the Times Your news and views? Email us at [email protected]Out with the old While there is no shortage of grey nomads who are far from happy about online booking for national park campsites, there is no doubt that it seen as the way of the future. For example, since introduc- ing the system a little over 12 months ago, South Australia has heralded the innovation as a massive success. “Online booking has not been discouraging visitation,” said a spokesperson for the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR). “In fact, positive changes in park visitation have resulted from online book- ings, including a higher overall campsite occupancy rate.” While most grey nomads don’t love the change, other groups appear more enthusiastic. “ere has been an increase in certain market segments such as young families camping in parks as they are able to book ahead and choose a site that best suits their requirements,” said the DEWNR. “is con- tinues to change the dynamic of campgrounds and is en- couraging the next generation of park visitors.” Another sign that long-term caravanners and motorhomers are not as high on the prior- ity list as they may once have been is the axing of the South Australian camping pass. It leſt some grey nomads like Tony and Monica Daly absolutely reeling. When they bought their Avan cruiseliner in July, 2016, they found that – as they were on a pension – they could get a 12- month pass for $187. A few months later, however, as they pre- pared to set off, they were horrified to find the camping pass had been removed. “We were looking forward to staying in South Australian parks but now spend time else- where like the free forest parks in Victoria,” said Monica. “It’s a thumbs down from us.” e couple point to sheer economics as the reason. “If we had spent 200 days camping in parks on the pass, it would have cost less than a dollar per night … fantastic value,” said Monica. “If you say it is an average of $15 per night now, over 200 nights it Page 1 would be $3,000 … I don’t im- agine spending anywhere near that on accommodation!” She is saddened that the changes have effectively kept them out of South Australian parks, and from contributing to surrounding communities. “I can’t help but think of the money we have spent in Victoria instead which goes straight into rural and regional economies,” she said. e South Australian Govern- ment though remains unre- pentant. “Visitors wishing to camp in parks are able to purchase casual camping permits online or from booking agents, which cost between $11 and $29 per night depending on the park and the facilities,” said a DEWNR spokesperson. “is is still a very affordable alterna- tive to a caravan park or motel accommodation.” Click to comment Issue 166 February 16, 2018 South Australia’s seasonal camping pass is out; online booking system is in Tony & Monica enjoyed Victoria’s Murray Sunset National Park In this issue: •Take one of many roads to Goondiwindi •Glorious food •‘ Hard to go past housesitting’ ‘Self-contained restrictions too widespread’ e increasing numbers of free and budget camp- ing areas being declared ‘self-contained only’ is not impressing the vast majority of grey nomads. A whopping 83% of respondents to our recent poll on the issue argued the trend was getting out of hand. “Well, I guess if they do not want our tourist dollars,” griped Terry Mc. “We will be going elsewhere!” Neville G bemoaned the fact that, whenever an activity becomes popular, constraints and regulation inevitably follow. “It’s the thoughtless part- time campers that litter reserves and rest areas are the reason for council reac- tion,” he said. But Peter R said there was no need for the restrictions. “Most grey nomads are quite happy to hook up a large plastic water container and take it with them on leaving,” he said. “If the stopover is in or near a town then the town misses out on our dollars.” And David M noted the irony of the fact that some regional caravan parks actu- ally want travellers to put grey water on the ground. Click to comment
Out with the oldWhile there is no shortage of grey nomads who are far from happy about online booking for national park campsites, there is no doubt that it seen as the way of the future.For example, since introduc-ing the system a little over 12 months ago, South Australia has heralded the innovation as a massive success.“Online booking has not been discouraging visitation,” said a spokesperson for the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR). “In fact, positive changes in park visitation have resulted from online book-ings, including a higher overall campsite occupancy rate.”While most grey nomads don’t love the change, other groups appear more enthusiastic.“There has been an increase in certain market segments such as young families camping in parks as they are able to book ahead and choose a site that best suits their requirements,” said the DEWNR. “This con-tinues to change the dynamic of campgrounds and is en-couraging the next generation of park visitors.”Another sign that long-term caravanners and motorhomers are not as high on the prior-ity list as they may once have been is the axing of the South
