the

Happy Hour vs TVHappy Hour is perhaps the most sacred grey nomad tradition of them all … but is the trend towards ever-more luxurious rigs sounding the death knell of the under-the-awning ‘social’?Born in an era in which watch-ing TV in the bush was an impossibility, campfires were more widely allowed, and caravans were far more basic, Happy Hours were once as much a part of the Big Lap as filling up at the bowser.So, are times a-changin’?Grey nomad Alan Hunter from New South Wales cer-tainly thinks so. He says that on a trip up the Centre and down the coast of Western Australia he was stunned by how ‘day-centric’ his fellow travellers were.“As soon as the sun sets they disappear … they seem to have lost the ability or interest in sit-ting around the fire interacting with their neighbours or en-joying the beauties of the night sky,” he said. “I realise some go to bed early but, judging by the flickering in the windows, a lot are watching TV or videos … it seems to us they are missing a good part of what exploring the country is about.”At the Kurrimine Beach Holi-day Park in northern Queens-land, the daily Happy Hours

that run from approximately 4pm-6pm are part of the fabric of park life, especially between June and October.On-site manager Brad Davis says the social event is always kicked off by someone ringing a large cow bell and then peo-ple start to congregate to enjoy nibbles and a few drinks.“I wouldn’t say they have become less popular on the whole, but I would say there are maybe a few more people coming through with the huge luxury set ups that are a little less likely to get involved,” he said. “But all are welcomed and encouraged to the gathering to swap stories about being on the road and just enjoy each other’s company.”And veteran traveller David Metcalfe also believes that news of the death of Happy Hours has been greatly exag-gerated.“Happy Hours are still very popular and are a great way

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to get to know fellow travel-lers and to obtain information about the area you are in or going to, and any great ideas about caravan modifications or gadgets,” he said. “From our experience, Happy Hours can go on for several hours and cover a wide range of topics and we find that sitting outside of an afternoon will regularly attract others to come and have a chat … and we will put the kettle on or share a glass of wine.”While David is a huge fan of Happy Hours, he says he pre-fers ones with smaller groups and admits they don’t always work out.“I hate Happy Hours that turn into booze and brag fests,” he said. “And we have asked people to control the language before, but this doesn’t usually cause a problem.”• Do you think Happy Hours are becoming less popular?Click to comment

Issue 199: May 31, 2019

Cheers! Grey nomads chew the fat and raise a glass at Happy Hour. PIC: Kurramine Beach Holiday Park

In this issue: •A featherweight van •Make Haystacks when the sun shines •The flip side of free camps

Can the under-awning social survive Netflix,

Sat TV, and luxurious rigs?

GNT readers feel securewith their rigsRig security is always a con-sideration for grey nomads, but most feel pretty com-fortable about leaving their home-on-wheels at the van park or campsite while they go exploring elsewhere.Following our recent story about two travellers who had their car stolen while they slept in their caravan nearby, we asked GNT readers whether they felt their rig was sufficiently secure … with 70% of re-spondents answering ‘yes’.“We are secure in most cases as we always lock both the car and van at night and when we go for a walk,” said Bruce Mc. “We always fit our hitch lock and also lock our chains … but there is always the determined professional that will take what they want no matter how well secured we are.” While not ‘obsessing’ over the risks, Cynthia K said she always felt that little bit more secure in a van park.“I don’t know if it’s actu-ally the case or not, but I find boom gates and fences reassuring,” she said. “I just feel that thieves would instinctively go after easier targets.”

Click to comment

Times

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We travelled around for four years and, during that time, we only free camped twice. The experience was not to our liking as during peak season to find availability in these free areas one needed to be off the road by 2.30pm.We checked out these parks while passing and many were not more than dust bowls and, of course, first in best dressed. There seemed to be no orderly manner in which to park, and the van next to ours had their generator adja-cent to their van. No respect for anyone else and, on the other occasion, loud music blasted not long after we set up camp. They may have been isolated incidents but, in the end, we preferred to pay the extra and have the security of staying in a caravan park. Staying safe is my priority, and my husband agrees ‘happy wife, happy life’.When one considers the value of the rig, being a caravan and vehicle – possibly not much change out of $130,000 – why would you not be prepared to pay the extra that caravan parks offer? We could always recognise the arrival in the caravan

park of those people who free camp. They would arrive early morning. Then:1. Off to do the laundry.2. Fill up the water tanks.3. Put on the air conditioner, whether in the van or not, and on many occasions the van windows would be left open, and charge all accessories too.4. Next morning … hit the road and back to free camp-ing, until the need arises again!No thought given to the owner of the caravan park and the overheads that need to be built into the tariff, and as we all know too well the rising cost of essentials, like power, water, maintenance, council rates. Once the expenses are taken into account who in their

right mind would want to be an independent caravan park owner?No wonder they are disap-pearing, and the big conglom-erates are buying into the caravan park industry. It is this type of owner which has introduced, jumping pillows, water parks, bike or cart hire, and more luxurious swim-ming pools, which of course is included in the tariff irrespec-tive of whether you are a grey nomad or a young family who love the availability of the extras!Let us grey nomads support those smaller caravan parks, whose rates are realistic.

