I am a newby contemplating buying a van and doing the 'lap' Have a landcruiser series 100 for tow vehicle thinking of buying a van approx tare 2000 to 2500kg.
I have heard it cost an average of $100 per day to travel, approx $50 for fuel $50 for van site and food on top. Obviously if staying put for a while this will reduce but you still have sight seeing costs. Free camping will save a little but overall not a lot.
Is this estimate true? if not can someone give me an idea of average daily cost as $100 per day is out of the question for me
thanks
Happywanderer said
10:21 AM Mar 29, 2011
Sag, welcome to the forum. Firstly if it was $100 a day I won't be going anywhere. It is so different for everybody. We all have different plans, destinations, costs etc. No one figure would be true for us all. We budget to our needs.
Two Strays said
11:01 AM Mar 29, 2011
Welcome to the Forum Sagitarius
When we travel each year for two to three months we budget $150 per day all up, having a nest egg for unexpected problems that may arise. When travelling we may spent $250 plus per day if we a doing 400km per day and/or taking tourist trips. On days when we are not travelling we may only spend $50 -$75 per day or even less if we only want to chill out for the day. It seems to even itself out over all. On a recent trip to Tasmania our budget was $200 per day all up, which included the ferry costs. Our final spend was $198 per day over two months.
Experience has shown that fuel is the major cost. I keep my speed down to 85-90 kph and limit travelling on windy days to a minimum. Regarding food, buy specials and use local markets and road side stalls if possible. I trust this may be of some help.
Allara said
11:36 AM Mar 29, 2011
Howdy Sagitatius
The biggest cost is fuel, particularly if your truck is not diesel. It all comes down to how far you want to travel in a day. The cost of fuel goes up with towing, would vary depending on the profile of your van. Lighter, lower options would save a bit, but you lose out on comfort and space. You may be able to pick up some house sitting or caretaking jobs along the way which would help defray costs. Good Luck
Allara
Smokeydk said
12:34 PM Mar 29, 2011
you should catch up with Gary & Kerry they recently posted their travel expences
Thanks for the welcome and info, we have a landy on gas so this will help reduce fuel cost a bit. As we are 2 women in our 60's we will prob spend 80% of time in parks. No van as yet but want a full en-suite so probably a 22 ft. I am used to towing so no worries on that score.Plus a big boxer dog! We are careful shoppers, non smokers and enjoy a wine/beer or 2
The plan was drive, find somewhere we like stay 2 or 3 weeks then move on taking approx year to do lap. I was talking to a chap at the Perth caravan show and he said budget for approx $100 per day, it will even out when staying put for a few weeks and free camping. If you add cost of van say approx $50,000 to60000 + $100 per day for 12 months WHEW.
I really want to do my research before we buy a van
valnrob said
03:37 PM Mar 29, 2011
Rob and i brought a second hand van, a 1980 Viscount. It is a 16 ft van. We have set it up with solar power so we are completely able to stay out of CP's if necessary. Have a 1kva Honda, generator, 12v T.V. Stereo, and Compressor fridge. We run the generator when i use my laptop or need to put some charge into the batterys. We do not have an ensuite, just a shower and toilet tent with 12v shower. We have a portable 2 burner gas cooker, an Oz Pig wood fire for cooking. We only use the van for sleeping. When travelling, we only do 100/200 km per day. Freecamp mostly, if we like the camp we will stay. We try and not travel everyday. As we are just on a pension we cannot travel everyday it would be out of our price level. If we find we are a bit short of money we wait until the next Pension is due before moving on. Food costs the same as if we stayed home. We used to freeze meat to take but have decided to use the ARB fridge/freezer as a fridge only and cryovac the perishable food. We try and keep the weight down in the van and ute which is a 2003 petrol Rodeo. Petrol is the biggest cost and keeping some money for urgent repairs etc. We still have the normal household bills, rates, electricity phone and Internet, etc but luckily cashed in on the Solar Panels on the roof of our house, thanks to the Govt scheme that installed them free and locked into 60c per kwh. We have not actually done a cost on travel, but manage on a pension spent carefully. P.S we have a little Jack Russell that travels with us and brings his own house.
