Camping and Traveling around Australia, Out&About with Dayv camp

The best camping, 4x4 experiences and practical camping advice. Dayv, (Out&About with Dayv) has been exploring and camping his way around Australia for over 50 years. Visit: https://campandtravel.com.au/

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Let’s go Camping

When your friends say to you "let's go camping" there are a few things you should know. Before we head out, I’d like you to give consideration to a few simple, but important, things. - Firstly - are you going by yourself, yourselves or with FRIENDS? - Secondly -  do you have the NECESSARY equipment? - Lastly - do you KNOW where you’re going? - You will see from the above that I have highlighted some key words here. As this website is deliberately focused on introducing people to camping and travel, I’d like to now draw your attention to these words.

Friends - who camp, let's go camping! I have heard many people say “we haven’t been camping much, but our friends have said that they will have everything we’ll need”.  Well, this is somewhat true - but quite often there will be something they don’t have that you need. If you don’t have it, it may make your camping experience a misery and perhaps strain the relationship with your friends. Think about what you need and what will make your camping experience the best there ever was. Remember too that your friend’s ‘poly tarp’ groundsheet may not be your idea of a queen size feather-down four-poster bed. Note: Having been married now for 29 years (and being a bit of a survivalist), I feel obliged to pass on some words of wisdom to those reading this. Your lovely significant other / friend may not tell you that they’re not happy until it’s way too late. THINK (another highlighted word) about what you are undertaking, where you are going and what the amenities are like - eg hot showers, dry floors, keeping warm, good food, no house chores, coffee etc etc. Get this right and you’ll be the best Cro-Magnon camper there ever was.

Necessary camping equipment Breaking this one down, there are two aspects to this too. Is what you’re taking necessary and do you have what is necessary? A basic rule of thumb is that what you take should have at least two uses (three as you get better at it).  For example:- - if you take a plastic box and a chair, can you sit comfortably on the box? - what can you use the box for? - Can you put your stove on the box - can you use it for washing up etc. - If the box isn’t strong enough to sit on, can you get a stronger one? Camping newbies If you are starting out on your camping travels, think about what you have; and don’t dwell on what you don’t have or what is stopping you from getting Out&About.  If you don’t have a tent,  mattress or sleeping bag/s etc, then look at on-site cabins or ‘glamping’ as an option. When you don’t have a stove or pots and pans and/or washing up gear, then maybe look for somewhere where there is an equipped Camp Kitchen - caravan parks.  If you don’t have an esky or a fridge, then find a campsite where you can buy food or buy it nearby - or find a pub (don’t be ashamed). If you don’t have a kettle for the fire, do you have a thermos or a kettle you can plug in somewhere? Camping meals Plan your meals too - sometimes a can of baked beans is all you need.  But, be sure to read my cautionary note above.  Opening a can of baked beans with your teeth is not a good idea. See blog camping menus. Know where you are camping Knowing where you’re going very much influences all of the above. Do your research... - are there any swimming holes or a beach nearby (think swimming gear and changing facilities) - any walking tracks (think shoes, water, fitness) - is there power (think cooking and battery charging) - we all like shade in the heat (think sun and heat) - can you take your dog (think food, leash, kennels and booking) - will you get sick (think medicines) - there are other considerations which you will learn along the way You’ll see that I haven’t even mentioned kids yet. That’s another story for another time - but, all of the above still applies and more so. Most importantly - Get Out&About! More camping blogs and camping tips

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Best things to do in Melbourne Victoria

Melbourne has it all and more  

Written by Kathie Baker Melbourne was hit hard by Covid and the streets were deserted during lockdowns. Now the life of Melbourne is back, with restaurants buzzing. Melbourne, the capital of Victoria sleeps no longer! Melbourne Food and General Stuff When I say Melbourne – for those who are not familiar with the area, I am referring to Melbourne CBD and within a 5 k radius of central Melbourne.  The central CBD has choices laid on for food.  A favourite of mine is of course Chinatown with its authentic dishes on offer.  Like most cities, Melbourne's Chinatown bustles with people (when not in Covid lockdown) and there's food available from many of the popular regional cities of China. However, if we break it down by country – I can’t think of one country that is not represented their food in Melbourne.  Melbourne has always been a melting pot of cultures attracting both the immigrants of the country along with the food. As a Melbourne girl I have seen the city expand and thrive.  English is the official language in Australia, however with so much diversity and so many immigrants having settled in Melbourne you could be forgiven for thinking you were in another part of the world.  Let’s have a quick tour around Melbourne, with the focus on the CBD area.

