The Camping Thread

[Trevor 57]

Was going to go to Fraser Island next year - it will be interpreting

This has been going on for 7 weeks, WTF has the fire services been doing? NOW, they are getting serious with it

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

So I guess you hear the ferry is up and running again. Hope you're hungry because you've got some words to eat

So for those who think the west coast is too far from Adelaide; which im inclined to agree with, there is a ferry between Wallaroo and Lucky Bay (Cowell) which still puts you 1.5 hours drive to Lincoln. I think the initiative of the ferry was to help reduce the amount of trucks on the road. The time youd save driving and fuel costs are sucked up by the cost to use it and its waiting time to get on so the biggest upside is less fatigue and an experience.

spencer gulf sea road/

That is a lot more expensive than what it was about 15yrs ago when I went on it. You'd have to be sh!tting cash like a sewer to think this is worth it.

I think I will be taking the long way around next time, stay in Whyalla overnight with family then continue my journey to Pt Lincoln from there.

[Tonz]

Originally Posted by blueoval

That is a lot more expensive than what it was about 15yrs ago when I went on it. You'd have to be sh!tting cash like a sewer to think this is worth it.

I think I will be taking the long way around next time, stay in Whyalla overnight with family then continue my journey to Pt Lincoln from there.

gaah its an 8 hour drive, whats your problem? ahh yes kids of course, with plenty of vegetation roos on the road are lower than I have ever seen, do it at night time.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Tonz

gaah its an 8 hour drive, whats your problem? ahh yes kids of course, with plenty of vegetation roos on the road are lower than I have ever seen, do it at night time.

8hrs is just over half a days travel, even with kids.

[Trevor 57]

Planned 2 holiday next year, each for 2 weeks. We did the same last year and hardly went anywhere, I hope 2021 treats us better

[prydey]

Impromptu weekend away for us starting tomorrow. 3 nights down on the fleurieu peninsula at a family owned caravan park called Wirrina. Been there quite a few times. Youngest likes it a they have some farm animals you can feed (goats and horses). I was going to be working but now I have next week off. Weather is forecast to be low to mid 20's, so grabbed the opportunity to get away for a few nights.

[Trevor 57]

It is nice to be able to make a decisions about trips away now that COVID is mostly under control - although we will NOT be going to any big capital cities for a while

We are only taking the minimum off over Xmas new year

We will take 2 weeks in late April / May, then another 2 weeks in late October / November (Fraser Island)

[Tonz]

Originally Posted by prydey

Impromptu weekend away for us starting tomorrow. 3 nights down on the fleurieu peninsula at a family owned caravan park called Wirrina. Been there quite a few times. Youngest likes it a they have some farm animals you can feed (goats and horses). I was going to be working but now I have next week off. Weather is forecast to be low to mid 20's, so grabbed the opportunity to get away for a few nights.

were you around when Wirrina first opened, big fanfare, big hooharr. the marina was going to be for international yachts etc etc. fart I even did an amway conference there one time

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Tonz

were you around when Wirrina first opened, big fanfare, big hooharr. the marina was going to be for international yachts etc etc. fart I even did an amway conference there one time

I went there about 20 years ago when it was like a resort, with a conference centre, mini golf I think, main golf course, indoor pool, hotel style accommodation, restaurant etc. We stayed in two storey apartments that were separate to the main complex (I think they might still be there). It was all quite fancy. It lasted only a few years from memory and changed names a couple of times. Not sure what's left of that place.

The caravan park we stay at is not connected. Just has the same name. I think it's a converted sports club as it still has the main oval. Club rooms are now reception and showers and toilets.

There are these weird looking chalet things you can book as well and I have a feeling they may have been something to do with the original Wirrina as well.

[Tonz]

thats it, yikes that brings back memories

[raised by monkeys]

Stayed at Wirrina Cove last new years. Great family friendly place.
Were camping Yorke Peninsula National Park 18th/19th at Shell Beach.

[prydey]

I'll put some pics up when I get a chance of our stay at Wirrina. We had the place to ourselves basically. Was a great weekend (Dec 18 - 22).

[raised by monkeys]

Camped 2 nights at Shell Beach campground Innes National Park. Great beach although word got out and was packed on our second day. Good sand, rock pools and good water when we were there. There is clean enough public long drops.

