City and Outback Australia

Newcastle caravan and camping show I would have to say I’m pretty disappointed. Some great things to see but really could have just driven to Heatherbrae and seen all that was on offer without having to pay entry. The vans were inflated in price the the “show discount” brought them back to the normal price in my opinion. What a waste of a day and parking was a nightmare. Save your money and don’t go. You really see more going to the dealers site and I believe you will get a better deal.  The show lacked variety of manufacturers and really it just had high end caravans. The camping gear is better at 4WD Supacentre.  I’m not sure if this is the same as the Rose Hill show in Sydney so I won’t be bothering anyway.

Registering a Caravan NSW  Unfortunately, the camper I have just bought is due for registration and needs the NSW Pink slip roadworthy certificate. Im so stressed as I can’t really afford for it to fail. I need three new tyres as when I drove it home they did not feel the best even though they had plenty of tread. I spoke to the mechanic and he was of the belief I should change them also.  So tomorrow I find out if I dodged a bullet as I have never gone through this process on a caravan before. I really just want it over and done with. My saving grace is a normal pink slip mechanic can do the inspection due to the weight of the camper, Blessed.

Caravan Camper Progress  So far I have got the Camper registered which was a great outcome. Im looking at replacing the leaf springs, bearings and brakes just so I know im not going to have a problem with them.  Also, my daughter has been great in patching the problem areas of the canvas. Im having real problems finding a company that is able to make me a complete new camper canvas, in New South Wales. So far it is going okay though Im unable to get the fridge working and it smells ghastly so I have decided to replace the fridge when I can afford it. I looked around and they cost about $250 for a 240-volt fridge with a three-year warranty. im not going off the grid so this should do me fine with my cooler. Heres some photos of the inside.

The Three Sisters Rock Formation  The three sisters rock formation is about a 1-hour drive from Sydney to Katoomba in New South Wales, Australia. We travelled from Newcastle so it was approximately a 3 hour trip for us. Parking at the site is difficult and has parking meters which add to the unfriendliness of the place.  It’s a great rock formation and very famous so it is worth going to see. You do not have to hike as there are viewing platforms though getting to a spot you can take a photo at is annoying. It is full of tourists and the tour buses just drop them directly at the viewing ramp and it really is very congested. Expect extreme temperatures. In Winter it’s bitterly cold with strong winds that freeze you to the core. In summer it’s so hot and fires often rage in the Blue Mountains.  It’s definitely worth the trip but you will need patience. Shops are limited but locals obviously live there getting al they need from the area but I would search goog...

Goulburn NSW Australia On the way to Canberra today, we stopped in at Goulburn. Goulburn was Australia’s first inland settlement.  The town nowadays looks a little run down and I more than likely will drive past it in future. It still has the Big Marino though it’s been moved 800 meters from its original location.  Goulburn is the home to the NSW police academy. It’s sort of fitting that there is a large jail here also.

Telstra Tower, Black Mountain - Canberra - Australia Had a great time at Telstra Tower. It’s about a 10 minute drive from Canberra City in black mountain.  There is a notice that you car may not start and to contact security if this happens. This is apparently due to the transmission from the tower. The Telstra museum section is free and has some interesting old time phones etc. Top of the tower is a viewing platform which costs to go up to. I wouldn’t bother about that. The best view is of the tower not from the top of it. I would allow twenty minutes for your visit. Great little stop and the drive up is picturesque. Enjoy the 140mbs 4g data while your up there.

On the Hunt for more Vanlife Gear.  I am looking for some pretty specific gear for my van. One which it an awning and also an awning tent that goes with it. I drove from Newcastle to Erina to the 4X4 Supuacenter and I know there is a company store closer but I wanted to see how this store set up their gear. I was really pleased with the outcome. They had everything I wanted and had it all displayed. I didn’t have the money to buy it yet but I’m getting closer. They have fitting at this store chichis great so im nt going to make a mess of t doing t myself. A big surprise is the wife was of the same mind that we should just pay for all the gear we need over the next few months so we can hit the road as soon as possible. I like the Kings brand they sell and they had so many items that were not displayed at the company store.  I have a few photos of inside the store which I will post here. Please Subscribe if you can, that would be great.