Australian camping pass.It left some grey nomads like Tony and Monica Daly absolutely reeling. When they bought their Avan cruiseliner in July, 2016, they found that – as they were on a pension – they could get a 12- month pass for $187. A few months later, however, as they pre-pared to set off, they were horrified to find the camping pass had been removed.“We were looking forward to staying in South Australian parks but now spend time else-where like the free forest parks in Victoria,” said Monica. “It’s a thumbs down from us.”The couple point to sheer economics as the reason. “If we had spent 200 days camping in parks on the pass, it would have cost less than a dollar per night … fantastic value,” said Monica. “If you say it is an average of $15 per night now, over 200 nights it
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would be $3,000 … I don’t im-agine spending anywhere near that on accommodation!”She is saddened that the changes have effectively kept them out of South Australian parks, and from contributing to surrounding communities. “I can’t help but think of the money we have spent in Victoria instead which goes straight into rural and regional economies,” she said. The South Australian Govern-ment though remains unre-pentant.“Visitors wishing to camp in parks are able to purchase casual camping permits online or from booking agents, which cost between $11 and $29 per night depending on the park and the facilities,” said a DEWNR spokesperson. “This is still a very affordable alterna-tive to a caravan park or motel accommodation.”Click to comment
Issue 166 February 16, 2018
South Australia’s seasonal camping pass is out; online
booking system is in
Tony & Monica enjoyed Victoria’s Murray Sunset National Park
In this issue: •Take one of many roads to Goondiwindi •Glorious food •‘Hard to go past housesitting’
‘Self-containedrestrictions toowidespread’The increasing numbers of free and budget camp-ing areas being declared ‘self-contained only’ is not impressing the vast majority of grey nomads.A whopping 83% of respondents to our recent poll on the issue argued the trend was getting out of hand.“Well, I guess if they do not want our tourist dollars,” griped Terry Mc. “We will be going elsewhere!”Neville G bemoaned the fact that, whenever an activity becomes popular, constraints and regulation inevitably follow. “It’s the thoughtless part-time campers that litter reserves and rest areas are the reason for council reac-tion,” he said.But Peter R said there was no need for the restrictions.“Most grey nomads are quite happy to hook up a large plastic water container and take it with them on leaving,” he said. “If the stopover is in or near a town then the town misses out on our dollars.”And David M noted the irony of the fact that some regional caravan parks actu-ally want travellers to put grey water on the ground.Click to comment
Cooking up a stormon the open road Like many grey nomads, there’s nothing Heather and Steve Jones love better after a big day of travelling, bushwalking or sightseeing than sitting down to a hearty meal.And, after many winter trips north, they have become dab hands at the fine art of cooking on the road. When the weather’s fine and then mood takes them, they can get things sizzling outside using their Baby Weber, frypan, gas cookers or the campfire. If not, they are really happy with the kitchen in their Traveller Utopia caravan.Heather insists cooking in a modern van is really no differ-ent from cooking at home, just a little less space and – at least in her case – no dishwasher. “I know some people think the smell of cooking will linger in the van, but I have found it doesn’t,” said Heather. “I use ventilation always when cook-ing, even in cold, wet weather.”Heather uses the oven to cook roasts, casseroles, quiches, piz-zas, bread and cakes, as well as baked vegetables and cauli-flower au gratin.“I also use my slow cooker if we are in a caravan park with power as it’s a great way to
cook silverside and stews,” she said. “My pressure cooker is also used for doing a quick stew and also for making soup.”Outside, the Baby Weber is very much Steve’s domain and Heather says he cooks a very nice pork roast with ‘always perfect’ crackling. With two gas hot plates and an oven, the couple doesn’t choose to ‘slave over a camp fire’ too often. The microwave – which has a griller function in it – also gets a regular workout.“I buy up packet gravies when on special,” said Heather. “So, I always have pork gravy, or lamb, chicken available and just pop them in the micro-wave.” The couple say they eat very similarly to how they do at
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Issue 166 February 16, 2018
Steve relaxes while imagining what might be on the menu (right)
home, with plenty of fresh veges, chicken, meat, and fruit. One thing though is generally off the menu.“I don’t do a lot of desserts due to our expanding waistlines,” said Helen. “But I can easily do an apple pie with frozen pastry and ice cream if we do decide to be naughty!’With Tulip, their much-loved Rag Doll cat in tow, the Adelaide-based couple will be seeking to avoid the winter chill later this year by hook-ing up the van and heading up the WA coast and across to Darwin.And they’ll doubtless be cook-ing up a storm as they go.
• How do like to cook when you’re out on the open road?
Click to comment
When Heather and Steve hit the road, something special
is always on the menu
Field to ForkThe Australian Game CookbookThe natural alternative!
