hello

DillyDallyingAround · Veteran Member

hello

Firefly · Guru

Hi Dilly and welcome to the forum. smile

You learn heaps on here listening to others talk about their adventures and what they do etc, I know I do.

We don't have a big interest in museums etc so we check out the countryside, animals, people, you name it, we look.

Where did you have in mind for your first trip out of NSW mate?

Happywanderer · The Master

Welcome DDA. Same as the rest of us, busy being a mum, now finally your time is your own. Enjoy!!
You are starting right, you have done a few small trips and worked out how everything works on the van, good on you, I haven't even done that bit yet.
Now to find an interest for your travels. I love photography and old pubs and churches and anything else that takes my fancy, like long walks along the beach. Sitting by a gorgeous lake or river watching beautiful sunsets or reading a book.
Just start, that is the main thing and move in what ever way it takes you.
As you travel come in here and tell us where you are and someone is bound to be in the same area for a catchup. Do the little towns for their cafes and op shops.
There is just so much out there to do, read on here what others do and pick the bits you think might be of interest to you.

DillyDallyingAround · Veteran Member

Firefly wrote:

Hi Dilly and welcome to the forum.

You learn heaps on here listening to others talk about their adventures and what they do etc, I know I do.

We don't have a big interest in museums etc so we check out the countryside, animals, people, you name it, we look.

Where did you have in mind for your first trip out of NSW mate?

Hi Firefly,

Thank you for the welcome. I have heard quite a bit about the Great Ocean Road, so I thought I might head down that way.

Dilly

Sheba · Guru

Welcome Dilly,

To start with, what sort of things are you really interested in ? There are hundreds of Archaeological, Anthropological, and Historical places to see in this wonderfuil country.

Then there are truly amazing scenic places.

Try Googling something you're Interested in, and see how many sites come up. Or click on the Images button, before you type it in, and get a lot of pics.

Have you got the Camper fitted out the way you want it ?

Be great if you could post a Pic. of it. What sort is it ?

Cheers,
Sheba.

DillyDallyingAround · Veteran Member

Happywanderer wrote:

Welcome DDA. Same as the rest of us, busy being a mum, now finally your time is your own. Enjoy!!
You are starting right, you have done a few small trips and worked out how everything works on the van, good on you, I haven't even done that bit yet.
Now to find an interest for your travels. I love photography and old pubs and churches and anything else that takes my fancy, like long walks along the beach. Sitting by a gorgeous lake or river watching beautiful sunsets or reading a book.
Just start, that is the main thing and move in what ever way it takes you.
As you travel come in here and tell us where you are and someone is bound to be in the same area for a catchup. Do the little towns for their cafes and op shops.
There is just so much out there to do, read on here what others do and pick the bits you think might be of interest to you.

HI Wanderer, again thank you for the welcome.

Yes I have been looking around on the site and it is interesting, especially those "where am I now posts".

Dilly

Gerty Dancer · Guru

Start with what WendyV terms a "Bucket List". Make a little(?) list of what you would like to see/do. Even if you've done it before, sometimes going back to somewhere again is really special.

Our list started with "As many waterfalls/caves/lighthouses/National Parks/Botanic Gardens/quiet camping spots" as we can get to.

Then we added Jazz festivals, or any small-town festival (they are all fun) Wildlife parks, Farm visits, Aboriginal cultural tours.... even small town op-shops. And now its trains!

Add things that might be a "once-in-a-lifetime experience", such as Lake Eyre full.

Museums and Galleries can be interesting, but they are static displays (well, mostly), you sound like you would rather be involved. You could try volunteering ? Have you thought of joining the CMCA? You could go to some of their rallies, or some of our get-togethers.

Everywhere we have been, we have a destination in mind, but some little place we happened to visit along the way turned out to be the most memorable of the trip. Allow time to be side-tracked.

glassies · Guru

hi dilly ,(for short) one place it might sound strange but i always say every australian should see ayers rock its a big rock and not much there but its amazing
and to watch the sunset on itis amazing and even when it rains ive seen some amazing pictures of it in the rain.

another place i just love is the northern territory ,loads of places to see up that way weipa is great fishing ,all in all as everybody says just watch and read what people
on here are doing and take down notes ,the free camps book is great too , hate paying for camp sites its much better in the outback stayin in a free camp spot
or even just camping under a tree some place or near a river or lake .

i love the outback its my favourite spot .

