The Wanderer

Pop- Top Prototype Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia www.cmca.net.au JULY 2022 | VOLUME 37. NO. 7

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CONTENTS FEATURES 46 POWERING UP 60 WAROONA Being equipped with Explore a natural paradise of 30 LAND VS. SEA battery and solar panels lush forests and protected wetlands Katherine Sellers means staying off-grid is easily from this country hub, just two hours walks (or swims) us possible, but for how long? Part from Perth. through the similarities and one of this two-part feature differences between life on will examine all the necessary 66 TOWING VS. CYCLING land and at sea. system components. Rohan Matthews on why he opts to cycle over towing a vehicle. 40 FESTIVALE 58 HISTORY OF Held over three DISC BOWLS 72 THE LONG WAY HOME days in Launceston From humble beginnings Sue and John Turner each February, Festivale to a gradual proliferation, recount an extensive trip showcases Tasmania’s Ron Penfold looks into how undertaken in 2021 throughout ÀQHVWIRRGEHYHUDJHVDQG the game of disc bowls won Queensland, the Northern Territory, entertainment. We take travellers over. and South Australia in order to get a sneak peek at what’s home during COVID-19. happening in 2023. – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 4

REVIEWS REGULARS COVER PHOTO BY: MALCOLM STREET IMAGE: JAYCO JRV FD 19-4 18 POPPING THE TOP 06 Up Front Pop-top roofs on vans 08 The Board Page ABOVE PHOTO: MORETON ISLAND, QUEENSLAND like a Fiat Ducato are more 10 View from NHQ IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES commonly seen in Europe 12 Chaplain than Australia, but this new 14 News 100 Dollar Wise Parks development may be about to 16 Con’s Corner 102 RV Friendly change that. 80 CMCA RV Parks Directory 106 Chapter Events 82 Bingara Rally 112 Members’ Market 84 rvSafe 115 CMCA Member Safari 86 Membership Form 118 Member Advantages 87 SCV Application Form 122 Chapter Contacts 88 Outdoor 90 Letters 94 What’s New 96 Cooking 98 KEA Tracks – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 5

FROM THE EDITOR-AT-LARGE Up front services, but also for motorhomes. $XVWUDOLDDUHPLVVLQJRXWRQVRPHƓQH The left-hand drive Freightliner has and different motorhomes because Malcolm Street (Editor-At-Large) either local conversion costs are too [email protected] been sent to Australia for conversion high or in the case of several well- and then will be returned with known German manufacturers, they There are some big things happening features like an electric drop-down will only build layouts for left hand in the world of motorhomes at the bed, 1380Ah lithium battery systems, drive/right hand side habitation doors. moment, literally. Queensland vehicle 6000W inverter, 1.2kW of solar panel Ever wondered why there are very few specialist SLRV is building a second capacity, a 600L water tank, and large and small A class motorhomes Recreational Vehicle (RV) for the US 25,000lb (11,339kg) winches. Budget available in this country? Even in New market. This sounds a bit like sending clearly isn’t an issue, and they are big =HDODQGWKHUHDUHVRPHƓQHH[DPSOHV coal to Newcastle, but it’s anything but. numbers whichever way you look at available, some under 7.0m in length. A US-based customer has ordered it. Certainly, a coup for SLRV in what is the motorhome, which is based on a undoubtedly a tough export market — We’re not missing out on everything, Freightliner M2 106 4x4 chassis. That’s well done, I say. though. A bit of European design a popular commercial truck in the came out of the Jayco factory not long 86W\\SLFDOO\\XVHGE\\ƓUHDQGUHVFXH On the subject of left-hand drive ago in the form of a Fiat Ducato van vehicles, back when automobiles conversion with a rear hinged pop- became popular it’s a pity that top roof. I was able to get my hands countries didn’t agree which side on the prototype for a day from Jayco of the road to drive on. Look up Sydney. It’s something that opens up the history of left- and right-hand interesting possibilities, and my review drive vehicles. Oh, what might have is on page 18. been. Henry Ford has something to answer for, as does Britain and all the Speaking of Jayco Sydney, in the Commonwealth countries. There are current booming RV market where some interesting oddities, too, like caravan sales dominate greatly, the Sweden — which up until 1967 used team there told me that, comparatively mostly left-hand drive cars but drove speaking, motorhome sales are on the left-hand side of the road. rising faster than caravan sales at the That sensibly changed in September moment. A little ironically, the reverse of that year in what was known as is happening in New Zealand where +¸JHUWUDƓNRPO¦JJQLQJHQ,NLG\\RX motorhomes have always been the not. Just a bit of trivia for you. prominent player. Interesting times! My point here is that we here in Malcolm THE WANDERER EDITORIAL CEO — EMPRISE GROUP All material in The Wanderer is protected by the Emprise Group Holdings Robert Gallagher Commonwealth Copyright Act, 1968. No material may EDITOR-AT-LARGE 3 Wyman Place, Braeside, VIC 3195 CEO — CMCA be reproduced without written consent. Malcolm Street [email protected] Richard Barwick DESIGNERS ADVERTISING MANAGER The Wanderer is published for CMCA by PRINTER Angus Greaves Serena Prasad Emprise Group Holdings Pty Ltd IVE 0429 489 615 ACN 155 672 192 83 Derby Street, Silverwater, NSW 2128 [email protected] ABN 29 155 672 192 PH: 02 4978 8788

