Best advice for a new traveller about to tour Australia ( What advice did you wish you knew before leaving)

Not so grey nomad · Newbie

Best advice for a new traveller about to tour Australia ( What advice did you wish you knew before leaving)

Karramar · Member

Not so grey nomad wrote:
Hi all,

I'm just checking in to say hi, and hopefully, I could pick your brains for some of your best tricks and tips that you wish you knew before setting off on your dream adventure around Australia.

My name is Darran, and I have been a travelling Auto electrician for the past ten years working at various places throughout Queensland. My Mum recant told me she was about to do the lap of Australia with her partner in their caravan, not having much experience in the outdoors they are a little worried about their upcoming adventure. I have been showing them some tips and skills from my travelling experience but I was hoping to get some advice from some of the serious travellers in this group.
What are your go-to products, safety equipment and things you wouldn't leave home with? Web sites you use for information, camping, safety etc.
Thank you all in advance.
Not so grey nomad

We too are starting to plan this trip. Can I suggest you go to www.expeditionaustralia.com.au and download Steve's 300 page ebook dedicated to planning a trip around Australia. Tips and tricks, your vehicle & accommodation, what to take, etc. I have found it to be a wealth of information from someone who has already done it.

Kerryn

86GTS · Guru

Best advice would be to take plenty of time.

Pre-Covid, friends of ours did Melbourne to Perth to Broome to Darwin to Alice Springs to Adelaide to Melbourne in 9 weeks.

On arriving back in Melbourne they said ''We've seen all there is to see in that half of Australia''.

Don't leave home without Wikicamps.

Possum3 · Guru

Welcome to GN's Darran. Ensure you are adequately covered for Ambulance and other health insurances - Differing States have different eligibilities - Have adequate communication - Mobiles do not work all over Australia - They brag of +90% population covered whereas over 90% of the Country has no service.
Equipment and tools that always must be carried is governed by where you are going - First aid kit is an absolute must have, even to drive around town. It is a good idea to carry some dry and canned food (refrigeration may fail). UHT Juice and milk good idea.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Buy a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon). Best, cheapest insurance you can get. $300 for 7 years.
Never miss an opportunity to do something different. Forget about being at a particular place on a particular day.
Be capable of spending a week or more without supplies or services of any kind.
100km per day is a good average. Travel 3 or 4 days maximum and then park up for 2 or 3 nights, smell the roses and explore the area. The slower you travel, the better the fuel consumption and the lower the total costs.
Cheers,
Peter

Hendo · Guru

When selecting what clothes to take, follow this golden rule "one on, one off and one in the wash". You don't need any more than this.
Safe Travels
Hendo

Whenarewethere · Guru

TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system). I could go on.

Anyway.

Do a weekender locally. Then do a week. Then do a 2 to 3 week trip.

It builds up confidence. You are close to home if thing go wrong.

They will find things they did not think of.

More importantly, they will find far more things that they don't need that simply pushes them over the payload.

Leave them at home.

Do a payload spreadsheet of every last item including phone charging cables. You will be horrified how quickly the tiny things add up.

elliemike · Guru

When you get your Rig.

May I suggest before buying all the things you think you may need.

Also all the things advertised that you cannot possibly do without.

1. Use what you have at home in the cupboards and drawers e.g. Cutlery, Utensils, Cookware. Plates.

2. Go away with your rig for a long weekend, close to home to have a shakedown couple of days .

3. You will soon find out what you need in your van. By doing progressively more Nights Away.

First timers (and yes we all have made the same mistake) Fill the drawers and cupboards up with lots of gear that is NEVER used.

Take minimum Clothing, Your on a continuous Holiday and dont need the Tux, Evening Gown, or a wardrobe full of clothes.

Op shops are part of the travelling experience.

With just two people you will very rarely have to cater for six. Only take what is needed for two people. Let visitors bring their own.

It's a grand experience being a Traveler.

erad · Guru

You don't say f you intend to free camp or to stay in regular caravan parks. If you choose the latter, allow at least $40 per night average for van park fees - it is not cheap any more. Similarly, fuel is a lot dearer than the cities - expect to pay up to $1 per litre more for fuel than city prices, especially across the Nullarbor.