• Do you think some grey nomads are unfairly critical of caravan parks?

Click to comment

Issue 199: May 31, 2019

‘There is another sideto the van park story’Grey nomads should show van parks a bit more love, argues Sandra Sampson

Grassy, secure and all facilities to boot ... some prefer van parks

Rollover escapeTwo caravanners were lucky to escape with minor injuries after their vehicles rolled on the Gregory De-velopmental Rd, 35 kilome-tres north of Greenvale. The two occupants had freed themselves by the time first responders arrived.

Caravan fireAn empty caravan has been destroyed in a fire that broke out in Tenambit in New South Wales. The caravan was pushed up against a church, but most of the damage was contained to the van. The cause is being investigated.

Road stalledOne of WA’s most impor-tant road projects has been stalled by the deadly legacy of asbestos mining in the Pilbara more than half a century ago. A critical up-grade to the Karratha-Tom Price Road has been delayed by the discovery of vast amounts of asbestos along an unsealed section.

Pub destroyedThe owners of one of West-ern Australia’s most famous pubs have pledged to rebuild after the 108-year-old build-ing was gutted by fire. The blaze caused an estimated $1 million in damage to the Ora Banda Historical Inn. The fire is being treated as suspicious.

Nomads in Brief

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Travelling long-term in a country as huge, as wild, and as unforgiving as Australia is not for the faint-hearted, but the statistics show that the vast majority of those out there do-ing it are ‘of a certain age’.While entering your 60s, 70s and even 80s and beyond doesn’t automatically mean you can no longer enjoy a lengthy bushwalk or hook up a van without keeling over, it’s also fair to say that ‘youngsters’ are generally better physi-cally equipped to deal with the rigours of the road.With the numbers of grey nomads ever rising, there is certainly a growing awareness in the tourism industry that it makes financial sense to cater to the needs of the older, and perhaps less mobile, traveller.While most grey nomads are fit and well for their age, there are also those out there living the dream despite having to deal with everything from cancer and heart problems to hip replacements and chronic back pain.In response, some national parks walks have been made more accessible and in some places all-terrain wheelchairs can be borrowed. Caravan manufacturers are also starting to customise their RVs making them more accessible, and they are including new gadgets and technologies to make life easier

for the traveller with physical limitations.It’s still a work on progress though, and elsewhere in the travel industry things are going next level. Companies are creating age simulation suits that enable younger people to experience what it’s like to travel as an older person … and identify things that could be improved in places like airports .The GERT ageing suit has gog-gles and headphones to limit sight and hearing. It also has a cervical collar, weight vest, el-bow wraps, wrist weight cuffs, special gloves, knee wraps and ankle weight cuffs to give the wearer a sense of what it’s like to have head mobility restric-tions, joint stiffness, loss of strength, reduced grip ability, and reduced coordination skills.While some critics say the best way to find out what older

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Issue 199: May 31, 2019

“Crikey! This ‘moderate’ bushwalk is harder than I thought! Can I take the suit off now?”

people want and need is to actually ask them, proponents of the suit say there is no doubt that actually experiencing the challenges first hand is more likely to galvanise tourism operators into taking action.Perhaps the 20-something who marks a national park bushwalk ‘moderate’ would think again if he or she took a stroll in an ageing suit; roads authorities might spend the cash to build more well-equipped rest areas if decision makers were forced to sit in a car for three hours wear-ing knee wraps; and caravan park owners might offer more drive-through sites if they tried to back a large van into a tight spot wearing a cervical collar!• Who do you think might benefit from a stint wearing an ageing suit to get a better idea of the challenges facing grey no-mads with physical limitations? Click to comment

What nomads want? Mature-aged tourists are

key to the travel industry ... but is an ‘age suit’ necessary?

Nomads in Brief

Van blastResidents of a suburban street in Windale near New-castle in New South Wales were woken by the sound of loud blasts – believed to be gas bottles exploding – as fire destroyed a caravan and charred nearby vehicles.

Tick warningGrey nomads travelling with pets are being warned to be on the alert for ticks as areas on the east coast which have been receiving rain continue to experience high numbers of paralysis and bush ticks. An unseasonably warm autumn has meant ticks have remained active longer than usual.

Croc hunterAuthorities are hunting a crocodile shooter in Cape York. Rangers discovered the body of a saltie in the Archer River … and it’s not the first time. Aurukun Shire Council says there were 11 similar incidents last year.

