the

‘Nomads: expect the unexpected’A couple of horrific caravan park accidents in the past few weeks has once again highlighted the need for grey nomads and all travellers to remain vigilant in what can be a constantly changing camping environment.Late last month, a 17-month-old girl died after being struck by a 4WD vehicle at a park in Lake Conjola on the New South Wales South Coast.And just a week ago, a man sleeping in a tent at a caravan park at Deloraine in Tasmania was inadvertently run over by caravanners returning to their site after dark. The tent had been set up while the couple were out for the day close to where they had previously been parking their car. The 46-year-old man inside the tent suffered minor chest injuries.While investigations into these specific incidents will be ongo-ing, the broader lesson that caravanners and motohomers can – and should – learn is that they should always expect the unexpected. With children sometimes running and skating around erratically, and stressed travel-

lers often preoccupied looking for their sites, it is easy to see why accidents are so common in caravan parks.While many parks try to make things safer by implementing 10km/h speed limits and in-troducing speed bumps, there is no way you can legislate for the unpredictable behaviour of others.Solo traveller Gwynnie Cahill says she has noticed a growing trend for campers, particularly those from overseas, setting up close to other campers. She recalls a recent incident in Western Australia where she parked well away from others and settled in for the night.“You could imagine my surprise as I climbed down the stairs of my rear door open-ing slide-on camper the next morning and actually tripped over the tent ropes of the tourist camped next door,” she said. “They would have been in

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a precarious situation if I had reversed back, instead of going forward!”Tony S has also had experience of people camping ‘almost under the awning’ and says it is normally done to offer them a sense of security. “On one occasion, behind the pub in Triabunna, Tasmania, we had a trio of girls from France set up their tent so close to our awning that if we stumbled coming out of our van, we would have ended up in their tent,” he said. “They told us that, when making ar-rangements in Europe to travel Australia, their main concern was of being attacked or harassed so they were advised to camp very close to ‘people like us’, which I suppose was a compliment.”• Have you ever had an ac-cident or a near-accident in a caravan park? Click to comment

Issue 191 February 8, 2019

You never know who may be using the road ... even in remote camps

In this issue: •Something in the Eyre •Solo shares security tips •Power struggle for electric vehicles

TimesA massive thank you to allGNT readers who respond-ed to our start-of-the-yearappeal for funds to supportthe running of the newslet-ter. Your voluntary contribu-tions will make a hugedifference, and enable us tokeep improving. Since it wasfirst sent out eight years ago, the newsletter’s popularity – and that of our website and busy forum – have grown, and so too has the workload involved. The GNT’s aim is to reach as many grey nomads as possible so, rather than charging all GNT read-ers a subscription, we are asking anyone who enjoys the publication – and who appreciates the work that goes into producing it – to consider making a one off annual contribution (see below). Thanks again to all. How to help:Direct Deposit: Funds can be deposited directly into this account: BSB: 062521Acct Number: 10297520

Post a cheque: Chequesshould be made payableto ‘The Grey Nomads’ and posted to: The Grey No-mads, PO Box 5316, Gold Coast MC, QLD 9726

Paypal: Click here or goto http://www.thegreyno-mads.com.au/shop/ andselect ‘Grey Nomad Timesvoluntary subscription’

Many thanksfor supporting the GNT

Horror accidents highlight dangers of ever-changing

campsite environment

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

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Feeling safe and secure is high on the priority list of all grey nomads camping in remote country, but perhaps particularly so for solo female travellers.Veteran traveller Gwynnie Cahill has been on the road three years clocking up tens of thousands of kilometres … and she has a few simple guidelines she follows. “My number one rule is that there is safety in numbers,” says the adventurous 64-year-old. “It means that I only camp at night where there are others.”Gwynnie travels in a 1996 Toyota Hilux 4X4 with slide-on camper and carries both a satphone and a two-way radio.“I have learnt a few other tricks travelling solo around the loop road,” she said. “Like leaving a man’s size 12 boots outside my door at night and hanging men’s shirts and shorts out on the annex ropes.”Despite taking precautions, and despite the overwhelm-ingly friendly atmosphere at Australia’s caravan parks and camping grounds, the law of averages dictates that – as the months and years roll by – it is perhaps inevitable there will be the odd ‘scare’.Gwynnie recalls being at a free camp close to a main town-

ship when three carloads of local hoons turned up in the ‘wee hours’.“There were loud voices and music and their antics dis-rupted the quiet of the camp,” she says. “Then the group’s congenial mood changed and a physical fight broke out before an out-of-control car almost collided into innocent caravans’ parked nearby.”Happily, that was as bad as it got and, by the time the police arrived, the alcohol-fuelled revellers were long gone. On another occasion, Gw-ynnie recalls arriving at the Mathison Bush camp just southwest of Katherine in the Northern Territory to see a note advising: ‘Please ensure all goods are not left outside the van as there is someone coming in late at night stealing things.’“Lo and behold, at 1am a ve-hicle approached the campsite with only its parkers on and began perusing the camp,” she says. “Being pre-warned of trouble, I gave the unsuspect-

ing thieves the fright of their lives … I turned on my van lights, my vehicle’s high beam, and my spotties full blast!”She said the last sight of the offending vehicle was of its tail lights disappearing out of the camp.“Although it woke the entire camp up, we all had an excit-ing early ‘round the campfire debate’ on safe camping and swapped war stories of close travel encounters,” Gwynnie recalls. “A great story telling session ensued, and it was an experience no one will ever forget!”It’s yet another fond memory for a solo traveller who loves life on the road and who cherishes the friendships she has made and the laughs she has shared even more than the incredible country she has seen. And the journey has only just begun. • What do you do to make sure you feel safe and secure at a campsite? Click to comment

