Located to the west of Goondiwindi and south of St George. Qld. One of our favourite pubs in Australia.. Great food, free camping and an amazing place to visit
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7 Ideal Easter Camping Spots
14 April 2019
Where are you camping this Easter ??? Traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for Campers and Caravanners, finding the ideal spot can often be a challenge. With some travellers finding themselves in new and uncharted territory, we have put together a list of some great camping spots that may be in areas that are a little less known, but still offer some great camping locations. We have selected one camp spot in each state, in no particular order. Fraser Coast RV Park @ River Heads, QLD The recently opened Fraser Coast RV Park in River Heads is the ideal place to stay if you’re heading to the Fraser Coast for a spot of fishing, a visit to Fraser Island or to see the whales in whale watching season. Nestled on 75 acres of natural bushland, this is the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a day exploring the Fraser Coast region. Thunderbolt Park @ Coneac, NSW Thunderbolt Park is a privately owned 800 acre cattle farm tucked away in a valley and surrounded by magnificent panoramic views of the countryside and mountains. Nestled to the northeast of the Barrington Tops, Thunderbolt Park is a nature lovers paradise. Killarney […]
7 Tips for Looking After Your Tyres – With Bob Jane T-Marts
1 April 2019
Whether it’s your towing vehicle, the caravan, the motorhome or the camper trailer, having the right tyres on them is one thing. Knowing how to look after them is another. In this article from Bob Jane T-Marts they offer some great advice and tips on how to care for your tyres. These simple step are something that can be easily done during routine inspections, or every time you hitch up and get ready to tow. Not only will they keep you safe while towing, they may also help to keep your tyres last just that little bit longer. How to Inspect your Tyres Inspecting your tyres is one of those things we don’t do often enough. They are the four points of contact between our vehicle and the road, so why don’t we take better care of them? Learn the seven most important tips to caring for and inspecting your tyres below! When in doubt, always contact your local Bob Jane T-Marts for the expertise you need when inspecting your tyres. 1. Air is Free It’s important to keep the right amount of air in your tyres as all tyres slowly deflate over time. Set yourself a reminder to check […]
How to Find Free Camps, Campgrounds, C’van Parks in the Free Online Maps
21 March 2019
Comments comments How to Find Free Camps, Campgrounds, C’van Parks in the Free Online Maps5 (100%) 3 votes
Sneak Peek – Weather in the FRC App
20 March 2019
The below video is a sneak peek at the new weather component that is coming up inside the FRC App. This feature will be available for Premium Members in the Maps + Extras section of the app. To learn more about Premium Membership, CLICK HERE Comments comments Sneak Peek – Weather in the FRC App3 (60%) 1 vote
Caravan Pre-Delivery Inspections
17 March 2019
Purchasing a new caravan or motorhome is a big deal. Weather it is your first, or you are upgrading to a new model, chances are you will be forking out quite a bit of hard earned cash. And whilst the display model you saw when you made your decision to purchase looked great, each and every caravan or motorhome is unique, and therefore, before taking delivery of your new home on wheels, it is highly recommended you take the time to fully go over what you are getting. Not only to ensure you are getting all the inclusions promised, but also that everything is in full working order and compliant. To do this, Colin from the Caravan Council of Australia has prepared a very thorough article about what to look out for and to assist you with your d Pre Delivery Inspection. We highly recommend printing out the article, or downloading the attached PDF and taking with you when you pick up your new caravan or motorhome. On the Subject, Colin has the following to say. You are making a major investment… Make sure you do not finish up with any regrets. Expect – Demand – the Dealer to take […]
Campsite Review – Farleigh Reserve Campground
9 March 2019
Hello and welcome to our campsite review for this month where we take a closer look at Farleigh Reserve Campground, located in Cowra, NSW. This is a Free Camp we recently stayed at and had one of the most enjoyable stays as we got back to some good old fashioned bush camping. Location Farleigh Reserve is right on the banks of the Lachlan River and only 8km west of Cowra. Cowra is a small rural community west of Sydney and sits between Bathurst and Young on the Mid Western Highway, with crossroads also branching out to Yass, Wyalong, and Cudal. The reserve is set aside for locals but also enjoyed by many caravans and motorhomes as it sits above the river making it an ideal spot to stay and explore the area. A Birdseye view of the campground The Grounds The grounds of the reserve are spread along the river bank for a few hundred meters and most sites are level or require minor adjustments with ramps to get you that way. The site is well maintained and has direct access down to the river. It is really best suited and ideal for self-sufficient campers, as there are no showers or washing […]
For the love of Food Wine Pets & Travel
8 March 2019
Brian and Kaye are currently living in Sydney, but that is all about to change as they prepare to embrace the Nomadic lifestyle. They both love telling stories, so much so that they are preparing to do so on a full-time basis with Food-Wine-Pets-Travel (FWPT). However, it will not be just their stories they tell, they also love to hear stories from other travellers and there will be plenty of opportunities to do just that with FWPT. Both Brian and Kaye have a background in media and have traveled extensively to places all around the world including many Pacific islands, the USA, UK, and parts of Europe including Portugal & Spain. It was during their time in Spain they adopted a small dog, Picasso, which spawned their passion and love for animals and led them to use their media outlets to create several pet-related initiatives when they arrived back home to Australia. In Memory of Picasso One such project was Pet Talk Radio (now VETtalk) which was heard on more than 50 community stations for more than 7 years. The show included co-host Dr. Harry Cooper and dog trainer Steve Austin as well as Scottish animal behaviorist Dr Joanne Righetti. From there they […]
Bog Out – The Complete Vehicle Recovery System-Updated March 2019
7 March 2019
HOLD THE PHONE – BOG OUT HAS JUST IMPROVED INTRODUCING SUPER ROPE & SOFT SHACKLES The makers of BOG OUT have just introduced two new products to the range. One is an upgrade to their existing extension ropes, and the other is the induction of a lightweight, super strong soft Shackle. Both make great additions to the already brilliant Vehicle Recovery Kit. Read on to find out about the new additions and find out more about the original BOG OUT Recovery System. SUPER ROPE Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UMHWPE), sometimes called ‘Super Rope’, is an enormously strong fibre, that by weight, is up to 15 times stronger than steel. BOG OUT has been studying this material for some time, as the increased safety and practical advantages are perfectly aligned with their innovative 4wd recovery system. BOG OUT is proud to offer this exotic synthetic product after extensive testing. Whilst there have been no complaints from the original extension ropes, they couldn’t resist the opportunity to add 50% in strength while at the same time reducing 50% in weight and size. These new ropes also reduce stretch even further which is very handy for the big recovery jobs, where BOG OUT has built […]
Strucket – Strainer meet Bucket meets Campers
6 March 2019
When we first saw the Strucket we thought it was perfect for dirty nappies, but let’s face it, most campers don’t have to deal with dirty nappies. However, after playing around with the Strucket, we soon came to realise how useful it is around the campsite. The Strucket is the brainchild of Kelly Lavery, a Sunshine Coast mum with three kids, who was desperately trying to find a solution to her soaking problems. Sick of putting her hands in dirty pooey nappy water, Kelly went in search of a hybrid Bucket and Strainer Solution. There were simply none available, so she set about designing her own. Kelly proudly shows us her new invention the ‘Strucket’ The result is the Strucket! And not only did it solve her problem, but what she has created has solved a whole lot of issues for the camping industry. The Strucket is designed, so that the strainer fits perfectly into the bucket. A series of groves not only allows the water to seep through to the bucket area, but also acts as a locking ledge for the strainer to sit into once lifted from the water, allowing any residue water to strain into the bucket. The bucket […]
Visit Coober Pedy – Opal Capital of the World
4 March 2019
Comments comments Visit Coober Pedy – Opal Capital of the World5 (100%) 1 vote
Outback Links & Frontier Services – Looking for Campers to Volunteer
2 March 2019
Frontier Services is a non-profit volunteer organisation who often look for people like us who are long term travellers, with their own accommodation, that may wish to take a break from Campsites and Caravan parks for a while and perhaps HELP OUT fellow Australians in need. The flooding is devastating If you are out there travelling and wish to get involved in any future projects, you will need to pre-register. Doing this now will mean you are ready to go when then announce any projects they are preparing in response to the recent flooding in outback Queensland. The devastation is widespread and has affected hundreds of lives and livelihoods. Many have lost everything, including stock The scenes are not pretty, and the work will not be easy, but it will be rewarding. New experiences will be had, and friendships will be forged when you experience first hand what these people are living through. Helping Out is so rewarding To find out more on how to register, please follow the link to the Frontier Services Website or call them direct on 1300 787 247 and talk to the Outback Links Team. There is a page of Frequently Asked Questions that will tell you […]
Outback Queensland Floods 2019 – Please Help
26 February 2019
Just short of two years ago now, we were in the unfortunate position to have been caught up in the Murwillumbah floods as a result of the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Debbie. Trapped in rising waters we were airlifted out and watched as our motorhome remained behind in the rising waters. It was not until we were in the air that we saw the true scope of the situation. Murwillumbah Floods 2017 As devastating as it was for us, what was more devastating at the time was to see the mass destruction that was caused to so many other homes and businesses in and around Murwillumbah. An event many are still struggling to recover from. The impact of this event was greater than we realised. We consider ourselves one of the fortunate ones. Although our motorhome remained in the flood waters, three days later it was salvaged and was able to be repaired. But for many others, things were not able to be repaired. Sure, some buildings were salvaged, and items replaced, however for many it left emotional scaring. Devastating scenes during the floods What sticks in our mind the most, however, is how everyone in the community, as well as strangers […]
Ground Dogs – Screw In Tent Pegs & Awning Anchor Kits
18 February 2019
One thing we have struggled with over the years is finding a tent peg for all occasions. It doesn’t matter if you prefer a caravan, motorhome, tent or camper trailer, at one stage you will need to use a tent peg to pin something down. Whether it’s for the tarp or to stabilise the awning, chances are, you will probably have struggled with the right tent peg for the job. One that will cover all types of ground, from soft sand to ground as hard as concrete. Many of ours have ended up bent from hammering, or slip out of the ground when you need them most, or end up rusting. And, that is just trying to get them in, often times, getting a tent peg out of the ground is just as much of a challenge. That is why we were so happy to have come across the Ground Dogs. They are a simple and very effective screw-in tent peg that can be used to anchor anything almost anywhere. And they are just as easy to get out of the ground as it is to put them in. They also come with a complete tie down kit that will […]
Safe Overtaking While Towing a Caravan
14 February 2019
