the

Nomads go northThe great grey nomad migra-tion north is well and truly under way with the highways and byways quickly filling up with sun-seeking caravanners and motorhomers.Australia’s North West Tour-ism, the peak tourism market-ing body for the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Western Australia, says it already looks like being a bumper season.“There’s a great buzz in the air up here right now, with a nice steady flow of caravans driving through the towns which we love to see,” said the organisa-tion’s CEO Natasha Mahar. “And the advantage of our vast beautiful part of the country is that we can always find room for more grey nomads without ever compromising that peace-ful feeling of space.”She said that, as in previous years, grey nomads started ar-riving around Easter and they will stay in large numbers until September, although she says ‘some never leave’.At Kununurra’s popular Town Park, Business Manager Vicki Lee Smith-Ince said the season had started earlier due to the relatively dry Wet Season.“The temperature this week has been ideal with most days having beaut clear skies and around the 33C mark,” she said. “The nights are getting

down to around 18C and we would not expect rain now until our next Wet Season.”Like many caravan parks, Town Park says grey nomads are a critical part of its busi-ness and offers a 10% discount on site fees for older travellers, as well as organising regular social events like Camp Oven Dinner nights.Of course, the northern leg of the Big Lap experience can change day to day depend-ing on where you stay and who happens to be camping nearby. Grey nomad Gary Cairns recently stayed at the Camooweal waterhole in Queensland and said it was nearly empty, and that he had been seeing very few vans on the road.Over in the Northern Terri-tory, the owner of the Shady Lane Tourist Park, Marianne Bates, said tourist numbers were a bit slow, perhaps be-

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cause some people had delayed their trip to vote in the Federal Election in their home states.However, at the nearby Riv-erview Tourist Park, manager Wendy Batten says visitor numbers are up on the same time last year.“We are sitting at about 85% capacity right now, and we have 125 sites,” Mrs Batten said. “Last year, the season re-ally did run longer, and we are hoping we will see the same trends this year too.” She said visitors were tending to extend their stays to fit in all the sights before heading west.“Pricing around Katherine can be expensive but, at the end of the day, we only have a small window of opportunity,” she said. “I think with so much to do and see here, people think it is worth it.”• Where are you planning to spend the dry season?Click to comment

Issue 198: May 17, 2019

Grey nomads Denise and Michael love northern WA. PIC: Australia’s North West

In this issue: •Weighty issue explained •Dirth of LPG suppliers blows Big Lap budget •Beautiful Beaufort

As the southern states cool down, northern hotspots

are beginning to fill up

We weather the weather – GNT readers Australia is a land of extremes that sooner or later will subject long-term grey nomads to high winds, torrential rains, electrical storms and relentless searing heat … but that doesn’t seem to overly worry many!According to our recent GNT poll on the subject, only a relatively modest 20% of travellers said they had been spooked by wild weather while on their big trips.“I’ve never been scared by wild weather but I have had a few wet nights,” said Jim Mc. “The high wind is the only thing I don’t like when camping.”Jerry M shared the same concern.“We’ve had to batten down the hatches a few times,” he said. “I don’t mind a good drenching but it’s the winds that get me … especially when tree limbs start to crack and loose items fly through the campsite.”However, Molly M was a lot more philosophical.“The weather is what it is,” she said. “If you want perfect weather all the time, you should just stay home!”

Click to comment

Times

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Page 2

When grey nomads Dave and Barb Brightman first hit the open road they thought they would be cooking – or at least driving – on gas for decades to come. Now, they’re not so sure.Like many other long-term travellers, the couple were lured into using LPG at a time it was touted to be ‘the’ eco-nomical and environmentally friendly motoring solution.However, the fuel that was once so highly thought of that, in 2006, the Government was offering a $2,000 rebate for customers willing to convert their petrol cars to LPG, has fallen on hard times.As the Brightmans are finding out to their cost, LPG prices are rising sharply and LPG bowsers are disappearing from outlets across the country as customers and car manufac-turers abandon the fuel in favour of hybrid or diesel.The problem appears most acute in the remote and re-gional areas where the Bright-mans and other grey nomads do most of their traveling.“Last year on our annual escape from winter we found that the number of service stations with LPG had signifi-cantly lessened,” said Dave. “In order to continue, we had to

do long distances on petrol and that took the economic shine out of our adventures.”Having had a government-subsidised LPG conversion carried out on the petrol-only Falcon ute they bought in 2010, the Brightmans now feel badly let down. Given the fact they haul a Knudsden 22’ fifth wheeler, they are naturally sensitive to the cost of fuel.“After the enticement of a subsidised conversion we have now found that the goalposts have been moved,” said Dave. “Now unless the government comes to its senses, we will have our travels regulated by government approved LPG refuelling stops.”Dave has fired off a series of letters and emails to politicians and fuel suppliers but says he has had little encouragement.“Having planned my retire-ment activity around what I can afford I find I am left with a perfectly good vehicle and an isolation created by politicians

who have been asleep at the wheel,” he said.In Western Australia, the RAC motoring organisation said the availability of LPG has been declining for some time, a trend it says is likely to continue. “In recent times we’ve seen a hike in the cost of LPG, which means people are likely to be reconsidering the cost benefits and, unfortunately, lower demand from motorists means retailers are continually reassessing whether it’s still viable to stock LPG,” said RAC Manager Vehicles and Sustain-ability, Alex Forrest. “Regional areas, which already had more sparsely-spread LPG outlets, have been hit particularly hard by these changes … our advice is to plan ahead.”None of which is of much comfort to the Brightmans!• Are you finding it harder to find LPG while on your travels?

