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Towing their 15 foot pop-top caravan from their home in Silvan, Victoria all the way along Australia’s east coast in 2006 covering 21,081 kilometres over 101 days, to rugged explorations of the Top End and WA in 2008 covering 15,288 kilometres over 82 days, the Reed’s have seen a lot of Australia. ഀOver the years they have learnt a thing or two about what makes a successful road trip and normally spend 6 - 9 months planning before each big adventure. ഀHere are Rob and Sandra’s tips for a bon voyage… ഀBefore You Go ഀ
On the Road ഀ
Health Advice ഀ
Pet Advice ഀ
Mechanical Emergencies – take the following: ഀ
Rob & Sandra Reed’s Caravanning Cost Comparison (averaged over 60 days): ഀ
ഀ ഀ UPCOMING CARAVAN SHOWS ഀ
Victoria’s annual Caravan Camping & Touring Supershow will roll into Caulfield Racecourse from 6 May to 11 May and this year will be the biggest ever.ഀ This year there’ll be more caravans, campers and motorhomes, tents and camping equipment, 4-wheel drives and accessories, tourism displays, and more free activities and seminars. ഀWhen: Wed 6 - Mon 11 May ഀ
2009 is set to be another exciting year for the Queensland Caravan & Camping Show. The event will showcase a huge range of Caravanning and Camping Products at Brisbane's RNA Showgrounds. ഀWhen: Wed 3 - Tue 9 June ഀ ഀ K-Rock Folding Bicycles
A 20”, 6-speed folding bike that you can take anywhere. The new K-Rock bicycle is made from a hi-tensile frame (which has suspension) and a patented steel latch system, which ensures that the bicycle will be as sturdy as possible. With Shimano rear derailleurs and grip shifters, the K-Rock is available in three colours (blue, white and silver) and has a maximum weight capacity of 110Kg. ഀ
ഀ ഀ Thank you to everyone who took part in February's VIP Club 'Sign Up a Friend' Competition. We had an outstanding number of entries and we are happy to announce Ken Sheppard as the winner of the new Dream-Pot valued at $260. ഀഀ ഀ The team at We Love This Country has collected plenty of notes on our travels around Australia. ഀ
Where is it? Why go? ഀ Things to do & see: ഀ
Local favourites: ഀ
Did you know? Where to stay: ഀBowen Village Caravan Park Bowen Palms Caravan Park Harbour Lights Caravan Park Discovery Holiday Parks - Bowen Horseshoe Bay Resort Queens Beach Tourist Village Wangaratta Caravan Park ഀ
Wintersun Festival Get your bobby socks on, ease into that old leather jacket and get ready to rock! Australia’s leading Rock & Roll nostalgia retro event is on again. ഀThe Wintersun festival gathers together lovers of vintage cars, Rock & Roll and all things ‘peachy keen’ for more than a week of music, sun, cars and fun. ഀThis year, Wintersun will feature up to 1500 hot rods, custom and classic cars, more than 100 bands and performers, dance workshops, Rock & Roll tribute acts and competitions. You can also pick up a range of car, clothing and collectable goods sourced from around the world at the festival’s Retro Nostalgia stalls, or just cruise around, ‘Daddy-O’, and soak up the cool retro vibes. ഀWhere to stay: ഀBIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park Fingal Holiday Park Boyds Bay Holiday Park Kirra Beach Tourist Park Kingscliff North Holiday Park Kingscliff Beach Holiday Park Drifters Holiday Village Pyramid Caravan Park ഀ Antarctic Midwinter Festival Celebrating the historical and living links between Tasmania and Antarctica, the Antarctic Midwinter Festival is a ten-day program of exhibitions, tours, social events, lectures and displays. ഀDiscover the fascinating world of science and exploration in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Events include exciting museum displays that explore the wonders of deep space, strange creatures and weird science, a fascinating film festival, an extreme environment photographic competition and the ever popular Huskies Picnic in St David’s Park – a great day out with huskies, sled racing and live entertainment. ഀ
Elwick Cabin & Tourist Park Discovery Holiday Parks – Hobart Discovery Holiday Parks – Hobart Eastern Suburbs Port Arthur Caravan & Cabin Park Triabunna Cabin & Caravan Park ഀ PROFILES ഀ
Airlie Beach - gateway to the Whitsundays and one of Australia’s most beautiful holiday destinations. BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort Caravan Park is AirIie Beach’s leading resort caravan park, providing a fun, friendly and relaxed place to holiday with the very best standard of accommodation and facilities. Adventure Whitsunday hosts Airlie Beach’s largest resort pool, 2 waterslides, huge adventure playground, jumping pillow, mini golf, tennis, outdoor movies and much more! ഀ
Address: 25-29 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach QLD 4802