Advertisement - Clothing for all types of travel Real People doing real outdoor activities need really good gear.   All these places are within walking distance if you are settling yourself for your visit within the CBD – and I mean it is great place to be.  From a price perspective there’s many options on accommodation and AirBnB  connects the dots for affordable choices and price points. What are the best things to do in Melbourne? Old Melbourne Goal/Magistrates Court/Watchhouse This goal definitely has a history – having been home to many of our criminals, including the infamous Ned Kelly. Melbourne Goal was closed in 1929, but it had already seen many brutalities, including 133 hangings – Oh – and Ned Kelly was one of those. At the present time of writing this blog, the goal is closed due to Covid restrictions, but it is so worth visiting when Melbourne comes alive again. Do you believe in ghosts? https://www.oldmelbournegaol.com.au/hangmans-night-tour/   Queen Victoria Market Link to Queen Victoria Market As a little girl I would go to the Vic Market with my parents, with the first scramble being trying to find a car park.  This was around 50 years ago and back then it bustled with shoppers and the smells of spices and many smells I could not recognise at that time.  The market back then was not the cleanest, but these days it is a whole different story. The Melbourne City Council has made sure the Victoria Market is vibrant, offers the highest quality food and attracts YOU.  Whether you are a local looking for great food or a tourist wanting to experience Melbourne's version of Seattle's market you will not be wasting your time by spending some time at the Vic Market. Go to the Victoria market and then catch a tram to the zoo.  Buy a picnic lunch at the Queen Victoria market and head to the zoo, have lunch and enjoy the animals…The Melbourne Council has turned the Victoria Market into a tourist attraction.  They even have night markets and different days will determine the types of goods available.  The weekend brings traders from cottage industries selling their wares.  However, the range of fresh produce and meat – delicacies from the delicatessens, bakeries, sweets, cakes represent a pocket of Melbourne most Melburnians are very proud of.  This is a must see, experience it for yourself. Melbourne Zoo Directions and some other great information about the Melbourne zoo. The zoo has no boundaries when it comes to age.  I can’t name one person who doesn’t still get a kick out of going to  the Melbourne Zoo.  Unlike some of the zoos I have been to overseas, Melbourne Zoo is well laid out with room for the animals to roam.  This doesn’t mean the lions are left to roam the zoo and catch you as their meal, but as far as an environment of captivity these animals are well looked after. Whilst the zoo is not in the CBD of Melbourne, it is worth making the extra effort. State Library State Library link Until recently the State Library had never entered my mind as a possible tourist destination.  However, it is really high on the bucket list of Chinese visitors to Melbourne.  So, I decided to check it out myself.  The building is a tale of its own, with the front a great place for you to prop yourself and watch the world go by. The manicured lawns are just the place. The building is worth admiration – as it stands majestically on Swanston Street.  Originally opened in the late 1800’s it amazes me with the detail of the building.  The library is of the modern day, in terms of delivery of service, with events and programs changing to meet the needs of today. If you have little ones, then there is a section set up just for them – I think a few hours at the library is worth every minute. Federation Square Federation Square is a public space right in the middle of the CBD area.  In fact, it is directly across the road from Flinders Street Station.  The space is really unique because it brings together a very different design in terms of architecture offering different spaces within spaces to host events both inside and outside. Head to the website – and find out what is on at Federation Square.  The Tourist Information Centre is also located there. Flinders Street Station Now this station is once again a must see.  It has been told that this station was actually meant to end up in India, but somehow the plans were mixed, and Australia ended up with Flinders Street design. and India ended up with what was supposed to come to Melbourne.  The architecture is grand and a complete contrast to Federation Square, but it works.  The station is a "meeting place" for many, as all Melbourne locals know where it is.  It has recently undergone some cosmetic renovations to ensure it doesn't begin to fall apart.  The clocks are a much spoken about feature of the outside of the station.

Flinders St Station National Art Gallery Link to gallery The NVG is opposite the Botanical Gardens (well nearly).  Are you beginning to understand just how convenient us Melburnians have tried to make it for those visiting our city?  The Gallery commissions art pieces from across the globe.  There is always something going on at the Gallery so check out the website and find out what is happening when you are visiting Melbourne. Botanical Gardens Gardens The Royal Botanic Gardens is a great place to chill.  Melbourne is by no means short on parks and gardens; however, these gardens are the pinnacle, in my humble opinion.  If you are in the CBD, you can walk along the Yarra and from there head into the Botanical Gardens.  There are numerous entrance points, with a running track around the perimeter of the Gardens, known as the Tan. Once again, many years ago, when I lived in town, I would run the Tan every day.  There’s some really fascinating historical leftovers, such as a horse trough.   The gardens and the Tan have grown over time and provide a recreational outlet for many.  Take your camera and enjoy the space and the peace and quiet.  The Melbourne cityscape is a great backdrop and it is difficult to imagine something so beautiful being bang in the middle of town almost. The Mounted Police Stables are not far from the gardens and the mounted police horses are often seen patrolling the area…..around the perimeter and within the grounds themselves. Oh, and if I forgot to mention – the gardens often have events designed to draw people into the venue, so it is worth checking their website to see what is on at the time of your visit. The Yarra River The Yarra is Melbourne’s River and flows right through the CBD.  Now this is a bonus because it means those who are visiting Melbourne get to experience walks along the Yarra, picnics and bbq’s (well when it isn’t cold and raining). The Yarra begins its journey up in the Baw Baw’s (the snow) and the water at its source is clean, but as it meanders on its way to Melbourne things change.  Over the last 20 years the water has been cleaned up – but I would still not advise you to swim in the Yarra at the point we are talking about.  It does provide opportunity for the local schools to row and many rowing clubs are dotted along this section of the river.

