Be adventurous as you like

Make up your own adventure whilst bringing your own slice of home with you. As you travel to new places, meet other travellers and take in the scenery, your caravan can allow you to be as adventurous as you like, and your budget allows. There's nothing like finding a spot few people have trampled over or discovering a part of the country you've only seen in pictures. 

Adventures

Here are some ideas to get you thinking about your own adventure:

• Go Tropo - plan a route to visits the tropics across the northern regions of Australia, preferably in the dry season for your first visit.

• Alpine Adventure - vist the high country of Victoria and New South Wales in spring and Autumn where the views are magnificent.

• Outback Odyessy - Travel to the outback parts of central Australia to experience what the early explorers achieved and get away from the humdrum.

• Go North - plan a trip including Kakadu and the top end, but watch out for crocodiles.

• Surfing AUS - Select the top five surfing spots around the country (or ten if you are really keen) you wish you'd been to years ago and make tracks.

• River Adventure - plan your trip along the Murray Darling rivers, take a dingy or alluminium boat with you and get lost along the banks of the rivers.

Which type of Caravan will suit you?

Some decisions need to be made of course, such as which caravan to buy. There is a wide range available with some manufacturers having several models that might sit you, through to customed designed versions to suit the most specific individual requirements. Here is just a sample of the main types on the road:

• Straight up fully erected caravan, some with push out compartments to enlarge the space inside.

• Pop up caravans that have a top section which you wind up. This reduces the drag when towing.

• Campervans which have a pull out section at both ends for the sleeping compartments and a pop up top section to reduce the drag when towing.

• Camper trailers which have a fold out tent section and bed. The unit ususally includes a portable stove and sink.

• Mobile campervans which are a converted commercial vehicle such as a comi van. They usually have a pop up sleeping section mounted in the middle, a stove, fridge and seating included.

• Motor Homes which are custom designed mobile homes ranging in size from a van through to a coach such as a Winnabago.

You need also to consider the size that will suit the number of people travelling, the type of suspension and axle, layout, fittings and accessories such as awnings, and whether you intend to go off-road. These factors are all important and their consideration will help you to make a better decision as to what to buy. Go along to the caravan and camping shows and try out as many models as you can. Walk onto a caravan site and ask people, they are most likely to be willing to give you their opinion readily.

What type of vehicle will I need?

The decision as to what type of vehicle to use comes down to what towing capacity you need to drive and tow safely, fuel economy, and of course your budget. You may already be driving a vehicle which is perfectly adequate to do the job, bar a safety inspection and service. Alternatively, talk to your local motoring association, the caravan and camping association in your State/ Territory, or the caravan dealer/manufacturer themselves. Better still, you could go online and look up reviews of vehicles and caravans and join online forums to get some other people's feedback on their experience. Of course, all this is only information and needs to be considered for your own personal circumstances before you make a decision. 

Remember, the main things to consider are:

• What towing capacity you need

• Economy

• Drive train requirements

• Servicing and spare parts accessibilty. Its no good having a vehicle if it breaks down and you can't get it serviced easily or get hold of spare parts.

• Reliabilty for open road touring

• Comfort

Caravan and Camping Industry Association
http://www.caravan-camping.com.au/

Directory of caravan and camping parks
http://www.camping.com.au/

Automobile Association of Australia:

http://www.aaa.asn.au/index.php

Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Planning and Local Government:

http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/safety/

NSW - http://www.caravanandcampingnsw.com.au/

QLD - http://www.caravanqld.com.au/

VIC - http://www.vicparks.com.au/

SA -  http://www.caravanandcampingsa.com.au/

WA - http://www.caravanwa.com.au/
TAS - http://www.discovertasmania.com/accommodation/caravancamping
NT - http://www.ntcaravanpark.com.au/map.htm

Buying a caravan
http://www.ciavic.com.au

Australia’s Best Cars:

http://www.australiasbestcars.com.au/

We hope this article has been of interest to you. Please feel free to print a friendly copy or download the PDF article for your reference.

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this section should not be used for individual medical, travel or professional advice. Please see your doctor if you have concerns or specific questions relating to your health or seek professional advice from your travel agent or Government authority as required.