DillyDallyingAround · Veteran Member

Sheba wrote:

Welcome Dilly,

To start with, what sort of things are you really interested in ? There are hundreds of Archaeological, Anthropological, and Historical places to see in this wonderfuil country.

Then there are truly amazing scenic places.

Try Googling something you're Interested in, and see how many sites come up. Or click on the Images button, before you type it in, and get a lot of pics.

Have you got the Camper fitted out the way you want it ?

Be great if you could post a Pic. of it. What sort is it ?

Cheers,
Sheba.

Yes it is fitted out the way I want it Sheba, the last owner had it set out pretty well so I didnt change any of that. All I was worried about was the mechanical side of it, I was afraid of breaking down in the middle of nowhere. I now feel happier with it.

Thanks for the google idea, I never thought of that.

Dilly

DillyDallyingAround · Veteran Member

Gerty Dancer wrote:

Start with what WendyV terms a "Bucket List". Make a little(?) list of what you would like to see/do. Even if you've done it before, sometimes going back to somewhere again is really special.

Our list started with "As many waterfalls/caves/lighthouses/National Parks/Botanic Gardens/quiet camping spots" as we can get to.

Then we added Jazz festivals, or any small-town festival (they are all fun) Wildlife parks, Farm visits, Aboriginal cultural tours.... even small town op-shops. And now its trains!

Add things that might be a "once-in-a-lifetime experience", such as Lake Eyre full.

Museums and Galleries can be interesting, but they are static displays (well, mostly), you sound like you would rather be involved. You could try volunteering ? Have you thought of joining the CMCA? You could go to some of their rallies, or some of our get-togethers.

Everywhere we have been, we have a destination in mind, but some little place we happened to visit along the way turned out to be the most memorable of the trip. Allow time to be side-tracked.

Thank you Gerty, for the Bucket List idea, it reminded me of the movie with Morgan Freeman in it, loved it, great movie. I will start on it tomorrow, the owner left in a Camps 4 book with notes in it re good camp spots. That will come in handy. I really dont want to waste money on caravan parks. I understand I can use truckie stops to shower. Washing is not a problems as hand washing will do and laundromats for sheets etc.

DillyDallyingAround · Veteran Member

glassies wrote:

hi dilly ,(for short) one place it might sound strange but i always say every australian should see ayers rock its a big rock and not much there but its amazing
and to watch the sunset on itis amazing and even when it rains ive seen some amazing pictures of it in the rain.

another place i just love is the northern territory ,loads of places to see up that way weipa is great fishing ,all in all as everybody says just watch and read what people
on here are doing and take down notes ,the free camps book is great too , hate paying for camp sites its much better in the outback stayin in a free camp spot
or even just camping under a tree some place or near a river or lake .

i love the outback its my favourite spot .

Hi Glassies, yes I like Dilly thanks.

I have heard about the Wave Rock which is near Perth, long way from NSW so it will have to wait. I'm not sure about Ayers Rock, I always felt it looked really isolated so I might leave that for a while till I get more experience.

Dilly

DillyDallyingAround · Veteran Member

Just found the signature thingie, now I need a quote.

Sheba · Guru

Speaking of Uluru, did you know that it is upside down ? Scientifically proven over 40 years ago.

Cheers,
Sheba.

Hylda&Jon · Guru

Hi Dilly & welcome to the forum. All I can add to what others have said is:

Try looking at other peoples blogs of their travels & get ideas from what they saw or photographed, A good site is: http://home.vicnet.net.au/~badger04/bits/links.htm

Raid the tourist info places covering the towns you are passing through, collect pamphlets & ask the info people.

Google the town names & you should find one or more sites with info about things to see & do

This is a handy site to find places: http://maps.bonzle.com/c/a

Cheers
Jon

Helena · Guru

HI Dilly, When out and about try talking to the local people they have heaps of information as to what is around in their town which can be really interesting, once you get on the road don't worry you will find heaps of things to do in fact you will find that the time you thought you had will be too short always is for us. Good luck and welcome to the forum Helena.

DillyDallyingAround · Veteran Member

Hi Jon & Hylda

Thank you so much for that wonderful site you sent me. I had a quick look through and it is marvellous. One thing that caught my eye was

http://www.hobohome.com/the_motorhome/moke_in_motorhome.php

Everyone you must have a look at this, I couldnt believe that moke coming out of the bus. Unreal.