Rowing on the Yarra River There’s also some exciting trips on some of the boats and ferries that have set up local businesses. Melbourne Aquarium https://www.melbourneaquarium.com.au This centre is always a draw card for Melbourne.  Once again it is within walking distance of the CBD, in fact just down the road from Flinders Street Station.  Filled with marine life it is basically a water zoo.  Loads of fun for the little ones. Crown Casino/Southbank The Crown When I say Crown Casino, I mean “the crown”.  The Casino is not just about gambling, but the restaurants and the shops and the convenience of location.  Right near the Yarra River you can visit the Crown and then continue your journey along SouthBank. Gas Lights At night this area comes alive and at different times of the year you can enjoy the gas fire displays, that really can’t be described.  These are dotted along Southbank right next to the Yarra River. Melbourne Inner city tram  Melbourne has trams and they still service the people of Melbourne wanting to travel around the inner-city suburbs.  The Melbourne Loop is around the CBD and it is free travel.  You can jump on and off the Melbourne trams and as long as you stay within the loop then it is free.  They are fun – so jump on a tram and explore Melbourne. Laneways and Arcades Melbourne's hidden treasures. Melbourne also has loads of little arcades and laneways that are worthy of a visit.   The grid of Melbourne CBD is really easy to navigate, but if you head off the main streets and roads into the back lanes and alleys and arcades, you will be entering a whole new world. - Speciality shops, - street art, - cafes and restaurants. Street Performances There are street performances dotted all around the CBD, where you can stop and watch, listen and be entertained for free by so many of the world’s greatest. Street Art – this art is real art, and not graffiti that degrades the walls….check it out for yourself. Refer to link above Melbourne's hidden treasures for more information on the street art. Ferry Trips Find the ferries I only recently tapped into the ferry experience.  Ferry by night or day – the choice is yours.  Melbourne lights up at night, so a trip along the Yarra River at night is really special. There’s also ferries that you can jump on between Melbourne CBD and Williamstown. This trip is one of my favorites. Williamstown has history and beauty and on a beautiful Melbourne day, catching the ferry from the Melbourne CBD and getting off the ferry at Williamstown is just another special trip to make whilst visiting Melbourne. Williamstown Find out about Williamstown Melbourne A great day trip is to catch the ferry from Melbourne CBD to Williamstown.  Williamstown has a tourist information centre, right near where you jump off the ferry, so make a quick trip there and get their advice on what to see and do.  It will be dependent on the weather of course, whether you head to the beach, café, sit on the bay area or seep up the history the suburb. Ask about the water fountain The Wilkinson Memorial Drinking Fountain There are some very spooky stories about this fountain – true or false, the fountain is a part of Williamstown and the ghost stories just make it a little more intriguing. After you have had your fill of Williamstown, it is walking distance to the local train station which will take you back to Flinders Street Station. To Sum it up on Melbourne Now if this blog hasn’t given you enough reason to come and visit Melbourne, then you are a hard audience. Camping grounds close to Melbourne – Yes there are, but this is another blog.

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Best Malaysian Curry

Jim Alexander is a great mate of mine and also the contributor for this delicious Malaysian Curry. Notes This Malaysian Curry is easily adapted. So if you're out and about camping then there is no reason you can't throw the ingredients together and be sitting around the camp fire a few hours later enjoying this sensational dish. Ingredients - Veggies - Meat - Sauce - Oil - Garlic - Chilli - Red Wine - Coconut Milk - Desiccated coconut

Advertisement - A complete range of cooking equipment and camping gear at great prices! Instructions Chop up the vegetables, I normally use things like potatoes, pumpkin, cherry tomatoes, onions, garlic - but really you can experiment with this Malaysian Curry. Flavour the oil with the garlic, chilli and onion, add in the meat, then the sauce and some red wine. Reserve some vino for a few sips yourself during the cooking process.  Add the veggies to the Malaysian Curry and wait for the aroma to hit you. Wow, this smells good and gets better! Slow cook during the afternoon and then dry fry some desiccated coconut. Add half a tin of the coconut milk to finish at the end of the cooking process.  Minimal effort for a great result.  Devine! Serve with rice. More blogs More recipes Another Curry? Read the full article

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Australia's Bushfires

Article originally published December 2019 when these areas were hit hard by bushfires. Now 2022 we see floods in some of the same areas.

