We are kiwis about to retire and looking forward to a two year OE in Australia. We intend to caravan and would appreciate any helpful on set up. Stuff such as insurance, set up of caravan, registration of vehicles and ideas on where to go and when. Thanks and looking forward to your comments. Blue River
Dougwe said
09:13 AM Aug 6, 2016
Welcome to the gang Blue River, enjoy here and out in the playground.
There is so much that could be said and everyone on this forum will have different ideas so with that said, may I suggest you have a good look through the different sections of the forum especially 'Techies' including the 'Solar Sticky'. Another good section would be 'Show us your rig' and here in 'General'.
Any questions you might have from then make sure you post them in the appropriate section of the forum, it makes things work smoothly and can be found later after they have reached the dudgeon.
There are many Kiwis here on the forum and travelling around OZ. Two very good friends I met through this forum are Kiwis currently enjoying this great country.
Most important thing is to enjoy life on the road in OZ when you get here.
Keep safe on the roads.
Yuglamron said
10:36 AM Aug 6, 2016
Good place to find info on this forum. Lots of knowledge here and some really nice people.
With regards to the insurance There are a few that people use and CIL is one major player in the caravan industry. You will get lots of suggestions of course.
As regards Vans and Tug it's horses for courses. Budget being the main one of course and what you want. Off Road, Soft roader, 4x4 , 2x4 fully self contained. The list is endless.
One thing though don't be caught out by the "Towing Capacity" of your Tug. Some have left so little available load if you get a van close to the full towing capacity of the tug.
Load up your tug with two people and fuel and you can overload easily.
It might be an idea to Google the state Governments transport depts. to check out registration costs. They vary greatly from State to State. Also concessions if you are of pension age. Someone will come along and give you more idea on actual costs per state.
If you have towing experience all good but if you don't there is a set of videos on You Tube that can explain some things important re loading the weight on Caravans.
The big UK caravan Builder 'Baileys' have a YouTube video re stability of caravans. Worth a look. Just put in Baily's Caravan Stability in the Youtube search bar.
One of your main consideration is the winter months. A lot of Aussies head North during the winter months following the sun and warmth. Drawback is that lots of van parks can be full during that time.
Tassie is a favourite destination and can have a few difficulties with the ferry. Pays to have firm return bookings if you go over. There have been a few who did not have firm return bookings and have had to wait for a few weeks to get a return booking. The Trip across the Nullarbor is another. Headwinds can be a problem so time of year to cross can be worked to minimise headwinds. Someone will give you the good oil on that.
Hope you have a great trip and there will be lots more advice on here.
As I said a great bunch always willing to help.
LLD said
01:24 PM Aug 6, 2016
Just met a Kiwi in Moree who had been travelling around for 2-3 years. He'd bought a Jayco van and I think he had a Mitsubishi 4WD. He'd purchased a van and car that he'd had confidence in both being able to be serviced and repaired on his travels. Also looked into taking both back to NZ when he'd finished so he wanted something that could be serviced, repaired and/or sold back home. Only issue he had was he had to put a grey water tank under the van before in got on the boat. Also, with van insurance (read repairs), it's best to have a locally made van.
the rocket said
02:46 PM Aug 6, 2016
Hello blue river, welcome to the playground. When u come over let us know where u r cos. We may meet up. I will put the kettle on. Met a couple from new zealand who bought a seconhand 4 wheel drive n secondhand small caravan , travelled then when going home to nz sold the caravan n paid to take the 4wd back to nz.
jules47 said
05:01 PM Aug 6, 2016
Lots of NZ'ers on this forum - Kiwi -as - Kiwi Rainbow, Kiwi Jim, Aus Kiwi - Happy Wanderer, Spida, and many more I can't name of the top of my head. In fact there is a post on the forum called "KIA - ORA" -check it out - might even find someone you know. Welcome to the forum, ask your questions - plenty of help on this great forum. Keep us posted, as we sometimes have meet ups in different places where you would meet lots of GN's.
