Adventurers Diary
How to save money on Accommodation
Working out how to save money on accommodation is important because the cost for somewhere to stay each night can be one of your biggest expenses. It will of course depend on your setup, style of travel, where you go and your experience.
We found the longer we traveled, the more experienced we got and the less it cost us.
After 12 months on the road our average cost per night for accommodation was $33.12. It was costing us around 14% of our expenses.
At the 2 year mark accommodation was 12% of our expenses and now our average per night is $15.15. We have certainly reduced our accommodation costs as we have learnt more and gained experience on our travels.
Over the last 2 years our average cost for accommodation has been just $7.62 per night.
We have worked hard to find ways to reduce our costs and save money on accommodation with Free camping just one of those. On other occasions, opportunities just became available. Today we share everything we have learned on how to save money on where to stay overnight.
Camping Free at Uluru in 2017
Here are our tips on How to Save Money on Accommodation
Wikicamps
Wikicamps is the traveler’s bible, it’s a fantastic app that the owners have done an amazing job to create, but it’s not the Law of Camping Accommodation. It doesn’t know everything as it’s run by us as users. It only knows what information we enter into it. Also it needs to be seen to reflect compliance, but not everything in life is black and white.
There are many more places you can stay that aren’t in Wikicamps!!
Use Wikicamps as an absolutely invaluable guide and everyone that sets off on your Big Lap needs to have it, but don’t limit your thinking to it having the only places you can find to stay.
Wikicamps is an app you can download to your Phone or Tablet for just $7.99.
Free Camps and RV Stopovers
This is the best and most common way to reduce your costs for overnight stays. There are so many fantastic locations to stay for free or very low cost all around Australia.
Check out our list of Free camps here – https://indefiniteleave.com.au/best-free-camps/
Free camping obviously will save you money on accommodation but there are other advantages too. It’s more relaxed and usually you have a bit more space too.
There are still a lot of places that you can’t free camp and that’s why having other options is just as important.
Brown Bay SA
Low Cost Campgrounds
Free Camps aren’t the only way to save funds on the road. There are lots of Low Cost locations to stay also.
These include Showgrounds, Pubs, Parks, Clubs, Station stays and Home Stays where you can stay for a small fee and will save you a lot of money on accommodation.
Our Best Low Cost Campgrounds around Australia
Vineyards
It’s probably debatable about saving money at Vineyards, for us it’d be a lot like staying at Pubs and we would absolutely over indulge haha
There are vineyards around the country though that do offer the opportunity to stay overnight. With some it may not be advertised but by asking the question you might find they say yes.
We spent some time on the road with my cousin. We went south from Mt Gambier and they headed north for a night. They ended up staying the night in the vineyard car park after the owner said it was OK and they even got given a couple of bottles of wine that had been opened. They were a little worse for wear the next day when we caught up again and I was very unhappy at missing out on the fun.
Get Discounts
Caravan Parks are still an important part of traveling Australia. For families they can be great places for the kids to have a lot of fun and enjoy their experience on the road. For us it’s about the location and having power to run our air con and a pool to swim.
We have stayed at some awesome Caravan Parks that have had the most amazing water parks which were fun for everyone.
You don’t have to pay full price at Caravan Parks, there are lots of ways to enjoy discounted stays and actually save money on accommodation.
Read all about how to save money when staying in Caravan Parks.
McGaurans Beach Vic
Leave the children at home
Ok, just threw this one in to see if you are paying attention lol
Wait, is it an option…… no…. ok!!
Talk to the Locals
We pulled up in a car park by the river at North Haven in NSW and an older man came over and asked if we were staying there the night. The answer was No as we were just there to take a look at the river and maybe do some fishing.
We were being very cautious as we didn’t know where he was going with it. We had no intention to stay in that spot the night anyway but it did seem strange. Turned out he used to have a Motorhome and was a local and he gave us all the details of where we could stay. One spot that the Rangers don’t enforce any rules and another where the Rangers couldn’t do anything.
We ended up in a great spot by the river for a couple of nights for free and have been back again since too.
He was a lovely fellow, hope he’s OK as he was having some cancer issues at the time.
