in to your budget. Ive also
found in the wet season, most prices
of accommodation and trips are at
their cheapest. Heavy bouts of rain or bad weather
could see you stranded for days
4
Plan scheduled services on
Up to date maintenance your trip in advance to avoid
is a big money saver!
spending unplanned time
waiting. Youll also save money by
not having to pay a premium same
day service fee.
5
Have your tow vehicle and
caravan serviced before you
leave. Mechanical issues in the
outback or remote areas could cost
you an arm and a leg in repair costs
and extra accommodation.
6
Plan scheduled services on your
trip in advance to avoid spending
unplanned time waiting. Youll
also save money by not having to pay a
premium same day service fee.
7
Dont always carry full water
tanks if you can fi ll up when
you reach your destination, as
weight increases fuel consumption.
8
Carry extra jerry cans and look
for fuel stations en-route with
cheap prices you can fi ll up
and store extra. Th is has saved me
hundreds of dollars on my big laps!
9
Watch your speed anything
over 90km will cost you more
in fuel costs, especially if the
winds against you! Most seasoned Rushing your trip could
travellers stick to 80-90km. Always cost you more in the
long-run. Trust us!
make sure you use your rear view
mirror and pull over when safe, if
12 14
traffic is backing up behind you. Linger longer at unique Most of us have skills useful
places like Toowoomba to farmers and in return you
10
I always use my UHF radio in Queensland, where may get free accommodation
to talk to other travellers or lots of attractions are close by and the or food. Fruit picking is a good example
truckies about the cheapest caravan parks are cheap. of farming money on the road, but there
fuel and unsafe road conditions ahead. are many more out there.
13
I save money by knowing the problems Keep an eye on coupon
15
ahead and on my phone bill every sections such as the one We once made friends at
month by doing this. on page 174 and 175 and a caravan park and free
caravan parks that offer special deals camp in Queensland, which
11
Internet usage is expensive. to RVers. If they dont advertise one, resulted in all of us sharing food for a
Use your Camps Australia then it doesnt cost a thing to ask, couple of days. We saved on food and
Wide 9 book to plan free but it could save you some dollars on got to taste some delicious foods we
camps and save big bucks. accommodation costs. wouldnt normally try.
Save thousands straight away

by picking the right tow-
vehicle and van combination
SAVE MONEY
FRED'S TIPS
16
Dont weigh yourself Develop a network of
down with excess water friends online, who are
if its readily available
also travelling. They can
let you know when fish, crabs or
squid are about to come into season,
meaning you can easily travel to that
destination. It saves you money and its
much fresher its a win either way!
17
The one cost factor that
is hard to control is fuel
costs. I loved Tasmania
because so many attractions were
near each other, which saved on fuel
and accommodation.
1
Buy local fruit and veggies
en-route or at local
markets the quality is
better, its fresh from the farm and it
often costs a lot less
19
Make sure most of what
you take has more than one
purpose, if possible. Itll
save room, space and money.
20
Be flexible. You dont want
to spend all this money to
travel, only to rush from
place to place and realise down the track
that you might need to do it again to
truly experience it. This is something I
hear so often, yet its so easily avoidable.
Find cheap fuel by

asking on the UHF
www.caravanandmotorhome.com.au
THE BETTER HALF
WITH MARG MCALISTER
Out with the old and

in with the new!
TIPS ON BUYING
A CA AV N Your home on the ro ugely importa hase,
so take the time to t out what you r ant!
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARG MCALISTER
he caravan we own now is No. 4 in the lineup kept Van No. 3 for five years, but finally decided to get
since we started caravanning about 16 years something a little shorter and lighter, with a full bathroom
ago. Initially, we bought a small third-hand and a washing machine instead of a combined shower/toilet.
pop-top to see if we liked the lifestyle. At Finally, we wanted a queen bed instead of twin beds. We
the end of the first week, we knew that life didnt think a shorter van could accommodate recliners, so
on the road was definitely for us, and a couple of years later we settled for caf seating.
upgraded to a new 22ft touring van with a bathroom. Guess what? Two years later, we have pulled out the caf
We loved having a bathroom, but after a few years, when seating and were going back to the comfort of recliners. After
we started planning our year-long, round-Australia trip, we seeing how easily and cheaply another caravanner did it, we
agreed that we wanted more comfortable seating than the
current L-shaped lounge. We also wanted a roof-top satellite The Hoffmans and the Rehrens bought
their vans at the same time to give
dish, but when we weighed up the cost of having someone them double buying power!
modify the existing van versus buying new, we decided wed
be better off to sell and start again.
We made a list all the things that we wanted in a new
caravan (which took ages!) and ordered a custom-made van
with recliners.
However (as many, many caravan owners have found
before us!) once you start living in a caravan you inevitably
think of what you should have added or changed! We
RV
We enjoy happy hour in our
annexe with Mick and Jan
felt inspired! (Quite a few people weve met are interested in