Click to comment

Issue 198: May 17, 2019

‘Our budget Big Lap has run out of gas’

Grey nomad couple left counting the cost of LPG’s dramatic fall from grace

Dave and Barb’s rig is powered by LPG ... when it’s available

Apollo slumpShares in RV sales and rental firm, Apollo, slumped 25% soon after the company warned that soft conditions in the campervan market caused by grey nomads backing off from purchases amid a housing downturn and pre-election uncertainty would cut profits.

Campfire horrorA six-year-old girl was left with horrific burns after an oil spray can that had been hidden underneath fire-wood at a campsite explod-ed. The youngster suffered burns to a portion of her face as well as her legs in the incident at Pickering Brook in Perth’s east.

Races stoppedThe Brunette Downs races in the Barkly have been can-celled as drought conditions worsen across the Northern Territory. Campdrafts at both Tennant Creek and Harts Range have also been cancelled recently because of the dry conditions and an inability to source enough cattle.

Toad shockAnother large cane toad has been found in the Sydney suburb of Parramatta. It was removed from the Stevens Street Reserve. It’s the second cane toad sighting in Parramatta in the past six weeks.

Nomads in Brief

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

There are six compliances that need to be checked when com-pleting our weighing reports. The Towball Mass (TBM), Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) and the Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) of the caravan, and the Braked Towing Capacity (BTC), Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and Gross Combina-tion Mass (GCM) of the tow vehicle. Our statistics to-date show some alarming results, with 31% of tow vehicles, and 63% of caravans we have weighed, have been overweight. The most concerning non-compliance report we have completed was on a dual cab utility and large off-road caravan. The caravan was 411kgs over its ATM, and the tow vehicle 454kgs over its GVM, bearing in mind this also means that the vehicle is 411kgs over its 3500kgs BTC as well. The whole rig was a staggering 1012kgs over its GCM. The most common weight issue we see is exceeding the ATM of the caravan, which is not hard to do. The available payload of a van is the differ-ence between the TARE and ATM recorded on the compli-ance plate, with most tandem axle vans having upwards of 400kgs available. The payload includes water, gas, gear, food

and clothes, and it doesn’t take very long to add up. The Towball Mass is also very important and affects the stability of the towed caravan. Ball weight should be around 10% of the caravan ATM and a light ball weight will make the caravan sway, so it’s very important to get the distribu-tion of payload correct. The towball weight also contributes to the GVM of the tow vehicle, and we are seeing an increasing number of tow vehicles that are exceeding their weight compliance. The GVM is the total fully loaded weight of the vehicle includ-ing passengers, fuel, cargo, and any extras like bull bars, roof racks etc that have been added, plus the caravan TBM. For instance, one of the most

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Issue 198: May 17, 2019

Rigs must comply with weight restrictions for both legal and safety reasons Pic: Dave Lewis

popular tow vehicles with a towing capacity of 3500kgs has a payload of 630kgs, so if you add a bulbar, fridge, two passengers, 120 litres of fuel and the caravan TBM of around 300kgs, you will prob-ably be over the GVM. There-fore it is very important to get your tow vehicle weights checked as well. Don’t forget, an overweight caravan is classified as an un-roadworthy vehicle, the same as a car with a bald tyre, so for legal and insurance reasons it is very important to ensure your rig is compliant. • Weightcheck has partner companies in Melbourne and Perth, and will shortly have an operation in New South Wales.

Click to comment

Weight on your mind Dave Lewis from Brisbane-based business,Weightcheck Mobile Caravan Weighing, offers his insight into common caravan weight issues

Grey nomad treasure seek-ers will be green with envy, but few would begrudge the Victorian family who stum-bled on a huge gold nugget their giant slice of luck.’A father and his two daugh-ters – along with their aptly named dog, Lucky – were out for a walk near Bendigo, Victoria, when they spotted the nugget.When they took it to a lo-cal store to get it weighed they were thrilled to find it tipped the scales at 634g and has an estimated value of around $35,000.However, any travellers pre-paring to throw their gold detectors in their rigs and hotfoot it down to Bendigo will be disappointed to learn the family aren’t revealing the exact location of their monster find. They’re planning to return to their secret spot to look for more.“Usually, when you find a nugget that big, there will be more gold around,” the man said.