That is just one example of locals giving us Gold information. We met a young family at Dalmeny Campground and then bumped into him again in his hometown further south. He gave us a premium location to stay that we enjoyed all to ourselves for 3 nights, listening to the waves and enjoying some spectacular beaches and fishing.
These are just 2 occasions, there have been other circumstances too. The more people you meet and are friendly to, the more opportunities that arise.
Find places that Council don’t have jurisdiction
The Council don’t own everything in town. You’d be surprised where you can actually stay that Rangers don’t have jurisdiction over and no-one else will be bothered.
The big trick to this is don’t put anything outside, not even your step down to climb in your rig, no awning, nothing. Don’t even leave your TV aerial up for the night. The obvious one is also to contain your water and leave the area tidier than when you arrived. Don’t stay in the obvious prime positions such as at the beachfront, beside the river or where a lot of people will pass by.
Be Self Contained
We stayed at so many Free Camps around the country that require you to be self contained. While a technical definition of self contained can be different wherever you go it’s pretty obvious that it will mean have your own toilet and shower and be able to contain your black and grey water.
We can all argue about definitions, it’s meaning and having a clear National ruling on it but reality is, having a toilet, shower and capturing the after effects will open a lot more places to stay that will save you money on accommodation.
Understand the difference between Signs
No Camping sign isn’t necessarily the same as a No Overnight Stays sign.
Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge there is no absolute definition of Camping in Australia. Therefore, any Council can define camping differently.
Any sign installed by a Council relies on legal definition and legality. This is why you will usually see signs state No Overnight Stays or similar that clearly state that you can’t stay in your vehicle. A sign simply saying No Camping without any other information could easily be argued that Camping is staying in a Tent.
If the No Camping sign also has an image of a vehicle with a line through it, then that is different, it clarifies and it includes a Caravan or Campervan etc can not stay overnight.
Excerpt from an article in RV Books
Michael Eburn, Barrister and Associate Professor at the Australian National University’s College of Law wrote on the website www.rvbooks.com.au that, A notice, regulation or sign can be challenged on the grounds of uncertainty. In Director of Public Prosecutions v Priestley [2013] NSWSC 407 the defendant was acquitted of the offence of sleeping in Martin Place contrary to a sign that prohibited ‘Staying Overnight’ on the basis that there was no sensible way to understand what ‘overnight’ meant. Justice Adams said ‘Notices or rules which impose “criminal consequences for breach must be… sufficiently certain to enable the relevant tribunal as well as those brought before it to determine whether the impugned conduct is prohibited”.
The article went on to say – So, the answer to the question of ‘what does ‘No Camping’ mean?’ depends on who put up the sign or notice. A sign or notice from a government authority should, ideally, refer you to the Act, regulation or by-law that they rely on to regulate camping. You need to go to that legislation, regulation or by-law to see what definition applies. Where there is no definition, and where an inspector attempts to impose a penalty, you would have the option to ask a court to determine what ‘camping’ means in the particular circumstances. That is unhelpful as it is both expensive and it means you cannot know, in advance, what is or is not permitted but it does mean that allegations of ‘prohibited camping’ can be challenged. And if the alleged prohibition is too uncertain it may be void.
If the definition of “overnight” can be challenged and won then how would “Camping” be defined by a court?
Carnarvon Gorge
Making the right decision
Of course, being right doesn’t necessarily make it the right decision. Get a fine and it’s still going to be cheaper to pay it than try to defend it.
For us, we will consider a lot of factors. Are we in a large city or a small town? Is where we are a busy position? Would we expect there to be an issue for some reason? For example parking in a boat and trailer bay at a boat ramp (don’t do it). How private is it and any other factors that give us the feeling it may cause us an issue?
If the only sign is just a No Camping sign with no other instructions we will weigh up all the factors before making any decision. No Camping though does not necessarily mean you can’t stay in your vehicle. It also doesn’t guarantee a Ranger doesn’t want to make quota or he’s having a bad day and won’t fine you.
For us, we have stayed in a lot of different places and great spots where we have never had an issue.
Meet people, be friendly and don’t be Negative Nancy
It would be impossible to travel the country and not make new friends. I couldn’t imagine how you could not make great new friends on the road. We have met some of the most amazing people traveling Oz and we now have some amazing mates all around the country.