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Many thanksfor supportingthe GNTA massive thank you to all GNT readers who respond-ed to our start-of-the-year appeal for funds to support the running of the newslet-ter. Your voluntary contri-butions will make a huge difference, and enable us to keep improving. Since it was first sent out seven years ago, the newsletter’s popularity – and that of our website and busy forum – have grown, and so too has the workload involved. The GNT’s aim is to reach as many grey nomads as possible so, rather than charging all GNT read-ers a subscription, we are asking anyone who enjoys the publication – and who appreciates the work that goes into producing it – to consider making a oneoff annual contribution (see below). Thanks again to all.
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‘It’s our beach, too!’Alice (not her real name) has had enough. She’s had enough of going to the beaches she loves to find car parks crowded with campers; she’s had enough of rubbish ruining the pristine environment; and she’s had enough of the stench of urine; and the omnipresent ‘everything is free’ attitude.As a keen surfer, Alice visits numerous beaches in her home town of Port Macquarie in New South Wales. And the story is similar in all of them … stealth campers are trouble.“While backpackers take up one park for their van and another car park to set up their tables and chairs, grey nomads park parallel across multiple car spaces with their vehicles and caravans,” she said. “And then there’s wash basins in the public loos blocked with food gunge from dirty dishes, and faeces and used toilet paper left in bushland.”Alice fears normal beachgoers are losing the amenity of the beach, and ratepayers’ funds
are being wasted on a near-endless clean up.“Some free campers just want everything for nothing ... a 5-star beach view and not have to pay,” she said. “It seems like free camping is a badge of honour, but why? Do people really want to spend their holiday in a manky car park? Is that their idea of freedom?” Monica says Port Macquarie Hastings Council recently sur-veyed free campers to gauge their spending and came up with $76 a day … and that’s when the ‘No Camping’ signs went up in parks. “Do these budget camp-ers really shop at small local grocery stores or small local
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bottleshops?” asked Alice. “Time to be honest … it’s the big supermarkets that are the beneficiaries.”She says country councils have a massive backlog of mainte-nance they can’t afford and stealth campers are just adding to the financial burden.“Grey nomads and backpack-ers should just camp in allot-ted areas, and national parks don’t cost that much and are a lot nicer,” said Alice. “Perhaps some honesty in how much travelling really does cost and an end to the obsession with spending the night at the beach would help.”
Click to comment
Issue 166 February 16, 2018A beachside ‘local’ hitsout at the stealth campers
spoiling her suburb
Some disrespectul campers leave a mess for locals to clean up
Water everywhere!Recently our websitewww.thegreynomads.com.au reported that three British tourists had to be rescued from the roof of their camp-ervan after an overnight del-uge meant they woke up to be surrounded by crocodile-infested floodwaters. The trio had parked up at the Green Patch picnic area just south of Cairns area in far north Queensland.Click here for more
Other website must-reads:
Snob warfare!Motorhome labelled an ‘embarrassment’.
Re: Grey nomad grumpi-ness (GNT: 165). Yes, after nine years of travelling I have experienced this a lot, and give these types a wide berth. Most of them I would imagine have nothing to be grumpy about! All they want to talk about is bemoaning the weather or money and how much they can get out of Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Af-fairs, medical, rent assistance etc. Arguments invariably en-sue between the veterans and non veterans. To the traveller who is enjoying ‘the lap’ and the exciting and interesting journey, these campfire con-versations are bloody boring. Seize the day, stop whining!
Olive P (Gussie girl) When doing our Big Lap we actively avoided the grey nomad set as we also found them to be generally the most miserable, negative and stingy people we had ever come across in our lives. We also would meet other lovely people who were great fun to be with but they were the exception.
Gary BHow can anyone of a sane mind say that Kakadu is ‘a waste of time’. Perhaps they should just open their eyes (and minds) a little and enjoy their surroundings!
John AI have to agree … a very large number of grey nomads are miserable, whinging, and
wanting cut price or free for everything, which is probably hypocritical as I bet when they were working they wanted to be paid top dollar for their labour and products. Small towns are struggling and it costs money for them to sup-ply amenities for travellers. Who do the whingers think picks up the rubbish, supplies the toilets and water, roads and all the other essentials for us to travel in comfort? Be nice and happy and show support for our struggling Outback.
Donna B
Good on the Bureau of Me-teorology or sticking to their guns. Changing the weather to make people happier won’t change the outcome. Yes, some people whinge about everything. If we run into someone like that we leave and find positive people to speak to. There are a lot of them out there.
Carol D
Re: Campsite cop (Jaclyn & Heidi: GNT 165) Well, I wouldn’t worry too much about Eric having a dig at
litterers and people who all of a sudden become blind at the sight of an honesty box … these people all deserve blast! But I would become concerned if Eric started go-ing over other people’s outfits for road worthy testing, and laying down the law at Happy Hour. Don’t worry, he’ll come good.