Towing a caravan is one thing, overtaking while doing so is another. Many factors come into it, from safety to the power of your towing vehicle. In this article from Colin of the Caravan Council of Australia, he takes a closer look at the safety aspects of overtaking while towing a caravan, taking into consideration speed, power, and acceleration. It is quite a technical article for those that way inclined but explains the concepts very well. Car & Caravan over-taking another vehicle Safety is by far the most important consideration when towing a caravan. You must have sufficient power available to accelerate the car-caravan combination at a reasonable rate, and to maintain a reasonable speed when climbing hills. It is vital that you are able to accelerate quickly to get out of trouble, and especially to avoid getting into trouble, for example when overtaking another vehicle. It is also vital that you are able to stop at a reasonable rate… safely, and in a straight line. With so many significant variables involved, it is not possible to provide a definitive procedure to determine the overall distance required for over-taking, for every tow-vehicle – caravan situation. Risking your life – and […]
Bio Magic Concentrate for All Waste Tanks – New & Improved Formula
2 February 2019
After years of having one of the best RV treatment products on the market, you would think it could not get any better, but it just has! Bio Magic has long been a favourite amongst RV users as one of the most cost-effective and environmentally safe products in Australia for Toilets and Grey Water treatment in Caravans and Motorhomes for many years. Bio Magics’ full range of RV Products We originally heard about Bio Magic from other travellers while we were on our first trip around Australia, then about three years ago we got the opportunity to meet Jacquie, the developer of Bio Magic and find out much more about this amazing product. So impressed were we that we put it in the Free Range Camping Shop and today, it is still one of our most popular and widely used products with people swearing by its effectiveness. Jacquie with her full range of products So, what’s been happening in the world of Bio Magic? For the past 12 months, Jacquie has been keeping me updated on the improvements she had been making, in particular to what were the granular Loo Drops, then on the BioMagic Loo/Waste Tank Treatment. The result is […]
Over 600 New Listings Posted
1 February 2019
Over the last couple of months, our intrepid Ambassador, Keith has been scouring the country and updating our list of over 9000 listings inside the web directory & app. We are proud to announce, that there have been over 600 new listings comprising of campgrounds, caravan parks, rest areas, dump points and free campsites placed in the directory. All of our listings are checked to ensure they are as accurate as possible before publishing, and we also grant ownership of listings to the owners and managers, so they can keep updating those listings for pricing, features, and benefits. Member Suggestions We also value and appreciate suggestions from all our members on listings that we might not have in the directory or information that is out of date. Our data team act on all of these suggestions and update our directory as soon as the information comes to hand. A big thank you to all of those that take the time to provide us with that information. If you have any information on any listings we should have in our directory, please VISIT THIS LINK to update us. If you are the Owner/Manager or Responsible Authority of a campsite, caravan park […]
Welcome to Bob Jane T-Marts – Tyres & Wheels for your Car & RV
28 January 2019
Free Range Camping would like to welcome Bob Jane T-Marts as our latest business partner. When it came to racing, there was none better than the late Robert Frederick Jane (Bob Jane) The one thing Bob knew well was how critical good tyres were. Following his brilliant racing career, he made tyres his passion. 50 years later Bob Jane T-Marts is now Australia’s largest independent retailer with over 136 stores to keep our members covered right across Australia, with a combination of independent franchisees and company-owned stores offering high-quality products and service at the most competitive prices. Whether it is your 4WD tyres for off-road camping or towing a camper trailer, or your caravan or motorhome tyres, Bob Jane T-Marts have all types of tyres. With over 20 reputable brands in their range, including their own exclusive Bob Jane and J-Trax Brand Tyres which come with a Free Road Hazard Warranty. A full range of tyres for Cars, 4WD, Caravans & Motorhomes At Free Range Camping, we have chosen to partner with Bob Jane T-Marts as we feel they are leaders in their field, and we felt it was important for our members to have a reliable network of outlets […]
Jugiong – A Small Village with Big Suprises
20 January 2019
It’s only just off the highway south of Yass and on the Road to Gundagai, but, if you didn’t know it was there you might be tempted to drive right past. I am talking about Jugiong, an absolution gem of a village right on the banks of the Murrumbidgee. We settled into this idyllic location for the week but could have easily stayed longer as we took in not only the local attractions but used it as a base to explore the nearby surrounding towns. It felt like stepping back in time as we got back to basics, enjoyed the campfire, had swims in the river, browsed the galleries and got to meet the friendly locals. Jugiong River Village HISTORY Known as the Murrumbidgee River Village, this small locality dates back to the 1820’s when it was first settled as a sheep grazing run. It was also an area frequented by bushrangers, in particular, Ben Hall, Jonny Gilbert and John Dunn who in November 1864 held up the Gundagai mail coach on the Sydney to Melbourne run. As a result, local sergeant Edmund Parry was shot and killed when he and other police tried to stop them. A memorial has […]
Campsite Review – Henty Bay Beachfront Holiday Park
18 January 2019
Hello and welcome to our campsite review for this month. This month we have a closer look at the Henty Bay Beachfront Holiday Park, located in Victoria. The park is in a pristine location and was nominated by a few Free Rangers as an awesome place to stay, which prompted us to have a closer look at all it has to offer. Location Henty Bay is located along the southern coast of Victoria just 5 minutes out of the Portland Township and is the western gateway to the Great Ocean Road. It is set with stunning sea views and quiet surrounding, making for a beautiful and peaceful spot to stop. Portland offers many unique natural sights, wildlife, and tourist attractions or you can just relax at the beach right at the Holiday Park. Henty Bay – right on the ocean The Grounds The grounds of the Holiday Park are kept immaculate and occupy 10 acres of pristine coastline that stretches along the foreshore reserve with direct access to the beach right on Henty Bay, which is ideal for a host of water activities. Grounds staff ensure the lawns are well maintained and the park kept spotlessly clean, as are the […]
Murry Rhodes – Fellow Traveller & Muso
18 January 2019
One of our Free Range Camping members recently met up with Murry Rhodes in their travels. After hearing about Murry, it prompted me to get in touch with him to find out more about his story. Turns out Murry is a bit of a character from the outback and a fellow traveller with a story to tell. Quite a few stories actually, and mainly in the form of song. What I came to like about Murry after speaking to him a few times is how raw and down to earth he is. Murry loves meeting other campers Murry has made a successful living over the years in a range of professions, predominately in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Over the last three years, he has called Tumbling Waters home, and as an electrical contractor came into contact with many travellers in remote locations, where he was happy to assist with electrical issues. This gave him a fondness for other caravanners and campers. It was during his three years in Tumbling Waters that Murry, who by his own admission is no spring Chicken, taught himself to sing. Turns out he was very good at it. Home & Studio all in […]
Water Saving Kit – Rain Saver Gutter & Topargee Water Tank Gauge
17 January 2019
These two great Aussie inventions have been designed by campers to save and monitor your water consumption whilst you are out caravanning or camping. We have these items for sale individually in the Free Range Camping Shop, but this month have combined them in a Water Saving Kit and offering one of our premium members the chance to win the package. Read on below to find out how each of them works and then how you can go in the draw to win one. RAIN SAVER GUTTER The Rain Saver Gutter is one of those products that was borne from necessity! Have you ever sat under your awning watching the rain fall and pool around your flooring and wished there was a way you could catch all that water and store it in your tanks? Roll up the front flap of the awning to form a cutter Michael, who is the inventor of the Rain Saver Gutter did exactly that when he was camping at Bruney Island Passage. Not wanting to relocate just to get water, and sick of filling jerry cans and caring them back and forth, he thought long and hard about it all and came up with a […]
10 Tips for Camping in the Rain
31 December 2018
We all love camping, but most of us hate it in the rain. There is nothing worse than planning the ideal camping trip with limited time in a location, and then the rain comes along to spoil it. In Australia, right now, summertime, it is the perfect time to camp, but can also be the most likely time you will get lots of storms and rain. Summer is a prevalent time for rain in Australia Unfortunately, it is a fact of life, and one that sometimes cannot be avoided, and with one of the worst droughts in history affecting many of our farming communities’ rain is something that is desperately needed. Thankfully however you can still enjoy camping in the rain, it just takes a little more preparation. In our time on the road over the last six years, we have learned some things the hard way and picked up some great advice from other traveller’s along the way. We thought we would share some tips with you here, but please feel free to share your own tips, advice or experiences at the end of the blog. 1. Check the weather It goes without saying, but sometimes, it cannot be avoided. […]
The Free Range Camping App – Version 2.0
22 December 2018
We are pleased to announce the release of Version 2.0 of the Free Range Camping App. Previously the App was only available to our Premium Club Members. However, we have now updated the App with a host of new features which will enable Free Members to also use the App to access all areas of Free Range Camping. There is now a new main screen which is divided into two sections. The Free Members Area with access to features available to both Free and Premium Club members & The Premium Members Area with access to Premium Only benefits such as the premium version of the Maps, the FRC Digital Membership Card and Member Discounts. Downloading or Updating the APP 1st Time Use If you are downloading the App for the very first time, you can do so in a few ways Once you register, follow the link direct from your welcome email Follow the links from the Free Range Camping website or Go to your preferred App store – Google Play for Android or Apple Store of iOS – Type in Free Range Camping – Follow the prompts to download the App. NOTE: Make sure you do this from […]
The Free Range Camping Premium App – New Features
21 December 2018
Comments comments The Free Range Camping Premium App – New Features3.9 (78.18%) 11 votes
Using Solar Power to cross the Nullarbor – Sunswift & Violet
8 December 2018
At a recent stop-over at the Big 4 Wagga Wagga we noticed a rather unusual vehicle pull up at one of the campsites. There was a hype of activity as about 25 people started buzzing around. Half of them started pulling the car apart while the rest started setting up swags and tents. The Sunswift Team @ Big 4 Wagga Wagga The car in question, in particular, is what took our attention. It wasn’t your common 4WD towing a caravan, instead, it was a sleek looking car with solar panels all over the roof. We got chatting to Matthew Holohan, who was nominated the spokesperson for the group. It turns out the car was part of the Sun Swift Project run by the University of New South Wales. The Sun Swift Project has been running for 26 years and has already produced six solar cars and set three world records. Mathew explained the project involved a team of undergraduate university students who were tasked with designing and building the solar power vehicle. The vehicle is then used to race in the World Solar Challenge, and whilst a heap of fun is to be had, the end result is many hours […]
Water Tanks in Caravans – How does it affect Tow Ball Loading?