Road train tragedyA 58-year-old motorist has died after his Holden Commodore collided with a Toyota Hilux which was trying to overtake a road train on Western Australia’s Great Eastern Highway near Southern Cross. The 25-year-old man driving the Toyota and his male passenger received minor injuries.

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Issue 199: May 31, 2019

Re: LPG woes (GNT: 198). I feel sorry for the people who require LPG for their vehicles. When I first moved to Albury in 1975 LPG was nine cents a litre and the government was pushing to convert to LPG. As soon as LPG became popular, the price doubled. I have notice that every time the gov-ernment hands out a subsidy for something, the costs associ-ated with that item will start to rise. This is going to be the same problem with the push to electric cars!

Jim DI would suggest installing extra LPG tanks. I converted my Ford Courier 4X4 some time ago with the knowledge that the subsidy would gradually cease, and that LPG was lim-ited west of the Great Divide. I have since moved on to a diesel vehicle and no doubt in years to come there will be another ‘amazing’ fuel. It was good while it lasted but, as we now know, it was just another short-sighted fad from another short-sighted government.

Peter NI have a f150 on full-time gas and have the same problem as the couple in the GNT story. I contacted, Shell, BP, Caltex and the Minister for Energy, as well as Autogas Australia. Their an-swer was that LPG is a declin-ing fuel due to various reasons such as Ford and Holden not selling LPG cars, the govern-ment subsidy has gone, rising gas prices etc etc. It boils down

to the motorist being held to ransom, and it looks like there is nothing we motorists can do once our leaders and the fuel companies have decided their course of action.

DGWe had a 3L Toyota Camry which we converted to LPG using in the government subsidy. There were constant problems with it and then the price of the fuel started to rise. One of the main problems was smell and, having spent $550 which did not fix the smell problem, we bit the bullet. We sold it and bought a Mercedes-Benz diesel in 2015.

Mike O’CYears back in LPG’s heyday, I had a Jackaroo on LPG/petrol. The gas was about

half the price of petrol but I found you used a lot of it. And about 10 kilometres before my destination I had to switch to petrol if I expected it to start in the morning, particularly in cooler locations. Doubtless the systems are better now. I also needed a complete rebuild at 200k. Since then, I’ve been on diesel and my current Jeep can do Melbourne to Adelaide with the van on a single tank. No surprise that all long haul transport is diesel powered, eh!

Geoff SI never came close to recouping the conversion costs. Multina-tional big businesses win again. The battler misses out. Back in the ’90s I had a 4x4, converted it to LPG and was paying around 20 cents litre. Great

travelling. It’s like diesel which is now more expensive than petrol. Why? It’s a byproduct!

Ern URe: Driver Revivers (GNT: 198). I have only used one Driver Reviver stop, which was at Yarraman, Queens-land. The folk in the caravan were unsmiling and grumpy, begrudgingly giving us a cup of instant coffee and glaring at us in case we dared not to put a few bucks in their donation tin. I have looked for other Driver Reviver Stops. The signs were there and I took the turn off the highway but did not find the refreshment station. I carry a Thermos now, and look for a shady treed park to rest a while.

Lorraine BI find that they were a great excuse for me pull over and stretch my legs and have a cup of tea. Unfortunately, down my way, south coast of NSW, the reviver vans are hardly ever there any more, so much so, that we don’t stop nowadays.

Jason F Only ever used a Driver Reviv-er once in my lifetime. Why? Because the coffee was appall-ing, the biscuits were stale, and the service was worse than disinterested. Perhaps the increase in self-containment of vans removes the need to stop at a Driver Reviver, when you can make your own coffee to your liking wherever you can stop.

John B

Many thanks To Mark Puckster for sending in this image of the Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach. “What a fabulous and fascinating place,” he said. “We set aside a couple of hours to have a look around, but ended up spending pretty much two full days there … loved it!” * Do you have a picture to share? Email us here.

Find out more

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Issue 199: May 31, 2019

Re: Rig weights (GNT: 198). I have a ’96 Wesport poptop towed by a 120 series Prado. I put the van over the weigh-bridge with full tanks, the annex, and no personal gear. ATM 1410 … weighed in at 1430. With advice from a cer-tified engineer, I strengthened the chassis and upgraded the suspension. Now I am certified for 2250kg! Doing a lot of hard yakka myself except for the welding, and having a mate who is an ex-springmaker and getting the parts from Alko … all up cost me about $2500.

Howard J

We bought our caravan and tug six years ago, and set it up with ‘some regard’ to the weights and balances as we completed a towing course where these measurements were outlined. I say ‘outlined’ as there was, at that time, no indication that we were to be pulled up and penalised should we have been over-weight. My gripe is the 4WD accessory businesses which thrive on selling and installing anything your heart desires without any thought that all of this gear will be overtaking the GVM or GCM. These compa-nies should be liable – just as we, the owners, are.

