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As blissful as this sounds (make no mistake, it really is!) occasionally the call for a bit of lively action can pop-up during in the midst of your restful escape. Whether you’re an experienced sunbird or weekend traveller we have just the thing to liven up your next trip – Geocaching. Geocaching is a new way to experience Australia. The name is coined by the activity’s similarity to the internet's search engines (think Google), but, instead of searching for websites on the internet and using the search engine to look for them, you are looking for 'hidden items' in the real world using your own two legs and a GPS to look for 'treasure'! To get a better idea of what’s involved have a look at the following trailer for film ‘Splinterheads’ which clearly explains Geocaching: www.geocaching.com.au is the website where ‘caches’ throughout Australia can be located. The website also provides visitors with the ability to leave comments on caches which they have found in the real world and post up photos of their adventure to share with the rest of the Geocaching community.
If you are looking to add a splash of adventure to your next holiday then consider adding a Geocaching exploration to your list of things to do. LOOKING FOR A GREAT CAR RENTAL DEAL? Whether you are leaving the van or camper behind for a short trip or travelling interstate on business then the team behind We Love this Country have a great deal on car rental for you? 100% Australian owned Thrifty Car Rental have come up with some sensational deals for VIP Club members. What’s more access to these great deals is absolutely FREE. Receive a 10% discount on Thrifty’s “Best Rate of Day” Time and Kilometre charges by quoting “CRVAWEB” as the promotion code when booking online at www.thrifty.com.au (7% discount over the phone quoting “CRVA”). These discounts can clearly be seen at Step 3 of the booking process. In addition if you enter your Qantas Frequent Flyer (3 points/dollar spent) or Myer One Car Number (2 credits/dollar spent) you will receive even greater value. For those looking for more, Thrifty also offers a FREE Blue Chip membership giving you preferential treatment each and every time you hire with Thrifty. To enjoy exclusive benefits such as Priority Blue Chip Counters, no signature required on pick-up, keys waiting for you at the rental counter and access to a variety of exclusive deals and discounts through Thrifty’s preferred partners simply completed the form available here. Each and every dollar spent renting vehicles through Thrifty using these promotional codes also assist Caravanning Industry promotion so please support those who support the Industry. GET YOUR RV INTO SHAPE FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON It can sometimes feel like there are a thousand things to get done in the lead up to the holiday season. Untangle the mess of Christmas lights, ensure each son, daughter or grandchild has a present of tactfully balanced value, all the way through to coaxing the neighbours into feeding Coco whilst away at your favourite Caravan/Holiday Park. These are certainly important considerations upon which the enjoyment of your holiday season hinges and, if you own your own Caravan or other RV product, we suggest there is one more important task to add to your to do list – your regular RV check-up.
Andrew warns that, “There are many components that are hidden underneath the RV which can escape the average caravanner’s eye. Things like brakes, bearings, A-Frames, couplings and springs can be damaged and, as a result, endanger the safety of an RV. It is best to have an RV checked over for problems every 10,000 km or every 12 months to ensure it is running as safely and efficiently as possible.” If you plan to have a Caravan Service Centre like The RV Repair Centre inspect your RV then it is often a good idea to book well in advance. Popular service centres are often booked out for months in advance.
Before you head off on your Christmas Season adventure consider whether your Caravan or other RV product could use a little TLC. A well maintained and safe Caravan makes for a happy holiday.
