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

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.

Marionwil wrote:

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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

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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

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

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

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

my hat goes to that lady with the small car ..

-- Edited by milo on Wednesday 10th of October 2012 03:01:53 AM

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...