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THE BOARD PAGE hoped an overnight RV stop and leading the way in the Top End. dump point will be approved )URPKHUYHU\\ƓUVWDSSURDFKHV Welcome for North Geelong. Bass Coast will hopefully reinstate Dalyston to councils and Government, the Above: Eleanor Scully Q37099, Kim Templeton Recreation Reserve as an overnight response was slow, but recently V66245, Margaret Cook W74379, Nelson RV stop and install at least one things are picking up. There is Crawshaw N98597, Vince Calleja W48104 dump point in the shire. still a way to go, though. Being a member of Tourism Top End has I continue this month with reports Several sites have been put helped tremendously with RVs from our State Representatives. forward as suggestions for a CMCA QRZUHFRJQLVHGDVEHQHƓFLDOWR They, and their network of volunteer RV Park in Victoria. To date, very slow the tourism industry — networking members serving on the National progress is being made. Current at regular meetings and the recent Member Services Team (NMST), SODQQLQJUXOHVDQGDYHU\\LQŴH[LEOH WZRGD\\7UDYHO([SRKDVJLYHQ work more locally in regions to Victorian Caravan Parks Act are &0&$PRUHH[SRVXUH develop our network of Freedom of SURYLQJGLIƓFXOWWRZRUNZLWK Choice camping and other facilities. A stand at Fred’s Pass Rural VICTORIA Naturally, COVID-19 and a lack Show in May promoted CMCA 5H[%UHHQLVRXU6WDWH of funding has slowed progress on membership, the local Topenders Representative for Victoria and is many projects. Time and patience Chapter, our CMCA RV Parks at gratefully supported by a team of are needed when working with local Humpty Doo and Batchelor, the local NMST members. Tatura and governments. Community pressure Coolalinga Dollar Wise Park and Lake Bolac are the state’s most from residents and committees RV Friendly Destination at Wagait recent RVFTs, while Violet Town and wanting to advance RV tourism Beach. Dunolly are currently undergoing opportunities is proving very public consultation before applying important in progressing projects. Both together with Leigh Patterson for similar status. (Chapter Secretary) and alone, Blocked dump points continue Christina has visited many localities Dump Points have recently been to be the perennial problem thanks over the past two years to increase installed at Violet Town, Dunolly, mainly to wet wipes and people H[SRVXUHIRUWKHPDQGOHDYLQJŴ\\HUV and Dartmoor. Queenscliff and doing the wrong thing. Hopefully and brochures promoting CMCA Broadford have dump points in the the introduction of rubbish blockers and our two new CMCA RV Parks. process of completion, while Yinnar, for dump points may assist in Kyneton, and Ouyen are in the reducing these issues. Overall, One of the NT’s rural resorts has planning stages. RV camping facilities and the 52 hired a portable dump point as a Victorian RVFTs are working quite trial. Called holding tanks, they can RV tourism reviews are currently well. hold 2000 litres — interesting to see being conducted by the City of NORTHERN TERRITORY KRZTXLFNO\\LWƓOOVXS Greater Geelong and Bass Coast A local to Darwin, travelling Shire (Phillip Island region). It is around Australia in a variety of Continuing her work, discussions RVs, Christina Boothby noticed the are underway with the new owners lack of Freedom of Choice areas in of Casuarina Shopping Square. the Top End’s capital. With other Whilst only advocating for parking travellers also commenting they do for shopping at this stage, that not bother going to Darwin, rather would still be a welcome sight for turning off at Katherine or below, our northern suburbs’ visitors. Christina wanted to improve the situation. Therefore, she joined the 1H[WXS7DVPDQLDWKH$SSOH,VOH NMST in early 2018. She is now Enjoy and Safe Travels Kim Templeton, CMCA Chairman and Directors Vince Calleja, Nelson Crawshaw, Eleanor Scully, and Margaret Cook. BOARD OF DIRECTORS DIRECTORS CMCA STAFF CLUB CHAPLAIN OFFICE HOURS FOUNDERS Eleanor Scully Q37099 Jodie Mazlin Royce Thompson N92216 9am–5pm Monday–Friday (NSW Time) Don & Erica Whitworth N001 E: [email protected] Wylva Hall P: 0416 265 600 MEMBERSHIP AND CEO Margaret Cook W74379 Adele Gillard CMCA OFFICE GENERAL ENQUIRIES Richard Barwick E: [email protected] Tanya Brooks ABN: 16 095 568 157 P: 02 4978 8788 E: [email protected] Vince Calleja W48104 Lillie Sinclair 49 The Avenue, Wickham E: [email protected] CHAIRMAN E: [email protected] Emily King (Newcastle) NSW 2293 INSURANCE ENQUIRIES Kim Templeton V66245 Nelson Crawshaw N98597 Rebecca Lee GPS CO-ORDINATES PO Box 582, Preston, VIC 3072 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Tess Bertoldi Lat -32.9136 Long 151.7551 P: 1800 582 582 | F: 03 8480 2299 Sean Constable CLUB POSTAL ADDRESS E: [email protected] PO Box 254, HRMC, NSW 2310 www.ktinsurance.com.au WEBSITE ADDRESS The materials, opinions, advice and guidance stated in The Wanderer are not necessarily the views of CMCA. They are not, and are not intended to be advice by CMCA www.cmca.net.au on any specific matter. Individuals should make their own inquiries and take independent advice tailored to their specific circumstances prior to making any decisions. CMCA does not accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for loss arising from, any acts or omissions resulting from reliance upon the information contained in The Wanderer. CMCA makes no representation, warranty or guarantee, express or implied, that any materials, opinions, advice or guidance contained in The Wanderer are accurate, complete or up-to-date. CMCA does not necessarily endorse products or messages advertised in The Wanderer. – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 8