After the Bushfires

Helping Out at Casino and BlazeAid Recovery I think that most of the world has seen the recent (and at time of writing, current) fires in New South Wales, Queensland and now South Australia - loss of life, stock and property fills social media and news headlines.

Travelling through NSW days before the bushfires

Having driven along the Clarence Way (NSW) from Tabulam to Busbys Flat, Camira Creek and Whiporie only days before the fires in this area, I knew how dry the area was and how rural and somewhat remote it was. Check out my Trip Itinerary for Koreelah to Jackadgery.

Helping after the fires

So, I turned to my wife and said - “I’m off to help out in some way”. I was met with immediate approval - which was good as she is also my Minister for Finance and War - and said that, if I didn’t she was about to give a donation. Next to people, the plight of animals has always been her strength. Helping after the bushfires - important to both of us. So, I turned to my wife and said - “I’m off to help out in some way”. I was met with immediate approval - which was good as she is also my Minister for Finance and War - and said that, if I didn’t she was about to give a donation. Next to people, the plight of animals has always been her  strength.

BlazeAid

I knew that BlazeAid (a somewhat small organisation based in Victoria) had risen from the ashes of the Black Saturday Bushfires in Victoria in 2009 and I’ve been following them for some time on social media (@blazeaid) and through their website (www.blazeaid.com.au). So, when I heard that a BlazeAid camp was being set up at the Casino Showgrounds, I knew that that was where I’d be headed.

After the fires.

After a tragedy you can help

My next task was to check with Kevin Butler (Founder and President of BlazeAid) to see where and when I might be needed and he confirmed that I ought to check with the Casio Co-ordinator, Ron - who, in turn, said ‘Yes’ and ‘Now’. I don’t know about you, but I had no idea how this volunteer stuff was done, how I’d be welcomed, what skills I needed or even how it all worked. I just knew that I wanted to do something for those that needed some help and to let them know that us city-slickers did in fact know that they’re there.

The Trip South (for me)

After packing the camper and kissing the Honourable Minister goodbye, I was off - heading towards Warwick, Stanthorpe and Tenterfield, and then on to Casino - or, so I thought... You see, the Cunningham Highway was closed at Aratula. Yes, there were signs on the Ipswich Motorway, but I drive that road so often that I didn’t read every word of all of the signs as they scrolled through the pages. After all, at 90 km/h you can miss some parts of some signs.

The reality of bushfires

But, one thing that driving through the town of Aratula showed me was how ‘real’ this world outside the city suburbs was. There were more fire appliances in Aratula than there were cars, caravans and trucks that normally plied this section of the highway. Then there were utes and trailers carrying hay bales and 1000 litre containers of water. This was the real thing - and it made me even more determined to lend my hands.

Not All Roads Led to Casino

But, it wasn’t just Cunningham’s Gap that was closed to traffic. Many of the roads that traverse the mountainous country, that some bright spark thought would make a great natural boundary when they severed Queensland from New South Wales, were also closed. This, along with bushfires still burning in the areas through which I wanted to travel, made me reassess my plans - and I set off once again to travel back east and down the Pacific Highway to Ballina and then, head west, up to Lismore and out further to Casino.

Smoke from the bushfires

From the hills that overlook Lismore, the reality was driven home once more. The smoke from surrounding fires lay heavy in the the town’s valley and more smoke could be seen on several points of the horizon. I grit my teeth a little as I leave Lismore and head west to Casino - just 30 minutes further west but definitely more in the firing line.

Burnt car  

Water bombing helicopter The registration process on arrival at the camp was simple with several mandatory forms for insurance purposes and for everyone’s safety. But, at the same time, this is no holiday camp with alcohol understandably limited to two standard drinks each day. Then, it was the allocation of my camp site and setting up home for the next week (or so). Very Genuine Welcome from BlazeAid Volunteers To say that the welcome at the BlazeAid Camp at Casino was ‘welcoming’ would be a huge understatement. Everyone was in the same boat and super keen to help the community in their time of need. There were travelling stories a plenty each flavoured with how many BlazeAid camps each had been on and who was a virgin on this camp - Ahhh... That’d be me! A large number of the volunteers (I would say...) were retired and travelling this great country and helping out at the same time. Win-Win really.