Thank you also to everyone who has answered me, I really appreciate the time you took, as I am a real novice but I am going to recify that very very soon.

I look forward to "talking" with you all from now on.

PS: I have put that site on my desktop so I can look at it at my leisure. I will be following your blog too Jon, it looks very interesting. Ta.

-- Edited by DillyDallyingAround on Wednesday 23rd of February 2011 10:39:38 AM

milo · Guru

welcome to the site Dilly , thats anamazing bus conversion too , very impressive!!

feel free to post up a pic of your campervan, im looking at one maybe in the next 12 /18months...

so like to see what others have out there..

milo....

jonathan · Guru

Hi Dilly ..

.. and a welcome to the group from me as well ..
Really, there's not much I could add to whats been already stated .. but as you can see, there's so much support on here for you ..

I would be very surprised if a lot of your priorites and interests do not adjust considerably once you get out there .. it has a way of sticking hooks into you, and then you will understand more about the inner workings of us nomads ..

enjoy !

Jon

(currently at Kulnin, WA)

Cruising Granny · Guru

Hi and welcome DillyDally. I guess the best thing to learn is you are not dillying or dallying.
As you drive out on to the road, it's up to you which way you point the headlights. North, south, east or west will reveal many new things to you.
One day will lead you to another day and another experience. Even if you don't have a list of attractions you'd like to visit, word of mouth will help you scratch those itchy feet as you move around the camp, or the district you are visiting.
Every place has it's own character and features, and as you travel you will discover these even without a plan or list.
Sit back and enjoy the country you're driving through, as it slides by. Safe and happy travels in every direction.

valnrob · Guru

Hi Dilly, welcome to the forum, everyone here will give you good advice based on their experience and knowledge. Rob and I are fairly new to this, we started off making short trips for a week or whatever and then began with longer times and more miles. Biggest trip we have been on was to Queensland on the Tropic of Capricorn. We enjoyed it very much, talked to plenty of people where we camped and found out heaps of info. Where was a good free camp and where wasn't so good, marked them in my Camps book to refer to later. You will enjoy it, we didn't look in on any museums but found plenty of other things of interest. Mainly people, rivers, dams, yabbying, a couple of drinks for Happy hr.

Good luck and safe travels

Cheers

RnR · Member

Hi Dilly,
Great to hear that you are making the big decision to get out and about after your retirement as so many people just sit around wasting their life away. You will be surprised at the wonderful things you will see when you really start looking. We have travelled a fair bit with our children when they were young but realise how much we didn't really see. Now we notice so much more as we travel (without kids). You will love the Great Ocean Road but the towns can get quite busy in summer. The Camps book is invaluable for bush camping and you will rarely be alone as once someone pulls into a spot there will soon be others there. We met a lady travelling on her own when we were in Ross River and she had started travelling after her husband passed away as she didn't want to sit around knitting for her grandchildren! I took my knitting with me but found I didn't get the time to knit as there is always something else more interesting to do. I have also done a diary on a website which keeps me busy and is a great way to let friends know what you are doing. Good luck and safe travelling.
Rosie
(RnR)
www.halfwayround.webs.com

wendyv · Guru

Hello Dilly,
I think that once you get into travelling as a lifestyle, you will find it generates a heap of things to do. Apart from the ongoing basics of moving, cleaning, cooking etc, there is planning where to go next day, next week, next month.........that research takes a lot of time. When we started out on the road, we had both retired "young" from really intense and demanding careers and I wondered whether I would be bored. Now I regret all the years I devoted to work! On the road, I take photos - then saving them to the laptop, naming them etc, takes time. I keep a written journal of each day's activities. I write letters to friends and family. I sew - hardanger work and patchwork/quilting. We do a lot of walking. There is visiting the local attractions of an area. Sitting round a campfire at night can be very time consuming. Got interested in birds, just by having different ones hanging round our camps, and wondering what they were. So bought binoculars and a bird identification book, and that has become an engrossing interest. We have sometimes done some seasonal work in tourist places, up north.
There is a whole new world opening up for you.

