My wife and I wanted to attend a country dog show held last Sunday and located half way between Ballarat and Geelong...about 90 minutes drive from Melbourne.

We are lucky as we have a fully equipped camper trailer. But I do recall many years ago when single I camped in a tent.

Last Saturday night we used a free camping guide, a book that lists all free camping spots in Australia. We found a great spot in the hills, alone and free. The birds singing was so good we woke up early at 5am to hear them, cook our eggs and bacon and ....RELAX. There is something about camping more so than ever because social media has drowned many of us and taken us away from the basics of living. Some of us need to get back to nature even for a short time...even overnight.

So what is required for a basic camping adventure? Assuming you have a car although I've seen some people camp with motorcycles and push bikes or just a backpack if you are ultra fit.

Free camping spots book $50, two person tent $30, blow up mattress with pump $60, sleeping bag- no- take your doona, pillow- take your pillow, one burner stove with butane gas pressure packs $30 + $7 for 4 cans of gas, kettle, water container 20L, fry pan, cutlery, bucket for dishes etc.

In the scheme of things it is cheap entertainment. One of the best accessories has been a solar powered light on a baseball cap for $30, where ever you look there is light. Keep it on your cars rear parcel shelf to charge. Shower? Shower tents are fold up for $45. 12 volt shower pump $15- just boil your kettle and add to cold water in the bucket = great shower. You can get a porta potti for $100 and place it in the shower tent.

Want to move up to a camper trailer? Only have a 4 cylinder car?  Search for motorcycle campers. They are smaller and lighter to tow but most still have a queen size bed. Add a trunk on the drawbar and you can add a fridge. Mount a dry cell battery under the camper floor wired up to charge by your towing vehicle. Motorcycle campers start at around $7000.

Which ever way you do it - just do it funds permitting. It really is recharging your batteries. It can help you recover from a down period. It can contribute towards your relationships.

Dont forget to take a book. Something soulful, comforting and educational.  We have a book of Australian birds and we try to identify them. Take a telescope for the stars. Once I found Saturn in the night sky and I could just see its rings- amazing.

Your mind needs rest. Camping is good.

Hi Tony

Thanks for yet another great post.  I have only ever camped once in my life with hubby and another couple about 2 yrs ago.  We went to a spot near Wilsons Prom which was a free camping spot.  We arrived at 10pm unpacked, set up tent. Waking up the next morning to hear birds and open the tent to see an amazing sea, hearing the waves OMG it was beautiful. To just sit and relax, we did lots of walking and just sitting, drinking and eating!! We have now bought all equipment for camping but haven't gone again. But I want to go more often especially now as i will be working full time, so i will have to push hubby and just go. Actually friends of ours are camping on the foreshore over January/Feb with their caravan and have asked us if we want to share the spot with our tent. I think I will take that offer up for a weekend. Imagine just unzipping your tent and a few steps and you're in the beautiful water.

Sometimes doing little simple things in life are the best for recovery and to recharge our batteries. You come home feeling so fresh and alive.

That's it, I'm going to buy that camping book and circle some spots. Thanks Tony.

Jo

Hi Jo.

Ask your hubby if he wants to go camping.

Regardless of his answer....start packing on a Friday night or Saturday morning and he likely will tag along. If not still go camping.

Tony

You've sold me, Tony! And that takes some doing. The only memories I have of camp are horrible school experiences where bullying took place, and it has unfortunately coloured camping for me throughout my adult life and I've never done it. I think I might be too scared to do it on my own though.

Hi JessF

The book used is CAMPS Australia Wide. It is up to the 6th edition now

You wont find a grey nomad without one. The beauty of this book is , you find a spot and it has on the side of the entry if it has water, is near a road, has trees, dogs allowed, mobile phone coverage, a fee involved, showers and toilets etc.  and most times there is only grey nomads there during the week and not on school holidays. People often wander by to say hello.

Try it Jess.  you wont regret it.

Hi WK

Just rediscovered this thread.  Thank you for the great tips - I'll be making use of them very soon as I commence my (solo) road trip.  

