Adventurers Diary

Buying a Motorhome

Very quickly, once we had decided to do this big trip, we considered our mode of transport. We decided on buying a Motorhome as for us this was the preferred option.

Table of Contents

Our Decision to Buy a Motorhome

We liked the Motorhome for several reasons.

It was completely self reliant with all the amenities in the vehicle. A shower, toilet, cooking facilities and relatively comfortable bed are always going to be accessible.

Buying a Motorhome and the moment we drove away from home

The final moment we drove away from home in our Winnebago

If we pulled up somewhere and it was raining we didn’t need to get out of the vehicle.

We liked the security knowing we didn’t need to go anywhere at night to find the toilets, showers or BBQ’s everything was right with us whenever we needed it.

Of course, the down side was we wouldn’t be able to go anywhere remote but there’s so much to see in areas we are able to go, we decided we were OK with that.

We can always hire a 4wd but with my mechanical skills, going offtrack where others don’t go is fraught with danger. If we had problems I wouldn’t want to rely on my skills to get us on the road again.

Inspecting motorhome before buying a motorhome

Inspecting a Motorhome for sale in Brisbane

Buying a Motorhome New or Second Hand

I did some research and found we could buy a secondhand Motorhome for around $65,000. We decided on a budget of $60,000 – $80,000 maximum to spend.

Buying our Motorhome second hand provided the opportunity to receive extras within the vehicle and I felt I could use my negotiation skills to more benefit to us.

I have never bought brand new except for Adele’s Suzuki Swift. Any vehicle brand new and you lose thousands of dollars the minute the vehicle hits the bitumen.

Removing our front garden after buying aa motorhome

Preparing our front yard

With a Motorhome there was considerable benefit to buying a used vehicle.

Given we were planning a two year trip and then we would sell it to buy a car again, resale was a major consideration.

We wanted to buy at the right price to ensure resale was fair and reasonable.

Inside our Winnebago Esperance

What we wanted when Buying a Motorhome

I researched the benefits of a Motorhome and identified some of the basics we needed in the Motorhome.

I wanted a 3L engine for power we would undoubtedly need.

We wanted the cabin over the drivers cab for Matthew to sleep. Also we wanted an island bed, big enough to fit me given I’m almost 6ft tall.

Plus, we liked a more open plan, some had narrow walk ways and felt claustrophobic.

One of the stops on the trip home after buying our motorhome

Parked at Corindi Beach on our way home

Once Matt had said he wanted to come with us and we became aware of the slide out option we felt the extra space would become essential.

Of course this also meant our budget simply wasn’t going to be enough. All of a sudden we were going to need almost double what we originally planned.

This gave me months of stress as I considered how we could budget spending that much.

The trip to Newcastle to inspect the motorhome

8 hour Road Trip to inspect the Winnebago

Where we looked at Buying a Motorhome

Rather than looking just locally, I decided all of Australia was an option. The world is a small place now and flights are relatively cheap.

We knew exactly what we wanted and opening up a bigger area to find the perfect vehicle meant we had more to choose from.

Remote locations can be better opportunities. Less population means there is likely to be less enquiry and interest.

Driving home after inspecting the motorhome

On our way home from inspecting the Motorhome

I bought my last vehicle, a Toyota 86, from a Private Seller in Gladstone. With just 13,000kms on the clock it’s still being run in and it was only driven by his partner to work and back most days.

I saved 30% on what he paid for it.

When to Buy our Motorhome

We were planning to leave in February 2016 and therefore we thought buying our Motorhome around November would be the ideal time.

However in July I found a Winnebago Esperance I had been watching which was listed at just $119,990 was reduced to only $109,990. I immediately rang the company and he remarked how quick I was, he had only reduced the price an hour ago.

3 Litre Turbo Diesel engine of our Winnebago Esperance

All other similar 2009 Winnebago Esperances I had seen were advertised and sold between $125,000 and $139,000.

I talked to him asking a range of questions including why the price was as it was. He told me they had too many in stock and wanted a quick sale.

I told him we’d consider flying down from Brisbane to have a look and this prompted him to tell us it had been knocked around a little and wasn’t in normal condition for it’s age.

We considered it but the timing just wasn’t right. It was still over 6 months before we were due to leave and the holding cost for that period of time seemed illogical to us.

Still, it seemed great value and sure enough it sold very quickly.

This set a precedent for me however and I felt if I could stay patient another one would eventually come up.

About to leave with our Winnebago Esperance

Buying our Motorhome Privately

I also felt negotiating with a private seller can be a lot more financially rewarding in the right circumstances.

A dealer has costs and therefore less room to negotiate so my focus was on finding a private sale.

We kept looking around the dealerships in Brisbane, mainly Brisbane RV’s at Burpengary and Talvor at Northgate.

As time got closer however I began to lament the one that got away and thought it might have been a regretful decision to not have moved faster and have purchased it.

We stopped in at Valla Beach on our way home

Motorhome Sites

I followed a number of Motorhome, Caravan RV websites including:

http://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-motorhome+sale/k0

http://www.sydneyrvgroup.com.au/used-motorhomes

https://www.cmca.net.au using the Members Market tab which is open to the public.

In October, I found an advertisement for a Motorhome which was what we were looking for.

A nice couple who live near Newcastle in NSW and understood their Motorhome and had completed 3 laps of Australia in previous Motorhomes.

Choosing the Brand of Motorhome

We had it narrowed down to the Jayco Optimum, Talvor Hayman and Winnebago Esperance and chose the Winnebago based on their history and the reviews I had read.

My son has got me to watching those trading shows on TV and a simple common question they ask customers is “what would you really take”, so I asked the question and made an offer accordingly which the seller was happy to accept.

We were now the proud owners of our first ever Motorhome.

I find most Private sellers to be fairly genuine and honest. Trusting a dealer is a difficult concept to accept, not that I suggest trusting anyone in the sale of a vehicle as wise.

We had our mechanic check it thoroughly and he has told me it is in excellent condition so we are very pleased with our purchase.

Mum Inspecting the Motorhome

Inspecting the Motorhome

We drove from Brisbane to Lemon Tree Passage with our son Matthew, all 3 of us fitting in to Kev’s Toyota 86 sports car, to take our first look at the Motorhome.

The owners were friendly and helpful but we didn’t discuss buying it that day.

We had dinner at a local Bowls club and stayed nearby that night before driving back the next day.

