Your news and views? Email us at [email protected] the Issue 53: August 30, 2013

Times discoveryholidayparks.com.au In this issue: •Discover sapphires & sunflowers •A cool way to cook •Stop the sway

Where the bloody hell are ‘Open road thrills putting the nomads going to go? us to sleep’ Besides meeting new people, “The free camps of today seeing new things, and rev- will become the caravan elling in the sheer sense of parks of tomorrow.” freedom, there’s apparently another cracking reason to hit the open road ... to get a The surging popularity of the decent bit of shut-eye. grey nomad lifestyle is helping An overwhelming 81.3% of to create a caravan park capac- respondents to our poll on ity ‘crisis’. the issue said they slept bet- A new academic study has ter when they were tucked found that rather than expand- up in their caravan, mo- ing capacity to keep pace with torhome, camper trailer or the surging demand, caravan tent, rather than when they park numbers have plunged Some van parks are already packed to the rafters were in their ‘home’ beds. alarmingly. and all the rest,” Mr Caldicott “I predict that in five years’ Frank & Kathy T both no- “‘Where the bloody hell are told the GNT. “However, many time today’s popular freedom ticed a dramatic difference all the caravanners going to grey nomads just want a nice camping spots will be regulated but they suspected it wasn’t go?” asked the research paper’s patch of grass to park their in some way by government,” just the fresh air that was author, Rod Caldicott from self-contained vehicles for the he said. “There is going to be helping them to nod off. Southern Cross University. night, and perhaps pay $10.” a growing demand for gov- “I am thinking that happy “Nationwide there are 10% less So how will the ‘crisis’ resolve ernment supplied, low-cost hour may be assisting here,” caravan parks than there were itself? Mr Caldicott says it is patches of grass.” they wrote. 15 years ago and that at a time very much a case of going back Mr Caldicott also suggests that Diane L didn’t mention the when demand for RVs has gone to the future. more new caravan parks will booze ... but does she still through the roof.” “It all started in this country be built away from tourism get a better night’s rest on The statistics are startling. with people finding a nice hot spots, and we will also see the road? There are now 474,000 RVs spot and freedom camping security fences and boom gates “Most definitely!,” she said registered in Australia and the by a riverbank or behind the being put up at city centre car emphatically. “I’m much numbers are climbing steeply. sand dunes,” he said. “But then parks where self-contained more relaxed!” Of course, developers building more and more people came travellers will be free to spend So, what about the minor- on prime locations has been a and there was rubbish left, and the night. ity? Did they struggle with big factor in falling van park people going to the toilet in the Basically, he says, when de- lumpy van beds, wake up in numbers, but Mr Caldicott says bushes, and damaging trees mand reaches a certain point, fear of a bikie gang campsite ‘outdated’ planning regulations by tying ropes to them, and it entrepreneurs find a solution. invasion, worry they hadn’t are stopping new parks spring- needed to be regulated and so “You are seeing a backlash put the campchairs away? ing up to meet demand. caravan parks sprung up.” from some commercial caravan Actually, nothing quite so The academic’s study also However, with the move back parks now and they are calling dramatic ... at least not for focused on the changing site to freedom camping, Mr Cal- for freedom camping spots to Stephen M. mix within van parks and their dicott predicts some ‘hidden’ be shut down,” he said. “But He doesn’t sleep better in apparent ‘segmentation’. gems will become choc a bloc you can’t stop people ... it is a the bush, but then he doesn’t “Some owners looking for re- and the whole ‘who is going to tradition that dates back to the sleep worse either. turn on investment are building fix the roads, who is going to swagman days. We are a society “I am the same,” he wrote. family friendly parks with wa- take the rubbish out?’ cycle will of campers.” ter parks and jumping pillows begin again. Click to comment Click to comment