Issue 191 February 8, 2019

Solo’s safety tipsIn her three years on the

road, Gwynnie has always followed security ‘rules’

ampfibian.com.au

PORTABLE POWER PROTECTION

CARAVAN SURGE PROTECTOR

The potential perils of camping beneath gum trees are well known, but a surprising number of grey nomads still admit they have previously diced with disaster.A sizeable 43% of respond-ents to a recent GNT poll on the issue said they had taken a calculated risk.Roger L said he had camped beneath ‘young trees’, while Steve B said he had only parked up under trees ‘of a reduced-risk type’.“We stay away from Forest or River reds, notorious for dropping limbs,” he said.Jim K was a little more philosophical.“When I hear a question like this, three adages spring to mind,” he said. “Life is dangerous, you have to die of something, and what will be will be … if you spend your life worrying about what might happen, you will do nothing.”However, Garry and Gayle W took a more cautious approach.“We have never camped under gum trees,” they said. “We have more sense!”And Philip C was equally unequivocal when it came to personal safety.“It’s just too dangerous,” he said.

Click to comment

GNT readersadmit risking life under limbs

Gwynnie (above) drives a Toyota Hilux with slide-on camper (left)

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

While there is plenty of scepti-cism around the possibility of electric vehicles one day routinely towing grey nomad caravans around Australia on extremely affordable Big Laps, the fact is that the fuel-free future is slowly but surely creeping ever closer.In Western Australia, a Senate inquiry into electric vehicles has just called for a national strategy to boost Australia’s lacklustre uptake of the tech-nology. The state apparently needs double the number of roadhouses north of Perth to support an effective charg-ing station network if electric vehicles are ever to take off in the Outback.A submission from Fast Cities Australia estimated ultra-fast chargers would have to be installed every 150 kilometres at a cost of least $100 million to stamp out ‘range anxiety’. That would mean five new roadhouses would have to be built between Geraldton and Broome to accommodate extra charging stations, and a further five between Perth and Port Hedland.Electric Vehicle Council chief executive Behyad Jafari said government support would be needed in the short term.“Much like a lot of services ...

there are some areas which are sparsely populated and there is not a commercial return to be made, so the government steps in,” he said. The inquiry found purchase price, range anxiety and sparse recharging facilities were put-ting people off buying electric vehicles in Australia.Of course, another big turnoff for caravanners is that there is currently a shortage of electric cars capable of legally towing.The reasons are many. Electric vehicles are already excep-tionally heavy due to the big batteries they carry, and then there’s the extra strain on the electric motors that towing brings. However, that’s not to say an electric car can’t be used to tow. It’s certainly not cheap but the Tesla Model X is one pure electric vehicle that is certified for towing and can pull 2,270kg. However, taking the cost and

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Issue 191 February 8, 2019

More charging stations are needed for an electric Big Lap Pic: Visionstream

the current lack of comprehen-sive re-charging infrastructure into account, plug-in hybrid vehicles with their combina-tion of electric and engine power may be a better bet for grey nomads. These are a good compromise as they can travel using just electric power, or using conventional motor for longer journeys.The disadvantage, of course, is fuel economy. When not in ‘electric mode’ the plug-in hybrids are essentially normal cars carrying around very heavy batteries.Things are slowly changing then and, as infrastructure improves and grey nomads continue to recoil at just how much money they pour into their tanks, it is surely only a matter of time before the few – and then the many – take an electric leap of faith.• What would it take for you to go for an electric Big Lap? Click to comment

Lack of power stallsan electric Big Lap

Park saleHervey Bay’s Coconut Grove caravan park has been sold for $1.7m. The park, which sits on 1.9 hectares, boasts 93 powered sites. There was apparently strong interest from across the country with enquiry numbers well into double figures.

Snake alertThe public is being warned about the strange places snakes are turning up at fol-lowing the recent heavy rain in north Queensland. The reptiles have been removed from gyms, houses, schools and even supermarket shelves.

Barra timeThe barramundi season has opened in Queensland. Anglers are being reminded that the minimum size limit for barramundi on the east coast and Gulf of Carpen-taria is 58 centimetres and the possession limit is five fish per person.