Our first look before buying a motorhome

First look at the Winnebago

The Day we Bought our Winnebago Esperance

It was October 2015 and after some emails and phone calls we agreed on the purchase of the Winnebago and 4 of us, we took Kev’s Mum for the trip, caught a flight to Newcastle and a taxi to the owners home.

The Seller gave us a full run down on the Winnebago Esperance and we recorded on video everything that was said which turned out to be very wise.

We were able to go back to it several times when we weren’t sure of something and we could find out what we were doing wrong.

Otherwise we used Facebook and the experienced, friendly people in different groups were able to assist us.

We had 4 days to get back to Brisbane giving us the perfect opportunity to get some understanding of our new Motorhome.

The Sellers were kind enough to leave some sheets and cutlery, old towels and enough stuff to get us back home.

Stopped at North Haven on our way home

The Trip Home after Buying our Motorhome

Our first stop was North Haven just south of Port Macquarie. It’s a beautiful location which Adele and I had first found back in 1991 on our first ever road trip.

The second night we stopped at Corindi Beach and from our site we could watch Humpback Whales pass by on their trek back south with their young calves.

Our last night was at Brunswick Heads not far from Byron Bay.

Mum loved it in the Motorhome and had such a great time.

Making Space for the Motorhome at home

Fitting it in at home was always going to be the challenge.

We had to dig out a front garden that had overgrown and remove the middle post on our front fence.

We live in a cul-de-sac with no room to turn in our street. The low backend and overhang makes it very difficult to maneuver our Motorhome in our street let alone getting it up over the gutter into our front yard.

With a few tree branches cut and bits of timber to create a ramp over the gutter my only option was to drive in front first and reverse out on an angle with lots of timber to ensure the backend was high enough to be able to go over the ridge in the street.

Changing over the rego plates - Buying a Motorhome interstate

Changing our NSW plates for Queensland registration

Changing Registration from NSW to Queensland

Once it was home we had to begin the process of transferring registration from NSW to Queensland.

To do this we needed a road worthy certificate and a gas certificate. We had a mobile roadworthy guy come to us and also a mobile gas certifier came to our home to complete their inspections.

From there it was off to Queensland Main Roads to have it inspected and approved for registration. We had to go to Pineapple Street in Zillmere in Brisbane for heavy vehicles and they had us sorted pretty quickly.

Our new plates were provided and officially we were now the proud owners of a 2009 Winnebago Esperance Motorhome.

We were now 100% committed to this idea of travelling the country for 2 years. We never thought that 5 years later we’d still be living in it and loving it.

How was the process of buying your Motorhome or are you looking to buy now?

We’d like to hear about your experience?

Safe travels

Kevin & Adele
Indefinite Leave

Our readers also enjoy reading:

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Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all of our photos and videos are:

Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – https://ebay.to/2XOjXhi – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.

Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2XQYnsk – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.

Lenses

Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/3nx5pyG This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/3eCueUo This is my all round, every day use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/33xYeht – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2TWt0vA – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.

Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/34thTP1 – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.

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Where to Find Us

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3 Comments

Elaine
May 7, 2017 at 4:21 pm
Well like the look of your final choice can you tell me how long it is also auto or manual and if you don’t mind aroun your price? Thanks Elaine
Reply
- Indefinite Leave
  May 8, 2017 at 3:06 pm
  Hi Elaine. Thank you for your message. Our Motorhome is 8 metres long. It is the dual Auto and Manual. Ours is a 2009 model and generally sell around $125,000 to $135,000. Hope this helps 🙂
  Reply
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Adventurers Diary

Great Low Cost Campgrounds in Tasmania

Tasmania has quite a number of great low cost campgrounds alongside rivers, in National Parks and many in and around golf and sporting clubs at very reasonable prices.

Low Cost Campgrounds in Tasmania range from as little as $5 per night through to $25 per night based on 2 Adults. Generally the nightly fee for low cost campgrounds depends on the range of facilities. Campgrounds charging around $25 per night include power and possibly water.

You will find the campgrounds charging around $10 per night have fairly basic facilities. Naturally there are no powered sites available in the lower price category, and they are for an unpowered campsite only.

We have compiled a list of Great Low Cost Campgrounds in Tasmania breaking them down into the different price categories. These are just the campgrounds that we have discovered on our travels and naturally there are many more around Tassie.

There are also a lot of Free Camps right throughout Tasmania which makes it a very affordable place to visit for an extended period of time. We spent 6 weeks exploring Tassie and could have easily enjoyed another 2 weeks.

Read all about: Great Free Camping in Tasmania

Table of Contents

Here is our list of Great Low Cost Campgrounds in Tasmania

We have broken our great low cost campgrounds in Tasmania into 3 categories:

$25 and Under per night Low Cost Campgrounds
$10 and Under per night Low Cost Campgrounds
$5 and Under per night Low Cost Campgrounds

Campgrounds $25 and Under per night

Ulverstone Blue Wren Tearooms

Location: West Ulverstone, Tasmania

About: A campground area is provided for self contained RV’s and Caravans within the grounds of the beautiful gardens and tearooms with views of the Bass Straight.

Pop along to Burnie to the Burnie Little Penguins Observation Centre and see the gorgeous little creatures come up out of the water after dark.

Full review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/blue-wren-tea-gardens-ulverstone-tasmania/

Cost: $12 for 2 Adults Unpowered /No Water and $22 for 2 Adults Power & Water
Max Nights Stay: No limit
Toilets: No
Showers: No
Potable Water: Available by donation
Bins: Yes
Power: Yes – at an additional cost outlined above
Pet Friendly: Yes
Dump Point: No
Free Wifi: No
Telstra Coverage: Yes as well as Vodafone

Contact Phone: 0455 533 979

Facebook:

Read all about: The Very Best of Things to See and Do in Tasmania

Burnie Little penguins — Little Penguins on our Burnie Little Penguin Observation Centre visit

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Mt Field National Park and Low Cost Campground in Tasmania

Mount Field Campground

Location: Mount Field National Park adjacent to the Visitor Information Centre, Tasmania

About: The Mount Field Campground is the perfect place to explore Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls which are right at the doorstep. It has excellent facilities. Apart from an amenities block, it also has coin-operated washing machines and driers plus a camp cooking shelter including free electric barbecues as well as a sink with hot water.

Just a reminder, a valid Tasmanian Parks pass is also required.