Click to comment

Eureka! Nuggetpops up on walk

Lucky family’s $35,000 find

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

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Issue 198: May 17, 2019

Re: Bulahdelah (GNT: 197). We always spend money in this town and leave our receipts and a donation in box at the park. What a wonder-ful example the town is to other towns that have been bypassed by road changes. The main street is updated, and very attractive. The people are friendly in the shops, the pub, cafes and clubs, and it’s such an easy walk across the bridge if you need any shopping. A beautiful, tranquil spot to relax on our travels. Bulahdelah has definitely reinvented itself to bring money in to the town, and the new caravan park will enhance it.

Jackie & Peter CWe stay here on our way north, and on our way home. Lovely town with best pie shop, pub and bowling club.

Les HWe have stayed at the Bulah-delah free camp several times and have been very impressed with both the site and the peo-ple in the town. A caravan park would enhance the town and allow a home base for people who want to stay longer and do day trips to this beautiful area.

Dallas & Sandra S Good on Bulahdelah – great foresight. They had to come up with some clever strategy when the bypass opened. Thumbs-up for lateral thinking!

Chris MJust wondering if Bulahdelah will cater for the people that

don’t have toilets in their vans and put some loos in. A show-er isn’t necessary as you can go a day or two without one … that’s what wet ones are for.

Ted SOnce this caravan park is open and running, they will want to make a profit and start the old tirade ‘we can’t compete with free camp sites’ and that could be the end of the free camping.

Greg RI hope that in years to come the caravan park doesn’t cause the closing of the free camp. Bulahdelah has thrived since the opening of the Lions Park. I wonder if the caravan park is hoping to get all the free camp-ers to camp with them.

Robyn G (Robjoe)

Re: Changing caravan parks (GNT: 197). As a casual observer around Victoria, there seems to be a financial benefit for owners to close, sell, develop into housing many much loved and seemingly well patronised caravan parks. It seems madness for a council to close a park with 100 sites and replace it with 30 houses. Not much of a win for the shops etc. The caravan park at Apollo Bay next to the golf course closed a few years ago and over 200 sites became 26 dwellings ... imagine the loss to that town’s businesses.

Mark & Tracey HI bet many parks that are struggling have sites crammed in next to each other with little

separation. If a park gives the traveller some privacy, then feedback will improve and some, such as me, may just try it out rather than look for a free camp. Provide a good product and nomads will come.

Peter MWe generally like to combine free camping with staying at caravan parks as we travel. All too often though parks are crowded with cabins gener-ally in the best places and the size and location of van sites is limited. More often than not, sites are accessed through a nar-row maze of cabins. The rise of cabins along with cramped sites and deteriorated facilities has led to the growth of free camping.

Pat HCaravan park fees should be structured to suit the client’s needs. Pay for what you need. We like the security offered, but only require power and water (then most time not even that as we are fully self-contained) but we are forced to pay for things like bouncy castles, kids’ playgrounds, spa, pools, etc. The fees should be tiered for: 1. No power/water or facilities, (currently avail-able as non-powered site but have use of facilities; 2. Power/water only; 3 P/W & show-ers/laundry, camp kitchen; families with kids – use of all facilities. To control who can access these facilities an access card system (similar to hotels) could be set up.

Judi R

Located just minutes away from the mighty Murray River, offering camping, caravan, cabin and apartment accommodation options. Experience year-round sunshine with swimming, cycling and access to fine local golf courses and wineries.

For bookings call 03 5871 9700or email cobram@racv.com.au

Wow! Grey nomad Neil Hawkless couldn’t have been more excited in April when he finally ticked off one of his big buck- et list items, swimming with the whale sharks at Exmouth.“This was a truly amazing experience to be up close with one, actually four, of these behemoth plankton feeders,” he said. “One of the monsters we came across was all of 30’ long, the size of a bus … if you ever get the chance to do this, don’t hesitate!”* Do you have a picture to share? Email us here.

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

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Issue 198: May 17, 2019

Re: Dingo attack (GNT: 197). When are we going to realise that dingoes are wild dogs. When one is in Africa, do we intentionally feed those ‘Big Cats’? No we don’t!

John FRestricting the number of visi-tors to K’gari would be a start. Education at the time a permit is applied for via a 15-minute video/presentation by a ranger on how to behave around dingoes including respect for the island’s other fauna and flora should be mandatory. Constant vigilance by onsite rangers including mandatory inspections of camping areas is vital to ensure the safety of all.

Maggie BEver since they shot the brumbies out on Fraser Island the poor dingoes have had a tough time living on fish scraps along the beach. This is just another example of humans and wildlife becom-ing incompatible. One of the main reasons is increasing population and that’s a serious worldwide problem.

David POn a visit to Fraser Island we witnessed a woman encourag-ing a litter of dingo pups into their tent using food to as an enticement. How can you feel sympathy for people who do this type of thing? You can’t legislate against stupid unfor-tunately.

Annette F

Having been there a couple of years ago, I thought it disgust-ing these animals were in such poor condition. The tourist numbers are too great. The place is being loved to death. There should be feed stations set up for the animals well away from everyone.