The staff at Alan Graham’s Caravans and RVs pride themselves on listening to your caravanning and motorhoming needs. They stock a quality range of new and used motorhomes, caravans and camper trailers including Windsor, T Van, Supreme and Concept. ഀSince 1976, when Alan Graham's Caravan Centre first began, the company has maintained a policy of friendly and efficient customer service, and over the years they have built up an enviable reputation for quality products and professional and reliable after-sales service. With over 30 years experience selling and servicing all makes and models of caravans, you can be sure of not only finding what you want at Alan Graham's, but also of receiving the support and back-up after your purchase. ഀAddress: 514 Pacific Highway, North Gosford NSW 2250
Lilyponds is a great base for your holiday on the coast. You can enjoy the pace of the coastal strip and escape back to the peace and quiet of the hills or simply kick back and relax – the secret of Lilyponds is that it is uncomplicated; a beautiful setting in a quiet oasis, providing quality features and facilities that offer you a stress-free holiday. ഀAddress: 26 Warruga Street, Mapleton QLD 4560 ഀ Kingston-on-Murray Caravan Park ഀ
Address: Holmes Road, Kingston-on-Murray SA 5331
Lifestyle RV’s specialise in after sales service and refurbishments of motorhomes, campers and caravans. Their brand new workshop and service centre is headed by Ian Thompson and Darren Lindsay, who between them have over 25 years in the industry. ഀAddress: 1200 Ipswich Rd, Moorooka QLD 4107
The highly skilled staff at The Complete Campsite has been manufacturing quality custom built camper trailers on-site since the early 1990’s. This allows you the opportunity to choose features and options that suit your individual requirements and budget. They are able to custom build a camper to suit your car or four wheel drive. All ‘The Complete Campsite’ models are quick and easy to erect making your holidays more relaxing and enjoyable. ഀAddress: 16 Dyer Crescent, West Gosford NSW 2250
All Sunliner recreational vehicles are backed by Sunliner’s exclusive 24-month workmanship warranty. Sunliner have an extensive Australia wide service network to aid you with all your service and warranty needs. ഀEach vehicle is supplied with a custom interior design package, allowing you to enjoy all of the comforts of your own home whilst on the road. Sunliner believe RV’ing is a lifestyle choice and that your lifestyle shouldn’t change to accommodate it! ഀAddress: PO Box 554, Bayswater VIC 3153
Ray’s Outdoors has grown from a small family run disposal store in Geelong, to manufacturing tents locally by hand and then gradually expanding to overseas. In 50 years, Ray’s Outdoors has grown to 39 stores in 5 states with plans in place to continue this national development in the future. ഀAs one of Australia’s largest outdoor entertainment and camping leisure retailer, Ray’s Outdoors continues to be successfully innovative. In house product ranges, such as Wild Country, Outdoor Expedition and Classic Outdoor are designed at our Geelong head office and the range of outdoor and leisure products are specifically designed for harsh Australian conditions. ഀRay’s Outdoors also offers a wide range of nationally recognised leading brands; RM Williams, King Gee, Yakka, Akubra, Blundstone,Coleman and Maglite. Proudly supporting many Australian made and manufactured products. ഀAddress: (Head Office) 340 Melbourne Road, North Geelong VIC 3215 Fiamma are a specialised caravan and motorhome accessory manufacturer who offer a quality range of awnings, bike carriers and other useful caravanning components. All Fiamma products are quality guaranteed under the ISO 9001 certification, ensuring all items are reliable and safe to use. ഀWhether you are currently considering the purchase of a caravan, motorhome or other similar product or have owned a caravanning product and enjoyed the lifestyle for years, check out Fiamma’s range to see how they can make your next holiday your most comfortable one yet. ഀAddress: Milano Airport Highway - 69, V. Europa, 21010 Cardano al Campo (VA) Italy The Aussie made Hide Away Safe is the world’s only relocatable, high security, light weight, multipurpose safe. Manufactured in Melbourne, using state-of-the-art super strong GE Lexan impact modified polycarbonate, Hide Away Safes are highly portable, lightweight, easy to carry and install and simply relocate on and off their own docking stations, which can be installed in multiple secure locations in vehicles, offices or homes. For peace of mind on your next holiday, consider using a Hide Away Safe to store your valuables. ഀAddress: 240 Stamps Lane Wangaratta VIC 3678 Electric Bug have been providing quality communication, GPS and navigation systems to the South Australian 4WD and caravanning market since 1976. They are one of the largest outlets for many of the top brand names, offering a comprehensive product variety and reliable service. CB, UHF and HF radio, scanner receivers, car alarms and stereos, mobile and satellite phones and even portable power can be found, amongst a variety of other products, at the Electric Bug store or at their online shop. For unmatched experience in their specialised field, contact Electric Bug before you hit the open road for all your communication and navigation needs. ഀAddress: 199-203 Torrens Road, Ridleyton, SA 5008 ഀ NATIONAL SPONSOR SPOTLIGHTS ഀ