John ORe: Gunnedah (Great Places: GNT 165). Great town. I lived there for 40 years! Now trav-elling around.
Jillian L
Issue 166 February 16, 2018
I’m a solo traveller as I can never find anyone to go with me … but I just don’t let that stop me! I just did six months from Woodford up to Bundaberg, then down to Sydney to visit family, then across to Ceduna, far west South Australia … 17,000 kilometres in all. I hand out ‘Truth About Drugs’ booklets along the way. I’m looking forward to my next trip north this winter, in a second-hand Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD that I recently bought, and getting to more out of the way places. I have had a removable platform built in the Suzi by a handy-man friend, so I can sleep in it overnight, and that gives
extra storage room, too. I had a try out on a five-day trip and it worked wonderfully. Very comfortable. I have a lit-
‘I’m glad I decided to go’
tle foldup stool to help me get in the back. There’s a whole world out there!
Judee O’L
Judee feels her setup is comfortable and convenient
Re: We waited too long (GNT: 165). I’m just very proud of you guys. I’m in my 70s and always wanted to travel like yourselves. However, I was never game enough to make the move. I wish you a wonderful retirement from the road.
PeteAbsolutely, do it as early as you can. No matter how fit and healthy you may be in your 50s and upward, you can’t do what you would have as a 20-something. My husband and I were going to set off in our 20s but we didn’t. Now my husband is gone, and I’m 65 and wondering if I’m too old to try it as a solo.
Di DRe: Safe-T-Rest (Gadgets: GNT 165). This looks like the bees knees and if I could get it past the ‘Minister of War and Finance’ I would buy one tomorrow! You never know, she might go for it some day … but I won’t hold my breath.
Phillip RRe: free camping debate. Caravan parks and councils seem to have lost sight of a few hard facts. 1) Caravan parks would not exist if it were not for the cara-van travellers past and present.2) Caravan parks have jumped on the bandwagon with ex-pensive lucrative cabins.3) People who use the cabins in the main are not caravan-ners, but holidaymakers.
4) More cabins are taking up caravan sites, eg. Jurien Bay.5) Free/bush campers only go to caravan parks when they need to.6) Freedom campers want the freedom of where to go. 7) Do caravan parks care about hotel and low-cost accommodation that they impact with their cabins?Just let people stay where they wish and choose their own budgets. Freedom campers do not want to go to a caravan park … when will they get it into their heads?
Les C
Why do councils protect one industry to the detriment of all
other businesses within their area? Where some councils do provide a camping site they charge on the basis of competitive neutrality. How-ever, where is the competitive neutrality when protecting one business in favour of all others?
Rowland BWe don’t spend the big dol-lars on our rigs and have everything we need to be self-sufficient in order to pay the caravan parks for what we already have! Where is the sense in that?
ToshaIf they closed free camping it would ruin the whole thing.
It is great that to see the Betoota Pub in Queensland looks set to re-open after so many years. We used to call in for ‘supplies’ and – as is with all ‘supply and demand’ – the prices varied with old Ziggy ... God rest his soul.
Sandy & ‘Robbo’ R Have you got a favourite pic to share? Email it to us here.
I, for one, share caravan parks and free camping. If there was no free camping I would give it away.
Ken GCaravan parks are a protected species … certainly not on the endangered list!
Robert HIf caravan parks were more affordable to the grey nomad, then perhaps more trade would be produced. We all have money in our pockets but we also have varied budgets. It seems to me the parks are trying to gain control much like the fuel companies. The freedom of choice is slowly being eroded!
SueMore free camp areas are required along the whole of the east coast, as well around Australia.
Jim R
Even though we don’t free camp very often preferring caravan parks in the main, I agree that facilities for free camps should be made avail-able by councils.
John SIf smaller country towns provided a dump point, more grey nomads would stop for a snack etc. Water, I know can be a problem, but I for one am willing to pay a small fee for the chance to top up tanks. Keep on rolling.
The bush campers’ endless search for both power-saving and power-generating devices has sparked endless innova-tion and given the world nu-merous intriguing inventions.Now, an LED lantern that runs off heat energy from a candle can be added to the list.There is nothing new about gadgets that can directly con-vert heat into electricity, but the truly ingenious Luminiser has scaled the thermoelectric concept down to a new level. The brainchild of Norwegian company, ThermTech, the Luminiser uses the humble tea candle to power an array of LEDs for up to six hours. And the really clever bit is that the device is able to produce 15 to 20 times the light the candle would on its own.