Pauline KRe: Meeting the locals (GNT:196). We just com-pleted our ‘Lap of Oz’ in 12 months. Agreed, meeting fellow Aussies on the road is a big part of the adventure. We’ve collected many friends for life! To this day I am amazed how complete stran-gers welcome you with open arms, chat and chinwag over a coldie and instantly lend a hand where help is needed. Best bunch of folks on the

planet … country people in particular!

Chris MRe: Dog worries (Jaclyn & Heidi: GNT 197) I have often been a pet sitter for grey nomads who wish to go see a park where dogs are not allowed. I am sure that, as you travel, there will be other no-mads who are happy to have your fur baby for a day etc, which gives you the chance to visit some parks. Only really have to mention this to fellow campers to get a result.

Ruth CI travel with a pooch and on odd occasions have been able to find a fellow traveller who will mind him for the day whilst I go somewhere he can’t. I also have a tracking

device for him just in case, perhaps this may help

John SWe have just started the Big Lap, probably for the next three years. The issue for us is the lack of dog friendly parks during holiday seasons. The parks say they are pet friendly but when it comes to peak seasons it’s often ‘go away, we don’t want to know you’.

Barry NRe: Kangaroo Island (Letters: GNT 197). I believe Kangaroo Island is one of the most over-rated destinations in Australia and not worth the effort, even if the ferry were free. Tasma-nia is a different story and should be on every traveller’s bucket list. While I was last there I noticed that many ‘mainlanders’ were travelling in rental motorhomes and ‘whizz-bangs’. It may be worth nomads checking these costs potentially as an alternative to taking the ferry.

Jim R

Re: Recommended camp. There is a free camp at Thora in New South Wales near the bottom of Dorrigo Mountain. It is only small but nicely grassed and next to a creek. There is a loo and sign asking for a gold coin donation for upkeep. Adjacent to the camp is a general store where the owners are very welcoming to the campsite users.

John S

ampfibian.com.au

PORTABLE POWER PROTECTION

CARAVAN POWER ADAPTOR

Huge thanks to grey nomads Ian and Di Jempson for send-ing in this very inviting pic taken at Attie Creek and spa pool near Cardwell in North Queensland. “The water has an amazing blue colour and is a fantastic spot for swim-ming,” they said.

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

Caravans get helpful push in uphill battle

Grey nomads who have found their tug ‘huffing and puffing’ as it tries to tow a heavy cara-van up a hill will be excited to hear they might soon be able to get a helpful ‘shove’.Australian technology com-pany OzXCorp has been developing what’s said to be the world’s first hybrid-drive system that actually allows a caravan to push its tow vehicle up hills … and then charge its battery on the way down.The idea sees a 16kW/508Nm hub motor mounted on each wheel to effectively drive the caravan when needed. The motors are powered by an on-board 16kW/h battery, which is charged by the energy that is normally lost in braking. The battery works in conjunction with a 5kW inverter and up to 2000-watt thin-film photovol-taic roof solar panels that also deliver domestic-style power to caravanners.The high-capacity lithium-ion powerpack including battery management system is mount-ed under the floor within the chassis rails.The system offers sand, mud and hill-assist drive modes to help push the trailer along off-road.

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As caravans have got bigger and heavier, the company says this has had a big impact on fuel consumption, manoeu-vrability, and overall driv-ing experience. It says many adventurers have consequently opted to buy vehicles that are equipped with significant en-gine capacity and gross vehicle mass to mitigate the burden of towing and power loss, but this improvement in driving expe-rience has come at a significant cost in the purchase of vehicle, fuel and the environment. After driving more than 70,000 kilometres around Australia’s diverse landscapes, OzXCorp Co-Founder, Andrew Huett, believes the new system can deliver a better driving experi-ence to grey nomads.“Hybrid drive technology is not new but the adaption of

Issue 198: May 17, 2019

these principles to caravans is a unique challenge by vir-tue of the caravan being an autonomous vehicle,” he said. “We have been able to deliver a hybrid drive system that is affordable, practical, and transposes to your domestic requirements once you reach your destination.”Mr Huett said the day-to-day driving of a caravan is im-proved by offsetting the ‘dead-weight’ of the caravan. “Start-stop traffic feels fluid and acceleration, or even overtaking, instils confidence and that reinstates enjoyment in the journey,” he said. Testing of the technology on large tandem axle caravans is scheduled to take place later this year. It is not yet commer-cially available.Click to comment

Website highlights

Tug taken overnight

Recently our website www.thegreynomads.com.au reported that two Tasmanian grey nomads have had their Big Lap plans thrown into chaos after heartless thieves stole their car while they slept in their caravan in a caravan park.Click here to read more

Other website must-reads:

Fruit stopProduce stores a hit

Wonky saleEttamogah Pub on market

Still hurtingFree camp ban pains town

Parking bonusMt Isa welcomes big rigs

Merchandise magicGet your grey nomad gear

SURVEYDo you feel your rig

is sufficiently secure?