doing the same, so in an upcoming issue of C&M, well show
you the results and tell you what it cost us.)
F R
Meanwhile, for what its worth, here are a few tips on
buying a caravan, whether you opt for new or used.
M
1. Think about whats important to you. For us, its comfort.
Our caravan is our home for about six months of the year, so
comfortable seating and a good bed are high on our list. For
you, it may be more important to buy a van that can handle
dirt roads, or one that will accommodate a family with ease.
2. Set a budget. You need to think of your complete setup:
both the tow vehicle and what you will be towing. Can
your current vehicle legally and safely tow the caravan you
want? Do you need to include a new tow vehicle in your
costs? Once youve decided on that, do your research and
decide whether you get more bang for your buck by buying
second-hand, or waiting for a better time to buy e.g. a
caravan show special or a run-out sale.
3. Th ink versatility. If the family are going to share a caravan
(Nanna and Pop most of the year, offspring in school
holidays) then consider a caravan with seating that converts
to an extra bed, rather than buying a van with fi xed bunks
that will be unused most of the time. Alternatively, shell
out for a good annexe there are some that can add an Diesel heater installation & service
additional room at one end for sleeping.
4. Dont buy on impulse. Be ready to jump in when you see
Gas heater installation & service
a good buy, but make sure youre well-educated first! Talk LPG leak test and certication
to other caravanners about what they like and dont like Grey water tanks supply and install
about their current setup. Go on fact-finding missions: visit
caravan yards and do online research to get a good sense of Water purication systems
whats out there (and comparative costs) before you hand Hot taps
over your hard-earned cash.
5. Be ready to compromise. If you spot something thats Hot & cold water installations
almost what you want, can you add whats missing yourself
or have it installed? (For instance: maybe a cupboard can
be re-purposed to house a washing machine, or you can use
free-standing solar panels rather than the roof-mounted
ones on your wish list.)
These are just a few tips on buying a caravan. Experienced 30 years Experience Fully Lic. Plumbers 17576
caravanners will no doubt have even more advice to give
but if you know what you want, know your budget and know 4a Lara Way, Campbelleld VICTORIA 3061
the realities of the market, youre well set to buy a van thats
just right for you! 03 9357 5809
Email: info@plentyriverplumbing.com.au
CM224-05
www.plentyriverplumbing.com.au
INSIDER VIEW
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION HITCHES
The amount of FALR
can only be accurately
determined using a
weighbridge
T WI
Set WDH corr
S TUP
tten a ore complicated
WORDS BY JOSEPH VAN WOERKOM PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARAVAN & MOTORHOME
hen towing a suspension can cause steering to become Most WDH

caravan (or any vague and less responsive (understeer) equipment can
other pig trailer), and can also reduce braking effectiveness. vary the amount
of FALR
the downforce These effects negatively affect vehicle
placed on the tow safety and can add a lot of stress to the
vehicles towbar causes some weight to be driving experience.
removed from its front suspension due to To rectify these effects a Weight
leverage action around its rear axle. Distribution Hitch (WDH) can often
The amount of weight removed from be used to restore load on the front
the front axle is equal to the tow ball suspension of the tow vehicle. The
weight multiplied by the distance from question is, how much weight should
the tow ball to the rear axle divided by the be restored?
wheel base. For example, a vehicle with You might think that restoring all the
a wheel base of 3m and a tow ball to the lost weight would be the best thing to
rear axle distance of 1m with a ball weight do. That way, front end grip, steering and
of 300kg will have 300kg x (1m/3m) = braking should be back to what they were
100kg removed from the front axle. before hooking up the trailer.
This loss of weight on the front However, real life is seldom that
INTRODUCING
simple. While its true that a 100% Front Axle Load
Restoration (FALR) has been recommended in the past,
research by the Society of Automotive Engineers in the USA
(SAE) into towing dynamics suggest that the FALR should be
no more 50% and maybe even less.
L
MEASURING WEIGHT T LONG-LIFE VINY
The only accurate method to measure how much weight a
IAS TOUGHES
WDH is restoring to your axle is to place the front wheels of AUSTRAL
the tow vehicle on a weighbridge under 3 different conditions:
1. Tow vehicle WITHOUT caravan attached (A)
2. Tow vehicle WITH caravan attached but WITHOUT WDH
installed (B)
3. Tow vehicle WITH caravan attached and WITH WDH
installed (C)
50 % FALR will have C halfway between A & B, i.e. C=

(A+B)/2. For example, if A=1000kg & B=900kg then you are
aiming to get C equal to 950kg.
Without access to a weigh bridge it is possible to get a
similar result by measuring the gap between the front hub
and the underside of the mudguard under the same conditions
above. For example if A=1000mm & B= 1050mm then the aim
again is to get C equal to 1025mm.
After
The SAE reached this conclusion after extensive real world

testing into towing stability using a wide range of tow vehicle
We custom-make
and trailer combinations. What they found was that as FALR Australia's best
increased, the tow vehicle steering behaviour changed from
designed understeering to oversteering.
replacement
rollout awning
LOSS OF WEIGHT ON vinyls!
THE FRONT SUSPENSION Before
CAN CAUSE STEERING

