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In this issue: •Drivers given help to resist temptation •Second time around blues •Adelaide’s charms

GNT readers dive in at the north end

The yo-yoing price of fuel is yet another unpredictable ele-ment that makes it all but im-possible to accurately budget for a long-term trip around Australia.A grey nomad setting out on the Big Lap last July would have been somewhat daunted by the average petrol price of almost $1.60 per litre, and would have been delighted to watch prices plummet to an average of $1.08 in February.In contrast, a happy camper setting off on their big adven-ture in February thinking he or she could continue to fill up at just over a $1 a litre would be feeling the pinch as the price climbed to an average of $1.40 … and is now set to rise another 15 cents or so in the next few days.So, how can a budget-minded traveller hope to cover all budget bases? The experts all agree on one thing. They can’t! The recently released Westpac Global Travel Survey revealed that four in five Aussies blow their holiday budget … and that’s just through being unable to resist temptation. Westpac found 36% of travel-lers admitted to overspending on impulse purchases and avoidable costs.

The bank said travellers could avoid overspending by “research, budgeting and planning”.But the best laid plans can be thrown into chaos … the un-planned for vehicle repair bill, a fuel cost spike, an interest rate hit to your savings yield.All the money men can advise is for travellers to plan for the worst and hope for the best.Of course, everybody’s circum-stances are different. Some are travelling on the pension, oth-ers are relatively comfortable. Some free camp every night and others prefer the security of caravan park stays. A figure often bandied about as a reasonable – but certainly not excessive – budget for grey nomad couples is $500 per week ... but it’s really a case of how long is a piece of string?Janice and Alan W have been travelling full-time since 2011 and have kept a track of the

The occasional croc attack doesn’t mean the van park pool is the only place in the north to swim … at least, according to the majority of grey nomads.A very brave 57.6% of respondents to our recent GNT poll on the issue are prepared to dip a tentative toe in the water elsewhere in the tropics.Graeme B declared himself more than happy to take a “very careful” swim in some northern rock pools, springs, shallow creeks, riv-ers and beaches.Jim C was also happy to get wet, but only in hot springs and freshwater Pilbara riv-ers such as the Robe, which he says is also full of fish.Helen C was a tad more cautious. “A cage in the ocean I will try!” she said.But Frank and Kathy T are sticking to the swimming pool “just to be sure to be sure!”And Johanna S seemed to think it was clothes that were the bigger problem.“I like the freedom of swimming, especially in de nick,” she said. “There is nothing like it and it should be allowed any-where!”

Click to comment

Prices go up and prices come down ... but the open

road won’t wait forever

Counting the costs ... but can you stick to your plan?

Issue 100: July 3, 2015

Page 1

percentage of expenditure spent on basic categories.It came out like this: food-24%; camping fees-23%; fuel - 22%; vehicle maintenance - 12% (includes insurance and rego); tourist visits and treats - 9%; alcohol - 4%; sundries (phone, internet etc) 7%.After years of doing his sums and watching van park fees and fuel costs climb, solo trav-eller Tom R said he realised he was ‘overthinking’ it.“In the end, if you’re going to go, you’ve just got to go,” he said. “Now I’m on the road, if I start to feel the financial pinch I just park up in the bush for a week or two until things are back on an even keel.” • Have you ever had your budget thrown into chaos? Have you ever been ‘tempted’ by a budget-busting indul-gence? What do you aim to spend each week on the road? Click here to comment

Can you budget for the unbudgetable dream?

100th Issue

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

We love everything ... except chilly loo trips!Victorians Kevin and Hilary (73 and 70) have got the lot

... apart from an ensuite

What do you travel in?1998 Jayco Starcraft Poptop, Tug is a 2010 Great Wall x240 2.4ltr petrol SUV. The van is light, easy to tow and to main-tain, and it is comfortable.

Does it have everything?The van isn’t set up with ensuite facilities and we don’t really like having to go to the toilets in the cold. Brrrrrrr!

Where do you camp?Our trips can last anywhere from three days to over four months and, because we don’t have an ensuite or a solar sys-tem, we stay mainly in cara-van parks. The added weight of a generator wouldn’t be a problem … it is more a matter of ‘where do I carry it?’.

Likes of the lifestyle?The freedom to go where you wish, stop where you want, to be able to meet lots of friendly people, and just to explore this great country.