-- Edited by valnrob on Tuesday 29th of March 2011 03:39:33 PM
Sheba said
03:44 PM Mar 29, 2011
Welcome Sagitarius. I'm with Happywanderer. Won't be costing me $100. a day either. For a start, I only ever free-camp, and don't intend to use C-parks unless I need to use 240 V Power. I have Solar Power, which I can use for the Fridge, TV, Lap-top, DVD Player, & lights.
Have a Pop-up Shower Tent.
Don't use a normal Gas Stove. Don't like that much Gas in the 'van. Use small Butane Camp Stove, and have a Dreampot for cooking. Have a Charcoal Barbie for longer stays.
I'm only in a Campervan, but it suits me.
Cheers, Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Tuesday 29th of March 2011 03:48:06 PM
Sheba said
04:17 PM Mar 29, 2011
Just found this on another Forum. Hope it's OK to post here.
" Dad is on the old age single pension. Dad eats fresh and cooks all his own food and makes his own biscuits and cakes as he is diabetic. Dad does all his own washing. Dad has never been into a recognised caravan park and stops at occassional showground. Dad has Telstra mobile phone on $20 plan and Bigpond 1gb plan. Dad does not drink or smoke. Dad may go to an RSL once in 2 or 3 months for a feed. Dad has a 16' shower and toilet combined van, diesel ute and saves $100 a week from his pension when travelling. I am always asking Dad if he needs anything and he says he will ask if the does. Dad goes home for summer and spends 8 months a year travelling. When mum died I told Dad he had to do something and bought him the van and fitted it up. Dad looks younger and fitter every year and lost 20kg. Dad fishes and walks and his only regret he never did any of this with mum. "
Food for thought.
Cheers, Sheba.
Happywanderer said
04:20 PM Mar 29, 2011
Well, that says it all Sheba. Very moving and food for thought. Thats how I want to travel. It doesn't have to be expensive.
Gary and Kerry said
04:27 PM Mar 29, 2011
Smokeydk wrote:
you should catch up with Gary & Kerry they recently posted their travel expences
Everyones lifestyle is different so our expenses should be in no way taken as suiting everyone. We put them on purely as a guide.
Bluemoon501 said
07:56 PM Mar 29, 2011
G'day Sagitarius,
This is a regular question that comes up on the many different forums and there are as many responses to it as those responding.
For people doing the "lap" the $100 per day is a recurring response. Another common response is $1 per km travelled. They are both good as a guide and that is all they are. The difficulty with responding to this type of question is that everyone's spending pattern is different. E.g. some will take a walk around Uluru whilst others will take a helicopter trip.
We have had a full time RV lifestyle for over four years so our spend pattern is quite different from those doing the lap once. We record EVERY dollar we spend, from the $1,400 per year for insurance down to a "gold coin donation". As at today our daily average is $62.93.
When trying to work out how much it is going to cost I make the following suggestions / comments with regard to creating your budget.
1. Those who quote $100 per day never state what they include so it is difficult to gauge how relevant that figure might be for someone else. Hence one needs to do one's own sums.
2. Break down your spending into various categories. Then work out how much each one is going to cost over a period of time, say a month. For example fuel. If you don't already know the fuel consumption for your vehicle then ask on a forum what other people get. The Landcruiser is quite popular so you should get plenty of responses. Allow something for increasing fuel prices and higher price in outback areas. Multiply the $ per km figure by your estimated km travel per month.
3. There are certain categories that you should already know the monthly cost of: i.e. food, alcohol, mobile phone & internet plans, recurring medical, magazines, books, and many more. If do not know the cost of these then I respectfully suggest that you start recording your spending now. There is a saying in management circles "you cannot manage what you don't measure".
4. Compile a list of the main tourist visits you want to make. Check on the internet what their fees are. This will give you a guide for how much to budget in that category.
5. Look up the cost of caravan park site fees for the type of site you will use. Produce an average then multiply by 30 for a monthly average.
6. Consider the age / usage of you vehicles. What it the likelihood of needing repairs whilst travelling. Expect the cost of any repairs to be higher than at home.
7. Ask many focused questions on forums regarding different items. Not just the overall cost as this is too board to get a useful response. You need to be specific otherwise you get the $100 per day response.
