Hi everyone out there, I just discovered this site and am asking how it is going on a journey alone, or in my case with two elderly but fit dogs. I have worked all my life as a nurse and now I am 60 and feel a great pull to just leave it all behind and drive into the center  and to the west of Australia while I still can. It used to seem scarey but as the desire increase the fear decreases. Do you all meet on the way at different places? How do you connect up with people on the way. Looking foward to your replies. Prudence

Hi Antonia, ah! the worries, the concerns, the problems that may or not eventuate, it's a major problem this touring by yourself, and thats why NOBODY does it, nobody tours alone, you are never alone, when you travel, are you the only vehicle on the road, no!! when you stop for a meal are you the only person in the restaurant/pub, no!! and the same happens when you camp, say hello to someone and you've conquered the loneliness, simply by contacting us here you have instantly "met up" with a lot of travellers, now that didnt hurt did it, we are all the same all over australia whether it be in a free camp, c/park or motel complex, you will ALWAYS have people around you so traveling alone is not an issue, it is however a choice, yours!!! any one of these people that are out there would be more than happy to lend a hand if needed or give directions or just simply a "howdy", and when you camp it is up to you if you seek company or not, you want it, go and say g'day, you don't want it then don't take a look at our fantastic solo's in the solo section, ask a few questions of the lovely ladies who are doing exactly that which you are asking about, we have heaps of fantastic people in here who will be more than happy to answer your concerns and as time goes by they will "connecting with people on the way" hell I could write a book about the thousands of terrific people we have met "on the way" don't be too concerned, just do it, all will take care of itself, it always does

Go for it, Prudence. I am a 64 year old widow and did my first big solo caravan trip last year , met and made a good friend and am sure we will keep in touch; met many other friendly and helpful people and helped a few myself. Also met a few who didn't want to talk to me at all and that's fine too, but they were in the minority. I mainly free camped as c'van parks out of my budget when travelling alone - mostly charge for 2 whether so what is a cheap night for a couple is not for a single. I wasn't lonely - there is a big difference between being alone and being lonely. Once I started feeling confident I stopped anxiously waiting for someone else to stop at a free camp if I was the first to arrive. Follow your instinct and gut feelings, be aware but not paranoid and give it a go - like the rest of us, I am sure you'll love it.

I guess it's easier travelling alone for a bloke, but I would hate to think that anyone who has the oppportunity would give away the chance to travel this country due to fear.

I made the decision to take off even though the bank balance said I was being foolish, so I have to free camp as much as I can. In the majority of cases, I am the only person in the camp, so there's no problems. Secondly, the camp may be used by truckies who are only interested in getting someshut-eye and taking off again. Thirdly the camp may be used by fellow travellers and there are safety in numbers. I make it a practice to set up faairly early (4:30 - 5:00) and it's surprising how many vans pull in because there is another van set up.

The only thing I don't do is camp near a town, especially on a Friday or Saturday night. There's a fair chance that some of the local yobs (or persons of the indigenous persuasion) may be out on the tiles.

Don't miss the opportunity to get out here, go for it girl!

Dear Prudence. (Sorry, I loved the song) If you want to do something, do it. Consider the risks, overcome them, and just hit the road. I tow a large van which is my home, but I'm currently stuck in Cairns. It's not all bad, but I'd rather be on the road. I've done a lot of travelling within Oz by road, rail and air, but now it's indefinite, rather then a jaunt while on annual leave. My most recent journey began in Broome in 2007, and I reached the Daintree via SW WA, SA, Vic and NSW, 11 months later. The long way 'round. I've never felt at risk. I haven't free camped much, but that is about to change when I get back on the road. While I travel I listen to my fave tapes on my Landcruiser stereo, listen to the traffic on the UHF radio, and just enjoy the countryside as it slides by. Sometimes I even recheck it in the rear vision mirror. There's no time like the present to do these things. If we keep procrastinating we could spend the rest of our lives kicking ourselves with regret. As we've seen in recent natural tragedies, we don't know what tomorrow brings, so today is the best time to do it. See you on the road some time. Safe and happy travels, and stay upright. Cheers Granny

Prudence

Follow your heart young lady,  we are all too tied by the logic of this silly world when once we were all free, before we became slaves to the economy and everything else that people tell us we should be.

Get out there and have fun.  I am sure that a lot of people will be all the better for meeting you.

Good luck.

Sophie xxx

You go girl! A little poster I have on the wall in my van says, "Never give up, look ahead, stay positive, do all you can, and don't be encumbered by history, just go out and ot something wonderful." Cheers Granny

hells bells you're not alone there, she inspires all of us especially me, jeezz!! but all the solo girls inspire the bejabbers out of me everyday, wished I had that courage and conviction, thats why I and many others in here are behind them 110% and help in anyway we can at any stage

Hi again Akuli. There's a directory with maps which indicates most of the camping sites in Oz. The most recent edition is called Camps 5. To free camp you need to do some homework and choose what will best suit your needs. eg power sources, solar, batteries, generator and what you need it for. There are many others on Grey Nomads who will offer better advice than I can. Some camps allow you to stay more than 24 hours, they have toilets and showers, while others may only provide a shady spot with no amenities. Some are in national parks, usually for a fee, and most won't accommodate dogs. Some ask a donation. Each situation is different. Most of your decisions will be based on your personal needs and choices. If I go free camping it's only overnight. I don't free camp long term as many other nomads do. If you decide what your needs are and plan around your needs, you'll find life quite comfortable and exciting, and you'll meet many like-minded campers on your travels. All the best to you, and happy planning. Chris

Hi Prudence!
I'm another solo traveller, and relatively new to it compared to some.
I admit I had a scare (no fault of my own, just no local knowledge) on my first night out and blubbed the way through my first week out! I had soooo many doubts but accepted that it was how I was  feeling at that time. I forgave myself, gathered some courage, blew my nose, and 'got on with it'.
I am now really enjoying it, am free camping more all the time and have settled into my new life very nicely. I am permanently on the road and came over from NZ to do it. Giving up or going back were not options I gave myself.
No regrets here,
Cheers,
Dianne