I am writing here to ask for some advise. We live in NZ and have 2 grown up kids who live in Perth and Sydney. We plan to retire from work in February 2014 and then come across to Australia to do the Big Lap. We plan to buy a new caravan and tow vehicle in the NSW area, then set off for the Lap. Is it a good idea to set off North in say March time? We are not bothered how long it takes but don't want to be at the top of the country during the summer! We are absolutely free of all constraints so can start with a blank canvas. Is there anyone in GN who can give us advise as to the pitfalls etc?
Richard and Helen Wood
Cupie said
04:05 AM Nov 27, 2012
Welcome to the forum.
You'll get lots of good advice from those more experienced than I. But all advice is tempered by the 'likes' of those replying.
If it is your intention just to 'tour' round Aussie then if you are leaving in March from round the Sydney area, then your timing is about right. Maybe a month or so early, but I think you'll need a month or so to get set up.
If you are retiring in February then you haven't left much time to settle affairs in NZ and also buy, await delivery & run trial trips in your rig before setting out on a trip of at least 6 months. Not to mention visiting with your Sydney family.
If you haven't already done so you will need to do lots of research .. eg. If you go to the Grey Nomads website page you will probably find an add for a book on planning for 'the lap'. There are lots for sale in Aussie bookshops too.
You'll need to decide on the type of 'accomodation' you prefer. This will impact on the type of rig you purchase. eg. If you want to 'free camp' you'll need to be self sufficient for at least 3 or 4 days .. water, power, gas, food. As well a copy of Camps 6 is essential to show most of he free camp sites.
Enjoy the adventure .. and take your time.
Pejay said
04:51 AM Nov 27, 2012
Hi Richard & Helen, Welcome to the forum, and as Cupie says you will get lots of advice, but if I may add our tuppence worth - around next March I understand the Camps 7 book should be out, so it may be worth holding off to buy the updated version.
Like you, we are the Wood's from another island east of Australia. Look forward to maybe catching up with you when you finally cross 'The Ditch'.
Hi Woodylad. My husband and I are kiwis, doing what you plan to do. We started in February this year after three years or so of planning. We visited the Brisbane caravan show two years in a row and put in our order at the 2011 show with the van for delivery February 2012. We also got our Ozzie driving licenses in 2011. We organized our pension payments a month to six weeks before we left NZ. ..... Once the wet season is over head north and when one senses that the humidity and heat are about to return, head south. I hope this is not as clear as mud.
aussietraveller said
08:21 PM Nov 27, 2012
Welcome to the forum Woodylad the time of year you are planning to head north from Sydney is ideal if you want to travel whilst its cooler up north although still shorts and tee shirt weather from Townsville on, it all depends on how long you plan to take getting up to the Northern Territory as to what the weather will be like when you get there.
We have found it useful to write or email the State/Territory tourism organisations and ask for a package of information prior to setting out as they provide heaps of information and it allows you to plan your trip they also provide climate information which is very helpful, as others have previously mentioned keep active on the forum and ask questions as there is always somebody who can answer them for you. As you travel it is also very useful to call at Tourist information centres and talk to staff as they know their area well and can advise on things to see and do.
woodylad said
02:31 AM Nov 28, 2012
Will do that! Thank you so much. We are gaining info every day!
Woodylad
JimnKathy said
03:15 AM Nov 28, 2012
You would be be very brave to come from NZ to Qld in Summer. Ouch.. It hurts until you aclimatise.. I am 2 hrs inland from Mackay and its close to 40 on occasions.
EllenajoeL said
07:55 PM Nov 28, 2012
Weclome to you two, woodylad
its almost always a good idea to do your travels North of the Tropic of Capricorn from late autumn to mid spring......you avoid the blistering desert heat, the tropical wet season and most of the plague insects....however, its also worth noting that many places South of the Tropic can get VERY hot in summer too, especially away from the coastline.
So.....if you havent done so already, may I suggest some investigation into weather records/trends/forecasts for likely destinations will go a long way to help in your preparations. See http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ for a good start.....and I hope all goes well for you.
Hello Grey Nomads!
I am writing here to ask for some advise. We live in NZ and have 2 grown up kids who live in Perth and Sydney. We plan to retire from work in February 2014 and then come across to Australia to do the Big Lap. We plan to buy a new caravan and tow vehicle in the NSW area, then set off for the Lap. Is it a good idea to set off North in say March time? We are not bothered how long it takes but don't want to be at the top of the country during the summer! We are absolutely free of all constraints so can start with a blank canvas. Is there anyone in GN who can give us advise as to the pitfalls etc?
Richard and Helen Wood
Welcome to the forum.
You'll get lots of good advice from those more experienced than I. But all advice is tempered by the 'likes' of those replying.
If it is your intention just to 'tour' round Aussie then if you are leaving in March from round the Sydney area, then your timing is about right. Maybe a month or so early, but I think you'll need a month or so to get set up.
If you are retiring in February then you haven't left much time to settle affairs in NZ and also buy, await delivery & run trial trips in your rig before setting out on a trip of at least 6 months. Not to mention visiting with your Sydney family.
If you haven't already done so you will need to do lots of research .. eg. If you go to the Grey Nomads website page you will probably find an add for a book on planning for 'the lap'. There are lots for sale in Aussie bookshops too.
You'll need to decide on the type of 'accomodation' you prefer. This will impact on the type of rig you purchase. eg. If you want to 'free camp' you'll need to be self sufficient for at least 3 or 4 days .. water, power, gas, food. As well a copy of Camps 6 is essential to show most of he free camp sites.
Enjoy the adventure .. and take your time.
Hi Richard & Helen,
Welcome to the forum, and as Cupie says you will get lots of advice, but if I may add our tuppence worth - around next March I understand the Camps 7 book should be out, so it may be worth holding off to buy the updated version.
Like you, we are the Wood's from another island east of Australia. Look forward to maybe catching up with you when you finally cross 'The Ditch'.
We have found it useful to write or email the State/Territory tourism organisations and ask for a package of information prior to setting out as they provide heaps of information and it allows you to plan your trip they also provide climate information which is very helpful, as others have previously mentioned keep active on the forum and ask questions as there is always somebody who can answer them for you. As you travel it is also very useful to call at Tourist information centres and talk to staff as they know their area well and can advise on things to see and do.
Will do that! Thank you so much. We are gaining info every day!
Woodylad
Weclome to you two, woodylad
its almost always a good idea to do your travels North of the Tropic of Capricorn from late autumn to mid spring......you avoid the blistering desert heat, the tropical wet season and most of the plague insects....however, its also worth noting that many places South of the Tropic can get VERY hot in summer too, especially away from the coastline.
So.....if you havent done so already, may I suggest some investigation into weather records/trends/forecasts for likely destinations will go a long way to help in your preparations. See http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ for a good start.....and I hope all goes well for you.