What do you think of the rooftop tents - more expensive than normal ones but seem practical. That way I can first more of the other accessories in the car (including my dog!).  I was toying with this or getting a cheap camper trailer, but not sure if I like the idea of towing something all the time.  

Rather than spending money on shower tent, I thought I could use camping ground facilities and similar. 

Anyway, just a quick thanks.

K

 

Ha Hideaway, you and I are so similar. I dream of going on a camping road trip. My actual life dream is to go around australia in a caravan. I also want to camp my way around Europe. I basically want to explore the world. But I want someone to do it with- that special person I hope. But you kooky issues with that at the current moment.

 

if you have a smart phone, check out the camping apps.

Wikicamps is a good one, it has pretry much every campsite ever, include ratings, reviews, facilities, cost. 

 

I love over love love camping, there's something so amazing about getting back to nature. I've often thought of pimping out a van with a mattress or getting a ute wiith one of those camper trailers. The only reason I'd lean more towards a caravan is for two reasons: it has a toilet (yeah I'm a girl, you know how we are with wanting toilets lol) and it just makes me feel safer, it has actual walls, a door that locks. 

 

I want to want to do these trips with someone- you know a lover person- to share the sights and experiences, to be able to see a beautiful view and turn to the person you love and say, are you seeing this?

I was in Scouts for a long time, I know alllllllll about the amazing world of camping, but I too know it's annoyances, like wet tents. I'm not bothered by bush toilets (eg a handy tree) except at night when, as you know, the boogeyman comes out :-p hahaha  

 

Boy out I wish I could go on a camping journey, hell even a weekend away camping would be amazing. Especially on a nice night when we can lie out of the grass and look at a clear sky full of stars, unhindered by city light pollution. Can't you just imagine it

please tell me all about your camping trip,  mostly so I can sit here ridiculously jealous but living through you :-p bahaha 

Go down to your local Kathmandu or Aussie Disposals, there's plenty of books about free camping sites, campin recipes, nice maps.

 

i know because I've been collecting them, just waiting for the chance- Someone to go "hey, come explore the world with me". I even have the tent, the sleeping bag.. I don't know why I buy camping stuff when I have no one to go camping with but,,, I do because I love it.

Hi .

Rooftop tents are great. I recently saw a Hyundai Getz with one and they are a small 4 cylinder car. If you are frail or older it is a risk as you have to climb a ladder. The best idea with these is to buy a trailer, have bars about one metre above the trailer for the raised roofyop tent. Then use the trailer cargo area for all your "stuff". And leave the car interior for hourly stuff like fridge and food. It remains cheap and you can always sell a trailer. Even a tradesmans trailer is ideal as long as it isnt heavy.

You'd be amazed the things you accumilate and need on your trips. And dont forget, a toilet close to your bed is a must. Another reason for a shower tent. Camping grounds often dont have toilets and showers. Have your own or you'll regret it..

Tony WK

Hey Beltane!  I hope you are well.

Thanks for your post, I enjoyed reading it and dreaming a little as I did, although  I will no doubt be sharing my experiences with my furry friend.  Of course it would be nicer to do it with someone you love - but 'what will be will be'. Time out is probably good at this stage for me.

Thanks for the App tip - I will check it out.  I have collected a few books on camping sites.  There was a good one for sale at the newsagent but pretty pricey - I will think about it.  You are lucky to have camping gear already - well ahead of me. I am going to try and do it as cheap as possible. 

And yes, I will certainly tell you a bit more about the camping trip and it takes more shape in the next few weeks and once it commences. 

Look forward to talking more,

Stay well

K

Hi WK and thanks for your reply - I appreciate it.

I like your idea of a basics trailer and attaching the rooftop tent on that - thanks for that tip.  And same about the toilet, might just have to reconsider that and see what is available on the market (or maybe rig one up myself).  I think Aussie Disposals should sell those old army style canvas shower bags.