We certainly never expected or intended it to happen but we have stayed in the driveways and front yards of so many of our new friends all around Australia. Every time it has been a privilege and an honour to be asked and offered such kindness. Therefore we have always tried to respect the opportunities and friendships of those that have extended us such generosity.
Be friendly, be kind and enjoy every moment on the road and similar opportunities for a few nights here and there will likely become available for you too.
Visit relatives and friends around the country
We really enjoyed catching up with family and friends who live around the country and often we were invited to stay with them. My Cousin lives in Karratha and we had 2 weeks with him in his apartment and it was great fun.
We stayed with friends for 3 weeks and then 6 weeks in Darwin on their acreage which really allowed us to explore Darwin and see the Top End more than we might have otherwise.
We stayed with my brother in Longford in Tasmania for some of our time there and Adele’s cousin in Sarina on their cane farm.
Meeting family and friends around Australia we hadn’t seen for a long time or very often was a big highlight of our time on the road. The opportunity to stay with them made it even better. Make the time to stop and visit your family and friends and they may offer for you to stay too.
Dalmeny Campground
House Sitting
Our great friends we met and spent a lot of time with around Australia did numerous house sits as they traveled.
At first they had some trouble being selected but once they had one they found it easier. We visited them at most of the house sits they did and they enjoyed spending time with the animals, looking after the yards and sometimes a pool. They enjoyed the opportunity to have some space again with a house after long periods in their Caravan.
Our friends were able to stay for weeks at no cost.
They used Aussie Housesitters to find their places to stay. You just sign up, membership is $84 for the first year with reduced fees for renewing members.
If you would like to look at it further just follow this link for Aussie Housesitters. Simply sign up and get access to hundreds of opportunities to house sit all around Australia.
Plan where you will be during peak periods
Having a plan around where you will be during peak periods such as school holidays, Easter and Christmas can help you avoid paying any premium prices for places to stay and therefore save money on accommodation.
At these times of the year most places are often booked out and full. So without a plan you could be forced to pay huge prices to stay somewhere you didn’t plan to.
Try to work your itinerary to spend these times away from the crowds and Tourist areas and staying at less Commercial places where it’s quieter and you can still find a good Free Camp or somewhere to stay at the right price for your budget.
How to Save Money on Accommodation is just one of a series of articles we have compiled on ways to save money while traveling. You may also enjoy reading:
How to Save Money on Food and Groceries
Save Money staying at Caravan Parks
How to Save Money on Alcohol – Coming soon
How to save Money staying at Caravan Parks
Pin It!
What are some great ways you save money on accommodation?
Safe travels
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave
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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/2upyEfM – 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/2GoBt37 – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.
Lenses – Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RL7CY7 This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/2ve3w2Z This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/37pCAM9 – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RpOJed – 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.
Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/37oKkhb 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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Adventurers Diary
The 7 Towns in Australia we could Live
The 7 towns in Australia we fell in love with and could live.
As you make your way around the country there’s always going to be places you fall in love with and think “I could live here”. A place that you find that just resonates with you.
For some people it happens. When we first started considering traveling we followed a family called This is our Australia. They got to 1770/ Agnes Water and loved it so much they bought 5 acres and set up stumps there. They have been living there now since 2015.
1770 Lark
Lots of people sell up before they go with the view to finding their new abode, far away from where they lived before they left.
We aren’t looking to settle anywhere else other than Brisbane at this stage, in fact we haven’t even contemplated stopping but it hasn’t stopped us from falling in love with a few places around the country.
Places we fell in love with but could not necessarily live
There are lots of other places we have loved, many of them, but they aren’t ones we would necessarily live. Broome for example is awesome as is Exmouth, we loved Darwin and Bruny Island was magic, but we couldn’t live in any of them.
Hill Inlet Whitsundays
When we were in Hervey Bay I wondered if I’d live there. I could picture having a boat and spending a lot of time out in it there. I said to Adele “could you ever see us retire here”. The answer from Adele was simple – No….
These are the places where we felt we would fit in to the culture, love the people and the beaches, it felt stress free and we really could embrace the lifestyle.
These are the 7 towns in Australia we could live after traveling over the last 4 years!!
Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach, Queensland
Where is it?
Rainbow Beach is the Gateway to magnificent Fraser Island. 67kms East of Gympie, it is a 2.5 hour drive from our hometown of Brisbane.