8 December 2018
In our recent series of articles by Keith Thompson about towing weights and vehicles, we looked at the complex issue of weight distribution. In part one, we offered some definitions and explanations, one of which was in regards to Tow Ball loading. This is a subject unto itself and critical when it comes to safe towing. The Tow Ball weight of a caravan can be affected by many things one of them being the placement of water tanks. In this article from the Caravan Council of Australia, Colin explains more about Tow Ball loading and the dangers of water tanks being placed in the wrong location. The Ball-Loading of a caravan is one of the critical factors that determine its Handling and Stability characteristics. Serious safety issues arise if the Ball-Loading is either too light or too heavy. The seriousness increases significantly if the mass of the tow vehicle is not sufficiently high to be able to control any instability of the caravan. There are far too many instances – sadly, too often with damaging, or even tragic, outcomes – where the “tail wags the dog”. It goes without saying, that any caravan – when towed by a suitable tow-vehicle – […]
Mammoth by Primus – Excellence in Portable Fridges for Camping & Caravans
29 November 2018
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Towing Weights and Vehicles – Part 3 Towing Wagons
27 November 2018
This is the third and final part in our three-part series on Towing Vehicles and weights. Having looked closely at the most common types of dual-cab utes on the market, in this article, Keith delves into 4WD wagons and their capacity as towing vehicles. Towing Wagons– How they stack up in real weight terms After previously looking at Utes in my last article, one must ask, as for the Four Wheel Drive Wagons they do fare better? Isuzu Wagon towing a caravan With the Landcruiser 200, Landcruiser 70 Troop Carrier, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Patrol and Land Rover Discovery TD6 all able to pull the full 3500Kg when fully loaded. Several other Wagons which are only rated for 3000Kg towing can also meet their full weight requirement, these are the Isuzu MU-X, Discovery TD4, Pajero Exceed, and the new Prado GXL or Kakadu. Mitsubishi is also a popular choice for towing The major difference here, as referenced above, is that most wagons have a smaller payload, many below 300Kg after towball weight. This obviously requires a bit more care in packing and loading. The chart below provides all the base figures for the common models. As you refer to the chart, here are […]
Roast Pork With Crispy Crackling
22 November 2018
INGREDIENTS 1 x Rolled Pork (Leg or Lion) 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tbsp salt Paper towel 1 cup boiling water METHOD Remove your roast from the packaging and pat dry with paper towel. With a small sharp knife, deeply score the rind at 1cm intervals, being careful to not cut into the meat. Place your pork on a plate and slowly pour boiling water over the rind. This opens up the pores and allows the oil and salt to absorb into the skin. Pour off excess water from the plate. Pat dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Rub the roast with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and half to one a tablespoon of salt ( to your liking), ensuring the oil and salt penetrate the scores. Place the roast on a trivet inside your camp oven with high heat coals, around 250 degrees with more coals on top and less on the bottom. Spread top coals to outer edge of lid after 20 minutes of cooking to stop the middle of the rind from burning. Cook at high heat for a further 10 to 20 minutes and check to make sure you rind is crackling up nicely. Once crackle […]
The Quokka Folding Fire Pit & BBQ
21 November 2018
FREE BLACK CAMP OVEN GLOVES valued @ $69 (limited time) Fires and Camping just go together. There are very few campers that don’t enjoy sitting by the fire at night and sharing a story or two under the stars, or sitting around the caravan at happy hour and having a few quiet ones in front of the open flames. Campfires Under The Stars & Happy Hour around the Fire Then, there is outdoor cooking. Nothing beats being able to enjoy a damper that has been cooked on an open fire. Camp Oven Damper The problem is that there are more and more restrictions being placed on where we can and cannot have fires. In many cases, the fire must be contained and off the ground. Some of the fire pits provided at campground can be restrictive. Some have limitations, whereby you might be able to use them as a fire pit, but not as a BBQ, or the other way round, where you can cook on them, but then not sit around the fire. Good to cook on but not to sit around We like the Quokka however as it is really a two in one solution. It is a […]
The Rich and Beautiful Cabonne Country
21 November 2018
Cabonne is perhaps an area or region not often spoken about or well known by travellers, but when you look closer at this amazing region of central NSW, you will find there is so much more to discover. Only a three and a half hour drive from Sydney or Canberra, and nestled between the towns of Dubbo, Orange and Parks, Cabonne welcomes you with a wide range of breathtaking attractions, Australia’s best food and wine, a rich history and heritage, and is a place where you can relax, unwind and discover new things. The beautiful Lake Canobolas You can step back in time and visit Historical Museums and learn about ancient fish fossils or visit the site of Australia’s biggest and most famous gold robbery. Try outdoor activities such as hot air ballooning at Canowindra, Australia’s Hot Air Ballooning Capital, experience panning for gold at the Ophir reserve, or ride a bike along the country lanes and see the amazing landscape. There is also Yeoval, the childhood home of Banjo Patterson which also hosts the annual Mulga Bills Festival. Music in The Mulga If it is food and wine that tickles your fancy, Cabonne country offers a spectacular variety of […]
Campsite of the Month – Big 4 Wagga Wagga
21 November 2018
Having lived on the road full time for over 6 years now, you can imagine we have been to our share of campsites, caravan parks and campgrounds, giving us a broad range of experiences, and a good idea of what is out there. With that in mind, we would have to say the standard of this park is excellent, especially if you are looking for a park that is clean and well maintained with plenty of room to move, friendly staff and set in a beautiful position right on the river. The Grounds Let’s start with the grounds, which are kept spotless. We have been here for two weeks now and there is not a day goes by where the groundsman is not doing something to tidy the place or empty the bins. It should go without saying, but this is not always the case. There is no sign of rubbish anywhere, the edges and gardens are well kept and the added advantage of being on the Murrumbidgee River means the grass is always lush and green. Plenty of bins & lawns well kept Then there is the space, the park itself is a generous size, and they don’t squeeze […]
Travelling with Pets – With Ron & Annette
19 November 2018
On a warm afternoon in October this year, we were walking past a few of the other campers at our campsite at Cowra when the kids couldn’t resist being attracted to a cute dog in one of the vans, on closer inspection we saw it was, in fact, three small dogs and a cockatoo. One of the dogs on patrol This led us to meet Ron and Annette, fellow full-time travellers who love travelling with their pets and go to great length to make sure they are well looked after while on the road. We got chatting to them both and thought we would share their story with other travellers, especially those who are thinking of living full time on the road and want to bring their pets along. Ron and Annette originally hail from Maryborough in Queensland and with the niggly question of ‘will, we or won’t we’ playing in the back of their minds finally decided about a year ago that the time was right to hit the road. In actual fact, Annette takes full responsibility for it and explains that it was after a trip to Inskip Point in the camper trailer they had at the time. I just […]
DIY Battery Change – Are You Protected?
19 November 2018
At Free Range Camping we have recently partnered with Battery World to bring our members not only great savings on you batteries for Camping & Caravanning, but also some great advice on batteries in general. In this article, we have a look at what used to be such a simple thing. That is, changing the battery in your car. Once upon a time, it was just a matter of ripping out the old and putting in the new. However, with new technology and complex computer systems in modern cars and 4WD’s, this is no longer the case. In fact, installing a new battery incorrectly can cause more damage than you think. DIY Battery Change made easy with Battery World Battery World are experts in this field, and in the article, they outline why it is important to change over your batteries in the correct manner. Hundreds of thousands of Australian motorists could be risking permanent damage to their vehicles, Australia’s leading battery retailer has warned. With winter being the peak time for batteries to fail, Battery World Australia has urged all motorists to think twice before they change their car battery themselves. Battery World warned the days of simply putting […]
Free Camp To Be Shut Down at Qld Park
19 November 2018
Kershaw Park Free Camp in Rockhampton, Set To Shut Down A Queensland court has ruled that Free Camping must cease at the Rockhampton Council’s, Kershaw Gardens. After a lengthy legal ordeal after concerns raised in July 2014 by Caravanning Queensland, Rockhampton council must close the grounds to Free Campers by February 15 2019. The Caravan Parks Association of Queensland Limited (CPAOQL) began a legal case after concerns on the impact on local Caravan Parks in the area. Their argument was that the parks must comply with rigorous council regulations and fees to facilitate campers, yet the council operates and a free camp within close proximity of their parks. Michelle Weston, General Manager of CPAOQL said they expressed concerns when the use of the Council run Kershaw Gardens went beyond the material use of the park. Kershaw Gardens has been a popular free camp location with grey nomads since 2004 with the 48 hour time limit providing a welcome respite to the large stretches between Mackay and Bundaberg. The news of this closure has angered many travellers and grey nomads. Comments and feedback has been rife across many social media platforms. The news of this decision could very well set a […]
Towing Weights and Vehicles – Part 2 Towing Utes
19 November 2018
In this second part of our three part series on Towing Vehicles and weights, Keith Thompson, our roving FRC Ambassador explores a series of the most common utes on the market, which are used to tow caravans and fifth wheelers. Towing Utes – How they stack up in real weight terms So you have selected your caravan, now you want to know the best Ute available to tow it? Some common 4WD Towing Utes Whilst manufacturers will all give you vehicle ratings, we have discovered that there can often be some considerable but varied discrepancies between the rating and what you can actually tow or carry. In the Utes, if you want to load the vehicle to its fullest then the only ones that can pull 3500Kg is the Landcruiser 70 Series, and the Nissan Navara which can still tow 3500Kg when fully loaded. An Isuzu flat tray Ute Having said that “fully loaded” for the Navara is still a respectable 560Kg (564M/558A) but with a limited 300Kg tow ball loading. Bear in mind though that this 560Kg (as with all) includes the weight of everything not factory standard which includes bull bar and lights, towbar, roof racks, internal drawers, […]
Towing Weights and Vehicles – Part 1 Weight Definitions
26 October 2018
In this, the first of a three-part series of articles, Keith Thompson, one of our FRC Ambassadors, takes a closer look at the sometimes complex subject of towing weights and vehicles. Rig Weights Much is routinely said in online forums and around the campfire about towing weights, and the traps about buying the wrong tow vehicle or the wrong caravan. In this series we take a look at the (2018) swag of potential tow vehicles, both Dual Cab Utes and Wagons (next articles) from all the main players. The truth is that if you really want to tow that 3500Kg ATM van (fully loaded of course!) then you don’t have a lot of choice unless you want to leave the wife and dog, the car fridge and all that other gear behind! Before we look at our charts of current vehicles let us take a look at an explanation of the various weight definitions, I often see this issue not explained very well so we will attempt to make it clearer! There are many public weighbridges available around the country to weigh your rigs Tare Weight Vehicle or Caravan: The weight at the factory door and as stated on the Compliance […]
Spatap Review: Update 2018 – Eco Friendly Camp Tap & Water Saving Camp Shower
22 October 2018
It was a warm bottle of water left in the car that gave Stuart his ah-ha moment. Originally from the UK, Stu realised a few things in that moment. In the UK, there would be very little chance of the sun naturally heating water. Also, if he now wanted to use that water, half of it would be wasted as he poured it out of the bottle. Stuart Mason, the inventor of the Spa Tap He tells me it was at this point that he came up with the concept of the Spa Tap. ‘What if there was a way to regulate the flow of water and give the maximum wash for the minimum amount of water.’ What he has come up with has taken years to perfect and countless designs. But in its simplest terms, the Spa Tap is a silicon device that will fit over 99% of bottles and turns them into instant taps or shower systems. The Spa Tap in action The Spa Tap allows water to be dispensed in 3 ways. As a tap, squeeze on the bulb and a small amount of water is dispensed. As a pump, remove the plug and squeeze allowing a […]
Water Tank Rescue – Remove Bad Smells & Taste from Caravan Water Tanks
16 October 2018