TO BECOME VAGUE AND Choose Austrong Vinyl to replace
LESS RESPONSIVE your original awning vinyls:
Now most road vehicles are designed to have mild
understeering because it is easy to correct. However, NO LEAKS
oversteering (vehicle turning more than desired) is bad as it NO FABRIC DELAMINATING
is caused by the rear tyres losing grip and sliding sideways. It STRONG FABRICS
doesnt take much imagination to see that the rig could very CUSTOM MADE TO SUIT YOUR
easily be provoked into jack-knifing under such conditions with
the inevitable rollover following.
ROLLOUT WALLS
However, none of this means a WDH should not be used. GREAT ON PRICE!
Far from it.
While there are some vehicles that cannot use them, most
can and should, especially when towing anything above 50% of
their allowable towing mass.
The real difficulty comes in determining how much FALR
1300 783 776
should be applied. Too little will give understeering and poor ONSITE MEASURE & FITTING SERVICE
braking; too much will result in a twitchy rig that likes to
oversteer. Both are undesirable and only experimentation will Find the closest Austrong Vinyl
determine what level of FALR is right for you. Distributor near you on our website
If you havent been through the process, or are unhappy with www.australiawideawningvinyls.com.au
your rigs on road behaviour, I suggest that you start at the
currently recommended 50% FALR and work from there.
Head Office: 354 Mons Rd, Forest Glen,
CC240227
Sunshine Coast QLD 4556

PRODUCT PROFILE
GRASSHOPPER ANTI-FLAP KIT
ENJOY PEACE
AT EVERY CAMP
Say goodbye to annoying, damaging wind flaps and enjoy any camp in
peace thanks to these Grasshopper Anti-Flap Kits
A DE R O
RE
rasshopper have L
FF
A
FREE
I
ER
created a solution
SPEC
to two major $65

problems faced by STORAGE BAG SPEC
5
awning owners all SEE PG 174-17
ER
FOR DETAILS A
I
FF
over Australia: annoying awning RE

