Australia
16 June 2019
I had requests for more Australia photos so I figured I would move the non-Spotters Thread specific info and pics to my build thread for those interested.
Some backstory and info.
My wife was born and raised in Sydney, then backpakced around the world with her best friend (who now lives 3 houses down from her mum and dad in Sydney with their 3 kids) on an Around the World ticket way back in the day.
Obviously our ties to Australia are always about going back home, seeing family and friends and seeing the stunningly beautiful country.
Some perspective on numbers.
Australia is around the same
size as
United States.
United States is approximately 9,833,517 sq km, while
Australia is approximately 7,741,220 sq km.
Meanwhile, the
population of
United States is ~326.6 million people (303.4 million fewer people live in
Australia).
As of June 2019 during our trip, the USD $ to AUS $ is .69. So everything worked in our favor using our card this trip. However most things can be marginally more expensive comparatively.
Tax is included in everything, there is no tipping and the minimum wage is near $20. Without doing the cost of living calculations, tax rates, etc...
2 cases and a 6 pack cost me $80.28 USD/approx $119 AUD. Alcohol is stupid expensive and such a part of their culture. Drinking age is 18. Caravan park recycling bins are always full of cans and bottles. Spirits are very expensive hence why a cold beer or three after a day of traveling is the norm.
Head to the BBQ or kids park with a beer and have a chat with other travelers. It is so friendly. I met people on a 14 week, 6 month and year long trips. Some people sell their houses and head out enjoying the country. (Same in the USA but I see more in AUS.) Some are part of the “grey hair brigade” as they call it. The nomads on permanent retired vacation.
We talked about this trip 4 years ago when we were here last. The kids are a great age to learn and get out and do some of the walks/hikes. Ages 12 and 10.
Both our families camped a lot as kids and we want to make sure our kids do the same.
FLL to DFW is 2.5 hours.
DFW to SYD is 17 hours.
We only fly Qanatas and their service is top notch.
So knowing the history above, when we stay in Sydney for a month or my family will stay on for July as well, we do not have to pay for accommodation and use mum and dads car. Huge expenses taken away.
Now this Outback trip could have been cheaper in ways, but we are traveling with 6 people ages 10-75. Compromise has to be made.
We hired a 6 person RV (campervan) for our travels. Dad and mum drove their Mazda CX-9 so that we had a day trip car so we could leave the big RV at camp plugged in and set up.
The daily rate isn’t bad but the full coverage insurance is something we decided to take on heading into the Outback. We were covered for anything that might happen. Peace of mind on the road was worth the cough cough extra money.
The trusty 2.4 litre Fiat diesel 1000km per tank and the CX-9.
This was the first stop after leaving Sydney. Tiny caravan park at Rankins Springs. A one horse stop with a powered site, clean toilets and hot showers. $23 for the night. Woke up the next morning to a few degrees above freezing.
Tight fit with 6. Over cab berth for the kids. There is a mid table converted to sleeper that fits kids length, but adults have to sleep 45 degrees or there is a small extension to fit a settee back cushion on but it blocks the walkway to the door at night.
I slept here as I am always first up.
The back table conversion fits 2 adults snug but dad can stretch out as he 6’1”.
Toilet/shower (only pee and no showers) full gas range and cooktop and decent size 110 litre fridge/freezer.
Bluetooth and GPS up front. It has done the family very well. A few close quarters frustrated squabbles but nothing new for traveling families. Lol
Chairs, table and awning for camp set up. Fresh and grey water hoses, power, gas and removable pee cassette from the toilet. Lol
Diesel prices range from $1.47 to $2.30 per litre. Fill up when you stop. The further you get out, the highe the prices. After the Finke desert race in Alice Springs, our campground had no diesel and the station nearby had a delivery 2 days after we got there.
Long drives stops every 2-2.5 hours. The country is set up for camping. Rest stops everywhere once out of the city, free camp pull overs, big truck parking, pay for budget spots to the top dog fully serviced caravan parks with everything that will run you close to $100 per night for a family of 6. Some places we had en suite next to the RV. Private toilet and shower. Very nice too.
Speed limit is tops 110km/hr. Sometimes 130 in the Northern Territory. Speed and red light cameras
Are well posted and work in ever major town and city. Outback not so much. But the roads, traffic and wildlife take a lot of concentration.
Rest, Revive, Survive. Every 2 hours it is signed all over the road to get people to stay alert.
Ok I know enough camp info. Give us the pictures. The info is pertinent too.
If you have any questions, ask away. Most of the days without WiFi are passed now thst we are back in civilization. Sometimes 2-3 days would pass without WiFi or too slow. Imagine that....no WiFi?
View attachment 221754