Camp Breakfasts, lunches and dinners; and nibblies in between, are provided by local community groups (churches and organisations) - and each is given freely and with sincere gratitude. Ron ran a tight (yet relaxed ship) with several whiteboards identifying who was in each working party, who the leader was, what esky they had been allocated (for lunches, snacks and water) and which ‘Combat Ready’ trailer to put it all in.

Eskies  

BlazeAid Trailers Everyone chipped in for washing up after dinner and then it was off to bed - to the sound of  helicopters being serviced overnight to be ready for tomorrow. Day One (This is Where I Lose My Virginity - Again) To those in BlazeAid, I was a virgin - and I think it showed. I’ve probably driven past many thousands of kilometres in my life and sometimes take the time to wonder about the bush magic of strainer posts, tensioner, 3 bard / 2 plain and star pickets.

As a cartographer, I had also plotted many metres (and links) of surveyors’ survey books (working up the page) where they had noted any fences that they had crossed or passed. I was about to get ‘deflowered’. Ron’s inspiring words ring in your ears as he concludes every briefing session as you head off for the day or reflect on the day that was - “Now, Bugger Off!”. A true motivator. Our first task was to attend a property at Rappville (which had been hit severely by fires some two months previous) and help fencing contractors reinstate damaged fences and erect new ones. The first task was to walk about two kilometres of fence line removing the bottom strand of barbed wire and replacing any timber posts that were no longer serviceable with galvanised star pickets. Well, that took us up until smoko - which we grabbed with both hands and a cup. It’s always chatting among the gang in the bush over a cuppa and fresh baked goods donated by the local community. Two words - ‘Yum’ and ‘Thanks’.

More heaving work after the bushfires

Then it was down to where the contractors were now ready for us and we threaded 5 strands of barbed wire between strainer posts (nearly 4 meters of iron bark buried about two metres into the ground) with concrete posts spaced between. Once the strands were laced and tensioned (using a very simple but very effective agricultural implement called a tensioner - good ol’ farmer technology), our next task was to drive star pickets at regular intervals (two between each concrete post) and twist wire fix the strands to this. Then, by mid afternoon, it was with mutual agreement that we packed up and travelled back to Casino for a break before dinner (hosted by the Country Women’s Association) and a well deserved sleep. Day Two (Brush With Some Fire) After another great breakfast (I chose porridge with an egg and bacon) and a morning brief from Ron, it was off in the cars once more for a return visit to the farm at Rappville - where we were yesterday for some more runs of fencing.

Not long into the day’s work there was an all mighty crash and bang not far from us and just to the north. A huge gum tree had fallen over into the gully. Lucky really that we were all there to hear it, otherwise it may not have made a sound... A gum tree caught in the bushfire It was a gum tree with a base diameter of about 1200mm and the trunk was still smouldering from the fire that had gone through that area about two months ago. The spot where the stump had been sitting was a pool of glowing embers and the embers up the trunk were sparking new flames in the tinder dry branches and leaves that lay strewn throughout the gully. A phone call to emergency services, soon had a rural fire brigade appliance turn up to the property. After a bulldozer on the property cleared a path through saplings and the rough ground between the new fire and the fire fighting appliance, the boys were soon managing the fire - noting that the embers up the inside of the trunk just had to be left to burn. Bushfires continued to burn further south While all this was developing, work on the fence continued and smoke from fires further to the south rolled in to create an eerie sensation with a red sun and heavy shadows in the middle of the day. Quite simply, we’d had smoko, we’d completed nearly 200m of fencing, we had a fire smouldering in a huge tree trunk some 100m from us, the sun was red, the air was filled with smoke, it was windy, we knew we could get out on the road we had come in on... oh... and it was lunchtime. So, we bolted out of there.

Tonight would be dinner at the Salvation Army. I’ve never dined with the Salvos and I’m looking forward to adding that to my CV - and enjoying more of Casino’s warm and very genuine hospitality. Day Three (At the Desk) Not sure if it was something I said - or how I said it - but, today finds me at a desk at base camp giving some training and advice on Excel Spreadsheeting. I’m now experienced in running strands of barbed wire, capable in the use of a tensioner and even chosen as the work group’s chosen one to use the two-stroke petrol-driven post-driver for the star pickets. They say it’s not because of my good looks but because of my height. I’ll always remember my first time... Those three days went so quickly, but I wanted to be home for the weekend to see the Hon. Minister again and to have our usual family dinner. I took the Lions Road (off Summerland Way) back over the border as it is one of the only ones open (Note: You can follow this road on my itinerary here). Give Up Some Time So, if you want a trip away from the everyday, you could do a lot worse than donate several days or a week or more to the work of BlazeAid. You’ll get accommodation for you tent, camper, van, or motorhome; you’ll get hot showers; you’ll get three square meals (plus great local bakes); you’ll get to see communities I bet you’ve never heard of (let alone been to before); you’ll have fun; you’ll learn new skills; you’ll get to contribute your skills and knowledge; and heck - you’ll even  meet some great people (BIG Hi to Linda, Di, Terry, Mark, Peter, Lance and Ron... etc). Take care you guys. You’re doin’ a great job! See you soon.