Buddha surpriseTwo West Australian men using metal detectors in the state’s north have discovered a bronze Buddha figurine that could date back to the early Ming Dynasty. If authenticated, the Buddha would be hugely significant if its arrival could be shown to pre-date the first Euro-pean visits to Australia’s western coast.

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Issue 191 February 8, 2019

Re: Hot tin box (Jaclyn & Heidi: GNT 190). Sorry to hear about your distress in the heat. Sounds like from some people’s comments they can’t appreciate that not all of us can tolerate or cope with the heat as we age. Hey, when I was younger I used to live and work out in mid north Western Australia and enjoyed it. But now, in my 70s, we only tour in the cooler part of the year for sake of our health. So, don’t let anyone disparage your enjoyment, we are all different. Just enjoy and do what you can and adjust time and place of your touring. While you’re not touring, try to save up for air conditioning. Happy days are still ahead.

Ern U (Shivers)

From my recent experience in a new Avida motorhome, the air conditioner fitted only re-duces the internal temperature about seven degrees below ambient so, in 40 degree heat, things are still quite hot. Not happy with this I had the air con serviced but it was report-ed to be functioning within specifications. Improvements may be made to wall, roof, hatch and window insulation (especially glass windows) which will also aid cold weather heat retention but most RV air cons are inade-quate in very hot weather. I’ve seen higher capacity domestic

inverter air cons fitted that the owners have been very happy with and the purchase costs are much lower but installa-tion can be problematic. We have a diesel powered space heater for cold weather and this works very well but won’t be needed for a little while yet! I would welcome any com-ments from other nomads on the air con/cooling subject and these may also be of inter-est to other travellers.

Brian S

Oh Louise, you poor girl. Fancy blaming everybody but yourself. If you cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. Enjoy the trip for what you get out of it, not

for what you think should be done for you.

Stan G

This sounds more like the 24/7 ‘togetherness’ that van-ning enforces rather than the temperature. My ex hated boats tents and vans. Every-thing a man enjoys. Only a house was good enough. Now it’s just me and the dog and she never complains. Having said that, when I first bought my old Avan pyramid van, air con never crossed my mind. It soon did though. I bought the biggest portable I could get … 16,000 BTU. Raised the table a little. And took its exhaust duct out through the cabinets and through the

floor. Not so much room for legs under the table now but hey, there’s only one of me. And I’ve never looked back.

Geoff SI never trip in the school holi-days or in early February, un-less I go to the beach and stay in a powered site. The rest of the year is fine but you must have a diesel heater installed … they are fantastic for frosty nights.

John M

Re: Stay restrictions. How do other grey nomads feel about the 151-day stay rule in caravan parks in New South Wales? While we are travel-ling round we like to stay as long as we can to see every-thing a town and surrounding area offer. Luckily we are not on any time limit to travel, having started our adventure eight years ago. We under-stand that the government probably doesn’t want ‘per-manent’ dwellers in parks but sometimes due to ill health, specialist appointments, car or caravan maintenance etc, longer stays are necessary. We have stayed in some parks in northern New South Wales with permanent ‘on site’ vans which allow long stays but the general rule is 151days in any one park per year. Grey nomads spend a lot of money in these towns.

Lyn D

This evocative image of the Pinnacles in Western Aus-tralia was captured by a very happy Cynthia Kay. “This was my first ever trip to the Pinnacles and it took my breath away,” she said. “There can’t be another place like it anywhere else on the planet.”Email us here if you have a picture you would like to share.

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

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Issue 191 February 8, 2019

Re: adventure cycling (GNT: 190). Many of the rules for safe passing of cyclists are totally inadequate for country high-way situations. A cyclist, ped-alling at say 5-20 km/h who won’t, or can’t, get off the road is effectively a lane closure. The huge ‘suck and blow’ effect of large vehicles with combined both direction closing speeds of 200km/h means that at least half a lane of clearance must be provided. That means any vehicle, upon seeing a cyclist must instantly prepare to stop completely in every case. The ability to safely ‘swing’ around a cyclist, crossing the centre line/s, can evaporate in sec-onds. Encountering a cyclist when driving around a bend, or with a triple road train on your tail preparing to, or in the process of passing you, can be extremely challenging. This may mean an ‘emergency’ stop that other motorists behind are not expecting with the pres-ence of the cyclist ahead not even seen by them. The road safety authorities seem reluc-tant to promote this safety requirement for some reason – ‘that you must prepare to stop in every case’.

Cliff BRe: Forever young (GNT: 190). Dave and Cynthia. You are a beacon to all nomads. Long may you keep travel-ling. If you have run out of places, just reprise some of your favourites. My wife and I like nothing more than to

linger and linger in locations we love.

Charles B (Chasser)Inspiration personified! Hope that you have many more years of travelling our wonder-ful country.

Bundy GWell done, Dave and Cyn-thia. We are right behind you travelling anything from three to six months on the road, plus smaller trips in between. Maybe one day we will catch you in the great Outback.

Ron & Shirley D Wow! What a super fit and switched on couple are Cyn-thia and Dave, a beacon to us all! Keep travelling and enjoy your life in good health.