Cost: $16 per night Unpowered and $20 powered for 2 Adults
Max Nights Stay: N/A
Toilets: Yes
Showers: Yes, hot free showers
Potable Water: Yes
Bins: Yes
Power: Yes – 14 sites
Pet Friendly: No as it is National Park
Dump Point: No
Free Wifi: No
Telstra Coverage: Yes

Contact Phone: (03) 6288 1149

Website:

Email:

Book a Russell Falls & Mount Field National Park Tour from Hobart here>

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Rosedale Homestead previously Taranna Cottages

Location: Taranna, 10 kms from Port Arthur in Tasmania

About: Rosedale Homestead previously Taranna Cottages offers self contained RV parking as well as 3 self-contained cottages in a beautiful farm and bush setting. There’s also a Restaurant, Animal Farm and Heritage Museum.

This location is perfect for exploring Port Arthur Historical Site as it is just 10kms from Taranna. A visit to Port Arthur during the day is a definite must but you can also do a Port Arthur Ghost Tour and explore at night.

We can highly recommend the Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Tasman Island Cruise from Port Arthur as well.

Full Review: https://indefiniteleave.com .au/taranna-cottages-taranna-tasmania/

Cost: $25 per night Unpowered (Additional $2.50 if paying by card)
Max Nights Stay: No limit
Toilets: Available at the Museum during opening hours only
Showers: $2 for 3 minutes
Potable Water: No
Bins: Yes
Power: $33 per night
Pet Friendly: Yes
Dump Point: No
Free Wifi: No
Telstra Coverage: Yes however no Vodafone

Contact Phone: 0418 126 151

Website:

Email

Book your Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Tasman Island Cruise here>

5 Essentials – Outside RV Accessories

To plug your RV with standard 15amp in to standard residential 10amp power source you will need a converter. We love our waterproof Ampfibian and after over 4 years it’s still perfect.
Most people carry a Generator for back up power. 4wd Supacentre has a good low cost and popular generator while the Yamaha 2000w is a robust yet quiet excellent performer.
A 20m 15amp Power Lead will ensure you reach your power source in Caravan Parks and Campgrounds.
You will want a good blue Drinking Water Hose. Your typical green garden hose is not suitable for drinking from.
A 4 way tap handle will help you find water whenever you need it

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Low Cost Campgrounds $10 and Under per night

Neck Game Reserve Camping

Location: Narrowneck South Bruny Island

About: The campground is tucked in behind the dunes at the south of the Isthmus and has easy access to the beach.

Note as the Camping area is just outside the South Bruny National Park boundaries, no National Park Fees apply, just the camping fees.

Bruny Island is a great place to get your taste buds flowing. Be sure to check out the Bruny Island Chocolate, Bruny Island Premium Wines, Bruny Island Cheese Co, Bruny Island Berry Farm.

Also we highly recommend the Bruny Island Wilderness Tour.

Cost: $10 per night ($15 for family of 2 Adults & 2 Children)
Max Nights Stay: No limit
Toilets: Yes, Drop Toilets
Showers: No
Potable Water: No, water available but recommended you boil water for drinking
Bins: No – Must take all rubbish with you
Power: No
Pet Friendly: No
Dump Point: No
Free Wifi: No
Telstra Coverage: Yes but not a strong signal

Contact Phone: (03) 6121 7026

Website

Email

Book your Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise from Adventure Bay here>

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Strahan Golf Club

Location: Strahan, Tasmania

About: The Strahan Golf Club offers a camping area for self contained RV’s and Caravans. You must have your own self-contained toilet to camp at the golf club. Tent camping is not permitted.

The Golf Club Bar opens from 4pm for drink.

While in Strahan, don’t miss the famous Gordon River Cruise which takes you into ancient rainforest of the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area which is stunning and cruising the Gordon River is so serene.

Full Review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/strahan-golf-club-camping-area-strahan-tasmania/

Cost: $10 per night
Max Nights Stay: 7 nights
Toilets: Yes
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes
Bins: N/A – Must take all rubbish with you
Power: No
Pet Friendly: Yes, however pets must be restrained and kept quiet at all times
Dump Point: No
Free Wifi: No
Telstra Coverage: Yes but no Vodafone

Contact Phone: (03) 6471 7242

Facebook:

Email

Book your Gordon River Cruise here>

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Horsehead Creek Low Cost Campground in Tasmania — Horsehead Creek

Horsehead Creek Campground

Location: Devonport, Tasmania

About: The Horsehead Creek right alongside the Mersey River is a great low cost campgrounds for when you arrive in Tasmania or are about to re-board the Spirit of Tasmania.

This camping facility for self-contained vehicles and caravans only.

A Camping Permit is required and can be obtained from the Devonport Visitor Information Centre during office hours or via the EasyPark app

Full Review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/horsehead-creek-devonport-tasmania/

Cost: $10 per night
Max Nights Stay: 72 hour limit
Toilets: No
Showers: No
Potable Water: No
Bins: Yes
Power: No
Pet Friendly: Yes
Dump Point: Yes
Free Wifi: No
Telstra Coverage: Yes but no Vodafone

Contact Phone: (03) 6420 2900

Website:

Email

Book a Cradle Mountain Day Tour from Devonport here>

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Franklin Campground

Location: Franklin, 50kms south of Hobart in Tasmania

About: Grassy campground ideally located right beside the Huon River for RV’s. Camping in tents is not permitted. Stay 4 nights and the 4th night is free.

Check out Willy Smith’s Cider House and Apple Shed Museum in Grove which is just under 20 minutes away,

Full Review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/franklin-campground-franklin-tasmania/

Cost: $10 per night per vehicle
Max Nights Stay: 4 nights
Toilets: Yes
Showers: No.
Potable Water: Yes
Bins: Yes
Power: No
Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed but must be on a leash
Dump Point: Yes
Free Wifi: No
Telstra Coverage: Telstra and Vodafone

Contact Phone: (03) 6264 8400 or 0428 875 619

Website:

Email

Book a Huon Valley Tour from Hobart with Tahune Forest Air Walk here>

Willy Smiths Cider House and Apple Shed Museum

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Freycinet Golf Club

Location: Swanwick Tasmania

About: The Freycinet Golf Club provides a great level campground which is only 6kms from Coles Bay so a great base for exploring the Freycinet National Park and fabulous Wineglass Bay.

Be sure to visit the world famous Wineglass Bay. We did the Wineglass Bay Lookout walk and you can also take a Wineglass Bay Cruise which includes lunch.

