More camping advice needed...
July 25, 2011 1:47 PM Subscribe
Travelling by campervan in Victoria, Australia - any tips?
As mentioned in this question, Mr raspberry-ripple and I are going to Australia this August and will be travelling around the Melbourne/Great Ocean Road area in a campervan. We're new to this, and were wondering whether anyone has any experience of doing something similar and whether you might have any advice - for instance:
- did you stay in designated campsites, or just camp by the side of the road?
- are there any campsites you can recommend?
- is there anything we should know before we go - anything specific we should take with us, for instance?
Any advice would be really helpful. Thank you!!
As mentioned in this question, Mr raspberry-ripple and I are going to Australia this August and will be travelling around the Melbourne/Great Ocean Road area in a campervan. We're new to this, and were wondering whether anyone has any experience of doing something similar and whether you might have any advice - for instance:
- did you stay in designated campsites, or just camp by the side of the road?
- are there any campsites you can recommend?
- is there anything we should know before we go - anything specific we should take with us, for instance?
Any advice would be really helpful. Thank you!!
I used gumtree and wotif when I was traveling around the Great Ocean Road area. We were driving a car but we did stay in a few camper-type parks that had sort of RV-ish places you could rent which was a good time. The Great Ocean Road is seriously set up for you and people like you, there are a lot of places to pull off and see amazing things, there are small information places that have wifi and people were very accomodating and nice to us. I'd make sure you have an internet plan since not all libraries had copious and free wifi the way they did in the states. Also check for festivals that might be happening when you were going through. We almost got stuck in a small town once without a place to stay because nearly every room was booked solid.
Specifically we stayed in [and enjoyed] Big4 Caravan Park in Robe and Gumtree Caravan Park in Port Fairy and both were great and reasonably priced when we went a few years ago.
posted by jessamyn at 5:23 PM on July 25, 2011
Specifically we stayed in [and enjoyed] Big4 Caravan Park in Robe and Gumtree Caravan Park in Port Fairy and both were great and reasonably priced when we went a few years ago.
posted by jessamyn at 5:23 PM on July 25, 2011
My girlfriend and I went last December/January, started in Sydney and drove down to Melbourne, and out along the Great Ocean Road. We didn't pay to stay anywhere, just picked spots by the side of the road. She got a little unnecessarily anxious about particular places that I was sure were fine, so occasionally we had to look around a little bit, but it was no big deal. Melbourne is a lot harder to find places to pull off and stay, but we managed to stay a couple nights in the parking lot at Brighton Beach, and that was reasonably nice. You probably won't find anywhere in the city proper, IMO, where you can park it for the night. We were doing it on the cheap and so we didn't look into the campervan park network, but I've heard there are tons of them and they're generally of good quality.
Have you reserved your campervan yet? We used Jucy, and it was a great/easy experience. We picked them because they were running a deal at the time, make sure you run a google search at least for coupons before booking (if you haven't already).
Don't overload the small onboard refrigerators. They work fine so long as you don't stuff them full.
Things I was really glad I had (most can be bought cheaply there): a flashlight or headlamp, a camp towel, hand sanitizer, folding camp chair, a few DVDs (most campervans these days have small TVs and DVD players), iPod with an audio cable to plug into the car stereo, mosquito netting.
If you have a GSM phone, you can get a cheap SIM card from Vodafone in the airport when you arrive - I bought one for $29AUD and it came with plenty of minutes and data to regularly update facebook and check email during our 3-week trip.
Oh, and watch out for drop bears.
posted by hootenatty at 10:05 PM on July 25, 2011
Have you reserved your campervan yet? We used Jucy, and it was a great/easy experience. We picked them because they were running a deal at the time, make sure you run a google search at least for coupons before booking (if you haven't already).
Don't overload the small onboard refrigerators. They work fine so long as you don't stuff them full.
Things I was really glad I had (most can be bought cheaply there): a flashlight or headlamp, a camp towel, hand sanitizer, folding camp chair, a few DVDs (most campervans these days have small TVs and DVD players), iPod with an audio cable to plug into the car stereo, mosquito netting.