… dislikes?Drivers that fill in the space that I’ve left to stop in, drivers that travel at 80-85km/h and then speed up when they get to a passing lane. These driv-ers are not necessarily cara-vanners!

Have your plans changed?Yes, we want to do more!

Favourite on-the-road meal? Apricot chicken, and any-thing that can be done on the barbecue.

Do you keep a journal?Yes, a very rough one though, with pictures kept on iPad. We also like to use our travels to learn about our family history.

You wouldn’t be without?A metal step with adjustable legs.

Favourite place to camp?Too many to mention but we love Bowen in Queensland, a lovely town with great murals. We like Lightning Ridge ’cos its quirky. Mendooran was also great when we first found it, but now it gets very

crowded. Gulargambone is another favourite because we always wanted to go there and it’s just a nice place.

Scariest nomad experience?Blowing a tyre on the van at 90km/h! Amazingly, every-thing stayed level and we were able to pull over and change it fairly easily. A two jack job though. We also broke a spring on our previous van when we were going over a cattle grid on the Moonie Highway and we needed to be towed to Dalby for repairs.

Tips for wannabe nomads? Don’t wait until you are old. Old is too far away. Get out and do it. If you are hesitant about it, do it in small trips. Once you are on the road, take your time, visit the little country towns, and see the real country and its people.

Issue 100: July 3, 2015

Page 2

Kevin and Hilary’s van is light and comfortable

Helicopter rescueA 64-year-old man has been winched to safety by a helicopter after rising wa-ters stranded him on a rock in Brisbane Water National Park on the NSW Central Coast. He did not require treatment. Police are urging bushwalkers to plan their journeys properly.

Park fallEmergency crews have rescued a woman in her 50s who fell down a steep slope in Victoria’s Organ Pipes National Park. The woman sustained an ankle injury and was taken to hospital in a stable condition.

Croc chaosOrganisers of the Magnetic Island to Townsville open water swim will cancel the event for the first time in its 61-year history if a ‘rogue’ croc isn’t caught by July 19, a week before the event. The crocodile was last spot-ted on June 7.

Bloody complainersAustralia’s advertising standards board has this year received more com-plaints (161 of them) about Holden’s famous ‘Bloody Caravanners’ TV ad than any other. An ad for an app encouraging men to cheat on their wives only received 138 com-plaints.

Nomads in Brief

Friday 18 - Tuesday 22 September 2015Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre Mackay - Queensland

www.orchidsinparadise.com.au

20th Australian Orchid Council Conference and Show

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

Issue 100: July 3, 2015

Page 3

Dear Editor,Re: development of the north (GNT: Issue 99). The upgrad-ing of northern Australia’s ‘highways’ is essential to en-sure the road trains can travel safely across our vast conti-nent. I believe digital commu-nication is just as important, particularly for emergency services. There will always be corrugations for the adven-turous traveller and, while I support developing selected areas across the three states, it would be a travesty to rob the nomads and off-road adven-turers of the great Outback experience if access restric-tions were introduced.

Rob & FlipDear Editor,If you think that will happen in our lifetime, ‘Ya Dreaming’. I would be happy if they fixed up the potholes on our bitu-men roads.

Bill WDear Editor,Well I’m one who is not in favour of bitumen. It just lets more yobbos in. It’s dirt all the way for me!

Gaz

Dear Editor,I certainly hope roads in the north are developed. It will mean quicker times for the ‘tar’ lovers, and the dirt lovers will get to their tracks quicker so they can spend more time exploring what others can’t. Modern tech stuff is also

needed, such as more towers and satellites, and all of these assist the residents in the Out-back, as well as us travellers. It’s a win-win!

Bruce R

Dear Editor,I don’t think it will impact on my plans for visiting Cam-eron Corner, Innamincka and Birdsville in August/Septem-ber! But, seriously, I would not expect any major changes to Outback roads this century. The adventure will always be there.

Robert P

Dear Editor,Yes, it will happen. I just don’t know how soon. And it will make the adventure open to more who wouldn’t have done so on the gravel/dirt previously.

