Thursday, Oct 18, 2012 at 20:42
Richard
It can be very warm in central and western Vic, but if you stick to the coast you have the sea breeze. We spend a lot of time in the goldfields areas - very interesting history. The
Grampians are spectacular - especially around September when the
wildflowers are in full abundance. There is a steam train that runs from
Maldon to
Castlemaine [There is also the Pichi Richi Railway near
Quorn in SA that has steam train rides - just above
Port Augusta].
Flinders Ranges are above there. The peninsulas in SA are worth checking out, then on to Vic. Croajingalong NP is so nice in summer, also
Lakes Entrance, Malaccota etc as you wind your way to the east coast of NSW. Good
free camp at
Genoa as you turn the bend near Malacoota turn off. If you have the time, head north up in to the
Snowy Mountains from
Buchan to
Bombala and north to Thredbo, Jindabybe. These areas are so nice in the summer - still coolish and the
wildflowers great in late Jan/Feb. Don't take the van from Thredbo to Khancoben though - it is too tight and not recommended. The coast from Malacoota up to
Sydney is lovely. There are some lovely camps along the coastline around Tahthra/Bermagui/Narooma/up to
Kiama. The centre of all the states is very warm as you would know, but the coastal areas are usually bearable. There are lots of spots where you can stick to to coast, instead of doing the Princes Highway. They are all suitable for a van. At Stanwall
Park near
Wollongong, the
tourist drive road goes out in to the ocean - pretty spectacular.
Did you get yourself a Camps Australia Book? I think they may be up to about #6 by now. These are the campers bibles for either free or inexpensive
camp options. Lots of towns around Australia also have cheap
camping at showgrounds.
Again, have a great adventure.
cheers, nomads
FollowupID:
772672