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CEO’S NOTES View from NHQ Richard Barwick well. that no change will occur before CEO Unfortunately, COVID-19 is not next year’s election because of the [email protected] complexity of the issues. This is mainly going away. To ensure our members WRZRUNRXWƓQDQFLDOFRPSHQVDWLRQLI ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING stay safe, we will have procedures required) for the operator. Under clause 22.5 of the Club’s LQSODFHLI\\RXH[SHULHQFHŴXOLNH Constitution, members wishing to symptoms at the rally. We will ask you It has been almost two years since bring business before the next Annual WRLVRODWHLQ\\RXURZQYHKLFOHRXUƓUVW ZHKDGRXUƓUVWUHSUHVHQWDWLRQWRWKH General Meeting are to give notice of aid team will wear appropriate PPE, NSW Government over this issue. Back that business in writing. Written notice and we will assist with food and other in May, we engaged with both sides should be forwarded to National items if required. We will have hand of Government to have this addressed Headquarters, marked for the attention sanitisers placed strategically around (in the lead up to the election in March of the Company Secretary, and is to the site and we may still require some 2023). While they both listened, we arrive no later than 12 noon Friday 29 social distancing. have sought further information July 2022. on usage of the tolls and by what BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION percentage of vehicles. This year’s AGM is proposed to be I have been advised by Returning held on Monday 17 October 2022, 2IƓFHU0LFKHOOH:LOVRQWKDWRQFORVLQJ The main aim of toll roads is to commencing at 9am at the Bingara of nominations at 12 noon on Friday get these vehicles off arterial roads, Showground, Bingara, NSW. 3 June 2022, we received three causing less congestion and damage 35TH NATIONAL RALLY — BINGARA nominations for the three available to the roads. However, because of the After almost three years without positions on the CMCA Board of charges, this is not happening. a National Rally, we are extremely Directors. excited about the 35th National Rally We are seeking two changes to the in Bingara, NSW from 16–23 October Therefore, with the above being current system: 2022. received and accepted by the 1. To add another category into the 5HWXUQLQJ2IƓFHUWKHUHZLOOEHQR As the event nears, organisation requirement for the Club to hold an classes by including vehicles that is nearing completion. This event election this year. are between 2.81m to 3.5m high will be smaller in size than previous, and registered as a recreational but it will still be a great celebration. The successful nominees are: vehicle (RV). Although we no longer have any Bill Daws N101403 2. That the scanning system be done powered sites available, we have Paul Scully Q37099 by number plate registration and plenty of unpowered and generator Vince Calleja W48104 the fact the vehicle is registered sites available. A waiting list has been 7KHVHWKUHHPHPEHUVZLOORIƓFLDOO\\ as an RV. established for those hoping to secure WDNHRIƓFHDWWKHFRPSHWLWLRQRIWKH These are simple solutions in our a powered site. Annual General Meeting on Monday eyes that should be easily achieved. 17 October 2022. We will continue to campaign to The rally open day will not be held If any member requires further Government to ensure we can have a on site this year; it will be staged as a information, please contact the fair system implemented. part of the community day down in the 5HWXUQLQJ2IƓFHU0LFKHOOH:LOVRQE\\ town centre. Members are welcome email at [email protected]. DOMESTIC TOURISM to participate in the market day stalls I would like to take this opportunity BOOM CONTINUES with more information on how to to congratulate all three members Despite many overseas countries register shortly. Exhibitors will also be appointed and look forward to working welcoming visitors, I can assure you encouraged to take part in town as with them over the next three years. that domestic tourism in Australia is still booming. As winter strikes down GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATION south with low temps we haven’t As you will read more about on page seen for years, many have grabbed 14, we have been working hard under the opportunity to head north for the the umbrella of RV Clubs of Australia winter and spring periods. We have (RVCAL) with the NSW political system VHHQDWHUULƓFQXPEHURISHRSOH to see change in the current NSW road patronise our four CMCA RV Parks in toll system. Currently, anyone using Queensland. The number of people the toll roads with a vehicle over 2.8m staying at our parks in the Northern in height is unfairly being charged Territory has also been quite good. equivalent to a B-double truck. Supporting regional and country There is an independent review RV Friendly Towns across Australia is of the toll system being conducted; essential as they continue to welcome however, the NSW Premier announced you with open arms. Safe travelling, Richard Barwick – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 10