Peter H

Re: gold fever (Jaclyn & Heidi: GNT 198). The answer in short is go with him and get the fever yourself. If you find

more than him, he’ll give up! Mark M

Re: Great Places (GNT: 198). If Beaufort has a show then presumably it has a show-grounds so why don’t they open that for camping. All the facilities are generally available and grossly under used. There is generally plenty of room and no additional land or facilities have to be provided.

Jim KBeaufort is a great place to stop and get the van all setup for a trip. I keep my van in storage so I have to set up on the run. Nice caravan park. Don’t try it on a long weekend, though. The place gets packed. I don’t think bypassing the town should have a great im-pact ... I’m still going there.

Geoff SThe very friendly New South Wales Riverina town of Bal-

ranald in is a classic example of co-operation between the caravan park and free camp-ers. On our recent visit, we free camped along with many others at one of the two free camps provided by the shire, right in the town, but also noticed that the lovely caravan park had almost all of its 50 odd sites full of tourists. Ad-mittedly, the caravan park was very well priced at $30, but it just goes to demonstrate that caravan park and free camping can happily exist together ... and the town benefits from the grey nomad dollars generated as the world filters through the grapevine.

David H

Re: Van park fees (Letters: GNT 198). Judy R’s comments about caravan park charges and only paying for what you use are a great idea in theory.

But how on earth could it ever be implemented? I work casu-ally on reception in a caravan park and it would be abso-lutely impossible to monitor. We already get people booking in saying they’ve only got two people and all of a sudden six materialise on site. You would have to rely completely on people’s honesty and I’ve seen first-hand that a lot aren’t.

Jane R

Re: hybrid drive (GNT: 198). Exceptionally smart use of newer technology. It will require a novel approach to integration with the tow vehicle to allay problems when cornering particularly on wet terrain.

Chris T

Re: Being out of contact. We are totally off the grid at the moment … no TV (unless we put out our dish), no phone or internet. Tonight we watched the sun go down, the stars light up, and an almost full moon come over the horizon. Bliss ... and eventually, I will have internet again, and will send this email.

Lorraine H

Re: Mini torch (Gadget: GNT 198). My biggest gripe these days is that we have to supply batteries for everything. If these little beauties come with re-chargeable batteries I’ll buy two without hesitation.

Tim R

You know you’ve left Sydney when … .

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Light as a feather

If rising fuel prices are about to put the proverbial brakes on the Big Lap trend towards big-ger, more luxurious – and thus heavier rigs – then the soon-to-be-released Earth Traveler T300 is well placed to pick up the slack.Taking the idea of being as light as a feather to the next level, the US-based design team behind the vehicle have actually used a composite con-cocted from chicken feathers to build the thing!Weighing in at a ludicrously light 135 kg, the T300 will be able to towed by small, fuel efficient vehicles, including electric cars. Budget-conscious grey nomads will no doubt be excited at the prospect of sav-ing cash at the bowser … but what about purchase price?Well, that’s where the genius of thing really becomes apparent. According to Earth Traveler, farmers are eager to give feath-ers away, so the free material brings the estimated retail price of the T300 down to a reasonable US$10,000.Research shows the feather-based fabric offers strength close to that of carbon fibre when set in resin. The major drawback is that it has a lack of uniform structural integ-rity, but Earth Traveler will only use it for non-structural

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components where it will provide insulation and weather protection. The load-bearing structural elements will be made out of more traditional composite.The van takes minimalist to the next level as it strives to keep weight down. It is ef-fectively an empty shell inside, although kitchen amenities, UV awnings, and off-roading components are available as add-ons. Oh, and there will be enough room for a double bed with two singles at the side. The vehicle’s arched roof is made from two centrally hinged wing panels that open

Issue 199: May 31, 2019

at the front and rear, expand-ing interior headroom and space. Mosquito mesh will help to control bugs, and customers will be able to add on com-patible tents to increase their living space.While the featherlight T300 may well be the future for budget Big Lap travellers, they may have to wait for the dream to take flight. Earth Traveler is still working to finalise designs. Regular sales in the US could begin later this year and, as for Australia, watch this space!• Would you like to travel this light on your Big Lap? Click to comment

Website highlights

Licthfield fees?

Recently our website www.thegreynomads.com.au reported that there are mounting fears that grey no-mads and other visitors to the Northern Territory’s popu-lar Litchfield National Park could soon be slugged with some form of entry fees. Hav-ing decided to spend $17.5 million on infrastructure upgrades, the Government says park fees are part of its plan to repair the region’s debt-stricken budget..Click here to read more

Other website must-reads:

Roads of ruinPotholes a nightmare

Price of success Van park tries low fees

Pub savedNomads to the rescue

HeartbreakTravelling dog disappears

Wicked warSlogans painted over

SURVEYWould you be happy to paya fee to enter Litchfield NP?