Yes No

A16kW/508Nm hub motor is mounted on each wheel

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

Beaufort fights backInspired by the success of Bu-lahdelah in New South Wales in attracting grey nomads as a way of counteracting the nega-tive effects of being bypassed, the attractive Victorian com-munity of Beaufort is enthusi-astically committed to follow-ing the same strategy.Located halfway between Bal-larat and Ararat, the town of 1200 residents is refusing to allow the imminent arrival of the Western Highway Bypass turn it into a proverbial ghost town.The Beaufort Progress Asso-ciation has taken the initiative by establishing a free 48-hour campsite for self-contained vehicles near Beaufort Lake, as well as a free dump point … and the signs are positive.“There has been a constant trail of about 10-15 vehicles per week using the lovely level gravelled area which has a huge turning space,” said the association’s president, Liza Robinson. “And there is already anecdotal evidence of campers shopping in town and this will only improve.” Beaufort’s efforts to ‘do a Bulahdelah’ are boosted by the fact it already has much appeal for grey nomads. Sitting in the heart of the Pyrenees wine district, it was once a bustling gold mining town of 20,000 people. It has all the facilities a weary traveller might want, whether it be a supermarket,

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chemist, butcher, pub, su-permarket, restaurant … or a caravan park.“The free camp is owned by the Pyrenees Shire, as is the caravan park,” said Ms Robinson. “It is acknowledged that the vehicles that use the free camp wouldn’t stay in the caravan park anyway, so the free camp is accepted on those grounds.”The area proudly lays claim to being the birthplace of Vege-mite and plans are afoot to create a museum based on the inventor of the iconic spread, Cyril Callister, who was born in nearby Chute. The Eurambeen Historic Homestead with its three-acre Edna Walling garden is near-by, and the Lake Goldsmith Steam Rally and historic Beau-fort Railway Station attracts thousands of steam enthusiasts from all over the world. A self-guided walking Historic Tour has recently been estab-lished to help grey nomads and others uncover the magic

Issue 198: May 17, 2019

of Beaufort’s past. Other rec-ommended events include the Beaufort Agricultural Show, the Pyrenees Annual Art Festival, the Rainbow Serpent music and arts festival, and the region’s biggest food and wine event, Pyrenees Unearthed.Just outside Beaufort is the beautiful Mount Cole State Forest with peaks includ-ing Mount Buangor and Ben Nevis. The area is rich with wildlife and offers great bushwalking opportunities.And the Progress Association says this is just the start. It is working to create a two-week ‘winery tour for RVs’ in November. “Grey nomads can play a very significant part in helping make a town a destination when a bypass happens,” said Ms Robinson. “Bulahdelah did this by creating a free camp site in the town and capitalis-ing on the areas’ nature based attractions … it’s a proven strategy we can replicate.”Click to comment

Beaufort hopes to attract visitors with its free 48-hour campsite

QUIZ CORNER

Win grey nomad stickers!Email the solution to the puzzle. Winner announced in Issue 199. CLUE: This pirate’s got a good a name as any motoring organisa-tion when it comes to giving grey nomads with a puncture something to help them get back on the road? What is it?

Broken windscreen

Last week’s picture puzzle winner was Mr Ed.

Do You Know1. I am travelling directly between the Queensland towns of Kilcoy and Woodford. Which highway am I on?2. The north Queensland town of Cairns was named:a) When Captain James Cook and the crew of the Endeav-our landed here in 1770 and constructed huge piles of stones to mark the ‘promising site’ for future expeditions. b) By Spanish explorer Alberto Flamingo who arrived in the area in 1797 and named it after his home town of Caniz in the Basque country. c) In 1876 in honour of the then governor of the state, Sir William Cairns, before he moved to South Australia the following year.

3. River Ten (anagram). What can turn things upside down … or convert power.

4. To begin with, it’s not very spicy but when added to Ura it creates a pretty Victorian town on the banks of the Murray. 5. Shortest road distance between the Victorian towns of Bendigo and Benalla? a) 97km b) 170km c)290km

Answers on p. 8

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

Page 8

Dear Jaclyn and Heidi,Help! My husband Tom has got gold fever, sapphire fever, zircon fever, opal fever and just about every other precious stone and metal fever there is … and it’s turning our dream trip into a horrible tour of Australia’s dirti-est, muddiest, and most desolate fields. Instead of Happy Hours, sunsets, relaxed walks and tours of attractions, Tom wants to spend all of his time – and I mean all of his time – with a sieve, detector, shovel or pan in his hands. He’s found a few bits and pieces here and there, but Tom was a successful banker in his previous life so we really don’t need to strike it rich to live comfortably. It’s become an obsession. I’ve tried talking to Tom him about it, but he just says it’s his hobby and I should support him. How do I get my husband back?