Di W

So wonderful they are still fit and healthy enough to do all the things they still want to do. Unfortunately that’s not the case for so many of the rest of us who may be plagued by any number of medical issues. While the mind may be willing the body is a different story. My motto is to do as much as I can for as long as I can till the day I just can’t any more. Then I’ll sit back and enjoy my memories and photos of all the wonderful people I met and amazing places I saw on my travels.

Di DRe: Great Places (GNT: 190). We have just been to the Tarkine and loved it, especially Trowutta Arch. However, it was disappointing to see them

logging so close to the arch, probably only a couple of hundred metres from some-thing so precious. We couldn’t believe it!

Mark MRe: South Australian attrac-tions. The Flinders Ranges are indeed a very special and unique part of South Australia and certainly worth a visit … although maybe not in the middle of summer. How-ever, on my last visit only six months ago, it was mentioned by many locals that rain is missing. And the unfortunate (and scary) point is that many are talking climate change and no more wild floods, just dry barren landscape. Who really knows? But, like the Great Bar-rier Reef, the Flinders may be on borrowed time. Alan McBRe: Heat blocker (Gadgets: GNT 190). I would not put this film on our van windows. We have tinted windows and sun block European blinds. But my imagination ran a little wild. It would be great if the whole van could be covered in this material.

Mal M

Just a thought, how much in-terest would there be to form a ‘party’ for the Federal election, ‘The Grey Nomad Party’ in the Senate. Standing for better outcomes for pensions, petrol prices, national park fees, reg-istration and insurance, etc,etc.

Helen C

A massive thank you to grey nomad Peter Appleton for sending in this quirky view of Uluru. “It was on our last trip through the Centre,” he recalls. “I took it when I noticed I had left the reversing camera on.”

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What’s in store forOutback shoppers?

While prices may sometimes be high to reflect the remote-ness of the areas in which they operate, Outback stores can be a lifesaver to grey nomads and other travellers … as well as adding a bit of interest and the opportunity to interact with locals.However, the reality is that making a business viable in parts of the world where customers can be few and far between is a real chal-lenge, and there are plenty of long-established operations that have closed their doors in recent years.Just this past week, reports surfaced that the famed Jetty Store & Take-Away in the Queensland town of Lucinda may have shut up shop for good … and that store is well known and located in a relatively populated area at the southern entrance to Hinchin-brook Channel.Perhaps the long-term answer to the problem may be the off-the-grid, standalone, staff-free retail pod recently unveiled by Moby Mart. The power needs of the Moby Psi OTG pod are met by solar panels and batteries, and shoppers can use a companion app running

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on a smartphone to unlock the door, pick items off the shelves, scan them and check out once the shopping trip is complete.The customers are even greeted by an Artificial Intel-ligence virtual assistant upon entering the pod. A smart shelves system makes a note of everything that’s removed by customers, so inventory can be automatically re-ordered and replenished by the store operator, who can keep track of stock online, together with customer payment details and so on.The steel-framed Psi measures 4.6m x 2.2m x 2.5m and is kit-ted out with security systems, cameras and sensors to keep watch over what happens when a registered customer is in the store.

Issue 191 February 8, 2019

Moby says that its test stores have recorded less than 0.1% shrinkage (theft), compared to an industry standard of 1-2%. However, if the operator does notice something amiss, the pod’s built-in Sonos speaker system can be accessed re-motely to warn off would-be thieves.Sensors inside can also be used to regulate the temperature, so that the searing Outback heat won’t detract from the unusual shopping experience.So, could the traditional Outback store be about to be replaced by an invasion of off-the-grid pods changing the Big Lap experience forever? Only time will tell!• Have you noticed more Out-back stores shutting their doors? Click to comment

Website highlights

Van Park planRecently our website www.thegreynomads.com.au reported that, although it’s a grand plan that may never come to fruition, the fact that the old Darwin Hospital site is even being talked about as a possible location for a new caravan park shows there is a growing awareness that the NT capital can – and probably should – do more to welcome grey nomads.

Read more here:

Other website must-reads:

Big newsPineapple gets a lift

Flood rescueCampers airlifted to safety

Hot wheels‘Can I drive in this?’

Cool cruisingWorld’s first convertible RV

Back to the beachCamping allowed again

Merchandise magicGet your grey nomad gear

SURVEYShould Darwin do more

to welcome grey nomads?

