Am parked alongside a nice lake with room for at least a hundred vans. Only a couple or other vans here, both parked 200 meters away. Then in comes a backpacker, 2 blokes in a car and parks very close by in front of my van. I was still able to get my tug in to hook up the van so I said nothing. A few minutes later a woman in another car comes and parks between the blokes car and my van, 90 degrees to my van and just 2 feet from my aframe. When I asked her to move so I could hookup to leave early in the morning, she said 'But they are my friends', and refused to move. It took a nice old argument before she moved about 10 feet forward. Some of these backpackers have s**t for brains. Anyway, I am sitting here in front of the lake at the nice time of day enjoying the views, can't be beat
Cheers John.
Bagmaker said
05:29 PM Apr 7, 2017
Nude up, start your generator, play Neil Diamond flat out
patrol03 said
06:19 PM Apr 7, 2017
You can't beat em,but don't join em.
lizard said
06:37 PM Apr 7, 2017
Apparently since the Milat murders , overseas backpackers are advised (in their home country) to camp close to caravans for safety - caravans = married couple ... we had the same when we camped at Gorrie airstrip
Peter_n_Margaret said
06:39 PM Apr 7, 2017
There are idiots of all kinds out there, personally I find the "backpackers" in the minority of that group.
Some people need to try where these people come from and maybe they would be a little more tolerant?
Cheers,
Peter
meetoo said
07:02 PM Apr 7, 2017
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
There are idiots of all kinds out there, personally I find the "backpackers" in the minority of that group. Some people need to try where these people come from and maybe they would be a little more tolerant?
Cheers, Peter
Well I do agree with you Peter, but to stop one from hooking up the van, and not see the need to move, is not on.
Cheers, John.
Aussie1 said
07:09 PM Apr 7, 2017
Hi Bagmaker, You have the only correct solution. We have experienced a similar situation and I bet any money they will never do it again. Oh, and by the way, I couldn't care less where they come from, this is Australia. Our rules or get out (I have put that as politely as I can). On my soft side I have on occasions assisted "backpackers" in need of help. (just before the critics jump all over me). Happy camping all.
-- Edited by Aussie1 on Friday 7th of April 2017 07:15:44 PM
Cruising Cruze said
07:12 PM Apr 7, 2017
I don't think so Bagmaker They think they have the right to connect to your Generator
Cheers John
Desert Dweller said
07:17 PM Apr 7, 2017
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
There are idiots of all kinds out there, personally I find the "backpackers" in the minority of that group. Some people need to try where these people come from and maybe they would be a little more tolerant?
Cheers, Peter
Unfortunately you're wrong, most overseas visitors have no idea of Australian camping etiquette. Some Aussie travelers aren't that different though.
Peter_n_Margaret said
08:02 PM Apr 7, 2017
Desert Dweller wrote:
Unfortunately you're wrong, most overseas visitors have no idea of Australian camping etiquette. Some Aussie travelers aren't that different though.
And the proposals being suggest here have no etiquette of any kind at all.
Some of you people are simply rude and selfish a-holes.
Cheers,
Peter
Warren-Pat_01 said
08:17 PM Apr 7, 2017
And from what I heard today a lot of back-packers have "landed" in Airlie Beach & are expecting top service. They apparently have not heard that TC Debbie was a catastrophic event!
But it's not only back-packers who can be rude! We camped at a caravan park in Winton a number of years ago (all the camper trailers were placed in a line up the back). We went into town & came back to find our neighbour had placed a guy rope right in the middle of our door way. It was dangerous in daylight - at night (??). He would not move it - said "others in the past didn't object!" We saw the management & shifted to another site! Fortunately it was easy to shift!
Tony Bev said
12:07 AM Apr 8, 2017
I have never had any problems with backpackers
I normally talk to the nearest campers in my vicinity, and when some of them are backpackers, I talk to them Some of the backpackers I have talked to, are certainly more educated than I ever will be
I find that most backpackers like to congregate around the camp table, as they do not carry a table in their small vehicles
I have loaned my 12 volt cordless lights to backpackers, (at least a dozen times), who had a lack of lighting, while cooking meals etc I have carried three, of these LED lights since 2013, and I still have them all, without having to run after them This tells me a story of backpacker honesty
I do not know why the backpackers like to camp close to us older folks I just take it as a compliment, that they see us as decent people
Aussie said
12:23 AM Apr 8, 2017
Simple solution, 1 gallon paint tin full of rotting cow dung and a fan.
Lancelot Link said
01:13 AM Apr 8, 2017
I dare not comment!
macka17 said
03:39 AM Apr 8, 2017
Basically.