If you have a GSM phone, you can get a cheap SIM card from Vodafone in the airport when you arrive - I bought one for $29AUD and it came with plenty of minutes and data to regularly update facebook and check email during our 3-week trip.
Oh, and watch out for drop bears.
posted by hootenatty at 10:05 PM on July 25, 2011
Forgot to say - if it's a nice day, plan to spend some time at the beach at Loch Ard Gorge, it's amazing.
posted by hootenatty at 10:06 PM on July 25, 2011
posted by hootenatty at 10:06 PM on July 25, 2011
I cannot recommend this book strongly enough. The two weeks I spent in a camper van before we found the book were spent sleeping on side streets and in pay-camping sites. The weeks after we got the book were spent in wonderful, free, roadside campsites.
posted by auto-correct at 11:41 PM on July 25, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by auto-correct at 11:41 PM on July 25, 2011 [2 favorites]
Many (most?) national parks have camping grounds equipped with things like toilets, showers, bbq facilities (which Americans would call "grills" as far as I know) and so on. These are available for a nominal fee overnight, maybe around $10 or less.
There are heaps of tourists hopping from campsite to campsite, and especially "grey nomads", who are retired people off on long tours of the country. The grey nomads tend to rise & move early, stake out a spot at the next campground by about midday, then spend the afternoon relaxing, so don't assume you can show up at sunset & be guaranteed a spot.
Check out Parks Victoria for info on campsites.
posted by UbuRoivas at 11:46 PM on July 25, 2011
There are heaps of tourists hopping from campsite to campsite, and especially "grey nomads", who are retired people off on long tours of the country. The grey nomads tend to rise & move early, stake out a spot at the next campground by about midday, then spend the afternoon relaxing, so don't assume you can show up at sunset & be guaranteed a spot.
Check out Parks Victoria for info on campsites.
posted by UbuRoivas at 11:46 PM on July 25, 2011
Re your previous post, if you're still going to the Blue Mountains, the best day walk is at Wentworth Falls.
posted by superfish at 2:01 AM on July 26, 2011
posted by superfish at 2:01 AM on July 26, 2011
Best answer: Hey, if you do come to the Blue Mountains, mefimail me for local tips.
I've visited the great ocean road in winter, used to own a Kombi (VW type 2 camper) and took a rented camper holiday in South Island NZ in May a few years ago, so I reckon my patch work of experience adds up.
Assuming you will get a Britz or similar set-up, they are likely to include a heating unit to use while stationary. If you are going for cheap and cheerful (jucy or wicked) don't expect such luxury. In my experience, sleeping in a camper is much, much warmer than a tent, but I would still want a good sleeping bag or at least a couple of doonas (duvets).
It is OK, and safe to just stop by the side of the road, or preferably on a side road. There are also regular rest areas/picnic table spots, usually in places with a bit of a view. It is slightly frowned upon to set up camp in these sort of spots, and in theory you might get asked to move along, but this is more to discourage people who might setup and stay, traveller style, rather than a discreet overnight rest.
In any case, if anybody hassles you, just say you are tired from driving and just resting a little while - we have a campaign for road safety that urges you to take a break for every two hours of driving, so nobody will force you to move on, even if nominally there is a no camping sign.
In Oz there are national parks and state forests (and crown land, but none where you will be going). The parks are pristine wilderness and they take keeping them that way seriously, so drive-in camping is usually only allowed in designated areas, and usually attracts a fee.
The forests are much more laissez fair, with free camping anywhere the norm, although more common where there are facilities like toilets.
Additionally, there are pay-for private camp grounds called caravan parks. I think they are outrageously expensive, but maybe in August you could haggle. In any case, you can enjoy a hot shower there, which is a rarer option in the parks and forests.
The holiday I mentioned in NZ we stayed every second night in a pay for camp ground for just that luxury.
If you are too cold the first night, just go to the shops, buy a $20 fan heater and accept you will be staying in caravan parks at powered sites - you won't freeze.
Things to take:
- Get on ebay and get a nice torch and lantern. A torch lights up where you are pointing it, a lantern all around.
- Bring a warm, wind proof coat and a warm beanie to keep your head warm.