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The designers say that the lantern can be used inside but its lightweight and rugged design lends itself to being used outside under the van’s awning on those beautiful Outback nights.It weighs less than half a kilo-gram, measures 14 centime-tres high when being carried, but 25 centimetres high and 12 centimetres across when its legs are extended.The Luminiser is not yet in full production but, if all goes to plan, the lantern should be on the streets and in the camping grounds by August. Those ex-pressing early interest can buy the device for around $US77.Click to comment
Issue 166 February 16, 2018
The Luminiser uses a tea candle as its source of power
New dump point on the way for TintinaraSouth Australia’s Coorong District Council is to install a new RV Dump Point at Tin-tinara in the Murray Mallee region, as its tourism devel-opment plans gather pace.The facility will be built alongside the Heart of the Parks visitor centre, located
on the busy Dukes Highway, and just a short stroll to the scenic Lake Indawarra. “Being the major highway connecting Melbourne to Ad-elaide, we have a great oppor-tunity to become the favoured stopping point for travellers,” said Coorong District Coun-
cil mayor, Neville Jaensch. “Whether they’re grey nomads on a slow cruise between states, or families looking for a rural camping escape.” This district already has RV dump points in Meningie, Tailem Bend and Coonalpyn.Click to comment
Nomads in Brief Hiker woeA hiker was transported to hospital after falling from a walking tracking in Queensland’s Lamington National Park and hurting her leg. Paramedics trans-ported the woman to Gold Coast Private Hospital in a stable condition.
Glamp squibOpponents of a ‘glamp-ing’ development near the Royal National Park near Sydney are to launch a legal challenge against the New South Wales Government. They object to plans to build six luxury ‘tents’ on private land between the park and the town of Bundeena.
Climate threatQueensland’s top tour-ist destinations are under threat from climate change, according to a Climate Council report. The report claims the state’s iconic beaches, wilderness areas and the Great Barrier Reef are under imminent threat.
Snake survivorA man has survived after being bitten by a two-metre brown snake in Central Queensland. The man was riding a motorbike on a property near Clermont, when the snake bit him on the lower right leg. He was flown to hospital suffering severe chest pains.
Roads to GoondiwindiFor grey nomads seeking a friendly country town with an interesting history, a scenic river, and some great camp-ing opportunities … all roads lead to Goondiwindi, almost literally.Located on the border between New South Wales and Queens-land, the attractive Darling Downs community sits on the junction of no less than five major roads … the Cunning-ham, Newell, Bruxner, Barwon and Leichhardt Highways. Happily, for a town which pretty much can’t be avoided, it has plenty to offer the adven-ture-seeking traveller.The mighty Macintyre River marks the border between the states and it also offers a serene and scenic centrepiece to the growing settlement. The iconic Border Bridge, which spans the waterway, was built in 1914 and played a vital role in freight and custom duties between New South Wales and Queensland.Those lucky enough to visit in late spring will see this attrac-tive town at its most splendid when the jacaranda trees lining the streets burst into vibrant purple bloom. The historic community which grew up in the 1840s as a riverside camp for the teamsters bringing supplies from northern New South Wales is also blessed with some stunning heritage buildings.
One of the most eye-catching is the Victoria Hotel, which was built in 1898. It boasts wide verandahs and an unu-sual tower which makes the beautifully preserved build-ing highly distinctive. The hotel has recently been fully renovated and is a ‘must-stop’ destination.The other ‘standout’ building is the Customs House which was built in the mid-19th century, and served as a border customs point before Federation. The authentically restored building now houses a fascinating mu-seum, and both its gardens and Martha’s Cottage next door are well worth a look.More recently, Goondiwindi – which has a population of about 6,000 – has earned fame through a horse named Gun-synd, which became known as the Goondiwindi Grey. In the 1960s and 1970s, the horse had 29 wins and came third in the 1972 Melbourne Cup. It was then immortalised by Tex Morton’s 1973 hit song, ‘The Goondiwindi Grey’. Today a
statue beside the river in Apex Park reminds grey nomads and other visitors of glories of Gunsynd. Alongside it, is the Gunsynd Museum, which is packed with trophies, rugs, memorabilia and photos of the equine legend.Other interesting points of interest in the area include the Texas Regional Art Gallery, the Australian Tobacco Museum, the Pioneer Cemetery, and the Macintyre Ginnery … where raw cotton is processed. Tours of what is one of world’s largest cotton gins are only available from April to September.As a town which services a larger rural population, Goondiwindi offers visitors great facilities and shopping. It also has a number of excellent caravan parks, as well as offer-ing half a dozen or so camp-ing reserves along the border rivers to the east.No wonder they built so many roads to allow grey nomads to get here!