Why do we love Rainbow Beach?
It’s close to Brisbane, which is a big attraction, plus it is small with no traffic and no traffic lights. The beach is stunning and the Coloured Sandhills are beautiful.
Fraser Island is 10 minutes and a 15 minute barge trip away. Noosa is a 1 hour beach drive away.
Rainbow Beach has an excellent pub, a Surf Life Savers Club overlooking the beach and a yummy ice cream parlour. What more does one need?
What might stop us living at Rainbow Beach?
It’s a little more expensive to live here as it is mainly a tourist town. Fuel costs more and there’s no major grocery chain.
Approximately 1200 people live in Rainbow Beach but that goes to over 24,000 during holiday season. Midges can be a problem but that’s going to be a potential issue at any beachside town.
It is very small town and in the long run we might get bored and need more variety.
All up, a very high probability.
Our livability rating: 8
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Airlie Beach Lagoon
Airlie Beach, Qld
Where is it?
As if Airlie Beach needs any introduction. World renowned for the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach is a short 30 minute drive East of Proserpine and a 2 hour, 150km, drive north of Mackay in North Queensland.
What do we love about Airlie Beach?
I could move to the Whitsundays tomorrow!! It is very high on our list of the 7 Towns in Australia we could live!
Wow, what a magical place. We have been to the Whitsundays a few times even before our road trip and now back twice more and it is just sensational. We had our Honeymoon at Airlie Beach and it continues to be a special place for us, the incredible natural beauty is very difficult to beat.
I could easily move here, buy a boat and jet ski, set up a YouTube channel and just explore every island, every beach and fish all day long.
There are 74 islands in the Whitsundays and I could happily spend the rest of my days exploring each and every one of them.
There’s plenty to do here and it’s big enough to have good infrastructure of major shops. There’s only one or two sets of lights, not too much traffic but a lifestyle that would be so amazing.
What might stop us living at Airlie Beach?
It’s a 12 hour, 1100km drive from Airlie Beach to Brisbane. It’s just too far from our Mums.
Airlie Beach has been hit by several very damaging Cyclones over the years, the most recent being Cyclone Debbie in 2017 that caused $3.5b damage in damage and killed 14 people.
Did we mention we love Airlie Beach!! 🙂
Our livability rating: 8+
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Margaret River Chocolate Co.
Margaret River, Western Australia
Where is it?
Margaret River is a small town in a beautiful region 277kms south of Perth in Western Australia.
What do we love about Margaret River?
This is a stunning region mostly recognised for it’s amazing wineries. There are also superb beaches, stunning tall forests and cave systems that make it unique and a genuinely great place to live.
We love the vibe and it’s potential for further growth.
Our great mates from West Aussie Nomads now live there too which is a bonus.
What might stop us living in Margaret River?
Too far from home.
Too cold in winter.
I don’t imagine we will ever live in Margaret River but we will definitely visit there for some long stays in the future.
Our livability rating: 7.5
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Portland Marina
Portland, Victoria
Where is it?
Portland is 100kms from the western end of the Great Ocean Road in Victoria.
What do we love about Portland?
We really enjoyed Portland, a beautiful seaside town where everyone seems very friendly. The fishing looks great and it’s so relaxing.
It’s a laid back town where nothing happens in too much of a hurry. We felt relaxed and enjoyed the towns atmosphere.
The wildlife around Portland is superb and there’s so much to see within the region.
What might stop us living at Portland?
Weather!! Way too cold for way too long. Not a place for us Queenslanders!!
Like Margaret River, it’s just too far from family in Brisbane. A great location and we hope to visit again in the future.
Our livability rating: 7
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South West Rocks
South West Rocks, NSW
Where is it?
South West Rocks is in the mid north coast of New South Wales, half way between Brisbane and Sydney.
What do we love about South West Rocks?
This was very much our kind of town. We love that is has every kind of water course covered. There’s a great Surf beach, Rocks walls with stunning rock pools, a glorious Bay, a River system and a Creek.
Every type of swimming, fishing, surfing, snorkeling and diving is covered.
It’s big enough to have a Coles but there are no traffic lights. It has good growth potential and if you love the ocean it’s a magical place to be.