- sort out a hot water bottle (available here for $8)
- if you are bringing a laptop, you can buy a prepaid internet USB wireless modem with a months internet access included for about $50.
- similarly, a pre-paid mobile phone with a starter credit is about $50. Telstra is the widest coverage, Vodafone is a bit shit, Optus/Virgin/Amaysim is fair. For both try Coles or Woolworths.
- if you are bringing a laptop, visit ebay again and get a cheap charger for a car lighter socket (or an inverter, but make sure it says pure sine wave, not modified sine wave or square wave).
- I reckon a thermos is a great helper too. Fill it up with boiling water and you are ready for a quick tea break as you travel.
- if, like me, you like the idea of a quick fry up on the side of the road for lunch, but your camper supplier has not given you all the gear you need, 10mins in a Salvation army or St Vincent de Paul charity shop should equip you with pans, cutlery, tupperware etc. for a very reasonable price.
- you really should try the australian version of a hamburger while you are here. In a small country town (Lorne etc is fine) find a take-away food place (usually you will spot charcoal chickens or fish and chips). Ask for a burger with the lot. It will have beef, bacon, cheese, egg, lettuce, onion, tomato, beetroot and perhaps a pineapple ring. You probably want barbecue sauce (brown sauce) if asked. It will be quite large, but don't be put off. You will like this, despite any misgivings you might have reading this description. Perfectly accompanied by hot chips and a carton of strawberry flavoured milk (heathens might choose chocolate).
I'm happy for you to memail me any specific questions.
posted by bystander at 4:50 AM on July 27, 2011
I've visited the great ocean road in winter, used to own a Kombi (VW type 2 camper) and took a rented camper holiday in South Island NZ in May a few years ago, so I reckon my patch work of experience adds up.
Assuming you will get a Britz or similar set-up, they are likely to include a heating unit to use while stationary. If you are going for cheap and cheerful (jucy or wicked) don't expect such luxury. In my experience, sleeping in a camper is much, much warmer than a tent, but I would still want a good sleeping bag or at least a couple of doonas (duvets).
It is OK, and safe to just stop by the side of the road, or preferably on a side road. There are also regular rest areas/picnic table spots, usually in places with a bit of a view. It is slightly frowned upon to set up camp in these sort of spots, and in theory you might get asked to move along, but this is more to discourage people who might setup and stay, traveller style, rather than a discreet overnight rest.
In any case, if anybody hassles you, just say you are tired from driving and just resting a little while - we have a campaign for road safety that urges you to take a break for every two hours of driving, so nobody will force you to move on, even if nominally there is a no camping sign.
In Oz there are national parks and state forests (and crown land, but none where you will be going). The parks are pristine wilderness and they take keeping them that way seriously, so drive-in camping is usually only allowed in designated areas, and usually attracts a fee.
The forests are much more laissez fair, with free camping anywhere the norm, although more common where there are facilities like toilets.
Additionally, there are pay-for private camp grounds called caravan parks. I think they are outrageously expensive, but maybe in August you could haggle. In any case, you can enjoy a hot shower there, which is a rarer option in the parks and forests.
The holiday I mentioned in NZ we stayed every second night in a pay for camp ground for just that luxury.
If you are too cold the first night, just go to the shops, buy a $20 fan heater and accept you will be staying in caravan parks at powered sites - you won't freeze.
Things to take:
- Get on ebay and get a nice torch and lantern. A torch lights up where you are pointing it, a lantern all around.
- Bring a warm, wind proof coat and a warm beanie to keep your head warm.
- sort out a hot water bottle (available here for $8)
- if you are bringing a laptop, you can buy a prepaid internet USB wireless modem with a months internet access included for about $50.
- similarly, a pre-paid mobile phone with a starter credit is about $50. Telstra is the widest coverage, Vodafone is a bit shit, Optus/Virgin/Amaysim is fair. For both try Coles or Woolworths.
- if you are bringing a laptop, visit ebay again and get a cheap charger for a car lighter socket (or an inverter, but make sure it says pure sine wave, not modified sine wave or square wave).