The peak season for old farts is about May to October - they all leave the Southern states and had North for the winter (I wish that I could do that myself a well).This means that a caravan park will likely be full when you arrive in a town, so you may have to do a bit of forward planning and phone ahead to reserve a site. We found that it was best to reach your destination by 3:00 pm, no later than 4:00 pm for sure.

The size of your caravan will also have some effect on site availability. we arrived in Alice Springs as week before the June long weekend. I was vaguely aware about the Finke Desert Race, and nearly every caravan park in the Alice was full to overflowing. On out third attempt, they asked us how big our van was. I told them 16.5 ft and they offered us the last remaining site in the park, but said it would be crowded. They were right - it was crowded, dusty and busy, but at least we got in. If we had the more usual juggernaut (21 to 24 ft van, we would not have had a chance there. It was a fantastic stay all week. We thoroughly enjoyed the visit...

We don't know your physical limitations or experience, but be aware that the distances between towns in outback places can be rather long and, at times, boring. We have np problems with those aspects - in fact we love them, but not every one does. When you come to a town, seek out the visitor's centre and ask for local information about where to go and what to do. Talk to fellow travellers in the van parks - you will learn heaps about good places to see, where to get cheap fuel, cheap eats etc. More importantly, you may learn where NOT to go, or at least what to expect if you do go there. Again, if you stay in van parks, be prepared that your visit to the toilet amenities may take considerably longer than normal - not because you have the trots, but rather because you are gathering heaps of information about places to see or events happening en route.

In the tourist season, a lot of van parks have a resident bush poet. You bring your chairs and your drinks and sit back and listen to some wonderful entertainment - all for the cost of a gold coin thrown into the hat at the end of the show. The experience of soaking up the poetry as the sun sets is incomparable. Similarly, many places offer a cooked dinner for about $10, and you get to meet all sorts of people who are either going your way or have been where you are going. Very social events indeed.

Must see places: The list is endless, but for the NT alone - Uluru (you cannot climb it any more); The Devil's Marbles; Tennant Creek; Mataranka Springs; Katherine Gorge; Litchfield Nat park; Kakadu - these are just a few places in the NT. The Daly Waters Pub offers cheap camping overnight and excellent meals and entertainment in season. We have been to Alice Springs 7 times, and have spent full days exploring out of town, mainly East or West from town. The last 3 visits we spent a week each time and we still have not seen all of the major attractions. Each state has its own features and I could not even start to list all of them. We have done 3 full trips round the block and 3 half trips as well, and we still have not seen it all.

To quote certain international sportswear advertisement - Just Do It!

-- Edited by erad on Monday 31st of January 2022 08:58:22 PM

travelyounger · Guru

Not so grey nomad wrote:
Hi all,

I'm just checking in to say hi, and hopefully, I could pick your brains for some of your best tricks and tips that you wish you knew before setting off on your dream adventure around Australia.

My name is Darran, and I have been a travelling Auto electrician for the past ten years working at various places throughout Queensland. My Mum recant told me she was about to do the lap of Australia with her partner in their caravan, not having much experience in the outdoors they are a little worried about their upcoming adventure. I have been showing them some tips and skills from my travelling experience but I was hoping to get some advice from some of the serious travellers in this group.
What are your go-to products, safety equipment and things you wouldn't leave home with? Web sites you use for information, camping, safety etc.
Thank you all in advance.
Not so grey nomad

Hi

A few musts for me are firstly my tools I carry just about everything to fix things that go wrong my boat and fishing gear you need a hobby on the road also have your car setup to be a Camp in its self ie fridge solar cooking facility tent or roof top tent and recovery gear if your into 4wd.
Van should also be solar and plenty of water and contrary to what some say the generator will always be on board.

A van with good clearance is a must it does not have to be the big fancy ones but they have most of the stuff you want when off grid or free camping and probably the most important thing is to get on with the passenger or it could go all pear shaped

Cheers

Aussie1 · Guru

Yep, make sure you take a generator. Like a third arm or a really good friend when power is needed.