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Winter Fuel in Your Diesel Tank

Winter Fuel in Your Diesel Tank

Here in Australia, we often don’t think too long or hard about Winter diesel fuels in our car’s tanks. This may be because the major fuel distributors look after this for us.

Your vehicle's fuel filter

You see, the problem is that diesel fuels generally contain naturally occurring waxes that, in colder temperatures (around and below the zeros centigrade), can solidify and block the car’s fuel filter. Looking at the web, Shell, Caltex and BP (to name but three) distribute their various Winter Diesel blends through their various outlet locations dependant on their climatic conditions. Selected quotes from the Fuel Companies “Caltex Winter Diesels are distributed to meet the demands and particular weather conditions of certain areas. They are automatically dispensed through the regular diesel or Vortex Premium diesel pumps in cold or alpine areas.” (www.caltex.com.au) “The diesel properties are adjusted during winter to minimise waxing in cold locations.” (www.shell.com.au) “Because our winter diesel is adjusted seasonally – and even by area – all you need to do is fill up with diesel from within the area you are operating in.” (www.bp.com) Caltex provide some extra advice here in that “...if you are heading to the ski fields, you should fill up closer to your final cold destination, as the diesel in a town like Jindabyne or Mansfield will be Caltex Alpine Diesel, and best suited to prevent waxing while you are in the snow country”. Read more on snow chains.

Advertisement - The North Face, clothing for the outdoors. In Colder Climates what do you do? If you do forget and find yourself in the hills with the warmer climate fuel  www.caradvice.com.au say “...if staying overnight when the temperatures really drop to 0°C or below, it can render your vehicle immobile, often resulting in it being towed down the mountain to thaw out the next day”. Or, you could just sleep in and wait for the day to warm up. So please, keep safe and remember to plan your fuel tank fills. Winter Fuel in Your Diesel Tank. For more Tips and Hacks - https://campandtravel.com.au/category/camping-tips-and-hacks/. Register to be ‘In The Tent’ - https://www.facebook.com/groups/501769664591972/   Read the full article

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Camping with a Swag in Australia

Swags

We’ve all seem them. The utes and four-wheel drives loaded to the gunwales with camping gear and one or more swags thrown on top for good measure. Swags come in all materials, shapes and sizes but generally roll up to about 85 to 150 centimetres wide and about 30 to 50 centimetres round when rolled up. When erected they can house singles or couples (although I wouldn’t share with a mate). They can simply tie off to the car or a tree at one end and stake to the ground at the other. They can have arched bars to hold the roof up at either end or in the middle - often with a spreader-bar at the apex.

Pedro (vehicle) Complete with Swag for the 2018 Simpson Crossing They come complete with floor, mattress, roof and screen walls - all suited for sitting height or slightly less. Given their height, they’re no too suited for the gymnastic performance of putting on a full set of clothes. But, they will allow enough movement to get all the nasty bits covered up before you emerge from the night’s cocoon to finish the job standing up.

I Love My Swag

Now don’t get me wrong... I love my swag! It offers safe harbour from many of the elements that surround me when I’m out bush or beyond. I can keep dry under the well seasoned canvas in heavy storms, I can keep warm when its fully zipped, I can lock myself away from the creepy-crawlies at night and I can open the doors to allow the breeze in and still keep bigger beasts at bay (like camels in the desert at Cameron Corner - true story).

Swagging it at Cameron Corner Perhaps too, it simply looks great on top of the car - loudly and proudly telling everyone around that “I’m going camping!”.

Swags ad Tents allow you to stake your claim at great spots

When Wouldn’t I Swag

Most recently, when I crossed the Simpson Desert on the QAA Line and travelled up the Hay River Track and down part of the Binns Track to return home via the Plenty Highway with the Hema Mapping Crew I travelled with quite a heavy setup. I had three spare tyres, recovery gear, water, five jerries of diesel to get me between Birdsville and Jervois Station, food and clothes etc. So when it came time to see where I could fit my swag I’d run out of room. That’s when I fell back to plan ‘B’ and sorted through my various one- and two-person tents. I have a small narrow Outer Limits Razorback tent but I chose my slightly wider Denali Kakadu tent.