Click here to comment
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Issue 166 February 16, 2018
The Victoria Hotel is an unusual historic building in townPic: Tourism Queensland
Solar Panels
Last week’s picture puzzle winner was Oliver G
QUIZ CORNER
Win grey nomad stickers!Email the solution to the puzzle. Winner announced in Issue 167. CLUE: Many adventurous grey nomads find great relief here.
Do You Know1. Mob Repent (anagram). Trams and trees help to make this WA town a grey nomad favourite.
2. The WA town of Collie was:a) Named in honour of Dr Alex-ander Collie, a doctor on the HMS Sulphur, the vessel which brought an exploration party to the area in 1829.b) Originally known as Little Perth but was re-named in 1863 in recognition of the area’s grow-ing coalmining industry.c) Named after a Collie dog which slept on the grave of its master for months after he was killed in a coalmining accident in 1894.3. If grey nomads were much, much younger on which Tasma-nian high spot would they find a suitable place to sleep? 4. Shortest road distance between Tasmanian towns of Launceston and Devonport?a) 67km b)92km c) 138 km5. I’m travelling directly between the Victorian town of Casterton and Mount Gambier in South Australia. Which highway do I take for most of the way?
Answers on p. 8
KEEPS FRUIT & VEGGIES FRESHER 2-4x LONGER NATURALLY
The Swag_Newsletter ad_v2.indd 1 28/12/2017 7:41 PM
Dear Jaclyn and Heidi,After years of planning, we couldn’t have been more excited when we set off on the big one nearly two years ago. We had spared no expense and bought a top of the range mo-torhome with all mod cons for self-contained travel and bush living. Then, after a couple of months, I spotted an ad for a farm sit and we decided to take a short break from the road. Well, one thing led to another and we ended up staying at that one for four months … and we loved it. We’ve been moving from one housesit to another ever since, and have only spent a total of about 17 nights in our rig in the last 18 months! We love what we do but we’re also feeling guilty we’re not doing what we planned to do and that we’re ‘wasting’ our motorhome.
Beccy
Housesit bound And the problem is … ? You set out two years ago on the trip of a lifetime, Beccy, and you’re having the time of your life. So, sit back, smile and treasure the time. Everybody’s Big Lap evolves as they go. It’s just what happens. Some people go slower than they thought they would, some faster, some wished they’d bought this rig, some wish they’d bought that … and you’ve just discovered you enjoy housesitting. Nothing to feel bad about. I’m guess-ing you’re actually also saving money on fuel and on site fees, so it’s all good news from where I’m sitting. Just look forward to the next housesit and the one after that and – if you ever do decide you want to try a bit of the traditional grey nomad life-style – you’ve already got a cracking rig in which to do it.
Jaclyn
Oooops! Yet another classic example from the ‘we should have tried before we buyed’ genre! When you’re mak-ing an investment the size of a foray into the real estate market, it only makes sense to be sure about what you’re do-ing and why you are doing it. I have no idea how deep your pockets are Beccy but unless you’ve got Donald Trump-like resources, it’s certainly going to hurt watching your prize asset lose value by the day …and almost by the minute. It sounds like you’ve pretty much decided that your future lies in housesitting so it’s time to bite the bullet, face the facts, and cut your losses. Put your expensive white elephant on the market and let someone else use it in the way it was intended to be used. Then, get yourself a tidy little camper-van, stop feeling guilty, and enjoy what you enjoy.
Heidi Click to comment
Issue 166 February 16, 2018
CLASSIFIEDS
DISCLAIMER: The Grey Nomad Times team is not responsible for any sale, trade, or other transactions between vendors and vendees or advertisers and respondents. All parties enter into transactions at their own risk.
FOR SALE
Van recovered A caravan stolen from Wollongong in New South Wales has been found a week later almost a thou-sand kilometres away.Police patrolling the Sturt Highway near Monak, half-way between Wollongong and Adelaide, pulled over a ute towing a caravan and found both vehicles were listed as stolen. The 30-year-old male driver has been charged with 10 offences.Both vehicles were taken to a secure holding yard and the owners contacted.
