Do I or don't I?

Almurta · Veteran Member

Do I or don't I?

Happywanderer · The Master

Welcome to the forum and Go ahead and do it.
There are many threads on here from us solos and we try and arrange get togethers when we can or travel together when we can.
Not sure your age group or where you are from, I don't recognise the name. There is a great variety of ages in the forum and we all mix well.
You will be okay. Reading this forum helps you to get moving and feel that way forward.

wendyv · Guru

Go for it! You will probably be surprised at how many solo female travellers there are on the roads.
As for bush camping, these days it is getting hard to find a spot where you will be by yourself! Many travellers who do not stay in caravan parks use a book called Camps Australia 6 (6th edition). This gives a comprehensive guide to places where it is possible to camp and what facilities, if any, are on offer. Once you start travelling, word of mouth will soon have you making notes in the Camps bible. The better spots are usually well patronized; in some, you have to get there fairly early in the day to find a decent place to park up.
You can also use forums like this one and the Caravaners Forum, to ask about good places to stay in particular areas.

Joe · Senior Member

In addition - there are lots of non-solo travellers who also appreciate good company and are happy to share the road and the destination.

Keep in touch with this site and see what happens!

Elle on Wheels · Guru

Hi Almurta

I'm gearing up to go solo travelling in March or April and am now just researching and getting set up. I have just bought a van in the last couple of days and am picking it up next week and taking it on a a caravan training weekend straight away which will boost my confidence big time.

From what I can see there are lots of solo women on the road. Like you I was worried about camping out by myself but it sounds like it's very unusual not to find at least one other traveller camping at a site. I will be travelling with 2 dogs and will be free camping as much as possible.

There is a tagalong site which I think Crusin Granny posted a while back where you can post your travel plans and find someone to hook up with. When I hit the road I will be posting on here to see who's around and who's going where.

There is lots of collective wisdom on this site and lots of support from people who know what they are talking about.
Cheers
Ellen

lilly31 · Guru

Welcome sue ..I am a solo women traveler ..you will find lots of solo women out there all ages and shapes same as lot of solo men too out there and the one i have met have all been lovely gentlemen..... couple are lovely too .... and if free or bush camping stay where other people are and you wont be so nervous

Almurta · Veteran Member

Thanks for all those replies. They certainly are encouraging.

Some one asked about my details. Almurta is a username - I wasn't sure if I should put my real name. Funny thing is the last reply actually used my real name which is Sue! I'm 62. I haven't bought a vehicle yet but am looking at campervans. I'm in northern NSW and would be heading off in February or March. I'm thinking I'd like to go up to the New England Tableland first and get used to the lifestyle. When the wet is over I would head to Alice Springs and beyond. The most important part of all of this at present is making a decision - do I go travelling or do I settle down and buy a cabin in a caravan park near here? Decisions - decisions. You've all given me lots of encouragement to go with the nomadic lifestyle. After what feels like several centuries of being tied down to jobs and family life travelling around has a lot of appeal.

Thanks again for all your encouragement.

lilly31 · Guru

Almurta wrote:
Thanks for all those replies. They certainly are encouraging.

Some one asked about my details. Almurta is a username - I wasn't sure if I should put my real name. Funny thing is the last reply actually used my real name which is Sue! I'm 62. I haven't bought a vehicle yet but am looking at campervans. I'm in northern NSW and would be heading off in February or March. I'm thinking I'd like to go up to the New England Tableland first and get used to the lifestyle. When the wet is over I would head to Alice Springs and beyond. The most important part of all of this at present is making a decision - do I go travelling or do I settle down and buy a cabin in a caravan park near here? Decisions - decisions. You've all given me lots of encouragement to go with the nomadic lifestyle. After what feels like several centuries of being tied down to jobs and family life travelling around has a lot of appeal.

Thanks again for all your encouragement.

Yes sue it was me who used your name ...hope you didnt mind ...I usually check out profiles see where people are at .. I am at Tamworth ...Well as far as do you travel or not if you go and you dont like it you can alway come back .if you dont go you will never know ...

-- Edited by lilly31 on Tuesday 25th of October 2011 07:59:37 PM

Happywanderer · The Master

Sorry Almurta. I meant never heard of Murrwilllumbah, not your username. Was trying to work out which state you lived in to see if you were close to any of us.

lilly31 · Guru

Happywanderer wrote:
Sorry Almurta. I meant never heard of Murrwilllumbah, not your username. Was trying to work out which state you lived in to see if you were close to any of us.