JayCeeDear Editor,While it is nice to drive along good roads in remote Aus-tralia, take a moment to think how many local residents you see out there, and then ask yourself who pays/will pay for those nice roads! It seems un-fair that graziers sell as much of their produce overseas, thus forcing up prices for Austral-ian consumers in the city, while in return, those same metropolitan residents cross subsidise the roads principally for grazier use. The same argu-ment can be extended to the impact on self-funded retirees, of low interest rates which are

being used to force down the Australian dollar in the inter-ests of those same exporters (and others).

Dan SDear Editor,Hopefully the northern development moves ahead in leaps and bounds, and I certainly don’t think it will take away the adventure of the Big Lap. Australia is a large country criss-crossed with an amazing amount of potholed, corrugated dirt roads for the serious off roaders. However, for many, like myself, bitumen (even rough) is a joy. Both my motorhome and myself are of advanced years and rough dirt roads aren’t good for either of us. Likewise I’m sure those lucky people in their lovely new motorhomes and vans wouldn’t want to risk damaging them either. I travel on my own and have limited mechanical knowledge/abil-ity and don’t fancy something breaking or falling off because I had to travel hundreds of kilometres on rough dirt roads so I avoid all but a few short sections. I say “bring on the bitumen, the more the better”.

Di DDear Editor,I think it would enhance the journey, not detract from the bulldust potholes!

Bill BDear Editor,I don’t think we have too much to worry about. Govern-

ment promises come and go, but bad roads still remain – unless they’re in the south east corner of Queensland, or around Sydney or Melbourne. Keep the shiny side up. Mike P Dear Editor,One of the best things I have ever heard. Roll on the paving of the Gibb River Road!

BillDear Editor,I think the changes may bring economic growth to the regions discussed. However, I’d like to see infrastructure that comes with it maintain an old worldly or typical Outback appearance.

Les M Dear Editor,Have you tried to get into a free camp lately? You have to be there by 11am. If they open the Outback up, it will be good for business but you won’t be able to move out there!

Ted SDear Editor,Re: Impatient wannabe (Jaclyn & Heidi: GNT 99). You can’t take it with you Theo! We decided two years ago that we were never going to have enough money so we bit the bullet, sold the house, and bought a Bushtracker caravan. We did a five-month, 19,000 kilometre trip to the Kimberley last year and loved it. It cost us $1 per kilometre.

Shirl

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Issue 100: July 3, 2015

Page 4

Dear Editor,Re: Helping stranded travel-lers (GNT: 99 ). I have helped heaps of travellers, some of them not very good listeners! I could not convince this one guy to leave his radiator cap off or loose, due to a hole in his radiator, spraying water over his spark plug leads. But, after using up most of MY water, I took the radiator cap off myself and gave it back to him after following him to a repair station. But I would still help anyone in need, even if I got burnt! At least I would have done my bit and would still feel pleased that I did the best I could for a fellow traveller. All the spare gear I normally carry is always used up by someone else, but that is great.

Bruce Dear Editor,As my husband is an amputee I would be very hesitant to stop on remote roads to help someone. Although, I think that, if it were a couple, I would.

Glenda SDear Editor,We would stop and offer help, we are with HF Radio and contact Flying Doctor in a medical emergency, or a base or telephone even when not in a service area. So we have lots of points of help. Our HF Radio club hold sked time twice a day, morning and night, and we have GPS so can radio our spot on the map

down to within eight feet. Up until now, we have not found anyone to help, but the help is always there.

EmmyBakDear Editor,Re: Trip planning (GNT: 98). We find you can waste a lot of time planning because getting information from fellow trav-ellers about this place to stay or this place to see is often more valuable than informa-tion you could access yourself. Probably best to do basic planning of which direction you are going and then find out what to do in an area once you get there. It is definitely important to think about medication supply though, as we find now there are certain medications that the doctor can’t do ‘repeats’ for. That can control how long we go for.

Peter MDear Editor,Re: Towing course debate (GNT: 98). There is no need to require a driving course for towing caravans. It is common sense for drivers to load their vehicles properly. Perhaps it is time there was some check-ing up by authorities. I have never ever been pulled up in 40 years of towing a caravan. I recently purchased a 5th Wheeler and have found it a lot safer form of travel.