8. Contrary to other's comments above our biggest cost is food @ 24%, then vehicle maintenance (includes insurance and rego) @ 16% followed by fuel @ 14%. Tourist visits and treats come in at just over 10% while all other categories are less then 10% each.
I hope the above is useful in setting your own budget and wish you safe travels.
Mike
Ma said
08:13 PM Mar 29, 2011
What a good response Bluemoon. It gives people a little bit more to go on and another avenue to do their homework.
dazren said
09:17 PM Mar 29, 2011
I'm with you ma, Thanks bluemoon 501 that is about the most useful, logical answer i have seen on this type of thread, it gives good advice that can be adapted to many different situations, so thanks again dazren
NeilandRaine said
07:06 AM Mar 30, 2011
This is our last month, not including food and a few unexpected DATE TOWN FUEL Lt MILAGE COST PER Lt ACCOM COST TIME 27-Feb Berry Show Ground 30 2 Days 28-Mar Berry 51.77 306 73.98 142.9 2-Mar Moyura 2-Mar Delmeny Caravan Park 57 3 Days 3-Mar Narooma 4-Mar Delmeny 44.45 268.8 65.74 148.9 7-Mar Orbost 65.68 348.7 95.04 144.9 7-Mar Orbost Caravan Park 25 1 Day 8-Mar Bairnsdale 9-Mar Hastings Caravan Park 35 1 Day
10-Mar Rosebud 77.33 453.2 104.32 134.9 17-Mar Rosebud 18-Mar Rosebud 20-Mar Rosebud 49.44 460.7 71.16 139.9 21-Mar Sorrento 21-Mar Apollo Bay Caravan Park 29.5 1 Day 22-Mar Warnambool Show Ground 40 2 Days 23-Mar Warnambool 70.19 402.5 101 143.9 24-Mar Ballarat Caravan Park 81 3 Days 27-Mar Bendigo Show Ground 80 4 Days 28-Mar Rochester 50.18 75.22 149.9
409.04 2239.9 586.46 377.5 3612.9
this is an average of $129 per day The fuel cost is a bit high. I usually get round 16 per 100. This month was down the south coast NSW and the Great Ocean Road. Both routes are pretty hilly. Also this does not include food and extras
NeilandRaine said
07:09 AM Mar 30, 2011
OOPS should of previewed first sorry I tried to delete it
SAGITARIUS said
09:44 AM Mar 30, 2011
Hi again everyone
wow I am overwhelmed by all your responses what a great forum
Thanks Bluemoon for such comprehensive advice. I like the look of your daily average I was not going to take into consideration vehicle insurance or rego or phone, internet, health expenses because these are expenses I would be subject to, traveling or not. I have an amazing Landcruiser, a year 2000 with genuine 22000klm on the clock on gas which is a bonus, so don't anticipate too many mechanical probs. I will peruse the forum for info re average cost of fuel. Van to be decided, anticipate average tare 2500klg
Thanks for referral to Gary & Kerry post very informative, however I note they stayed 95% free camp as I previously mentioned we are 2 women in our 60's and not sure how safe we would be/feel, free camping any comments most welcome. We would love to free camp and if safe would look at solar panel. I did check a couple of park tariffs and they varied from $45.00 to $90.00 p/d according to season for powered site 2 people
All of the comments give me hope that this is doable I now intend to research research research
Nicholstones said
09:54 AM Mar 30, 2011
SAGITARIUS wrote:
I did check a couple of park tariffs and they varied from $45.00 to $90.00 p/d according to season for powered site 2 people
Sagi - not sure what parks you looked at, but those prices are wildly excessive. We've been on the road for 2 years, staying exclusively in caravan parks, using ensuite sites whenever available. We've averaged around $27 pn for powered sites and $37pn ensuite sites. The figures will be higher the more time you spend in the northern part of Australia - we found the Pilbara in particular to be outrageously expensive, whereas somewhere like Mt Magnet charged $20 pn.