We all know how important good clean fresh water can be whilst camping. Whether it is in the caravan or motorhome water tanks, or just tanks and containers we carry while camping. The smell and taste of your water can be affected by many things including;- • Water left in tanks in the hot sun • Using a garden hose to fill tanks • Using inferior grade water hoses to fill tanks • Filling tanks with brackish or bore water • Leaving water in tanks for prolonged period of times • Accidentally getting fuel or other contaminants in the tanks We often get asked if there is anything that can be done about removing taste and smell from water tanks, and how to rejuvenate tanks, so we recently spoke to Jacquie from Bio Magic and as usual, she has come up with the solution. The BioMagic Water Tank Rescue Kit BioMagic has put together a special kit, especially to remove smells and taste from water tanks in caravans, motorhomes, or general water holding tanks. And best of all, it is an all-natural solution so you can rest assured you will not be affected by any nasty chemicals. The treatment below […]
Caravan Jacks – The Do’s & Don’t
15 October 2018
We have recently been contacted by Colin from the Caravan Council about the increasing number of accidents caused by using jacks to change tyres on caravans and camper trailers. No doubt, at some stage during your travels, you may have had the need to change the odd flat tyre, and if you haven’t, chances are the time will soon come. In most cases, your caravan, if purchased new should have the correct jack to suit meet your needs, however in some cases, jacks are replaced with non-compliant jacks. The other issue, of course, is not using the approved jack in the correct manner. Colin advised that there have been some reports of jacks having their lifting mechanism unexpectedly fail, causing the jack to instantly collapse. With some of the main causes of jacking accidents being that either the jack is not completely suitable for the particular caravan or the jack not having its top positive-located so as to prevent it sliding in any horizontal direction. The warning is simple, “Every caravan owner should ensure that their caravan jack is appropriately Approved, and has a sufficient Load Rating, along with a sufficient Travel (lifting range). “ The article below by the Caravan […]
Introducing Autobahn –Mechanical & Auto Electrical Services in Perth
14 October 2018
We would like to introduce all our members to Autobahn, not to be confused with Autobarn the automotive spare parts and accessories retailer. Autobahn Mechanical & Electrical Services franchise is established in Western Australia only and specialises in mechanical and auto electrical services. History Autobahn Mechanical & Electrical Services commenced trading as a franchise in May 1996, with one outlet in Midland. Following the enormous success of this business, the Franchisor duplicated the system in Morley in August 1997. Now, in a period of twenty-one years from conception, Autobahn Mechanical & Electrical Services has grown to nineteen outlets from Mindarie to Bunbury, with more franchise outlets planned in the near future. Each centre has in place uniform systems and procedures that the owners have developed over a number of years. As a result, optimum efficiency is consistently achieved and costs contained to a minimum. What we like about Autobahn The Autobahn Philosophy Autobahn recognises the need for today’s motorists to have a dependable, expert approach to vehicle maintenance and repair. Autobahn uses only fully qualified mechanics and auto electricians to ensure they get it right first time and on time. The Autobahn Promise Autobahn will at all times take a […]
More to see in the Queensland Outback
30 September 2018
In the second part of our Outback Queensland article, we have a look at a few more places in the outback. With summer fast approaching, spring is still a great time to head to the outback, before it gets too hot and enjoy the climate and all the attractions the region has to offer. You can either choose to go off and explore yourself, or take advantage of local knowledge and jump on board with some great tour guides that can show you all the places you may not have otherwise found. Travel West Outback Tours & Red Dirt Tours are two current guides that are both making Free Range Camping Members special offers. Red Dirt Tours Travel West Outback Tours Below, we have selected another five great articles from OQTA which showcase the best the region has to offer, including a full list of Tour Guides, Places to See, and where to take the best photos in the Outback. A selection of Tours in the Outback Take a cruise in Longreach Visit Lake Moondarra Lake Moondarra’s Mesmerizing View and Hiking Paradise Wacky, Weird & Wonderful Extraordinary Hilton Hotel Visit Roma Roma’s Big Rig Night Show The Best Photos to […]
Nylon Flexible RV & Caravan Awning Hooks
25 September 2018
As we get around the countryside, we see the caravan awning being used for more and more things other than an awning that is! There are not many caravans that don’t have something hanging from them. That’s where this product is ideal. It is from the makers of the Rain Saver Gutter and is a simple little gadget that allows your awning to be utilized for a multitude of things. The awning hook – 2 Holes & 2 Hanging Lugs They are small awning hooks that slide into the track of your caravan awning. Each hook is designed with two holes, a small and a large, as well as two hanging lugs. They allow you to use it to hang a full range of items inducing Small bags Caps Torches Coat Hangers Towels Each hook is made from nylon material and being flexible means they will not blow around on the track once you have something hanging on them. Use them to hang a full range of things Watch the video to see how easy they are to install and how to use them. What we thought of them We love them, they were so easy to put on the […]
Battery World – For all your Battery Solutions
17 September 2018
Mention the word battery and most people think the standard AA Battery that we used to fit in torches. However, nowadays, there are hundreds of different types of batteries for just as many different appliances and uses. Hundreds of different Batteries are now available As Campers, solar and battery power allow us the freedom to reach remote places and still function and live comfortably. Knowing how they work and the best ones to suit your application can be tricky, which is where a battery specialist can help. Hence, the reason Free Range Camping have partnered with Battery World to bring our members what we believe is one of the most comprehensive range of battery products and services in the market. From Products to Services and Know How Battery World will now have us covered. In the article below, I have outlined just some of the many things you can expect to benefit from with our association with Battery World. Vehicle Batteries For campers, it is essential to have a reliable vehicle that will each and start every time. Many caravanners are using the latest hi-performance vehicles and 4WD’s to tow their vans, and with vehicles under increasingly higher loads the […]
Caravan & RV Door Latch Extension-Our Review
29 August 2018
This Door Latch extension solves a common problem in many caravans that are unable to open their windows when the door is also open. The standard configuration in many caravans means that the window of the main living area is in close proximity to the door frame. The caravan door opens up over the window Unfortunately, this means that if you have your door open and latched back to the caravan on a hot day, you cannot open your window to let the breeze in, as there is not enough clearance for the window stays to latch in place. The window hits the door and the stays will not hold it open Currently, most manufacturers only provide a short latch to fit neatly into the existing door frames. This means that in 90% of cases you cannot latch the door and use the window at the same time, meaning that you either cannot use the window, or have to come up with some way of keeping it open and then only a small amount. Most common type of door latch These door latch extensions, however, allow you to extend the length of the door latch, without modifications, meaning you can […]
The New VAST Satellite Set Top Box – Just for Caravans & RV’s
9 August 2018
For anyone looking for their first VAST Satellite Set Top Box or wanting to update their outdated version, the new VAST DSD 4921 RV has just been launched and is one of the best set-top boxes on the market, specially designed for Caravans & RV’s. The UEC DSD 4921 RV is a “Next Generation” VAST™ Certified, Twin Tuner, High Definition, and Digital Satellite Set Top Box packed with new technology, features, and accessories, including a twin tuner configuration which allows for a suitable recording device, (not included) to support PVR functionality. UEC’s hardware and software ensure the receiver is ‘future proof’ by using the latest technology and over the air software upgrade. Prepared for the future The hardware is designed to withstand the harsh Australian environment that recreational vehicles are likely to experience including high temperatures, DC over voltage, reverse polarity, and short circuit protection. All of these features are housed in the smallest VAST™ receiver on the market, making it the perfect solution for Caravan and RV enthusiasts wanting to watch and record their favourite programs whilst traveling. The DSD 4921RV Smaller and more compact The unit is supplied with everything you need to be up and running in no time […]
Camp Oven – Braided Custard Fruit Bread
8 August 2018
INGREDIENTS Sweet Bread Mix 1 pkt Laucke Sweet Bread and Bun Specialty Mix with Yeast provided Water 2 tbsp honey (baste) 1 tbsp hot water 2-3 tbsp almonds flakes Filling ½ cup of milk ¼ tsp of vanilla essence ¼ tsp of castor sugar ¼ cup of cornflour ¼ cup of custard powder 400mls thickened cream 25g unsalted butter 1 egg yolk 1 large tin halved pears ¼ tsp cinnamon METHOD Follow instructions on the back of the Laucke Sweet Bread and Bun Specialty Mix, Steps 1 to 2. Place milk in a pan over medium heat and add vanilla essence. Warm gently and then set aside for 10 minutes. Place cornflour, custard powder and caster sugar in a pan, add the milk and vanilla mix and whisk until smooth. Add cream, return to low heat stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and boils. Add butter, stirring well to combine, then remove from heat and whisk in the egg yolk. Set aside to cool before placing onto rolled bread mix. Once the sweet bread mix has raised, place on a floured chopping board or flat floured surface and roll with a floured rolling pin or floured bottle to form a […]
Travelling South for the Winter
6 August 2018
For the last 6 years we have been on the road, we have done like many other travellers and followed the seasons, travelling north and keeping away from the cold. This year, we decided on the opposite and headed South for the Winter. Not wanting to follow the Pacific Highway the whole way, we decided on the less travelled inland route, via the New England Highway for the most part. We spread the trip out over two weeks and discovered some great new places that are really worth checking out, so we thought we would share them with you here. Sunny Coast to Toogoolawah We left Eumundi due south to Beerwah before we headed up the range to Peachester, a beautiful little village on top of the range and a great place to stop for lunch. From there, we headed via Kilcoy and pushed onto one of our favourite little towns at Toogoolawah. They have recently opened a great little free camp right in the middle of town and we got there early enough to get a bit of shopping done at the IGA and the local butcher. (Great Beef Cheeks – the meat not the butcher) We spent the […]
Rebuilding the Deepwater Inn and Free Camping Ground
5 August 2018
On a cold winters night this June (2018) we were heading south in our Motorhome. It was late and we were looking for somewhere to stay. We pulled out our trusty Free Range Camping App and found the Deepwater Inn. At that stage, we only had the bare information about the place. The Inn is located at Deepwater in NSW, about half-way between Tenterfield and Glen Innes on the New England Highway. A pub that offers Free Camping. At this late stage of the day, that was all we needed. We called in not really knowing what to expect, but we were pleasantly surprised. Not only was it a great free camp area out the back, the old Inn was amazing and full of history. To look at it we would not have known that in 2011 it was gutted by fire and has since been rebuilt to its former glory. We got talking to the owners Lynn and Andrew who told us their amazing story which they have shared with us here, so rather than me tell you, here it is from Lynn. The Inn has a great Free Camp out the back On the night of September 11th 2011 […]
10 Things To Do In Cunnamulla
15 July 2018
“Now I’m a scrubber, runner And a breaker too, I live on damper and wallaby stew….” That’s how the song starts off, so a visit to this place might just show you where the inspiration came from. With loads of things to see and do in the area, this article by Outback Queensland Tourism highlights 10 things you may want to check out. If you trace your fingers along a map of the Matilda Way and Adventure Way, they’ll meet each other in Cunnamulla. Whether you’re heading from Melbourne to the Gulf or Brisbane to South Australia, this outback town will end up in your travel agenda. Perched on the banks of the Warrego River, you’ll find Cunnamulla 780km west of Brisbane and 140km north of the New South Wales border. This town was once where bullock teams passed through and shearers spilled from bar windows; but today the small town is known for its natural outback beauty and outback hospitality. Here are ten things to do in Cunnamulla. 1. Visit The Cunnamulla Fella Bronze Cunnamulla Fella Statue Paying tribute to the region’s pastoral heritage, Aussie icon Slim Dusty often wandered the streets of Cunnamulla and popularised the tune, Cunnamulla Fella. […]
Your Wellness Guide To Outback Queensland
15 July 2018
