Should be OK if you stick to caravan parks Marion. Don't think I would be too keen on camping in free camps in something that is not completely lockable. Others may have different views but that is my honest opinion.
Cheers!
Chris
By the way welcome to the forum.
-- Edited by gypsy rover on Sunday 7th of October 2012 08:25:50 PM
jetj said
09:39 PM Oct 7, 2012
Hi Marion and welcome to the forum.
I started with a tent and they're ok and fun, if you want to camp in Caravan parks etc. I also slept in my Corolla station wagon where it wasn't suitable to put up a tent. Just get out there and see how you go. You'll get a feel for the type of camping that suits you and your needs.
I would certainly prefer to lock the door at rest areas, but I have seen people camp in tents there as well.
-- Edited by jetj on Sunday 7th of October 2012 09:42:32 PM
Marionwil said
02:10 AM Oct 8, 2012
Hello everyone, I have been looking at the Grey Nomad site for quite some time thinking how good it must be to wander around as you all do....
I don't have enough money to buy a van/trailer/etc and as my spare time is devoted to photographing wild birds the thought crossed my mind why don't I buy a tent as I will only be spending a week at a time away.. (I spent quite a lot of time in my younger days camping) ...
After a lot of research I came across a tent that seems just right, My main concern of course is safety. Any advice welcome.
What do you think??
Marion
kandagal said
04:02 AM Oct 8, 2012
I've seen a lot of people happily camping in a tent in 'free' camps over the years. Mostly couples though. Not sure how a woman on her own would go.
Happywanderer said
04:04 AM Oct 8, 2012
As a woman on my own, I prefer to be locked up in a vehicle at night. I feel totally safe.
dawa said
02:48 PM Oct 8, 2012
Marionwil wrote:
Hello everyone, I have been looking at the Grey Nomad site for quite some time thinking how good it must be to wander around as you all do....
I don't have enough money to buy a van/trailer/etc and as my spare time is devoted to photographing wild birds the thought crossed my mind why don't I buy a tent as I will only be spending a week at a time away.. (I spent quite a lot of time in my younger days camping) ...
After a lot of research I came across a tent that seems just right, My main concern of course is safety. Any advice welcome.
What do you think??
hello......I camped in tents for years and quite frankly I am sorry I bought the campervan.
Then as now I feel safer out in the bush than in a caravan park.
I free camp.....never lock the door.....in fact I often sleep in my 'work' tent.
I am actually thinking of selling my camper and going back to the tent.
I am finding the camper is just too cramped for me.
But then I stay 2-3 months in one place
dawa
Marion
Marionwil said
03:47 PM Oct 8, 2012
Thanks for all the replies, my intention is to stick to c/van parks or show grounds... rest stops free camping not a consideration. My portfolio of bird photographs has to be expanded. To do this I have to explore different areas. The photo's have been exhibited and need to be freshened up with new varieties of birds. My aim is to have a base, spend a week or so in an area hopefully snare some decent shots.. Once again thanks for your replies and advice. I will update when I take the plunge :) Marion
Marionwil said
01:31 PM Oct 9, 2012
Thanks beiffe and Happywanderer beiffe, my aim is to go to small country towns base myself at showground or C/V park then take day trips to find birdlife. I've had lots of success doing this and using the car as a blind.... it takes a lot of patience ...... Knowing the sort of terrain different birds like is a great help and also Listening.. I find I will hear them long before I see them.. let the birds come to me ... I'm chasing things like black ****atoos variegated fairy wrens.. wedgetail eagles, rosella's to name a few.. At the moment I'm out of action having caught a nasty head cold so just chilling till it's gone then I will make a move.. You are all very helpful and your advice greatly appreciated Regards
-- Edited by Marionwil on Tuesday 9th of October 2012 02:52:49 PM
jules47 said
03:41 PM Oct 9, 2012
Whichever way you go Marion, enjoy it - have seen lone women in tents, there was one the other week in the Boonah (QLD) showgrounds - she kept to herself in a private spot - a station wagon would be a good idea, could camp up in there if it was raining, just make sure to put some insulation on the floor of the wagon under your bedding . Welcome to the site - hope you enjoy it.
beiffe said
03:55 PM Oct 9, 2012
I would suggest if you are trying to photograph birds then the best place to stay is where they live.
I am an avid photographer and there is nothing better than to rise at dawn and walk straight into the bush etc and start taking photos. I like the mist in the trees and the water birds on the water with the mist behind and around.
I found that in caravan parks you do not have the variety that the bush has and the backgrounds to enhance.
If you are into just the bird and not surrounds then might be different but I like the background and getting their HOME as it is.
I dont show my photos so perhaps different as mine are just for me and used as a screen saver but I still have the right gear and take the care to get the good photo.
Try all modes of camping. Once you meet someone in a park and they mention they are going to a bush camp and you feel comfortable with them ask if you can follow them and camp close as you are still a bit unsure of yourself and the security. I feel you will be surprised at how quickly you will feel at home and get better options for those special photos.
