We need to tell you of our terrifying experience at a a Hughenden caravan park. We were the only guests. A dreadful storm hit at 5.30 today resulting in losing our awning, a cut into the side wall of the slide-out, cut to my hand resulting in significant bruising while attempting to hold awning but storm too violent.
No one has been to see how we are. Management came out and brought bins back upright and dragged a few branches away.A permanent Railway Gang are quartered in Dongas at rear of park and 3 of them came out to view damage. They were aware of our distress but until I approached them they too weren't interested. One climbed onto the roof of Winnebago and removed the debris of the awning for us. My husband is just getting over surgery and impossible for him to climb. We are so angry with the managers of this park and their appalling lack of care we feel everyone should avoid this particular park .
Tomorrow after we clean up we will leave for the other park in this town. Unfortunately our insurance company cant help us until Monday when office reopened. The management of this place will hear from us just what we think of them upon our leaving. Where was their Duty of Care. ?
There are more storms on the Radar but surely they will be not so terrifying.
MOLLUSCAN said
12:20 AM Nov 22, 2014
Hello Alan and Helen,
I'm very sorry that you had such a bad experience. Storms are scary and it makes you realise we have no control over nature.
It would have been nice to get a few kind words of sympathy from the management. I hope the insurance people fix it up for you as soon as possible.
Margaret
meetoo said
12:50 AM Nov 22, 2014
Hi guys,
Sorry to hear of the cut hand and loss of your awning.
Hope your hand heals quickly and good luck with your insurance claim. Hope it is painless and speedy.
Yes, a little sympathy from park management could have made a huge difference in a lot of ways, not least in goodwill.
Best wishes.
Alanandhelen said
05:55 AM Nov 22, 2014
Thank you for replying so quickly.. Today should be a better day and we have decided the new awning will be a powered one.
Grams said
07:53 AM Nov 22, 2014
I too wanted to say how sorry I am for what happened in the storm. We are still at home at the moment, but we get lots of strong destructive winds here, so we are always cleaning up or repairing damage around the place. We now have an app "The Australian Early Warning Network" you register with them and they send you emails of any warming, be it storms, fire danger or strong winds that will be in your area. But you can also go onto their web site for storm warnings. This way you can secure your new annex without damage before the storm hits.
Good Luck
Lynn
Alanandhelen said
08:02 AM Nov 22, 2014
Lynn, thank you so very much for that vital piece of information.
We are heading south from tropical Queensland and the thought of bushfires also is terrifying.
We think we will head to an old favourite...Tasmania
jules47 said
09:15 AM Nov 22, 2014
That must have been frightening for you! We anchor our awning down with ropes and screws, (maybe 10 inches long), they are screwed into the ground with a drill, and come out the same way.
We have been in pretty high winds, and always feel secure with our awning secured this way. We also use anti flappers - which help a lot.
Hope your insurance company is more sympathetic than the caravan park manager!
Alanandhelen said
09:58 AM Nov 22, 2014
Thank you Jules
Appreciate the caring from likeminded nice people
jules47 said
10:01 AM Nov 22, 2014
That's what The Grey Nomads is about - a community of caring, like minded people! Meeting GN's that you haven't met before, is like catching up with old friends! If you are headed to Tassy - call in at Greens Lake on the way, a good stopover before getting on the boat - and quite a few GN's here - check out the Greens Lake site for details and directions. Take care.
Alanandhelen said
10:08 AM Nov 22, 2014
We already have Greens Lake noted. Looks lovely.
We now are on our way to Winton to look at the Dinosaur Stampede.
hako said
10:11 AM Nov 22, 2014
That's pretty sad and unfortunately a reflection of the current 'selfie' generation. It must have been frightening and to be in need and then have no help from your fellow man. Coincidently just a minute ago I read this article on THE DRUM which is along the same lines of what you've experienced. Caravan parks and all public places seem to suffer from this apathy.: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-21/donnelly-old-fashioned-manners-are-an-endangered-species/5908456
Bottom line is that it's up to all of us to rectify this situation - how? - voice your concern!
villatranquilla said
10:17 AM Nov 22, 2014
what a terrible experience compounded by lack of concern by others. We have been in caravan Park near Mandurah WA where the caretaker came around warning people of approaching inclement weather (that's good service).
We always anchor our awning with ropes and long pegs and use deflappers but have had quite a few occasions (some in the middle of the night) when we have had to wrestle with it and eventually roll it up. So now at the first sign of any wind we roll it in. We have been near the Great Ocean Rd Victoria for 2.5 mths now and the awning has only been out about 10 days in total. Also be aware that the electric awnings are much more flimsy - I would not even leave it out if off sight seeing for a few hrs unless you check the weather report.