CHAPLAIN IS THE GLASS HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY? Royce Thompson N92216, what life lays before us, and what bad hand. But in playing 500 with CLUB CHAPLAIN hand we have been dealt in the a bad hand, I could change it to a game of life. winning hand if I called it a ‘misère Recently, travelling via the King’s hand’ and lost all tricks. By playing Highway from Canberra to a Are you an optimist? As an to lose, I could make the best of a conference in Narooma in heavy optimist, you have a positive bad hand have a chance of gaining rain was quite exciting. It is like a outlook even while things may points and winning the game. Le Mans track with steep corners, be challenging and you believe hairpin turns, and heavy reliance things will get better. Yet, being an When life deals you a bad hand, on engine braking. Exciting for optimist can be a blessing and a instead of being a pessimist and me, but more terrifying for my curse as there’s a high chance of overwhelmed, act like a realist and passengers. Experiences and being disappointed if things take face your problem directly. Then as attitudes can colour and shape time to work out. an opportunist share your problems our understanding of what we are with those you trust. As an optimist, facing and colour our view of life. Are you a pessimist? Pessimists see if there is a way to succeed by tend to only see negative spending time sharing and looking At the conference, in a discussion outcomes. When you’re pessimistic, with others at possible solutions. about what was going on in our you have a hard time believing Working together can give hope world, the speaker challenged us that things will get better. Sadly, so that you will not be a victim but to think about whether we were a pessimists can lose all hope in victorious. Not overcome but an half glass full or half glass empty GLIƓFXOWWLPHV overcomer. person. The leader asked, “Are you an optimist or a pessimist?” I Are you a realist? A realist Albert Einstein once said: “There responded that I might be neither. accepts things just as they are and are only two ways to live your I might be a realist and just see half deals with what’s right in front of life. One is as though nothing is a glass of water. But then again, I them. But accepting the situation a miracle. The other is as though might be an opportunist and while for what it is, you risk letting everything is a miracle.” People of everyone is arguing about whether too much time pass before you faith gather to share life and pray the glass is full or empty, I might intervene. together. Think about giving it a drink it before the water evaporates trial and joining them, you might be and is gone forever. Are you an opportunist? An blessed beyond all imagining. opportunist acts to try to make 'ULYLQJKRPH,UHŴHFWHGRQ good of the situation before it gets We live in challenging times. If how divergent our attitudes were worse. The danger is that you might you need someone to talk to; call and how differently we deal with act too quickly and not audit all Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond and think about what’s happening the possibilities and the possible Blue on 1300 22 4636 they around us. Our attitudes and beliefs unintended outcomes of actions. would welcome your call. You’re KHDYLO\\LQŴXHQFHWKHRXWFRPHRI also welcome to call me as Club our actions and lives. Optimists, pessimists, realists, Chaplain on 0416 265 600. and opportunists have their own In most cases, we respond and preferences, their own reasons, and Looking forward to catching up act in different ways depending decision-making processes and at the National Rally in October. Be on the situation that faces us. We come up with different outcomes, vigilant, not afraid. Travel safe and can generally categorise ourselves giving us a great variety of reactions take care. Every Blessing. based on our actions and how we in our world. approach most situations. One can Royce Thompson be an optimist, a pessimist, a realist I am not suggesting we might N92216 CMCA Chaplain or an opportunist as we approach have to change how we process what we have to face as we journey in life. Rather, if we try to audit the four ways of thinking, we may be able to make more informed and EHQHƓFLDOGHFLVLRQVDQGJLYHXV more hope to face whatever might come. After nearly 50 years of counselling, I realise most of us will be dealt a bad hand at some stage in our life. It has been interesting to observe how optimists, pessimists, realists, and opportunists play their hands. At university, I played the card game 500. At times I got a really – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 12