- I reckon a thermos is a great helper too. Fill it up with boiling water and you are ready for a quick tea break as you travel.
- if, like me, you like the idea of a quick fry up on the side of the road for lunch, but your camper supplier has not given you all the gear you need, 10mins in a Salvation army or St Vincent de Paul charity shop should equip you with pans, cutlery, tupperware etc. for a very reasonable price.
- you really should try the australian version of a hamburger while you are here. In a small country town (Lorne etc is fine) find a take-away food place (usually you will spot charcoal chickens or fish and chips). Ask for a burger with the lot. It will have beef, bacon, cheese, egg, lettuce, onion, tomato, beetroot and perhaps a pineapple ring. You probably want barbecue sauce (brown sauce) if asked. It will be quite large, but don't be put off. You will like this, despite any misgivings you might have reading this description. Perfectly accompanied by hot chips and a carton of strawberry flavoured milk (heathens might choose chocolate).
I'm happy for you to memail me any specific questions.
posted by bystander at 4:50 AM on July 27, 2011
Oh, and the 12 apostle rock formation is the key tourist draw on the great ocean road. Visit it at dawn or dusk for the best photos. If I had a little money for a special night I would consider staying one night in one of the light houses:
http://www.the-great-ocean-road.com/lighthouse-vacations.html
http://www.lightstation.com/
http://www.lighthousekeepersinn.com.au/
And I meant to link the Victorian National PArks people:
http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/
and Big 4, the more consistent quality camp grounds:
http://www.big4.com.au/
posted by bystander at 5:00 AM on July 27, 2011
http://www.the-great-ocean-road.com/lighthouse-vacations.html
http://www.lightstation.com/
http://www.lighthousekeepersinn.com.au/
And I meant to link the Victorian National PArks people:
http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/
and Big 4, the more consistent quality camp grounds:
http://www.big4.com.au/
posted by bystander at 5:00 AM on July 27, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks so much, everyone! Really helpful responses.
We are renting a Jucy Crib - looks pretty basic, but should do the job. (Thanks for the tip about not overloading the fridge, hootenanny!) It's good to know it's okay to stop by the side of the road if we get desperate, too.
We are indeed going to the Blue Mountains too so I will bear Wentworth Falls in mind. We will definitely try to get to Loch Ard Gorge and the 12 Apostles too - I've heard lots of good things about both.
(I should admit that we are hoping to go on a tour of the Neighbours set as well. I know, I know, but I've watched it for half my life, and I'd always regret it if I didn't go...)
It will have beef, bacon, cheese, egg, lettuce, onion, tomato, beetroot and perhaps a pineapple ring. You probably want barbecue sauce (brown sauce) if asked. It will be quite large, but don't be put off. You will like this, despite any misgivings you might have reading this description. Perfectly accompanied by hot chips and a carton of strawberry flavoured milk
This sounds tremendous. I will not go home without having one!!
Thanks so so much again for all your replies - I'm so excited about the trip!!
posted by raspberry-ripple at 5:23 AM on July 29, 2011
We are renting a Jucy Crib - looks pretty basic, but should do the job. (Thanks for the tip about not overloading the fridge, hootenanny!) It's good to know it's okay to stop by the side of the road if we get desperate, too.
We are indeed going to the Blue Mountains too so I will bear Wentworth Falls in mind. We will definitely try to get to Loch Ard Gorge and the 12 Apostles too - I've heard lots of good things about both.
(I should admit that we are hoping to go on a tour of the Neighbours set as well. I know, I know, but I've watched it for half my life, and I'd always regret it if I didn't go...)
It will have beef, bacon, cheese, egg, lettuce, onion, tomato, beetroot and perhaps a pineapple ring. You probably want barbecue sauce (brown sauce) if asked. It will be quite large, but don't be put off. You will like this, despite any misgivings you might have reading this description. Perfectly accompanied by hot chips and a carton of strawberry flavoured milk
This sounds tremendous. I will not go home without having one!!
Thanks so so much again for all your replies - I'm so excited about the trip!!
posted by raspberry-ripple at 5:23 AM on July 29, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Sys Rq at 4:41 PM on July 25, 2011