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Post by kiwijim on Jan 17, 2011 6:35:04 GMT 10
G'day, to all the C.Cers in the South West of W. A. We're getting ready to hit the road again with our THOMSON caravan, We're thinking of heading South and wonder if any W.A. C.Cers know of any free camp sites, either in the bush or on private property. even if there is a nominal fee involved, we are interested to hear of it, like many others, we are fed up with having to pay up to $44.00 per night in C/van parks, Our van is self-contained and we would rather camp in private than having to put up with hundreds of people making a racket well into the small hours. If anyone knows of good spots any-where in the Great Southern,........Please Post it Here. ;D ;D ;D Thanks all. kiwijim
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Post by millard1399 on Jan 17, 2011 15:49:01 GMT 10
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Post by keiramoo on Jan 17, 2011 16:10:43 GMT 10
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Post by kiwijim on Jan 17, 2011 19:57:19 GMT 10
Howdy Al & Chris, Thanks for the leads, Yep the Camps 5 Book has been helpful, but, there are very few Free sites available in WA compared with other states. I would rather find a Farmer who, for a few quid in the pocket would allow us to use his land, with the guarantee that it would be left clean when we left. There are large areas in WA that all bush camping is totally banned, especially on the coast, the only exceptions are areas that are classed as State Forrest, or National Parks, here they charge double, once for an entrance fee then again for a Camping fee, no facilities at all, you just pay for the privilege of being there, they can stick those places. So...... any more leads will be taken on board and if proved to be "the ants Pants" these sites will be used in any future Classic runs we hope to get swinging in the cooler part of the year. Cheers kiwijim
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2011 12:23:26 GMT 10
Hey Kiwi Jim there's a nice spot down at Wellington dam. Bitumen all the way.Large camp area, big ablution block. Turn off is on the left on the main entrance road to the dam, can't remember the name of the spot? but if you get to the dam you've gone to far!!! You can go for a splash in the dam too. Bob keeps talking about going down but we just haven't got there yet!!!! We spent a few days out at Sandy pool in the van over Chrissy break,which is out past Yarragal the last camp site in the Lane Poole Reserve in Dwellingup.This spot is one of those spots that you call your secret spot, but seems to be everybodies secret spot now days Anyways it is along way out in the bush with no facilities at all and the rangers still came out and charged us camp fees $7 adults $2.50 for kids. We were quite discussed really as we've been camping there for years for free!! we believe you shouldn't have to be paying to camp in State Forest especially when there's no ammenties anyway. Will try and rack my brain for other spots, will post as they come to mind
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Post by kiwijim on Jan 21, 2011 15:49:53 GMT 10
Howdy 3fifty1, Yep, we have been to Wellington Dam, But the only time we pulled in there was when the ankle biters were on holiday and you couldn't move, No shade and as hot as hadies, so moved on to Margaret River. I still think there could be some good spots along the Blackwood river but, like you found, those pesky Rangers are every-where, and they all have their hands out for the Govt coffers. There must be that farmer with a big block of shady trees somewhere. We'll keep on looking and when we find the place, will let every one know. ;D cheers kiwijim.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2011 22:51:50 GMT 10
Hi All,
I don't know if the National Park Authorities in WA have anything like the SA arrangement but it might be worth a follow up.
Here you can buy a 2 month Pass to the majority of National Parks AND add a camping Permit for 2 people to it for just over $100.
It used to be closer to $60 but they got greedy.
It's not worth it if you are just going for a few nights but any time over 10 to 12 nights and the other 50 are free. ;D ;D ;D
Cheers, techron
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2011 0:13:09 GMT 10
Hey Kiwi Jim found this one on Gum tree it's not exactly free but $80 a week in Margaret River sounds alright. Margaret River community house / caravan on farmDate Listed 16/01/2011 Price $80.00 Address Margaret River WA 6285, Australia Beautiful farm , 5km from margaret river... Little house,Caravan or camping area available...and big shed /community house to share with kitchen and outside shower.... Ideal place to stay for people into permaculture or people looking for farm experience.... we are looking for a maximum of 4-5 people , 2 couples will be ideal or friends travelling together. the prices is 80$ / week / each all bill incluses. contact us for a visit! call Jodie or Do 08 97588319 (price negotiable for longer stay.........)