Most times in a bush camp area if there are others around you will be well protected and be made welcome as we are all out there doing our thing and we tend to look after each other and their gear. I often walk for 2 hours in the morning and afternoon and always leave my chairs cookers etc outside alongside my bus and have never lost anything. Have lost gear in a caravan park though.
Hope you find your ideal method for enjoying our country side and enjoy your time out there and get the photos you desire.
Regards Brian
Happywanderer said
04:57 PM Oct 9, 2012
I was going to ask Marion how to get good photos of birds, they don't stay still long enough for me. If I try to get closer they are gone. But it seems you have answered all the questions quite well Brian. Thank you.Will keep trying.
Duh said
05:47 PM Oct 9, 2012
Hi Marion,
I met a lady at a camping are who had travelled from Qld to WA in her Hyundai Getz, she had rigged it up as a camper with a single cot down one side, velcro around the openings, and an attached shade/rain awning like this one here;
She was online with a laptop and had a very good and well thought out set up, I gave her the GN forum website so if she is viewing this lets hope she can give us some feedback.
I'll try to post a couple of pic's here of her set up;
-- Edited by Duh on Tuesday 9th of October 2012 05:48:12 PM
We've met ladies travelling on their own with a tent in caravan parks, they said they were fine if we asked. One was on a beautiful big Harley, and she would have been in her 60's. Good on her. Suggest that you put as much as you can inside your tent when you leave for the day in your car, and take valuables with you. Our camper-trailer was canvas and not lockable, and I know people have had stuff stolen but we never have, by following that routine.
Marionwil said
11:24 PM Oct 9, 2012
Yes Gerty, I will be doing as you say my camera gear, Ipad, laptop will be in the car with me... anything else is not a real concern..
Cheers
Happywanderer said
11:33 PM Oct 9, 2012
I did see two girls in a tent a few months back at Apple Tree Creek when I stayed there the night. Other than the cold, they seemed to be quite safe and enjoying their travels in a small car.
milo said
02:51 AM Oct 10, 2012
my hat goes to that lady with the small car ..
-- Edited by milo on Wednesday 10th of October 2012 03:01:53 AM
Duh said
05:44 PM Oct 10, 2012
For cooking Milo she had a small electric hotplate for when on power, and one of those small gas canister stoves for when free camping.
I was very inspired by her resourceful use of her vehicle and the way she had set it up. She had not removed the seats on the passenger side but had laid them down and put what looked like a camping cot or trundle bed over the top of it from front to back.
I wish she was on here, she could give us lots of tips I'm sure....
Marionwil said
07:48 PM Oct 12, 2012
She sounds like a real goer!! Hats off to her!! My problem has been solved as I now have a very enthusiastic friend that is going to come with me, we had previously tripped around staying in motels so I approached her with the tent idea... Now all I have to do is get better from this wog I have...... my plan is to buy a small trailer... put the tent/ camping gear in the trailer and away we go......... Thanks to everyone for their input I will update once I get organized...
Marionwil said
03:03 PM Oct 17, 2012
Welcome and Thank you hsma..... I am !! going and no doubt at some stage I will be solo thanks for the encouragement :) Picked up my trailer today :)
-- Edited by Marionwil on Wednesday 17th of October 2012 03:04:38 PM
hsma1303 said
09:09 PM Oct 17, 2012
Hello This is my first time on grey nomads forum. I am replying to this topic as I have been a solo female traveller for may years when time permits and have travelled extensively in Victoria, outback QLD, NSW and SA on holidays and a working trip. I have always camped in a tent and stayed in free camp spots, national parks, roadside stops private property in designated camping spots, caravan parks etc. I have been in camping spots that are totally remote and deserted and others which are crowded.
I have never had any trouble with security or having any of my goods stolen and have generally felt safe wherever I am camped, although I am always careful and mindful when choosing a camp site. I have met some lovely people on many of my trips, specially at free camps.
I am planning to leave Vic next year for an extended trip up the East coast of Aus in a camper trailer which will be a luxury compared to the tent. I will be taking my tent with me though to stay in remote places where the trailer will not go!
Should be OK if you stick to caravan parks Marion. Don't think I would be too keen on camping in free camps in something that is not completely lockable. Others may have different views but that is my honest opinion.
Cheers!
Chris
By the way welcome to the forum.
-- Edited by gypsy rover on Sunday 7th of October 2012 08:25:50 PM
Hi Marion and welcome to the forum.
I started with a tent and they're ok and fun, if you want to camp in Caravan parks etc. I also slept in my Corolla station wagon where it wasn't suitable to put up a tent. Just get out there and see how you go. You'll get a feel for the type of camping that suits you and your needs.
I would certainly prefer to lock the door at rest areas, but I have seen people camp in tents there as well.
-- Edited by jetj on Sunday 7th of October 2012 09:42:32 PM
Hello everyone, I have been looking at the Grey Nomad site for quite some time thinking how good it must be to wander around as you all do....