Full Review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/freycinet-golf-club-swanwick-tasmania/

Cost: $10 per night per site
Max Nights Stay: 5 nights
Toilets: Available at the Golf Club 24/7
Showers: No
Potable Water: No
Bins: Yes
Power: No
Pet Friendly: Yes
Dump Point: No
Free Wifi: No
Telstra Coverage: Yes

Contact Phone: (03) 6257 0053

Website:

Email

Book a Wineglass Bay and Freycinet Day Tour from Hobart here>

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Stanley RV and Caravan Campground

Location: Stanley, North West Tasmania

About: The Camping area kindly allocated by the Circular Head Council, is right alongside Tatlows Beach near the entrance to the Stanley Golf Club.

Fees are collected by the Site Manager evenings and mornings.

Full Review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/stanley-rv-and-caravan-campground-stanley-tas/

Cost: $10 per night
Max Nights Stay: 7 day stopover
Toilets: No
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes
Bins: Yes
Power: No
Pet Friendly: Yes
Dump Point: Just around the corner
Free Wifi: No
Telstra Coverage: Telstra and Vodafone

Contact Phone: (03) 6452 4800

Website:

Email

Book a Stanley Day Tour from Burnie or Devonport here>

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Sorell Sports Complex

Location: Sorell, 25kms from Hobart in Tasmania

About: The Council run RV Park is a great rest area for self-contained Caravans and Motorhomes.

A permit fee is payable and permits may be obtained from the Sorell Council Chambers between 8am and 4.45pm Mon – Fri or onsite from the deposit box near the Dump Point.

Full Review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/sorell-sports-complex-sorell-tasmania/

Cost: $7.50 per night per vehicle (or $26 for 5 nights)
Max Nights Stay: 10 nights
Toilets: No
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes
Bins: No
Power: No
Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs must be on a lead and there is a dog park next door
Free Wifi: No
Telstra Coverage: Yes

Contact Phone: (03) 6269 0000

Website:

Email

Book a Hobart City Mt Wellington and Richmond Day Tour here>

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Gordon Recreation Reserve Campground in Tasmania

Campgrounds – $5 and Under per night

Gordon Recreation Reserve, Three Hut Point

Location: Three Hut Point, Gordon south of Hobart

About: Although we didn’t stay here, it looked the perfect place to stay for a few nights with lots of level grassy sites right on the water overlooking Bruny Island. It is one of the cheapest low cost campgrounds in Tasmania and even has water views. You couldn’t ask for more!

Plus, it is an ideal spot for fishing and swimming.

Full Review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/gordon-recreation-reserve-three-hut-point-tasmania/

Cost: $5 per night
Max Nights Stay: No limit
Toilets: Yes
Showers: No
Potable Water: No
Pet Friendly: Yes
Dump Point: Yes
Free Wifi: No
Telstra Coverage: Yes

Contact Phone: (03) 6211 8200

Website:

Email

Book a Hobart City Tour with MONA Ferry and Entry here>

Pin – Great Low Cost Campgrounds in Tasmania!

Hope our list of great low cost campgrounds is useful and helps you plan your road trip around Tasmania. Let us know of any other great places you find or have stayed at.

Safe travels

Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.

Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.

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Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:

Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2XQYnsk – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.

Lenses

Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2yQwPed This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/3eCueUo This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/2XlOZ0I – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2TWt0vA – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.

Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indefiniteleave/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indefinite_leave/

Website: https://indefiniteleave .com.au/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/indefiniteleave

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3

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Adventurers Diary

Should I sell my house and everything to travel

What to do with your house when you travel, should you sell everything and go travelling?

Table of Contents

Should I sell my House and everything we own, Rent out my House or Lock the Doors to go travelling?

For a lot of people about to set off on the Big Lap of our Country, choosing whether to sell your home, rent your house to travel or just lock the doors and leave is a tough decision.

As a Real Estate Agent myself since 1997 I believe in property as a wise investment.

Should I sell my house and everything to travel — Our home

History shows that over the long term prices always increase.

Every circumstance however is different, both in terms of how much a property will increase and if it’s better to sell or rent your home.

Recently I spoke with someone else who left to travel just before us and they sold their house before leaving and put the money away from the sale of the property.

They still have those funds, they haven’t spent it and they are probably earning some interest from it, however, I doubt they have generated the return on their money that we have from our house.

Deciding whether to sell our house and everything to travel — The final moment we drove away from home in our Winnebago

Keeping your Property vs Selling your House and Everything to Travel

It got me thinking about our choice to keep our property versus selling and cashing up.

From a Real Estate Agent’s perspective it does bother me to see families selling up in their 30’s and taking the kids around Australia and then potentially coming back to higher property prices and having to start all over again.

A year is a long time when it comes to property and the market can change dramatically in that time. Of course, that change could be either way, but if it does go up then it can make it so much harder to start over again.

Another option would be to move to an area with lower property values. This might even be ideal anyway, new surroundings, maybe more space, new beginnings.

If you are young and face the question of selling or renting your home to travel, the decision needs a lot of thought and understanding to make the right decision.

Read about our: 7 Towns in Australia we could live

Should I sell our house in Brisbane and everything to travel

Increased Value of our Property

Our home is a 1960’s highset chamferboard timber house located 14kms from Brisbane CBD as the crow flies.

It is in a quiet cul-de-sac street backing on to a park, within walking distance to schools and rail.

We bought it in October 2000 for $130,000 and in 2004 we did a renovation of around $150,000.

When we left on our trip in Feb 2016 we estimated our house was worth approximately $530,000. The Council rated land value was $430,000 at that time.

3 years later a house in our street was demolished and the vacant land the same size as ours has then been sold for $600,000.

We couldn’t believe it when the tenants told us. Prices had obviously increased a lot since we have left.

Story Bridge in Brisbane — Brisbane City

I rang some of my mates in Real Estate and they thought I would go close to about $700,000 for our property. I have to admit, we were pretty bloody happy with that news.

Another 2 years later in late 2020 our tenant suggested he would be interested in buying our house so we arranged a valuer to complete a proper valuation.

I suggested to the Valuer we thought it was worth around $680,000 to $700,000 but maybe $720,000 at a stretch. Basically I had no idea, we’ve been away a long time.

All we really knew was our land value had just increased again and it was now $610,000.

When the valuation came back at $880,000 we were literally in shock. We couldn’t believe it.