Frank Dear Editor,Re: Towing responsibilities. I am presently upgrading my

caravan and have recently ordered a new one. As part of the process I had to sign a declaration that I had inves-tigated the tow vehicle and towing apparatus towing limits specifications in terms of the capacity of the towing vehicle and towing apparatus to safely tow the van when empty or loaded. Also have to subsequently investigate that the caravan tyres, suspension and brakes are functional and capable of carrying the load. Whilst the dealer inspected my tow vehicle and towing apparatus, it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that everything is legal and within specification limits. If not, in the case of an accident, the insurance policy for both the tow vehicle and the caravan may be voided.

Eddie WDear Editor,Re: Weigh stations. I would like to see vans, as well as lower GVM motorhomes, be required to enter compulsory RTA weigh stations. I think this would alleviate some problems, as many are certain-ly overweight. It would also be nice to see all states come into line about who must enter a weigh bridge. We drive a 10 tonne converted bus, and enter anything that says all vehicles over a certain weight must enter. We are often then told: ‘you don’t need to come in’. All states seem to have dif-ferent rules. Do motorhomes

(converted buses) go in or not? We would be interested to know what is correct.

Graham & CarolDear Editor,Re: Road dangers. My wife and I have just come back to Adelaide after eight weeks on the road travelling up through Moree, Longreach, Townsville, and down to Coffs Harbour. We passed a lot of vans of all sizes, none of which were all over the road. That is apart from one couple who had driven too long and woke up just in time to bring the rig back on the road safely. The worst we noticed was cars and smaller trucks passing on blind corners, double lines and passing with oncoming traffic too close.

Bob & Shirl

Dear Editor,Re: Great Places (GNT: Issue 99). We stayed at the Pentland Caravan Park recently and enjoyed every minute! It feels like you’re camping in some-one’s back yard, a truly comfy cosy feel and, at only $18 for a powered site, well worth it. Would recommend to anyone passing along this way.

Di & Gary

Dear Editor,Funny about Pentland, the ‘small Outback town’ because Pentland was the ‘big’ town up the road when I lived in Homestead (pop 100) 20 minutes east.

Ross

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

Website highlights

Man injured hitching up Recently our websitewww.thegreynomads.com.au reported that a Queensland man has been injured after his attempt to hook up his caravan went badly wrong. The man reportedly had his leg run over during the inci-dent in Ipswich, and needed hospital treatment. It appears as though the man had been hooking up a caravan when the vehicle began to roll. His injuries were incurred when he tried to stop it.Click here for more.

Other website must-reads:

Free for allRow over Pilbara ‘freebie’

She’s safeGrey nomad survives ordeal

Ledge collapsesDeath in Hancock Gorge

Mobile phone boostCash for Outback coverage

Merchandise magicShirts, caps, and stubbies

Drivers won’t be able to read between the lines

SURVEY

Have you had (or nearly had)a mishap while hooking

up the van?

YES NO

Issue 100: July 3, 2015

A new device developed by an American inventor could soon help drivers to stop being ‘tempted’ to read or respond to texts while on the road.Along with the rising popular-ity of smart phones has come a rise in accidents attributed to their use. Despite the fact that it is illegal, about one-third of drivers admit to texting and driving, and about two-thirds of drivers under 25 admit to doing it. And absolutely no road user is safe from the potential impact a distracted driver can have on their lives.In Victoria alone, police say there have been at least six fatal accidents in the past two years caused by texting drivers, with 16 other fatal car accidents suspected of being linked to drivers using mobile phones.The Katasi Groove is a small black box which can be fitted into a port under the steering wheel of most car models that are made after 1996. It con-nects the car to the internet, and is able to then block the driver from receiving distrac-tions on their mobile phone like text messages.The gadget allows drivers to

Page 5

stop things like texts, emails, and social media from reach-ing their phones when they are behind the wheel, while still allowing them to listen to mu-sic and use navigation. Drivers can customise what they want to do – and don’t want to do – when driving.The device is tied to the driver’s phone, so passengers with phones are not affected.When drivers turn their vehicles’ engines off, all of the messages that have been ‘held’ come through.The American inventor, Scott Tibbitts, is currently in Aus-tralia in discussions with the major telcos, including Telstra and Optus, about his device. If all goes well, he hopes it will be available for local release by the end of the year.Mr Tibbitts – a former rocket

Many drivers can’t resist the temptation to check their texts

scientist – is also talking to in-surance companies. He hopes that they will agree to reduce the premiums of drivers who use his blocking gadget as they will be ‘safer’ than a driver who doesn’t use the same device.• Is this a good idea, or will those who want to text and drive always find a way to do so? How do you avoid phone ‘temptations’ while driving?