Being on the road, travelling and exploring new places is therapy in itself. But doing it in outback Queensland can add to it all with a range of new and unique experiences. This article by Outback Queensland Tourism covers a few things you may wish to know to help keep you energised and revitalised as you explore the outback. What do mineralised mud baths, tough triathlons, and scenic sunsets have in common? They all increase the endorphin levels, whether it be from relaxation, exercise, or beauty – not to mention you can find them all in Outback Queensland. Pack your yoga mat and your meditation music, here’s your wellness guide to Outback Queensland. Bath Outside Artesian Mud Baths For a bath you won’t forget, slide into an outdoor tub at the Artesian Mud Baths in Eulo. Relax as you soak in ancient artesian clay and mud rich in rejuvenating minerals including silica, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc. There’s even a sunset session where you can watch the rays sink over the horizon from the comforts of your tub. After an hour and a half in the fresh air with a glass of wine and plate of nibbles – you’ll […]
What To Eat in Outback Queensland
15 July 2018
Eating in the outback doesn’t mean you have to go hungry, there are some sensational outback places to eat and some unique Australian outback foods to experience. In this article from Outback Queensland Tourism, they highlight several places to eat and the different types of foods you can expect to experience in the outback. You could say Outback Queensland is a trendsetter – it was doing paddock to plate long before it became a dining fad. It’s no surprise though; this is grazier’s territory, 901,575km2 of grazier’s territory, to be precise. And while it may be known for its pub counter meals, foodies can rejoice – there’s still a food scene bubbling away throughout Outback Queensland. This year, tour your taste buds out west with these Outback Queensland dishes: 1. For Single Origin Cuisine Ridgee Didge Café’s Woodfired Pizza Give a “cooee” in Barcaldine and the local gastronomes will answer your call. Ridgee Didge Café roasts its own indigenous, rich and earthy blend of coffee, Coolamon Coffee. Owned by local indigenous Woman, Cheryl Thompson, Ridgee Didge Café serves a coffee that rivals the big smoke, best accompanied by an all-day breakfast menu that’s a far cry from the hotbox food formerly […]
Outback Communication
15 July 2018
Mobile phones are great in capital cities, but out in the outback, it can be a different story. Yes, they still work, but sometimes not as effectively, so having alternatives can be very advantageous. In this article from Outback Queensland Tourism, there are a range of tips from the experts which will give you a better idea of how to get ready for your outback adventure. Travelling in isolated locations doesn’t necessarily mean you’re isolated. There are several options for communicating in Outback Queensland, and it’s important to stay in touch in remote areas. Mobile Coverage Longreach, Mount Isa, Charleville and Birdsville have coverage from Telstra and Optus networks. Outside of these towns only the Telstra Next G network is available, usually within a 20km radius of towns. There is limited mobile phone coverage in the far South West corner of the region, west of Quilpie to Bedourie. Public phones are available in all towns, and satellite phones are recommended for extended travel in this area. Satellite Phones Sat phones connect to orbiting satellites rather than cell towers on the ground, giving access to communication in areas where there is no mobile coverage. There are a range of options available […]
Travellers’ Tips
15 July 2018
Travelling in the outback is not like travelling along the east coast of Australia where you have numerous towns and many frequent stops along the way. In the outback, the distances are longer and there are fewer towns for help in between. Conditions although stunning can be extreme at times and you must be well prepared for your trip. In this article from Outback Queensland Tourism, there is a range of tips from the experts which will give you a better idea of how to get ready for your outback adventure. Please be mindful when travelling in Outback Queensland that it is different to driving along the coastline. While we guarantee beautiful scenery and memorable moments along your journey, road hazards such as livestock, long distances and flat terrain take some getting used to. These Travellers’ Tips have been compiled to assist you in ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. Indigenous Australians have long held the view that the landscape is the core of all spirituality, the spirit of ‘country’. When travelling in Outback Queensland we ask you to please acknowledge and respect the values and beliefs of Indigenous Australians. Remember to always adhere to the road rules and speed […]
Wintersun 2.0 is Here
26 May 2018
VINTAGE CARAVANS, CUSTOM CARS & ROCK N ROLL For 25 years, the Wintersun Rock n roll Nostalgia festival thrived on the Gold and Tweed Coast, but unfortunately, it all came to an end in 2010. Now with this new event, caravan Lovers are full steam ahead with the great news that you can camp on site. The original Wintersun Festival was all about custom and classic cars combined with some good old fashioned Rock N Roll. The festival spilt thought the streets and attracted thousands of enthusiasts who were entertained by live bands, street performers, dancing and street parades. One of the original Wintersun Festivals in 2007 Since disbanding in 2010 several attempts have been made to revive Wintersun, with efforts in Port Macquarie and even Mildura in NSW considered as possible new venue. Cooly Rocks On was then introduced in 2011. In 2017 however, local business man and mad keen enthusiast Steve Bowman of Aces & Eights Speed Shop had an idea to revive the Wintersun 2.0 Festival as close as they could to the original concept. We wanted it to have a similar theme and feel to the original Wintersun Festivals. So, with the help of Tayla Stephens, […]
ShooAway Review – Keep Away the Flies
26 May 2018
We all love happy hour but what most of us don’t like are the flies that can often come with it. Trying to relax at your favorite time of day with a drink or nibbles can be ruined by constant annoyance by flies buzzing around landing on your food or in your drink. Even just trying to have lunch or dinner can be annoying with them buzzing around your food. Nothing worse than flies on food or in your drink Road Testing the ShooAway A few weeks ago however we discovered the ShooAway and had to try it out. This little gadget is amazing! Simple and easy to use, our fly shooing has reduced dramatically since we got it. The ShooAway The ShooAway has two gently moving soft stop blades that spin around distracting flies and preventing them landing on your food. The secret is in the blades which have a dual purpose. They are soft flexible blades and turn gently, simulating a waving hand that shoes the flies away for you. Also, at t the end of each blade there are a series of holographmatic discs. (Yes, I know, I found it hard to say also) In simple terms a collection […]
Joy’s Story – Do What You Can While You Can
26 May 2018
Joy and her husband Kim hail from Mt Barker in South Australia, and as it turns out Joy was the winner of last month’s prize of the Quokka Fire pit. When I called Joy to tell her of her win, we got chatting and I found out more about her, so much so that I was inspired to write this story. You see, Joy was told only a few months ago, that she may never walk again, let alone go caravanning, but her resilience has seen her defy the odds and not give up, and still enjoy this wonderful lifestyle. Joy has suffered from a long term spinal injury that she acquired some time ago, and although it has been debilitating over the years, she has not let it stop her doing the things she loves most. The priority of which is caravanning with her husband Kim. Equipped with her trusty cane and walking frame Joy makes sure she still gets out and about, taking small trips around Australia and even recently, touring in the USA. Joy fishing with Tracker (before the op) However last Christmas she lost the use of both legs and was facing the prospect of being […]
RV Insurance – Finding the Right Insurance Policy
25 May 2018
If you have purchased a caravan, motorhome or any other type of RV, you will understand its value, not only in dollar terms, but also in the pleasure it can bring you as you embark on your camping trip or your first trip around Australia. It doesn’t matter if your rig only cost a few thousand dollars or up to $200,000, the loss of it would bring a significant financial burden as well as the disappointment of not being able to continue your trip. It is imperative therefore that when you purchase your RV, you get the right insurance cover. Having spoken to many other RV owners over the last five years, we have found that the old Castrol adage, “Oils ain’t Oils”, can also be relevant when talking insurance cover:- “Insurance ain’t just Insurance.” With a multitude of insurance companies out there to choose from, how do you go about choosing the right one? Whilst preparing for our big trip, we spent quite a bit of time researching different types of RV insurance. During the course of the research, we heard several horror stories about other travellers’ experiences after having chosen either the wrong type of policy, or […]
Introducing Outback Queensland
24 May 2018
There is a popular saying among caravanners, “ In by Mothers Day, out by Fathers Day” It refers to the annual migration of travellers heading north for the winter. But, we think there is so much more to this region, so rather than rush through, we would encourage you to stop a little longer and take the time to explore. Outback Queensland is a massive area that covers from Mt Isa in the North West down as far South to Cunnamulla, Far West to Birdsville and East to Biloela, with many iconic Queensland towns in between. Outback Qld Regions Map Whilst there are some well-known attractions along the way including the Stockman’s Hall of Fame @ Longreach, and the recently rebuilt Waltzing Matilda Center @ Winton there is so much more to offer which is what we want to showcase over the coming months. Stockman’s Hall of Fame & The Waltzing Matilda Centre With the help of OQTA we will be publishing articles about all the places of interest along the way, including many of the smaller towns you may not have heard of. We will link in with Outback Queensland and look closer at many of their experiences such as; Discovering […]
Camp Oven – Italian Stuffed Damper
23 May 2018
INGREDIENTS Bread Mix 1 pkt Laucke Crusty White Bread Mix With Yeast provided Water 2 tbsp milk (baste) Filling 2 rashers bacon, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped 110g “Always fresh” pitted kalamata olives & semi-dried tomatoes mix 2 tbsp basil paste 1 cup grated tasty cheese ½ cup parmesan cheese ½ cup ricotta cheese 25g feta cheese 1 shallot, finely chopped 4 tbsp pesto 1 cup baby spinach leaves METHOD Damper Follow instructions on the back of the bread mix. Ensure you make this using the ‘by hand’ instructions. Prepare the filling via the method below. Once mix has risen, place on a floured chopping board or flat, floured surface and roll with a floured rolling pin or floured bottle to form a flat dough, approximately 1-2cm thick. In the middle of the dough mixture, add the filling in a circle leaving approximately 5cm from the edges. Stretch and fold the edges into the centre, combining in the middle with the aid of a fork, making a donut shape, to ensure all edges are sealed. Don’t worry what the raw damper looks like; it will form the shape of a damper as it cooks. […]
Our Top 10 Campgrounds in Queensland
27 April 2018
No 1 Alkoomi Adventure Farm, Marmor Alkoomi Adventure Farm offers a spacious campgrounds and en-suite rooms on a working family operated cattle farm. A very family friendly campground, they also provide activity packages for guests to experience horse riding and motorbike riding over the hills, taking in the stunning scenery and the 360 degree views upon reaching the top hills. Spacious campgrounds near the camp kitchen No 2 Kilcowera Station, Thargomindah Kilcowera Station is a 49,000 ha working cattle station that offers accommodation and camping options for travellers and caravanners allowing you to experience the vastness and natural beauty of the Outback. Activities include guided or self guided tours to scenic areas, four wheel driving, bird and wildlife watching, yabbying, bushwalking, camp oven cooking and superb photographic opportunities. Campsite right on the water’s edge No 3 Rocky Point Retreat, Winfield A waterfront camp ground perfectly suited to campers with either self-sufficient caravans, RVs, camping trailers and tents who are looking for an affordable, peaceful and safe relaxing holiday experience or for a rest stop while doing the “big lap”. Native bush land along the esplanade provides a shaded area for socialising, great little walks along the creek or for bird-watching as the area offers an abundance of wildlife. Baffle Creek […]
The New Honda EU22i – Review
20 April 2018
For years, Honda have led the way in power generators, especially when it comes to the camping and caravan industry. In the five years we have been travelling full time on the road, without doubt the most common generator we have seen pulled out of many a caravan is the Honda EU20i unit. It’s small, powerful, quiet and very very reliable. And now, after 15 years, Honda have improved on the EU20 model, with the brand new EU22i model. As mentioned, they recently gave us one to try out so we could see firsthand the improvements and compare it to the EU20i. The new EU22i Over the recent Easter weekend, we took it out to the Murwillumbah Showground and ran it through its paces and have to say we were quite impressed. We filmed our first test run live so you can see it in action and how it performed in powering up a New Age caravan. Since then we have been playing around with it even more and I have now prepared a review of the EU22i and what we thought of it. Whats New To compare the difference we pulled out an EU20i model and placed it beside […]
Generators – Do you need one? And how to select the right one.