SAGITARIUS said
10:10 AM Mar 30, 2011
Hi Nicholstones
I just jumped onto http://www.goseeaustralia.com.au/ and had a wild click on a few places of interest under destinations tab I am very glad to hear first hand that this is excessive. The more info I get the more excited I am that this is a real possibility
Ma said
10:23 AM Mar 30, 2011
The possibilities are only limited by your imagination Sag. Go for it. You won't regret it. It's a wonderful lifestyle.
jules47 said
12:30 PM Mar 30, 2011
Get yourself a copy of Camps 6 - check the index on this site - it is your most valuable companion - not only free camps, but low cost ones - including showgrounds etc - ie - Kenilworth in Qld was only $12 per night when we stayed there two years ago - water, power, shower, and right in town. Free camping is fine if you follow a few guidelines - i.e. check out if there are other campers there - don't expect toilets etc., - don't camp on top of somebody - talk to other travellers, they are usually a wealth of information. I have just done my first solo trip, towing my van, from SE Qld to NE Vic - and it has really ignited the bug - hopefully around this time next year I will be on the road for however long I want to do it - jut have a few commitments this year to get through.
I thought of trading my 4wd and van in for a campervan (toyota hi-ace type) - but I love my little van, and the fuel costs were not astronomical - diesel vehicle, small, light van. Didn't take my annexe with me this time, but will next year, might want to stay somewhere for a while, so would be handy, can carry it in car, so no extra weight in van.
Good luck - just get out there and - DO IT!!!!!!
jules47 said
12:35 PM Mar 30, 2011
Get yourself a copy of Camps 6 - check the index on this site - it is your most valuable companion - not only free camps, but low cost ones - including showgrounds etc - ie - Kenilworth in Qld was only $12 per night when we stayed there two years ago - water, power, shower, and right in town. Free camping is fine if you follow a few guidelines - i.e. check out if there are other campers there - don't expect toilets etc., - don't camp on top of somebody - talk to other travellers, they are usually a wealth of information. I have just done my first solo trip, towing my van, from SE Qld to NE Vic - and it has really ignited the bug - hopefully around this time next year I will be on the road for however long I want to do it - jut have a few commitments this year to get through.
I thought of trading my 4wd and van in for a campervan (toyota hi-ace type) - but I love my little van, and the fuel costs were not astronomical - diesel vehicle, small, light van. Didn't take my annexe with me this time, but will next year, might want to stay somewhere for a while, so would be handy, can carry it in car, so no extra weight in van.
Good luck - just get out there and - DO IT!!!!!!
Clare46 said
03:59 PM Mar 30, 2011
I did 21,000ks in 2009 driving a Toyota Hi-ace campervan in which I averaged 10lt/100km traveling at around 90 -95 km/hr.
My total spend worked out at $ 100 per day but this included $49 per day rental for the campervan. I was moving every few days as I was on a time frame. I travel on my own. I did a trip on Katherine and Geike gorges, sunrise and sunset tours at Ayers Rock, a hop on hop ticket for two days in Alice Springs and a City tour in Adelaide and a few other bits and pieces but nothing too expensive.
This included some caravan parks, National parks and free camping. I do not have the % of paid to free. Ayers RocK, Kings Canyon and a couple of roadhouses charged per person but most charged the same for one as they did for two
I hope you can get out there and enjoy yourself. It is addictive and an experience to be had if possible.
Happywanderer said
05:36 PM Mar 30, 2011
There are two of you in your 60s Sag,and you don't want to free camp as you think it might not be safe. Most of us here are around that same age and most of us here are going solo and most of us here are free camping. Don't be afraid. I'm heading off soon and if you are telling me its dangerous I will be too scared to go. Don't scare me like that as I will be free camping all the way, except when I call in on friends and rellies. Seriously, its a matter of being sensible, reacting to a situation that doesn't feel right and move on. Park where other campers are parking and chat so you know you feel safe.
Sheba said
06:10 PM Mar 30, 2011
I'll be 70 this year, and I will always Free-camp unless I need to use 240 V Power.
Marj, I don't remember what your internal set-up is like, but while mine is not walk-through, I can still climb into the front seat and just drive away if I feel it's necessary.
At night I never leave anything outside, or the awning down, and all doors are locked.
