We travel to Canberra regularly as our kids are there. Take plenty of warm clothes and a heater. It gets freezing that time of year. Snow is not unknown.
Caravan park is at the main showgrounds exhibition centre on Northborne Ave which is the extension of the Federal Highway.
If you want a bit more low cost, the Bungendore showgrounds has a camp site for a small fee. Not sure what it is now but was fairly reasonable last I checked.
Gundaroo show ground also has camping. Was free at last count. Both of these are a bit out of Canberra but a fairly easy drive in.
We go to Canberra now and then. The weather can be good or bad depending on the changes going through. But very cold if it goes that way. Otherwise not so bad but perhaps a Queenslander will find it cold though. The wind is always there and cold so good coats are necessary and then rug up in normal cold weather clothes and gear. Plenty of things to look at there. Get to see the things your taxes built
If you plan on staying in the Exhibition center camping ground, which is a good central place with transport in to town, be aware they can be full if there is something happening there. EG a show or folk festival, car show etc. Might only be for a few days, but enquire and book ahead.
There are some other caravan parks close on the north side just out of the ACT and I have stayed at two which were good. I forget which now. Here is a link to a list site that has them all possibly ! Or go to the tourist information center site.
Much appreciated, will definitely pack warm clothes. I have heard the pipes in caravans can freeze, can this potentially cause splitting in the pipes or any other damages? Do you need to put antifreeze in the toilet?
Cheers Gregl
G'day Greg,
The secret in dressing be it in Canberra or Canada, is layers - as you warm up just take the outer lot off.
As the toilets don't have external pipes, I don't believe you'll need anti-freeze.
We used to stay at the Alivio Tourist Park before our son rebuilt his house. At the time we had a Jayco Eagle & doing the 2-4am walk to the facilities certainly encouraged us to buy a van with a toilet on board!! I think the average temperature at those times was around -4 degrees.
One morning my wife heard the hand dryer going continuously & investigated. A young German back-packer had been sleeping in her car & was rather cold. We took pity on her & loaned her a couple of heavy cotton blankets & a hot water bottle. She didn't believe that Australia could be so cold!
We have expected not to get them back but when we returned later that day, our gear was there folded up on the van.
Go & see the sights if the roads are open - eg the Brindabella Mtns.
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Warren
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If you don't get it done today, there's always tomorrow!
Good luck is not what you want. It is good management that is the core of a pleasant stay. This is how I cope. I learned all this whilst living in Kaleen.The ACT is a great place when you learn the tricks.
Dressing in layers (already mentioned above) is the secret of staying warm. A good heavy windproof overcoat is required for the outer layer together with a good scarf. Wear good solid shoes and warm socks, not designer shoes.
For warmth in the van, a 2.4 kW fan heater is required, an air conditioner is fairly useless, many do not work on reverse cycle below 8 degrees. A good under blanket as well as an electric blanket is required. A few blankets under the doona goes well.
Frost can upset your routine. Your water supply hose will freeze up. Fill the jug/kettle before you retire and if you require more water than that then fill a container as well. Shower before retiring and not after you arise. If you need your wheels before 10 AM then cover the windscreen with news paper. Park the windscreen wipers vertically using the ignition switch and use them to secure a few sheets of paper.
When traveling to work by bus I preferred frosty mornings. Frost means a bright sunny day with no wind. If we had a -2 degree frost I was quite comfortable standing at the bus stop in a good jumper. If we had a +2 degree morning it would mean strong wind and/or rain. You would find me down at the bus stop wearing a horse rug over my jumper.
-- Edited by PeterD on Friday 8th of March 2019 09:52:47 PM
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
We have just spent 12 months in the High Country of Victoria where it gets bl**dy cold. Best thing to do is not to leave your water hose attached from tap to the van. Make sure your tanks are full, then you will have your water in the morning for coffee and showers.
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DUNMOWIN is no longer on the road and still DUNMOWIN!