For over three decades, BIG4 Holiday Parks have been dedicated to the spirit of the True Blue Aussie Holiday; celebrating the Great Outdoors, cricket on the beach, making new friends around the barbie, and nights spent under millions of shining stars. That is what BIG4 believe holidays should be about, a chance to relax, to take a step back and remember what's important. ഀFrom humble beginnings in 1979, with four dedicated caravan park owners in Ballarat Victoria, BIG4 has grown to over 180 parks, all around Australia. Over that time, they've worked hard to create an atmosphere where everyone can enjoy themselves, amidst a real sense of community. At a BIG4 Holiday Park, it's up to you whether or not you want to join in the fun, or find yourself a quiet corner away from the world, where you can just kick back and soak up the serenity. ഀThat's the beauty of a BIG4 holiday. No matter what you're looking to do, they can help you find your own uniquely Australian holiday experience. BIG4 park owners and operators are always there with a warm friendly welcome and always ready to assist you with a wealth of local information. ഀIf you are looking for an accommodation experience that has got it all – BIG4 Holiday Parks are just the answer. At over 180 locations across Australia, whether you are looking for a city stay, seaside escape, country retreat, farm stay, overnight stay, family holiday or touring holiday – BIG4 offers a unique holiday experience. ഀ Address: PO Box 543, Camberwell VIC 3124 ഀ ഀ
Beaurepaires is Australia's leading tyre retailer, with more than 300 stores nationwide. Their expertise extends to cars, four wheel drives, trucks, forklifts, farm equipment and fleets of every type and size across the country. This success is due to their leading combination of quality product range, facilities, experience and expertise. Beaurepaires are committed to raising standards; as industry leaders, they have worked with governments, corporations and sponsors to develop a safer and more efficient industry. ഀBeaurepaires specialises in: ഀ
Address: (Head Office) Level 1, Building 1, 658 Church St, RICHMOND VIC 3121 | ഀ
If travelling with a pet, speak to your local vet about vaccinations before you go. Discuss what to do about insect bites and find out how to identify ticks on your dog and what symptoms to be aware of. Take worming tablets and flea control drops as well;
Bowen is a beautiful coastal town nestled within the Whitsundays region that offers the finest in leisure activities. Bush meets beaches that stretch the length of the town and beyond, providing snorkelling, diving, fishing and sailing to those interested in a sea change. Other perfect holiday options include a round of golf or a day trip visiting Bowen's intriguing array of historical landmarks.
When: Fri 19 – Sun 28 June
Where to stay:
The landscaping is stunning with a staggering 138 varieties of palms in a lush tropical setting, with every site and cabin individually landscaped to create your own private retreat. This is a friendly and relaxed holiday haven offering the very best standards of accommodation and resort facilities. 
Lilyponds is a family owned and run caravan park situated in a beautiful rural setting in Mapleton at the northern end of the scenic Blackall Range overlooking Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. They have a range of accommodation from well equipped and comfortable self contained ensuite cabins to camping amongst the trees in their avocado orchard. 
Lifestyle RV’s are one of the leading specialists in new and pre-loved caravans, motor homes and campers. They are proud distributors of Supreme caravans, Paradise caravans, Spectra caravans and Trakka motorhomes, with displays of all models available for immediate delivery from their dealerships in Brisbane.
The Complete Campsite have won several awards for their outstanding range of products which suit everything from entry level family trailers to serious off-road adventure-seeking trailers.
Since 1974 Sunliner has been producing quality recreational vehicles and are now one of the most respected names in the Australasian RV industry. Australian owned and operated, Sunliner Recreational Vehicles are constantly striving to create new and innovative designs and concepts; utilising new technology and uncompromising hand craftsmanship.