Stayed 3 nights at Point Turton at family's shack. Went fishing with family friend and bagged out on king George. Heap of Rat Kings around the marina and jetty but I had no luck with them.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

Camped 2 nights at Shell Beach campground Innes National Park. Great beach although word got out and was packed on our second day. Good sand, rock pools and good water when we were there. There is clean enough public long drops.

Stayed 3 nights at Point Turton at family's shack. Went fishing with family friend and bagged out on king George. Heap of Rat Kings around the marina and jetty but I had no luck with them.

I think with the uncertainty of borders opening/closing, a lot of people are opting for the local haunts now. What once was occasional visits by city folk are now being bombarded by those who dont really get into camping and looking for their next holiday fix. Just means seldom visited areas will now be over flowing with cashed up people who previously couldn't care less about Yorkes or anything much in SA.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by blueoval

I think with the uncertainty of borders opening/closing, a lot of people are opting for the local haunts now. What once was occasional visits by city folk are now being bombarded by those who dont really get into camping and looking for their next holiday fix. Just means seldom visited areas will now be over flowing with cashed up people who previously couldn't care less about Yorkes or anything much in SA.

while i do agree with what you say, I'm a bit more cautious in tarring all with the same brush. Yes, people are forced to holiday locally rather than travel, but they aren't all the types you portray.

On the positive, I think its very good for the well being of these communities. Tourism is what these places live on a lot of the time and this period will eventually pass, but at least these places are having an increase in patronage for a while. Its good from their perspective.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by prydey

while i do agree with what you say, I'm a bit more cautious in tarring all with the same brush. Yes, people are forced to holiday locally rather than travel, but they aren't all the types you portray.

On the positive, I think its very good for the well being of these communities. Tourism is what these places live on a lot of the time and this period will eventually pass, but at least these places are having an increase in patronage for a while. Its good from their perspective.

I completely agree with this part. These communities do need the help and I am happy that they are receiving it.

I guess I am more disappointed that state locals weren't supporting these regional communities better pre-covid, rather than being 'pushed' towards it now because they have no other choice. Just feels like artificial support to me. Once the international borders open, I dare say this honeymoon period will be over to a certain extent.

[hayseed]

Originally Posted by blueoval

I think with the uncertainty of borders opening/closing, a lot of people are opting for the local haunts now. What once was occasional visits by city folk are now being bombarded by those who dont really get into camping and looking for their next holiday fix. Just means seldom visited areas will now be over flowing with cashed up people who previously couldn't care less about Yorkes or anything much in SA.

Very True, We had a week away Camping recently. Spent 2 nights in the caravan Park at Jindabyne. The couple next to us said that they were supposed to be Touring Europe for the Month of January. But Instead had bought a caravan & went on a road Trip.
they had been pleasantly surprised at the sights & attraction Australia has.. Wife & I got the distinct impression that they were going to do More caravanning & less international Travel, in future.

[raised by monkeys]

Originally Posted by blueoval

I think with the uncertainty of borders opening/closing, a lot of people are opting for the local haunts now. What once was occasional visits by city folk are now being bombarded by those who dont really get into camping and looking for their next holiday fix. Just means seldom visited areas will now be over flowing with cashed up people who previously couldn't care less about Yorkes or anything much in SA.

Originally Posted by prydey

while i do agree with what you say, I'm a bit more cautious in tarring all with the same brush. Yes, people are forced to holiday locally rather than travel, but they aren't all the types you portray.

On the positive, I think its very good for the well being of these communities. Tourism is what these places live on a lot of the time and this period will eventually pass, but at least these places are having an increase in patronage for a while. Its good from their perspective.

Yes and Yes. Port Lincoln was packed out with tourists both within and interstate over the past few weeks. Unfortunately, it is the dirty dozen that ruins it for the majority. One of our coastlines was smashed over the period with people driving over the scrub that holds it all together rather than using tracks, camping in spots not dedicated to camping and leaving rubbish behind - meanwhile its a small cohort of volunteers that look after this large area.

[Tonz]

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

Yes and Yes. Port Lincoln was packed out with tourists both within and interstate over the past few weeks. Unfortunately, it is the dirty dozen that ruins it for the majority. One of our coastlines was smashed over the period with people driving over the scrub that holds it all together rather than using tracks, camping in spots not dedicated to camping and leaving rubbish behind - meanwhile its a small cohort of volunteers that look after this large area.

packed ! it was stupid crazy for those not involved with tourism. There are some prize drongos around that I would gladly not see here again.