Yes NoThe Earth Traveler’s interior is

minimalist (top). Attachments can be used to expand the space (left and above)

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The Haystacks rock

While it may not have the same near mythical allure of Uluru or even Wave Rock, the hard rock formation known as Murphy’s Haystacks on South Australia’s Eyre Pen-insula is starting to earn rave reviews on the grey nomad grapevine.This group of ancient, wind-worn and slightly wonky pink granite pillars and boulders are estimated to be more than 1,500 million years old. They stand on a hill on a private property 39 kilometres south of Streaky Bay, and just two kilometres off the main Flinders Highway on the road into Calca and Point Labatt.Murphy’s Haystacks are a type of inselberg, which means ‘island rock’. They got their unusual name when a Scottish agricultural expert saw the formations in the distance and incorrectly in-formed his travel companions they were haystacks. The own-er of the property at the time was Denis Murphy, and the name ‘Murphy’s Haystacks’ was born.Murphy’s Haystacks have been owned by the same family since the early 20th century. Despite some initial reluctance, the current owner Denis Cash – who is actually the Grandson of the original

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Mr Murphy – was instru-mental in opening up the inselbergs as a tourist destina-tion.His worries about the risk of fires, rubbish, graffiti and other issues have largely proved unfounded and Mr Cash now describes allowing the public to access the rocks as ‘one of the greatest things’ his family had done.And the family has certainly gone the extra mile. Entry to view the rocks is via a $2 hon-esty box donation, and there are spaces for travellers to pull up for a night with a camping fee of $10 per rig. There are gravel paths, a well-kept toilet and, best of all, fascinating views.

Issue 199: May 31, 2019

The granite of Murphy’s Haystacks was apparently once hidden several kilome-tres deep in the Earth’s crust, but the overlying rocks slowly wore away over the ages. Gradual weathering has since shaped the granite into the distinctive pillars which have made them such a ‘secret’ grey nomad destination today.However, nothing lasts for-ever and scientists warn that the weathering process con-tinues, and that the Haystacks will probably be gone … in another billion years or so.

• Have you enjoyed a stop at Murphy’s Haystacks?

Click to comment

Their silhouettes may suggest they are a wonky pile of hay standing in a field, however, Murphy’s Haystacks are made of granite

Pics: John White, Tourism SA

QUIZ CORNER

Win grey nomad stickers!Email the solution to the puzzle. Winner announced in Issue 200. CLUE: Tens of thousands of me make a blooming wonderful sight for grey nomads.

Jack

Last week’s picture puzzle winner was Sandra Hemmett

Do You Know1. I am travelling directly be-tween the Queensland towns of Augathella and Tambo. Which highway am I on?2. The New South Wales town of Young, once known as Lambing Flat, was re-named:a) Because of its instant success in growing the world famous Young cherry variety.b) In the 1860s in honour of the then Governor of New South Wales, Sir John Young.c) In 1912, after the first ever NSW census found it had more under-fives per head of popula-tion than anywhere else in the state.

3. Bark Liar (anagram). A won-der of the west

4. Which town is further west … Alice Springs in the NT or Port Lincoln on SA’s Eyre Peninsula?

5. Shortest road distance be-tween the Queensland towns of Cunamulla and Thargomindah?

a) 197km b) 280km c)532km

Answers on p. 8

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Page 8

Dear Jaclyn and Heidi,Before hubby Tony and I hit the road with our neighbours, Alex and Marg (not their real names), we all sat down and thrashed out a plan we thought would avoid the potential pitfalls of travelling with friends. We decided to travel in the same loose direction and then meet up at a pre-arranged spot for a few days or so once a month. All good in theory. However, Tony and I are become increas-ingly irritated by the unexpected competitiveness of it all. Rather than a good catch-up about where we have been and what we have enjoyed, our meet-ups have turned more into Alex and Marg pompously telling us about what a shame it is we missed this and missed that. The inference being they’re clever, fun travellers and we’re a pair of bungling duds. What to do?

Jane

Anything you can do ... It was a nice idea, Jane, and I am sure it would be a perfect compromise for some couples choosing to travel long term with each other. However, when it comes to travelling with others, even avoiding the pitfalls can have pitfalls! I don’t know if part of your ‘agree-ment’ is that you largely drop out of contact with each other while you are travelling sepa-rately, but surely you can ask them to message you if they discover a great camping spot or attraction that you simply have to see. That way, they feel good about helping you out and you don’t feel like you are missing out. Failing that, I’m not saying you are doing it wrong, but why not just crank up your research regime and make sure you’re fully across all the best places to go and stay on the next leg of your journey?