Adelaide Caravan Show - February 24 - 28 Melbourne Caravan Show - March 9 - 14 Perth Caravan Show - March 18 - 22 Sydney Caravan Show - April 17 - 25 Queensland Caravan, Camping & Touring Holiday Show - June 9 - 15 A TOWING COURSE - THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS STOCKING FILLER Towing any sort of trailer or RV product can be a daunting task for some but no longer should you feel nervous about getting out and enjoying the country with your brand new caravan or camper. Around Australia there are a number of training providers that can assist any level of driver whether it be towing for the first time or as a refresher course for the experienced driver. In addition you will learn basic safety and maintenance for your caravan so that you can go away on your next adventure with confidence. Check out the team at Wheels, Caravan, Towing and Advice Clinic, or Tow-Ed for upcoming courses. YOU'RE INVITED TO BE PART OF THE BOOMING HOLIDAY PARK INDUSTRY With more people choosing to holiday at home, it’s a good reason to invest in the accommodation park sector. Aspen Park’s premium tourist parks, located in prime locations around the country, are a favourite destination for thousands of holiday-makers. As a major participant, the Aspen Parks Property Fund allows investors access to this industry. With premium land locations, diversified income streams and capital growth potential, caravan / holiday parks were identified by Aspen Group as having all the hallmarks of a successful property investment. Aspen Parks was created in 2004 with the objective of acquiring, managing and growing a portfolio of tourist park and resort properties. Since then it has established a portfolio of 25 quality parks around Australia valued at $259 million. Distributed at 8.35% p.a.* as at November 1 2009, the Aspen Parks Property Fund has a variety of income streams from permanent residents through to tourism in both short and long terms stays. For more information on the Aspen Parks Property Fund or to obtain an Offer Document, please visit their website – www.aspengroup.com.au •Note: Past performance does not guarantee future returns. Returns are dependant on the performance of the Fund. Walk-in Walk-Out Camping
Check out these parks to book your own ‘Walk-In Walk-Out’ camping experience Hastings Point and Kingscliff North Holiday Park, Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park, BIG4 Adelaide Shores Caravan Park, Cape Tribulation Camping and BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park. Guide to the Good Life Beaurepaires Tyre Giveaway Discovery Holiday Parks WE LOVE THIS COUNTRY SIDETRACK The team at We Love This Country has collected plenty of notes on our travels around Australia. ALBANY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA Where is it? South-West Western Australia, approximately 5 hours south of Perth. (See it on Google Maps) Why go? Albany is the perfect location to enjoy the summer. Beaches sprawl along the southern coastline of the area providing opportunities to swim and snorkel in open ocean or sheltered turquoise cove. The city is abuzz with great shopping, delicious food, festivals and tourist attractions. Things to see & do:
Local favourites:
Where to stay: Middleton Beach Holiday Park Albany Happy Days Caravan Park BIG4 Albany Gardens Holiday Resort Albanys Emu Beach Holiday Park Cheynes Beach Caravan Park Summernats Car Festival - Canberra, ACT When: Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th January 2010 Summernats is more than a car show; it’s a festival of the street machine lifestyle. The festivals location, Exhibition Park, offers the opportunity to cruise the kilometres of roadways and stretch performance to the maximum in the outrageous Burnout and Go-Whoa competitions on the world’s first and only purpose-built burnout facility. For people who are interested in cars, Summernats begins with an understanding that street machines are modified, customised or restored street cars that were originally built after 1948 and then changed from original to suit the owners taste. The festival also provides Kids Club amusement areas available for children of all ages. Where to stay: Capital Country Holiday Village Canberra South Motor Park Eaglehawk Holiday Park Crestview Tourist Park Canberra Motor Village INDUSTRY PROFILES Lakesea Park - Batemans Bay region
The wide variety of cabin accommodation, facilities, services and location makes this the perfect place to escape for a weekend or for an affordable family holiday. relax and unwind in the tranquillity of Lakesea Caravan Park’s natural bush setting where colourful birds, curious local kangaroos and an abundance of wildlife surround you. Enjoy swimming, diving, fishing, bushwalking, surfing, or canoeing all at your front door within the spectacular Murramarang National Park. Address: Lakesea Park, Durras Lake Road, SOUTH DURRAS NSW
BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park
Conveniently located just 17 kms from the Sydney CBD, the stunning Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, and regularly serviced by bus, ferry and airport shuttle services, BIG4 Sydney Lakeside makes sightseeing and transfers easy and their friendly staff can advise you of the best travel options. Be spoilt for choice; pitch your tent, unhook the caravan or move into your holiday beach house. Then discover, relax and enjoy the sun drenched beaches, the pristine lake, the local wildlife and the beautiful Northern Beaches. Address: 38 Lake Park Road, NORTH NARABEEN NSW