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Saturday 22nd of November 2014 10:21:06 AM
rockylizard said
10:57 AM Nov 22, 2014
Alanandhelen wrote:
We now are on our way to Winton to look at the Dinosaur Stampede.
Gday...
A place that is as interesting as Lark Quarry - but I think even more so - is the Australian Age of Dinosaurs - about 13Km east of Winton, turn off the Landsborough Hwy. It is a good dirt road about 10km into the museum.
-- Edited by rockylizard on Saturday 22nd of November 2014 10:58:58 AM
Phil C said
11:25 AM Nov 22, 2014
Wow guys that must have been a scary night. I am also appauled by the lack of care of this caravan park. Its now off my list.
Like Jules said we also "tie down" our awning. We have clips that attach to the sail track (or you can use a rope or tie down strap) and pegged to the ground by bolts (200mm screws). This works a treat in high winds as we have our awning out all the time.
We have also invested in rafters under the awning this just about stops the violent flapping as seen in high winds.
The blue straps are tethered to the roller at one end and to tent rope springs at the other, works a treat. The "rafters" we got from ebay about $50 each.
Also the website www.bom.gov.au will hold all the warnings etc for you. We have apps for the iphone called ozradar and the warnings app as well, one of them will be right.
All the best.
-- Edited by Phil C on Saturday 22nd of November 2014 11:32:35 AM
Sorry this happened to you, after such a frightening experience Alan and Helen.
We were in a coastal caravan park when a storm struck, we could see it coming and several people rolled their awnings in. There were van-rocking winds followed by a hailstorm that lasted about 2 hours. The hailstones were only small thankfully but caused a lot of local flooding, blocking drains etc. Next morning we were fine, and most of the park guests were ok too, but the managers home had significant damage, they still helped out their park guests but really needed help themselves.
We'd recommend this "Badgee Caravan Park" in Sussex Inlet NSW to anyone.
Jenzarl said
11:56 AM Nov 22, 2014
As a long time member of SES can I suggest if storms are imminent fold your awnings up and pull your slide outs in and secure anything outside in van/motorhome or car. Better for safety and peace of mind.
Shame those managers could not have come around and given you that simple piece of advice. Queensland storms are often short and vicious if you are in their path
Alanandhelen said
02:20 PM Nov 22, 2014
Thank you to you all above.
We are now in The Pelican Caravan Park in Winton where they had an enormous dust storm yesterday.....no rain.
Wonderful young couple Jason and Belinda have been here only 3 months and couldn't be more helpful. They will even take the metal debris from the awning to the dump for us.
wendyv said
04:04 PM Nov 22, 2014
Helen and Alan, what happened to you was most unfortunate and could have been made easier to manage, with a sympathetic attitude from the CP management.
I strongly suggest that you submit entries on the caravan parks you stay at, on Badger's site - if you don't already do so. A lot of us travellers refer to this site when selecting parks to stay at, so up to date information is always appreciated.
If you have not come across this, google Badgers Caravan Park Reports.
Must be pretty hot where you are now!
Alanandhelen said
04:42 PM Nov 22, 2014
It was 51* yesterday so these park managers told us plus a horrendous dust storm. Whats worse.
Thank you for the site to peruse, shall do so now.
We were leaving tomorrow as no tours to Lark Quarry then John told us about The other one which the information centre here didn't mention, so now we are looking forward to that enroute to Longreach.
It's coming up like a storm could be in the wings. No awning to worry about and as my husband said ' well at least we don't have to worry about washing the bird droppings now'
The Hats said
06:50 PM Nov 22, 2014
Mate that's a bloody poor effort on their part, even a quick " hey bloke you OK?" would have been something. I bet they are only managers and not the owners. Some of the managers in some of the parks are only there to fill in time, they are just lazy non caring bastards The good thing is that the overwhelming number of mangers and owners are salt of the earth people. Anyway mate talk with your hip pocket never go back and let them know it and let them know that you will tell every one you see.
anyway mate hope the hand heals up quick and the next park will be a good one and the other bugger soon forgotten.
Cheers
The Hats
Ron
Alanandhelen said
06:57 PM Nov 22, 2014
Love ya Ron. You sound like a very interesting character.
Have been on several sites with our experience. Hope it takes root.
Bruce and Bev said
02:53 PM Nov 23, 2014
Hi Helen and Alan
Make sure you goggle that C/P and write up an adverse view detailing what these lazy bastards didn't bother to do!! If they are Managers, its possible the owner(s) read the reviews and all hell will hopefully break loose.