We picked up our jaws from the floor and stopped doing cart wheels and I picked up my phone to message him to say he had made a typo. I stopped for a moment and thought maybe I should read the report first.

Sure enough, one had sold in our street for $800,000 on the other side of the road that doesn’t have our values as we back on to a park.

We had just picked up another $200,000 in asset value.

Since we left home to travel Australia our asset had increased by $350,000.

We still have a loan balance of around $276,000 on our house. Also, we have a loan on the Motorhome of $107,000 alongside the house loan, so we still have plenty of debt there.

Should I sell my House and everything to Travel – FAQ

It’s not an easy decision deciding should I sell my House to travel or what to actually do with your home when you leave.

Selling would make things so much easier and stress free while travelling and for many families the rent wouldn’t go close to covering the mortgage.

On the other hand, if you own your property the rent would give you an income or in other circumstances if you’ve had your mortgage for awhile it may pay off the mortgage or at least most of it.

But renting comes with it’s challenges.

You could just close the doors and windows and leave however check the affect on your insurance by doing this.

I believe many policies have a condition where they won’t cover the property if you’re away longer than a certain period, often around 2 or 3 months.

Closing up is also a potential financial loss of the rental income however this will depend on a range of factors including how much the property would rent for, how long you plan to travel for and what you would do with your possessions.

Read about: The Privilege of being able to travel Australia is not lost on us

Motorhome views — We love the views from our new place

Q. 1 – What if I get bad tenants?

This is a great fear for many homeowners and the anxiety can be even more because it’s your home, not a property you bought purposely for investment.

We have had 2 tenants in 5 years and both have been great.

Some might say we have been lucky but it’s more about the position of our home and therefore it’s ability to attract the right people.

This is a huge consideration you should make in your decision making.

Will your property attract good tenants and if not, will the rental income be enough to make it worth renting or are you better off just selling it?

When it came to pricing our house to rent, we did our own research and we put it on at market value or fractionally under.

The first open home had a great response and we carefully took our time to select the best tenant.

Should I sell my house and everything to travel, we didn't — Our house under renovations

Q. 2 – What if tenants damage our property?

You need to take the emotion out of the process of renting your property. It will do your head in otherwise.

If we were unlucky and had bad tenants and they did do a thousand dollars in damage, or even more, let’s look at what that actually means.

If a tenant were to do damage we can claim it from the bond. Tenants should always pay an upfront 4 weeks bond which is held by the Rental Tenancy Authority (RTA) in Qld or a similar authority in other states.

If damages were to exceed the bond amount held we have our Landlord Insurance to cover any damage.

Whilst Landlord Insurance is there for these circumstances we don’t really want to use it so it’s important to get the choice right from the beginning.

The steps to good tenants are:

Screen tenant applications thoroughly
Have a clear induction process to your property. For instance we meet the tenants if possible to allow us to make the final decision. We have written a manual which is provided to our Property Manager to give to the tenants to explain our house, how it works, when is bin day, alarm codes and our recommended local businesses to use plus other information.
Manage them throughout the tenancy. Inspections must be completed, any arrears dealt with urgently etc. If they know the Property Manager and the Landlord are proactive they will be more likely to realise they won’t get away with poor behaviour.
Tenant arrears, where rent hasn’t been paid, is almost always an attitude issue rather then a financial one.
Be proactive in fixing issues and ensure the work is done promptly.
Be kind and respectful to your tenants

Our love of travel — A lot has happened since we left home

Q. 3 – Is it worth renting out our home?

Let’s start by looking at our own personal experience over almost 5 years and it might serve as a guide for you.

We have rented our house for $545 per week the whole 5 years we have been travelling. Over the 5 years we have been away this is our income report.

The rental income is:

Feb-June 2016 = $12,535
2016-7 = $28,885
2017-8 = $27,910.40
2018-9 = 28,384
2019-20 = 28,591.32
July-Nov 2020 = $11,990

Total income = $138,295.72

The outgoings/ expenses for the property are:

Feb-June 2016 = $3,036.43
2016-7 = $7,909.10
2017-8 = $6,772.44
2018-9 = $6,997.05
2019-20 = $9,982.15
July-Nov 2020 = $2,372.05

Total costs are $37,069.22

Nett Income

This gives us an income of = $101,226.50 over almost 5 years.

Our Mortgage repayments are now $1434 per month. We try to pay $450 per week which is $1949 a month however this always gets drawn down when there are maintenance issues with the house and a shortfall in funds.

Our Motorhome repayments are $558 per month and we pay $650 per month.

Our minimum payments per year are therefore $23,904 which leaves us almost $3000 short per year.

These figures are based off our Property Managers statements and also wouldn’t include any costs we may have paid for directly.

Overall that’s a pretty good outcome.

The tenants cover our mortgage and the cost of our Motorhome except around $58 a week we have to put in to top it up.

There’s enough income there that we don’t have to fear a bad tenant. We don’t want one but between the Bond, Landlord insurance and overall income we can cover pretty much any issues.

Our house when we bought it in 2000 — What our place looked like when we bought it

Increased Property Value

Now let’s look at the increased Property Value.

In 5 years the price of our home has increased by $350,000. That’s a staggering $70,000 per year.

Now you can see why I suggest taking emotion out of renting your property.

Even if your property can cover the cost of just your mortgage and it increased only $20-30,000 per year over 5 years, having to spend some money every few years to cover a few repairs, in the big scheme isn’t really an issue.

Q. 4 – What if we weren’t happy with our last Property Manager?

Let me start by saying, being a Property Manager is one of the toughest jobs there is.

It’s relentless, expectations are high, emotions are high and the money they are paid rarely befits the responsibility and massive commitment the role demands.

But good Property Managers love their work, are passionate about doing their role well and care about you and the rental properties they look after.

In my role now since 2008 selling Real Estate businesses, one of the biggest issues I face is the disappointment for Property Managers in breaking the relationship and bond they have with their Landlords.

Most Property Managers try to do the best they can but it’s a people business in an often highly emotional situation and if they don’t have the right support and infrastructure in place things can and do go wrong.

Real Estate days — One of my first sales in my business. Former home of Aust cricketer Ken “Slasher” Mackay

Regularly Monitor your Property Manager

My suggestion is to monitor the basics of the Property Manager’s role and ensure they are completed. After all, it’s your property and your money on the line. Treat it as a business.

