Two types of free campers.

Santa · Guru

Two types of free campers.

03_Troopy · Guru

Santa wrote:
With all of the discussion on free camping recently there is an aspect that has been ignored.
Free camping in the outback, that is, well away (at least 20km) from towns and built up area's.
Free camping within town/city limits, we see a constant stream of tips/hints on how to outwit the powers that be, i.e. pull into vacant lots, industrial area's etc (little more than squatting) seems this is where most come into conflict with local govt authorities, and of course become very indignant when told to move on.

Yep, two entirely different types. And many people can't see the difference. We try to camp out in the scrub when we can, but it isn't as easy at it was was when we only had a camper trailer. The caravan doesn't like the mud too much I found out. It got a bit sideways on a muddy dirt road in western Queensland in June confuse

Desert Dweller · Guru

We've just arrived home from an 8 week trip in Outback NSW. From Melbourne up the Kidman Way & Mitchell Hwy to a spot just East of Bourke. Down to near Cobar then across to near Broken Hill & down to near Wentworth. We didn't stay in any of the towns mentioned, we did do a quick shop, water top up & refuel though. We spent virtually all of the 8 weeks camping in the bush doing wildlife photography with no-one else around. It was wonderful. Our van is a blacktop van with an under-slung axle for more ground clearance. We had no difficulty getting into our preferred camps along the way. We also have an Outback off-road camper-trailer as well for more ''hard core'' destinations. With the wide open spaces of the Outback why would you want to stay in a caravan park full of people washing & polishing their vans/cars? You have to camp in the Outback to say that you've really been there, not just go from one CP to another looking at endless kms of ''useless scrub'' in between. Towns hold absolutely no interest for us, seen one, seen 'em all.

Santa · Guru

Desert Dweller wrote:
We've just arrived home from an 8 week trip in Outback NSW. From Melbourne up the Kidman Way & Mitchell Hwy to a spot just East of Bourke. Down to near Cobar then across to near Broken Hill & down to near Wentworth. We didn't stay in any of the towns mentioned, we did do a quick shop, water top up & refuel though. We spent virtually all of the 8 weeks camping in the bush doing wildlife photography with no-one else around. It was wonderful. Our van is a blacktop van with an under-slung axle for more ground clearance. We had no difficulty getting into our preferred camps along the way. We also have an Outback off-road camper-trailer as well for more ''hard core'' destinations. With the wide open spaces of the Outback why would you want to stay in a caravan park full of people washing & polishing their vans/cars? You have to camp in the Outback to say that you've really been there, not just go from one CP to another looking at endless kms of ''useless scrub'' in between. Towns hold absolutely no interest for us, seen one, seen 'em all.

Sounds like you had a great trip DD.

The discussion I'm trying to get going here is free camping in the outback versus squatting for a night in a populated area's.

The preference for van park or free camping is a personal thing and is being discussed constantly in other threads.

Jamjar · Senior Member

I have a genuine question.

I don't have a lot of money and used my superannuation to buy my little van.

I bought the van as I have to go to Sydney every 3 months for medical appointments and could no longer afford motels or cabins in caravan parks.

I have a back injury that makes sitting very painful, I never sit when home. So, you can imagine how driving over 500km is difficult.

Now, my question is, if I must travel and am short of cash, is it wrong to pull up anywhere, eg industrial area, if it won't be an inconvenience to anyone other than myself.

I have spent the night at the servo at Yass on the motorway, where all the trucks stop. If you haven't done it I can tell you that sleep doesn't come easy with the constant flow of trucks in and out all night.

J.

Santa · Guru

Jamjar wrote:
I have a genuine question.

I don't have a lot of money and used my superannuation to buy my little van.

I bought the van as I have to go to Sydney every 3 months for medical appointments and could no longer afford motels or cabins in caravan parks.

I have a back injury that makes sitting very painful, I never sit when home. So, you can imagine how driving over 500km is difficult.

Now, my question is, if I must travel and am short of cash, is it wrong to pull up anywhere, eg industrial area, if it won't be an inconvenience to anyone other than myself.