Aus-Kiwi said
10:40 PM Aug 6, 2016
Welcome to the forum. Welcome to the West Island .. It's big country .. Take your time . If your a little self set up to stay 3 or 4 days free camping can save you big time . Especially if camping grounds are full.. Yes up north in dry season and down south in summer . Don't miss the South Coast peninsula.. In summer it's fantastic and not too many crowds compared to Queensland ., We have just done Penrith to Mt Gambier, Adelaide, Port Lincoln with all the small ocean towns between, Nullabor, Perth , Broom, Darwin, Mataranka, through centre back to Victor Harbour .
Blue River said
06:40 AM Aug 7, 2016
Thanks for replies & some good info for us to work on Neville & Polly
Bruce and Bev said
11:34 PM Aug 7, 2016
Mainlanders, huh lol. We're two JAFFAs and been over here for 18 years - even had the lobotomy an now true blue Aussies.
You'll find it SO bloody hot and humid north of say Sydney and Perth......
Make sure you have a decent air con and if you intend to free or low cost camp, a generator to run the air con. Also get plenty of cotton or breathable (from sports shops and worn by sporties to stop clothing sticking to them and materials that breath. Don't even think about wearing synthetic clothing in most of Aust. or you'll want to jump on the next plane back to Queenstown and roll in some snow. Say hello to Sam Neil for us :)
We are kiwis about to retire and looking forward to a two year OE in Australia. We intend to caravan and would appreciate any helpful on set up. Stuff such as insurance, set up of caravan, registration of vehicles and ideas on where to go and when. Thanks and looking forward to your comments. Blue River
There is so much that could be said and everyone on this forum will have different ideas so with that said, may I suggest you have a good look through the different sections of the forum especially 'Techies' including the 'Solar Sticky'. Another good section would be 'Show us your rig' and here in 'General'.
Any questions you might have from then make sure you post them in the appropriate section of the forum, it makes things work smoothly and can be found later after they have reached the dudgeon.
There are many Kiwis here on the forum and travelling around OZ. Two very good friends I met through this forum are Kiwis currently enjoying this great country.
Most important thing is to enjoy life on the road in OZ when you get here.
Keep safe on the roads.
Good place to find info on this forum. Lots of knowledge here and some really nice people.
With regards to the insurance There are a few that people use and CIL is one major player in the caravan industry. You will get lots of suggestions of course.
As regards Vans and Tug it's horses for courses. Budget being the main one of course and what you want. Off Road, Soft roader, 4x4 , 2x4 fully self contained. The list is endless.
One thing though don't be caught out by the "Towing Capacity" of your Tug. Some have left so little available load if you get a van close to the full towing capacity of the tug.
Load up your tug with two people and fuel and you can overload easily.
It might be an idea to Google the state Governments transport depts. to check out registration costs. They vary greatly from State to State. Also concessions if you are of pension age. Someone will come along and give you more idea on actual costs per state.
If you have towing experience all good but if you don't there is a set of videos on You Tube that can explain some things important re loading the weight on Caravans.
The big UK caravan Builder 'Baileys' have a YouTube video re stability of caravans. Worth a look. Just put in Baily's Caravan Stability in the Youtube search bar.
One of your main consideration is the winter months. A lot of Aussies head North during the winter months following the sun and warmth. Drawback is that lots of van parks can be full during that time.
Tassie is a favourite destination and can have a few difficulties with the ferry. Pays to have firm return bookings if you go over. There have been a few who did not have firm return bookings and have had to wait for a few weeks to get a return booking. The Trip across the Nullarbor is another. Headwinds can be a problem so time of year to cross can be worked to minimise headwinds. Someone will give you the good oil on that.
Hope you have a great trip and there will be lots more advice on here.
As I said a great bunch always willing to help.
Hello blue river, welcome to the playground. When u come over let us know where u r cos. We may meet up. I will put the kettle on. Met a couple from new zealand who bought a seconhand 4 wheel drive n secondhand small caravan , travelled then when going home to nz sold the caravan n paid to take the 4wd back to nz.
Thanks for replies & some good info for us to work on Neville & Polly
You'll find it SO bloody hot and humid north of say Sydney and Perth......
Make sure you have a decent air con and if you intend to free or low cost camp, a generator to run the air con. Also get plenty of cotton or breathable (from sports shops and worn by sporties to stop clothing sticking to them and materials that breath. Don't even think about wearing synthetic clothing in most of Aust. or you'll want to jump on the next plane back to Queenstown and roll in some snow. Say hello to Sam Neil for us :)