Murrwillumbah is in the tweed valley a beautiful spot .. Some of my dad family live around there ..I spent many hoildays there as a child still find it a great place to vist

Elle on Wheels · Guru

Hey Sue - go nomading, there is plenty of time to settle down when the travelling is over which may be never and anyway how will you know which place to choose unless you visit them all first.

Sheba · Guru

Just south of the QLD Border Marj. Sue, you'll probably be surprised at the number of Solo females on the Road. Some have Car/Caravan set-ups, and quite a few have either Motor-homes, or Campervans.

I'll be getting on the road as soon as I can, after house-sitting obligations are done, mid-next year. Believe me, once you get started, you'll wonder why you didn't start years ago.

Cheers,

Sheba.

Happywanderer · The Master

By the way Sue, we click on your username and it gives us the details like your real name in your profile.
Anything you want to know, just ask. There will always be someone who will have the right answer.

jonathan · Guru

Welcome to the group, Sue !

I think one of the big benefits of this site, is that although we have separate identities as solos or couples, there is an amazing sense of belonging here regardless of ones personal status ..

Not once have I experienced any animosity between singles or couples, and the general harmony and attitude is of a high standard ..

We are the lucky ones .. enjoy your stay !

Jon

yeoeleven · Guru

Welcome to the forum Sue,

There are many solo ladies out there and the most that I have met are travelling in camper vans from the Hi Ace like mine and up to Jayco's built on Fiat Ducati bodies with many using Mercedes Sprinters. I suppose it all gets down to finances.

I certainly recommend the solo traveling and don't be overly concerned about loneliness, if you enjoy your own company on walks through national parks,artistic endeavours and fossickng etc. you will be fine and there will usually be other campers in each stop you make.

I hope that you can come to a decision soon and set about getting a suitable vehicle.

John

Esmeralda · Guru

Welcome to the forum Sue - as the saying goes "just do it". Do a few short trips first to get to know your way around your van and your abilities; and then the outdoors are yours to explore.

Almurta · Veteran Member

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Thanks again for all those positive replies. You are inspiring me. The idea of spending time in nature, bush walking, dabbling in art and fossicking is starting to win out over the concept of settling down yet again.
All that info on van is very interesting yeoeleven. I'm thinking of a HiAce type van and am beginning to search in earnest now.

My initial post came out really garbled as I tried to put my seven million thoughts into some kind of order. I didn't mean I only talk to women and don't like couples! Not at all - I just fall over my own words sometimes particularly when introducing myself in forums.

Murwillumbah is near the Queensland border and is in the shadow of Mt Warning. Its a very scenic sub tropical area . The photo I've posted was taken up at The Border Ranges National Park earlier this year. Mt Warning is the largest peak. I moved up here from Victoria earlier this year. After finally moving away from my old established lifestyle I'm finding it hard to settle down again. I think I'll make 'travelling on' my signature.

Thanks again for all your encouragement. I look forward to chatting with you all. - Sue

-- Edited by Almurta on Wednesday 26th of October 2011 08:52:47 AM

justjo · Senior Member

Good Luck Sue! It took me a while to take the plunge and find the "right" van. I'm not sure if you are ever totally happy with what you have but have lots of fun changing stuff around! I've just done my first trip and was away for over three months, still not home but visiting grandchildren on the way. I finished work at 62 and it took me a while to work out what to do so I totally understand your jumbled thoughts.

I've loved life on the road and have made so many friends on the way from couples, families and singles. I'm trying to think of a downside but I think being away so far from family (I'm in WA) was hard at times.

Best of luck Sue!

Jo

Beth54 · Guru

Hi Sue,

I know the area very well...I have a cousin in Mur'bah. I'm north of the border in Logan, but have spent a lot of time around the Border Ranges. It's a beautiful part of Australia.

I too am a solo nomad..part time anyway. It's a great lifestyle. There's always someone to talk to if you feel a bit lonely, but you can also have your privacy time, if you want to be left alone. The best of both worlds!

Go for it!

Elle on Wheels · Guru

Hey Sue your thoughts did not come out as jumbled at all. There's quite a few people on here who enjoy fossicking so you will be able to get some good info from them if you start a thread.

Joe · Senior Member

Hiya Sue and welcome on board.

If you can take that first step and overcome the inertia you will find you'll love it.