NEWS OMEO GOLF CLUB 2022 CARAVAN AND RV MUSTER After gap years in 2020 and 2021, the Omeo High said the Omeo Caravan and RV Muster is a highlight on Country Caravan and RV Muster is set to be on again at the region’s event calendar. the Omeo Golf Club. It will be held over the Melbourne Cup long weekend from Friday 28 October to Tuesday 1 “The muster is a great concept with opportunities to November 2022. enjoy a mix of entertainment, relaxation and exploring,” Cr Reeves said All those seeking some springtime fun in the Omeo High Country will be treated to idyllic well-spaced ŏ9LVLWRUVFDQHQMR\\WKHEHQHƓWRIWKHORFDOVō+LJK campsites over several fairways or in friendly clusters. Country knowledge to see some spectacular countryside. I am sure the return of the event this year will The event will also feature entertainment galore in the be a great success, bringing people to the High Country form of golf putting challenges, with the hole-in-one and, in turn, supporting local businesses,” Cr Reeves said. competition’s prize amounting to $1500 cash this year; ƓVKLQJLQWKHVWRFNHGZDWHUKD]DUGIRUSUL]HVJDPHVIRU Omeo Golf course is only 2 kilometres from Omeo kids, including a jumping castle (always a favourite), plus CBD where there are two pubs, a fully stocked more. Food and coffee vans have been booked. There VXSHUPDUNHWSRVWRIƓFHKRXUIXHOFDIHVDƓVKLQJ will be market stalls, sheep shearing demonstrations, and and outdoor gear shop, hardware store, a gallery with a few surprises. resident artists, clothes boutique, bookshop, hospital, and more. In the evenings there will be bands and singers to HQWHUWDLQSXQFWXDWHGE\\DƓUHZRUNVGLVSOD\\RQ6DWXUGD\\ A walk up and down the main street gives the evening. opportunity to read information about the town’s historic buildings. Barbecue meals can be washed down with beer or wine served out under the awning. Extra amenities have There is lots to do being planned for the Muster, with been hired. even more around the Omeo Region. A four-night stay is hardly enough. Those wanting to stay longer after the For day visitors, $10 will see people enjoy all of the HYHQWZLOOƓQGWKH2PHR+ROLGD\\3DUNRQWKHEDQNVRI entertainment. For those wishing to stay up to four nights Livingstone Creek beautiful and welcoming. in motorhomes, caravans, camper trailers or tents, you can register and pay the fee ($100) via Trybooking. Head There are motels, hotels, and BnBs, too. over to trybooking.com/BXTOO. Accommodation options in the Omeo region outside the Muster can be found at visitomeo.com.au. Patrons must obtain and wear a wrist band on entry so the numbers limit can be observed. On the Monday there will be a special tag-along tour through some of the seldom-seen back roads of the Omeo High Country region. Omeo Golf Club Inc. is grateful for the help provided IRUWKHHYHQWE\\WKH(DVW*LSSVODQG6KLUH&RXQFLODQG Victorian Government through grants and the useful advice given to make the event a success for all. (DVW*LSSVODQG6KLUH&RXQFLO0D\\RU&U0DUN5HHYHV Waroona Visitor Centre Tourist Information Art Gallery & Gifts Daily 9:30AM – 3:30PM 37 South West Highway, Waroona, WA (08) 9733 1506 waroona.wa.gov.au