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Characters of the Road Nomads in Brief Birdsville croc Seven years on the road and The Birdsville croc, the 1.5m ‘freshie’ that has been ‘Stopalots’ still have itchy feet living in the Diamantina River near Birdsville for Bev, 62, and Frans, 69, are up to two years, has been on the road full time caught and transported Where is home? 1600km to a Gold Coast The road ... but we have bought theme park. It is not a house at RV Homebase in known how the crocodile, Maryborough, Queensland, nicknamed DD, got to the which is currently rented back Birdsville area. to village management. We may Caravan ‘flipped’ settle down there one day! A Melbourne couple are What do you travel in? lucky to be alive after a Southern Cross 8m fifth freak accident flipped wheeler (called Stopalot) towed Bev and Frans say a fifth wheeler is perfect for them their caravan near Broken by a Ford F250. It is our full- Hill in New South Wales. time home so it is big enough it suits us. We have solar panels and Local governments fight- The Toyota was travelling to be comfortable and to carry and big batteries, so if the sun ing the closure of free and low towards Menindee when a all we want, but not too big to is shining we can live comfort- cost camping spots. Bev likes to gust of wind hit the caravan stop us accessing some of the ably without mains power. read and knit and crochet. We it was towing, flipping it and like bushwalking, bird spotting, great camp spots we want to go Likes of the lifestyle? smashing it onto the road. and fishing. to. Obviously, it is too big to get The freedom to go where we Wicked words into a lot of national parks and want, when we want and to Do you work or volunteer? Police have said they can do other bush camp sites, (and a explore this beautiful country. We have been camp hosts, nothing to stop a camper lot of caravan parks) but we are We have seen many wonder- caretakers, volunteers on Out- hire company from embla- happy with it. It does not have ful places and met many lovely back cattle properties, helped zoning the F-word on the slide-outs so is a lot smaller people who will remain friends restore an 1860s timber slab side of their hire vehicles inside than the big American for life. hut, and we have also done a or from offering discounts fifth wheelers. lot of house sitting. ... any dislikes? to those who ‘smoke weed’. Time on the road? Being confined in a small space What wouldn’t you be without? The Advertising Standards Close to seven years now. There in wet weather, especially if the The diesel heater! It allows us Board has received 39 is still a lot to see, places to go surroundings are muddy. to be comfortable in very cold complaints against Wicked and explore, and we will just weather. Campers since 2008. What and why? keep going for now. Fridge snatched Favourite on-the-road meal? Favourite camp so far? Where do you like to camp? Smoked salmon risotto, with If we had to pick just one spot, Police are investigating We love the peace and quiet jaffles on the camp fire running it would be Osprey Bay in Cape the theft of $2000 worth of of the bush so, where possible, a close second Range National Park, WA. Be- camping fridges and equip- we go to national parks and ing able to snorkel just off the ment from the open awning On-the-road hobbies? bush camps. We use free camps beach is fantastic, and to swim area of a caravan at the Frans spends a lot of time whenever we can, and caravan with turtles is a really lovely Southside Holiday Village preparing submissions to State parks when we have to or when experience. in Rockhampton. QUIZ CORNER This week’s challenge: Grab a Cuppa and test your grey matta Caption competition Can you think of a fun Last week’s winning caption caption for this shot? Do You Know sent in by Tony F: 1. Crabs Drill Sieve (anagram). Don’t lose your shirt here next week! “Is it sup- 2. I’m in WA driving from Norseman to Esperance. Which highway am I on? posed to 3. Is Adelaide closer to Coober Pedy or Melbourne? be rolling 4. Which WA national park houses the famous Pinnacles? back- 5. In which NSW spa town can you take off an ‘e’ and still have more? wards?”