Fran

New obsession You don’t say what you get up to while Tom is seeking his fortune, Fran. I can only assume that you play some part in the great treasure hunt … even if with considerable less ‘enthusiasm’ than Tom. It sounds like you are already going above and beyond to accommodate Tom’s gem fever, but he’s not giving you a lot of consideration in return. Pre-sumably you spend most of the time in some of those genuine-ly desolate gemfields so I can understand why the novelty can wear off quite quickly … unless you too are bitten by the bug. Time to talk to Tom again and perhaps remind him that the most important treasure in his life is the one he married. Work out a compromise that will accommodate his ‘sensible’ gem fever and your hopes and expectations from your trip. Fair’s fair, Fran.

Jaclyn

Okay, Fran. Let’s put Tom on the psychiatrist’s couch, shall we? Career banker finds him-self liberated from the stiff and starchy world of high finance to cruise the open highways. Career banker swaps pin-striped suits for ripped filthy jeans, and 9am board meetings for holes in the dirt. Career banker swaps predictable salary for crazy uncertainty of treasure hunting. Tom’s just releasing his repressed inner bad boy and living the dream. Granted, it’s not exactly the dream you signed up for, but this is one ‘storm’ you might let run its course. You don’t want to be the one to throw cold water over Tom’s fantasy life! If you’re patient, Tom’s inner banker will eventually overcome his bad boy streak and he’ll abandon his holes in favour of the easy life you’ve been looking forward to.

HeidiClick to comment

Issue 198: May 17, 2019

Instagram

Driver reviver areas dwindling A decade or so ago, Austral-ia’s iconic Drive Reviver rest stops were massively popular with grey nomads and other long-distance motorists … but it seems times they are a-changin’.While visitors to Driver Re-viver stations once numbered about 1.3 million annually, the figure is now said to be about half that.As new highways have been built, quite a few of the sites that might once have serviced 50,000 people a year have closed. There are also more fast food outlets and service centres on the main highways.According to Driver Reviver Australia director, Allan Mc-Cormac, the number of sites around the country is down

from its peak of 220 to about 190.“And that’s a good thing,” Mr McCormac said. “We’re not a numbers game and if the roads are better then they’re safer.”

The organisation is now work-ing with accredited Visitor Information Centres in an ef-fort to plug any volunteer gaps, as well as identify the need for additional driver reviver sites.“There are great opportunities

in small towns and regional areas for the volunteers to engage with motorists com-ing through and talk to them about their local area,” he said. “Perhaps about how great it is and maybe next time they’re on a trip they may want to stay for two or three days.”He said a lot of smaller coun-try towns encouraged Driver Reviver volunteers because it does get people to stop.“Human-to-human engage-ment is critical to our culture and helping to build a better society and that’s exactly one of the things that driver reviver volunteers are doing,” he said.• Do you use Driver Reviver Stops on your trips? Have you met any interesting people or got any good tips there?

Click to comment

Tea, coffee and biscuits are offered at Driver Reviver sites around the country PIC: ABC/Giulio Saggin

The Grey Nomads Insta-gram page is on the open road … and we’d like to invite you all to share – and to enjoy – some great im-ages showcasing all that’s best about taking the Big Lap. Please click below to follow us:

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Page 9

Issue 198: May 17, 2019PRIVATE CAMPS

CLASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE

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

PROPERTY SALE

PROPERTY RENTAL

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Issue 198: May 17, 2019

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.

HELP WANTEDCOPMANHURST, NORTHERN RIVERS, NSWSelf contained (own accommodation/cara-van, person/persons) to stay on site, for free site and power for help on small property ( approx) 1 acre in the village of Copmanhurst Northern Rivers NSW 2460. The village has a Pub, shop , post office, police station and school, and the beautiful Clarence River, ideal for fishing boating and swimming all with in walking distance. Help is wanted to maintain garden and handyperson jobs as they arise,feeding pets when owner is away, Mini Pony, Horse, 2 dogs, I cat and chooks, all well behaved. Gorgeous area to stay for a while and enjoy!! Click here.***PORT MACQUARIE, NSWMount Seaview Resort is located in NSW on the beautiful Mid North Coast, settled within a working cattle property in a semi-rural area we are 1 hour inland from Port Macquarie.We are seeking an experienced couple to work in our peaceful country resort, they must have general experience in catering/hospitality and any cooking qualifications would be ideal. This is a live-in position, employees will need a car and valid licence.Accommodation is provided on site in a respectable house with electricity, landline phone and limited internet access. It is a possible long term position for the right cou-ple. There is a month trial. Small pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, etc. are welcome but please ask when applying. Click here.***ALICE SPRINGS, NTHave you ever wanted to stay in an historic gaol? If you want a truly unique experience, The National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame and Old Alice Springs Gaol is looking for a caretaker couple over our peak tourist season to oversee our museum and gaol complex on weekends, and for some general maintenance and gardening work. We are ideally looking for six week or longer com-mitments. The National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame is a non-profit museum that celebrates and explores the contributions of women in Australia’s heritage. The museum is based in the Old Alice Springs Gaol, and we also tell stories from the gaol’s history.We are largely a volunteer run organisation, and are looking for support on the weekends during peak season from October – Febru-ary. These are the nicest months to be in the red centre, and as your work will mainly be on weekends, you will have plenty of time to explore the stunning landscapes of Alice Springs and beyond during the week! Currently we have vacancies for caretakers from October 2019 onward. All training is provided. The opportunity to become paid cleaners whilst onsite as volunteer caretak-ers is negotiable. Click here.***KAKADU, NT Help wanted at the Border Store (Kakadu)Café- Restaurant, tour Sales, souvenirs and books. We are a family run business that operates the Border store season-ally between May and November (the dry season). The store is located a short walking distance from Cahills Crossing on the border to Arnhem land around 40 km drive from Jabiru. Opening every day at 8:30 am through to 8 pm we serve lunch and dinner, mostly Thai food along with coffee, cakes, toasted sandwiches and other delights. We are looking for someone or a couple that would like to help out. If you are able to help us tidy up around the store do some cleaning and gardening. There will be the opportunity to join a KCT tour into Arnhem land for a day trip, on us, as well as boarding the Guluyambi for a cruse up the East Alliga-tor river. Click here.