Before we go into a C/P, I always read reviews and make a call based on the majority opinion - many other Nomads do the same, so please make sure you bag these buggers as best you can.
Also, if they belong to a group, like Top 4 - you can complain. not much is done at the time, but if the same park gets too many complaints made to the marketing organization they belong to, they get thrown out. If they were Managers that didn't come to your aid, they will also be jobless and homeless (maybe they will then have a good look in the mirror)
We recently stayed at the Leonora C/P and the Manager printed off BOM storm warnings and went around all the 'vans (many were out in the sunny morning before the after storm arrived) and left a copy at each door.
We also tie down each corner of our awning and have the stays and anti flap stays as shown in the big photo above. If it starts to get too windy, I also park the ute alongside the awning and tie each end of the awning to the roo bar (bumper bar just as firm or if your vehicle has a tow-out hitch underneath it) and tow ball. Been in some nasty winds, but awning has hung in there.
Hope you got your new electric awning guys - it will help Alan especially:)))
Alanandhelen said
10:11 PM Nov 23, 2014
No not yet. Have to get to Mackay for that we think.
It is a nuisance and trying to get a spot with shady trees is hard to find although here in Winton at The Pelican we did and it's been delightful. Jason and Belinda have planted dozens more and will be fantastic.
Thanks for your reply Bruce and Bev and we have taken your advice and the advice of others above and reviewed the said park......Alan Terry in Hughenden to as many sites as I have been able to find.
We need to tell you of our terrifying experience at a a Hughenden caravan park. We were the only guests. A dreadful storm hit at 5.30 today resulting in losing our awning, a cut into the side wall of the slide-out, cut to my hand resulting in significant bruising while attempting to hold awning but storm too violent.
No one has been to see how we are. Management came out and brought bins back upright and dragged a few branches away.A permanent Railway Gang are quartered in Dongas at rear of park and 3 of them came out to view damage. They were aware of our distress but until I approached them they too weren't interested. One climbed onto the roof of Winnebago and removed the debris of the awning for us. My husband is just getting over surgery and impossible for him to climb. We are so angry with the managers of this park and their appalling lack of care we feel everyone should avoid this particular park .
Tomorrow after we clean up we will leave for the other park in this town. Unfortunately our insurance company cant help us until Monday when office reopened. The management of this place will hear from us just what we think of them upon our leaving. Where was their Duty of Care. ?
There are more storms on the Radar but surely they will be not so terrifying.
Hello Alan and Helen,
I'm very sorry that you had such a bad experience. Storms are scary and it makes you realise we have no control over nature.
It would have been nice to get a few kind words of sympathy from the management. I hope the insurance people fix it up for you as soon as possible.
Margaret
Hi guys,
Sorry to hear of the cut hand and loss of your awning.
Hope your hand heals quickly and good luck with your insurance claim. Hope it is painless and speedy.
Yes, a little sympathy from park management could have made a huge difference in a lot of ways, not least in goodwill.
Best wishes.
Good Luck
Lynn
We are heading south from tropical Queensland and the thought of bushfires also is terrifying.
We think we will head to an old favourite...Tasmania
We have been in pretty high winds, and always feel secure with our awning secured this way. We also use anti flappers - which help a lot.
Hope your insurance company is more sympathetic than the caravan park manager!
Appreciate the caring from likeminded nice people
We now are on our way to Winton to look at the Dinosaur Stampede.
That's pretty sad and unfortunately a reflection of the current 'selfie' generation. It must have been frightening and to be in need and then have no help from your fellow man.
Coincidently just a minute ago I read this article on THE DRUM which is along the same lines of what you've experienced. Caravan parks and all public places seem to suffer from this apathy.:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-21/donnelly-old-fashioned-manners-are-an-endangered-species/5908456
Bottom line is that it's up to all of us to rectify this situation - how? - voice your concern!
what a terrible experience compounded by lack of concern by others. We have been in caravan Park near Mandurah WA where the caretaker came around warning people of approaching inclement weather (that's good service).
We always anchor our awning with ropes and long pegs and use deflappers but have had quite a few occasions (some in the middle of the night) when we have had to wrestle with it and eventually roll it up. So now at the first sign of any wind we roll it in. We have been near the Great Ocean Rd Victoria for 2.5 mths now and the awning has only been out about 10 days in total.
Also be aware that the electric awnings are much more flimsy - I would not even leave it out if off sight seeing for a few hrs unless you check the weather report.
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Saturday 22nd of November 2014 10:21:06 AM
Gday...