Do your own research of rental prices and make suggestions and ask questions of the properties value if needed but never over price it. It’s value is only based on what else is available at that time in the market, not what you need, not what you want to get from it or even what it was rented for previously.
Ensure any maintenance requests are seen to and completed.
Make sure your Property Manager completes their property inspections as agreed, usually quarterly, and you receive a prompt report with photos.
If you find your calls and emails are not being responded to, you can be assured that’s happening with customers as well including your tenants and any enquiry.
Change agency!!

Q. 5 – What if I hate Real Estate Agents?

If you hate Real Estate Agents, the question around Should I sell my house and everything to Travel is easy! Don’t rent your property, just sell it.

You need to have a good relationship with your Property Manager and that approach you have will always see things turn sour.

You’re going to need an agent to look after it if you’re going to travel the country and you won’t be nearby to do what needs to be done, so they are your only real option.

Sell it or just close the doors and windows and go enjoy your trip.

Check out our: 47 Caravan Motorhome RV & Camping Accessories

Sunrises and Sunsets while we travel Australia — Extraordinary Sunrises and Sunsets are part of the experience travelling Australia

Should I sell my house and everything to travel – A few tips:

Look after your Tenants

Our tenants have been awesome, they love the house, they look after it and we look after them. Occasionally we provide a gift and we fix everything as quickly as possible so we have had no issues at all.

It is your property but it’s your tenants home

Location of your Property

There’s going to be lots of variables in this scenario.

Our house is approx 14kms from Brisbane CBD and we chose that property to purchase because as a Real Estate Agent I knew it would always perform well.

Actually, I purposely drove that street looking for a house to buy when we began looking because I knew it would be a great place to live and values would always be strong.

A house in most regional areas of Australia would be unlikely to realise the same level of capital growth as we have achieved during that time.

Our rent covers our mortgage, for others that may not be the case and therefore selling may appear the only option.

Do your own Research

My point here is: Take the time to research all of your options.

If your property has already achieved some capital growth or you expect it will, it may be prudent to keep it and realise further capital growth while you are away as well as the rental income.

Sea Clifff Bridge — Time to hit the road

Cosmetic Improvements after tenanted

Yes tenants won’t care for it the way you do but you can repaint walls, put a new kitchen bench top on, replant the gardens, replace carpet and make cosmetic changes if necessary when you choose to move back in.

That’s exactly what we plan to do if we move back.

Refreshing the house will add value and also make it like new again for us.

Keep in mind, usually any money you spend on the house during a tenancy is tax deductible. Once you move back in this may not be the case.

Check with your accountant to confirm when the best time will be to complete any renovations.

Best Option for you

Before selling make for absolute certain it’s the best option for you. We are very happy we chose not to sell our house and everything to travel.

If you have any Real Estate questions feel free to message me and I’ll try to help. Keep in mind each state has different legislation and it’s a long time since I was an active Real Estate Agent 🙂

Final Point on Should I sell my house and everything to travel

I am not an Accountant and this should not be taken as Financial advice.

Please discuss your direct financial matters with your Accountant or Financial Advisor as to whether you should sell your house and everything to travel or whether you keep it and possibly rent it out.

Pin – Should I sell my house and everything to travel

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Other great blogs you may like to read:

Are you planning to travel Australia?

Are you facing the difficult decision – Should I sell my house and everything to travel?

Hope this information is useful in helping you choose the best option for you.

Safe travels

Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

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Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.

Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:

Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2XQYnsk – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.

Lenses

Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

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Adventurers Diary

Our Best Free Camps in Australia

In more than 5 years around Australia we have found some fantastic Free Camps and places for Free camping.

For us, we love the ocean and therefore most of our best free camps in Australia are places overlooking a beach.

There are many free camps around Oz but sometimes you pull up and are just blown away with how amazing one is and these are the ones we have included here.

The Free Camps are remembered for Friendly people, extraordinary views, fun activities the location provides or the sunrises and sunsets that welcome you or complete another magnificent day on the road in this incredible country we get to call home.

We all have our own perceptions of what that is for us, the following places are the ones that have appealed the most to us.

We continue to add to the list over time, all updates are noted below.

Table of Contents

What qualifies as the Best Free Camps in Australia

For clarity, we consider Free camps as totally free and are not campgrounds, Pub stays or other organised locations. Free camps mostly have no or limited facilities.

There are normally no designated sites at Free camps and no powered options. Usually you are expected to be self contained with your own toilets and showers, the capability of carrying your own water and storing your grey and black water.

All are completely free, at the time of writing there was no charge to stay.

Read all about: Our Best Campgrounds in Australia

Our Best Free Camps in Australia Updates

December 2017 Update – Our Best Free Camps in Australia

Uluru has been removed as it is now closed. Wallangarra, Lake Wyangan, Quicks Beach, Lake Malwala and Doolans Bend have been added.

September 2018 Update – Our Best Free Camps in Australia

17 is now 18 with inclusion of Calliope River.

June 2019 Update – Our Best Free Camps in Australia

18 becomes 22 with McGuarans, Yarrawonga River Camp, Cann River, Snowy River added.

January 2021 Update – Our Best Free Camps in Australia

22 becomes 25. Workman’s Campground at Agnes Water now becomes a Free camp. We also add Proserpine Dam and Kingsley Grove Estate Winery to our list.

Here is a list of Our Best Free Camps in Australia

25. Snowy River

Location: Snowy River Roadside Rest Area 6, Orbost Victoria

About: One of several fabulous river side Free Rest Areas along the Snowy River as it snakes its way to Marlo before it reaches the oceans. They are close to the road so some road noise is inevitable.

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: 48 hours

Toilets: No

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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24. Cann River

Location: Cann River, Victoria

About: A former Caravan Park now abandoned and provided by local council for now for everyone to stay. Most of the facilities are all operational including toilets and dump point making this the perfect stay when traveling the highway in South East Victoria.

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: 48 hours

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes, cold showers

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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Wallangarra Rest Stop right on the Qld and NSW Border

23. Wallangarra Rest Stop

Location: At the Qld/ NSW border in the Southern Downs region

About: An excellent free camp area with lots of facilities and heaps of space when traveling the New England Highway. It is located directly on the border of Qld and NSW.

There are plenty of facilities making this an ideal stopover for free.