NSW ROAD TOLL REFORMS NEEDED The NSW Government is currently facilitating a review of each driver. the NSW road toll system. ,QRXUUHFHQWGLVFXVVLRQVDWKHURIƓFHWKH16: RV Clubs of Australia is made up of members from Minister of Metropolitan Roads, the Hon Natalie Ward, the Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia seemed to be only worried about who was going to (CMCA), National Association of Caravan Clubs (NACC), PDNHXSWKHƓQDQFLDOGLIIHUHQFHLIWKHUHZDVWREHD Australian Caravan Club (ACC), and the Australian change. This was a puzzling response as the aim of Touring RV Club (ATRVC), totalling over 100,000 delivering toll roads is to get more people to use them travelling consumers who are imploring the Government DQGUHGXFHWKHWUDIƓFRQWKHROGVXEXUEDQURDGQHWZRUN to make changes to the current system. There are over 800,000 recreational vehicles (RVs) currently registered in We presented two major issues: Australia, with most being in NSW and Queensland. 1. People are avoiding tolls and using arterial roads, RVCAL, through its above partners, has previously causing more road damage and congestion. The communicated with the NSW Government. However, our amenity of so many communities is being heavily previous efforts have fallen on deaf ears. Now, through impacted in several key areas already highlighted in pressure from members within each Club, we are starting the current review. to gain traction. 2. By making a new category (RVs), there is greater chance of having those drivers use toll roads when We have requested the Government to have GULYHUVDUHFKDUJHGWKHULJKWSULFHWKHƓUVWWLPH Transurban adopt a fairer categorisation of vehicles without a cumbersome rebate scheme that was and not base vehicles on an arbitrarily determined introduced without regard to RV users and ignored GLPHQVLRQDOFODVVLƓFDWLRQ interstate drivers being overcharged. Every driver knows that there are many RVs on our Currently: Vehicles 2.8 metres or less in height and 12.5 roads in addition to cars and trucks. The Government metres or less in length. VKRXOGKDYHDQGIDLOHGWRHVWDEOLVKDIDLUHUFODVVLƓFDWLRQ • All other vehicles. process by developing a middle tier, which will include &ODVVb$ vehicles between 2.8 to 3.5 metres in height. This would cater for a large percentage of RVs which are currently &ODVVb% • categorised under “All other vehicles”. Other states have better vehicle categories which also include identifying RVCAL proposal: recreational vehicles. &ODVVb$ • Vehicles 2.8 metres or less in height and 1. We are seeking a new categorisation of recreational 12.5 metres or less in length. vehicles to be placed in the system recognising vehicles between 2.81 metres to 3.5 metres in height. &ODVVb% • Recreational Vehicles between 2.81 metres to 3.5 metres in height or between 12.51 2. We are seeking all vehicle recognitions/detections metres and 16 metres in length. be done through the registration plate of the vehicle, not through scanning of height or length. &ODVVb& • All other vehicles. Currently, any vehicle over 2.8m in height is charged The second component is a simple process: the same toll amount as a B-double truck. RVs should not Instead of using the tolling point to detect be charged as B-double trucks when in Queensland and dimensions, motorists require the vehicle registration Victoria their governments have no trouble in identifying details to determine the appropriate class and toll. each recreational vehicle and charging accordingly. Registration plates are already photographed at each tolling point, so it would be a simple process to use Chairman of the Australian Caravan Club and RVCAL the registration details for determining the correct toll. Director Ken Newton, together with Chief Executive This would be a much fairer and more ethical approach 2IƓFHURIWKH&DPSHUYDQ 0RWRUKRPH&OXERI enabling the toll operator to justify the different Australia Limited and Company Secretary of RVCAL charges that would be attributable in each category. Richard Barwick met with the Minister and the Shadow Minister. A case was presented to seek recognition of the need to introduce the missing categorisation of recreational vehicle to ensure a fairer system for all RVs using NSW tolls roads regardless of the home address of Ŋ  7 + (  : $ 1 ' ( 5 ( 5  - 8 /<       Ŋ 14