A place that is as interesting as Lark Quarry - but I think even more so - is the Australian Age of Dinosaurs - about 13Km east of Winton, turn off the Landsborough Hwy. It is a good dirt road about 10km into the museum.
http://australianageofdinosaurs.com/
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Saturday 22nd of November 2014 10:58:58 AM
Like Jules said we also "tie down" our awning. We have clips that attach to the sail track (or you can use a rope or tie down strap) and pegged to the ground by bolts (200mm screws). This works a treat in high winds as we have our awning out all the time.
We have also invested in rafters under the awning this just about stops the violent flapping as seen in high winds.
The blue straps are tethered to the roller at one end and to tent rope springs at the other, works a treat. The "rafters" we got from ebay about $50 each.
Also the website www.bom.gov.au will hold all the warnings etc for you. We have apps for the iphone called ozradar and the warnings app as well, one of them will be right.
All the best.
-- Edited by Phil C on Saturday 22nd of November 2014 11:32:35 AM
We were in a coastal caravan park when a storm struck, we could see it coming and several people rolled their awnings in. There were van-rocking winds followed by a hailstorm that lasted about 2 hours. The hailstones were only small thankfully but caused a lot of local flooding, blocking drains etc. Next morning we were fine, and most of the park guests were ok too, but the managers home had significant damage, they still helped out their park guests but really needed help themselves.
We'd recommend this "Badgee Caravan Park" in Sussex Inlet NSW to anyone.
As a long time member of SES can I suggest if storms are imminent fold your awnings up and pull your slide outs in and secure anything outside in van/motorhome or car. Better for safety and peace of mind.
Shame those managers could not have come around and given you that simple piece of advice. Queensland storms are often short and vicious if you are in their path
We are now in The Pelican Caravan Park in Winton where they had an enormous dust storm yesterday.....no rain.
Wonderful young couple Jason and Belinda have been here only 3 months and couldn't be more helpful. They will even take the metal debris from the awning to the dump for us.
I strongly suggest that you submit entries on the caravan parks you stay at, on Badger's site - if you don't already do so. A lot of us travellers refer to this site when selecting parks to stay at, so up to date information is always appreciated.
If you have not come across this, google Badgers Caravan Park Reports.
Must be pretty hot where you are now!
Thank you for the site to peruse, shall do so now.
We were leaving tomorrow as no tours to Lark Quarry then John told us about The other one which the information centre here didn't mention, so now we are looking forward to that enroute to Longreach.
It's coming up like a storm could be in the wings. No awning to worry about and as my husband said ' well at least we don't have to worry about washing the bird droppings now'
Mate that's a bloody poor effort on their part, even a quick " hey bloke you OK?" would have been something. I bet they are only managers and not the owners. Some of the managers in some of the parks are only there to fill in time, they are just lazy non caring bastards The good thing is that the overwhelming number of mangers and owners are salt of the earth people. Anyway mate talk with your hip pocket never go back and let them know it and let them know that you will tell every one you see.
anyway mate hope the hand heals up quick and the next park will be a good one and the other bugger soon forgotten.
Cheers
The Hats
Ron
Have been on several sites with our experience. Hope it takes root.
Make sure you goggle that C/P and write up an adverse view detailing what these lazy bastards didn't bother to do!! If they are Managers, its possible the owner(s) read the reviews and all hell will hopefully break loose.
Before we go into a C/P, I always read reviews and make a call based on the majority opinion - many other Nomads do the same, so please make sure you bag these buggers as best you can.
Also, if they belong to a group, like Top 4 - you can complain. not much is done at the time, but if the same park gets too many complaints made to the marketing organization they belong to, they get thrown out. If they were Managers that didn't come to your aid, they will also be jobless and homeless (maybe they will then have a good look in the mirror)
We recently stayed at the Leonora C/P and the Manager printed off BOM storm warnings and went around all the 'vans (many were out in the sunny morning before the after storm arrived) and left a copy at each door.
We also tie down each corner of our awning and have the stays and anti flap stays as shown in the big photo above. If it starts to get too windy, I also park the ute alongside the awning and tie each end of the awning to the roo bar (bumper bar just as firm or if your vehicle has a tow-out hitch underneath it) and tow ball. Been in some nasty winds, but awning has hung in there.
Hope you got your new electric awning guys - it will help Alan especially:)))
It is a nuisance and trying to get a spot with shady trees is hard to find although here in Winton at The Pelican we did and it's been delightful. Jason and Belinda have planted dozens more and will be fantastic.
Thanks for your reply Bruce and Bev and we have taken your advice and the advice of others above and reviewed the said park......Alan Terry in Hughenden to as many sites as I have been able to find.