Chasing sunsets is the stuff of dreams. But with so many directions to point the caravan, analysis paralysis can grind us to a halt. Break free from ‘travellers’ block’ and pad out your extended \camping adventures with our ultimate guide to incidental inspo.
FIND A THEMED ITINERARY
If you enjoy meandering from A and B why not combine it with a passion? Whether that’s art, farming, wildflowers, food, wine or bushrangers—there are tourist trails out there that fit.
Motivated locals often team up with regions to develop tailored itineraries for you to vet, providing us front-row access into working farms, artists workshops and country kitchens.
Holiday Parks Downunder lists a few of our favourites.
Tourism is a side-line for some businesses. So heed advice, you may need to book ahead.
CHAT TO A LOCAL OR FELLOW TRAVELLERS
When you’re on the road, fellow campers often know of great attractions one or two days/weeks down the track. You can usually exchange a tip or two over a bush breaky or happy hour coals.
In fact, What’s Up Downunder has uncovered awesome destinations through word of mouth at the local Holiday Park. But for the latest road conditions, it’s best to chat with authorities.
If you enjoy exploring a town on your terms, resident intel also helps. The right local will let slip where the fish are biting, what’s pretty right now or the best/best value meals in town.
VISITOR CENTRES BEATING TRAVELLERS BLOCK
Or, just swing by the local Visitor Centre en-route to camp.
Small towns relying heavily on self-drive tourism will not only point you to what’s relevant locally but what’s within neighbouring regions as well. You may also find local produce, artworks, museum artefacts or limited print run books to enrich your stay.
The Wonders of Wynyard Visitor Centre for example houses the astonishing Ransley Veteran Car Collection—comprising 14 restored cars predating 1918 including the world’s oldest Ford.
PLAN FOR BUCKET LIST ITEMS
There are so many great gems by the side of the road but if you have a high profile destination in mind, plan for it. Particularly now, with social distancing rules in place. Book accommodation early too, especially if an attraction’s availability is tied to a brief peak season. And check on the ebbs and flows if a natural phenomena is on the list.
Sadie Prendergast from Fly Broome—which flies year-round—says many guests miss things like Staircase to the Moon due to insufficient planning: “The tides run this town,” she says.
PLAN AROUND AN EVENT
This year has been a write-off for many events but with outcomes improving more regions are putting plans into place.
Indeed, Ballot Entries for the 2021 Big Red Bash have already closed while Miles Back to the Bush Festival at the Miles Historical Village is gearing up for its 50th anniversary.
Usually you need to arrange accommodation well in advance—and carry cash at the event, especially if travelling remotely.
RETURN AGAIN!
Missed something special? Remember, you can always return. In fact, many full-time travellers enjoy the same destination year in-year out or at different times of the year.
Bram Collins, Undara Experience, says the sealed Savannah Way is completely different between December-February in the ‘Green Season’.
“It’s when waterfalls are their most spectacular,” Bram explains.
While angler and full-time traveller Elvin Pal visited Southport with his family, the Adventuring Pals for the fishing, it was fossicking that inspired their return.