15 April 2018
Love them or loath them, they have their place. Granted, some tent based or short term campers may not need them, but there are many fulltime or long term travellers out there that have a genuine need for them. The first thing you should do is work out if you need one for your style of camping and then find the right one for the job. Many travellers these days love to get away for as long as possible, especially in the outback, and whilst solar is gaining popularity and in most cases the preferred option, the sun don’t always shine. So there are a few things that a generator can come in very handy for. When we built our motorhome and set out 5 years ago, we thought we were well prepared with an extensive solar setup, but I was encourage to make sure I had a backup generator, and I am glad I did. As much as we tried to follow the seasons we could not always guarantee the sun would shine. And, when we found some ideal spots out the middle of nowhere, it was great to know we could stay there longer because we had all the power […]
The Magnificent Eurobodalla Region
12 April 2018
The region of Eurobodalla is home to many towns and villages spread over approximately 100km of coastline and inland countryside. With larger towns of Moruya, Batemans Bay and Narooma providing all major services and attractions in their own right, they are complimented by the smaller towns and villages of Nelligen, South Durra, Mago, Broulee, Tuross Head, Bodalla & Tilba Tilba. With each location being very unique in what it has to offer, and with many options for campers to stay, it makes it an ideal place to stop off and explore for a while. History The regions first inhabitants were the Bugelli-Manji and Yuin tribes who settled in the area due to the abundance of food, including health rations of fish, and plentiful vegetation. In 1928 an Irishman Francis Flanagan settled in the Moruya area and realised its potential as a rich agricultural area where he started growing potatoes in the area to service passing ships. By 1951 Moruya established itself as the center of trade in the shire and construction of breakwater and dykes allowed the town to flourish. The area became well known as prime farming land, especially for dairy in the Tilba area. Saw Milling also became […]
Rest Areas or Free Camps? The Facts and the Fiction Part 3
10 April 2018
In this, the third of a three part series, Keith Thompson our roving FRC Ambassador, looks at the other options for short overnight stops, or perhaps a little longer. READ PART 1 HERE READ PART 2 HERE There are many other Free Camp options in the form of locally managed Picnic Areas, Fishing Camps, Dams, Forests and some National Parks, as well as specific council provided RV Stops in an increasing number of towns and villages. An example is one at Tully in Queensland which is free; you do have to catch grey water but the dump point is at the gate (this is not uncommon). Tully RV Parking Area Rest areas such as this, or which permit an overnight stop over have been included in FRC’s as designated “Free Camps” and will appear in this category. Note that we also include here those which ask for a small donation; if they have a fixed fee of $10 or more however they become “Campgrounds” (Sometimes the distinction is narrow!) Searching Free Camps by selecting a large radius on the website or using the Map search on the App (Premium members) will turn up various options in many areas; town RV […]
Outback Adventures with Peter & Dawn
10 April 2018
On a recent trip to Gympie, home of the Gympie Muster, some friends introduced me to a couple of avid gallivanting nomads. As avid nomads ourselves, we soon got chatting about our travels. Peter and Dawn love their caravan so much, that they actually live it in, on their property, even when there are not travelling, but they prefer their outback caravanning adventures even more. Especially going off the beaten track. Peter is an ex-truck driver having spent quite a bit of time in the outback so he loves exploring some of these harsh regions. Dawn and Peter are so passionate about their travels and treat every adventure with a positive outlook as to what lies ahead. They are a curious couple who prefer to take the back roads and find little gems along the way, wherever they go. Not Peter & Dawn, but another curious couple and offspring @ Cunamulla , Qld Their travel stories were intriguing; from Australia to China, we covered them all. Dawn shared her fascination of oriental philosophy and Peter has a real nose for history. I just loved hearing their stories. So, I thought I would introduce them to you because I think you’ll […]
Camp Oven – Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pie
8 April 2018
INGREDIENTS (Serves 6 to 8) ¾ kg of chicken thigh or beast fillets cut 1 1/2 cm cubed 2 teaspoons oil 1 packet of continental creamy mushroom chicken sauce 1 medium onion chopped small red capsicum 2 tablespoon garlic (optional) 2 cups sliced mushrooms ¾ cup water ¼ cup sour cream 1 cup of grated cheese (optional) 2 sheets pampas puff pastry 1 tablespoon of milk METHOD Preheat camp oven or oven to 180 degrees Grease pie plate with spray oil Pull out puff pastry to defrost Heat oil in frying pan and brown chicken, onion, garlic, capsicum and mushrooms. Combine water and continental creamy mushroom sauce and add to chicken. Simmer for 15 minutes. Just before adding it to pie dish stir in sour cream. Cut pastry to fit into your pie plate, and poke holes with fork into base Add chicken mixture and with a basting brush, brush milk around top edge of pie, cover with the other sheet of pastry. Using a folk, press around top edge of pie so lid sticks to base, trim edges with a knife, and poke holes with folk into lid. Brush over top with remaining milk and place into camp oven […]
Bethungra Dam Free Camp – NSW
29 March 2018
AN overview of the Bethungra Dam Free Camp
Our Top 10 Caravan Parks in New South Wales
26 March 2018
Looking for some great Caravan Parks in New South Wales? This week we have scoured through our list of Caravan Parks in New South Wales and come up with our Top 10 picks, in no particular order. We have mixed them up a bit to cater for coastal lovers as well as those looking for inland retreats. We have based our selection on the popularity and feedback we have received on each of these parks, also the features and facilities they offer and of course their location. For more information on each park you can click on the heading or picture and it will take you to the listing with full details. No 1 Khancoban Lakeside Caravan Park Nestled in the south western foothills of the Snowy Mountains, only 13 kms from the Victorian border on the outskirts of the picturesque lakeside town of Khancoban, is the family owned Khancoban Lakeside Caravan Park. With over 6 acres of parkland, this is the perfect location for those looking for a relaxing country holiday or for the outdoor enthusiast, with so much to see and do all year round. Great views of the lake @ Khancoban Lakeside No 2 Port Stephens Treescape Camping and […]
Neighbouring Attractions @ Sheffield and Railton
3 March 2018
As you drive into the small Tasmanian town of Sheffield from any direction, one of the first things you will notice are the beautiful murals that adorn many of the local buildings. Artists have spent hours telling the story and history of Sheffield and local surrounds in these beautiful paintings. The town itself is in a tranquil rural setting shadowed by the nearby Mount Roland, which you can climb if you are game. Our kids loved blending in with the Murals Approximately 10km north lies another quaint little town. Railton which proudly displays up to more than a hundred imaginative topiaries in and around town. You can spend hours wandering the streets and discovering all the different ways you can bring shrubbery to life. Railton’s other little secret is that it claims to produce Tasmania’s finest wine, beer, and cider. Amazing Topiary on every street With places for campers to stay at both towns, you can enjoy all they have to offer. We have only touched on a few things in the article below, but for a full list of things to do in this magnificent area, be sure to visit the local Tourist Information Center. History Sheffield Sheffield was […]
Become a Free Range Camping Business Partner
3 March 2018
Hello and Welcome, If you have come to this page you are a business that may be looking to have more campers and caravanners come your way. If that is the case we can definitely help you. Free Range Camping began its life back in 2013 as a simple web based directory aimed at providing caravanners and campers with a comprehensive directory to assist them to find campsites and RV related businesses as they travel. We now strongly support RV related businesses throughout regional Australia. Since our humble beginnings, we have grown into a mature, well developed and trusted website with a vigorous Premium Club membership, offering not only a directory service enhancing the Caravan and Camping industry, but also a full range of services including: • An online/offline App • Classifieds • RV Insurance • Online Shop – Caravan & Camping items • Member Discounts • Newsletters & Information all about the Caravan & Camping industry We have grown rapidly since our inception and currently have over; • 119,000 FaceBook Followers • 71,000 Free Members • 5,000 Premium Members It’s FREE to list with us There are two ways you can list with us at Free Range Camping. The […]
The Gibb River Girl
28 February 2018
Story by: Linda McCall Meet Jo Drury, “The Gibb River Girl”, as I have playfully nick-named her. I first met Jo at Barn Hill Station in Western Australia while she was on a holiday with her husband Ross. We kept in touch and when I recently saw that she had completed the Gibb River ‘Solo!’ I had to catch up with her to find out all about it. Jo on the Gibb River Road – Let the journey begin For those of you that are not aware, the Gibb River is located in the Kimberly region of Western Australia. It has a total length of 660 km and whilst a major road for the people of the region it is very isolated, rough and rugged, definitely 4WD only for most of the way, and floods frequently. It is definitely not a trip to take for the faint hearted. So, hold down your hats people as I introduce you to Jo Drury. This little lady has creativeness oozing out of all her pores and a great sense of humour. Background Jo is proudly from Sandy Point, in the cooler state of Victoria. A teacher of 38 years, specialising in Art & Woodwork, Jo […]
Camp Oven – Hot Cross Damper
26 February 2018
INGREDIENTS 4 cups self raising flour 2 tsp bicarbonate soda 2 tbsp butter 2 tbsp caster sugar 1 egg, whisked ½ cup milk 150g vanilla yoghurt 1 tsp salt 3 tsp mixed spice 1 cup sultanas ¼ cup pitted dates, chopped ¼ cup currants ¼ cup mixed peel 1/3 cup cold water ½ cup self raising flour (extra) ½ cup apricot jam METHOD Sift flour and bicarbonate soda into a large bowl. Add salt and butter and rub into flour with fingertips until evenly combined. Add mixed spice, sugar, egg, milk, yoghurt, sultanas, dates, currants, mixed peel to the flour mix. Blend together using a butter knife or spoon until mixture forms a soft, sticky dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Form dough into a round ball. Meanwhile, mix the remaining flour and water together in a small bowl until a smooth paste forms. Place in a small plastic bag and snip off the end. Pipe a continuous line down the centre of the damper, to form a cross. Place apricot jam into a saucepan and heat through. Set aside. Place damper on a baking tray lined with baking […]
Caravan & RV Storage Solutions
22 February 2018
Have you ever put your Caravan, Motorhome, Campervan, or Camper Trailer into storage, only to pull it back out and find it full of Mould or Mildew and smelling so bad you cannot bear to spend the night in it? Let alone the next few weeks on your trip. Mould loves growing in closed up RV’s Well, in consultation with Grant from Essential Shield, we have found a solution for you. The RV Storage Pack is designed to: Ensure there is no live mould inside the RV before you place it into storage. Defend against mould while in Storage. We previously introduced our Caravan Care Pack some time ago in the form of several natural products developed by Essential Shield which specifically targeted Mould and Mildew, as well as an excellent range of natural insect repellents. The original Essential Shield Caravan Care Pack The packs have been hugely popular amongst our members who have achieved outstanding results in eliminating mould and mildew from their vans, and had many enjoyable nights by the campfire, without being bitten alive by mozzies. Now, Grant, who is a specialist in Mould removal and prevention treatments has come up with a smaller version of what […]
Travelling with Pets – Those that love them, those that don’t…
13 February 2018
OK, let me start off by saying that personally, we don’t travel with pets, much to my kids disappointment. Not many days go past when they don’t ask if they can get a dog. And it’s not to say we wouldn’t, it is just at this stage, we, and they, (the kids) are just not ready for the commitment that goes into travelling with pets. Jade’s favourite adopted pet – Clancy But, it’s not to say we don’t enjoy other people’s pets while we travel. In fact, not only have we collected many friends of the human variety during our travels, but the kids have managed to adopt many a pet along the way, and it’s not just dogs. Jade making friends with someone’s pet bird @ Mataranka, NT. Whilst by far the most popular travelling companion is the dog, we have also encountered many other pets along the way. So far our kids have bonded with dogs, birds, horses, and now have managed to hand feed and pat these cows. Which is great, except for their lack of toilet manners. (The cows, not the kids.) Currently camping with the cows So, whilst we personally fall into the category of ‘Pet […]