Yes No

Lack of overheads make Moby Marts a good Outback solution

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

Lifting Eyre’s supply

South Australia’s Eyre Penin-sula is one of the state’s most iconic destinations and one normally enjoyed by grey no-mads either just before or just after they cross the Nullarbor. With national parks including Lincoln National Park, Coffin Bay National Park, Gawler Ranges National Park, and several conservation parks and reserves, there’s incred-ible scenery, superb camping and irresistible fishing.However, a recent study by Regional Development Aus-tralia Whyalla and Eyre Pen-insula (RDAWEP) has found the region has a high level of ageing infrastructure that is struggling to support the pressures applied by growing visitor numbers.The organisation has now pledged to tackle the issue head on and has already developed concept plans to upgrade infrastructure at camping spots and beach ac-cess points.RDAWEP says that, with more than 80% of all visitors to the Eyre Peninsula arriv-ing by car, it is critical that roadside signage is improved to meet the growing expecta-tions and needs of visitors.It also wants to see the devel-opment of a network of re-developed (not new) camping nodes that offer a minimum standard of visitor amenity and infrastructure. “This will increase length of stay in the region through the marketing and provision of a network of quality experience

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based camping areas, reduce the effect and encroachment of free camping on our pris-tine environment, and assist councils in managing provid-ing for the increase in the caravan and camping mar-ket,” the organisation said.These ‘camping nodes’ will be developed at camping grounds including Fitzgerald Bay, Point Gibbon, Red-banks, Lipson Cove, Fishery Bay, Farm Beach, Sheringa, Walker’s Rock, Tractor Beach and Pildappa Rock. RDAWEP chief executive officer Dion Dorward said that more than 3,000 peo-ple are currently employed directly and indirectly due to the visitor economy on the peninsula. “The tourism potential on Eyre Peninsula is one of the highest in South Australia with a current economic value of $272 million and a pro-jected value of $511 million,” he said. The new initiative known as ‘Eyes on Eyre’ will look to counteract a perceived lack of investment into visitor infra-

Issue 191 February 8, 2019

structure since the ’80s and ’90s and ‘unify’ tourist spots on the Eyre Peninsula.Nine public consultations will be held regarding the plans at locations including Tumby Bay Port Lincoln and Elliston. Interested parties are also urged to find out more by visiting rdawep.org.au and give their views by completing an online survey between the dates of February 18 and 28, or by emailing their thoughts to reception@rdawep.org.au.

• Do you think some of the camping sites on the Eyre Pen-insula need an upgrade?

Click to comment

The wild western side of the Eyre Peninsula at Locks Well Pic: Tourism SA

QUIZ CORNER

Win grey nomad stickers!Email the solution to the puzzle. Winner announced in Issue 192. CLUE: After a hard day on the road, most grey nomads dream of jumping into one of these.

Tourist Attraction

Last week’s picture puzzle winner was Sandra Hemmett

Do You Know1.I’ve got feathers but I can’t fly. Which Tasmanian town am I?

2. The small South Austral-ian town of Quorn, sometimes known as ‘The Capital of the Flinders’, was named:a) By explorer Alan Band in hon-our of Sir Alfred Quorn, one of the earliest advocates of a strictly vegetarian lifestyle.

b) After the English town of Quorndon in Leicestershire, the original home of one of the then Governor’s private secretaries.

c) Because its railway station became a major staging post for corn and other crops grown in Victoria as they were transported around the country. 3. Porky Ace (anagram). Giv-ing quizzers a tip would make finding this iconic Queensland destination too easy.

4. Shortest road distance between Tasmanian towns of Devonport and Hobart? a) 257km b) 389km c) 473km

5. I am travelling directly be-tween the NSW towns of Moree and Walgett. Which highway do I take for the majority of the trip?

Answers on p. 8

Authorities plan to give Eyre Peninsula’s

facilities a boost

Fishing is a popular pastime on the Eyre Peninsula

Pic: Tourism SA

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

Page 8

Dear Jaclyn and Heidi,Me and my husband have been on the road for about two months now and we have seen a lot and had a good time. However, recently we have been spending less time together and arguing more, all because Dar-ren seems to have found a new ‘hobby’. He basically chooses to spend every spare minute reno-vating, ‘fixing’ and generally fiddling with everything in our campervan from the appliances to the awnings. If that wasn’t bad enough, he seems to be a bit clueless and the changes he makes often don’t work or make sense. To make it worse, he is super defensive and sensitive about his projects so it’s hard to suggest leaving things alone or different activities. I’m not sure where this handyman streak has come from but it’s becoming an obsession and a problem. Please help.

Deborah

If it ain’t broke ... I feel your pain, Deborah … but don’t panic. It is common for recently retired people to try new hobbies or learn to do things they didn’t have time to before. Darren is just re-ad-justing to his changed lifestyle and finding a new ‘purpose’. I am sure it will settle down in time, so just try to be patient. From what you say, he isn’t a ‘natural’, so there’s a good chance his interest in camp-ervan renovation won’t last too long. And remember that in seeking to improve your rig he is trying to make the best possible home for you, so he is coming from a good place! Maybe you can gently suggest a new pursuit that you can learn and participate in together, perhaps bushwalking or star gazing. Maintenance is important, but the Big Lap should be about so much more.

Jaclyn

Here we go again. For what-ever reason, some men – even those who have spent their working lives pushing pens in a plush office – feel this primal need to reach for the screw-driver when they hit the open road. It’s great when handy-men and women get together around the campfire and talk about all the marvellous modifications they have made to their rigs, but it can leave those ‘less handy’ feeling inad-equate. I’m afraid you’ll have to put Darren’s feelings aside though Deborah as it’s safety first here. Tell him to pack it in or you run the risk of a falling awning ruining your Happy Hour, a faulty sink flooding your kitchen, or the wheels falling off your van! Bottom line. He needs to get a new hobby. Even if it’s something else you’re not interested in … at least he won’t be tearing up your home!