Full review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/wallangarra-driver-revivor-rest-area-wallangarra-queensland/

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: No limit

Toilets: Yes

Showers: No

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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Lake Wyangan a great free camp right on the water

22. Lake Wyangan

Location: Griffith, NSW

About: A beautiful lake with great fishing in a quiet country town and excellent wineries close by, what’s not to like.
Toilets and showers are available but byo your drinking water.

Full review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/lake-wyangan-griffith-new-south-wales/

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: 72 hours

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: No

Dump point: No

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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21. 7 Mile Beach WA

Location: South of Geraldton, WA

About: A simple free camp spot with no facilities but lots of beach and amazing sunsets every night. A short few kms from the Highway.

Full review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/7-mile-beach-campground-bookara-wa/

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: 72 hours

Toilets: No

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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20. Calliope River

Location: 15 mins from Gladstone in Qld

About: A great Free camp right on the Calliope River just a short drive into Gladstone. There are campgrounds either side of the river, just choose your spot and set up. We did hear of some fish caught when we stayed there so drop in a line, enjoy a campfire and your favourite drink or two.

Full review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/calliope-river-rest-area-river-ranch-queensland/

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: 48 hours

Toilets: Yes

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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19. Lake Mulwala

Location: Mulwala, NSW near Yarrawonga on the Murray River

About: This is a fabulous free camp just a few kms from town and right on the bank of Lake Mulwala, part of the amazing Murray River on the NSW/ Victoria border.

Known for it’s fantastic fishing you can find a camp site right on the banks and enjoy up to 2 weeks in this amazing location. There are no facilities, you will need to have your own arrangements for toilet, showers and bring your own water.

Full review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/kyffins-reserve-lake-mulwala-new-south-wales/

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: 14 nights in any 3 month period

Toilets: No

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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Yarrawonga River Camp right on the Murray River — Yarrawonga on the Murray River is one of the Best Free Camps in Australia

18. Yarrawonga River Camp

Location: Yarrawonga on the Murray River, Victoria

About: A great spot to stay right on the Murray River. The town of Yarrawonga is only 10 minutes drive and has a Coles and all you will need. Good fishing, great fun and fires when permitted make this one of the best stays around Australia.

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: N/A

Toilets: Yes

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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17. Doolans Bend

Location: Murray River Browns Plains Victoria, 30 kms from Albury.

About: One night here just wasn’t enough. A fantastic location directly on the banks of the Murray River. Set up a fire, cast out a line and enjoy this amazing locationin a beautiful bush setting.

There are no facilities so bring your own water and you will need to take your rubbish back with you.

Full review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/doolans-bend-on-the-murray-river-browns-plains-victoria/

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: No limit

Toilets: No

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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16. Cliff Head Campground

Location: near Arrowsmith, WA

About: Cliff Head has 3 free camp grounds, Cliff Head South, Cliff Head North which looks fantastic and this one which is in the middle. We chose this one as it had more space and good protection from the wind.

A beautiful beach withgreat sunsets and the campground has plenty of room to move.

When we were there new toilets had just been installed.

Full review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/cliff-head-campground-north-of-arrowsmith-wa/

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: 72 hours

Toilets: Yes

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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15. Babinda RV Stay

Location: North Queensland

About: This is a brilliant Free campground in North Queensland providing all the facilities you would need. A new shower block provide great hot showers for $2, there’s a separate toilet block, good water and a dump point.

Beside the campground is a great shallow creek perfect to lay in and relax.

Lots of space and plenty of good level space to park.Best facilities of any Free camp we’ve seen in Oz.

Full review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/babinda-rotary-park-rest-area-babinda-queensland/

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: 72 hours

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes, $2

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes. Also Vodafone and Optus.

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14. McGaurans Beach

Location: Giffard, Victoria

About: A beach front location in a secluded area with no facilities or amenities close by but it is absolute beachfront and a great place to stay a night or two, maybe even three!!

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: N/A

Toilets: No

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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5 Essentials – Camping Accessories

A good Tent or Swag is the first decision for going camping. We like the Coleman Tent from Tentworld or the Wanderer 7 Man Tent from BCF. For a Swag, we were so close to buying the Kings Double Swag from 4WD Supacentre.

We like our BCF Wanderers Camping Chair which gets a lot of use as we travel Australia.

No more lugging around a huge BBQ and gas bottle now that we have a brilliant Gasmate Dual Burner Butane Cooktop from Tentworld

A good Portable Fridge Freezer we have found to keep the beers cold and steaks frozen are the Kings 70 L Fridge Freezer in the budget range, the Waeco 75L Dual Zone Fridge Freezer or the ever popular and long lasting Engel 75L Fridge Freezer.

A good quality Hand Held UHF is ideal and I like this Uniden UH750 5 watt UHF for long range and quality. The 5 watt range will give you maximum distance, especially if you need help!

13. Brown Bay, Port MacDonnell

Location: East of Port MacDonnell, South Australia

About: The opportunity to park with an extraordinary view directly from our Motorhome gets this one into our Best Free Camps.

There is a bitumen car park with designated spaces perfect for staying the night however there is also a track to the beach and it leads to an awesome space to park right on the beachfront.

The beach is very popular with local surfers and you can swim and fish the day away or just absorb the fantastic views.

Full review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/brown-bay-eight-mile-creek-south-australia/

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: 24 hours

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes, outdoor cold shower

Potable water: No but water is available back in town at Port MacDonnell

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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Garden Island is a great free camp in Tasmania

12. Garden Island

Location: Clarence Point, Tasmania

About: Located just north of Beaconsfield in Tasmania this is a great Free camp in the middle of the River Tamar.
If you like fishing you will love it here and we saw Seals playing in the River right in front of us.
Enjoy the views directly across the river to the town of George Town during the day and see big ships sail on by.
There are no amenities so bring plenty of water with you.

Full review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/garden-island-clarence-point/

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: Unlimited

Toilets: No

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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Lake Macintosh is one of our 22 Best Free Camps

11. Lake Mackintosh

Location: Mackintosh Dam, Tasmania

About: Not far from Cradle Mountain is Lake Mackintosh, a very beautiful lake where even Darryl Kerrigan would be pleased with the serenity.
We built a fire and enjoyed the incredible views, peace and tranquility.

Full review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/lake-mackintosh-tullah-tasmania/

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: Unlimited

Toilets: No

Showers: No

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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One of our 22 Best Free Camps in Australia - Robe Jetty

10. Robe Jetty

Location: Robe, South Australia

About: This is not well noted as an official free camp site however the Information Centre in town made us aware of it’s availability. We further heard that it is known to be OK to free camp here.