I have spent the night at the servo at Yass on the motorway, where all the trucks stop. If you haven't done it I can tell you that sleep doesn't come easy with the constant flow of trucks in and out all night.

J.

Perhaps the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) is an option worth investigating Jamjar.

http://www.ruralhealthaustralia.gov.au/internet/rha/publishing.nsf/Content/Patient_Assisted_Travel_Schemes

Jamjar · Senior Member

Thanks for that, Santa.

My problem is that I choose to go to Sydney to see my own GP and as I do so, all specialist visits are organised for the same time.

I tried several local DRs and not only is their English appalling they are those overseas Dr's who have been sent to PRACTICE on rural folk in order to get accredited. I can only say that my experiences with them has been an absolute nightmare.

If I need MRI etc, I go to WAGGA, which is a 3 hour drive.

J.

Santa · Guru

If they are referred specialist visits you should be eligible for PATS Jamjar.

Now, the topic is "Two types of free campers." smile

Jamjar · Senior Member

It's complicated Santa, as it is an insurance company problem.

I have to get WorkCover cert from GP every 3 mths! which used to be monthly. They won't cover cost of this as it's my choice to see a Dr 500km away. If my GP sends me for tests the the insurer pays, but only train fare to the specialist and not accommodation, as Im already in Sydney.

They do pay for it all if they are making me see a Dr of their choice, though, as they did in September. They pay for fuel and accommodation, as I won't fly. I took the van and stayed in the caravan park.

J.

Santa · Guru

Jamjar wrote:
It's complicated Santa, as it is an insurance company problem.
I have to get WorkCover cert from GP every 3 mths! which used to be monthly. They won't cover cost of this as it's my choice to see a Dr 500km away. If my GP sends me for tests the the insurer pays, but only train fare to the specialist and not accommodation, as Im already in Sydney.
They do pay for it all if they are making me see a Dr of their choice, though, as they did in September. They pay for fuel and accommodation, as I won't fly. I took the van and stayed in the caravan park.
J.

Sounds like your pretty well on top of it Jamjar.

Suggest we now return to the thread topic, Two types of free campers.

Santa · Guru

03_Troopy wrote:
Santa wrote:
With all of the discussion on free camping recently there is an aspect that has been ignored.
Free camping in the outback, that is, well away (at least 20km) from towns and built up area's.
Free camping within town/city limits, we see a constant stream of tips/hints on how to outwit the powers that be, i.e. pull into vacant lots, industrial area's etc (little more than squatting) seems this is where most come into conflict with local govt authorities, and of course become very indignant when told to move on.

Yep, two entirely different types. And many people can't see the difference.

My perception as well Troopy, wonder why that is?

Lesley F · Senior Member

Many grey nomads are of a mature age, and they no longer wish to pay for some amenities, swimming pools and kids playgrounds they've long outgrown.

brickies · Guru

Santa you are right on the money , We do the dame and don't look to free camp in city and towns , We free camp well out of town and come into town to visit and move out of town to next free camp , If we find lots to do in a town and want to stay longer we book into a caravan park

03_Troopy · Guru

The term "free" in free camping is misconstrued also. Many people think it only means "it doesn't cost you anything" when it used to mean camping where there are no facilities like electricity, tap water etc. Like free diving means diving without the aid of breathing apparatus.

NeilandRaine · Guru

I have seen this argument before and while I agree more mature travelers do not want play grounds etc. I have seen a lot use pools. However, the caravan park must cater for the complete market. I have seen some argue that grey nomads should be given a reduced rate because they do not use the stuff, so they are in fact asking the park owner to discriminate against families. Can you imagine how cranky a young family would be if they could not find a place to holiday because Grey Nomads have filled up all the parks at a reduced rate.

dazren · Guru

Topic is to generalised ? you Cannot say there is Only two types of freecamp, Poor old ''Jamjar'' did not go off topic He was given an opinion of why he should not camp somewhere, and he in turn gave his opinion of why he does, ? Opinions are just that ''Opinions '' ? most times they are wrong, ? sometimes they are right, ? but only if you are of The same opinion,

Over the last 40 years I have done the lot, and enjoyed them all, and to further enjoy my travels, I will keep doing what i have always done, I will Not be told I Must go to a caravan park, [ although i do CHOSE to go to them around 35% of the time,] or to park way outback well away from towns, and as long as I am not trespassing or breaking any laws will go where i want, when i want, including the apparent only two types of freecamps ?