HeidiClick to comment

Issue 191 February 8, 2019

Aldi is holding its infamous caravanning and road trip-ping gear sale on Saturday, February 9. Last year’s event and the bargains it offered caused mass excitement and it should be the same this time around. Among the most sought-after sale items will be the $99.99 caravan covers, portable washing machines for $99.99, caravan levelling ramp for $19.99, caravan step for $29.99, caravan privacy walls from $29.99, and collapsible buck-ets from $12.99.

Bag a bargain

Do you have a rig, a prop-erty or some camping items to sell?Email us here to find out how to advertise your items on our website and newsletter

FOR SALE ADS

Western Australia’s star attractionWith many small Western Australian towns struggling to attract as many tourists as they would like, some are starting to look skywards for the answer.The state believes it can capi-talise on a sharp rise in the global popularity of stargaz-ing to draw more visitors to the Outback.The founder of Astrotourism WA, Carol Redford, said the isolation, lack of pollution and humidity, and existing space science assets, gave Western Australia a number of key natural advantages.“Nearly 80% of WA’s popula-tion lives on 0.25% of the land mass, so the majority of our light pollution is in one little tiny spot,” she said. “I see peo-ple travelling for astrotour-

ism like they travel to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, or travel to the last remaining rainforest in the Amazon.”With regional WA being one of the best locations in the world to venture out under the night sky, 2019 will see the rise of stargazing events and the growth of a trail for people to take their cameras and telescopes.

Carnamah is one of nine Wheatbelt and Mid West com-munities that has signed on as an astrotourism town in the past six months or so.Shire of Carnamah chief executive Karen Osborn said supporting stargazing could pay big dividends for regional tourism.“We do believe it has the potential to grow into some-

thing as big as the wildflower phenomenon,” she said. “Our indigenous community can also explain the stars from their storytelling which is something you can’t get any-where else in the world.”While the push is starting in the Mid West, Astrotourism WA has already indicated it plans to expand the trail across the whole of regional Western Australia.Just as an indication of how astronomy is taking off, Airbnb last year flagged astrotour-ism as the next big travel trend, noting a steep rise in astronomical-related travel and homes listed with telescopes.• Do you travel with a telescope? Would you like to learn more about the stars as you travel?Click to comment

Tourism is looking up in WA

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

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Issue 191 February 8, 2019

PROPERTY SALE

PRIVATE CAMPS

DISCLAIMER: The Grey Nomad Times team is not responsible for any sale, trade, or other transactions between vendors and vendees or advertisers and respondents. All parties enter into transactions at their own risk.

FOR SALE

CARAVAN, OFFROAD OR SEMI OFFROADWanted to buy – Caravan, Off road or semi off road, 19-21 foot, Coil spring suspension (preferred), Large fridge, Kitchen bench space (not just over cooker). Oven, En-suiteQueen bed, Washing machine, Heater (if possible), Batteries and SolarCash buyers up to $50k, based in SA but willing to travel for the right vanRing Ray 0488 332 665***HANDBOOK Owners hand book for a 1988 Mazda 3500 van wanted. Located in Heatley, QLDPh: 07 47 286 876***

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Issue 191 February 8, 2019DISCLAIMER: The Grey Nomad Times team is not responsible for any sale, trade, or other transactions between vendors and vendees or advertisers and respondents. All parties enter into transactions at their own risk.