Never had a problem so far, so haven't had to do it yet, but that's why I bought the set-up I did.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Wednesday 30th of March 2011 06:11:57 PM
Happywanderer said
06:15 PM Mar 30, 2011
Mines the same Sheba so can fold down centre seat and climb through if needed. I won't be leaving anything outside if freecamping either. Thats more for when at friends or rellies or an area where its safe.
SAGITARIUS said
06:19 PM Mar 30, 2011
not trying to scare anyone, just being sensible and asking others advice. I would love to free camp as much as possible and would certainly not encroach on anyone's personal space. I would not pull into an isolated spot if there were no one there, the ideal would be at least 1 other traveler there. We will have an ensuite so toilet will not be a problem.
Everyone has been so encouraging and given the number of people doing it we are bound to see others free camping which makes it more attractive.
I am also encouraged by the varying cost options which means if I work hard for the rest of the year (unfortunately have contract commitments) I should be able to save enough to help us on the way.
I really wanted to get this advice before I went and committed to buying a van, no point in putting the cart before the horse. So hopefully we will be on the road next year
handyman said
08:03 PM Mar 30, 2011
Hi, I'm just stating to do my research re what vehical, where to go, what to see & not see,, I'm considering a Merc campervan, diesel, year 2000 plus, only need a 2 > 4 berth as am on my own, though would consider sharing, to share costs but more importantly experiences.
I really enjoyed the feedback re costs per day, I never realised there was sooooooooooooo much to consider prior to setting off & with reading my book ' grey nomad' it goes into even more detail.
I expect to be travelling sometime after the start of 2012 from Perth, once I've sold a couple of houses to fund my trip, & look to saving a few bob by doing 'home maintenance' work along the way.
Could anyone tell me if there is a site for ex-nomads who are looking to sell their rig? as I feel they would be genuine in what information they gave. Handyman.
Sheba said
08:45 PM Mar 30, 2011
I found mine on the CMCA site, but am no longer a member, so don't have the link. You need to be a member to access their Website.
Cheers, Sheba.
Happywanderer said
09:42 PM Mar 30, 2011
Sheba, I'm not a member and go in for a look around all the time. I had a good look through when searching for my campervan.
Hi there
I am a newby contemplating buying a van and doing the 'lap' Have a landcruiser series 100 for tow vehicle thinking of buying a van approx tare 2000 to 2500kg.
I have heard it cost an average of $100 per day to travel, approx $50 for fuel $50 for van site and food on top. Obviously if staying put for a while this will reduce but you still have sight seeing costs. Free camping will save a little but overall not a lot.
Is this estimate true? if not can someone give me an idea of average daily cost as $100 per day is out of the question for me
thanks
When we travel each year for two to three months we budget $150 per day all up, having a nest egg for unexpected problems that may arise. When travelling we may spent $250 plus per day if we a doing 400km per day and/or taking tourist trips. On days when we are not travelling we may only spend $50 -$75 per day or even less if we only want to chill out for the day. It seems to even itself out over all. On a recent trip to Tasmania our budget was $200 per day all up, which included the ferry costs. Our final spend was $198 per day over two months.
Experience has shown that fuel is the major cost. I keep my speed down to 85-90 kph and limit travelling on windy days to a minimum. Regarding food, buy specials and use local markets and road side stalls if possible. I trust this may be of some help.
The biggest cost is fuel, particularly if your truck is not diesel. It all comes down to how far you want to travel in a day. The cost of fuel goes up with towing, would vary depending on the profile of your van. Lighter, lower options would save a bit, but you lose out on comfort and space. You may be able to pick up some house sitting or caretaking jobs along the way which would help defray costs. Good Luck
Allara
you should catch up with Gary & Kerry they recently posted their travel expences
http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?aBID=51933&p=3&topicID=41436858
The plan was drive, find somewhere we like stay 2 or 3 weeks then move on taking approx year to do lap. I was talking to a chap at the Perth caravan show and he said budget for approx $100 per day, it will even out when staying put for a few weeks and free camping.
If you add cost of van say approx $50,000 to60000 + $100 per day for 12 months WHEW.