It depends on circumstances and individuals.
I've pulled out the Generator and grinder for some.
Leant the baseball bat by door with others.
And chatted with others.
Generally Chat is good.
As said. Some VERY Intelligent and well travelled folk out there.
You never know till you converse.
I always leave it to them for attitudes.
Ignorant. genny. Guy rope, Knife and baseball bat visible.
Normal. Some good education on many things.
Just remember. Most of you.
Are novice "travellers".
Some of them (not only backpackers) have been places. seen things.
YOU could only dream of.
Seriously.
I'm a grumpy old git at times. Specially when pills not working well.
But I'm not dumb. I know there are a lot more out there than Australians.
IE. WHERE have they been, just to get here.
From wherever.
ASK First... Always.
Then the genny trick if necessary.. it Normally works.
Both ways.
(Pill not working well tonight)
Santa said
10:35 AM Apr 8, 2017
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
Desert Dweller wrote:
Unfortunately you're wrong, most overseas visitors have no idea of Australian camping etiquette. Some Aussie travelers aren't that different though.
And the proposals being suggest here have no etiquette of any kind at all.
Some of you people are simply rude and selfish a-holes.
Cheers,
Peter
I'm with you on this one Peter, much of what has been posted here is hysterical nonsense, far better to move on than become involved in an altercation that no one will win.
Common sense should dictate the best course of action, I can assure the hillbilly types that its not retribution.
-- Edited by Santa on Saturday 8th of April 2017 10:39:01 AM
Izabarack said
01:07 PM Apr 8, 2017
What I do like about backpackers is that I have never met one who had a generator with them.
On the other hand, I have even had backpackers from France !!!!! respond positively to a bit of education on how Australians like a bit more personal space compared to Europeans.
Iza
Fine Elsewhere said
01:11 PM Apr 8, 2017
So, what are the rules of Australian camping etiquette?
macka17 said
03:16 PM Apr 8, 2017
Keep camp Clear. and park well away from others if running genny
which I do.
If I'm there first, THEY have choice of staying or leaving.
NOT my problem.
Clean up when arriving and when departing.
Mind your own business. But reciprocate if others approach you.
To a point.
Not all bloody night.
And help anybody who needs it.
I've ALWAYS tried to do one good deed a day ,
every day of my life.
even if only stepping back to let a lady pass,
or opening a door for one.
Stopping to help or pick up (acceptable looking ) Hitch hikers.
Plus I'm a rough looking biggish old git.
I carry collapsible security stick and diving knife beside door on floor.
Sensibilities overcome stupidness. IE Do Gooder.
Aussie said
03:29 PM Apr 8, 2017
macka17, I keep a pepper spray in my car and beside my recliner rocker. $35 each from Hong Kong on E-bay. Never used them, but they sure a confidence booster.
Desert Dweller said
03:50 PM Apr 8, 2017
Fine Elsewhere wrote:
So, what are the rules of Australian camping etiquette?
No hard & fast rules, just don't camp ''on top of'' other campers when there's plenty of space available. Simple really.
hako said
06:44 PM Apr 8, 2017
Fine Elsewhere wrote:
So, what are the rules of Australian camping etiquette?
This link says it all....basically what people say above except for the pepper spray, night stick and other toys that usually end up in the hands of the attacker (ask a copper)
Depends on the person using them. Most are just for show. Would never use. I'll use first and talk later. Brought up in army and construction all my life. First coupla yrs here in early '70's. usually had at least one blue a week. WHY I was a Pom. Lot's of Aussies in those days did NOT like poms
We. Me included came here with a lot more qualifications then they had. On machinery and elsewhere. My Crane Ticket as an example. For OPEN crane limits. was No 8 in the State.
We didn't even have any size anything here then.
Around a Manny 250 was it.
We used them to erect ours.
44+ yrs later. Aussie. Till I open my gob. the Basta-d won't go away.
-- Edited by macka17 on Saturday 8th of April 2017 09:43:06 PM
Warren-Pat_01 said
10:31 PM Apr 8, 2017
A couple of years ago while at a caravan park in Canberra in the middle of winter, my wife could hear the bathroom's hand drier being on for long periods of time. She investigated & found a very cold European back-packer who didn't know Australia got cold.
We loaned her two blankets & asked if we were out that she left them on the front of our then camper. We hardly expected to see them again but they were there when we got back - with a "thank you" note.
And like Tony, we've often loaned lights & seats to these kids who are exploring our country - it's hard to cook a meal in the dark with only a small head torch! I guess we'd like our kids to be looked after on their travels overseas too!