Due to Ocean current flows which bring warm water from the tropical regions the ocean water temperatures are relatively warm all year round.
Hat Head is close by and a genuinely beautiful location too.
Out of the 7 Towns in Australia we could live, this equally rates the highest with Airlie Beach. We could easily live at South West Rocks.
What might stop us living at South West Rocks?
The distance to Brisbane.
We really enjoyed South West Rocks and it is definitely high on our list of 7 towns in Australia we could live in. We potentially could very happily retire there when we get old 🙂
Our livability rating: 8+
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1770 Sunset
1770/ Agnes Water, Qld
Where is it?
The towns of 1770 and Agnes Water are just 5 minutes apart. They are located half way to the north of Bundaberg and south of Gladstone in Queensland.
What do we love about 1770/ Agnes Water?
Without doubt the best sunsets on the East Coast of Australia are at 1770. Only Moreton Island gets close.
Agnes Water is the last location north in Queensland to have surf beaches. We do love it here and it’s so close to major cities of Bundaberg and Gladstone.
It’s a fantastic little town with no traffic lights, superb fishing and a great culture.
1770/ Agnes Water would be high on the list of locations we could live.
What might stop us living at 1770/ Agnes Water?
Midges would be an issue, they can be bad here.
It’s a very small community, we might get bored.
There’s not a lot of infrastructure. You need to go to Bundaberg or Gladstone to get a lot of major supplies and trade assistance.
Our livability rating: 8
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Narooma
Narooma, NSW
Where is it?
Narooma is in the South Coast of NSW approx. 200kms from the NSW/ Victoria border.
What do we love about Narooma?
There are a lot of places we have loved in southern NSW, Bermagui and Pambula are just 2 others but for us Narooma and Dalmeny were sensational. Narooma is another beachside town with a spectacular river, fantastic fishing and a great atmosphere.
We really enjoyed our tour to Montague Island which was fascinating. We also enjoyed the local little towns such as Tilba Tilba and Bodalla.
Only 5 minutes north is the beautiful sea side town of Dalmeny Beach which we also really enjoyed.
There is so much beauty in this area, lots to do and see and the people were so friendly.
What might stop us living at Narooma?
Too far from home.
Too cold in winter.
Our livability rating: 7.5
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There they are, in no particular order, the 7 towns in Australia we could live in and happily retire to.
What would be your happy place to move to if you did?
Safe travels
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave
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Photography & Socials
Our camera equipment we use for all of our photos and videos are:
Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – https://ebay.to/2upyEfM – 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/2GoBt37 – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.
Lenses – Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RL7CY7 This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/2ve3w2Z This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/37pCAM9 – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RpOJed – 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.
Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/37oKkhb 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
Follow us, Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-
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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This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through a link on this page we may receive a small commission. It will not cost you any more, in fact we’ve sourced out some great deals for you. Thank you for supporting us.
Adventurers Diary
The Forgotten Travelers
There’s an enormous Impact on the Forgotten Travelers around Australia.
At any one time it is estimated there are normally between 100,000 to 120,000 people traveling around Oz.
They are driving in 4wd’s and Caravans, Motorhomes, Fifth Wheelers, Camper trailers, Campervans (whizz bangers), tents, swags or simply in their vehicle. The range of options on how we do it varies.
Whatever the setup is that we have, it’s our home. It’s our sanctuary and we love it.
Sandfire Roadhouse WA Checkpoint March 2020
Styles of Travelers
It’s the same with the different styles of traveler.
Many go on holidays, taking time off work to visit a location or region and enjoy a great time wherever they choose. Often it’s with the family during school holidays or whenever time off work is available.
Others take a bit more time, usually a few months at a time and go out and explore regions over short periods before heading back home and getting ready for another adventure sometime later. Once the home maintenance is done, the grandkids have been visited these travelers will head back out again and spend another few months on the road before heading back home.
The majority of travelers would fit those scenarios and are fortunate enough to have their home to return to any time they desire.
Quick Run…. the virus is coming!!
With all that is happening right now in this crazy situation of Covid-19 the entire world has found itself in, we have what I believe are The Forgotten Travelers.
The Forgotten Travelers Living on the Road
These are the guys who are Living on the Road.
They are out there doing their Big Lap, for commonly 1 year, maybe longer. They live in their Caravans and Motorhomes.