I get what you say about these tents being on the roof of the car not being such a good idea if you are old and fragile!  I am still quite fit and agile, so I don't think it would be an issue but I do worry how I would go if I would be tempted to have a drink or two by the campsite and then try and clamber up!!  I would be funny to watch.  But more importantly, my furry friend would have trouble getting up.

Thank you again.

K

 

Hideaway. Definitely Aussie Disposaks is a great place. There's stuff you can skimp on and get cheao at Kmart/ Big W etc eg Eskies, camping chairs/ tables,, cooking stoves and kitchen utensils etc. You're a smart man. I'm sure you can figure out what you can "skimp" on and get cheap and what you cant.

 

what you can't skimp is your accomodation- whether tent, camping trailer, rooftop tent. You need to really consider what suits you and then consider spending a few extra bucks getting one of the best quality. (You only ever make the mistake of buying a cheap tent once :-p).

also sleeping bags etc- camping sure can get cold, get yourself some really good thermal clothes and a nice sleeping bag that is Rated for low temperatures. If you get one that unzips, you can use it as a blanket on Warmer nights when you need more air. 

You can even get sleeping bags that are like His and Hers, they can zip together ti make one giant sleeping bag for Two.

i couldn't imagine the hell of sharing a sleeping bag with someone, but other people must be ok with it or it wouldn't exist I guess.. Lol

Tony

AT last a way I can help give back. Over 20 years in camping industry and I've learnt a few things. Mainly in Queenland sorry but I also know if free camping spots in great parts of N.S.W.

Alot if national parks offer free short term camping. Only catch often is sure they have bbq but your best of taking your own drinking water.

If people look on sites like gumtree or the local dump shop you can normally get a e or 4 person tent, 2 camping chairs, a air mattrss and single burner gas stove for around $50.

There are even places on the Great Barrier Reef that can be camped on really cheap. The local barge drops you off and you literally carry everything you need for a few days.

I hope that maybe this can help someone.

Hi everyone

Fast approaching the holiday period I thought I'd resurrect this thread about camping, the benefits and the low cast it can be.

Remember, our minds, damaged or otherwise need rest. We've all heard of "gotta recharge my batteries" phrase. In fact in my 20's I didn't have one holiday/rest period for 7 years as I was then a poor money manager and worked at other jobs on my holiday times. A big mistake as it all caught up with me.

So for those interested in a few days away for relatively low cost start at the beginning of this thread.

I hope you have a great festive season. Take care

TonyWK

100% agree!!!

Imo - camping is one of the best ways to clear the mind and recharge the batteries.

waking up smelling the bush, looking up at the sky at night and seeing all the stars... there’s nothing better.

With the Covid restrictions ending in some states it could be time for you to head to the bush.

It doesnt cost a great deal for a two man tent, blow up mattress and a pillow. Take away food might be the go.

TonyWK

This thread is right up my alley.

I'm going to look at a 4wd tomorrow and if it's good I'll buy. One of the reasons is to be able to put a mattress in the back and sleep in it.

I've also been looking at camping gear online because I found a camping site near my work I can stay at.

Future plans is to stay at the camping site and also travel Oz and camp out.

Great tips on this site, thanks all.

Hi MM

You can count a rooftop tent on a 4wd.

We've built 2 caravans, the first we towed around oz...11ft long with shower/toilet cubicle. Weighed only 450kg tare.

The current one, 16ft with full ensuite weighs only 730kg tare.

Caravanning/camping is incredibly good for mental health

Ps...buy wikicamps online. Most caravanners do, it gives you all the info of free camps.

TonyWK

Hi Tony,

I agree, it is so good for mental health.

That's unreal that you build caravans and I'll keep the rooftop tent in mind.

I just downloaded an app tonight about camping sites but they aren't the free ones. Will check out wikicamps.

My only gripe is I get scared at night in isolated places. I become a chicken. But I'm all for exposing myself and getting rid of the fear.

hey all - i've been camping a lot and it's really fun -

i would like to go away to the country for a few days

I think I had a major reconnect last year when I went to a farm for a few days retreat - I watched the sunset over the entire farm, quiet as earth. As a single woman alone it was ideal because the farm was owned by an older couple who cared for me like a daughter and I felt protected. I would be a bit scared camping alone but I agree MM can be done with a bit of planning

Hey team

Has anyone stayed on a farm/retreat? I'm thinking I'll do that again?
Go out to somewhere in regional vic stay on an air bnb style farm ect.