My one-person tent in the desert in 2021, Yes, I took my Deluxe Off-Road Mattress from Outdoor Connection with me but that packed down smaller than a swag. All that packed down nicely and travelled in the back of Pedro’s (my Mazda BT50) tub/canopy.

So What Do I Save?

All up the weight difference meant a saving of approximately 13.5kg. Swag = 20kg versus Tent = 2.5kg Mattress = 4kg  On top of that, I saved a heap of space.

My Tent and Mattress packed down - just 6.5kg

What Did I Sacrifice by not tacking my swag?

I don’t believe that I lost any benefits of the swag by taking a tent. I was very comfortable and warm.

My tent squared away with all the comforts of home - well almost... Oh, but I did lose the swagger (no pun intended) of not having a swag on the roof for all to see.

Tips For Others on Swags / Tents

My big tip if you’re taking a swag or a tent is to grab one of those Survival Blankets for a handful of dollars from any camping store. I put that on my ground sheet under the mattress and it keeps the warmth in and the cold ground out. You can read more on this on an earlier blog - https://campandtravel.com.au/camping-tip-47-emergency-blankets/. My other big tip is to throw those small pegs that you get with most tents and swags away before your first use and replace them with some big-arse steel pegs about 8mm round and 30 centimetres long - and a good hammer. I find that these work really well in soft sand as well as extremely rocky areas. They may weigh a little bit more but why muck around with bent pegs that wont hold. If you do go for the big pegs give a thought to tying white/yellow garbage bags or bright cloth to the tops so they stand out at night. Perhaps even put some glow sticks around the place.

The Bivvy Bag

For some, there’s a simple ‘Bivvy Bag’ which is effectively a waterproof bag that you crawl into. I’ve not tried these, but I have slept under a ‘hutchie’ (a low slung waterproof sheet). Tentworld has as full range of Bivy Bags, with all the specifications.

    Perhaps I’ll include them on my next adventure and let you know how I go.

My Take On Swags

I’m certainly not saying that one is better than the other every single time. What I am suggesting is that there’s a time and a place for each. Perhaps the swag isn’t the must have item for every occasion for every person. Think about your needs and wants and see where each can fit. If you’re looking for the perfect birthday/Christmas present for the kids who are getting the boot from the caravan, for the older kids looking to adventure by themselves, for those starting to travel as a couple or even those older folk travelling together or by themselves (I’ll whistle and you can point) you have lots to chose from. Happy to hear your thoughts. Read the full article

[camp-travel]

Is Overlanding And Four-Wheel Driving The Same?

If you are interested in the answer to this question, I’ll assume you already have quite some experience as a Four-Wheel Driver and are looking to expand your horizons to Overlanding. So, is Overlanding and Four-Wheel Driving the same? Well in many aspects, yes! Let me explain more below and share my experiences of the two with you. Taking That Leap Of Faith Into Overlanding The step into Overlanding is, for some, a large leap of faith. The leap of faith I’m referring to is directed towards your competencies as well as the capabilities of your vehicle and overall rig. While some Four-Wheel Drivers set up their rigs for ground clearance, with mud tyres and submarine-like snorkels, the focus for Overlanders is to have a rig that’ll take them down that dirt road, explore any off-shoot tracks and be ready to do it all again. For Overlanders, the trip is the journey and the destination is inconsequential. For a Four-Wheel Driver, the destination is often the target and journey often gets pushed to one side. Valuing The Journey Rather Than The Destination An example that leaps to my mind is Cape York in Far North Queensland, Australia. To a Four-Wheel Driver, their mind is perhaps racing around river crossings that’ll test the vehicle’s wading depth and the drop that is Gunshot Creek. However, for an Overlander, the journey to the Cape is about the shared experiences, the communities and the natural wonders that are to be found at each revolution of the wheels. Read the full article

[camp-travel]

The Best Of Sale, Gippsland, Victoria

Hi, my names Kathie Baker and I wanted to share with you the Best of Sale, Gippsland as I know it. I spent years there raising a family, exploring its hidden gems and watching it prosper from tourism. I'll tell you a little about the town of Sale, the Seaspray area and what camping at the Seaspray Caravan Park along Ninety Mile Beach has to offer. My Memories Of Seaspray, Gippsland My earliest memories started around 40 years ago, where we would head to Seaspray (from Melbourne), with our horses floated behind our 4WD. We would arrive at Seaspray and head to where housing developments now stand to set up camp for the night. We would make a makeshift corral for the two horses, throw in some hay and pitch our two-man tent. We would light a small fire to keep us warm until we headed to bed, drifting off to sleep with the waves crashing in the distance and the horses moving around close by. Pure bliss. When I say we were roughing it, this was not an understatement, but being 19 years old brings with it a sense of freedom and we saw this adventure as our right of passage into adulthood. Early the next morning, we would feed the horses and then ride for kilometers along the Ninety Mile Beach without coming across another soul (except the odd fisherman). Over the years, we continued to spend time poking around Gippsland, especially the Gippsland Region.  Work of all things moved us to Sale where we spent many years raising a family. Read the full article

[camp-travel]

Is Overlanding And Four-Wheel Driving The Same?

