In the second part of our interview with Red, she reveals her favourite caravan parks and spots in Australia, as well as her essential travel tips.
How do you keep yourself entertained on the road?
Writing a blog has changed my perspective – I’m always on the lookout for new and unexpected things that might interest my readers. Oddities, photo opportunities and attractions such as lookouts and points of interest are there if you look – fellow travellers don’t always find what I’ve found!
And stopping at roadside rest stops is essential – you never know when you’re going to discover the next Australian Scenic Public Toilet!!
My mother claims to find the Hay Plain (a vast expanse of treeless plain) fascinating – because she can see the curve of the earth. Finding wonder in what we see and where we go means there’s rarely a dull moment.
Of course, once you’ve seen the curve of the earth, there’s nothing for it but to get out a book or magazine …
What place have you visited that captured your heart and made you want to stay longer, or even permanently?
My Favourite Places and OZ Top Spots series showcase these spots.
My first blog ‘Favourite Place‘ – the Northern Territory’s Wycliffe Well – is an eclectic mix of quirky, beautiful, varied and downright bizarre! And while I long to re-visit, I don’t think I’d want to live there!
Places I COULD live however, include South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands and New South Wales’ Lord Howe Island – weirdly, they’re all completely different to each other! Maybe I could split each year between all three?!
What’s the best caravan park you’ve stayed at?
Another deceptively simple question!! So many variables can affect one’s perception of how good (or otherwise!) a caravan park can be! Drought and other natural disasters, the people in the next site and facilities aren’t always within the park manager’s control – but attitude towards guests, value for money, cleanliness of amenities and ‘selling’ local attractions certainly are!!
Our all-time standout was a little boutique park in the Queensland town Finch Hatton, gateway to the marvellous Eungella National Park. Our 1998 visit was a highlight of our 11 month trip – but I don’t even know if the park is still there, or if so, whether it’s still the wonderful oasis we found it to be!
Our favourite caravan parks in 2011 were the Boulia Caravan park (outback Queensland); Millaa Millaa Caravan Park (Atherton Tablelands); and Crystal Creek Caravan Park (Mutarnee, north of Townsville). But I take no responsibility if you don’t find them as wonderful as we did!
Have you met many other travellers on the road? Is there a sort of road tripping community?
There’s a road-tripping community for every demographic and special interest group! We’ve made some great acquaintances and friends through bird watching – but often location draws people together. Talking to other campers at a free campsite or in a national park is often rewarding – if you’re all together in the one spot, the chances are you’ll have at least one thing in common.
Most people are so friendly and helpful on the road – sharing destinations, recommending caravan parks and stopovers, getting opinions about up-coming attractions, finding the cheapest fuel and exchanging brochures means you’re always amongst friends.
And it’s mandatory to wave to anyone else who’s towing!!
What sort of maps do you use on the road? Street directory, GPS, Google maps?
Maps, maps and more maps – and local knowledge! We don’t own a GPS and we don’t use electronic navigation devices – and we’ve never got lost yet! Touch wood …
What does 2012 have in store for you?
We’d love to travel to Western Australia – it’s a gaping chasm in our on-road experience! Shorter trips in Victoria and New South Wales are also on the cards. But then – that could all change if something else catches our fancy!
2012 will see Red Nomad OZ blog-related products launched in my online store! There’ll be essentials such as Australian Scenic Public Toilet calendars; and other great gift ideas featuring my photos and Aussie Oddities!
I’ll also be introducing some new blog series, and featuring great deals and giveaways!
What’s your advice for aspiring road trippers?
- Less is more! Consider what you can live with rather than what you can’t live without – if you’ve left something essential behind, you’ll be able to find it somewhere!
- Don’t put it off!! Every year people tell us they wish they could do what we do, then spend the next half-hour convincing themselves that they can’t. In the end, people do what they really want to do – but it’s a rare person who regrets a road-trip.
- Be inspired by travel blogs like Amazing Australian Adventures – that way, you won’t miss anything!!!
Thanks Red! Hop over to Red’s blog for a chance to win a copy of Great Gourmet Weekends, our guide to the best gourmet experiences in Australia.
All images courtesy of Red Nomad Oz.