That is my opinion, and what is right for me, -- and Jamjar if you still out there Form your own Opinion on what you want and need to do for you and your lifestyle, as you are the one servicing your needs and wants ? -- Anything else you read on this thread, is only Opinion ?? and Not always suitable to all situations and circumstances,

Santa · Guru

The topic is not to generalised wink wink wink it's quite specific, read the title "two types of free campers" not two types of free camps, the thread has nothing to do with caravan parks.

As Troopy said "The term "free" in free camping is misconstrued also. Many people think it only means "it doesn't cost you anything" when it used to mean camping where there are no facilities like electricity, tap water etc. Like free diving means diving without the aid of breathing apparatus."

As far as I'm concerned the term "free camp" still means camping in remote area's where there are no facilities like electricity, tap water etc.

Seems Troopy and Brickies understand exactly what I'm getting at, the others, not so much, not sure why some have once again introduced the caravan park debate into the discussion. smile

Izabarack · Guru

I figure those who want to stop overnight, on the way somewhere, are one sort of free campers. Essentially these people only want a place to park overnight while they sleep in the RV. A "Rest" stop with a 40 hour is all that is needed for such people. Rest stops either in or out of town are used by these people. It makes no difference to anyone whether or not a self contained traveller stops on some country road or in the middle of town in controlled parking , out of hours.

Another sort of free camper is the person who wants to spend some considerable time, camped somewhere. Tis is the free camper who wants to set up tables, chairs, fire place,, shade structures, and the rest, and stay for a few days. The overstayers in designated free camps generally come from this group.

Iza

Jamjar · Senior Member

Hi Dazren, Poor old Jamjar is a 'she'. :)

Travelling alone and staying in parks is expensive as we pay the same rate as for two. Then there's the fuel and cost of getting the dog minded.

I'm not complaining, just saying that in order to get away from home one sometimes has to look at the cheapest options even if frowned upon.

I still think that if I'm parked in a backstreet somewhere, minding my own business I can't see how it could be a problem.

The advantage of parks are the people you meet, security and the facilities in that order.

Back in the 70s I used to drive from Sydney to Qld with two small children, in a soft top Suzuki jeep. The doors didn't lock, so I'd pull up outside a police station to take a nap. Wonder if that would be ok in the van? :)

Yes, Dazren, I'll do what I need and that will be based on what I can afford at a given time.

I know I'm new to caravanning and this site, but I can't see why there's an issue where folk chose to say, so long as no one is inconvenienced and no harm comes to anyone or the environment.

J.

P.S. Santa, yes I thought it just meant not costing anything.

-- Edited by Jamjar on Monday 26th of October 2015 03:11:22 PM

jules47 · The Happy Helper

We met a couple from NZ who were travelling OZ for a year, they had been six months when we met them. They had very darkened windows in their Trakka motorhome, and have slept in some amazing places - City of Melbourne, Elizabeth Street, opposite the GPO for instance. They shower, clean teeth etc., the night before, get up when they hear sounds outside and move on.

Jamjar · Senior Member

Santa, your paragraph below implied that you were criticising those choosing a range of places to camp, comparing them to 'squatters.' Hence the raising of 'caravan parks' as opposed to staying elsewhere.

'Free camping within town/city limits, we see a constant stream of tips/hints on how to outwit the powers that be, i.e. pull into vacant lots, industrial area's etc (little more than squatting) seems this is where most come into conflict with local govt authorities, and of course become very indignant when told to move on.'

J.