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Post by kiwijim on Jan 25, 2011 4:22:53 GMT 10
Howdy All, TECRON, There could be a similar deal going here with the camping permits for National Parks, But it gets up my nose when one has to pay for something that is owned by the people of Aust. It also bugs me that there is very few, if any facilities in these parks, My thoughts are......if you have to pay for something, you should get something in return. While we were traveling around Tassie recently, I purchased a Nat Parks Pass on the ship on the way over, cost $40.00 for one month. Never did use it as there was so many R.V. Friendly towns along the way with very very cheap sites available right in town. Also we were amazed at the free camp sites we came across, many even had free gas B.B.Qs available plus weather shelters and drop toilets, and this was in the middle of no-where. I tell Ya, the rest of Aussie has a long way to go to catch up with Tassie as far as being Caravan Friendly and welcoming the Tourist Dollar. Howdy 3fifty1 That place you mentioned down near Margaret River sounds really interesting, and that's the sort of place we have in mind, The price sounds O.K. compared with Caravan Parks, its a bargain. Could you let me know exactly where in Gumtree you found this Add ? thanks. It could well be a great meeting place for all the C.Cers who, we hope, will head over here from the East in October ;D ;D ;D Or a central meeting spot for the local C.Cers in the future. Cheers kiwijim
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2011 13:08:04 GMT 10
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Post by kiwijim on Jan 26, 2011 14:11:32 GMT 10
Howdy 3fifty1, I followed your link to that add with-out any trouble, It sounds like to me that those people want a couple to share work on the property, but I haven't been in touch with them as yet. I have seen that the CAMPS 6 book is due for release next month, and orders are now being taken. Checking the up-dates for the CAMPS 5 book, I found that the WEST AUST camper is now worse off with around 6-7 closures of free camp sites. I'm thinking of placing an add in GUMTREE for any property down South willing to allow camping......never know ones luck. cheers kiwijim.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2011 10:41:48 GMT 10
We drive over to WA most years and there are plenty of free campsite going over , a bit scarce around south west part . You will find you will have plenty of company as well. just look in the afternoon as you pass and you will usually see someone set up. These areas are huge in the scrub and are better quality than the caravan parks across to the West. Some have toilets also and fireplaces. Cheers. vanatic
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 22, 2011 14:37:25 GMT 10
Howdy vanatic, Yes, you are right, there are plenty of good camp sites on the way across the "Big Sand Patch" but, It's a different story when looking for a free-bee one here in the South West, The place is getting far to regulated and a number of towns are actually down on camping in their Shire, only allowing you to stop in their, over-priced Caravan Parks. Then they wonder why people only stop a couple of days then leave. I think it's a pity they don't get off their big flat B #@%$$^ and go and see what many Eastern States towns are doing to welcome the Caravaner. There are many small towns we came across in our travels both in the East and down in Tassie, that only survive because of the Travelers Dollar, they realize this and will do anything to keep it coming in including free camp sites with free gas B.B.Q's , pit toilets, showers and drinking water. I'm afraid W.A. has a long way to go in trying to match this, Maybe they may wake up in the next century, well hopefully they will. cheers kiwijim.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2011 22:17:36 GMT 10
Ha, good ol Welly Dam. I used to live in Collie(a stones throw from Wellington Dam) and we would often run out there for a weekend to get away from it all This photo is the last time we went, around mid 90's. The little pop up is the one I replaced the floor in. It cost me 650.00 to buy the camper and you can see our little canoe on some racks on top.It was a fantastic little camper, dont know the make of it though. We went to Manjimup for a job and it rained for 3 days and with the help of some silicon along the joins the tarp didnt leak anywhere. Fond memories of good times