L
A DER O
fl ap caused by wind and sun or rain
entering from the side walls, causing
damage, which could run your repair
bills up into the hundreds. Th is
innovative Anti-Flap Kit is designed
to stop all of this. Its perfect for both
roll out and box awnings and has been
created from the most durable and
high quality products on the market, clamps to hold the canopy fabric and
to ensure longevity. prevent wind fl ap. The SRR also has
two sail tracks built into its profile,
which perfectly enables it to hold two
FORWARD- side walls, giving you more flexibility
THINKING in wall choice at all times.
INNOVATION
The Anti-Flap Kit is incredibly GOING THE
compact and easily stored, thanks to EXTRA MILE
the innovative design, which allows WHY THE
RVers to break it down into four The Anti-Flap Kits fit all awnings
individual sections. When joined up to a 2.5m projection, but where
GRASSHOPPER
together, they form a full-length custom design is needed, SunBuster ANTI-FLAP KIT IS
Straight Roof Rafter (SRR), which are only too happy to help out. PERFECT FOR RVERS
is used with specifically designed They also have a huge range of
9 Made from durable materials
complimentary products, such as the
BBQ Awning Roof Extender, which 9 Offers an obstacle free roof extension
is the perfect solution to vanners 9 Custom make services available
wanting to cook in the great outdoors 9 Compact design allows for
easy storage
whilst using their Anti-Flap Kit. The
roof section can be fully customised,
with either Heat Proof Vinyl or
Sunblocker material available, CONTACT
proving just how dedicated they are SUNBUSTER SOLAR SHADES
to making the perfect product for PH: 1800 472 665
every RVer. Q W: www.sunbuster.net.au
ONE STOP SHOP Parravans Caravan World is the one stop shop for
premium caravans, expert advice and high quality services
or over 50 years, Parravans HALF A DECADE Modern technique meets old-fashioned
have been the go-to RV
OF EXPERIENCE
workmanship inside Parravans
purpose built workshop
business for caravanners
looking to buy, sell, hire or Since 1962, Parravans have been
repair their RV. Parravans successfully servicing the caravan
has continually progressed through the industry in a variety of ways. What
ranks since their humble beginnings in began as a small, family owned business
1962, with several RV manufacturers in Parramatta has since blossomed
exclusively entrusting their products into a huge enterprise, with the team
to the professionals and many more choosing to relocate to Windsor in
customers walking out satisfied with NSW to keep up with demand. Despite
their service or new purchase. So, their exceptional growth, Parravans
whether youre looking to take that first have kept their name synonymous with
step towards caravanning or youre a quality, comfort and luxury thanks to
veteran vanner who knows what theyre their strict adherence to their founding
after, Parravans invites you to join a principles and a dedicated focus on
growing legion of satisfied customers first-rate service to all their new and
you cant do much better than that. returning customers.
DEALER PROFILE
PARRAVANS CARAVAN WORLD
EA D E R
LR O
IAFIRST
FF
C
SERVICE
ER
S PE
FREE!
SERVICE RVERS
S PE
SEE PG 174-175
ER
CAN COUNT ON FOR DETAILS
C
FF
IA
LR O
Choosing a caravan should be a EA D E R
pleasure, not a pressure Parravans
say, and its hard to argue with this
customer fi rst philosophy. Parravans
have been able to put their customers
fi rst in a number of ways over the years
through the huge range of products
and services they provide, one of
which is the Try Before You Buy
scheme. Basically people looking to
invest in their fi rst van can rent one
from Parravans to see if they enjoy
the njeoy lifestyle, before taking the
plunge and buying their own. They Parravans are dedicated to
also stock a large range of trusted providing you with top notch
service at all times
products, accessories and spare parts
from the smallest electrical wire to the
best in state-of-the-art RV technology. HOME TO professionals at Parravans, who are
On top of this, Parravans offer
comprehensive services, repairs and
RIVER AND only too happy to talk about how these
purpose built vans have been created
upgrades, with their fully equipped, GOLDSTREAM RVS with attention to detail and quality
purpose-built warehouse perfectly If youre looking for a van that handles on the top of their lists. So, whether
suited to create or modify your RV like a dream and has limitless touring youre looking to cruise into a remote
to your standards. Its simply another options, you cant go past the tough, Aussie bush camp or lounge beside the
level of service that keeps customers Aussie vans created by River Caravans ocean in complete luxury, the teams at
of Parravans Caravan World coming and Goldstream Caravans. Both River, Goldstream and Parravans have
back for more. have entrusted primary sales to the you covered.
WHY VANNERS
CANT GET ENOUGH
OF PARRAVANS
3 Family owned business means
youre always speaking to
someone who cares
3 Purpose built warehouse and
the knowledge to modify your
van to your needs
3 Enormous spares shop equipped
with everything youll need for a
successful trip
3 Expert advice from over 50 years
of industry experience
CONTACT
PARRAVANS CARAVAN WORLD
Enjoy a large range 38 Mileham St, Windsor
of spare parts and Ph: (02) 4577 5577
accessories at Parravans W: www.parravans.com.au
PRODUCT PROFILE
OZTENT MALAMOO JOURNEY
SIMPLE
SLEEPING QUARTERS
Enjoy a compact, fuss-free tent thats perfect for getting your grandchildren
into the great outdoors thanks to Oztents Malamoo Journey
he Malamoo Journey WHY ITS THE THE EXPERTS
has been ingeniously
designed to be set up by a PERFECT CHOICE IN CAMPING
single person in minutes, Remember camping as a child and The family owned and operated team at
completely eliminating sparking your love for the outdoors? This Oztent live, breathe and create camping
the need for fiddly tent accessories and is the exact reason why the Malamoo gear specifically designed for outdoor
making your camping trip an enjoyable Journey has been added into the Oztent and travel enthusiasts. They know exactly
one from the very first moment. This is range. Its incredibly spacious, but also what RVers want when they head out on
why its perfect for camping trips with compact enough to be easily carried by their big trip and they have the expertise
the randchildren. anyone, meaning the grandkids can get and knowledge to create it. Youd be hard
involved with camping at every stage. Its pressed to enter a caravan park or a packed
also been constructed with a built in fly, so free camp without seeing the Oztent
you only need a sleeping mat and bag to symbol emblazoned on camp furniture or
make it a memorable camping adventure. tents, which just goes to show how trusted
Best of all, the Malamoo is available in the brand is among caravanners. Q
three sizes: 1.0, to sleep one person, 2.0, to
sleep two to three and 3.0 to sleep four or WHY TRUST OZTENT?
five. This means youll never have to leave
someone at home, making it a memorable 9 Over 20 years of industry experience
adventure for the whole family. 9 Owners are passionate campers
9 Family owned and operated
9 Huge range of RV accessories
CONTACT
OZTENT
PH: (02) 8706 5100
W: www.oztent.com.au
MARKET PLACE
DIESEL TALK
BERRIMA DIESEL
WORDS BY ANDREW LEIMROTH, PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME
MODERN OIL
IN YOUR
High-end engine oils
may offer fuel saving
benefits, but are they reall
good for your engine?
f you hadnt realised by now, crop i ns.
diesel fuel comes from refining fuel s t r
crude oil. In fact its so close to prett se
crude oil that some light crudes a ver g m
will run a diesel engine. So how of oil. If you try to calculate any dollar what I am seeing, the crop of new age
do we save fuel by using oil? One way savings made to fuel usage by using this common rail diesels are coming in
we are sold is by way of special engine expensive oil you will find you are not with problems far earlier in life than
oils saving fuel for us. Is it possible? ahead. If you look at the viscosity of the older ones. I believe that there
Well Im a sceptic when I see bottles of this fuel saving engine oil you will also are more troubles to come from using
engine oil selling for $70 upwards for see it may not be suited to your engines super thin oils in our generally hot
five litres, promising better economy. operating conditions. weather rather than any benefits. The
We all know that there are no free I think this is the biggest concern amount of engine blow seen in new
lunches in this world, and perpetual I am seeing nowadays. Very thin diesels and the ever-growing need and
motion does not exist. viscosity engine oils suited for use of oil catch cans says something
Same goes for free fuel economy a Japanese, North American or for my concerns. Consider the real
gains. If you take a look at the current European market, which are not really benefits of a special engine oil before
you grab the bottle.
My advice is to choose one that
will look after your engine than one
offering questionable fuel savings. Its
worth spending a moment talking to
your diesel expert the next time you
are looking for a suitable engine oil for
your diesel.
Safe Touring
Andrew Leimroth
Berrima Diesel The Diesel Experts
CONTACT
BERRIMA DIESEL SERVICE
Old Hume Highway,
Berrima NSW 2577
P: (02) 4877 1256
W: www.berrimadiesel.com.au
WINN
2015 & 2016ECR
TIAV
Business Awar
d
Service and
Repair Centre
of the Year
The Ask the Expert pages are for all questions and answers
from the technical to just plain old advice. Theres not much our expert doesn t no ,
and if you have an opinion born of experience, hed love to comment on that too!
CHECK YOUR
BREAKAWAY
Hi Peter, Hi Gerald,
My wife and I have been caravanning So glad you benefit
now for about five years and look from my tips! I feel
forwardto your column each issue. you are on the right
My question is; my van is fitted with track, sounds to me that
a breakaway 6000 controller and I have the battery could be
fitted a monitor inside my vehicle. faulty. Your car should
Coming home from our last trip, the be wired through the
monitor started beeping 6-7 times each tow socket so that the
time I used the brake at traffic lights. breakaway battery
I believe the battery is faulty. Can the charges in transit. Some come with breakaway battery. If not, this is a
breakaway unit be wired to the house a 240V manual connection that will simple fix. You will now need a new
battery, which is 220Ah? also charge the breakaway battery breakaway battery.
when its not in transit.
Look forward to your response Id say, have your car looked at I hope this helps
Gerald to see if its set up to charge the Peter
TOILET TROUBLES
Dear Peter, Hi Julie,
We have a portable toilet with You will need a new one.
many minute hairline cracks in bowl, I dont feel you would find anyone
which are now leaking. Do you have who would fix this for you.
any suggestions as to how I could A new portable toilet will
fix this, or would you recommend a also give you a warranty against
direct replacement? further issues.
Many thanks, All the best,