[blueoval]

I think this will be the sadder side to an otherwise flourishing regional tourism sector. You will see more and more of these city folk who care not or are supremely ignorant of the care and respect needed for these communities.

I don't mean to tar everyone with the same brush. But I know of some people who are avid country hoppers (pre-covid) that wouldn't set foot in a camp site or visit some of our awesome regional areas, but now using their cash surplus to put on the grey nomad lifestyle with their sub 150-200k car/van setups all of a sudden, and are completely unaware/uneducated in respecting some of the camp spots and grounds around SA. Not all I will point out. But you would expect them to know better.

[BENT_8]

You can pick the new money campers a mile away, 80k 4wd, 80k caravan and no idea how to manouvre it.
Had to laugh the week before christmas, standing in the check in queue at West beach listening to some random whinging because their site wasnt drive through and they had to reverse the home on wheels into position..lol

Van yards cant keep up with demand, many big brands have such long wait times on new builds(8mths) that they've decided to give the caravan show a miss this year.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

Yes and Yes. Port Lincoln was packed out with tourists both within and interstate over the past few weeks. Unfortunately, it is the dirty dozen that ruins it for the majority. One of our coastlines was smashed over the period with people driving over the scrub that holds it all together rather than using tracks, camping in spots not dedicated to camping and leaving rubbish behind - meanwhile its a small cohort of volunteers that look after this large area.

It'll only get worse until the council starts restricting access, then when all the bogans sell up and **** off back to Bali next year the legacy left behind will be to have stuffed it up for the seasoned camper.
Its already happening around the hills and riverland, places which were once open have been closed or restricted.

[raised by monkeys]

This is the spot I was talking about above

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

This is the spot I was talking about above

So much for 'take only photo's, leave only footprints'

[blueoval]

Thats just disgusting.

[davenl5l]

I bush camp and have carted my rubbish 100's of klm's until i find a empty bin sadly this usually includes a bag of other peoples rubbish picked up off the ground at the campsite

[roKWiz]

Geeze, newbies trashing the countryside. No different to what's been happening in other states.

At least the OS backpackers won't get blamed for it.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

Geeze, newbies trashing the countryside....

At least the OS backpackers won't get blamed for it.

No, just the 'newbies' this time. Unfortunately my observations is it's not those new to camping. These types of things have been happening long before covid.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by prydey

No, just the 'newbies' this time. Unfortunately my observations is it's not those new to camping. These types of things have been happening long before covid.

Yes but not to the current extent, its due to the huge influx of people holidaying at home that the amounts of rubbish and excrement has come to attention, hence the media interest.
This inturn will draw the wrath of the do gooders and soon after the easy fix of restriction.

12 months ago i could free camp anywhere around lake Bonney, now due to ferals and 4wds theyve reduced access to many of the good spots and will no doubt start charging for the few spots, it'll only get worse.

Its hard enough finding a bush camp setting at the moment, with many of them going to online bookings and when you can its packed solid and the facilities are filth.
I can get that in a caravan park on any long weekend or holiday period.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Yes but not to the current extent, its due to the huge influx of people holidaying at home that the amounts of rubbish and excrement has come to attention, hence the media interest.
This inturn will draw the wrath of the do gooders and soon after the easy fix of restriction.

12 months ago i could free camp anywhere around lake Bonney, now due to ferals and 4wds theyve reduced access to many of the good spots and will no doubt start charging for the few spots, it'll only get worse.

Its hard enough finding a bush camp setting at the moment, with many of them going to online bookings and when you can its packed solid and the facilities are filth.
I can get that in a caravan park on any long weekend or holiday period.

Spot on. Even going to Chookaloo in Kuitpo Forest is almost impossible no matter the time of year last year. Ive tried going mid week, non school holiday, non long weekend and can never ever get a spot. Cannot prebook. Its first in best dressed. Makes me wonder if these 'campers' are actually permanent residents there or not. I've given up trying to get in there, its hopeless.

I have a mates with land in Myponga and Mt Compass which I have been welcome to stay at. So I will probably do that again in future.