Click here for more entries Email your (Answers on p. 7) entry here Your news and views? Email us at [email protected] the Issue 53: Times August 30, 2013

Dear Editor, Tara was a Shepherd cross, and (GNT: Issue 52). We recently weekend. Once you get on the Re: Dog poisoned (GNT: Issue it would be hard to replace her. purchased a caravan for the road you will be amazed at how 52). Ross and Lynne, our hearts We will eventually, perhaps. first time. I have never towed easy it all becomes. Even I can go out to you over the loss of But yes we must be aware of anything much before so we back into smaller spaces now your beloved Toby. We too 1080 out there. Unfortunately both took the Tow Ed course and there is always someone to have recently lost our beloved there are people who decide and it was absolutely super. help if you are not sure what baby and know what a hole it they don`t want their dogs, My wife and I came away to do. leaves. 1080 does have its place dump them, and they join up with not only confidence and Spida in animal control and this just with the wild dogs, and then knowledge, but also aware of Dear Editor, reinforces that we have to be cause major losses for farmers. what can be done and when we Re: Favourite song of the road very aware it is out there and Natalie & John L need guidance. I would highly survey (GNT: Issue 52). We hopefully signposted promi- recommend this course. Dear Editor, agree with ‘On the Road Again’ nently. Hope Diesel, in his Alan H I am sorry for your loss. We song so much that my husband own right, will also now have a too have lost a pet to deliber- Dear Editor, has it programmed and, as we special place in your hearts. Di & Greg ate poisoning. Have recently One thing about Heidi, she leave anywhere, he just hits returned from trip through knows how to put you down play – love it. Dear Editor, WA, NT, and SA, I was not just and out. Be like Jaclyn and give Karen M I have just returned from a surprised but appalled at the some encouragement. At least Dear Editor, three-month trip with my pet lack of knowledge of 1080 and Eric knows his limits and is Love Willie Nelson. dog. Your story brought tears baiting. What was more con- facing them. Always remember, Patricia R to my eyes. I can’t even imagine cerning was the attitude of the if you can’t back someone will how you are feeling. Losing my owners that their dog wouldn’t help. Just ask. Dear Editor, mate would be devastating. wander or pick anything up. Ted S (Grumpy) Unbelievable! Who cares what Joye T They looked at our golden other people like. You sing or Dear Editor, lab in fear with her well-fitted play what you like yourself, we Dear Editor, Being in my seventies, I knew metal muzzle. They were more don’t need survey for God’s We and NZ are probably the only I was good at backing my car, worried she might bite than sake. countries still using 1080. Poor but anything on the tow-bar our warnings of poison baiting. Ireina J judgment on our governments’ and I’m hopeless. So, my Take no chances; even if not part, it kills indiscriminately. choice was a motorhome, just signed. The baits cat be trans- Dear Editor, Sally R short enough to drive on a ported by birds. As a ‘muso’ playing country/ Dear Editor, Heather car licence and with a slideout rock for 40 years, playing ‘50s, We were travelling around WA for that extra space to make ’60s and ’70s, I used to sing in our caravan and also lost our Dear Editor, it more ‘homey’. I couldn’t be two of Willie Nelson’s songs little dog. Fortunately not to Our condolences for Toby’s happier or more confident. (‘You are always on my mind’ 1080 ... he had kidney failure. demise. It would have been There are some difficulties and ‘On the Road Again’). As We had the greatest of pleas- heartbreaking to see. Many with not being able to unhitch the leader of this four-piece ure from Sam (he was 13) and people aren’t aware that 1080 and go sightseeing but there harmony band (one female) loved having him with us on baits are often picked up by are plenty of tours to be taken, and producing their music, not our trips. We were absolutely birds and can be found far which outweigh the cost of one Australian artist impressed devastated. We had him cre- from any warning signs. Most insurance, rego and fuel to me enough to ‘cover’ their mated in Perth and brought his national and conservation tow a small vehicle for such music. However, I would have ashes back to NSW with us. parks use baits so be especially purposes. I have a battery- probably (if pushed enough) Hazel B careful. We have found baits operated fold-up scooter for covered Lee Kernaghan and up to 10kms from the warning towns with good pavements. John Williamson’s ‘True Blue’ Dear Editor, signs. It’s also a good idea not It’s not rocket science