Page 3 - Caravan World Magazine Making the Most of IT

further information
CARAVAN PARK ASSOCIATIONS
Top Tourist Parks, (08) 8363 1901, www.toptouristparks.com.au
Oz Parks, (03) 5983 0251, www.ozparks.com.au
Big4 Holiday Parks, 1800 632 444, www.big4.com.au
Family Parks, 1300 855 707, www.familyparks.com.au
NATIONAL PARKS
NSW – www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ nationalparks
Vic – www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
Qld – www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_
forests
WA – www.naturebase.net
SA – www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks NT – www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks
Tas – www.parks.tas.gov.au
AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATIONS
NSW – www.nrma.com.au Vic – www.racv.com.au Qld – www.racq.com.au WA – www.racwa.com.au SA – www.raa.net
NT – www.aant.com.au Tas – www.ract.com.au
ONLINE MAPS
www.google.com.au/maps www.whereis.com
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteering Australia – www.govolunteer.com.au
Conservation Connect – www.conservationvolunteers.com.au
CASUAL/TEMPORARY WORK
www.greynomadsemployment.com www.jobsearch.gov.au/harvesttrail www.jobaroo.com www.daywork.com.au www.simplyhired.com.au
PARKS FOR FOSSICKERS
• Bedrock Village Caravan Park,
Mt Surprise, Qld, (07) 4062 3191, www.bedrockvillage.com.au
• Gemtree Caravan Park, Plenty Highwawy north-east of Alice, NT, (08) 8956 9855, www.gemtree.com.au
time on the road and give you years of touring instead of just weeks or months.
INFORMATION
Information centres are great sources of, well, information: look for a blue
or yellow italicised ‘i’ to indicate accreditation, which means you’ll get unbiased help. They generally have
free maps of the region, along with brochures and other publications. If you have a special interest, such as bushwalking or birdwatching or four- wheel-driving, ask for specific help
on that. Also ask about guided tours, ranger-led tours in national parks and so on. Often, tourist information centres have displays that lend an insight into the area.
If you’re a member of an automobile association, you’ll have reciprocal membership rights in the other states which entitles you to free or discounted maps, accommodation guides and the like at branch offices and other local outlets.
Of course guidebooks and field guides can also enhance the journey. Don’t overlook information from locals and other travellers either: they can often point you in the direction of unexpected adventures or experiences. And as you travel, keep an eye out for points of interest along the way: free museums
in small towns, memorials, botanical gardens, interpretive and nature walks, historical sites – the list is endless.
GUIDED TOURS
Small, guided tours might at first appear expensive but are often well worth the money when you consider the cost of fuel, wear and tear on your vehicle, the advantage of local
Marree camel races, SA.
knowledge and the chance to meet like-minded travellers. They sometimes go to places that are impossible to get
to without a 4WD or that may even be closed to ‘normal’ visitors. The key to a good tour is a small operation in a small vehicle; the larger bus operations aren’t nearly as personal.
TRAVELLING ALONE
For the lone traveller, a camp setup
that is easy to manage is essential. A campervan might be the go, or a camper trailer that is easy to erect. A small van will also work so long as you can hook it up on your own.
When travelling alone, it won’t be long before campground neighbours have invited you over for nibbles and drinks. Staying in national parks will allow you to join ranger-guided activities and to meet other campers. Information centres will be able to provide details of local clubs such as the historical society, bowls club and walking club that welcome visitors.
TRAVELLING COUPLES
Perhaps the greatest source of marital strife when travelling is reversing the caravan onto a site, and then hooking up again to leave. Find a way to work out this aspect of travel ASAP, and everything else should be smooth sailing.
Another aspect to long-term travel for couples is that, after a period of time in the one place, you might become bored. The Volunteering Australia initiative has a website called GoVolunteer where you can find volunteer opportunities that might just be the highlight of a trip. Also, Conservation Connect can alert you to a nearby national park that may
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