I tend to do most of my travel in off-peak times, mostly during Autumn and Spring largely to avoid the crowds. However, having just struggled through another week of cold, wet and overcast days here in Melbourne, I wonder whether others who frequent this forum are asking themselves the same question. Is this the winter we needed to have to remind us that there are better places in this country to spend the cooler months.
Despite loving the warmer weather, I have resisted the temptation over much of the past decade to venture to north QLD, WA or the Northern Territory during winter, in large part due to the incredible migration by those from the southern states and elsewhere. In my past experience and from what I have read here and in other places, most of the desirable destinations are so overcrowded as to often be counter-productive to a relaxing holiday.
Please don't get me wrong here. I enjoy the company of others when I'm away just like the next person. However, being packed in like sardines in C/Ps or being unable to find many suitable free/low cost sites due to the influx of travellers at this time of year, rather kills the fun for me.
How do other winter "stay-at-home" folks feel about biting the bullet next year and joining the throng in an attempt to get away from the cold and get their fix of fun in the sun like the rest of the GN's?
Howdyeeee, We haven't seen a winter for !!four!!, years , noooo we don't frequent C/parks, mostly free camps, have forgotten what cold is like, you must like cold,,?? Melbourne ,Hmmmmm,,, if you need any advice on staying warm,,, speak to John,(Yeoeleven),, has a permanent smile on his dial, and a bit nutty, !!But!! a nice bloke,, loves the herb, stay excited fastcrutch,,,might catch you out there in the play ground,,,, Billeeeeeee
Fastcoach, I had my last full winter freezing in South West Gippsland two years ago and don't think I will ever go through one again.
I am in down town Townsville and yes it is busy but always room for you and yours mate. I start the migration south again early August so won't feel much of the southern winter.
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Winter can still be a beautiful time of the year Fastcoach. Last night it was cold, wet, and very windy and yet this morning I awoke to a wonderful sight with the clouds rolling in over the mountains surrounding Murrurundi. It is just another season of the year and the added bonus that there are no crowds and some places are cheaper. Of course there is a downside, I have not freecamped much over the last couple of months due to the lack of sunshine to keep the solar charged up, but it has been a small inconvenience for seeing some beautiful spots, that will look very different in Spring or Autumn.
Currently in Armidale for several months and some nights have been down as low as -7. I hate the severe cold but as hubby pointed out last night, we have survived and most of the days, although cold, have been sunny,
So with this experience under our belt, we have decided to do Tassie in the cooler months and avoid the crowds. He has promised to fit a gas heater to keep me smiling lol.
You don't need to travel far to get good weather, just come to the Central Coast NSW , this winter there has been hardly any rain, a few very windy days and lots of sunshine and if you like to stay in caravan parks our local Wyong Shire Council has special deals for winter at their 4 parks all in lovely locations http://www.cchp.com.au/specials/index.html
First bileeeeeee then roving dutchy now you silverfoxes I'm going to the cops there has to be a law against torturing us poor unfortunates who have no other place to go.
Like Billeee it is a long time since I saw winter, every year I spend time in North Queensland during June & July and Victoria over Christmas & New Year.
It can get busy at times especially on the coast but it sure beats freezing in the "winter we had to have"
Currently just above Townsville and heading for Ingham tomorrow.
Thought you may like to know the weather we are putting up with. John
We suffered through our last winter last year, it was the decider for us. Everyone in Tassie is telling us how cold/wet it is, we are sitting on the Sunshine Coast, and loving the warmer weather. Nights can get a bit cool (down to 4 one night) but the days are glorious!
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