Bugger! You're 6 months too late. I left in October for SA, although I'm in Dalby tonight heading back to Adelaide tomorrow. There are a couple of couples and nomads in Cairns who I'm sure would enjoy having a chat with you. In the mean time if there's anything I can help you with, please feel free to ask.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
Have you got the Camps Australia Wide book that gives you all the free camps. Maybe start with a few little trips a bit further north until you are in a position to stretch it longer into a 6 month stay. If I was closer I would love to have coffee with you but at Biggeneden at the moment with intentions of spending a few more days around the Bundaberg region before deciding where to head next.
Yes, have the Camps 5 and have travelled the coast and know some good spots, but around Cairns there are no free sites and I really want to spend the winters in the north. I think what I need to do is advertise (next year) for someone who could rent me a spot where I can plug into power with use of a bathroom. I will have to stick it out this year down here but definitely I want to keep warm. Thinking of selling the campervan now and maybe getting something next year with more fuel efficiency. But have to get motivated. Have a good day
Hi Wannabeanomada sorry I've just spotted your message, I was in Maroochydore for a couple of weeks but left on Wednesday and am now in Hervey Bay, it would have been nice to meet you over a coffee. Maroochydore is a nice place, I really enjoyed my stay there, I was only going to stay a week then extended it to 2. The rsl there is really good, they have excellent very cheap meals. Its a nice place to live and it won't be that long before it starts to warm up again
Have you thought about House-sitting ? My sister does it for about 6 months of the year. She is building up a regular Clientel, and has people she goes back to.
Her next one is back down near Woodford. She was at that place about 6 months ago.
Some-one was asking about house-sitters for the Cairns area a few weeks ago. Don't know if they're fixed up yet or not.
Check House Sitting Sites on the Web. Not positive, but I think the Nomads' front page may have a site as well. Just went and had a look. It does.
You can do it all over Australia.
You might be sorry if you sell the Hi-ace too soon. I'll never get rid of mine.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Friday 13th of May 2011 07:43:17 PM
Hi. Yes, am registered on a housesitting site and actually said no to a 6 month sit in Cairns when I bought this place. Argh! When I lived there it was really easy to find and my name was passed around but once you get out of the loop it is a little harder to get back in. But still looking. It is sometimes easy to find them and other times not.
I think that I can find another van next year, preferably diesel, and easier on the fuel. I do love my van, but hardly use it here.
But housesitting is a great idea and I love it, but need to finish this place before I head off....not much to do, but want to finish it. Thanks for the advice.
You recon Maroochy is cold, me and the bride are at Mapleton up the mountain...and it's freeeeeeez'n.
We have actually come down from Cairns to relief manage a small boutique Cabin and Tourist Park. O'h I should tell you we are hospitatility management contractors, hence that why we are here. I guess it is a bit of a house sit as well.
Keep warm, and at the time of writing this we have a the log fire roaring....and it ain't even winter
Cheers & beers
The Retro Roamers
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Come along on our travels now on Face Book. The Retro Roamers
Oh My...... Even the word Mapleton sounds cold!!!!! I went to Ray's Outdoors and bought some thermals for the real winter, and they asked, oh where are you going? I said ' Maroochydore'. Ha! But that is the thing....starting with layers.....if i can get it right, I might be okay! Good luck!!!! I am going back to Cairns in July for a few weeks, but may stay until the end of winter! Trouble is accommodation. I am not taking the van up this time. Will take the train this time. Anyway, something might turn up.....and I keep looking at the housesit site, so who knows. Bye for now. Christine
I think that I can find another van next year, preferably diesel, and easier on the fuel. I do love my van, but hardly use it here.
Think carefully about the diesel option. All things being equal it's the way to go ...but...
Do your arithmatic as you may find that if a diesel replacement costs more than a petrol by a significant amount the small saving in fuel costs may not be justified. Also if you're quite happy with your current rig that would be a major factor too.