MARGARET RIVER, WACARETAKER – LUXURY HOLIDAY HOME – MARGARET RIVER REGION. Live in Care-taker couple or single male/female required for a property just north of Gracetown in South West WA. Commencing ASAP.Minimum employment period: 6monthsThe property consists of 100 acres mostly native vegetation on the coast. There are two houses; a Luxury Guest House and the owner’s home. Duties include grounds care (lawns, tracks, roads etc.), general mainte-nance (lawn reticulation, painting, repairs etc.), some housekeeping, window cleaning, guest welfare, (spa cleaning etc.) and some tractor work. Contracted cleaners service the guest house between visits. Ideally, you should be self-motivated, able to trouble shoot and be a jack of all trades. Salary offered with room to park your caravan. A small self-contained, furnished unit is also provided as accommodation (Utilities/Wi-Fi included). Click here.***

MACKSVILLE, NSWLooking for a grey nomad with van to sit at my farm for 3 months from the 21st June. Shower and toilet and power, no jobs required. 19 kms form town 30kms from beaches. Sealed rd beautify location on the mid north coast at Macksville. Click here.***DARWIN, NTWe are heading overseas to see family in early July and expect to be away for around 3 months (8 July to early October) and would like to offer a couple with a caravan free accommodation in Darwin in exchange for a bit of gardening and pool maintenance. May also involve looking after a few pets – a very friendly middle-aged dog, some over-fed goldfish and three chooks. We are located in one of Darwin’s beach suburbs, within walking distance from local shops, markets and bike/walking track. Our house is open & tropical and the garden is big enough to accommodate a caravan. Gardening isn’t too strenuous. There’s no lawn to mow but we do have plenty of shade trees and palms that drop leaves and fronds plus a pair of resident bush chooks. Click here.***DARWIN, NT House sitter wanted from 1 September to 6th October, 2019 to care for our two dogs – a black German Shepherd and an Australian Silky Terrier. Our house is on 10 acres with a large shady garden and verandahs on the house. We would also like the pool to be cleaned weekly. We are 20 minutes drive from Darwin City and 5 minutes drive from Coolalinga Shopping Centre. There is plenty of room to park a caravan. References required. Click here.***SOUTH NANANGO, QLDWe are seeking a retired couple for housesitting from 1/10/2019 to 31/10/2019. Location: South Nanango in the South Burnett QLD. 126 klm s from Toowoomba and 148 Brisbane city. Major shops in Kingaroy some 35 klm s or IGA in Yarraman or Nanango 10 minute drive. 20 minutes to Bunya mountains. Property is 14 acres set in peaceful area. House yard about 1 acre fully fenced and rabbit proof. Many birds. Whilst housesitting the following is required:Feed chooks and collect eggs for your use.Water some plants. Move sheep and donkey the afternoon to secure paddocks. Look after our Smithfield cattle dog. Very friendly and not chained. Power and rainwater availa-ble for your van. Toilet and washing machine available in house. Sit back and relax. No dogs. Click here.***