but it because of their natural Oz We lost our dog through 1080. to allow your animal to drink works for me! Work out your voices. The others used far too Unfortunately, my husband had out of creeks, as if an animal own abilities and you will be a much American drawl for me. actually done the drop some has been poisoned and dies happy camper. Gulfman weeks before but had forgotten in the water, the creek will be Jennie M about it. He was showing his contaminated. Always a good Dear Editor, sister around and ‘Tara’ was of Dear Editor, idea to keep them on leads in There is only one truly, truly course with them as she would Go and do a course. I am told the bush. Australian singer through and not miss out on going in the Karol F they make a huge difference to through and that is John Wil- ute. This was over six years confidence and you are given liamson. ‘Old farts in Caravan ago, and we still miss her. She Dear Editor, wonderful tips. There was one Parks’ sums it up nicely. understood everything we said. Re: Jaclyn and Heidi column in Perth – about $350 for a John Your news and views? Email us at [email protected] the Issue 53: Times August 30, 2013

Dear Editor, tion it will be thoroughly Dear Editor Give me John Williamson or washed and soaked ready for Re: Kids in parks (GNT: Issue Slim Dusty any day ... Aussie, rinsing and drying. Rinse in 51). Just because someone does Aussie, Aussie, Oy, Oy, Oy! the kitchen sink or laundry not want to spend their holiday My camera and laptop will be Mary sink at a park (which I notice sharing with children and THE items going into the van very few people use) and you’re paying for the extras that the first of all – just wouldn't be Dear Editor, done. Happy (hassle free) travel parks are installing does not able to travel without these Willie’s a LEGEND! My hus- is what this life on the road is mean that they don’t like kids. items. My wife’s priorities band had one only cassette tape all about ... Gottaluvit! What a narrow minded view would be her Kindle e-book of Willie and played it continu- Lyne C some of you have and the pot reader and her i-Pad. Ben G ously from Alice to Adelaide calling the kettle black. I have Dear Editor, Definitely my Kindle. Saves and back again! (Glad I wasn’t had kids and I am a grandpar- We have a sink plunger that the two tons of books I used in the car though!). ent who adores my family but Ron punched holes around to take. (Well, half a ton any- Robyn it does not mean that I want to with a hole punch and a large way!). Lynne spend my holidays listening to Dear Editor, bucket you just add water, Re: Scrubba Washbag ‘gadget’ someone else’s kids. We could not do without our detergent and a bit of elbow Marilyn W (Fritzeen) teabags. Glenys & Graham (GNT: Issue 52). Very impres- grease, hey presto your own sive, especially for those small personal washing machine. Dear Ed, Having recently driven on my items you need to wash. So About 5 minutes for a normal Regarding having tolerance own from Kingaroy to the Al- handy to have! wash, a bit longer for heavy to children and dog and “you ice and back, I think I might Diane L stains. Cost about $10 max. were a kid once, too”. Yes, have gone bonkers without Dear Editor, Joyce (& Ron) we were all kids once but I my new iPod. Howard J Sounds like a good idea but remember being on Christmas Dear Editor, holidays and starting to get a I could not do without my no thanks as if it only holds Where do I buy a Scrubba camera ... and my husband! ‘smalls’ these can easily be little noisy at age 8. My father Wash bag? Just what I need! came out and gave me the one Judy W washed in a sink or trough and Jill S you have to rinse them anyhow. warning he always did to think Our small fold-up footstools. Enjoy reading the Grey Nomad Dear Editor, of others and shut the heck Besides putting our feet on Times with all the interesting I would love a ‘Scrubba’ Where up before I got a smack on the them, they are great to offer articles and comments. can you get one? It will take up backside. I learned restraint visitors as a seat. Many a yarn Shirley L a lot less space than my mini and to be thoughtful of others, has been told from those little washing machine! whether elderly or not. $8 camp seats. Narelle N Dear Editor, Trish Greg This sounds good but a video Drinking water and loo paper. Dear Editor, of how it actually works ie: Dear Editor, Water is sometimes harder to When in Darwin talking to how much elbow grease is One use for the bag would be find than fuel. I also carry a both locals and travellers, the required etc, would be nice to to stick my missus in it ... she’s little butane stove for my es- common cry about Kakadu was see before a purchase. an old scrubba from way back! sential cuppa. Ruth “Kakadu, Kakadon’t”. All said