Moonraker said
12:25 AM Apr 9, 2017
Dont like people parking or using generators too close to me.
But as for backpackers, I agree most are well educated and decent. If all us Aussies and ex Poms treated them the same as Waren - Pat what great reports on us old Aussie farts these Backpackers would take home with them.
TheHeaths said
07:56 AM Apr 9, 2017
I agree that leaving room so people can still move their vehicle and van is simple common sense.
I also agree that some of the responses here are simply "cyberspace B & B", and I wonder about the purveyors of it. But that is cyberspace for you.
What I do find amusing is that this most often appears to happen at Free camps or National Parks, and I am yet to see the book "Australian Free Camp Rules and Etiquette" available to educate the great unwashed masses of us that are "unaware" of all the rules. Would be interested in the author!
When you get what you pay for at free camps, what do people expect, especially when from what I have seen around the country, there are a number of Australian Camping rules and etiquettes applied by people. Its generally called "I will look after myself and do what I want".
toglhot said
10:41 AM Apr 9, 2017
We were camped on the Mary River up North many years ago, around sixish a couple of overseas tourists on bicycles turned up, set up their small tent within feet of us and cooked what appeared to be a meagre meal. I remember remarking to the wife that they didn't appear to have much water and intended on filling their water containers before they set off in the morning. When we got up the next morning they were gone so we packed up and left also. A few klms down the road we passed them so I stopped, filled a couple of glasses for them and waved them over. They finished their glass of water and were ready to depart so I asked if they had enough water, the bloke said they had none - used it all last night, so I filled their containers as well as an empty milk container and off they went. Not much conversation ensued, they were German I think and obviously didn't speak much English. They seemed rather surprised at my offer and although they were very guarded, they did thank us, not very enthusiastically I must ad, and rode off. As well as not being familiar with Australian conditions and our need for personal space, most thrifty tourists/backpackers seem totally unaware of our propensity to help other travelers. Still, I suppose they were lucky my name wasn't Milat!
-- Edited by toglhot on Sunday 9th of April 2017 10:58:51 AM
macka17 said
01:01 PM Apr 9, 2017
Aussie.
Just a note.
PEPPER SPRAY....
Ditch it and get WASP SPRAY.
a completely different level of protection believe me.
Bunnings.
"Pest expert" 400g LOOOONG throw spray. You can hit the B in the eyes at 20 ft.
ALL Ladies should have one when out.
Seeing as Cattle prods are a bit bulky.
THEY work. Pass it around to all your mates. They do smaller cans too.
Personally.
I'd issue ALL women with a big .45...
Electronic thumbprint so only the owner can use it.
And say "use it", think later.
-- Edited by macka17 on Sunday 9th of April 2017 01:08:05 PM
Desert Dweller said
01:11 PM Apr 9, 2017
We were camped behind the sand dunes at Golden Beach VIC. We came back to our camp after our early morning walk to find 3 German tourists hanging around looking very desperate.
They'd come in overnight in a Wicked Camper & got bogged up to the axles in deep sand. They asked us to pull them out & said that they were due to fly home to Germany from Melbourne that afternoon.
Golden Beach is about 200kms from Melbourne. We pulled them out & they would have made it to the airport in time to catch their flight. Job Done!
Just because we don't appreciate overseas tourists ''camping on top of us'' doesn't necessarily mean that we hate them.
Bruce and Bev said
09:22 AM Apr 10, 2017
I can understand how John must have felt with his "apartment" neighbours - I wouldn't be happy either if it was blocking me from hooking up my van the next morning.
Our experiences though with overseas pack packers has always been very positive. As well as the girls being extremely attractive (and included to go nude at or beaches much to the delight of old leachers like me), they always smile and if they can speak English, will chat and ask any questions they may have or tell us how wonderful Aust. is.
Most of them share the same problem though - they don't carry enough water and we no make a point in offering water to those who are likely to be carrying very little.
At one free WA camp I offered water to two young French girls who were existing on 2 x 1 litre bottles of water to drink and cook with in their old wreak of a van. They politely said no, but the following morning they came over and asked if the offer was still available. I had a 20 litre throwaway plastic container and filled it up and gave it to them.
I also told them that most Servos would happily let them top it up at each place they came to especially if they were buying fuel.