Julie Peter
VICTORIAS LEADING CARAVAN REPAIR CENTRE

General Servicing Su pension upgrades
Authorised ESC tting agent
23 Thornycroft St., Campbelleld 3061 VIC Ph: (03) 8339 0772
Email: info@advantagecaravanrepairs.com.au CM221-37
ASK THE EXPERT
WITH PETER ROBINSON
PETERS
HOT WATER!
Hi Peter,
TOP PICK
System which is longer than
We have a two year old a genuine anode, inside the
Suburban Hot Water System in water tank theres a cold mixing
our van. It works fine on gas but spout that these anodes will
only reaches 30 on 240V. break and snap off resulting in
Thermostats are set and anode the Hot Water System losing
replaced. What next? its efficiency. Remove the
anode and check if this spout is
Thank you in advance, broken, then replace this spout
Joan if needed, and the anode with a
genuine anode.
Hi Joan,
If a non-genuine anode has All the best.
been used in the Hot Water Peter
SHAKY LEGS
Hello Peter Hi Ron,
My wife and I looked at a new Sight unseen, it sounds odd
van today. We stepped inside the to me to view a display van and
rear entry door. The van was not to have it have such movement!
hooked up, but had stabilisers. The ball weight of 90kg also
When we walked to the ensuite, doesnt sound correct to me. I
the caravan tipped backwards! wonder if this is an Australian
The van empty has a ball weight produced van or an imported
of 90kg and unloaded weight van. Tread very carefully here
under 2500kg, with overall Ron, as it may not be fit for
length of 196. purpose. Check your vehicle
Is this something to be handbook as to what you can
concerned about? We have a 2016 legally tow and go from there.
Pajero and are worried the van Steer clear of things that do not
wont tow well. feel right.
Kind regards, I hope this helps

Ron Peter
CONTACT
Get in touch with Peter, a trusted
industry professional. Hes looking
forward to addressing your questions.
Email: editorial@candm.com.au
THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF REPAIR & SERVICES

Insurance Work Major collision/smash work
Fibre Glass repairs After market accessories
www.advantagecaravanrepairs.com.au CM221-37
GIZMOS AND GADGETS
WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY JAZMIN MALCOLM
X800D-PRADO
8 ADVANCED
NAVIGATION
STATION BY ALPINE
Take navigation and ease of control to the next level with Alpines
premium 8 Multimedia Navigation Station, that has been
designed specically for your Prado. RVers will absolutely love the
3D Maps, which show both on and off road terrains in full detail
and safety features such as speed restriction, camera alerts and
school zones. Convenience is enhanced through seamless vehicle
integration as well as advanced smartphone connectivity and the
built in DAB+ tuner, which delivers radio reception in outstanding,
noise-free style. You can also connect your iPod or iPhone to
enjoy your music and video content on the extra-large display, THE CAMPER ROOM
making those long trips away even more enjoyable.
BY AUSTRALIA
The X800D-PRADO retails from $3,399. To nd out more about
Alpines extensive range or to see if the X800D-PRADO is right
for you, check out www.alpine.com.au or call (03) 8787 1200.
WIDE ANNEXES
Whether youre after complete privacy or a shaded
retreat to enjoy your free camp from, you cant go
past The Camper Room by Australia Wide Annexes.
The best thing about The Camper Room is its exible
options; purchase the awning separately, buy individual
Camper Room shade walls or get the Camper Room full
walls to achieve total privacy. The Camper Room full
walls are incredibly versatile, with the option of zipping
down the canvas to fully enclose your Camper Room,
rolling up the canvas to expose the mesh, allowing
a cool breeze in, or rolling everything up to have it
completely open. This is the comfortable, easy-to-
add solution that will make travelling in your wind up
camper much more enjoyable.
To get a quote for The Camper Room or to

nd out more, visit Australia Wide Annexes at
www.australiawideannexes.com.au
or call 1300 783 776.
POLARIS CV-10 FULL REVERSE CAMERA SETUP

