Caravanning ??? is it a good idea? No "worries" they say !!! I would WANT to know some WORRIES though !?

Question

And

What could be the shortest/resonable time to cercle the whole Australia? One year? Six months?

A right FIRST major problem would be I "know" to drive JUST on the right hand side (Europe), duh, bad idea!

http://www.welovethiscountry.net.au/caravanning/

Answer 1

Caravaning around Australia is a great idea, and many people do it each year, Obliously fuel prices are high and and the car you need to tow a van will use of lot of fuel. That is the bad news petrol costs the good news is that people are travelling shorter distances and this is having a impact on the tourist industry, so they are discounting caravan site fees and throwing in extras at no extra costs. The worries you could face is mechinical break-down of the car However roadside assistance is offered with some insurance companies, make sure you can do the basics with your car such as change a flat tyre or place a fan belt, carry extra petrol as some of the petrol stations are far apart, carry basic spare parts for the car and most importantly carry extra drinking water with you. and a basic first aid kit, the roads themselves are fully sealed around the country so a Four Wheel Drive is NOT needed unless you want to go off the main roads, when you get into the more isolated areas it is a good idea to call into the local Police Station and ask about the road conditions ahead, as sometimes roads are flooded or blocked, the car should be a right hand drive and stay to the left hand side. while driving in Australia try to finish your driving day before dask and after dawn as Kangaroo and Wombat will jump in front of your car and they do a lot of damage, if you plan on driving a night attaching a solid Bullbar to the front of the car would be helpful Having said all this once you start off on your trip people who are doing what you are doing will share advice and experiences with you. If you take your time you can pick up causal work here and there to help pay for the petrol Good Luck and enjoy it

Answer 2

Join whatever road service rescue that your caravan and car are registered in, ie QLD RACQ, NSW NRMA, then if you break down you ring them and they send somebody hopefully who can help.  If you break down on side of road, get out and wave, somebody will stop.  Like anywhere, make sure your car etc is in good condition mechanically and cross your fingers.  Heaps of people over here caravan etc.

Answer 3

Hi I have been travelling around this country in a caravan for about 12 years, camping rough, just stopping on the road side when the moment took me,I have never had any trouble and have met a lot of " Grey Nomads " I am one my self. This is the way I would recommend to see this great country. To do the circle properly you would need a couple of years!

We drive on the left hand side of the road.

Answer 4

It's a great idea but first answers to your questions are to hard it depends on so much. You will travel right around in a couple of months but miss lots of places you can travel for a year and not see everything. But 6 months would give you a good look. The price of fuel is on the up and up. The best way is to hire a campervan that way any break downs are payed for .To buy then try and sell a caravan could end up pricey and take a long time to sell . I travelled for 6 years around Australia and loved it In fact it was amazing and very different

Answer 5

Packed or crowded times in holidays.

Sardine tin camping grounds.

Suspension problems plus wear and tear on your tires.

Finding routes that are not so busy. **Map or GPS it up**

Dust and dirt getting into your van. **Having to clean it regularly**

Nosy people harrassing you when you just want some peace and quiet lol only if you like the duo or trio or familo.

Not having enough time to stay and really take in all the sights and experiences. **Sensory overload**

Packing and unpacking all the time.

Choosing the best van parks.

Not having anyone to go with :-(

Answer 6

Caravaning is a great way to see the country. You can choose to stay as long or as little at a place as you like. I would allow 3 months minimum to travel Australia, but 6 months could be better. We took 3 years and still missed out on some fascinating places! Choose your itinery to match the seasons. ie after the rainy season (ie March - April) in the north, the Aust snow fields is a little cold in a van in winter,summer near a beach, spring in West Australia is magnificient with all the wildflowers in bloom. Autumn in Victoria has the colourful leaves and spectacular scenery.

We do drive on the left hand side of the road and you are expected to move over to the left and allow faster traffic to pass you. Be careful about driving on some unsealed roads, many are signed "Not suitable for caravans" so it is better for you to heed the warnings. Also steep climbs while towing a van can overheat your car. If you want to see a view from a particular lookout or go somewhere where the road is particually steep, leave the van behind.

Most caravan parks have all the facilities you 'd need and don't overlook staying in a National Park, State Forest or even at a roadside rest area. These will often have good spots for vans and only a couple of dollars a night. (facilities may be limited ie only toilets and showers)

Good luck, have fun and enjoy Aus.