HELP WANTEDKATHERINE, NTKitchen hand and driver in catering busi-ness, Katherine NT. We are looking for a mature and reliable applicant or applicants to help with kitchen and delivery duties in a catering business in Katherine NT. This job could suit a couple where one works in the kitchen and the other carries out deliveries, or one person could perform both roles. The kitchen work is daytime based and the deliveries are evening based. The position is casual and the hours would range between 20-38 hours per week. Click here.***CLONCURRY CATTLE STATION, QLDHandyman/Gardener and Housekeeper Cou-ple: An opportunity is available for a Gar-dener/Handyman and Housekeeper couple on a cattle station south of Cloncurry. Family owned and operated, the station complex is a beautiful place to live and work. The homestead includes a number of historic buildings, some dating back to the 1880s and is surrounded by beautiful gardens that requires a fit couple (would also suit a fit retired couple). The positions provide a:– good wage, 2 bedroom cottage and food (including beef) as part of the package-Telstra mobile signal is available in various spots within the homestead complex-the opportunity to explore the area and enjoy the local community. Click here.***MILES, QLDWe are a family run diverse beef operation located 35km North of Miles in SW Qld.The opportunity we have is for a caretaker plus paid work. The role of caretaker is to maintain the property, check waters and pro-vide some renovations to its cottage. In our absence we require our domestic animals to be fed and watered as we live on adjoining property. Paid work would consist of feedlot ration preparation 2-4 days per fortnight. Extra work is available on other aspects of the operation e.g Small Quarry if seeking additional work. Click here.***JULIA CREEK, QLDWe are a small electrical /refrigeration contracting business based in Julia Creek in Far North Western Queensland. Part of this business is a local tyre a hardware/electrical/camping (bits and pieces) shop hence we are called the Marwill Mongrel Shop. We also have a few rental properties and tradesman style accommodation. Will live on a large block on the out skirts of town. Trevor ‘s Mum also owns a couple of properties in the McKinlay Shire where she runs sheep and cattle. We are looking for a couple just to assist with the general cleaning and mainte-nance of our tradie’s accommodation (6 bed) and the yard. Also, some light duties at our house and in the garden. Occasionally there may be some general cleaning of the shop.A self-contained caravan would be needed if coming between March and June. We do have a small 2-bedroom residence for use if work is booked after June (we currently have it rented out but it is short term). Click here.***CENTRAL QLD CATTLE PROPERTY, QLDBar H Grazing is an intensive Wagyu breed-ing and production operation at ‘River Lea’, Comet Queensland. ‘River Lea’ is situated in the heart of Central Queensland’s prime cattle growing area between Emerald and Blackwater, on the banks of the Nogoa and Mackenzie Rivers. We are currently seeking an active couple for immediate start to be responsible for general house and grounds keeping of our property. Van parking avail-able with supplied water & electricity.CLick here.***

BLACKBUTT, QLDHelp Wanted on Macadamia and Avocado Orchard, Blackbutt, Qld. We require the as-sistance of a person /couple to scare cocka-toos from our orchard in the early morning and dusk, when the manager is not avail-able. In return we offer a shady parking site with access to power, water and bathroom facilities. The duration of stay is flexible – 3 weeks to 3 months, with a start ASAP. Click here.***COOBER PEDY, SABIG4 STUART RANGE OUTBACK RESORT, COOBER PEDY SA. An energetic and well presented couple are required to help in our holiday park this season. Mid- April start Job 1,Bus Driver Tour guide- full training is given by owner, must be licenced and accreditated to carry passengers in SA. Must care for the buses and have a good rapport with guests, a sense of humour is also important. 2011 Mitsubishi Rosa’s(25 seater)Job 2,Casual Cleaner in our new 4 star apartments, laundry and grounds. Hours depend on room occupancy, predominately Laundry in the peak season. Must have own caravan and are required to stay until mid October. Click here.***BATCHELOR MUSEUM, NTURGENT – On-Site Caretakers – Batchelor Museum, BATCHELOR, NT – 2019We are looking for a couple who have their own accommodation i.e. caravan/motor home, and who would be interested in volunteering as “On-Site Caretakers” at the Batchelor Museum this year, 2019. The season is from 1 April to end September/October, depending on the weather. This is not a paid position. Your van site, power and water are free for you in the grounds of the Museum. There is also a bathroom, ‘fridge and small washing machine available. A keen interest in Australian history, in particu-lar WWII would be great but not necessary. Click here.***COONAWARRA, SABUSH CARAVAN PARK CARETAKERS OR WORKERS. We are a young bush holiday park in Coonawarra, in the beautiful south east of south Australia, We run glamping tents, cabins and rooms and have a lot of cleaning, laundry, lawns and gardening to do, as well as mechanical, electrical and other odd jobs from time to time. It is a relaxed environment where it will be busy for a week and then quiet for two. You will not have to pay for electricity, gas or rent if you can do minimum 16 hours work for us each week. When you do more, you get paid more – if you want to. Couples or singles OK, Minimum stay is 2 months (because we have to train you). $1000 per month per person is average earnings. Smartphone needed for booking system. Must present well to the public. Click here.***DERBY AREA STATION, WABirdwood Downs Station, Derby, The Kimberley, is looking for a single person or a couple primarily to help to run the tourism operation. We provide room and board for on average 4 hours work per day. Period: May to September 2019 or part thereof. Click here.***GASGOYNE CATTLE STATION, WACaretaker/Caretaker Couple/ Family required for Gascoyne Cattle Station for 11 days in February. Accommodation, food, fuel and some remuneration.As well as care taking opportunities we are always looking for help on station. Click here.***