It is used as a turning circle for vehicles so we stayed back out of the way to allow the traffic to easily use the area.

Swim, snorkel and fish from the beach or jetty. Only 5 minutes to the Town Centre.

Full review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/robe-jetty-robe-south-australia/

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: No limit

Toilets: No

Showers: No

Potable water: No, we accessed water from the park nearby next to the BBQ’s.

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No but one is available in town approx. 5 minutes away

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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Free Camping on Kangaroo Island is great!

9. Kangaroo Island, anywhere you want to stay but Stokes Bay was great.

Location: Kangaroo Island, South Australia

About: The cost to travel to KI turns many people away so the island doesn’t have the issues of mainland Australia and at this point, whilst all the information provided to travelers consists of the caravan parks and campgrounds, we found there were almost no “no camping” signs on the island and no rangers to wake you early in the morning asking you to move. We spent 12 nights parked wherever we could find the most stunning location and there were many.

We were generally able to find water and arrange for access to a dump point. From one corner of the island to the furthest point is approx. a max 1.5 to 2 hours drive.

We really enjoyed Kingscote Jetty, Stokes Bay, Vivienne Bay, Pennington Bay

Full reviews:
Stokes Bay – https://indefiniteleave.com.au/stokes-bay-kangaroo-island-south-australia/
Vivonne Bay – https://indefiniteleave.com.au/vivonne-bay-kangaroo-island-south-australia/
American River – https://indefiniteleave.com.au/american-river-kangaroo-island-south-australia/

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: No limit

Toilets: No

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: At Penneshaw and Parndana

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Only at Kingscote and Penneshaw

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8. Henty Park Campground

Location: Portland, Victoria

About: A superb Free camp and fantastic small town. We loved our stay here and spent almost a week in Portland (we left after 3 nights, was 72 hours, and came back for 2 more). We highly recommend the Seal by Sea tour at nearby Cape Bridgewater. There is so much to see and do in town.
You can surf, swim, snorkel and fish as much as you want. Take the time and explore this great little town.
The campground provides great level, grassed space to park. The Ranger came around each day but was friendly and fair.

Full review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/henty-park-campground-portland-victoria/

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: Now 48 hours

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Available at Pool complex next door for $2

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes, plus Optus and Vodafone

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7. Proserpine Dam

Location: Proserpine Qld

About: The Proserpine Dam is a fabulous Free camp just outside of the town of Proserpine near Airlie Beach in North Qld. The views and facilities are fantastic with the one negative being there is no phone coverage. Fantastic sunsets and cows roam around. It can get very windy here at times.

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: 72 hours

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: No

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6. Kingsley Grove Estate Winery

Location: Near Kingaroy Qld

About: The Kingsley Grove Estate Winery is a fantastic Free camp. Located at the winery where the wines are superb, there’s great woodfired pizzas which get delivered to your door, delicious wine ice cream and the owners are really friendly. Limited facilities so you need to be self contained.

Full review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XehwaSO8MXE&t=5s

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: 48 hours

Toilets: Yes but only during opening hours

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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Quicks Beach is one of the Best Free Camps in Australia — Quicks Beach – One of the 5 Best Free Camps in Australia

5. Quicks Beach

Location: Murray River, Barooga Victoria

About: Our favourite location along the Murray River, a sandy beach with a flowing river, space and freedom.

It can be very busy here however we got lucky and picked the perfect time to be there. Take your kayaks and tubes and enjoy the best place to swim along the Murray.

Full review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/quicks-beach-murray-river-barooga-new-south-wales/

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: No limit

Toilets: Yes

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: No

Dump point: No

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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4. Workmans Beach Campground

Location: Agnes Water Qld

About: A great campground close to the beach and town of Agnes Water. A short stroll to stunning Workman’s Beach or take an oceanfront walk for a few kms to nearby beaches and bays. Great value and the best Rangers looking after the campground.

Full review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/workmans-campground-agnes-water/

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: No limit

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes, cold outdoor shower

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No but one is 5 mins away at 1770

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

Read about our: 16 Great Queensland Free Camps from Brisbane to Cairns

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3. Corella Dam

Location: Between Cloncurry and Mt Isa, Queensland

About: A fantastic free camp 50kms west from Cloncurry in Queensland. Easy short dirt road in, lots of space and if you’re lucky you might get a spot on the dam. Lots of Red Claw and you’ll also be visited by lots of cows.

An amazing free camp which fully deserves our Top 5 spot.

Full review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/corella-dam-queensland/

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: No limit

Toilets: No

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Very limited

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Swimcart Beach Bay of Fires in Tasmania is our No.2 Best Free Camp in Australia — Bay of Fires is 2nd on our list of Best Free Camps in Australia

2. Bay of Fires

Location: North East coast of Tasmania

About: The Bay of Fires Campground in Tasmania provides a fantastic free camp on one of Australia’s most spectacular beaches. Located just out of the town of St Helens where you can access everything you need for your time there.

Be sure to wake early to witness the spectacular Sunrise each morning from the beach.

Full review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/swimcart-beach-bay-of-fires-tasmania/

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: 28 Days

Toilets: Yes

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Very limited

Read more about the: Great Free Camping in Tasmania

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Gregory River - Our Best Free Camp in Australia — Ranked No. 1 in Our Best Free Camps in Australia

1. Gregory River

Location: Gregory, North Queensland

About: A magnificent location with a campground above the river or you can free camp beside the river.
Simply relax and enjoy the amazing scenery and the opportunity to float down the river.
This is a popular spot for those traveling on to Adels Grove and Lawn Hill National Park.

Full review: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/gregory-river-free-camping-gregory-queensland/

Cost: Free

Max nights stay: No limit

Toilets: No, but free toilets are walking distance away in town of Gregory

Showers: No, but free showers are walking distance away in town of Gregory

Potable water: No, but water is available walking distance away in Gregory

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No but dump point is available close by in town

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: No

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Pin – Best Free Camps in Australia!

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Readers who like this post also read:

How do you like our list of our Best Free Camps in Australia?

Tell us of any we have missed and we will look to go there and add them to our list of Australia’s Best Free Camps.

Safe travels

Kevin & Adele
Indefinite Leave

Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.

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Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:

Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2XQYnsk – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.

Lenses – Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2yQwPed This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/3eCueUo This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/2XlOZ0I – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2TWt0vA – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.

Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

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