When we were crossing the Nullarbor 2 months ago someone was charging their phone in the petrol station shop. I guess you can only ask and hope for a good reply!
There are some towns that have available power points. Bundaberg has sheltered tables down by the river that have power points on each wall and also free WiFi connection.
I'm sure there has to be others around.
I did get to plug my laptop in their power in the restaurant, think its called Coolabah at the Wyalong service station. I asked, they were ok with it. The power points are around the walls out in the eating area.
Most roadhouses will allow it, while you're having a shower or a meal. Offer to pay, but usually wi-fi is free, so phone charge probably would be too. The power source is usually a big generator out the back.
Or, you can do it off the cig lighter in the car.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
Thanks for the tips. I'll have to keep my eyes open for those free 240v outlets.
I have the 12v covered for the phone and GPS while in the car of course but keeping the notebooks charged is another issue.
I'd hate to be without my many gadgets while travelling but if push comes to shove I'll camp on powered sites if I have to :)
Aldi have a adapter that plugs into your ciggie lighter,its a 3 point cigarette lighter plug system that also has 2 usb posts, From memory it was about 7 dollars . K Mart ( and some of the bigger stores) usually stock cheap inverters that plug into your lighter, which will give you 240 v
I bought an adaptor for the laptop from Jaycar a couple of years ago. It plugs into the ciggie lighter in the van. And I have a solar panel to keep the van battery charged.
The adaptor needs to be a particular wattage for your laptop/ipad or whatever. Ask at Jaycar and they'll set you on the right track.
We have 12v chargers for just about everything, and an inverter if we need it for - say camera battery. I bought three of the computer charging ones, with variable "speeds" for different laptops - i.e. 18v or 24v (think that is right) - cost be $35 for the three off ebay! Deals Xtreme sometimes have some good stuff as well.
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
If camped with other travelers, most will charge your phones etc for you.
If they have a good solar/battery system they should have plenty of power so the small amount you need to charge a computer etc would not be noticed.
Regards
Brian
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11 Mtr house Boat based at Mannum hoping to travel up the Murray as far as I can get then drift back again
You've just reminded me Brian of that very thing happening to me a couple of years back. A fellow offered his power for my laptop. He set me up under his awning and left me to it. Later bringing me a drink of water. I must say, I was a little suspicious at first, but he obviously had no other intentions but to be kind to a fellow nomad.
We travel around the countryside doing photography at festivals and as we have lots of solar power available to us at the ones that are bush camping we have had as many as 6 phones and 3 lappys on charge for people..
We are more than happy to help out where we can..