I really want to do my research before we buy a van
Rob and i brought a second hand van, a 1980 Viscount. It is a 16 ft van. We have set it up with solar power so we are completely able to stay out of CP's if necessary. Have a 1kva Honda, generator, 12v T.V. Stereo, and Compressor fridge. We run the generator when i use my laptop or need to put some charge into the batterys. We do not have an ensuite, just a shower and toilet tent with 12v shower. We have a portable 2 burner gas cooker, an Oz Pig wood fire for cooking. We only use the van for sleeping. When travelling, we only do 100/200 km per day. Freecamp mostly, if we like the camp we will stay. We try and not travel everyday. As we are just on a pension we cannot travel everyday it would be out of our price level. If we find we are a bit short of money we wait until the next Pension is due before moving on. Food costs the same as if we stayed home. We used to freeze meat to take but have decided to use the ARB fridge/freezer as a fridge only and cryovac the perishable food. We try and keep the weight down in the van and ute which is a 2003 petrol Rodeo. Petrol is the biggest cost and keeping some money for urgent repairs etc. We still have the normal household bills, rates, electricity phone and Internet, etc but luckily cashed in on the Solar Panels on the roof of our house, thanks to the Govt scheme that installed them free and locked into 60c per kwh. We have not actually done a cost on travel, but manage on a pension spent carefully. P.S we have a little Jack Russell that travels with us and brings his own house.
-- Edited by valnrob on Tuesday 29th of March 2011 03:39:33 PM
Don't use a normal Gas Stove. Don't like that much Gas in the 'van. Use small Butane Camp Stove, and have a Dreampot for cooking. Have a Charcoal Barbie for longer stays.
I'm only in a Campervan, but it suits me.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Tuesday 29th of March 2011 03:48:06 PM
" Dad is on the old age single pension. Dad eats fresh and cooks all his own food and makes his own biscuits and cakes as he is diabetic. Dad does all his own washing. Dad has never been into a recognised caravan park and stops at occassional showground. Dad has Telstra mobile phone on $20 plan and Bigpond 1gb plan. Dad does not drink or smoke. Dad may go to an RSL once in 2 or 3 months for a feed. Dad has a 16' shower and toilet combined van, diesel ute and saves $100 a week from his pension when travelling. I am always asking Dad if he needs anything and he says he will ask if the does. Dad goes home for summer and spends 8 months a year travelling.
When mum died I told Dad he had to do something and bought him the van and fitted it up. Dad looks younger and fitter every year and lost 20kg. Dad fishes and walks and his only regret he never did any of this with mum. "
Food for thought.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Everyones lifestyle is different so our expenses should be in no way taken as suiting everyone. We put them on purely as a guide.
G'day Sagitarius,
This is a regular question that comes up on the many different forums and there are as many responses to it as those responding.
For people doing the "lap" the $100 per day is a recurring response. Another common response is $1 per km travelled. They are both good as a guide and that is all they are. The difficulty with responding to this type of question is that everyone's spending pattern is different. E.g. some will take a walk around Uluru whilst others will take a helicopter trip.
We have had a full time RV lifestyle for over four years so our spend pattern is quite different from those doing the lap once. We record EVERY dollar we spend, from the $1,400 per year for insurance down to a "gold coin donation". As at today our daily average is $62.93.
When trying to work out how much it is going to cost I make the following suggestions / comments with regard to creating your budget.
1. Those who quote $100 per day never state what they include so it is difficult to gauge how relevant that figure might be for someone else. Hence one needs to do one's own sums.
2. Break down your spending into various categories. Then work out how much each one is going to cost over a period of time, say a month. For example fuel. If you don't already know the fuel consumption for your vehicle then ask on a forum what other people get. The Landcruiser is quite popular so you should get plenty of responses. Allow something for increasing fuel prices and higher price in outback areas. Multiply the $ per km figure by your estimated km travel per month.
3. There are certain categories that you should already know the monthly cost of: i.e. food, alcohol, mobile phone & internet plans, recurring medical, magazines, books, and many more. If do not know the cost of these then I respectfully suggest that you start recording your spending now. There is a saying in management circles "you cannot manage what you don't measure".
4. Compile a list of the main tourist visits you want to make. Check on the internet what their fees are. This will give you a guide for how much to budget in that category.
