Friends are just starting out travelling and would like to know more about freecamping. Not so much where to free camp but what to consider about freecamping. How to pick a site, what is needed, etc. They have a supreme 23 ft caravan and a ranger 4 wd. They reckon they have a couple of batteries and solar panels. They appear to be self contained. Any hints that I could pass on. I suggested this site to them.
They should follow your suggestion and get the information first hand from this site or others. No use you doing their ground work they have to do it them selves.
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Free Camping is not PC here. And never ever mention pensioner discounts even in a light hearted manner. You must pay your way as the self satisfied loud mouths say. I suspect they are just trolls out to upset the unwary.
Take no notice.
There are numerous topics discussing the whats and wherefores of free camping. Just do a search.
Happy an safe travelling
-- Edited by msg on Tuesday 9th of May 2017 07:42:42 PM
I agree with Bear. (G'day Bear)Tell them to join up on this great forum and do a search. Heaps and heaps of info down in in dungeon.
In the mean time, plenty of solar power, batteries and someway of transporting fresh water. Worth thinking about what they will do with grey water as well.
Download Wikicamps on their phone, tablet or poota and get a copy of Camps Australia Wide.
Most of all, just get out in the playground and enjoy.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Tuesday 9th of May 2017 08:07:43 PM
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Free Camping is not PC here. And never ever mention pensioner discounts even in a light hearted manner. You must pay your way as the self satisfied loud mouths say. I suspect they are just trolls out to upset the unwary.
Take no notice.
There are numerous topics discussing the whats and wherefores of free camping. Just do a search.
Happy an safe travelling
Gday...
Dear OH Dear Mel.
I have an inkling on what has prompted this unwarranted outburst about this forum and its members.
What is so called as "free" camping is openly supported, and utilised, by the majority of members .......... and discussed quite openly.
It would not be an exaggeration to suggest the majority of member travellers access "free" and 'low-cost/no cost' places to camp as well as patronising van parks, showgrounds etc.
Your assertion that 'free' camping is not PC on this forum is a misrepresentation.
The ability to access 'discounts' is not frowned on by, again, the majority of members. It seems that the opinion of a few members that 'chasing/soliciting' freebies/discounts was not what THEY saw as their life-style choice has not met with your approval.
Your unfortunate statement that some members are "self satisfied loud mouths' causes one to shake one's head in sadness.
Surprisingly, while there have been some members, from time to time, who were what is usually referred to as 'forum trolls' on this forum, I doubt there any such types that dwell here these days. The vast majority of posters/members provide valuable advice from their experience and many include humour in the little gems of information they provide. The broadness and depth of the various opinions and suggestions is laudable.
It would perhaps be best if you were to climb down from your pedestal (and I mean pedestal - not soapbox) and join in the rest of the members of the forum.
Cheers - John
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2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Auto - 2008 23ft Golden Eagle Hunter Some people feel the rain - the others just get wet - Bob Dylan
G'day again.
Our friends were particularly wondering about safety and security when free camping. Any hints?
Thanks for the responses so far.
Regards Robert
G'day again. Our friends were particularly wondering about safety and security when free camping. Any hints? Thanks for the responses so far. Regards Robert
Gday...
I can only speak from experience. I have been camping all around most of Australia for the past 50 years. Like most, I used to camp in tents, ultimately graduated to camper trailers and now into a van for the past eight years - travelling full-time. I have been predominantly a 'solo camper' - except when the kids were growing up and they enjoyed tagging along.
I have always preferred camping .. by that I mean actually camping ... staying in camp grounds, on rivers, creeks, lakes, weirs etc. I still camp in National parks, State Parks and anywhere that is away from the 'maddening crowd'. I "free" camp (or 'low-cost' camp) predominantly - only going to showgrounds or van parks as an unavoidable necessity.
I have not had any problem with either my safety or security when camped.
I would, however, suggest you take note of the news media. There are constant instances of threats to one's safety and security in cities and towns. Every day the papers and TV scream it at us.
It is very rare to hear of those threats to one's safety or security at camp sites.
Obviously, it is sensible to choose a camp spot that is not within, or close to, towns/cities. Similarly, it is sensible to avoid any camp spot that shows signs of 'locals enjoying themselves' ... eg overfull bins, wheelie marks, alcohol containers scattered around. Give those a wide berth - if you arrive at one ... move on to a more 'safe one'.
Camping in 'rest areas' beside main roads are also fairly safe .. but not as welcoming as actual camp spots .. and they do need more common sense in their choice.
One simply needs to exercise common sense .. and gut feeling sometimes ... and you will be both secure and safe.
cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Tuesday 9th of May 2017 09:23:25 PM
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2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Auto - 2008 23ft Golden Eagle Hunter Some people feel the rain - the others just get wet - Bob Dylan
Friends are just starting out travelling and would like to know more about freecamping. Not so much where to free camp but what to consider about freecamping. How to pick a site, what is needed, etc. They have a supreme 23 ft caravan and a ranger 4 wd. They reckon they have a couple of batteries and solar panels. They appear to be self contained. Any hints that I could pass on. I suggested this site to them.