Desert Dweller · Guru

What exactly is this thread trying to achieve, it's seems to be going nowhere? There many different types of ''independent campers'', everyone's different. Some camp near towns, some camp away from towns, some do both. Each to their own.

dishlicker · Senior Member

Santa i understand your point of view . We are set up for complete free camping nowhere near a town or other contact. We fuel and shop in towns before turning of the only time i have ever camped in an industrial area is when i was being paid to deliver goods and lying in a bunk in truck is defernatly not camping. OH BUY the way Santa weres my ------------ bike cheers to all.

dazren · Guru

Desert dweller wrote [ in part ] -- What exactly is this thread trying to achieve,

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So from this post i have ascertained there is only 2 types of free camping, depending on ones Opinion ?

I have also ascertained that there is also two types of Opinion, ?

One is to have an Opinion and be Non Accepting of others point of view or circumstances,

and the other is to have an Opinion and Be Accepting, ? this is the one i prefer

some, will understand, what I'm getting at, the others, not so much, wink smile

-- Edited by dazren on Monday 26th of October 2015 07:28:36 PM

Delta18 · Guru

dazren wrote:
Desert dweller wrote [ in part ] -- What exactly is this thread trying to achieve,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So from this post i have ascertained there is only 2 types of free camping, depending on ones Opinion ?
I have also ascertained that there is also two types of Opinion, ?
One is to have an Opinion and be Non Accepting of others point of view or circumstances,
and the other is to have an Opinion and Be Accepting, ? this is the one i prefer
some, will understand, what I'm getting at, the others, not so much,

-- Edited by dazren on Monday 26th of October 2015 07:28:36 PM

Where is the "Like" button....oh, here it is.

Lesley F · Senior Member

A bit off topic, but I have to laugh about some women "swimming" in a pool

I spent a long time in Broome, and used the pool every day.

I was surprised to see ladies carefully enter the pool, walk until the water reached their shoulders, stand still, chat with other guests, then carefully leave without a ripple, so their hair didn't get wet.

There's a bit of devil in me, I use to swim frantically, splashing my arms and legs, creating a small tsunami, leaving the women to bolt for cover to protect their perfectly groomed hair styles. This also provided more space for the guests that actually wanted to move their bodies. lol lol

Cheers Lesley

Baz421 · Guru

Lesley F wrote:
A bit off topic, but I have to laugh about some women "swimming" in a pool
I spent a long time in Broome, and used the pool every day.
I was surprised to see ladies carefully enter the pool, walk until the water reached their shoulders, stand still, chat with other guests, then carefully leave without a ripple, so their hair didn't get wet.
There's a bit of devil in me, I use to swim frantically, splashing my arms and legs, creating a small tsunami, leaving the women to bolt for cover to protect their perfectly groomed hair styles. This also provided more space for the guests that actually wanted to move their bodies. lol lol
Cheers Lesley

Judging by some of your posts in funnies Lesley,,,, a bit of the devil and a good sense of humour, I like that combination.

Baz421 · Guru

Jamjar wrote:
I have a genuine question.

Now, my question is, if I must travel and am short of cash, is it wrong to pull up anywhere, eg industrial area, if it won't be an inconvenience to anyone other than myself.

I have spent the night at the servo at Yass on the motorway, where all the trucks stop. If you haven't done it I can tell you that sleep doesn't come easy with the constant flow of trucks in and out all night.

J.

Yes of course you can stay in industrial areas.

We have at times and the beauty is there is a "free" security service that comes around,,,lol.

The 2% will hit me for that last comment, who cares.

Jamjar · Senior Member

I'd be the same, Lesley. :)

Yes, the security could be a bonus, Baz.

PeterD · Guru

Jamjar wrote:
I bought the van as I have to go to Sydney every 3 months for medical appointments and could no longer afford motels or cabins in caravan parks.

Have you investigated Wanderest Travellers Park at Richmond? The camping is free or $10 with power. You get in by visiting the club across the road, become a member and get the boom gate entry key. It's an easy walk to the railway station.

-- Edited by PeterD on Tuesday 27th of October 2015 08:48:28 AM