CLASSIFIEDS MACKAY, QLDHouse sitters wanted for a property at Mount Martin in Mackay’s Pioneer Valley from 1 to 14 March 2018. It would involve looking after (feeding and loving) 3 dogs and 2 pet pigs while we are away. 20 acres, access to a creek for swims. Plenty of room for caravans, including undercover in the shed. Either stay in your own caravan or you are welcome to use the 4 bedroom house and relax on the big shady deck. Approx. 50 mins from Mackay’s town centre. Click here.
***YEPPOON, QLDHousesitters wanted in Yeppoon, Central Queensland 11.10.18 – 24.10.18 (inclu-sive). We live on 1 acre and have some animals we would like cared for. They would have to be dog lovers as we have a Standard Poodle and a Toy Poodle that are house residents as well as Pigeons and free range chooks (10). All that is required would be to feed the animals morning and afternoon and clean the pigeon cages once a week. We are about 7 klms from the main beach, 6 klms from Town centre, minutes from Golf Club and Bowls Club and shopping centre. Click here.
***NANAGO, QLDHOUSE SITTERS WANTED FROM 6 MAY TO 23 MAY 2018 IN NANANGO. We have 5 acres approximately 4k’s from Nanango which is 20 minutes from Kingaroy. We have 2 border collies, 2 chooks and 4 sheep that need looking after. We have plenty of room to pull your caravan up and connect to power and water and there is a dump point in town. Click here.
***KANGAROO ISLAND, SAKingscote Seafront Home. House sit avail-able from: 6 March 2018 – approx. 7th Dec 2018. $150-00 per week including utilities, internet, lawn care (conditions apply). Very well appointed home, terrific sea views (walk to yacht club beach), walk to main street, shops & hotels/. Suit single or couple only. References required. Kanga-roo Island – The Jewel of South Australia, renown for it’s pristine environment & wildlife. Click here.
***RENMARK, SAWe are looking for a couple with their own accommodation ( caravan – motor home ) to look after our property for 4 to 6 mths while we are away — you have access to water, power, toilet, shower, laundry. We would like you to water our gardens and vegie garden to which you have the use of, also mow lawns (mower supplied) our property is 6.5 kms from Renmak. Click here.
***ECHUCA, VICWe live 20km west of Echuca, Victoria. Our property is approx. 650 acres, our farming is cropping and sheep. At this time of year our farm is virtually at a standstill but we need people to look after dogs, chooks, keep an eye on stock circles and just have someone on site for security. We will be having two breaks this year – 2 weeks in May 2018 and approx. 4-6 weeks in August-September 2018. Click here.
***CULLULLERAINE, VICLooking for housesitters to look after two cats plus two birds for 7 weeks from Au-gust 2018. Situated on the Murray River at Cullulleraine Victoria, roughly 1 hour from Mildura. Can live in house, plenty space for own caravan. Click here.
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Issue 166 February 16, 2018
PROPERTY SALE
TENTERFIELD, NSWAre you free from beginning of April for 8 to 10 weeks? If so, we’d love to hear from you:-We have a sheep & cattle property 30 west of the charming town of Tenterfield in Northern NSW. All stock will be drenched & sheep crutched prior to our departure so the sitters only need to drive around stock to check they & the fences are all ok. We would prefer the sitters to live in the house (old, but cosy) to spoil our Tibetan Spaniel house dog. Care for other animals including 2 working kelpies, 6 horses and a few chooks. 2 of the horses get rugged on cold winter nights; they are all of good nature – no kicks or bites and love hay treats. Click here.
***STANBRIDGE, RIVERINA, NSWDates: 8th July 2018 – 27th August 2018.Mature couple needed to look after our country homestead and care for Jess our 10yr old female Collie. Comfortable 4 bed 2 bath home, fifteen minutes from Leeton, thir-ty minutes from Griffith. Low maintenance gardens with automated sprinkler system, just a few pots and vege patch to water by hand. Maintenance of swimming pool. We are one kilometre from the highway, no im-mediate neighbours, surrounded by orange orchards and vineyards. Sitters need a car. We have room for a caravan/mobile home. Sitters must be prepared to live in our home for the duration of the house sit. Jess is an inside dog. Very easy going. Loves company and happy to follow you around, if you are out in the garden. She can be left at home alone for up to five hours, but not every day.Definitely no other pets. Click here.
***DARWIN REGION, NTFree camping/parking/use of house/NBN WIFI/electricity in return for maintaining garden (includes mowing around the house) while hubby and I are away 27th March to 10th April. 20 acre rural block 50 ks south of Darwin, most of it native woodland except for my nice tropical flower and vegetable garden. Bore water. We have no pets but you can bring yours. Click here.