Hitting the road · Senior Member

FYI...If you are based in Qld then fortunately there should be no issues with Ambulance or emergency assistance...dunno about other States.

"Individuals whose principal place of residence is Queensland, and their dependents (including individuals who are under 25 years of age and a full-time student at an education institution), are automatically covered for emergency pre-hospital ambulance treatment and transport Australia-wide.

If your principal place of residence is Queensland and you receive an invoice for ambulance treatment/transport provided to you or your child/dependent by another state or territory ambulance service, you are requested to forward the invoice to the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) for payment."

i would imagine this would include the RFDS as well as they would come under "ambulance treatment/transport".

TheHeaths · Guru

Only point I would make re Ambulance cover for QLD residents is the wording.

The wording .covered for emergency pre hospital ambulance treatment and transport. suggests you may not be covered if you are required to be moved by ambulance between hospitals or services after initial treatment.

We are in SA and I know we are covered by our health cover for emergency treatment but have taken out premium ambulance cover with SA Ambulance to ensure transfer and interstate coverage. At $80 for the 2 of us for the year, it is probably our best value insurance.

It may pay to check what exactly you are covered for, and where.

chappy · Senior Member

What was important to us was that we had our banking details up to date! My adult daughters were added as able to access our accounts if needed. And the bank was told of our trip. This was invaluable when my account was hacked. Anz contacted us as soon as we were in range after being remote for a week with no phone coverage. Please check if you can access accounts if their is a problem. Our problem happened in June in remote WA in 2011 and the bank initially said our cancelled cards wouldn't be released until we came back to Cairns in December! Also have cash with you at all times.

Cuppa · Guru

No doubt that like many seasoned travellers who frequent this, & other, forums, I could write a book about 'living on the road'.

Here I will offer a single piece of advice.

Slow Down

Easy to say, but far more difficult to do. Some never do, either failing to recognise the benefits, or simply unable to break habits of a lifetime.

If possible have no time limit. If you know when the end of a trip will be, half way through you will be on the 'homeward leg' & that colours everything. Better to know when the halfway point was after you arrive back home.

Travelling slowly is not just about saving money, or making your money go further (it does) but about feeling free of the common need (moreso with males) of always needing to see what is around the next corner, at the expense of really soaking up the enjoying the 'now'. On our first trip (18 months) there were many times we found ourselves camped somewhere 'ordinary', wishing we had spent extra time back at that special place. Even now on the road full time & being a lot more practiced at slowing down it can still take a bit of self discipline not to just 'push on'. We (I) have got a lot better at it though. Doing nothing is rarely a waste of time (& I have become quite good at it).

Travelling slowly also means spending sufficient time in places, not only to to get to know a place or a type of country in more depth, but to make connections too. To BE in that place, rather than just looking at it at as you pass by to the next place. I can recall a time thinking 'Ho hum, just another gorge/beach or whatever & wondering why I was bothering'. I never feel that anywhere now.

Travelling slowly gives you the opportunity to exploit any connections you make to learn of opportunities. It also frees you up to take on those opportunities. The most precious memories are those that were never planned. Little things can figure far more prominently than the 'big ticket' items. Observing Rainbow Bee Eaters enough to learn which were their favourite & regular perches at a camp of several days, so I could best position myself with the camera was immensely satisfying & also conveyed a sense of privilege. Only possible with time. Having breakfast by a beach & having a school of dolphins cruise by in the still mirror like water unexpectedly only occurred because we stopped there. Both little examples of what makes travel special, & every bit as special as visiting the Karijini NP, Uluru, the Bungles or the Lost Cities.

It's easy to hear or read these words, but to really understand them probably for most folk requires them to first do what pretty much everyone does & to do much the opposite. Most, if not all of us do that. But by at least sowing the seed from the outset the possibility may remain, & find more fertile ground once some travelling experience has been gained. I recall thinking prior to our first 'big trip' of 18 months that it was like a lifetime ahead of us, & worrying that we may not fit it all in. Reality was we did more than expected, & the time passed far more quickly than we expected, it was a wonderful experience leaving us wanting more. When we eventually got back 'on the road' full time, without an extended plan we recognised that the experience of simply being 'tourists' was too shallow to sustain us. We thought we had slowed down during that 18 months (& we had a bit) but nothing like our present day travelling lifestyle.