Regards Robert
We are all different, and we are all in different situation
But... I will assume that none of us were born, knowing everything I will also assume that, none of us knew everything, on our very first road trip
What worked for me was
I lurked on this, and other caravan forums, to see what was what, and to file away information Obtained Camps Australia Wide (book 6, I think) Planned my route Using free camps, I would always say hello, to a few others around me
When I explained that this was my very first lap, and long distance travelling I received plenty of good advice, from people of all ages, who were experienced travellers
I came across several females travelling on their own So as John above has already said, out and away from the cities, people are safe to use the free camps
I hope that this, and all the other information given by others, will help your friend
G'day again. Our friends were particularly wondering about safety and security when free camping. Any hints? Thanks for the responses so far. Regards Robert
As far as safety goes, get onto e-bay and get a couple of cans of Pepper Spray. You can get it from Hong Kong or in WA go to the Army Surplus store in Wellington street. I have never used it but, I carry a good quality water pistol full of 50 / 50 water and bleach. I'll probably get shot down for that but, it can be a rough world out there and I would rather be in court for hurting somebody, than be DEAD.
It is difficult being honest, and I don't want to upset anybody, but everybody can do it their own way.
Aussie wrote: As far as safety goes, get onto e-bay and get a couple of cans of Pepper Spray. You can get it from Hong Kong or in WA go to the Army Surplus store in Wellington street. I have never used it but, I carry a good quality water pistol full of 50 / 50 water and bleach. I'll probably get shot down for that but, it can be a rough world out there and I would rather be in court for hurting somebody, than be DEAD.
It is difficult being honest, and I don't want to upset anybody, but everybody can do it their own way.
Is that the one on the corner of Pier Street???? If so, I worked there for a couple of weeks when I was about 15, was owned by "Abe" and his brother. Funny how snippets like that can bring back memories....
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Also madaboutled, I worked down the road at J&E Ledgers Eng shop for 4 months in the store, before I got an apprentaship start at Hoskins, latter Vickers Hoskins Eng. Heath Ledger was a Great or Great grand kid of theirs. Boy it's a small world.
G'day again. Our friends were particularly wondering about safety and security when free camping. Any hints? Thanks for the responses so far. Regards Robert
This is a simple one in my view .
Just protect yourself and your loved ones and property with whatever it takes .
Drug addled assailants have no respect for protocol or what is legal in Aus and what is not , neutralise the threat , deal with the consequences later .
Tell your friends to make sure that the camp that they are staying at IS A FREE CAMP. There are lots of people making DONATION CAMPS free camps these days. I think it's called theft?
Some people think there are only two types of places camp. Caravan Parks & free camps. WRONG!
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Cheers Keith & Judy
Don't take life too seriously, it never ends well.
Trip Reports posted on feathersandphotos.com.au Go to Forums then Trip Reports.
Tell your friends to make sure that the camp that they are staying at IS A FREE CAMP. There are lots of people making DONATION CAMPS free camps these days. I think it's called theft?
Some people think there are only two types of places camp. Caravan Parks & free camps. WRONG!
Don't forget the 48 hr stops that have weekly and monthly "visitors" too.
A Local Parking inspector with a couple of heavy parking tickets would soon sort that out.
Walk through with camera. every plate.
once a day then check numbers. everyone on third day. Just email a $170 PN ticket.
Renewed every day they overstay.
Those things are a legal document nowadyas and the law follows them
up.
Perfect.
Pity they couldn't have some sort of Card system for the honesty ones too. Stop at visitors centre or
council offices.
PAY for card to access through a boom. And use again in morn to get out. Machine retaining card.
The amount of BUMS that don't pay. would soon cover costs of hey.
Stealth is best..
Get breast Xray or RBT logo on van.. Lol..
We have never had any issues.. We camp in towns or way out in proper stop areas on side of the road..
What I have found.. Is to find a place WELL before sunset.. I couldn't tell you how many times we've stoped at a place
not 100 % perfect.. Only to drive no more than 1/4 klmr to go past a perfect spot..Ahh.. Yes wiki camps and a good GPS..
This is just stoping overnight,, There are places where you can stop for as long as you like..
Whoever invented the term FREE CAMPING needs to be shot. We camp in the bush most of the time by choice. Not because it's free but because it's a lot more interesting enjoying Australia's wildlife than looking at people in other RV's doing their thing. Our BUSH CAMPING just happens to cost nothing, we've been doing it for 40 years. No neighbours & no generators just the call of the wild. We use Wikicamps to research popular spots to avoid & make our own camps mostly except for the occasional Rest Area or small Community Donation Camp for a night.
-- Edited by Desert Dweller on Thursday 11th of May 2017 05:52:41 AM
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Cheers Keith & Judy
Don't take life too seriously, it never ends well.
Trip Reports posted on feathersandphotos.com.au Go to Forums then Trip Reports.
Bush camp is where you and others camp , Free camps is where some want to camp in towns with all the frills provided for free.
Gday...
I do understand how and why some folk feel there is a 'security or safety' problem with camping ... wherever it may be.
I simply highlight the real world situation. If you are afraid of your safety and security in your home in a town/city then you will quite probably have the same feelings, perhaps exaggerated, when camping in your travels.
If you have a baseball bat, pepper spray, wasp killer, (RBT signs?) etc etc in or on your home in the town/city ... then either your demeanour will require the same level of 'protection devices' when travelling .... or don't go camping. Even staying in van parks has a higher chance of being robbed or harassed than being out in the bush at a camp spot.
Quite apart from those who travel and/or camp outside towns/cities in this fantastic land, those who LIVE in country areas have a far lower chance of their safety and/or security being compromised.
One simply needs to take some time listening, watching or reading the media. People are much safer and secure in the bush.
Cheers - John
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2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Auto - 2008 23ft Golden Eagle Hunter Some people feel the rain - the others just get wet - Bob Dylan
Exactly ^^ I was being facetious about security.. I have the attitude is not to let the bastards win! We for example flew one of our world trips booked etc just after 9/11..
Dear OH Dear Mel. 