it Peter M Denis P was only worth seeing during My iPad! Dear Editor, Dear Editor, or just after the wet season. We (sent from my iPad) Kay U I have seen some crazy driving took their advice and went to Laundry blues? Problem My ultimate grey nomad out there by drivers of articu- Litchfield, staying at Batchelor solved! Originally, I thought ‘must haves’ are an iPad and lated vehicles (caravans/trail- as a central point there and this idea would be great for a Kindle. I would lighten up ers). And after reading many thoroughly enjoyed it. Pity the soaking whites, but I have our food and clothing rather annoying random comments, water temperature in the falls extended it to all our washing than leave those IT gadgets at advising others on how best or and waterholes was not warmer ‘on the road’. I bought a 20litre home. They are the ultimate criticising other drivers, I think though! plastic esky from Crazy Clarks boredom-busters on rainy or it should be mandatory for all Trish C for $20. Sprinkle Napisan/ too cold days to venture out. liquid washing in the base, add grey nomads to have either LR, Myra S equal amounts of boiled and HR, MC or MR licences. That cold water, add clothing (I can will weed out the ones who The wife! Someone’s got to do fit two sheets plus in it). If you have no idea on the road rules the cooking and feed me! do this just before you head off and on how to tow, reverse and Macca park a vehicle. Yes, I have an for the day’s road trip, place My husband Mike. HR licence. the esky in the step well. By the Pat D time you reach your destina- Lynne S Your news and views? Email us at [email protected] thethe Issue 53: Times August 30, 2013

It’s simple, it’s hot and Website highlights In an NT state of mind It might soon be time for it’s not cooking on gas Australia’s wandering grey nomads to brush up on their geography knowledge … at least it will be if some South Australian ‘rebels’ have their way. The iconic Outback town of William Creek is The cooking revolution that’s saying it wants to secede from been sweeping through the South Australia and become kitchens, campsites and cara- part of the Northern Ter- Many nomads love ritory! And it might not be van parks of Australia is heat- inductive cooking ing up … and grey nomads are the only isolated community loving it! wanting to ‘jump ship’! Other obvious advantages with not the cooking surface. And The idea behind induction Read more here this method of cooking are they can be used all the time cooking is brilliantly simple. that it is only the cookware – … even on total fire ban days. SURVEY Coils beneath the cooktop ele- which must contain iron or Are some ‘state’ borders ments carry a current, which Click to comment creates an electromagnetic steel to work – that gets hot, in the wrong place? field. This current is converted YES NO to heat when cookware, which acts as a conductor, is placed The Ecoheat device, we ware, which is a little more Other website must-reads: on top. purchased for around $300, expensive. However, a lot of The stand-alone cooktops use uses magnetism to induce a cookware manufacturers are A Winton welcome You can still free camp here, around 60% less power than large current into the cooking now producing induction says council any other portable cooker and vessel, the electrical resist- pots and pans at a reasonable Load on the loose are light and easy to transport. ance in that vessel produces price. As a general rule, if a Are you in danger from flying It also means you no longer heat which cooks the food. magnet sticks to the base of objects? have to carry bulky gas bottles The outstanding feature of the pot, it is probably suitable Books to bush with you (at least not for cook- the Ecoheat product is that it for induction cooking. ‘Generous’ grey nomads make is only 800 watts max (about a difference ing). But do they work? Well, The Gizmo Geek verdict our grey nomad ‘gizmo geek’ 3.3 amps). This means it can PROS Show your colours Phil Crockart took one induc- run from a 1KVA inverter * Safe and easy to use Get your grey nomad stickers or a small generator while * Cheap, easy accurate cooking and stubbie holders tion cooktop out for a road test (as responsive as gas) free camping (the inverter is * T h e c o o k t o p r e m a i n s c o o l and came back raving about it much more eco friendly). Be * Perfect for free camping (see his verdict, right). * Will perform all cooking opera- FACEBOOK FUN In terms of cooking speed, very careful of the maximum tions, including frying & boiling wattage as anything over 1KW * Easy to clean, light to transport The Ice Van Cometh ... Cold tests have shown that the fast- * Heaps cheaper than gas snap shock for may overload low wattage est induction cooktop boils six CONS southern grey litres of water in eight minutes, inverters and generators. * Needs special cookware nomads The only downside is that you * Cooktops are a bit expensive Click here nearly twice as fast as gas and have to buy special cook- (but pay themselves back in for more electric stoves. gas savings)