Click to comment

The ‘groove’ fits under the steering wheel

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

Before the Big Lap ... a trip down memory lane

Soon-to-be grey nomad, Fay B, takes a nostalgia-filled

trip around Adelaide

Last Saturday was a bright, sparkling winter’s day and, as I took a drove around my home city, I thought about my dream of becoming a grey no-mad. I thought about chasing the sun in the north, but I also mused about what Adelaide would have to offer visiting grey nomads. I love Adelaide! I was born here in 1939 and have lived here all my life. The first 12 years of my life were spent liv-ing in a little row of cottages in Kenilworth Road at the back of the Parkside Primary School. It was the best place in the world to live! It was a street full of kids. On a Satur-day afternoon in Kenilworth Road, it was wall-to-wall kids right up to Wattle Street. We played cricket and football in the street or visited the ‘comic lady’ two doors up who had all the best comics and let us read them, or went to Mrs Ash who had a tree house in her backyard.Adelaide was smaller then. There was no Elizabeth or Salisbury or Parafield Gar-dens, no houses at Hallet Cove, few at Noarlunga and Moana and all those seaside places. I sometimes stayed at a holiday shack at Willunga when it was just golden grass

dotted with one or two shacks here and there. We had milk straight from the milkman’s cows and ate clotted cream with our bread and jam. Once, on one of my bike rides, I found the most beautiful street in Adelaide, Victoria Avenue, Unley Park. I was bewitched by the beautiful avenue of plane trees that lined and shaded it. I loved Adelaide’s trees. There was the mulberry tree in Mr Price’s yard across the road. That tree was like Enid Blyton’s ‘Fara-way Tree’. When you climbed it and sat in its branches eating the beautiful purple mulberries, you never knew who you would meet up there. There was the sycamore tree further up Kenilworth Road where I used to sit and drop itching powder down into people’s collars as they walked by underneath. What Adelaide really does have to offer is the glorious

stretch of beaches from Outer Harbor to Aldinga Beach, with Noarlunga, Moana, West Beach, Semaphore and Largs Bay in between. I remember floating down the Onkapar-inga River at the outlet to the sea at Noarlunga, thrilling to the feel of being swept along by the current to where the river met the sea. It is danger-ous to do this but we kids loved the excitement of it!In those days the sandhills at Noarlunga had not been revegetated and it was such fun sliding down the white dunes on an old car mud-guard to the river below. Maybe the grey nomads need to leave their sun worship for a while and check out Ad-elaide and surrounds. It really is the most beautiful city.

• How have your favourite places changed over the years?

Click to comment

Before becomings a grey nomad, Fay took a final Adelaide drive PIC: FAY B

Issue 100: July 3, 2015

Page 6

QUIZ CORNERLast week’s picture puzzle solution: The winning entrywas sent by Bob R.

Tasmania

Win 2 grey nomad bumper stickers!

Email us the solution to this pic-ture puzzle. Winner will be drawn from entries and announced in Issue 101. CLUE: Many midnight walk hating grey nomads wouldn’t be without one of these?

Do You Know 1. I am in the NSW town of Goolgowi which sits on the junc-tion of the Mid Western Highway and the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .

2. If I reverse from Kramner to Arudlim, which two states will I have been in?

3. Shortest road distance be-tween NSW towns of Nyngan and Bourke? a) 138km b) 173km c) 204km

4. I am driving between the small Victorian towns of Curyo and Birchip. Which highway am I on?

5. Wacko Rev (anagram) The surf ’s always up in this WA won-der spot. Where is it?

(Answers on p. 7)

Email your entries here

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

Issue 100: July 3, 2015

Page 7

Dear Jaclyn and Heidi,Back in the early 1980s, I took my young family on a trip around Australia. We were on the road for a year and had the most incredible time and have the most incredible memories. I have been dreaming for decades of doing the same thing again and now I can’t help but be disappointed. What were once idyllic, quiet beach towns are now very developed, mining has changed the look and atmos-phere of so many places, dirt roads have become bitumen roads, and remote bush camps have become crowded, litter-filled party spots. I knew that things would have changed in the past 30 years or so but not by this much! My wife Janice feels pretty much the same way. We have been on the road for about six months and had planned to do this forever, but now I’m not so sure. Help!