Anyone else found places you can go away to where you can really get quiet peace and be in nature?

I don't love camping and do want to stay indoors, but love the peace, views, and space - and also the warmth of people in the country

Hi Sleepy,

That sounds ideal. An air bnb on a farm.
I'm sure there are plenty of scerene places you could explore.
I google search everything lol. So that's how I'd go about finding somewhere.
I've been watching YouTube videos of ppl 4wdriving to camping spots on the water, in the bush etc...seems to be a lot of ppl doing it. And I'm listening to real life stories of others camping experience's.
I'm also female, traveling solo...lots of people seem to make it out alive.

thanks mm

ur so sweet. I hope the camping works out for u so you can take a car and enjoy nature. Sounds fun and like an adventure.I loved that farm I went to last time. It was a good mix of nature and comforts. There was no wifi but a tv in my room, which was reasonably modern. I think I'm a bit worried because last time the people on the farm were like - I can't explain it - but like angels really they took care of me. They told me I looked like their daughter! I complimented the man's t-shirt and he offered to give it to me. They treated you like family and it was so nice. I guess I'm worried the isolation could be depressing - so there's line a line to toe between being alone and being isolated.

Nature is such a healer though. It just accepts you as you are, holds you, and gives hope xxx sending love mm

those videos sound fun... guess a lot of ppl are tapping into the need to travel and adventure.

Lots of possibility...

Female backpackers commonly park next to married couples for security.

If you have a choice better to camp on weekdays

The quietest camps are 2 hours plus from cities.

Once set up play this video

Google

YouTube maharaji sunset

TonyWK

Hi Tony -

Thanks for your comments and tips that was very interesting about female campers camping near couples - it does make you feel this sense of safety and I have done similar myself without realising it.
If I walk down dark places alone at night also I try walk in pace with a couple if I can find one lol.

I have decided to go to a farmstay for a few days and am trying to book it shortly before the school holidays. Some are a bit "luxe" and I think a bit pricey - depending on their location, but last year I went to one that was decently and fairly priced and run by an amazing couple. There were alpacas there and beautiful birds. The owner would bake me cakes and leave them for me every day.

The quiet was like nothing I've ever experienced... I think that is very healing. It's hard to know if I will find a place so calm and quiet but I hope I will.

will try all goin well to keep posted@!

I used to love camping with dad.

Something special about sitting by the fire, telling stories while watching the embers crackle as they dance about the in darkness, illuminating the soul.

Food too acquires ever more flavour when eaten outdoors, a phenomenon I always pondered. Perhaps it is the open air, or the smells of nature, the beautifully comforting smell of fresh grass and the smoky waft of the fire that adds that secret ingredient which tantalises the taste buds.

We'd lay back and gaze up into a brilliantly starry sky, wondering at the universe, shining torches up as a beacon, having pretend laser swords fights with the beams of light.

We would continue talking, long after both us and the fire grew weary, laughing ourselves into slumber.

I need to escape the concrete jungle, and reacquaint myself with natural life, I think it will be hard, hard to sit under those stars, hearing the fire crackle, but not hearing dad's laugh aloud...it will be hard, but I miss it so much, even taking off my shoes and allowing the blades of grass to nestle between my toes evokes so much elation, I have to go back.

Hi PL

There is a problem with grief in that sense. To reflect and miss your dad for example.

There is a part remedy. Some grief you can never eliminate. Other grief you can transform into motivation.

For example. If you had children or nieces/nephews you could say to yourself- "well this camping is what my father did with me...I'm going to leave these children with those same memories". Then go out and repeat the family tradition, and of course if your dad could see you at that moment- how proud would he be?

Worth googling this-

Beyondblue topic 30 minutes can save your life

Beyondblue topic switching mindsets

Beyondblue topic feeding your brain

TonyWK