I wouldn't worry about the loneliness thing - you can be as lonely as all heck in the middle of a crowd, but you'll find that where the crowds are less the people are more open and welcoming. Never be afraid to wander across and say G'Day or ask a question about something.

See you out there.

Joe

RALPHRALPH · Senior Member

theres an adventure around every corner smile

Almurta · Veteran Member

More lovely feedback. Every time I check this site I get inspired to get going. Reading another thread I realised buying a van in NSW does bring up the problem of having to return to NSW every year when it's due to be registered. As my van will become my home I'm thinking I might have to go back to Victoria and buy a vehicle down there. That way I can register it at a family address down there. Any tips of this issue would be welcome.

I like the idea of getting to know people by talking to others about fossicking - I love doing it but am a real novice. Also I was wondering where I can get a copy of the Camps Australia book that Wendy mentioned. Thanks.

Happywanderer · The Master

Re Vehicle rego. I am in Victoria. My vehicle rego is paid online so I don't have to be around or in Vic when its due. The renewal comes out, if I'm away at the time my mail will go to my daughters. She will tell me the amount.
I will go into my bank account online and BPay it. The sticker that goes on the vehicle doesn't have to be stamped.

Re the Camps Aus wide book. Camping stores and newsagents will have them. About 60.00

-- Edited by Happywanderer on Wednesday 26th of October 2011 07:49:24 PM

Almurta · Veteran Member

Thanks Marj. That confirms what I thought. In NSW you have get a road worthy certificate every year. BTW - I like the picture of your van. That's about the vehicle size I thinking of getting. What kind is it?

Happywanderer · The Master

Its a Toyota HiAce Pop top. 1981.
Do your homework better than I did when I bought Myrtle. She has cost me a fortune in repairs and still more to go.

Dave83 · Senior Member

www.campsaustraliawide.com.au is the actual publisher's website, you can purchase it direct from them. Otherwise as Marj suggested, camping stores are almost guaranteed to have it.

Sheba · Guru

NRMA will probably have it a bit cheaper if you're a member. I know RACQ does in Qld.

Then again, I got my first one in an Op-shop for $2.00. You can up-date them online, so you don't need to buy a new one every year.

Cheers,

Sheba.

Elle on Wheels · Guru

Hi Sue

campervans are a matter of personal preference and what you need and how much you want to pay.

If I was going to get a all in one set up I would go for a small bus (coaster etc) or one of those set ups with a bed over the cabin or similar simply because you can move around and stand up and don't have to pack up your bed to sit at the table. They are still easy to drive and not too bad on fuel.

But it all depends on your budget and needs. I have a good friend who spent 8 years in her Hi Ace poptop travelling around Oz and loved it and would never consider anything different.

I think Gum tree and the caravan sales website are possibly the best places to look. If you have friends in Vic or another state where you don't have to worry aboout the yearly check then you might be able to get them to check out vans for you or possibly if you could spend a couple of weeks in the preferred state you would have a good chance of finding something I think as long as you have done your research and know what you want.

Look at all the ads on ebay and gumtree and keep asking questions on the forum and you will get great advice and that will inform your choice.

Actually how do people with NSW rego handle the annual inspection? I have read of the hassles involved in transferring rego to another state. Perhaps if you factor the requirement into your travelling plans it is not too mcu of a hassle to return to NSW each year.

cheers

Almurta · Veteran Member

That's all good advice Elle.

I'm thinking I will probably go back to Victoria early in the new year. I have family there. It's really hard to imagine travelling full time for years. It seems like it requires a whole new mind set where time and distances are to be measured in terms of weeks or months rather than days. What I mean is I could get back to Victoria in my current vehicle in a few days by driving most of every day and staying in motels. I've done lots of long distance drives like that.

To do it as a lifestyle choice in a campervan the journey could become as long as the proverbial piece of string - it could take as long as it takes. Getting all the way over to the Kimberley from the east coast could be a long term endeavour. Having to turn round and get back to NSW just to register the vehicle for another year could become a real hassle.

I like your ideas of using Gumtree, asking Victorian friends to help in the search and looking for a Coaster style vehicle. A vehicle with a small en suite and/or toilet in a cupboard would be great. There are lots of older campervans out there but I'm not mechanically minded so I'm staying away from them. This vehicle choice and purchase is quite a minefield isn't it? Sometimes I wonder if a 4WD with a camper trailer is a better choice but then you have to put up the camper every time you want to take a break from driving.

-- Edited by Almurta on Thursday 27th of October 2011 10:30:12 AM