John

The second time around Most people take a little while to adjust to life on the open road, John, but normally it is because they miss their family, or the luxuries of their own home, or simply that they’re struggling with the nomadic nature of their lifestyle. Your problem is that you are travel-ling with ghosts. When we look back, we tend to look at things through rose-tinted glasses. We tend to remember everything as being perfect and block out the bad memo-ries. You’ll remember the children happily playing in the sand but not the arguments and the screaming, you’ll remember the adventure of the corrugated roads but not the anguish of a breakdown in the middle of nowhere. Cherish your memories of that wonderful first trip, John, but then put them away in a box somewhere and concentrate on making some new ones.

Jaclyn

And the kids don’t listen to real music any more, do they? Not like Elvis, or Bill Haley? And the stars aren’t as bright, as they used to be, John? And there never used to be mozzies like this in Kakadu, did there? Your trip isn’t saying as much about how Australia has changed as it is about how you’ve changed, John. The colours of Karijini are just as remarkable, the Outback is still vast, and the sunsets are as awe-inspiring as they’ve always been. If you wake up every day looking to negatively compare it with a long finished ‘perfect’ trip, you are going to have a bad day, John. And you may as well pack up and go home. But, if you wake up every day looking for the wonders and the joys and the friendship that the Big Lap can bring, you will find it is still there … in bucketloads.

HeidiClick to comment

Be quick! Entries to our fabulous Grey Nomads photo competition will be closing on July 10!There is still time to dust off the lens caps, break out the tripods and capture that perfect image. The theme of our latest photo competition - which is conducted on the forum pages of thewww.thegreynomads.com.au web-site - is: ‘Let There Be Light’. It is a broad ranging theme that is open to interpretation but the judge will be looking for shots in which light plays an important role. As usual, there are some

Win top prizes in a snap

Light features in the latest Grey Nomad photo competition

cracking prizes to be won. As well as the coveted title of Grey Nomad photographic champion, our winner will waltz off with a 24”x 36” can-vas print of a photo of their choice, including delivery any-where in Australia courtesy of Brilliant Prints (worth $275). The second prize winner will receive a copy of the popular

‘Grub in the Scrub cookbook’ by Bernadette Jackson. The third placegetter will receive an incredible package of Grey Nomads merchandise including a GN baseball cap, a GN stubby holder, and two GN bumper stickers.So, what are you waiting for? Click here for the rules and schedule of the competition.

Hooray! The Grey Nomad Times has reached the ripe old age of 100 (editions).Some four years ago, the e-publication was launched with the simple aim of keeping grey nomads and wannabe grey nomads informed, entertained, and in touch with each other.It has since grown to become what we hope is a much loved part of the fort-nightly lives of its 12,000-plus subscribers, and is enjoyed by grey nomads in caravan parks and camping grounds up and down the country.Along the way, it has raised a few important issues, raised a few eyebrows, and – perhaps most impor-tantly – raised a few smiles.Thanks for sharing the journey so far.

•What are your favourite memories of the GNT?Click to comment

Yippeeee! We are 100editions old!

Issue one of the GNT was published 4 years ago

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Issue 100: July 3, 2015

Page 8

CLASSIFIEDS

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.

Click here to see all the classified ads on our website

FOR SALE

HELP WANTEDSOUTHERN DOWNS, QLDCleaner/Relief required for a small but busy caravan park in the Southern Downs Queensland. Min 10 hours per weekLive onsite in own caravan (Rent payable)Must be presentable, fit, non smokerPrevious experience and Computer skills desirable. Start ASAP. Click here.

***

PENTLAND, QLDCountry hotel motel at Pentland QLD, 250km west of Townsville on the Flinders Highway heading towards Mt Isa. We have a community of about 250 people. There are 8 motel rooms and we do meals at night. I am looking for a few hours in exchange for power and a small wage if you have your own van/bus etc. Click here.

***

HOUSESITTING

SOUTH ATHERTON TABLELANDS, QLDWe would need a housesitter from 5 Octo-ber until 9 NOvember. We are located in the Southern Atherton Tablelands in the area of Evelyn. We would need someone who could do yard work and sit dogs (*2), birds (2), chicken & ducks (only a few) We have almost 7 acres of maintained lawns and walking tracks. They will have private accommodation with outdoor kitchen eating area. They will need to be on site with us for at least a couple of days to be shown what needs doing and how to use pumps for water etc. CLick here.