Two very happy French girls - hopefully they will help out some young Aussie kids backpacking through their country one day
Am parked alongside a nice lake with room for at least a hundred vans. Only a couple or other vans here, both parked 200 meters away. Then in comes a backpacker, 2 blokes in a car and parks very close by in front of my van. I was still able to get my tug in to hook up the van so I said nothing. A few minutes later a woman in another car comes and parks between the blokes car and my van, 90 degrees to my van and just 2 feet from my aframe. When I asked her to move so I could hookup to leave early in the morning, she said 'But they are my friends', and refused to move. It took a nice old argument before she moved about 10 feet forward. Some of these backpackers have s**t for brains. Anyway, I am sitting here in front of the lake at the nice time of day enjoying the views, can't be beat
Cheers John.
Some people need to try where these people come from and maybe they would be a little more tolerant?
Cheers,
Peter
Well I do agree with you Peter, but to stop one from hooking up the van, and not see the need to move, is not on.
Cheers, John.
Hi Bagmaker, You have the only correct solution. We have experienced a similar situation and I bet any money they will never do it again. Oh, and by the way, I couldn't care less where they come from, this is Australia. Our rules or get out (I have put that as politely as I can). On my soft side I have on occasions assisted "backpackers" in need of help. (just before the critics jump all over me). Happy camping all.
-- Edited by Aussie1 on Friday 7th of April 2017 07:15:44 PM
I don't think so Bagmaker
They think they have the right to connect to your Generator
Cheers John
Unfortunately you're wrong, most overseas visitors have no idea of Australian camping etiquette. Some Aussie travelers aren't that different though.
And the proposals being suggest here have no etiquette of any kind at all.
Some of you people are simply rude and selfish a-holes.
Cheers,
Peter
But it's not only back-packers who can be rude! We camped at a caravan park in Winton a number of years ago (all the camper trailers were placed in a line up the back). We went into town & came back to find our neighbour had placed a guy rope right in the middle of our door way. It was dangerous in daylight - at night (??). He would not move it - said "others in the past didn't object!" We saw the management & shifted to another site! Fortunately it was easy to shift!
I have never had any problems with backpackers
I normally talk to the nearest campers in my vicinity, and when some of them are backpackers, I talk to them
Some of the backpackers I have talked to, are certainly more educated than I ever will be
I find that most backpackers like to congregate around the camp table, as they do not carry a table in their small vehicles
I have loaned my 12 volt cordless lights to backpackers, (at least a dozen times), who had a lack of lighting, while cooking meals etc
I have carried three, of these LED lights since 2013, and I still have them all, without having to run after them
This tells me a story of backpacker honesty
I do not know why the backpackers like to camp close to us older folks
I just take it as a compliment, that they see us as decent people
It depends on circumstances and individuals.
I've pulled out the Generator and grinder for some.
Leant the baseball bat by door with others.
And chatted with others.
Generally Chat is good.
As said. Some VERY Intelligent and well travelled folk out there.
You never know till you converse.
I always leave it to them for attitudes.
Ignorant. genny. Guy rope, Knife and baseball bat visible.
Normal. Some good education on many things.
Just remember. Most of you.
Are novice "travellers".
Some of them (not only backpackers) have been places. seen things.
YOU could only dream of.
Seriously.
I'm a grumpy old git at times. Specially when pills not working well.
But I'm not dumb. I know there are a lot more out there than Australians.
IE. WHERE have they been, just to get here.
From wherever.
ASK First... Always.
Then the genny trick if necessary.. it Normally works.
Both ways.
(Pill not working well tonight)
I'm with you on this one Peter, much of what has been posted here is hysterical nonsense, far better to move on than become involved in an altercation that no one will win.
Common sense should dictate the best course of action, I can assure the hillbilly types that its not retribution.
-- Edited by Santa on Saturday 8th of April 2017 10:39:01 AM
On the other hand, I have even had backpackers from France !!!!! respond positively to a bit of education on how Australians like a bit more personal space compared to Europeans.
Iza
which I do.
If I'm there first, THEY have choice of staying or leaving.
NOT my problem.
Clean up when arriving and when departing.
Mind your own business. But reciprocate if others approach you.
To a point.
Not all bloody night.
And help anybody who needs it.
I've ALWAYS tried to do one good deed a day ,
every day of my life.
even if only stepping back to let a lady pass,
or opening a door for one.
Stopping to help or pick up (acceptable looking ) Hitch hikers.
Plus I'm a rough looking biggish old git.
I carry collapsible security stick and diving knife beside door on floor.
Sensibilities overcome stupidness. IE Do Gooder.
No hard & fast rules, just don't camp ''on top of'' other campers when there's plenty of space available. Simple really.
This link says it all....basically what people say above except for the pepper spray, night stick and other toys that usually end up in the hands of the attacker (ask a copper)
http://www.gocampingaustralia.com/top-10-camping-etiquette-tips.html
Good Luck.
Hako.
Depends on the person using them.