NEWS IN THE FRAME PHOTO COMPETITION ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING! There’s no theme this month. We want to give you the chance to show off the photo you’re most proud of. It can be of anything! We want to see your fantastic photography skills. Motorists would then understand that charges would essentially be based Magnetic Termite Mound, on the impact on the road structure of each vehicle category. Litchfield National Park, NT Interstate drivers of recreational vehicles are currently and knowingly May’s winner for the In the Frame overcharged by the NSW Government on NSW toll roads. Only residents competition was N106376 Trev of NSW can get a rebate for the constant daily overcharging that the NSW and Angie Wilson. They received a Government and current minister endorse. This outrageous revenue raising is wrong, and must be corrected in the interests of all Australian motorists. $50 fuel voucher. Every driver should be charged a fair toll on all toll roads throughout Send us your entry for the chance Australia. If this error is not corrected in NSW, we will have this ongoing to win! daily problem until 2060. The time to act is now — the next NSW state Members can submit their digital election is less than nine months away. image of at least 1MB as a JPEG ƓOHYLDHPDLOWRZDQGHUHU#FPFD Unfortunately, based upon the feedback at the meeting, we believe the QHWDX3OHDVHLQFOXGH\\RXUQDPH Government — through the current minister — is not prepared to make this &0&$PHPEHUVKLSQXPEHUDQG change. We have formally written again to the minister emphasising the ZKHUHDQGZKHQWKHSKRWRZDV importance of this issues raised. WDNHQ On a positive note, with a NSW state election due next March, the *By entering this competition, members give Opposition is keen to look at change. The Hon John Graham wants to know CMCA permission to use their image in any more on how they can help and recognises the unfairness of the current promotional or communication channels with system. appropriate acknowledgement where possible. The NSW toll review will eventually make recommendations. This issue of correct charges in a marketplace of increasing numbers of RVs on our roads has the potential to become an election issue in NSW with the large number of RV owners. We are seeking recognition of a fairer and ethical approach to toll charges for RVs from Transurban just like in other states on the east coast. The immediate introduction of a recreational vehicle category, the immediate scrapping of overcharging — and with it the cumbersome rebate system — are in the best interests of all RV drivers in NSW, including interstate travellers using NSW roads. Further information: Ken Newton Richard Barwick RVCAL Director RVCAL Company Secretary 0419 482 890 02 4757 1005 – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 15

CON'S CORNER Con Tsobanopoulos CEO OF KT INSURANCE By the time you read this, we will Are you planning to head north this winter? well and truly be in the thick of what many in our RV touring to go anywhere else. Here’s a few things that I think can community consider to be the best However, with so many make a tremendous difference: time of the year! As the weather 1. Remember that you were a gets cooler, it provides us the new entrants, there is a need reason to ‘pack up and head north’ to educate and support. As beginner once — you see it as they say, to sunnier and warmer wonderous as our lifestyle can be, on social media everywhere. pastures. Given the ongoing it can also be one of many perils. Someone asks an innocuous weather patterns across our Our vehicles are bigger, heavier, question, clearly new to the country at the moment, though, and more cumbersome. The scene and looking for advice, one would beg to differ that there places we are travelling to mean and there is always a mixture is any distinction in conditions long stretches of highway and, at of good but also unhelpful from one state to another! But I times, dirt roads. If you’re towing a comments. It’s just as easy to digress. large trailer, there’s a whole other scroll on and not comment! set of challenges. I haven’t even These communities are I’ve said it before, but the last started on accessorising and/ wonderful places to share couple of years have been a or personalising your vehicle, knowledge and partake in massive boon for our industry, whatever it may be. It truly is so the lifestyle, but they can be and I think this will continue for a much to take in! incredibly daunting for people good 12 to 18 months yet. Tens who are simply looking for of thousands of new entrants Education can be formal — think ways to tap into knowledge into the RV lifestyle, with plenty towing and driving courses — or and inform themselves. I of work to go around and funds more community-minded activities reckon if you wouldn’t say for businesses to re-invest into by way of the CMCA’s excellent it to someone’s face, you improving manufacturing of the rvSafe program. It can also be shouldn’t say it at all, but this products that we all know and love completely community-based in notion seems to be lost to — be it a motorhome, campervan, helping each other, answering some. If only some of these FRQYHUWHGEXVRUFRDFKƓIWK questions, and looking out for one communities saw how things wheeler, slide-on, caravan, camper another, whether out on the road work on the CMCA Members trailer, or the whole host of or from your armchair. accessories that we use as part of our lifestyle. COVID-19 and our inability to travel overseas turned our collective focus to our own backyard. I for one think it’s a wonderful thing; there is so much to see and do in our beautiful country that you really don’t need – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 16