HOUSESITTING

KURUNDA, QLDWe have horses, cat and dogs. Throughout June to September we are away a lot com-peting, I’m looking for someone to help feed the animals that don’t come on the show run with us, ( 1 horse, cat and dog) you would need to be comfortable feeding horses, dog and cat. Happy to discuss staying longer if required. We have 18 acres in Speewah, near Kuranda, Far North Qld, I’m looking for someone with a self contained van, power and water is available. Plenty of room to park your van. Beautiful property 1km to nearest shop, 30 minutes to Smithfield shopping centre (Cairns) 5 minutes to Kuranda and 30 Minutes to Mareeba. Click here.***ECHUCA, VICWe will be away from early August to mid-September, approx. 6-7 weeks and we require couple with self-contained van, although toilet/laundry/shower available. Power and water supplied. We live 20km west of Echuca, Victoria. Our property is approx. 650 acres, our farming is cropping and sheep. At this time of year our farm is virtually at a standstill but we need people to look after dogs, chooks, keep an eye on stock circles, feed out hay, and just have someone on site for security. Click here.***BUSSELTON, WAWe are looking for a reliable elderly couple with no pets to look after our home and two Chihuahua cross dogs who rule the house from the 12th of July until the 20th of August. Our house is about 500m from the beach and about 10kms from the main town. Our two dogs are spoilt rotten and sleep in our room, but are kept outside during the day. One of them gets a bit of separation anxiety and just wants to be near you. They are both sweet natured and playful and enjoy walks on the beach. Click here.***ALBANY, WAWe are looking for people in a caravan wanting to hook up to power and water from 1/8/19 to 24/8/19. Sitters would be welcome welcome either side of the dates as required and also there is heaps of parking for a van. Five minutes to town. In exchange for feed-ing chooks, cow and 2 goats also watering and a lawn mow. We have 8 acres and a ride on mower lawn area may be 1000m2. Click here.***NEWMAN, WASitters wanted 8-16 June 2019.Honest and responsible housesitters wanted for a 4 bedroom/4 bathroom family home in Newman 8-16 June 2019. One very friendly and relaxed kelpie-sized dog to look after, needing a short walk and feed daily. Make yourself at home in this lovely light filled house with a great kitchen, comfortable couches, laundry and washing line with a choice of bathrooms (inc. 1x bath) and king-sized, queen-sized and single beds. Covered, off-street parking available. Close to shops and playgrounds and in a very quiet, secure area of town. Click here.***CARNARVON, WAHouse sitters wanted for our home in Carnarvon WA, There is driveway parking and power for a caravan with access to the house, laundry, bathroom etc as required, unlimited NBN internet, power and water provided great base to explore shark bay and or Ningaloo world heritage listed areas, dates are from Wednesday 15th May until Saturday 25th. We have a very friendly dog named Diesel who will require to be feed, and a few otplants to be watered. Our Home is 5 min walk from the waterfront/best restaurant pub in town, 10 min walk to town centre and Carnarvon growers markets. Click here.

MACKAY, QLDMackay Caravan Park (Bakers Creek) – powered site available for single person or couple with own caravan or motorhome in exchange for 1 – 2 hours help per day with general maintenance of park. Handyman preferred. Great place to be based to explore the local region. Prefer minimum 2-3 months minimum stay. Click here.***TOOWOOMBA, QLDCaretaker Wanted; small farm 30km south of Toowoomba requires caretaker couple 3 months, water plants & trees, control weeds, maybe grow your own organic vegetablesPower, water supplied & beef, TV & mobile reception Require your own accommoda-tion. Small wage negotiable. Click here.***TOOWOOMBA, QLDWe are seeking Farm sitters for our pictur-esque small acreage block ( approx 100 acres) 20 minutes south of Toowoomba. We are heading overseas from 20th December 2019 to 26th January 2020. Experience with horses is essential as we have 7 in very safe paddocks with lane way access. We have a small herd of cattle which are very low main-tenance so some cattle knowledge would be preferred , 3 lovely big dogs and chickens. Duties would be feeding out 2 times daily for horses, checking water, all gravity feed troughs, checking cattle, caring for the dogs and chickens and watering the garden. Renumeration provided. Click here.***KUNUNURRA, WALooking for a couple to manage 200 recently planted mango trees on a hobby farm 20km from Kununurra. Involves starting pump, checking sprinklers and general care for the trees. Must have own self contained van. Requires about a hour per day. Click here.***GERALDTON, WASeeking a couple to come and give a hand in the garden to rake up some gum leaves and burn heaps plus clean some windows. Windows can be accessed from the ground. Camping on our property is available with access to power, rainwater tanks and outside loo. Would like someone now and before the 25th of May. Click here.***UPPER GASGOYNE AREA, WAWe are looking for a couple to oversee minor care and maintenance of a mine fly camp, currently in care and maintenance. The couple would need to have some basic maintenance skills and act as caretaker for the site. Record details of visitors and direct them to the company representative, record vehicle number plates. No specific skills or qualifications are required. The site is located in the Upper Gascoyne shire. We will require someone for a period of 3 months initially from end of May to end of August. Conditions will be discussed on application. Click here.***TOODYAY, WAWe are a mixed farm at Toodyay in the Avon Valley. We provide a free farmstay to travellers with caravans in exchange for help around the farm and farmhouse. Often, we both have off farm jobs or commitments and would appreciate some extra help. We farm Merino, Wiltshire and Suffolk sheep, emus, do cropping and hay making. We need help with general farm and vehicle maintenance and fencing. At the moment we would love a hand with collecting emu eggs! We have a small kitchen and an al fresco area that you are welcome to use at our shearers’ quarters. Water and electricity are available. Telstra is the recommended mobile provider for our area. A farm vehicle will be provided for your use on the farm. You are welcome to stay a week or a month or six! Click here.