Enjoy the complete peace of mind and convenience
that comes from having an extra set of eyes, thanks
to the Polaris CV-10 Reverse Camera Set Up. RVers
will love being able to hitch their vans or reverse into
those tight spots completely stress free. The system
comes with a huge 5.6 LCD screen, 7m power cable,
complete WOZA trailer/cable kit, remote control, dash
mount, infrared camera for the rear of the caravan and
a miniature camera for the back of the tow vehicle,
which helps RVers to hitch and reverse when the
caravan isnt hooked up.
The CV-10 Reverse Camera Set Up retails for $695 +

postage and handling. To learn more about the CV-10,
check out www.mypolaris.com.au or call 1300 555 514.
FROLI ROUND
WHEEL LEVELLER
FROM COAST TO COAST
Experience awless German engineering that has been
expertly designed to last thanks to Coast to Coast and
Froli, who have a huge range of Levelling Systems. Chief
amongst this range is Frolis innovative Round Wheel
Leveller, which comes in both a standard and mini size.
The Round Wheel Leveler provides continuous variable
height adjustments up to a maximum of 8cm. Perfect
weight distribution ensures that the leveler cannot slip
away and no other backup is required. The two sizes
DOMETIC
come in a set of two with a high quality carry bag and
can both support up to 1250kg per wheel. Both sizes are
available from Coast to Coast, which has a huge and
Waeco CFX
Dometic have launched their improved Dometic Waeco CFX
ever expanding range of high quality Froli products. fridge range. Still equipped with all the features you loved from
the previous range, like the robust lid hatch and hinges, strong
The Froli Round Wheel Leveller retails from $86.80. factory tted spring loaded handles, USB charging port and
To nd more information on Coast to Coasts range extra thick polyurethane insulation that allows for excellent
of Froli products or to nd your nearest stockist, cooling performance and low power draw, but now you can
visit www.coastrv.com.au or call (07) 3805 7117. monitor and control the temperature of your Waeco CFX unit
on your smart phone or tablet.
This development perfectly aligns Dometic with their new
brand promise Mobile living made easy. No matter if you
want to check the temperature on a long drive, or it gets a
bit hot outside and youd like your drinks to be cooler, you
can simply control the unit from your smart device via the
Dometic CFX App, thanks to the latest in WiFi technology
revolutionising mobile living for travellers.
For more information or details for your nearest stockist,

visit www.dometic.com or free call 1800 21 21 21.
CARAVAN AWNING CLOTHES

LINES BY CAMPAQUIP
CAMPAQUIPS Caravan Awning Clothes Lines are
incredibly lightweight and have been made from marine
grade stainless steel wire and ttings for a lifetime of use.
They are designed to t between the two upright supports
of Dometic, Carefree and Aussie Traveller caravan
AEROPLUS awnings, under the drop ap, to reduce the risk of rain or
dew interfering with the drying process. CAMPAQUIPS
Clothes Line comes with simple instructions and can
WIND DEFLECTOR be set up in minutes, making them one of the most
convenient caravan accessories on the market for both
FROM PURPLE LINE short and long term tourers. CAMPAQUIP make lines to
t every length awning from 2.4m to 7.6m and can even
custom make lengths for special applications.
RVers can nally tow in more economical and stable
conditions, thanks to the fantastic Purple Line Aeroplus CAMPAQUIP Stainless Steel Caravan Awning Clothes
Wind Deector. The Aeroplus improves the aerodynamics Lines retail from $49.95. To nd out more, contact
of your van by smoothing the airow between tow vehicle CAMPAQUIP on (02) 4647 5168 or visit the website
and van, providing far greater stability and signicantly at www.campaquip.com.au.
better fuel economy. Tests have shown that is saves as
much as 2L/100KM, depending on the shape and size of your
rig, making it ideal for vanners doing both long and short
trips. The universal, roof-mounted design is lightweight
and has an easy screw on/screw off design, which makes it
easy to remove between trips. Its also been made from the
toughest materials to withstand our harsh Aussie conditions.
To learn more about the Purple Line Aeroplus

Wind Deector, visit www.purpleline.com.au
or call (03) 9588 2959.
MARKET PLACE
PARK OF THE MONTH
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAZMIN MALCOLM
LAKE BOONDOOMA
CARAVAN & RECREATION PARK
At Lake Boondooma, tranquil surroundings mix with prime fishing opportunities
and lakeside sites to form one of the most peaceful parks in Queensland
ake Boondooma Caravan BBQ by the lake, play tennis on their
& Recreation Park is dedicated courts, take advantage of
the perfect escape for their immaculate amenities or join in
RVers who love their on a fantastic Pizza Night hosted by the
bass fishing and enjoy managers wherever you turn, youll
peaceful, lakeside surrounds. Theres be impressed by this award-winning
acres of beautiful open bushland to park. If youre looking to be entertained
camp in, as well as a number of sites during your stay here, you cant go
directly next to the lake for vanners past the Family Yellow Belly Fishing
who want the full experience and Competition, which is a renowned RVers will love
close proximity to the two boat ramps. event that occurs every February, or how friendly the
Those who need power will love The the New Years Eve fireworks, which wildlife is here
Terrace and Lookout are a spectacular way to end the year.
L R E A DE R Campgrounds, which Just outside your idyllic surrounds is
IA WHY YOU LL
O
10% OF offer great views and a region that is alive with wineries,
C
FF
LOVE YOUR STAY