Then there are those that are more like us at Indefinite Leave. These guys are traveling and exploring over an even longer, extended period of time with no set date at the moment. When it will all end hasn’t been decided.
Social Distancing Fail
Living on the Road to Survive
Then there’s the most vulnerable, the ones who through life’s twists and turns, bad choices and bad luck, find themselves with the only option but to live on the road, with no assets, no funds, no home, just their fortnightly pension to try and survive.
In each of these scenarios these Forgotten Travelers have no home. They either had no home, Sold their home or it is Rented and unavailable.
Online discussion and in general talk there has been little to no empathy or even a willingness to understand the plight of this marginal part of society.
Low risk of Coronavirus here
Varying Reports
Life is a lot easier from the Ivory Tower, sitting on a lounge chair, drinking a chardy and watching the nightly news dissect every angle from many so called experts all willing to have an opinion. The more wild and outlandish comments the “specialist” is willing to make, the better.
After all the Media are in the business of creating fear.
Now don’t go presuming I’m downplaying the facts of what’s happening. This is extremely serious!! But when the news have people saying this is going to last 12-18 months, like one headline I saw the other day, it is beyond absurd. No one knows that, it’s speculative and designed to create fear because that’s what keeps people watching, listening to and reading the news.
That’s just one example of many.
Also don’t think I’m encouraging anyone to travel unnecessarily. Quite frankly I think the shutdowns and closures in Australia have been too slow and instead of getting in front of the issue the dog has just kept chasing it’s tail.
We have been reactive instead of proactive.
No Social Distancing issues here
I can’t control that however and we rely on those we elected to make these decisions.
So let’s be clear, I believe and encourage no–one to participate in non-essential travel of any kind. Stay inside and Stay healthy. Simple….
The Difficulty for The Forgotten Travelers
But back to my point, there’s a whole group of Forgotten Travelers out there that are finding this extremely difficult to do. Through no fault of their own they find themselves in a foreign position in a foreign location with chaos all around them.
We have received Messages, Phone calls and Feedback directly from hundreds of people traveling Australia who are genuinely over-stressed, frightened and scared, who are currently facing a dilemma not of their making who are confused and don’t know what to do.
Police Roadblocks WA
Essential Travel
Just this morning I received a phone call from someone who has to get from Perth to Darwin. I’m not going to discuss their personal position, that’s not my place, but the reality is he must do this trip. He’s on his own, he is his wife’s registered carer and she and the kids are in Darwin. There is a lot more to the story which I won’t divulge here.
His feedback to me was the people commenting online are making life so much harder for him. He said there is so much bad information being spread that for someone like him who has to complete essential travel, the speculation in groups and forums has created so much stress for him and his family..
As of right now he has driven Perth to the Sandfire Roadhouse where there are roadblocks and he will need to sign forms to continue. He said there are hardly any other vehicles on the road, mostly just some road trains, a few trucks and mining vehicles.
His words to me were, I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to drive thousands of kms on my own, with the unknown of what to expect with roadblocks, in 41c heat. Usually he said people are nice but he has been treated nastily several times. He just wants to be with his family. He is tired, he is stressed, he doesn’t want to get sick.
Going Home is not an option
Others who are trying to do the right thing and stay in one place and self isolate are contacting us too. After they’ve settled in they have received news that the Caravan Park is closing and they have to leave. Now they have to pack up and find somewhere else to stay and it’s not easy. So many places are closing and other places to stay are impractical.
Some of those exact people are the ones who are at greatest risk. They have low immune systems, they may be elderly and some who have contacted us are solo female travelers and they have genuine reasons to be fearful.
Telling them to go Home isn’t an option. In fact, it is ill informed and ignorant.
Shouldn’t you two be further apart
Where do The Forgotten Travelers Go?
People are telling us, they’ve pulled up in Campgrounds, Caravan Parks and Free Camps with the intent of staying until it’s all over, only to be told it’s closing down. They have to move!!
They don’t want to go, they don’t want to travel, they don’t want to have to try and find a new place to stay. One thing is for sure, they don’t want to be told online to Go Home……
Time for Kindness and Compassion
Times like now brings out the Best and Worst in people. Right now we get to choose the type of person we want to be!!