Ask as many folk who have gone before you as you like & you will find a high percentage who will acknowledge wishing they had taken more time, but virtually none who will say they wish they had done it quicker.

Everyone is different & there is no right or wrong way to travel .... oops that's a 2nd piece of advice. :)

Feel free to get a better sense of what it's like to be us travelling from reading our blog(s) - links at bottom of post.

If nothing else, before leaving, heck, before all the planning & anticipation, ask yourselves what it is about going which is attracting you to going. Do you want a holiday, a taster of the 'gypsy life" or something else.

-- Edited by Cuppa on Thursday 17th of February 2022 04:01:26 PM

-- Edited by Cuppa on Thursday 17th of February 2022 04:01:58 PM

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Always check your equipment. Tyres to stabilisers . TV areal up or down ! Avery thing tied and secured before leaving ! Is plug put away from power box ? Get a GOOD night sleep before traveling ! Dont be tempted to push on ! Stop and camp if required . The boogy man wont get you if you park off the road and rest ! Infact theres signs there to say where next rest area is !! But NEVER be afraid to stop and rest if drowsily or tired !! Best thing is experience ! Do some reversing experience at home before you leave ? A good cheap hand held walky talky comes in handy . To talk and guide into places . Or communicate short distance ? Just do it .Take youre time !!

Whenarewethere · Guru

Gravel pits are a great place to stop for the night. Trucks will use the big ones so park to the side so as not to inconvenience them.

The old unused ones are great, often overgrown, plenty of places to turn. Just need to keep your eyes peeled.

peter67 · Guru

Cuppa wrote:
No doubt that like many seasoned travellers who frequent this, & other, forums, I could write a book about 'living on the road'.

Here I will offer a single piece of advice.

Slow Down
Easy to say, but far more difficult to do. Some never do, either failing to recognise the benefits, or simply unable to break habits of a lifetime.
If possible have no time limit. If you know when the end of a trip will be, half way through you will be on the 'homeward leg' & that colours everything. Better to know when the halfway point was after you arrive back home.
Travelling slowly is not just about saving money, or making your money go further (it does) but about feeling free of the common need (moreso with males) of always needing to see what is around the next corner, at the expense of really soaking up the enjoying the 'now'. On our first trip (18 months) there were many times we found ourselves camped somewhere 'ordinary', wishing we had spent extra time back at that special place. Even now on the road full time & being a lot more practiced at slowing down it can still take a bit of self discipline not to just 'push on'. We (I) have got a lot better at it though. Doing nothing is rarely a waste of time (& I have become quite good at it).
Travelling slowly also means spending sufficient time in places, not only to to get to know a place or a type of country in more depth, but to make connections too. To BE in that place, rather than just looking at it at as you pass by to the next place. I can recall a time thinking 'Ho hum, just another gorge/beach or whatever & wondering why I was bothering'. I never feel that anywhere now.
Travelling slowly gives you the opportunity to exploit any connections you make to learn of opportunities. It also frees you up to take on those opportunities. The most precious memories are those that were never planned. Little things can figure far more prominently than the 'big ticket' items. Observing Rainbow Bee Eaters enough to learn which were their favourite & regular perches at a camp of several days, so I could best position myself with the camera was immensely satisfying & also conveyed a sense of privilege. Only possible with time. Having breakfast by a beach & having a school of dolphins cruise by in the still mirror like water unexpectedly only occurred because we stopped there. Both little examples of what makes travel special, & every bit as special as visiting the Karijini NP, Uluru, the Bungles or the Lost Cities.
It's easy to hear or read these words, but to really understand them probably for most folk requires them to first do what pretty much everyone does & to do much the opposite. Most, if not all of us do that. But by at least sowing the seed from the outset the possibility may remain, & find more fertile ground once some travelling experience has been gained. I recall thinking prior to our first 'big trip' of 18 months that it was like a lifetime ahead of us, & worrying that we may not fit it all in. Reality was we did more than expected, & the time passed far more quickly than we expected, it was a wonderful experience leaving us wanting more. When we eventually got back 'on the road' full time, without an extended plan we recognised that the experience of simply being 'tourists' was too shallow to sustain us. We thought we had slowed down during that 18 months (& we had a bit) but nothing like our present day travelling lifestyle.
Ask as many folk who have gone before you as you like & you will find a high percentage who will acknowledge wishing they had taken more time, but virtually none who will say they wish they had done it quicker.
Everyone is different & there is no right or wrong way to travel .... oops that's a 2nd piece of advice. :)
Feel free to get a better sense of what it's like to be us travelling from reading our blog(s) - links at bottom of post.
If nothing else, before leaving, heck, before all the planning & anticipation, ask yourselves what it is about going which is attracting you to going. Do you want a holiday, a taster of the 'gypsy life" or something else.