Jaclyn

Oh, no! Just when you think you know someone, you find out they are the dreaded grey nomad know-it-alls. Pass the sick bucket! Two ways you can play this, Jane. Sink to their level, or don’t. If you want to sink to their level, just do what they’re doing and make up a load of old tosh about the in-credible people you’ve met … magicians, rodeo riders etc etc, and then follow up with some stories about secret hidden thermal pools you stumbled across, or the friendly station owners who invited you to stay with their family for a week or so. If you’d rather take the high road, just ignore Alex and Marg’s attention-seeking drivel and enjoy your Big Lap your way. Some people are too busy worrying about what they might miss out on to enjoy what they’re actually doing. Don’t fall into that trap, Jane!

HeidiClick to comment

Issue 199: May 31, 2019

Instagram

Gold diggers urged to take care The recent finds of monster nuggets near Bendigo and Kalgoorlie have apparently sparked a mini grey nomad gold rush … but eager treas-ure hunters are being urged to exercise caution.Following a number of fa-talities in Western Australia’s harsh Outback in recent years, the state’s Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) is urging prospectors to put safety first.DMIRS Resources Tenure Executive Director Rick Rogerson warned that inex-perienced prospectors expose themselves to danger.“It’s important to remember there have been prospector fatalities and a number of close calls over the past few years,” Mr Rogerson said. “We need to remind first-timers

and inexperienced prospectors of the risks they face, and that they need to take responsibility for their own safety.Searches for missing prospec-tors average 11.3 hours but many last one or two days, while aircraft searches cost up to $5000 per hour

Last year, a novice prospector’s body was found 2.5 kilometres from his campsite, while in 2012 a father-of-two is thought to have died after a 15-day search failed to locate him. The Coroner’s Court was told that, of the nine prospectors reported missing in 2012, only

one had been carrying a PLB.Mr Rogerson urged all prospectors in remote areas to carry a PLB, a GPS, and tel-ecommunication equipment.“Prospecting is a popular and adventurous activity, but these regional and remote areas can also be brutal environments,” he said. “GPS and PLBs are crucial to prospector safety; they’re affordable, cheaper than a mobile phone and may save your life.”He said a mobile phone should not be the primary commu-nication safety device while visiting remote areas.DMIRS expects the 2019 prospecting season to be busier than ever with the department issuing more than 1480 Miner’s Rights since the beginning of the yearClick to comment

Gold prospecting is growing in popularity among grey nomads.

The Grey Nomads Insta-gram page is on the open road … and we’d like to invite you all to share – and to enjoy – some great im-ages showcasing all that’s best about taking the Big Lap. Please click below to follow us:

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Page 9

Issue 199: May 31, 2019PRIVATE CAMPS

CLASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE

Do you have a rig, a prop-erty or some camping items to sell?Email us here to find out how to advertise your items on our website and newsletter

FOR SALE ADS

PROPERTY SALE

PROPERTY RENTAL

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Issue 199: May 31, 2019

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.

HELP WANTEDSOUTHERN TABLELANDS, NSWCaretaker/Handyman: Southern Tablelands – Part Time. Seeking a reliable, hands-on Caretaker on a rural property near Canberra.Ideally this would suit a semi-retired person looking for some part-time work (~20hr/wk), who would live on-site in a renovated 3BR cottage. The Caretaker’s responsibilities are many and varied:* Assisting in the maintenance of the gardens and exterior of the main homestead and outbuildings, which are set on a large acreage* General handyman duties and odd jobs* Assisting with tree planting, general beauti-fication programs and spraying* Any other projects around the houseApplicants must have:* General maintenance / handyman skills and experience (trade qualifications a bonus)* Gardening skills and experience* A love of the outdoors and interest in living in this part of Australia* A positive attitude and friendly nature* Experience with family dogs and be prepared to care for them when the owners are away. Starting date: June 2019. Click here.***NOOSA HINTERLAND, QLDLooking for a friendly honest couple that can help to look after my property (noosacot-tages.com). No super hard work. 3 hours per day in exchange for van site, power and water. Good if you have a self contained car-avan. Only 5 min to town, 25 min to beaches, ok if you have a dog as long as controlled at all times. We are a nature sanctuary for native animals and people. Skills: Carpentry, mowing, planting some trees, Some weed-ing, washing linen, painting, common sense and a love of the Bush. Click here.***GEORGETOWN AREA, QLDHelp required for cattle property west of Georgetown, gardening, to mow and water lawn, 3 – 5 hr house cleaning once a week, change water in cattle trough about once per week, power and amenities. Other general or machinery work available for an agreed payment. Carpenter, Jack of all Trades, Handyman required to do renovations on station buildings. Person must be capable and carry out neat work. Click here.***MACKAY, QLDMackay Caravan Park (Bakers Creek) – powered site available for single person or couple with own caravan or motorhome in exchange for 1 – 2 hours help per day with general maintenance of park. Handyman preferred. Great place to be based to explore the local region. Prefer minimum 2-3 months minimum stay. Click here.***PORT MACQUARIE, NSWMount Seaview Resort is located in NSW on the beautiful Mid North Coast, settled within a working cattle property in a semi-rural area we are 1 hour inland from Port Macquarie.We are seeking an experienced couple to work in our peaceful country resort, they must have general experience in catering/hospitality and any cooking qualifications would be ideal. This is a live-in position, employees will need a car and valid licence.Accommodation is provided on site in a respectable house with electricity, landline phone and limited internet access. It is a possible long term position for the right couple. There is a month trial. Small pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, etc. are welcome but please ask when applying. Click here.***