5. Look up the cost of caravan park site fees for the type of site you will use. Produce an average then multiply by 30 for a monthly average.
6. Consider the age / usage of you vehicles. What it the likelihood of needing repairs whilst travelling. Expect the cost of any repairs to be higher than at home.
7. Ask many focused questions on forums regarding different items. Not just the overall cost as this is too board to get a useful response. You need to be specific otherwise you get the $100 per day response.
8. Contrary to other's comments above our biggest cost is food @ 24%, then vehicle maintenance (includes insurance and rego) @ 16% followed by fuel @ 14%. Tourist visits and treats come in at just over 10% while all other categories are less then 10% each.
I hope the above is useful in setting your own budget and wish you safe travels.
Mike
What a good response Bluemoon. It gives people a little bit more to go on and another avenue to do their homework.
DATE TOWN FUEL Lt MILAGE COST PER Lt ACCOM COST TIME
27-Feb Berry Show Ground 30 2 Days
28-Mar Berry 51.77 306 73.98 142.9
2-Mar Moyura
2-Mar Delmeny Caravan Park 57 3 Days
3-Mar Narooma
4-Mar Delmeny 44.45 268.8 65.74 148.9
7-Mar Orbost 65.68 348.7 95.04 144.9
7-Mar Orbost Caravan Park 25 1 Day
8-Mar Bairnsdale
9-Mar Hastings Caravan Park 35 1 Day
10-Mar Rosebud 77.33 453.2 104.32 134.9
17-Mar Rosebud
18-Mar Rosebud
20-Mar Rosebud 49.44 460.7 71.16 139.9
21-Mar Sorrento
21-Mar Apollo Bay Caravan Park 29.5 1 Day
22-Mar Warnambool Show Ground 40 2 Days
23-Mar Warnambool 70.19 402.5 101 143.9
24-Mar Ballarat Caravan Park 81 3 Days
27-Mar Bendigo Show Ground 80 4 Days
28-Mar Rochester 50.18 75.22 149.9
409.04 2239.9 586.46 377.5 3612.9
this is an average of $129 per day
The fuel cost is a bit high. I usually get round 16 per 100. This month was down the south coast NSW and the Great Ocean Road. Both routes are pretty hilly.
Also this does not include food and extras
sorry I tried to delete it
wow I am overwhelmed by all your responses what a great forum
Thanks Bluemoon for such comprehensive advice. I like the look of your daily average
I was not going to take into consideration vehicle insurance or rego or phone, internet, health expenses because these are expenses I would be subject to, traveling or not. I have an amazing Landcruiser, a year 2000 with genuine 22000klm on the clock on gas which is a bonus, so don't anticipate too many mechanical probs. I will peruse the forum for info re average cost of fuel. Van to be decided, anticipate average tare 2500klg
Thanks for referral to Gary & Kerry post very informative, however I note they stayed 95% free camp as I previously mentioned we are 2 women in our 60's and not sure how safe we would be/feel, free camping any comments most welcome. We would love to free camp and if safe would look at solar panel. I did check a couple of park tariffs and they varied from $45.00 to $90.00 p/d according to season for powered site 2 people
All of the comments give me hope that this is doable I now intend to research research research
Sagi - not sure what parks you looked at, but those prices are wildly excessive. We've been on the road for 2 years, staying exclusively in caravan parks, using ensuite sites whenever available. We've averaged around $27 pn for powered sites and $37pn ensuite sites. The figures will be higher the more time you spend in the northern part of Australia - we found the Pilbara in particular to be outrageously expensive, whereas somewhere like Mt Magnet charged $20 pn.
I just jumped onto http://www.goseeaustralia.com.au/ and had a wild click on a few places of interest under destinations tab
I am very glad to hear first hand that this is excessive. The more info I get the more excited I am that this is a real possibility
The possibilities are only limited by your imagination Sag. Go for it. You won't regret it. It's a wonderful lifestyle.