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 23, 2011 5:59:40 GMT 10
Howdy Nasa62, It looks like you were camping at a time when the little vegemites were all at school and not making a hell of a racket around the place. ;D Yes, it's sure nice around Wellie Dam, I've been tooking back at our photos of when we were down that way, "Man" that was way back in 08, I reckon another month and the heat should be down enough for us to take off again, and we will be heading South, We hope to head down through the Tall Timber Country of Collie and as far South as Esperence, might take a couple of months but, we're in no hurry, Then back home for a short break, before we head up North for another Wild Flower Tour of the Mid-West. ;D kiwijim
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Post by Deleted on Mar 23, 2011 18:58:43 GMT 10
Yes KJ, I was going to mention but forgot, that if anyone wants a nice quiet weekend at Wellington Dam , do not go on a long weekend! It is so packed that if you dont get there a few months before, you wont find a spot. We went once and we had some guitar nut and his friends(about 10 of them) playing singalongs. It was nice to start but after about 2:00 in the morning it got a bit monotonous I got this pic one year when the dam overflowed. I think that stuff going over is called WATER, but I'm not sure as it's been so long since I have seen any. It looks like stuff we get out of the tap ;D ;D ;D
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 23, 2011 22:23:21 GMT 10
"Boy" I bet that photo of all that stuff, coming over the dam was taken a long time back. ( Er Yes I think it is called water ) May-be some of our Eastern State's members can verify this fact for us. ;D ;D ;D We do hope for rain here in the West, I'm getting sick of this Desalinated Sea Water. Can't stand fish scales in the Morning Coffee. kiwijim
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Post by bobt on Mar 24, 2011 17:12:58 GMT 10
and about time too.. what being retired and all that. No projects happening at home (we can tell) you should be on the road to somewhere nice.
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 24, 2011 18:40:55 GMT 10
G'day there Mr ( U. A. S.. ) Bobt, Yes I have a project on the go..... The THOMSON. The Dear One has decreed that the rear kitchen will have to be raised 100mm before she cooks there again, This means the entire cabinet work, Stove, Sink & water pump is coming out. So.....Grabbed the local "Free to advertise" news paper this morning, Two adds caught the eye, !st..... two brand new i/s mattress's at $ 40.00 ea, had them in the Nissan by 8.30 am. Next.....Free laminated bench-tops, had a load of these in the Nissan by 10.30 am. Now resting in the eternal heat ( still 35deg ) with a COLD BEER in hand. Now I have around 3 weeks before we hit the road again to rebuild the THOMSON. And some-one said I ain't doin Nuttin ;D ;D So, ""COME ON MR""lets see the progress on U A S ;D ;D ;D kiwijim
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2011 20:39:18 GMT 10
Yeh, you tell im Jim. ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Post by bobt on Mar 24, 2011 21:30:44 GMT 10
See told ya...
ya just sitting around reading the paper and drinking beer.. ;D ;D
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 25, 2011 17:41:16 GMT 10
I just Gotta show Ya this ......... I went out the other day and did a job on a caravan, as payment, the guy gave me this 3 way fridge, Here's proof it's working fine, ( running at 5deg ) why else would I put a couple of items inside it ;D........... Now,......Where did I leave that Book ;D ;D ;D kiwijim
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Post by bobt on Mar 25, 2011 22:07:50 GMT 10
not bad... not bad at alll
did he stock it for you too?
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Post by Deleted on Mar 25, 2011 23:53:47 GMT 10
was looking like a great deal till i saw the contents yughk
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 26, 2011 3:00:26 GMT 10
Did he stock it for me ? Yer, I wish Bobt. There's a UCK on the contents............. Well, when a blokes on a miserable Pension, and the tongue is dragging on the hot tar seal, he's inclined to grab the cheapest beer that's around, $29.90 a block here in Perth,at the present. HANDY HINT, check this Site...http://www.boozle.com.au/ kiwijim
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