GERALDON, WAHouse Sitter Required for Deepdale, Ger-aldton, Mid – July 2019 for approximately 4-6 weeks. Room for caravan in large shed, full access to house, no pets to care for and considering its winter, garden is optional. Click here.***BRIGHT, VICWanting an independent couple to house sit late Sept to Nov 4th. We are on 45 acres backing onto Forrest in a weeny valley in the NE of Victoria, 8km from Bright. The area is known for the wineries, gourmet eateries, ski fields and amazing walks and trees. I have 2 acres of self managed gardens which in spring are beautiful. The duties entail relaxing no 1, feeding 6 chickens and caring for 2 Burmese cats. The alpacas belong to a neighbor so don’t require any work as do the 2 horses. There is a flat area for a caravan or mobile home and water and electricity are nearby. There is access to a laundry, bath-room and toilet if necessary and a rideon mower is also available if the urge overtakes you. Neighbours are always there to assist if necessary. This property is a magic place to rest and enjoy the surrounding area. Click here.***SALE, VICWe are seeking a reliable person/people to house and pet sit for two weeks from the 26th September to 06th 0ctober 2019.We have house on 6 acres 20 minutes out of Sale Victoria, which is in Gippsland.We do have a menagerie however.2 cows, a horse and a sheep who need a bale thrown over the fence every 2-3 days. We have 7 chooks and a guinea pig who need water and pallets on an as required ba-sis. We also have one cat who lives inside, one dog who doesn’t like the cat, but will stay in her pen whilst we are away, (unless you want a play), and fish that would require daily feeding. We happy to meet with people first to show them around and answer any questions. But need a commitment to stay the full two weeks. Click here.***HOBART, TASWe will be away for only 6 days, 11th – 16th July but do not want to put our cavalier, Ilonka, in a kennel as she is definitely a house dog. Our house is located at Old Beach, just 18km out of Hobart, eight years old with 3 bedrooms and room in the garage for your car. We have Foxtel and wifi. We would prefer someone who does not go out to work but will be happy around the house. That doesn’t mean to say that we expect you to stay glued to the house all day but please do not leave her alone for long periods. She loves to go for walks in the morning or anytime. Click here.***LAUNCESTON, TASHouse sitter wanted from 1 July to 30 Sept. We are located about 15 mins drive North of Launceston, Tasmania on a small 90 acre farm. We have a very spoiled Border Collie to look after. Occasional mowing of the lawn. Suit a couple with their own caravan or mo-torhome which could be parked undercover depending on size. Use of the house is also available. Click here.***MACKAY, QLDSpend your winter in the tropics. Caretakers required from June 10 to early September. 5ac rural. Couple preferred. No pets. Non-smokers. BYO caravan/motorhome. BYO mobile/Internet – Telstra better reception.Shr/wc available. short drive to banks/shops/golf/bowls etc. Caretakers duties include feed/care for caged birds/poultry. Ride-on mower as required. Click here.***