Simply assemble your ingredients into the inner pot and heat on a stove. After it comes to the boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Turn off heat and transfer to outer container, close and that's it. The heat is retained to continue slowly cooking your food for hours without any constant attention which is perfect for that relaxing Caravanning holiday. The Thermos Shuttle Chef uses patented Thermax vacuum technology which virtually eliminates temperature change by creating an airless vacuum space between two stainless steel walls. Evacuated insulation technology was pioneered by Thermos over 100 years ago and has become a household name around the world. Phone: 1300 667 151
Address: 240 Stamps Lane, WANGARATTA VIC
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
From their extremely functional Oasis van conversion at approximately $100,000 all the way through to the luxuriously decadent Independence Deluxe at almost $500,000, they aim to inspire you and turn your travel dreams into an exciting reality. Paradise's innovative concept of slide-outs in a car licence motorhome was unprecedented and became a runaway success with numerous industry awards and enthusiastic customers prepared to wait two years to take delivery. Address: 7 Demand Ave, ARUNDEL QLD
Kangaroo Tent City is located in four convenient NSW locations:
Website: www.kangarootentcity.com.au
The dealership’s onsite service department is South Australia's only authorised A'van service and warranty centre, with factory trained technicians ready to help with any issue you may have. It is fully equiped using genuine A'van parts and, if the part is not in stock, they will happily order it in. Address: 84 North East Road, WINDSOR GARDENS, SA
The highly skilled staff at The Complete Campsite have been manufacturing quality custom built camper trailers on-site since the early 1990’s. This allows you 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
Private Caravan Hire is an online search facility that brings together the owners of Caravans and RVs with people looking to Hire or Swap. Caravan and RV owners have the opportunity to get a return on their investment and receive bonus dollars. Owners list their Caravans RVs stipulating the conditions and availability of the hire or swap. Interested parties browse and find a vehicle that suits their needs. They then complete a simple online enquiry. Matching owners and members is so easy and simple at PCH because the arrangements are supported with the PCH Hire Agreement and other online information including insurance referral. Phone: (07) 5452 5210 |
The beauty of hitting the road and taking a break at one of our country’s fine Caravan/Holiday Parks can be summed up in the simplicity of the trip. No schedules to adhere to, no house to clean and enough time in the day to enjoy several lazy siestas. 
Like your car, your Caravan or other RV product needs to be serviced at regular intervals. Andrew, from 
Whilst in the area, consider giving your Caravan the gift of internal and external surface protection this Christmas. 
The 2010 Caravan Show season gets into full swing early with main state Caravan Shows beginning from February. For your chance to browse around for your next RV product, pick up some great caravanning and camping accessories, or just plan a great day out then circle these important dates on your 2010 Calendar now.
Permanent luxury tents which are already set up at a Caravan/Holiday Park are the perfect solution for your next family holiday or romantic getaway. The tents, often called Safari Tents or Eco Tents, are a unique outdoor camping experience that boasts a range of facilities, regularly including large beds, a self contained kitchen with fridge, microwave, toaster and kettle, ensuite bathroom and television with DVD player, all setup and ready to move straight in. 
Eco walks in and around the region range from 20 minutes to 4 hours and will suit different levels of fitness. The walks can be framed around different interests, for example flora, fauna, bird life and coastline.
Cosy Corner and Shelley Beach are about a half hour from the City, as you head towards Denmark. Both are terrific beaches for fishing, picnicking and camping spots.
Located just 15 minutes Northeast of Batemans Bay Lakesea Caravan Park is surrounded by Murramarang National Park. The caravan park is situated where the cleanest, most unspoilt coastal lake on the South Coast (Durras Lake) meets the Pacific at one of the best beaches in the Batemans Bay region.
With an extensive range of camping, caravan and 4 star self contained accommodation options BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park offer something to suit all tastes and budgets. Bordered by Narrabeen Lakes and a patrolled surf beach the Holiday Park is the perfect spot to relax in the Sydney region.
The Thermos Shuttle Chef is a cooking utensil which consists of two containers, one inner clad stainless steel pot (for direct heating) and a patented outer vacuum insulated container for heat preserved cooking. 
The Aussie made Hide Away Safe is the world’s only relocatable, high security, light weight, multipurpose safe. Manufactured in Victoria, 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.
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, Paradise, Millard and Trakka, with displays of all models available for immediate delivery from their dealership in Brisbane.
Paradise Motor Homes has become a world leader in motorhome design with their outstanding range of award-winning lightweight motorhomes. Each model sets a high benchmark for optimum use of space, functionality and living standards in their class.
Kangaroo Tent City & BBQ’s have thousands of products and one of the largest displays of tents in Australia. Browse through their stores to see their extensive display of BBQ’s and outdoor furniture, or lose yourself amongst their fabulous range of camping accessories.
A’van Adelaide carry the full range of A'van Caravans, Poptops, Campers and Motorhomes and are all available for viewing, making it easy for you to decide on the RV that best suits your needs.
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.