It’s in these moments we need to be more kind then ever. We need to be less judgmental than ever. We need to take off our comfy slippers and put on the shoes of the other person.
Yes we need to stay inside. Yes we need to stay home. Clearly the very vast majority of people are doing that.
If someone says they are taking their family for a holiday over Easter and stuff what everyone else thinks then go for your life, they deserve public pressure.
But don’t assume anything, not everyone is traveling with no good reason. Of the very very few people out there right now on the road, the majority of them would be just trying to find their safe place. Their travel is probably forced upon them and they are doing their best.
Pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef is isolation
Support for the Forgotten Travelers
There are people out there who don’t have a house, don’t have any base to go “home” to, who are the opposite side of the country to their family, who are frightened and unsure of what to do. They are lonely and struggling to deal with what is happening. State borders have closed around them.
They don’t need to be abused, they need support. What they do need are offers for a place to stay. They need help and to know that us as a traveling community and family are there for each other.
Telling these people to Go Home, Stay inside or Self isolate isn’t the answer. Even the worlds most remote humans and recluses would have the message by now. We all know it’s time to lock ourselves in front of the TV but for a small few, those aren’t luxuries they have available to them at this moment.
Our 22 Best Free Camps in Australia
What it really costs to Travel Australia – everything you need to budget for
Rapid Bay Campground, South Australia
This looks a safe place
Message to the Forgotten Travelers
To those Forgotten Travelers, the Full timers still on the road I do have this message. It is still your responsibility to do the same as everyone else and exercise Social distancing and Self isolation. We are hearing that Wilks Park in Wagga is being closed and there were problems with the people there still enjoying Happy Hour together and other activities.
This has been commented to us from Caravan Parks also where travelers have been told they will be evicted if they continue to interact.
It is as vital that you follow protocol as much as everyone else in society, please follow the guidelines and remain in your “home”.
Let’s chill out on The Forgotten Travelers!!
Stay well
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave
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Photography & Socials
Our camera equipment we use for all of our photos and videos are:
Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – https://ebay.to/2upyEfM – 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/2GoBt37 – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.
Lenses
Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RL7CY7 This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/2ve3w2Z This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/37pCAM9 – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RpOJed – 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.
Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/37oKkhb 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
Follow us, Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-
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
Discover the Best of Portland
Just beyond the Great Ocean Road in Victoria traveling west is the small beach side town of Portland. It was here we spent 6 fabulous nights to enable us to fully explore the region and discover the best of Portland. What an amazing location we found it to be, there are so many things to see and do!
This is one of those few towns we have been to where we could picture ourselves living and certainly somewhere we will revisit in the future.
The Portland weather was great to us and we enjoyed beautiful sunny skies and good weather. March and April may just be the best months to visit before the really cold weather sets in.
Portland Marina
Discover the Best of Portland at the Port
Portland has a large, deep, sea port and is currently a major timber and wood chip exporting location. The Port of Portland is a great way to discover the best of Portland. Watching the trucks at the Port being unloaded of the wood chip cargo is eerie when you watch for the first time. The trucks are raised high into the air to an almost upright 72 degree angle until all the cargo is released. It is fascinating to watch and it would be interesting to know how those trucks are locked in.
Each truck only takes a few minutes to unload. A new truck enters the Port every 30 seconds, 7 days a week. They unload products including logs, wood chips, aluminium ingots, livestock, grain and fertiliser.
A large fishing fleet occupies the Marina with Rock Lobsters, Abalone, Fish and Squid all bountiful and caught in the beautiful local waters. It’s a busy wharf with lots of activity.
The Jetty’s and Pontoons are perfect fishing grounds for land based fisherman and the rock walls are home to a variety of fish. Snorkeling and spear fishing are very popular here.
Portland Camping
For our accommodation at Portland we stayed at the Henty Park Campground which is behind the Portland Cable Tram Station. The Tram takes you on a 7km journey around the town and is mostly run by volunteers. The Campground is a free 48 hour stay for vehicles which are self contained and became a great location for us to make new friends and a great base to discover the best of Portland and nearby beaches.
We also had one night at the Sawpit Picnic Area just out of town to break up our stay at Henty Park.