Rest Areas or Free Camps? The Facts and the Fiction Part 2
3 February 2018
In this, the second of a three part series, Keith Thompson our roving FRC Ambassador, looks at the variations between States regarding the use of the various types of roadside stops. READ PART 1 HERE Rest Areas – General, State by State: Each State has their own regulations, or lack thereof, here we attempt to provide an overview of these variations. Queensland In Queensland, in most cases the rules are quite well defined: Signs are usually @ the entrance to each roadside stop “You can stop at a rest area for up to 20 hours but they are not long-term camping sites. Check with the authority responsible for the relevant rest area for more information.” Note the reference to “authority responsible”. This may mean that a particular rest area is under control of the local Council who may vary this ruling; either in favour of the RV traveller by making it, eg 48 hours, or against us by reducing it to 12 hours or nothing! (72 hours is the maximum which legislation allows). What the sign does not say very often is that the limit (Commonly 12-72 hours) is actually a total in 4 weeks: “….the periods for which the […]
Understanding Ratings & Masses when towing
31 December 2017
Did you know that working out and understanding Ratings and Masses for caravans remains the Number 1 problem within the RV Industry? It is a problem common to many caravanners as they set out on their trip, whether full time on the road, or just for a short break, fully understanding the rating of your caravan is imperative. Making sure you caravan is not overloaded is one thing, but matching your van to the right towing vehicle and fully understanding what your vehicle is capable of towing is just as important. Chances are when you purchased your van, several terms were thrown around. Things like GTM, Tare Mass, Ball Loading and ATM, (Which by the way is not where you can find an Automatic Teller Machine) And whilst many throw these terms around like we should all know them the fact is that it can get confusing. So this article goes a little way to explaining it further, in particular, what is considered to be a Rating and what is defined as a Mass. Caravan Ratings & Masses The GTM & ATM are Ratings… allocated by the Manufacturer The Tare Mass and Ball-Loading are Actual Masses… that must be measured […]
Majestic TV/DVD Combo – The Right 12v TV for your Caravan & RV
11 December 2017
The Right 12v TV for Your Caravan & RV When it comes to finding the right TV for your RV, in our opinion, there are two important things to take into consideration 1. Is it Energy Efficient? 2. Will it withstand harsh treatment? 240 volts is not always something you will have on tap, especially if you love free camping. So ideally, a TV for your caravan or motorhome should run on both, and of course be energy efficient. Whilst you can run a 240v TV via an inverter you have to bear in mind that the process of converting 240 volts into 12 volts actually uses more energy in the conversion process, for this reason alone a TV that is designed to run on a dedicated 12 volt supply would be more efficient. The other thing to take into consideration is the fact that a TV in a Motorhome or Caravan is going to be subjected to some pretty harsh treatment. Caravans in particular tend to bounce around quite a bit whilst being towed, so a home TV not built specifically for this environment may not last you the test of time. Our Majestic 19″ TV cops a rough […]
4 Great reasons to Shop @ IGA and SAVE with FRC
11 December 2017
At Free Range Camping we are proud of our association with IGA, and there are quite a few reasons we chose to partner with them. Not only to bring our members benefits through discounts while travelling, but we really like the direction they are going as a Supermarket Chain. A big part of travelling around Australia is the excitement of discovering new places, and with this can come the experience of trying the new foods that in some cases are unique to these regions or locations. Stop off and discover local unique local produce With IGA having over 1300 stores Australia Wide, they are certainly coming to the fore as a contender in the Supermarket arena. Some of the main reason for this are 1.They have some amazing new and refurbished stores 2.Their produce is Fresh & Local 3. They give back to their local community 4. They Price Match and offer FRC Members Discounts New Stores Our story starts at Murwillumbah, which is where we are currently based. We recently met with the owners of the IGA Murwillumbah, Brett & Leanne Bugg, who have just completed an extensive renovation of their local town store. According to Brett, the store […]
Embracing The Nomadic Lifestyle
10 December 2017
Its Pineapple Festival time in Yeppoon QLD, so we are back in one our favourite spots at the Poinciana Tourist Park right near the beach. As I pulled up to our allocated camp spot, we discover our neighbours are Trish and Dave, whom we met very briefly last time we were in town five weeks ago. The Pineapple Festival @ Yeppoon, Qld Trish and Dave are native New Zealanders who after raising the kids, decided on a lifestyle change. Their initial destination was supposed to be Australia. But… as you do, they just took a small detour. Via Europe! Before departing NZ they sold everything, the yacht, the house, everything! They left NZ with 23 kg of luggage each. Travelled and lived in Europe for two years in a motorhome, then, turned up in Australia, still with only 23kgs of luggage each. Now, 5 years down the track they still love the flexibility of life on the road as full-time global travellers. Simmi meets Joey I first met Trish and David and little Simmi, their Shitsu/Toy poodle dog when we came through five weeks ago. Shamefully for both of us as dog people, we always remember the dog first before […]
Rest Areas or Free Camps? The Facts and the Fiction
10 December 2017
In this, the first of a three part series, Keith Thompson, one of our FRC Ambassadors, looks at how we, as travellers, should treat and respect the various type of roadside stops. Yaamba Rest Area Those of us who travel all the time, or those who make that annual journey, often need that roadside stop for the night; away from a traditional campground or Caravan Park. Many of us use these areas to gradually “hop” along greater distances without the need of the facilities of a formal Park. Unfortunately there is much misinformation and misconception about the role and use of roadside Rest Areas (or whatever they are called in various States). There are some common threads, but even though the rules vary state by state, we hope to clarify (at least in part) this situation here. Let me start by saying that Free Range Camping, as well as other responsible web directories and the publishers of the most used printed directories, all take great care that we all publish only legally approved, or allowed, camping locations**. Unfortunately, the unchecked listing via some well used Apps and forums are further confusing the issue by not following the basic principal of […]
Beautiful Bauple
10 December 2017
Discover the ancestral home of the Macadamia Nut with a visit to the charming village of Bauple on Queensland’s Fraser Coast. Bauple is predominately flat farming land that sits in the foothills of Bauple Mountain which rises over 450 meters. Small and quaint, Bauple offers the chance to relive its pioneering past and discover more about what was known as the Bauple Nut. Bauple town area History Bauple was originally named ‘Raby’, but renamed after Mount Bauple in 1896. The word Bauple is an Aboriginal word and refers to a frilled lizard. The Bauple nuts were discovered thousands of years ago on the mountain by the Butchulla and Kabi Kabi people who would meet in large gatherings to feast upon the prized delicacy. In later years Bauple boasted one of the largest sugar mills in the district before being closed down in the 50’s Mount Bauple in the background Things to See and Do Although relatively small in size, Bauple is ideal to stop off at and catch your breath while heading north or south along the Bruce Highway, however, there are still a few things to see and do whilst in town. Bauple and District Museum The museum opens […]
Jade’s Garlic & Herb Mayonnaise
2 December 2017
INGREDIENTS 1 Egg 1 Cup Grapeseed Oil (or oil of your liking) 1 tsp Mustard Juice of 1/2 Lime or Lemon Salt & Pepper (to taste) Garlic (to taste) Thyme (to taste) METHOD Crack the egg into the bottom of a tall container, try to keep the yolk whole Add the oil, (Grapeseed is my favourite, but you can use Olive or Sunflower Oil instead) Put in the mustard, then squeeze in the juice of the Lime or Lemon, not too much or it will go runny Add the salt & pepper to flavour Then add in the Garlic & Thyme. (You can use them fresh or I use the Gourmet Garden ones which are easier for me) Then use a stick blender and give it a quick blast over the egg yolk, then keep it churning until the oil and ingredients all thicken up Pour into a jar and enjoy it over anything. It will last a few weeks in the fridge Watch Jade in action as she whips up creamy Garlic & Thyme Mayo in 2 mins Recipe by: Jade @ Free Range Camping Comments comments Rate this
Grey Water Etiquette – To dump or to hold?
21 November 2017
A common issue amongst campers is the disposal of grey water! From Caravans to Motorhomes, and Camper Trailers to Tent based campers, whether it’s from the shower, or after doing the dishes, we all have grey water and should all be disposing of it correctly. But the question is, what is the correct way to do this? Unfortunately there is no blanket rule to make this an easy question to answer. We have found travelling all over the country, there are different rules in almost every location. Go out west, and they beg you to put it on the ground or plants, however, in some places, especially along the east coast this practice if frowned upon and can even result in fines. There are more and more campsites stipulating that only Fully Self Contained Vehicles are permitted. Whilst the definition of fully self-contained is another subject altogether, one of the requirements is that the caravan or motorhome has the ability to store its own grey water. More sites are not allowing grey water to be dumped So the simple answer is. Find out before you dump, especially in National Parks. Ask whoever is in charge of the site of where […]
Port Fairy: Where History and Magic Meet
6 November 2017
History is Port Fairy’s decided edge over other tourist destinations. History is something one cannot build overnight; you preserve it. And preserve successfully, Port Fairy did. Port Fairy is a historic fishing town located on Victoria’s southwest coast. It boasts buildings that date back to the 1800s, including Victoria’s oldest hotel, the Caledonian Inn. Historical fortifications can also be found in Battery Hill. It was discovered by Captain James Wishart who became caught in a storm and managed to find shelter for the night in what was to become the Port Fairy Harbour. Port Fairy Harbour Moyne River is the centrepiece of Port Fairy. At the mouth of Moyne River is Griffiths Island, home to a breeding colony of the Australian Mutton Bird and the iconic Port Fairy Lighthouse. There are three main beach areas – pockets of sandy beaches along Ocean Drive and fronting the Southern Ocean, the patrolled surf beach and the secluded beaches on Griffiths Island. Today it is one of the busiest fishing harbours in Australia and home to one of Victoria’s largest fishing fleets. Beautiful parks and gardens abound in Port Fairy. There is the Botanic Garden which has been in existence since 1858 and there […]
Meet Linda – Travelling Digital Nomad
6 November 2017
We first met Linda about 2 years ago, just prior to her hitting the road and embarking on her trip around Australia with her partner Mark and trusty side kick Dakar Dingo, (or is that the other way around?) Linda with her travelling companions Mark & Dakar Their vehicles of choice were a Toyota 4×4 Land Cruiser which would carry the essentials. Esky and Dog. And a trusty BMW Dual Sports Motorcycle for that feeling of freedom. According to Linda, “Someone has to have all the fun and Helmet time is gold!” Linda with her 4WD & BWM A tent was to be their home for the first 12 months before Linda finally convinced Mark they should become high rise developers and progress to a roof top tent for the fourbie. A rooftop tent on top of the Landie Life as a travelling nomad was to become the next chapter for Linda who is no stranger to adventure. Growing up in remote Northern Territory, and joining the Air Force at the tender age of 19, Linda got to see quite a bit of Australia before becoming a flight attendant and discovering the world abroad, including a stint in Saudi Arabia […]
Camp Oven – Roast Pork with Crackling
5 November 2017
INGREDIENTS 2kg rolled loin pork 1 cup hot water 3 tbsp oil 2 tbsp salt METHOD Pre heat camp oven. Rinse pork skin with hot water to open the pores of the fat. Thoroughly dry the skin with paper towel. Rub oil over the skin and massage salt into the skin. Place pork onto trivet and into camp oven. Cooking with fire method: Use a small shovel full of coals on the bottom and a large shovel full on top. Place a lot of coals on top for the first half hour to create the crackling. You can then slow cook the pork with less coals on top after skin has crackled. Cooking with BBQ beads method: If using heat beads in a 12 inch camp oven, we use 8 to 10 on the bottom and 16 to 20 on the top, depending on wind conditions. If it’s quiet windy you would use more. Hint: Check the pork about 20 minutes into cooking, to ensure you aren’t burning the crackling. If the crackling is starting to burn in the centre place coals or BBQ beads to the outside of the oven and continue cooking. Cooking times for meat is similar to […]
Are Caravans a Menace on our Roads?