***BERRY SPRINGS, NTCaretakers wanted to help myself, single 34yr old gent maintain an tend to animals in The Berry Springs area. Concrete slab, power and water situated in a lovely shady position on the block. Ablution block with washing machine and a shared pool. Well kept block with an abundance of livestock an native animals. Within 3klms of the litchfield pub, general store/service station. Suitable person/persons would be honest, fit, have a love for ani-mals with the ability to operate a tractor and small powered garden equipment.Click here.***

KINGAROY, QLDAre you travelling through the South Burnett with your own van in June /July school holidays and looking for some-where to stay? We have 57 acres located 2 minutes from Kingaroy which is full of wildlife, slashed walking tracks if you want to explore and a large dam stocked with fish which you can also kayak on.We’d be happy for you to stay as long as you want over the holidays in return for looking after our newest member of the family – a well trained lovable cattle dog pup for 3 nights (6 – 9 th July) You will still be able to explore the South Burnett and go out – he will just need to be fed morning and night with either a walk on our property or a play thrown in daily! Click here.

***RENMARK, SALooking for house sitters for my place in the Riverland, 6kms out of Renmark, on a small home block – with free power,water , in return lawns need mowing( mower supplied) garden to be watered. You must have own caravan or motor home – will fit in yard , could be for up to 8 mths starting appox end of July. CLick here.

***ALBANY, WAFarm sitters– 18/7/2015–end of August 2015. Farmer needs a break !!! seeks farm sitters aprox 6 weeks, farm 130km east of albany on south coast hwy. Not a lot to do, feed dogs, drive around check sheep are not in crop ,call some one if a problem Probably best suited to grey nomads with own van. Click here.

***MACKAY, QLDFarm sitters wanted for appox 3 months jan 2016 to end of march. 20 head of quiet cattle and some slashing around cane fields plus lawn and house care. Click here.

SUNSHINE COAST, QLDSunshine Coast strawberry farm on the beautiful Pumicestone Passage.We are looking for a person or couple to help with some light cleaning and mainte-nance in exchange for powered site and use of onsite facilities. There is also an opportunity for some paid work as well. Click here.

***GERALDTON, WAFree caravan parking space with electric-ity and also separate shower, toilet and laundry facilities available in Geraldton WA in exchange for some handyman tasks/ gardening/ tidying up/ cleaning of home…..very happy to negotiate to suit both parties. Click here.

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WOOROLOO HILLS, WAWe have a 35acre property located in Wooroloo, Hills Area 40 mins east of Perth WA, I require a couple with their own van from or a bit earlier 4/9/15 to 12/19/15 , I have a very old dog that will require feed-ing and cleaning up after. There are cattle and horses on the property but they are fed each day by a local person that comes in daily. You would have access to large enclosed deck area with TV table chairs, couch etc also laundry and bathroom. You would be required to look after the gardens which are easycare, and keep the weeds down. Click here.

***ECHUCA, VICHouse/Farm sitters required to take care of dogs and chooks. Couple with own caravan preferred with use of our facili-ties. We are in the Echuca, Victoria area, close to Murray River and fantastic area for days trips. Dates being 19/08/15 to 18/09/15. Click here.

***TOWNSVILLE, QLDWanted grey nomad with own caravan to babysit small property for approximately 3 months asap. We have 5 acres with horses and dogs at Alligator Creek 20 mins South of Townsville. Someone with horse experience would be helpful.Click here.***GRANTHAM, QLDWe have a rural 2.5 acre block surrounded by cattle paddocks, with a farmhouse, 1 cat, 6 sheep and 4 lambs. There is only about 1 acre under lawn which, at this time of year, really isn’t growing … but we do have some pot plants that will need watering once a week. We would also need the mail collected, whenever the postie decides to deliver some. Dates ap-prox 6 weeks from late July until the end of August or early September. Click here.

***MARY VALLEY, QLDSeeking housesitters for approx 3 weeks starting mid July. Located in a beautiful area in the Mary Valley Qld, 20 mins from a major town and 45 mins from the Sun-shine Coast and Fraser Island. Only tasks are to feed 3 dogs, check on 4 horses & collect the mail from the mailbox.Click here.