Get yourself a copy of Camps 6 - check the index on this site - it is your most valuable companion - not only free camps, but low cost ones - including showgrounds etc - ie - Kenilworth in Qld was only $12 per night when we stayed there two years ago - water, power, shower, and right in town. Free camping is fine if you follow a few guidelines - i.e. check out if there are other campers there - don't expect toilets etc., - don't camp on top of somebody - talk to other travellers, they are usually a wealth of information. I have just done my first solo trip, towing my van, from SE Qld to NE Vic - and it has really ignited the bug - hopefully around this time next year I will be on the road for however long I want to do it - jut have a few commitments this year to get through.
I thought of trading my 4wd and van in for a campervan (toyota hi-ace type) - but I love my little van, and the fuel costs were not astronomical - diesel vehicle, small, light van. Didn't take my annexe with me this time, but will next year, might want to stay somewhere for a while, so would be handy, can carry it in car, so no extra weight in van.
Good luck - just get out there and - DO IT!!!!!!
Get yourself a copy of Camps 6 - check the index on this site - it is your most valuable companion - not only free camps, but low cost ones - including showgrounds etc - ie - Kenilworth in Qld was only $12 per night when we stayed there two years ago - water, power, shower, and right in town. Free camping is fine if you follow a few guidelines - i.e. check out if there are other campers there - don't expect toilets etc., - don't camp on top of somebody - talk to other travellers, they are usually a wealth of information. I have just done my first solo trip, towing my van, from SE Qld to NE Vic - and it has really ignited the bug - hopefully around this time next year I will be on the road for however long I want to do it - jut have a few commitments this year to get through.
I thought of trading my 4wd and van in for a campervan (toyota hi-ace type) - but I love my little van, and the fuel costs were not astronomical - diesel vehicle, small, light van. Didn't take my annexe with me this time, but will next year, might want to stay somewhere for a while, so would be handy, can carry it in car, so no extra weight in van.
Good luck - just get out there and - DO IT!!!!!!
I did 21,000ks in 2009 driving a Toyota Hi-ace campervan in which I averaged 10lt/100km traveling at around 90 -95 km/hr.
My total spend worked out at $ 100 per day but this included $49 per day rental for the campervan. I was moving every few days as I was on a time frame. I travel on my own. I did a trip on Katherine and Geike gorges, sunrise and sunset tours at Ayers Rock, a hop on hop ticket for two days in Alice Springs and a City tour in Adelaide and a few other bits and pieces but nothing too expensive.
This included some caravan parks, National parks and free camping. I do not have the % of paid to free. Ayers RocK, Kings Canyon and a couple of roadhouses charged per person but most charged the same for one as they did for two
I hope you can get out there and enjoy yourself. It is addictive and an experience to be had if possible.
Seriously, its a matter of being sensible, reacting to a situation that doesn't feel right and move on. Park where other campers are parking and chat so you know you feel safe.
Marj, I don't remember what your internal set-up is like, but while mine is not walk-through, I can still climb into the front seat and just drive away if I feel it's necessary.
At night I never leave anything outside, or the awning down, and all doors are locked.
Never had a problem so far, so haven't had to do it yet, but that's why I bought the set-up I did. Cheers, Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Wednesday 30th of March 2011 06:11:57 PM
I would love to free camp as much as possible and would certainly not encroach on anyone's personal space. I would not pull into an isolated spot if there were no one there, the ideal would be at least 1 other traveler there. We will have an ensuite so toilet will not be a problem.
Everyone has been so encouraging and given the number of people doing it we are bound to see others free camping which makes it more attractive.
I am also encouraged by the varying cost options which means if I work hard for the rest of the year (unfortunately have contract commitments) I should be able to save enough to help us on the way.
I really wanted to get this advice before I went and committed to buying a van, no point in putting the cart before the horse. So hopefully we will be on the road next year
I really enjoyed the feedback re costs per day, I never realised there was sooooooooooooo much to consider prior to setting off & with reading my book ' grey nomad' it goes into even more detail.
I expect to be travelling sometime after the start of 2012 from Perth, once I've sold a couple of houses to fund my trip, & look to saving a few bob by doing 'home maintenance' work along the way.
Could anyone tell me if there is a site for ex-nomads who are looking to sell their rig? as I feel they would be genuine in what information they gave. Handyman.
Cheers,
Sheba.