***MOSSMAN, QLDNeed couple with own caravan/motorhome to look after poultry. cockatoo and a dog in exchange for free site, free electricity, free water and a bathroom and toilet available if required, for 4.5 weeks, from Sunday 14th April 2018 to Wednesday 15th May 2018. Property is a Sugar Cane Farm located 10 klms north of Mossman, North Queensland.Click here.
***GUNDIAH, QLDLooking for sitters for care of dogs over school holidays. We are leaving 31st March returning 13th April. We are located on 250acres near Gundiah Qld half way between the historic towns of Maryborough and Gympie. Free power/water for caravan etc. If you want to stay longer happy for you to base yourself here for some extra explor-ing time. Also happy to pay for services if required/preferred. Just need someone here morning and late afternoon for feeding allowing plenty of exploring time during the day. CLick here.
***ATHERTON TABLELANDS, QLDWe require two caretaker couples for our small volunteer run Golf Club on the Ather-ton Tablelands Far North Queensland. Our Club Committee believe that having two couples enables one couple to explore the wonderful Atherton Tablelands from a safe secure base whilst the club is looked after by the other couple. Close to small country town and only 60km from Atherton.Click here.
GREENBANK, BRISBANE, QLDFREE SITE. I am looking for a couple or single female with their own van for a long term situation just to keep an eye on my mum and give her a hand, I worry about her while we are away in our van. She is a very bright 82yr old and still very mobile and does most stuff herself. She lives on 28 acres 25 mins sth of Brisbane with her pet sheep and horse. There is plenty of room for your RV with power and town water. Click here.
***NORTH QLD CATTLE STATION, QLDCaretaking couple position: Active couple sort for permanent position on family owned North Queensland cattle property.Handyman position – bore runner, machin-ery operator, general maintenance, etc.Home help position – light cleaning, gar-dening and cooking duties, feeding of petsAccommodation is available or area to park caravan with water and power con-nection and access to own amenities and kitchen. Suit couple who enjoy outback lifestyle.Position available for 10 months – length of stay and remuneration can be discussed on application, (dependent on experience and hours worked). Click here.
***BLACKALL, QLDHelp Wanted to help establish a Bakery in Blackall QLD. Prefer someone with experi-ence. Longer stay preferable. Accommo-dation can be arranged or a place to plug in your van. Click here.
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CENTRAL WEST NSW FARM, NSWHousesitter for farm in Central West NSW. Dates negotiable anywhere from late May to September for a three month period. Plenty of room to park caravan under cover. Use of house. Animals welcome as we are taking our dog with us. No farm work or stock care expected. Suit people wanting to park up for the winter months. Click here.
***DUBBO, NSWLooking for farmsitters Dubbo region around 15th March – 3rd April. We are on 100 acres with sheep, horses and alpacas that require little attention. Hoping we may be able to find a couple that would be just willing to water the garden and feed a cou-ple of dogs and cats whilst we are away. Would like you be self-contained…power and rainwater available. We live about 15 mins from town. Dubbo has much to offer with wonderful history and a world class open plain zoo. Could you please provide references. Click here.
***COONABARABRAN, NSWWe are looking for someone to mind our farm near Coonabarabran from 27/05 to 25/07/18. We run about 120 cows and calves in a picturesque valley close to Warrumbungle National Park. The main daily taskes will be checking tanks and troughs, feeding chooks etc. The duties should take 1-2hrs daily. Click here.
***TYALGUM, NSWWe are a young family looking for farm sitters from 23/03/2018 until 03/04/2018 to look after our much loved pets (dog, cat, rabbit, bird and two horses). We are located in the Tweed valley in the village of Tyalgum.(about 50mins to Coolangatta airport) we would prefer someone with there own accommodation but we do have a granny flat that will be available if needed. Click here.
PROPERTY RENT
HOUSESITTING
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FOR SALE ADS
HELP WANTEDALICE SPRINGS, NTActive couple sought for Central Austral-ian Pastoral Property. Handyman and gardening position – involving homestead building maintenance and general gardening. Homestead domestic position – involving cooking, gardening and house-keeping. Accommodation can be provided or van site with access to bathroom and kitchen. Click here.
***RENNER SPRINGS, NTWANTED- Gardener/ handyman- for 6 months for Renner Springs Station NT. All food / power supplied/ person must have own ABN- day rate paid. if person has own caravan would be good, or can supply caravan accommodation. Person will be responsible for looking after gardens-lawns and animals, and will be respon-sible for keeping everything clean and tidy. Semi retired person would suit this position. Must agree to police background check. Click here.