DillyDallyingAround · Veteran Member

RnR wrote:

Hi Dilly,
Great to hear that you are making the big decision to get out and about after your retirement as so many people just sit around wasting their life away. You will be surprised at the wonderful things you will see when you really start looking. We have travelled a fair bit with our children when they were young but realise how much we didn't really see. Now we notice so much more as we travel (without kids). You will love the Great Ocean Road but the towns can get quite busy in summer. The Camps book is invaluable for bush camping and you will rarely be alone as once someone pulls into a spot there will soon be others there. We met a lady travelling on her own when we were in Ross River and she had started travelling after her husband passed away as she didn't want to sit around knitting for her grandchildren! I took my knitting with me but found I didn't get the time to knit as there is always something else more interesting to do. I have also done a diary on a website which keeps me busy and is a great way to let friends know what you are doing. Good luck and safe travelling.
Rosie
(RnR)
www.halfwayround.webs.com

RnR, thank you for your post. I have spent a good part of my day on and off reading your Halfwayround, what a great read, loved it. It certainly made my feet itchy. Of course I wont be doing a big trip like that but I was interested in the Wave Rock. Was it a dirt road to get to that. I read you had several flat tryes, now that is something I dont need as Im sure there would be no NRMA guys handy, I was also concerned that you said there was not a lot of phone coverage. I'm with Telstra and I noticed it cuts in and out a lot too. Not happy with that !!. Also you mentioned in August it was quite hot, hmm, I was thinking of going down Adelaide way in June, can anyone tell me what I can expect weatherwise then.

DillyDallyingAround · Veteran Member

Big thank yous also to :

Milo, Jonathan, Granny, Val & Rob and Wendy for your replies.

and Helena, I did answer you in the forum (twice ) but for some reason it did not show up. Guess it was lost somewhere.

-- Edited by DillyDallyingAround on Thursday 24th of February 2011 04:47:54 PM

Happywanderer · The Master

Dilly, I'm in Echuca which has similiar weather to Adelaide and no way would I want to be down here in June. From at least April/May to Sept/Oct you would want to head up to the heat not down to the cold. Its bitter here in the middle of the year. I froze here last winter and was unable to get away as I usually do.

DillyDallyingAround · Veteran Member

Happywanderer wrote:

Dilly, I'm in Echuca which has similiar weather to Adelaide and no way would I want to be down here in June. From at least April/May to Sept/Oct you would want to head up to the heat not down to the cold. Its bitter here in the middle of the year. I froze here last winter and was unable to get away as I usually do.

thank you Happy Wanderer, I have been following your posts as well, to cut it short, where are you up to with your van. Is that salesman giving you grief.

-- Edited by DillyDallyingAround on Thursday 24th of February 2011 04:50:24 PM

Happywanderer · The Master

Have just posted on my thread, he won't be giving much more thank goodness.

RnR · Member

Hi Dilly,
Glad you are enjoying my Halfwayround diary. You mentioned the road into Wave Rock in WA, it was a sealed road so you would have no problems. We mainly stayed on the bitumen but the flat tyre we had was in Karijini National Park and we did go on unsealed roads there but still think we were probably unlucky. I am sure you will find other travellers are always willing to help out if you have any problems. The other flat tyre was in Alice Springs but I guess that wasn't too bad considering we did 16000 km on the trip. The weather here in Adelaide in June is pretty cold and wet usually but who knows what it will be like this year. Definitely if you go north you will get warmer weather in June, July & August, but we also got some really cold and wet days when we were coming back through Fremantle and across the Nullabor in September. I think you just go when you want and make the most of it as you can't predict the weather these days. The phone coverage was pretty poor with Optus and we met a lot of people who were with Telstra and they said the coverage was pretty good so will go Telstra next time.
Rosie

jules47 · The Happy Helper

What about heading to somewhere like Lightning Ridge - you will meet some fascinating locals, especially at the bore baths around 4pm daily - just get talking to people - lots to see around there, you might find you get an interest in noodling for opal, or head to the gemfields in Qld - Sapphire etc - dig some holes, hopefully find something sparkly. Sometimes going somewhere like this can start you on an interesting hobby, then you can travel to all the othere places to pursue this hobby - Mt Surprise, N Qld - (topaz - aquamarine)- Coober Pedy -more opal, Quilpie or Yowah - opal - and these places in themselves are interesting.

Lots of singles join CMCA or organisations like that, to have others to travel with. They have rallies all over the place, and seem to have a lot of fun.
Of course a lot depends on how long you want to travel for - one week, six months?

Whatever - get out there and have some fun.

howdrink · Senior Member

Hi Guys just keep looking though the forum to see what these guys have been up to
you get a lot of info from these guys, as for what to see out there well its up to you, you have a big back yard out there, good luck and happy travell's