If you are interested in the answer to this question, I’ll assume you already have quite some experience as a Four-Wheel Driver and are looking to expand your horizons to Overlanding. So, is Overlanding and Four-Wheel Driving the same? Well in many aspects, yes! Let me explain more below and share my experiences of the two with you. Taking That Leap Of Faith Into Overlanding The step into Overlanding is, for some, a large leap of faith. The leap of faith I’m referring to is directed towards your competencies as well as the capabilities of your vehicle and overall rig. While some Four-Wheel Drivers set up their rigs for ground clearance, with mud tyres and submarine-like snorkels, the focus for Overlanders is to have a rig that’ll take them down that dirt road, explore any off-shoot tracks and be ready to do it all again. For Overlanders, the trip is the journey and the destination is inconsequential. For a Four-Wheel Driver, the destination is often the target and journey often gets pushed to one side. Valuing The Journey Rather Than The Destination An example that leaps to my mind is Cape York in Far North Queensland, Australia. To a Four-Wheel Driver, their mind is perhaps racing around river crossings that’ll test the vehicle’s wading depth and the drop that is Gunshot Creek. However, for an Overlander, the journey to the Cape is about the shared experiences, the communities and the natural wonders that are to be found at each revolution of the wheels. Read the full article

[camp-travel]

Guide to Brisbane

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Gold Coast Queensland Tourism

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[camp-travel]

Kangaroos and Wallabies when driving

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The Darling River Run

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Swan Boat Hire, Maroochy, Qld’s Sunshine Coast

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[camp-travel]

Kangaroos and Wallabies when driving

Read the full article

[camp-travel]

Camping Ensuite Neccessity During COVID-19

The current concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic and all the various lockdowns by the jurisdictions, together with the associated societal shifts, has affected how campers and travellers get out and about. Specifically, I’m talking ablutions and toileting and why having your own camping ensuite and toilet facility is now more important than ever.  COVID-19 Public Toilet Affect To Travellers I’m not sure if you’ve seen it but caravan parks, camping grounds, national parks, service stations and council facilities are becoming more and more restrictive on which facilities are open. The number of stalls and showers being kept open and even who can use them has changed dramatically. Some large service stations in regional areas that once made their showers available to bonafide travellers are now closed off to the casual traveller and (quite rightly) now being dedicated to long-distance truckers. Those wishing to use the showers are required to produce their driver’s licence and the level of licence will indicate their eligibility. I guess too that wearing a Jackie Howe singlet will help in determining one’s validity (no offence intended). I’ve even been through small towns where the decision has been seemingly made to lock off the public toilets and barricade it with safety fencing. Presumably for the reason that they are unable to keep the toilets cleaned to the now higher levels of cleanliness or just to remove the need to clean them with reduced staffing or funds. Read the full article

[camp-travel]

The Best Of Sale, Gippsland, Victoria

Hi, my names Kathie Baker and I wanted to share with you the Best of Sale, Gippsland as I know it. I spent years there raising a family, exploring its hidden gems and watching it prosper from tourism. I'll tell you a little about the town of Sale, the Seaspray area and what camping at the Seaspray Caravan Park along Ninety Mile Beach has to offer. My Memories Of Seaspray, Gippsland My earliest memories started around 40 years ago, where we would head to Seaspray (from Melbourne), with our horses floated behind our 4WD. We would arrive at Seaspray and head to where housing developments now stand to set up camp for the night. We would make a makeshift corral for the two horses, throw in some hay and pitch our two-man tent. We would light a small fire to keep us warm until we headed to bed, drifting off to sleep with the waves crashing in the distance and the horses moving around close by. Pure bliss. When I say we were roughing it, this was not an understatement, but being 19 years old brings with it a sense of freedom and we saw this adventure as our right of passage into adulthood. Early the next morning, we would feed the horses and then ride for kilometers along the Ninety Mile Beach without coming across another soul (except the odd fisherman). Over the years, we continued to spend time poking around Gippsland, especially the Gippsland Region.  Work of all things moved us to Sale where we spent many years raising a family. Read the full article