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Want to advertise on our newsletter? Email us at [email protected] The World’sWorld s Best Rust Issue 53: the ProofingPPrroooofifinng SSySystem!yststemem! August 30, 2013

FreeFFreeee CallCalll 181800-NO80000-NNO RUSTRURUSSTT Times www.CouplerTec.com.auwww.CouplerTec.comm.aau Keeping the van on the Industry Briefs Farewell to a classic Volkswagen’s legendary straight when it’s narrow Type 2 Kombi van will cease production at the end of Being able to travel Australia the year. The vehicle, which and experience the freedom of will have fond memories the open road with a caravan for many grey nomads, has in tow is a dream come true for been made in Brazil since countless grey nomads. For a 1957. This reportedly makes few though, the dream will ul- the VW Transporter the timately become a nightmare. longest produced model in Towing a caravan on unfamil- automotive history. iar narrow roads that may be potholed and might also be populated with camels, cattle and kangaroos, as well as the Technology and driver education can improve road safety odd monster road train, is not for the fainthearted. Once on the road, one of the as three effective devices that Sadly, there is barely a week grey nomad’s worst nightmares are commercially available. goes by when a caravan rollo- is to have the caravan start Happily for today’s grey no- VW van production set to stop ver or some sort of other acci- swinging from side to side mads, technology is continuing Move to space out dent isn’t reported. Sometimes behind the tow vehicle. While to surge ahead in the caravan Sunshine Coast-based tiredness is a factor, sometimes sometimes it can recover itself, towing safety world. Al-Ko, camper trailer manufacturer, inexperience is a factor, some- other times it can jack-knife for example, has just released Australian Off Road (AOR), times it’s speed, and sometimes with devastating consequences. its electronic stability system has moved into a purpose- it is simply that high winds, In recent years there have been (ESC). This is able to moni- built, 5,500m2 premises in difficult weather conditions, or some dramatic improvements tor for any dangerous lateral Caloundra. The company, to caravan suspension that has buffeting from other vehicles movements and can then im- which now has up to 150 improved ride and handling, has changed the equation and mediately apply the caravan’s employees, started more resulted in disaster. especially under outback electric brakes enabling it to than 13 years ago from a Grey nomads should do all conditions. There are also a maintain road position. Tests shed at the back of a house. they can to prepare themselves number of add-on appliances have shown dramatic improve- and their vehicles for the that can make a real difference ments in towing safety, par- rigours of towing a caravan to safety. ticularly during ‘emergency’ around Australia. Weight Distribution Hitches, manoeuvres. Taking a towing course is a for example, level out the It seems then that the march of sensible first step for many but vehicle/caravan combination, technology, along with better it is also essential that tow- helping to restore steering and education, proper rig mainte- ing vehicles and caravan are braking performance. Some- nance and improved driving set up and packed correctly. times, it can be wise to fit other skills, can dramatically reduce Travellers need to be sure, for sway control units as well. the number of caravan crash example, that the appropriate The National Caravan and horror stories that still send a towbar is being used, a suitable Recreational Vehicle Towing shiver up the grey nomad spine. Guide mentions friction sway braking system is in place, and What do you do to tow safely? that the rig complies with all control, AKS 3004 Stabilisers, weight restrictions. and Dual Cam Sway controls Click to comment