23 October 2017
In this recent article we found, written by Paul Syvret from the Courier Mail, he makes various claims about the drivers of Caravans & Motorhomes. He likens RV Drivers to ‘snails’, refers to some as ‘nana van haulers’ and suggests they are ‘clogging the nation’s highways’. So, it is apparent that somewhere along his travels, someone may have slowed him up on the highway. According to the author the point he is trying to make is that RV Drivers, should have a special licence. Granted in some cases, there are some RV drivers that are perhaps a little inconsiderate, and may lack experience. Whilst it would definitely not hurt to undertake some type of formal training when driving a big rig, it also comes down to courtesy and the conditions of our roads. My question would be, are there enough places on our roads which allow RV drivers to safely pull over, without causing further hazards. It has been my experience, travelling full time for the last 5 years, that the majority of RV drivers are considerate and do pull over when given the chance. In my case, I know I can be slow and average 85 km, and the big […]
Small town with unbelievable charm – that’s Temora
9 October 2017
Temora is a beautiful country town about 90km north of Wagga Wagga in the Riverina region of New South Wales, making it the perfect place to base yourself to explore the area. If you’re longing for a serene and refreshing new place to discover, put Temora in your bucket list. Temora loves campers and caravanners and provides for them in many ways. It has a wide array of landscapes and ‘feels’ to offer along with the town’s golden history, strong industry, welcoming community, and nature that’s right in every corner. You will need more than few days to truly appreciate all that it has to offer. History Temora was first inhabited by the Wiradjuri people who lived simply and the same modesty was adapted by the first Europeans who settled in. Farming quickly became the main industry, with wheat and wool as the most popular produce. The town also has a rich history in the Railway and Aviation industries. Things to Do and See Temora is a well serviced town with all the supplies you will need, including two supermarkets, banks, medical facilities, loads of cafes and a wide array of lifestyle shopping. Exploring the CBD will allow you to discover more of the […]
Kui Parks leading the way and growing fast
8 October 2017
We first caught up with Bert and Kenau, the founders of Kui Parks about two years ago when the group was still young. Since then, the number of parks added to the group has grown rapidly, and they now have over 80 great parks right around the country. 80 Kui Parks Australia Wide The Kui Parks group is extremely popular with more and more Nomads now seeking out Kui Parks as their preferred place to stay. I recently caught up with Bert and Kenau again to ask them about Kui Parks growth and success. Bert & Kenau Bert puts much of the success of Kui Parks down to a simple philosophy. To Provide Clean, well maintained, friendly and value for money Caravan Parks As Bert pointed out, and we at FRC well know, travelling is about having choices, and the freedom to choose what best suits our personal circumstances. And that is one of the best things about travelling around Australia. There are so many choices, especially when it comes to Caravan Parks. Sites by the lake @ Kui Parks Diamond Waters Caravan Park So, with nearly 75% of travellers choosing to stay in Caravan Parks as their preferred option, […]
Camp Oven – Honey Roasted Lamb Shanks
8 October 2017
INGREDIENTS 4 lamb shanks Marinade ¼ cup soy sauce ½ cup honey 1 tbsp rosemary 1 tbsp crushed garlic 2 tbsp olive oil METHOD In a large container add soy sauce, honey, rosemary, garlic and oil, whisk until well combined. Place lamb shanks in marinade and refrigerate for 4 hours, shaking the container occasionally to ensure marinade coats all the lamb shanks. The longer it is left to marinate, the better the flavour goes through the meat. Place lamb shanks on a trivet lined with baking paper in your preheated camp oven and cook on slow to medium coals for 2 hours. Serve with your favourite vegetables. See more great recipes in OzWit’s Cooking Range Recipe by: Leanne @ Ozwit Comments comments Rate this
Camping, Caravan, Motorhome Floor Mats – Pefect Annex & Outdoor Flooring
3 October 2017
Good News! The Camping Mats are back. Believe me, since we hit the road some time ago now, we have had our fair share of wet weather and it is inevitable that when out camping or caravanning there will be times where your site will become water logged. And if not water logged, sand, gravel and dirt always seems to find its way into the tent, caravan or motorhome. Camping Mats But, there is a solution! Last year we were told about a great product to solve the problem. Camping Mats. It turns out, these drainage cells originally designed for landscaping make ideal camping mats. You can use them individually, or clip them together to cover your entire area. They raise things up just high enough to allow water to flow through and leave you with a firm dry surface. The mat in boggy puddle When we originally got them, we used them alongside our old rubber mat for a few weeks to compare the difference. The old mat was OK, but unfortunately it didn’t stop us getting our feet wet and stepping in puddles when it rained. The Camping Mat beside our old rubber mat. The real advantage […]
The Good Old Days of Camping & Caravanning
16 September 2017
Camping and caravanning have been traditions for many generations, not only here in Australia, but all over the world. And, whilst we have come a long way and certainly modernised most things including tents and caravans, have a look at some of these old photos from the 1900’s. From an original roof top tent, primitive caravan designs, and the old favourite, the Combie van. Maybe the design has changed and we have a lot more comforts these days, but they still looked like they were enjoying it way back then. The ‘Trotent’. Supported by the roof of a car, the tent sleeps two and there is a ‘ground floor’ apartment for dressing. (circa 1961) A rather bijou tent or…he’s packed his children’s garden tepee by mistake Room with a view A cyclist towing his caravan. (1940) Designed for comfort the Bedouin B collapsible caravan converts from a compact trailer into a spacious home for two in four minutes flat. (Circa 1956) Mrs G Cranham of Mitcham, Surrey on a camping holiday near Le Mans in her Volkswagen camper van with a tent extension, June 1962. A family enjoys a cup of tea outside their mobile caravan, at Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, 1926 […]
Caravan & Camper-Trailer Axle Alignment
16 September 2017
Everything has to be right, to enable a caravan or camper-trailer to be stable and handling well on the road. Just one key item that is wrong can cause serious, even lethal, problems. The loading – total mass, mass distribution and ball-loading – along with the running-gear, especially the tyres, are vital items regarding safety. One item that is often over-looked – and one that can adversely affect the tracking and cornering – along with tyre life, is the alignment of the axle(s). Accurate wheel-alignment – or correct suspension geometry – of the tow-vehicle is a major issue affecting the vehicle’s stability and handling, along with the life of the tyres. Castor, camber (whether positive or negative) and toe-in/tow-out all need to be as designed for the particular suspension lay-out, in consideration of the roll-axes and instantaneous-centres as the wheels/tyres move up and down. The fundamental handling characteristics of the tow-vehicle – over-steer/under-steer versus cornering force – are controlled by the front and rear axle loads, spring rates, anti-roll-bar rates, and damper bump/rebound settings. Vehicles are inherently designed to “plough”, rather than “spin”, off the road when the maximum cornering ability is exceeded. Altering one of these items – such […]
Communities Need Campers after Cyclone Debbie Devastation
21 August 2017
In March this year, we were camping in Murwillumbah and thought we were going to be safe from the effects of Tropical Cyclone Debbie. Perched high and dry in an area that we thought would not be affected, we were sadly mistaken! After Debbie unleashed all her fury in the tropical north of Qld, she made her way down the Australian coastline leaving a path of destruction along the way. Unable to evacuate due to roads being cut off, the flood water rose and broke all precedented levels, exceeded the levels of the previously high 1954 floods. We woke at 6am the next morning to find water fast engulfing our motorhome. We called for help, but due to fast rising and flowing waters the SES rescuers were unable to reach us by boat, so we were eventually winched out by helicopter. That’s us in the middle of the lake Whilst this was heartbreaking to us, it was not until we got a birds eye view of the floods that we fully understood the devastation it was causing to many others. In our case, we were fortunate; eventually returning to our motorhome 2 days later, to find the water had […]
The Amazingly Picturesque Yorke Peninsula
21 August 2017
Yorke Peninsula is one of those places made for campers. Located just west of Adelaide, you can either take the shortcut via a ferry, or take the long way round, but either way it is definitely worth the effort to check it out. Surrounded by St Vincent Gulf to the east and Spencer Gulf to the west, seafood is a specialty in these parts. There are national parks to explore, amazing beaches, historic ruins and some stunning cliff top walks. There is also a large variety of camping and caravanning options available . History The Peninsula is dotted with numerous small towns, all within easy reach of one another. Kadina being the largest and the most populous town in the region, is one of the three Copper Triangle towns famous for their shared copper mining history. The Peninsula’s name comes from Captain Matthew Flinders, R.N., named after the Right Honourable Charles Philip Yorke. Yorke Peninsula has been home to the Nharangga people for over 40,000 years. Making the most of the hundreds of kilometers of magnificent coastline they often feasted on the delicacies of the sea that we still enjoy today. Things to Do and See Almost every coastal town […]
Birdsville Races 2017
21 August 2017
Birdsville’s busiest week each year is the first one of September when The Birdsville Races take place, and when visitors from all parts of Australia and the world come to attend the spectacular horse races from August 31st to September 2nd. What has first started as an event for hack and stock horses with a few local spectators in 1882, has now became carnival of 13-race program and boasts prize money of $200,000. Crowds of around 7000 visitors each year enjoy two days of quality racing in the heart of Australia’s outback and three great nights of live entertainment. This year enjoy class horse racing and amazing entertainment including the RFDS Fun Run, RFDS Cocktail Party, Fred Brophy’s Boxing Troupe, Equine Fun Day (Thursday), Fashions on the Field, a variety of food vendors, and much more. The Birdsville Caravan Park is available during race week and information on availability can be found at www.birdsvillecaravanpark.com. Free campsites are available on the banks of the Diamantina River. Portable toilets are provided at selected locations by the Diamantina Shire Council. Date: Thu, Aug 31, 2017 – Sat, Sep 02, 2017 Location: Birdsville Race Club Birdsville, Queensland, 4482 Cost: Tickets Contact: The Birdsville Race […]
Alkoomi Adventure Farm — A campsite that Inspires the Spirit of Giving
20 August 2017
We recently had an inquiry from Alkoomi Adventure Farm to be added into the FRC Directory. As we are always looking out for more great sites to add to the list, we added them immediately, and as we were preparing the details something caught our attention. Not only was it an absolutely stunning property and unique in what it offered, but we found out they donate 100% of their camping fees to Angel Flight. Angel Flight is a charity that assists country people living in Australia to access specialist medical treatment that would otherwise be unavailable to them because of vast distance and high travel costs. Angel Flight Angel Flight is always there to help families who have been financially devastated by medical bills due to illness, accidents or other chronic conditions. They coordinate non-emergency flights in order to help people struggling with bad health, poor finances and daunting distances. These flights are free and involve travel to medical facilities anywhere in Australia. Angel Flight coordinates up to twenty flights per day, including complementary transport by ground volunteers that drive between the general aviation airports and medical facilities (or nearby accommodation). Angel Flight Australia Heros There is a touching story […]
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