MUDGEE, NSWHousesitter wanted approximately 1 month from mid May until mid June. It is for a 400 acre property located 12 kilometers on the Sydney side of Mudgee NSW. Require solo or couple in own self contained van. Happy if you come a bit earlier to get settled. We have a large garden that will require watering, 7 chickens that need feeding and general yard maintenance. Power and water is supplied bearing in mind we have tank water only. There is a outside toilet, tree shower, spa and sauna available. Click here.***TAMWORTH, NSWWe are looking for a house sitter for our 160 acre property 10 km from the centre of Tamworth. Feed 3 dogs and throw some hay to 3 horses power and water available . We will be away from 19th to the 22nd April . Click here.***MAITLAND, NSWSmall 1 acre property located 10 kilometers outside of Maitland NSW requires solo or couple in own self contained van to maintain for approximately 1 month from early May until mid June Happy if you come a bit earlier to get settled. We have an abun-dance of garden that will require watering, 4 chickens that need feeding and a small low maintenance pool that needs the pool area swept and pool cleaned General yard maintenance. Power and water is supplied bearing in mind we have tank water only. Click here.***BLACKWATER, QLDWe are looking for trustworthy, pet loving individuals Tuesday 26/2-6/3/19. to care for our two Dachshunds (Molly 8 and Storm 6) along with Cocoa our 20 year old cat. We live in Blackwater, Central Queensland. Click here.***SOUTHWEST QLD CATTLE STATION, QLDI’m currently looking for a Farm Sitter from late Feb/Early March until end June (but we are flexible both ways). We live on a large sheep and cattle station in South Western QLD. We are currently in severe drought, as you are probably aware. As a result I am going to be in Emerald working from March to June on a short contract, but we will be returning regularly. The main jobs will be around the house, keeping lawns, pool, chooks and kelpie alive and keeping the house lived in so to speak. We are able to connect a caravan directly into our Govern-ess accommodation which will give you access to shower, kitchen, foxtel, internet and bedrooms (if you wish). CLick here.***MOUNT MARTIN, QLDHouse sitters wanted for a property at Mount Martin in Mackay’s Pioneer Valley from 25 March to 4 April 2019. It would involve look-ing after (feeding and loving) 3 dogs and 2 pet pigs while we are away. 20 acres, access to a creek for swims. Plenty of room for caravans, including undercover in the shed.Either stay in your own caravan or you are welcome to use the 4 bedroom house and relax on the big shady deck. Approx. 50 mins from Mackay’s town centre. Click here.***HERVEY BAY, QLDSeeking house sitters with their own van/motor home from the last week of February till the end of March. We are situated on 1 acre of land opposite Fraser Island. We are on tank water so conservative use of water is required. A shower, toilet , laundry and up-stairs balcony are available We have chooks and free range guinea fowls and lawn and plants that need looking after. Click here.

HOUSESITTING WHYALLA, SAHousesitters wanted in Whyalla area from 1 June – mid September. Whyalla is situated approx. 400 km n/w of Adelaide on the shores of the Eyre peninsula . It has mild winters with not a lot of rainfall. All shops and facilities can be found here. We require a couple to look after our house for the period June through to mid September. Our gardens ( no lawns) are mainly reticulated but the indoor plants would need a drink as well. There is ample storage in the back yard to store under cover a van up to 23 foot with power and water connections. The choice to stay in your van or live in the house is up to you . All utilities would be paid by us. There are no animals to look after but if you have one that’s ok with us. Click here.***RENMARK, SAWe seeking house sitters for March – but will have them here any time from end of Jan if they wish — free power water,use of facilities ( shower, w/machine , toilet etc ) in return for watering gardens and looking after vegies (for their use also). We have NO pets but you may have a small dog – caravan site or mobile home preferred as house will be locked up. Click here.***ECHUCA, VICHOUSE SITTERS WANTED 6 Days: 25/5/18 – 31/5/18. and/or 19 Days: 10/7/18 – 28/7/18House sitters with own van equipped with shower required to look after 1.7acre semi-rural property directly opposite the Mighty Murray River, 3km out of Echuca. We provide power, water, outside toilet, washing machine facilities . No shower facilities available. House will be locked and alarmed.Sitters required to water and general garden maintenance.(minimal). Baby sit 1 cat. Feed 2 sheep. Click here.***BALLARAT, VICWe are looking for house sitters from May 8 through to June 6. We offer use of our Cot-tage, secure park for your van in exchange for taking care of our two friendly dogs. Unfortunately we can’t take them with us on this trip and we would like to know that they are being looked after. Click here.***PINJARRA, WANeeding married couple of grey nomads with own caravan to look after small 2 1/2 acre property with a couple of ponies from 27 March to 3 July. We are in West Pinjarra WA. Non smokers. We can supply electricity water shower toilet laundry and living area. Need someone with some horse experience and happy to mow some lawns water when necessary and generally keep place as we leave it. A well behaved dog will be consid-ered but please note that our fencing would not keep a little dog in, fine for larger dog. CLick here.***GERALDTON, WADates: End of February until end of March but are happy for them to stay longer if required. We require a couple with own accommodation and have experience/knowledge of cattle. They would be required to check water troughs, feed out hay and inspect cattle while we are away. There are also working dogs that will need to be fed and exercised daily. The farm is 15km east of Geraldton. Click here.***TOODYAY, WAWe are looking for a housesitter (max 2 peo-ple) for the following dates for our house in Toodyay, WA, 6566. 16/04/2019 – 25/04/201930/05/2019 – 05/06/2019; 13/01/2020 – 28/01/2020. The house is a ranch style house set in a 1 hectare bush block, high up on a slope with a stunning view. CLick here.***