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FE AS A IT S S C ? ING E W YO A O O CLICK TO FIND OUT ABOUT B AL-KO ESC FOR YOUR CARAVAN! U U T N L D S R A I V C A R A Want to advertise on our newsletter? Email us at [email protected] the Issue 53: the Times August 30, 2013 Uncover a gem in enigmatic Emerald Strike it rich ... or enjoy the The associated Lake Maraboon, history, atmosphere and which covers an area of up to charm of Emerald 150 km², is stocked with eight different kinds of fish including The town of Emerald in barramundi, but is most famed Queensland’s Central High- want to get down and dirty by for the Red Claw Crayfish. land’s region is probably best either taking a guided tour of a Emerald was once a major known as the gateway to the walk-in underground mine or “I’m sure I saw something shiny!” sunflower producer and is now area’s gemfields. by hitting the fossicking fields. Photo: Tourism QLD home to the world’s biggest Van Lying on the Nogoa River, Em- There’s free camping out on the you do strike it rich and want a Gogh sunflower painting on an erald itself is attractive enough fields and you’ll normally find place to celebrate, it’s the bright easel. The 25-metre structure is with good services and a num- a bunch of real characters out lights of Emerald that beckon. made of 13.6 tonnes of steel. ber of top attractions, but it is there searching for the ‘big one’. With a population of around After sunflowers, Red Claw and gem fever which draws most If you’re heading out to the 10,000, Emerald was estab- gemstones, many grey nomads grey nomads to this dream- likes of ‘Graves Hill’, ‘Big lished in 1879 as a base for just enjoy a stroll through filled neck of the woods. Bessie’ and ‘Middle Ridge’ the building of the railway. It’s the town’s impressive botanic The gemfields are a 45 minute in search of your fortune in conveniently situated on the gardens, the Japanese Gardens drive to the west and smaller sapphires, you’ll need a sieve, junction of the Capricorn and or a look at the historic railway towns like Rubyvale, Sapphire, a pick, plenty of water and Gregory highways, and lies just station. and Anakie are set up to stir a stack of determination … below the Tropic of Capricorn. With camping available on the up the fossicker within us all. because many novices find the Among its leading attractions gemfields, and in caravan parks Anakie also hosts the annual novelty can wear off after the is Fairbairn Dam, just to the around the smaller towns, as ‘Gemfest – Festival of Gems’ first few fruitless hours! south. Opened in 1972, the well as Emerald itself, there’s every August. If you’re one of the unlucky dam allowed for the significant plenty besides the promise of There is an abundance of ones you might just have to be expansion of agriculture across instant riches to keep grey no- gemshops, galleries and jewel- content with a photo of your- the region, and large-scale mads in this fascinating area. lers throughout the area but, self next to the ‘Big Pick and coal mining within the Bowen sooner or later, most nomads Shovel’. If, on the other hand, Basin started soon afterward. Click to comment

No place like home Trust me, you’re not the first to Now then Frank. Let me get Dear Jaclyn and Heidi, face this conundrum, Frank. this straight. Your lovely lady My wife Shirley and I hit the I think there may room for has had the good nature to give open road in February. We compromise here. After all, you up her creature comforts and couldn’t have wished for any- and Shirley are a partnership live your dream for six months. thing more. The things we have and there needs to be some Now you want to ditch her seen, people we have met – just give and take. I’m not sure that and keep travelling while she travelling on your own for the is faced with paying the bills terrific. It was my dream to next five months is the way at home, doing the chores and become grey nomads and we to go. She would worry about explaining to your friends and always intended to travel for you for start and, while you neighbours how you appear to around six months but it’s been may not think it now, it won’t love the open road more than so amazing that I’m desperate be the same without Shirley by you love her? And all the while to keep going. The problem is your side. I totally understand you’re having a ball, without that Shirley, as much as she has your dilemma but why don’t a care in the world. Shame on enjoyed herself, is now ready to you suggest going on another you Frank for even thinking go home and I can’t change her trip next year? That will give this. I’m all in favour of travel- mind. I feel that if go home with her time to spend time at home ling for as long as you can, but her, I’ll end up bitter and frus- and recharge her batteries. It’s a deal’s a deal! If I was Shirley, trated and life will be unbear- great fun on the road but it I’d get home and change the able. We’ve been married for 35 can be tiring. Alternatively, if locks – or better still move years and I don’t want to hurt you are really set on this plan, home. But then you might like her feelings but how do I suggest maybe keep travelling for a that! It would mean you’d be that I keep on going and that I’ll month, or two at most, and able to keep travelling forever! see her at home at Christmas?! then wend your way home. Heidi Frank Jaclyn Click to comment