Most are just for show. Would never use.
I'll use first and talk later.
Brought up in army and construction all my life.
First coupla yrs here in early '70's.
usually had at least one blue a week.
WHY
I was a Pom.
Lot's of Aussies in those days did NOT like poms
We.
Me included came here with a lot more qualifications then they had.
On machinery and elsewhere.
My Crane Ticket as an example. For OPEN crane limits.
was No 8 in the State.
We didn't even have any size anything here then.
Around a Manny 250 was it.
We used them to erect ours.
44+ yrs later. Aussie. Till I open my gob.
the Basta-d won't go away.
-- Edited by macka17 on Saturday 8th of April 2017 09:43:06 PM
We loaned her two blankets & asked if we were out that she left them on the front of our then camper. We hardly expected to see them again but they were there when we got back - with a "thank you" note.
And like Tony, we've often loaned lights & seats to these kids who are exploring our country - it's hard to cook a meal in the dark with only a small head torch! I guess we'd like our kids to be looked after on their travels overseas too!
But as for backpackers, I agree most are well educated and decent. If all us Aussies and ex Poms treated them the same as Waren - Pat what great reports on us old Aussie farts these Backpackers would take home with them.
I also agree that some of the responses here are simply "cyberspace B & B", and I wonder about the purveyors of it. But that is cyberspace for you.
What I do find amusing is that this most often appears to happen at Free camps or National Parks, and I am yet to see the book "Australian Free Camp Rules and Etiquette" available to educate the great unwashed masses of us that are "unaware" of all the rules. Would be interested in the author!
When you get what you pay for at free camps, what do people expect, especially when from what I have seen around the country, there are a number of Australian Camping rules and etiquettes applied by people. Its generally called "I will look after myself and do what I want".
We were camped on the Mary River up North many years ago, around sixish a couple of overseas tourists on bicycles turned up, set up their small tent within feet of us and cooked what appeared to be a meagre meal. I remember remarking to the wife that they didn't appear to have much water and intended on filling their water containers before they set off in the morning. When we got up the next morning they were gone so we packed up and left also. A few klms down the road we passed them so I stopped, filled a couple of glasses for them and waved them over. They finished their glass of water and were ready to depart so I asked if they had enough water, the bloke said they had none - used it all last night, so I filled their containers as well as an empty milk container and off they went. Not much conversation ensued, they were German I think and obviously didn't speak much English. They seemed rather surprised at my offer and although they were very guarded, they did thank us, not very enthusiastically I must ad, and rode off. As well as not being familiar with Australian conditions and our need for personal space, most thrifty tourists/backpackers seem totally unaware of our propensity to help other travelers. Still, I suppose they were lucky my name wasn't Milat!
-- Edited by toglhot on Sunday 9th of April 2017 10:58:51 AM
Aussie.
Just a note.
PEPPER SPRAY....
Ditch it and get WASP SPRAY.
a completely different level of protection believe me.
Bunnings.
"Pest expert" 400g LOOOONG throw spray.
You can hit the B in the eyes at 20 ft.
ALL Ladies should have one when out.
Seeing as Cattle prods are a bit bulky.
THEY work.
Pass it around to all your mates.
They do smaller cans too.
Personally.
I'd issue ALL women with a big .45...
Electronic thumbprint so only the owner can use it.
And say "use it", think later.
-- Edited by macka17 on Sunday 9th of April 2017 01:08:05 PM
They'd come in overnight in a Wicked Camper & got bogged up to the axles in deep sand. They asked us to pull them out & said that they were due to fly home to Germany from Melbourne that afternoon.
Golden Beach is about 200kms from Melbourne. We pulled them out & they would have made it to the airport in time to catch their flight. Job Done!
Just because we don't appreciate overseas tourists ''camping on top of us'' doesn't necessarily mean that we hate them.
Our experiences though with overseas pack packers has always been very positive. As well as the girls being extremely attractive (and included to go nude at or beaches much to the delight of old leachers like me), they always smile and if they can speak English, will chat and ask any questions they may have or tell us how wonderful Aust. is.
Most of them share the same problem though - they don't carry enough water and we no make a point in offering water to those who are likely to be carrying very little.
At one free WA camp I offered water to two young French girls who were existing on 2 x 1 litre bottles of water to drink and cook with in their old wreak of a van. They politely said no, but the following morning they came over and asked if the offer was still available. I had a 20 litre throwaway plastic container and filled it up and gave it to them.
I also told them that most Servos would happily let them top it up at each place they came to especially if they were buying fuel.
Two very happy French girls - hopefully they will help out some young Aussie kids backpacking through their country one day