SPE
ENTIREF peaceful, spacious nature walks and history so why not

ER
STAY! surroundings. make Lake Boondooma Caravan & Incredible shing opportunities
SEE PG Once youve Recreation Park your base and explore Immaculate amenities
SPE
ER
174 & 1
FOR DE 75
TAILS settled in, enjoy a the rich South Burnett area? Scenic powered and
FF
IA unpowered sites
O
R E A DE R L
Youll be hard pressed to Fishing competitions to keep
go a day without a bite you entertained
CONTACT
LAKE BOONDOOMA
CARAVAN & RECREATION PARK
40 Bushcamp Road, Proston QLD
Ph: (07) 4168 9694
W: www.lakeboondooma.com.au
MARKET PLACE
AUSTRALIAN CARAVAN CLUB EDITORIAL
TAGALONGS WHERE FRIENDSHIPS

AND ADVENTURE BEGIN
riendships and adventure attractions that the Silver City has and South Burnett region wineries,
begin on an Australian to offer, and sightsee along the way. a 4WD experience, bushwalking,
Caravan Club tagalong. Carnarvon Gorge in Central fishing, an historical village, transport
Each year, many of Queensland is the planned destination museum, an historic rabbit factory and
our members choose to for a two week tagalong from 8 May tobacco museum.
participate in one or more of our Club by the Bushtrekkers branch. Here While each tagalong is different one
tagalongs. These tagalongs vary from bushwalking or flying the Gorge can thing is certain they are always fun
highly organised itineraries to more be undertaken while experiencing the and will all have the usual Happy Hour
laid back casual affairs, and from full splendour of the Australian bush. gathering when the days adventures of
freedom camping or full caravan park In July, the ACCs founding branch each traveller are shared.
accommodation, to a mixture of both. Sunshine Nomads are tagging along As a member of our Club, you are
Our tagalongs are enjoyed for a to the Tara Festival and Camel entitled to join any tagalong run by
variety of reasons. Some members are Races. Departing from the Linville any of our 43 branches. Why not come
new to the RV experience and enjoy Freedom Camp in Queensland, this and join us and have some tagalong
learning about the RV lifestyle from tagalong boasts several freedom camp adventures too?
seasoned travellers, others prefer the overnight stays including Rudds Pub,
group support when travelling more Leyburn and Bowenville along the
remote, and some like the security that way. Some group meals dining in or
staying with a group at freedom camps out are planned.
provides. However for the majority, it Eastern Explorers branch will
is the friendships made and the social depart Killarney in Queensland late
aspect of group travel that brings them July and head over the New South
back for more each year. Wales border to Inverell and Copeton
From now up to our national muster Dam. The tagalong then heads North-
at Bingara, New South Wales in East and culminates at the Barambah
October this year, we have a number of Bush Camp at Murgon. Th is two ACC Members on an
exciting tagalongs on the agenda. week tagalong offers many things to historical town tour at
The longest tagalong this year will see and do and accommodates varying Maryborough, July 2016
Credit: Maureen Webb
be our Sydney City Slickers branch interests including the Granite Belt
tagalong to Broken Hill and the
Flinders Ranges. This tagalong will
run for fi ve weeks from 24 April.
CONTACT US
THE AUSTRALIAN CARAVAN CLUB
Members will have the opportunity PO Box 340 Rosewood, QLD 4340
to appreciate the magnificence of P: 1800 734 493; E: communications@australiancaravanclub.com.au
W: www.australiancaravanclub.com.au
the Flinders Ranges, visit the many
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Mention this CandM coupon to the team at Darwin Reptile Centre Stay four nights and only pay for three when you present this
and you will receive $3 off your entry price. Not applicable with CandM coupon to Windorah Caravan Park in the Barcoo Region.
other offers. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
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E: windorahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au Ph: (07) 4656 3063
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Present or mention this CandM coupon to the West Coast
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apply. Coupon expires 31 December 2017.
W: www.wchczeehan.com.au Ph: (03) 6471 6225 E: jundahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au Ph: (07) 4658 6930
GUNNS PLAINS STONEHENGE

CAVES TASMANIA CARAVAN PARK
SAVE 10% STAY FOR 4, PAY FOR 3
Present this CandM coupon to Gunns Plains Caves and you will
receive 10% off the relevant price rate. Not applicable with other Stay four nights and only pay for three when you present this CandM
offers. Must present coupon to receive discount. coupon to Stonehenge Caravan Park in the Barcoo Region. Subject to
Offer expires 31 September, 2018. availability. Terms and conditions apply.
W: www.gunnsplainscaves.com.au Ph: (03) 6429 1388 E: stonehengecc@bigpond.com Ph: (07) 4658 5857
GET SHUCKED OYSTERS BRUNY ISLAND SAFARIS

10% OFF OYSTERS 15% OFF TOURS
Present or mention this CandM coupon to Get Shucked Oysters
Present this CandM coupon to Bruny Island Safaris and receive 15%
on Bruny Island and you will get 10% off your purchase price.
off all tours. Must book directly through Bruny Island Safaris. Coupon
Not available with other offers or discounts.
expires 3 November 2017.
W: www.getshucked.com.au Ph: 0439 303 597 Terms and conditions apply.
W: www.brunyislandsafaris.com Ph: 0437 499 795
CAPTAIN COOK LAKE BOONDOOMA