-- Edited by Cuppa on Thursday 17th of February 2022 04:01:26 PM

-- Edited by Cuppa on Thursday 17th of February 2022 04:01:58 PM

Thanks heaps cuppa, best all round advice I've ever read.

gdayjr · Senior Member

I have been touring on a motorbike for the last 15 years, just weekends away, and a few weeks at a time, before returning home again.

One thing that always intrigued me was all those small towns along the highway, and back roads.

I ask myself why are they here? why did people decide to build a home here? often in the middle of nowhere?

I now take the time to do a bit of research into the history, and backstory of some of these towns.

For me it used to be about getting from home to the destination, taking the most scenic back roads as we could.

Now its not about the destination, it is all about the journey.

I am looking forward to being a full-time nomad in about 6 months time.

In a very well-equipped caravan and prime mover, with ZERO-time frame, just going with flow.

-- Edited by gdayjr on Friday 18th of February 2022 07:16:22 AM

Whenarewethere · Guru

We love the back roads, apart from being quieter, simply more interesting. A couple we have done:

One trip we came back from Tasmania on the Cat, that long ago. Then drove straight up from Port Welshpool to Jindabyne. The back roads & scenery were brilliant.

Another one is from Adelaide to Port Augusta on the east side of the range.

In NSW came down from Tabulum to Baryulgil to Jackadgery. It was a long drive but enjoyable to get off the bitumen. Camped in Washpool NP that night. That

2019 we came back east on "Australia's Longest Shortcut", loved it. The dirt road was surprisingly good. Corrugations mostly in Northern Territory. It was a nice change from the 2 sealed roads east west. Want to do that again.

It's the journey, not the destination.

mixo · Senior Member

Not much to go on, like you travelling around australia on the blacktop or going to far away places off the beaten track.

I have travelled with my wife and kids around most of Australia.

You dont need anything special, just a well looked after car/truck i.e serviced correctly..

Just go and do it and see what you need as you travel.

I see it all the time, everyone has every gadget, 4x4 kitted up, fire pits, sat phones , cd radios, huge bull bars, 20" lifts.

If you touring you dont really need any of it. Would it be nice to have sure.

This goes for caravans as well. It does my head when it takes me 20+ minutes to setup when I arrive at my camp.Do you need all the awnings/webers/chairs/mats/etc etc etc. I dont find it fun setting up and then packing away sh!t because its the "in" thing or someone on youtube said , its a must have.

The only thing I have that I use currently is wikicamps. well worth the 8 bucks.

Anyway thats my 2 cents worth.

I'm still learning and i'm getting rid of stuff that was a must have.I also fall for it from time to time when I see my neigbour use something that looks interesting that i THINK might help do the job easier and finding out that it was a complete waste of time and money.

Start with zero and work you way to things that suit your style.

mixo

p.s edit because did not like the word Sh!t..

-- Edited by mixo on Friday 18th of February 2022 12:51:43 PM

-- Edited by mixo on Friday 18th of February 2022 12:52:13 PM

Cuppa · Guru