Here are Our 22 Best Free Camps in Australia
Beautiful Cape Bridgewater Beach
Cape Bridgewater
A short 15 minute drive out of town is Cape Bridgewater, one of the best beaches in the region. It is as good as anywhere with beautiful white sand, clear blue waters with waves rolling in on a calm day. It was here I attempted to go surfing with my Cousin Tim and his wife Amy, only my second ever attempt. Alas, at least I tried.
There are so many awesome beaches around Australia, here are our 3 lists of Best Beaches –
1. The Best Beaches in Australia 1-10
2. The Best Beaches in Australia 11-20
3. The Best Beaches in Australia 21-30
In the water on the Seal by Sea tour
Seal by Sea Tour
We also completed the Seal by Sea Tour at Cape Bridgewater and this would have to be our best value for money tour on our trip so far. You will discover the best of Portland by sea for just $40 per adult. They will take you along the rugged coastline to view the cliff faces to the first of several large Seal colonies.
Then they took us further up to the tip where we witnessed big NZ Fur Seals and a few Australian Seals before heading back to the first group of Seals where they have a shark cage located. For an extra $20 they provide Wet suits and snorkeling gear to allow you to swim with the Seals. We were all very keen and jumped into the waters to engage with the Seals.
The Seals were otherwise occupied though and didn’t come to us in the cage so we asked could we go out of the cage. The guide said we could but it would be at our own risk. “Risk of what” we asked? “Great Whites” he said!! Without hesitating we all jumped into the water anyway and for almost an hour we swam with the Seals. The Seal Pups were so inquisitive and would come right up to us, sometimes stopping in front of us to take a look.
Watch our videos of us swimming with the seals:
Seal by Sea Tours are still just $40 but they now have new snorkeling tours. Book the trip we did or view their new tours at their website – http://www.sealsbyseatours.com.au/
Cape Bridgewater Koala
Our First Koala Encounter in the Wild
Heading back from Cape Bridgewater we were surprised to find a Koala beside the road. We stopped to ensure he didn’t venture onto the road and were amazed when he came over to Adele allowing her to pat him. The Koala was surprisingly friendly and then it took off heading for our Motorhome. At first we thought he was looking to hitch a ride but eventually we got him into the bushes away from the road.
Amy Surfing
Tim Surfing
Blacknose Point
Blacknose Point is a very popular surfing spot at Portland and our cousin and his wife got out the surfboards and headed in for a paddle. We sat on the rocks and enjoyed watching them in action and managed to capture some great photos.
This time I left it to the experts, my training wheels are still on at this stage!!
Portland Wind Farm
Portland Wind Farm
The Portland Wind Farm is one of the largest in Australia. These huge wind turbines generate electricity from the wind. This one in Portland produces 500 GWh annually, enough electricity to power approximately 125,000 homes each year or over 7% of Victoria’s annual power.
Petrified Forest
Petrified Forest
Just past the Wind Farm is the Petrified Forest. The formation of the Petrified forest is a collection of hollow tubes of Limestone called “solution pipes”. These have been eroded over millions of years of rainfall. Water gathers in a shallow pan of sand and seeps downwards dissolving the Limestone. The mineral saturated water then cements the sand, forming hard, trunk shaped pipes. Some of these pipes can be up to 20m high.
Portland is approximately 200kms from the South Australian border in the south west of Victoria. It’s a great place to stop with lots of shops, excellent accommodation for a weary traveler and the people of Portland are very friendly. The winter months do get very cold so the peak tourist season is usually from October to May each year.
The Great Ocean Road begins about 120kms East of Portland just past the town of Warrnambool.
Some other great places to stay along the Great Ocean Road are:
Anglesea Beachfront Caravan Park
Have you been or are you yet to discover the best of Portland? Tell us about your time in Portland?
Safe travels
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave
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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/2upyEfM – 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/2GoBt37 – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.
Lenses – Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RL7CY7 This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/2ve3w2Z This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/37pCAM9 – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RpOJed – 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.
Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/37oKkhb 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.
___________________________________________________________________________
Where to Find Us
Follow us, Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-
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
___________________________________________________________________________
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through a link on this page we may receive a small commission. It will not cost you any more, in fact we’ve sourced out some great deals for you. Thank you for supporting us.
The 7 Towns in Australia we could Live
The Forgotten Travelers
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