I don't have enough money to buy a van/trailer/etc and as my spare time is devoted to photographing wild birds the thought crossed my mind why don't I buy a tent as I will only be spending a week at a time away.. (I spent quite a lot of time in my younger days camping) ...
After a lot of research I came across a tent that seems just right, My main concern of course is safety. Any advice welcome.
What do you think??
Marion
Marion
Thanks beiffe and Happywanderer
beiffe, my aim is to go to small country towns base myself at showground or C/V park then take day trips to find birdlife.
I've had lots of success doing this and using the car as a blind.... it takes a lot of patience ......
Knowing the sort of terrain different birds like is a great help and also Listening.. I find I will hear them long before I see them..
let the birds come to me ... I'm chasing things like black ****atoos variegated fairy wrens.. wedgetail eagles, rosella's to name a few.. At the moment I'm out of action
having caught a nasty head cold so just chilling till it's gone then I will make a move.. You are all very helpful and your advice greatly appreciated
Regards
-- Edited by Marionwil on Tuesday 9th of October 2012 02:52:49 PM
Welcome to the site - hope you enjoy it.
I am an avid photographer and there is nothing better than to rise at dawn and walk straight into the bush etc and start taking photos. I like the mist in the trees and the water birds on the water with the mist behind and around.
I found that in caravan parks you do not have the variety that the bush has and the backgrounds to enhance.
If you are into just the bird and not surrounds then might be different but I like the background and getting their HOME as it is.
I dont show my photos so perhaps different as mine are just for me and used as a screen saver but I still have the right gear and take the care to get the good photo.
Try all modes of camping. Once you meet someone in a park and they mention they are going to a bush camp and you feel comfortable with them ask if you can follow them and camp close as you are still a bit unsure of yourself and the security. I feel you will be surprised at how quickly you will feel at home and get better options for those special photos.
Most times in a bush camp area if there are others around you will be well protected and be made welcome as we are all out there doing our thing and we tend to look after each other and their gear. I often walk for 2 hours in the morning and afternoon and always leave my chairs cookers etc outside alongside my bus and have never lost anything. Have lost gear in a caravan park though.
Hope you find your ideal method for enjoying our country side and enjoy your time out there and get the photos you desire.
Regards
Brian
But it seems you have answered all the questions quite well Brian. Thank you.Will keep trying.
Hi Marion,
I met a lady at a camping are who had travelled from Qld to WA in her Hyundai Getz, she had rigged it up as a camper with a single cot down one side, velcro around the openings, and an attached shade/rain awning like this one here;
http://www.bcf.com.au/online-store/products/BCF-RV-Shade.aspx?pid=131172&menuFrom=21209#Description
She was online with a laptop and had a very good and well thought out set up, I gave her the GN forum website so if she is viewing this lets hope she can give us some feedback.
I'll try to post a couple of pic's here of her set up;
-- Edited by Duh on Tuesday 9th of October 2012 05:48:12 PM
Suggest that you put as much as you can inside your tent when you leave for the day in your car, and take valuables with you. Our camper-trailer was canvas and not lockable, and I know people have had stuff stolen but we never have, by following that routine.
Cheers
-- Edited by milo on Wednesday 10th of October 2012 03:01:53 AM
For cooking Milo she had a small electric hotplate for when on power, and one of those small gas canister stoves for when free camping.
I was very inspired by her resourceful use of her vehicle and the way she had set it up. She had not removed the seats on the passenger side but had laid them down and put what looked like a camping cot or trundle bed over the top of it from front to back.
I wish she was on here, she could give us lots of tips I'm sure....
My problem has been solved as I now have a very enthusiastic friend that is going to come with me, we had previously tripped around staying in motels so I approached her with the tent idea...
Now all I have to do is get better from this wog I have...... my plan is to buy a small trailer... put the tent/ camping gear in the trailer and away we go......... Thanks to everyone for their input
I will update once I get organized...
Welcome and Thank you hsma..... I am !! going and no doubt at some stage I will be solo thanks for the encouragement :) Picked up my trailer today :)
-- Edited by Marionwil on Wednesday 17th of October 2012 03:04:38 PM
Hello This is my first time on grey nomads forum. I am replying to this topic as I have been a solo female traveller for may years when time permits and have travelled extensively in Victoria, outback QLD, NSW and SA on holidays and a working trip. I have always camped in a tent and stayed in free camp spots, national parks, roadside stops private property in designated camping spots, caravan parks etc. I have been in camping spots that are totally remote and deserted and others which are crowded.
I have never had any trouble with security or having any of my goods stolen and have generally felt safe wherever I am camped, although I am always careful and mindful when choosing a camp site. I have met some lovely people on many of my trips, specially at free camps.
I am planning to leave Vic next year for an extended trip up the East coast of Aus in a camper trailer which will be a luxury compared to the tent. I will be taking my tent with me though to stay in remote places where the trailer will not go!
So don't be afraid just go!!!!