Next weekend’s Tamworth Outdoor Living and Caravanning Expo has doubled in size from last year, and it’s not hard to see why.
Many locals loving caravaning and camping, seeing it as a great way to experience Australia’s open spaces and natural beauty. The number of Australians doing caravan and camping trips is increasing (according to statistics from the National Visitor Survey). Last year, Australians took 15.2 million caravan and camping trips, spending $14 billion – with 90 per cent of nights in regional Australia.
And members of the Tamworth branch of the New South Wales Association of Caravan Clubs are some of the most enthusiastic.
Dayle and Barry Gillard, from Rocky Creek, bought their first caravan in 2007 and have been travelling regularly for the past 18 years.
“We finally retired last year so are gearing up for bigger and long trips,” Dayle said.
“Our first van was great, then we progressed to a pop top and now we have a 23-foot off-road with all the bells and whistles.”
“We can be completely off-grid because we have our own solar power, plenty of water and a shower and toilet. It’s very comfortable.”
Dayle said the best part about caravanning is being able to go where to like when you like.
“I love the fact you don’t have to pack your bag every day to shift to a new location, you’ve got everything with you.”
“We enjoy visiting small towns. I don’t like spending big money at Coles or Woolworths but prefer to buy local in a small town we’re staying in.”
“Travellers can give so much back to small local country towns.”
“We’re so busy these days trying to save a buck, I think many people have lost the value of how important things are to people, especially in rural areas.”
Helen Hayward and her husband Brian, from Moonbi, are also keen caravanners.
“We try to have a trip every month and usually drive about two to three hours from Tamworth but sometimes we have a longer rally where we go away with others for several weeks,” Helen said.
“We get to see this beautiful country in which we live, and it has so much to offer!
“Mostly we free camp. It’s inexpensive and great to be self-sufficient, given we have our own power, water, a comfortable bed and everything we need in the van.
“You meet interesting people and get some great information about places you might not have been to yet.”
Dayle, (68) and Barry (69), are planning to head to Western Australia next year and explore the great open roads there.
“We want to see as much as we can now while we are still fit and healthy and able to drive distances,” Dayle said.
Dayle agreed with Helen that caravanning also provided the opportunity to meet interesting and diverse people.
“We pulled up in Brewarrina recently to have lunch at the fish traps there and met a small group of young schoolgirls.”
“They were lovely, interesting and engaged and asked us lots of questions about our travels.”
In July Helen (74), and Brian, (75), are driving to Stanthorpe to check out the local district which boasts a range of wineries and is a truffle growing area.
Helen said caravanning is an excellent way to get around and see the country.
“We’ve been overseas and have no real desire to go again, given the beautiful natural beauty we have here in Australia.”
Dayle and Helen had some tips for people who may consider the caravan lifestyle.
- Don’t over pack, really think what you need
- Be organised so that you can just hook up to your trailer and go
- Enjoy caravanning while you are still able to – don’t wait forever to go
- Be open minded about meeting new people and going to places you may not know much about.
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