Just read through the entire thread, very informative and thanks for sharing! 2 friends and I (all guys) are planning a campervan trip for Melbourne- Sydney, currently have 8-9 days to drive excluding the time for the cities. It will be in mid-late May. I have a few questions hope the pros here can help to clarify:
Likely you din read thoroghly enough..haha, most points covered..
1. I suppose a Hitop 2-3berth will be sufficient for our needs. Ensuite toilet should be not necessary since its winter and do not really need to bath as often. Can we pee in the wild lol. With regard to booking, I understand the major renters are Jucy, Britz etc. But to get the better deals, which are the recommended agents' websites to browse through to look for deals? Where can I find relocation deals also, since we're quite close to the actual date now.
Pee in wild corners. Dig hole and cover poo for consideration. Nonetheless do you business or park near public toilets. Most sites have.
Many agents (ever-growing/new ones) charges less than direct. USe competing non-affiliated agents quotes to price match with direct Sydney/melbourne are popular sites, won;t have relocation offers, unlike Darwin, Cairns, Hobart.
2. We are experienced drivers, driving in SG and for myself several overseas, is zero excess is necessary as we are also afraid of any adverse events happening
Your call, but for almost double price for 5% touchwood chance of zero liability claim, I feel not worth. Your travel insurance covers $300-500. For bodyworks/screens, car workshops can handle the standard campers.
3. Parking fines, so can I check what are the areas that are not illegal to park with the campervan, other than camp sites, holiday parks. Also, I read that Wikicamps is a good app for all these camp sites info?
Everywhere free, except posted parking signs/gantries typically in cities.
Some campsites have donation boxes, own time, own money carry on.
Wikicamps AU is free and accurate. But usually direct you to official ulu/darkspots, there are still beach parks, town play parks (with toilets: poo/pee/washing/rinsing) to park overnight at. May/Jun lull period, rangers/patrols wont bother.
4. Is the coastal route a better route or should we go through Victoria/ACT? We intend to go the GOR which is out of the way. Do we have time for Grampians?
Coastal route if going one-way.
8-9 days exc. cities is fine for GOC and Grampians. If 2-way, Syd-Mel (2 days), Mel-GOC-Grampians-Mel (4 days), Mel-Syd (2 days), quote relaxed pace
5. Will it be excrutiatingly cold at the night sleeping in camper vans? Is sleeping with many layers of clothing required?
Will try to update in this thread also when our route firms up
Coastal not cold, + mid-May is not peak cold, min. 10C.
Supplied sheets/comforter are sufficient, use car heater.
Line sleeping panel sides with pkg cardboard to insulate.
Me and kid sleep with undies/thin tee only, blanketed.
* Remember, extra sheets/linens/camp chairs/tables cheaply available at K-mart, $5-10 each. Cheaper than renting from depot ($25 each hire).
Giveaway to fellow campers on your last night, Not worth the $40 20kg luggage to carry back either if on budget flight. OR like a camper suggested, give for free on gumtree, in exchange for a free ride from return depot to airport. (cabfare ranges from $20-100)