HOLIDAY PARK CARAVAN PARK
KIDS STAY FREE 10% OFF ENTIRE STAY
Book directly online with Captain Cook Holiday Park and your kids Present this CandM coupon when booking your stay at Lake
can stay free when you purchase two or more nights in their cabins Boondooma Caravan Park to receive 10% off your entire stay.
or villas. Not applicable with other offers or discounts. Coupon Not valid with any other offer. Terms and conditions apply.
expires 1 October 2017. Expires 30 October, 2016
W: www.captaincookpark.com Ph: (03) 6293 1128 W: www.lakeboondooma.com.au Ph: (07) 4168 9694
Weve hunted down these 20 great discounts to save
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out or present the magazine to claim your savings!
*All coupons are valid from date of publication until date specied on coupon
ELITE RV
SANDRIFTER SAFARIS FREE $3,000 LIFESTYLE PACK UPGRADE
10% OFF SAFARI TOUR BOOKINGS Present this CandM coupon when purchasing your brand new
Present this CandM coupon to Sandrifter Safaris and you will Auto-Trail Delaware S and receive a free Lifestyle pack upgrade
receive 10% off your Safari Tour Booking. Not applicable with other worth $3,000. Pack includes drop down TV, reversing camera and
offers. Coupon expires 29 October 2017. upgraded entertainment system. Terms and conditions apply.
W: www.sandrifter.com.au Ph: 0437 113 095 W: www.eliterv.com.au Ph: (07) 5593 6140
LAKE BROCKMAN PARRAVANS

TOURIST PARK CARAVAN WORLD
STAY FOR 4, PAY FOR 3 FREE SERVICE
Stay four and pay for three when you present this CandM coupon Present this CandM coupon to Parravans Caravan World and
to Lake Brockman Tourist Park in Western Australia. Subject to mention this coupon in issue CM245 to receive your rst service
availability. Not applicable with any other offer. on a new van purchase free. Terms and conditions apply.
Offer expires 30 September 2017. Offer expires 30 September 2017.
W: www.lakebrockman.com.au Ph: (08) 9733 5402 W: www.parravans.com.au Ph: (02) 4577 5577
ALICE SPRINGS
TELEGRAPH STATION SUNBUSTER
COFFEE AND ENTRY
Present this CandM coupon to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station
FREE STORAGE BAG WORTH $65
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Ph: (08) 8952 3993
DOVER BEACHSIDE BIG4 NORTHSTAR HOLIDAY

TOURIST PARK RESORT AND CARAVAN PARK
STAY FOR SEVEN, PAY FOR SIX TWO FREE NIGHTS
Stay for seven nights and only pay for ve including sites and cabins
Stay for seven nights and only pay for six when you present this at the BIG4 North Star Holiday Resort. Dates from 1 May until 14
CandM coupon to Dover Tourist Park. Must stay seven consecutive September 2017 only. To receive, ring and quote this CandM deal or
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W: www.dovertouristpark.com.au Ph: (03) 6298 1301 W: www.northstar.com.au Ph: 1800 645 790
SHORELINE TOP HUON VALLEY

HOLIDAY PARK CARAVAN PARK
10% OFF YOUR FULL RATE ONE NIGHT FREE
Get 10% off your full rate when you stay with Shoreline Top Holiday
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Exempt from classication

PLEASE ALLOW UP TO 48 HOURS FOR THE DVD TO ARRIVE

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22 HUON TRAIL, TAS 60 ALICE SPRINGS

PARK OF THE MONTH

120 171 Lake Boondooma Caravan

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How could we not want to share Marg Mcalister

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OR CALL 1800 88 39 64 NOW TO GET QUALITY

BARK BUSTING TIPS

journey through THE BEAUTY OF

WALKS OF BRUNY ISLAND from Huonville to Ida Bay.

Enjoy an evening wine in the

HUON VALLEY CARAVAN PARK

The Wooden Boat Centre is DOVER BEACHSIDE

as a Tasmanian Timber Memorial in a great happy hour with both them

93: CATAMARAN BEACHES Pools, who provided without a doubt

and big seats to enjoy a beaut lunch or

GET SHUCKED OYSTERS OYSTERS

1735 Bruny Island Main Rd SEE PG 174-175

Great Bay TAS The travellers here

THE WOODEN BOAT CENTRE

After our journey from bush

SPOT SEALS BASKING OR PLAYING ON

Enjoying a cruise on the Pennicott

a nearby free camp.

TRANQUIL COVES AND SANDY VISITOR CENTRE

BEACHES, WITH A BACKDROP Ph: (03) 6264 0326

OF DISTANT MOUNTAIN PEAKS BRUNY DENTRECASTEAUX

MAKES COCKLE CREEK ONE OF

THE BEST FREE CAMPS

On our way into the beautiful

WERE FIGHTING TO MAKE TOURING

GET CONNECTED. GET XRS

A state-of-the-art Jayco Motorhome lets you say

Road trips and touring holidays have never been

So start planning your next holiday today. Visit

Please visit WWW.CFIAUST.COM.AU to nd your nearest dealer.

Tow with complete ease thanks to

Captain Cook custom TWO-TONED WALLS

Our Burke & Wills shade annexes provide a functional

The all new Captains Quarters FEATURES INCLUDE: FEATURES INCLUDE:

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Oricoms DTX4200 is like two radios in

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CONTACT YOUR DEALER

he Top End is a region of and often ask which is better?. This

WITHIN TWO HOURS OF

INTO THE ONE TRIP civilizations stone

SUNSET FROM THE

Jim Jim Falls

,4(03 *OLX\L4VUL` VYKLY MVY