HOUSESITTING

FLAXTON, SUNSHINE COAST, QLDProperty sitter couple who can live in their own self contained caravan wanted this year from 23rd June to 18 July (approximately 3.5 weeks). We live at Flaxton on the beautiful Blackall Range escarpment. There are no animals to care for. In return for power, beautiful plentiful rain water, and the use of our copious decks to relax on to admire the views to the coast, with bbq area and bar fridge, we askfor mail to be collected, general care of the house area and gardens with some watering when necessary, mainly pot plants, and the decks to be cleaned off before we arrive home. Click here.***KILKIVAN, QLDWe are desperate for Farm Sitters from now until the end of July or anytime in between. Also looking for 22nd of September through to the 10th of October. We are a small Ara-bian Breeding and endurance farm situated on the picturesque Black Snake Mountain, 20km above Kilkivan QLD. We also have 1/2 dozen cows, 3 goats, 3 sheep, chooks, guinea fowl and dogs.For the current time slot we will be coming and going for compe-titions, giving you time to sight see. Power and water available for your van. Click here.***ROCKHAMPTON, QLDHousesitter/s wanted from 20 July to 4 Au-gust 2019. 52 acres 15 kilometres northwest of Rockhampton. Gardens, cat, two chooks and eight cows need attending. Click here.***SUNSHINE COAST, QLDHousesitter wanted Saturday 29th June to Saturday 31st August 2019. We operate a small Ginger Farm on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. We are looking for a caravaning couple to come and look after our 13 month old Blue Heeler. He does want company and will stay close to you so loving a dog right next to you is essential. He will sleep up at the house at night as our daughter will be home. You will need your own self contained caravan/ mobile home. We will provide power and water and a private site for your caravan/mobile home on our beautiful property overlooking our dam. You are welcome to come earlier or stay later. Click here.***DEEPWATER, NSWWe are planned to go away from the 1st to 6th of August. We are looking for someone to stay and keep an eye on our pets and our house. We have 3 poodles and a border col-lie who have run of our house , so an animal lover is a must. We have room in our yard for a caravan or motor home or our house is available to use. We would prefer someone with their own van but are open to either situations. 2 bedroom cedar cottage on a half acre. Click here.***MANNING VALLEY, NSWHousesittwers required for early July for six weeks. In our house or your own rig. Cows and chooks to look after. 40 acres bordering on a creek. Mobile phone reception, 20 minutes to Wingham. Click here.***BINGARA, NSWWe are looking for house sitters who up for a bit of rural living on a small farm for 3 weeks around the weekend of 30th May 2020 (flexible on dates). The property has beauti-ful views & enjoys magnificent sunsets over the mountains. It is located in a quiet spot on the edge of Bingara, NSW. The house itself is a 4 bedroom property with good working amenities. Jobs will include feeding and exercising our loveable bunch of 6 outside dogs. Feeding our 5 quiet horses (3 pet sheep out live with them as well). Feeding our 3 friendly pigs. Also taking care of our show quality chooks. Click here.

KATHERINE REGION, NTGoverness / Home Tutor wanted. We are looking for a Governess / Home Tutor for our four children aged 6, 8, 9 &11. Our children are in grades 1, 3, 4 & 6 and are currently do-ing school through Katherine School of the Air. The position would require you to teach our children through the KSA programme.We are located 480km from Katherine NT. Accommodation & power is provided.Applicants will need a working with children check which can be obtained through SAFENT. Click here.***CEDUNA ARE FARM, SAPaid position for casual farmhand, on broadacre farm on the Far West Coast of Eyre Peninsula. 3 months work with pos-sibility of extending. Flexible hours. Work would include general farm maintenance, re-pairs, livestock (sheep) handling. May also include operation of machinery &/or trucks, depending on experience & licences. On farm accommodation available & included, or room for van with access to amenities & power. Work ute provided. We are located at “Charra” 50km West of Ceduna SA.Click here.***MAGARET RIVER AREA, WACARETAKER NEEDED – TEMPORARY TWO MONTHS CONTRACT – MARGARET RIVER REGION. Live in Caretaker couple or single male/female required for a property just north of Gracetown in South West WA.Commencing ASAP for 2 months contract.Duties include some housekeeping, window cleaning, guest welfare, (spa cleaning etc.). Contracted cleaners service the guest house between visits. A small self-contained, fur-nished unit is also provided as accommoda-tion (Utilities/Wi-Fi included). Click here.***TOOWOOMBA, QLDCaretaker Wanted; small farm 30km south of Toowoomba requires caretaker couple 3 months, water plants & trees, control weeds, maybe grow your own organic vegetablesPower, water supplied & beef, TV & mobile reception Require your own accommoda-tion. Small wage negotiable. Click here.***ALICE SPRINGS, NT Have you ever wanted to stay in an historic gaol? If you want a truly unique experience, The National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame and Old Alice Springs Gaol is looking for a caretaker couple over our peak tourist season to oversee our museum and gaol complex on weekends, and for some general maintenance and gardening work. We are looking for six week or longer commitments, from Oct 2019 onwards. Click here.***

FERGUSON VALLEY, WAWe are looking for suitable house/hobby farm sitters to look after our small property (5 acres), for 3.5 weeks in Aug/Sept 2019.In the heart of the beautiful Ferguson Valley, WA. We have 2 head of cattle (Dexters & very tame), 1 sheep (was bottle fed & very, very tame) a kelpie dog, ducks & of course chickens, the property needs only care. The homestead style home is available either in full or in part, with an area to park either a motorhome or caravan, utilizing power, water, utilities etc. Click here.***FALCON, WAHouse sitter/Dog sitter for approx 4 months. Flexible start and finish dates approx start mid June. Light gardening/watering of plants. Walking the dog. Require sitters that are home most of the time, as our dog stresses when left alone. We live in a private resort in Falcon Western Australia. Click here.