KT INSURANCE: CON'S CORNER Connect Facebook group! dangerous accidents involving arrange an overtake when safe. 2. Courtesy and care — not too caravans and other RVs. Let’s 3. Campsite etiquette — this is all slow down but help to keep dissimilar to the above, but this everyone around us calm, too. a contentious one because can apply in settings as simple If you observe a mounting everyone is different. One as when we are driving along. queue of vehicles behind you, person’s idea of a quiet Be considerate of the people pull over or make your radio night can be very different to around you, particularly as we channel clear so that others another, but when pulling up head into a busy season. There can communicate with you and to camp consider how you set are too many examples of your site up. If you have young kids or plan to kick on a little Teaching others about camping etiquette is always a smart move longer, then maybe choose a site further away than anyone who may already be there, or position so you’re facing away from others. If there are rules at the campsite, obey them; think things like generator use, quiet times and, most importantly, cleaning up after yourself! The last point is particularly important if camping in national parks, state forests, or at free camps! 7KHGHƓQLWLRQRIFRPPXQLW\\LV ‘sharing or having certain attitudes and interests in common’. Let’s remember what we love about our lifestyle and help others learn about the right way, too. Safe Travels, Con WAN-HH-5209868-CS-170

To access the The pop-top pop-top, attach the ladder to the van roof mountings sleeping quarters will best suit younger family members, unless you’re reasonably agile – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 18

REVIEW: JAYCO JRV FD 19-4 Popping the Top Pop-top roofs on vans like a Fiat Ducato are more commonly seen in Europe than Australia, but this new development may be about to change that. WORDS AND PICS MALCOLM STREET – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 19

Every now and again at a proper title, it’s the JRV FD 19- caravan and motorhome 4. Maybe for short I’ll just call it show something a the JRV pop-top. little different grabs the attention. In this case, it This might sound a bit odd, really wasn’t a particularly but I’ll start with a little caveat big something, given that it here. What I reviewed was the was overshadowed by much prototype model kindly supplied larger motorhomes around it. to me by Brad Slater and his However, a Fiat Ducato large team at Jayco Sydney. While van conversion with a pop-top the overall concept isn’t going roof — something common in to change, some items certainly Europe but not seen much will for production models. I here at all — stands out in didn’t have to work out the the crowd. Jayco has built the anticipated changes — Brad motorhome and to give it the Slater pointed them out to me before I drove off. An impressive-looking rig – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 20

REVIEW: JAYCO JRV FD 19-4 This conversion is based on a Fiat Ducato A prototype model was supplied for this review MOTIVE POWER BODY BASICS Starting with the base vehicle, From the outside, the JRV pop- Jayco has opted for a Fiat top looks a little different to Ducato XLWB Multijet 160, the usual large van conversion, nicely complementing the rest mostly due to the pop-top RIWKHODUJHYDQÁHHWZKHUH roof line. It’s been neatly done Renault Master and Mercedes- though. In particular, the Benz Sprinter are also used as moulding above the driver’s cab base vehicles. JLYHVWKHSRSWRSSURÀOHDPRUH integrated and stylish look, The Ducato XLWB has an rather than an add-on. external length of 6.37m (20ft 11in) and an external width of All the other usual features 2.25m (7ft 1in), so it’s a fairly of a van conversion are there of compact vehicle. Powered by course, like the double-glazed a 2.3L 118kW/350Nm turbo acrylic windows, cassette toilet, diesel through a nine-speed full power inlets, power outlets and auto gearbox, the JRV pop-top ZDWHUWDQNÀOOHU7KHREVHUYDQW shifts along very nicely and is a might notice the lack of windows pleasure to drive. in the rear doors but rest – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 21

This slide-out Sleek subtlety storage area will hold a few essentials A small table and two additional seats behind the driver’s seat assured, future models will have INSIDE An east-west windows there. Also missing was *HWWLQJLQWRWKH-59SRSWRS bed fills the an awning, but that too will be is as usual via the sliding rear area GRRU6RPH,NQRZGRQ·WOLNH DVWDQGDUGÀWWLQJ7KHUH·VQR WKH¶ZKL]]EDQJZKLUUFOXQNHU· passenger seats directly behind external gas cylinder bin access. GRRUEXWLWGRHVQ·WZRUU\\PH WKHGULYHU·VVHDW0LGVWDWLRQ Being built in Victoria, the 4kg ,QWKLVFDVHWKHUH·VDQHOHFWULF are an offside bathroom cubicle gas cylinder is inside the rear step and the rear window can be and a nearside kitchen bench. doors in a separate bin. Like left open without fear of hitting )LOOLQJWKHUHDUDUHDLVDQHDVW most large van conversions, LWZLWKWKHVOLGLQJGRRU:KDW·V west bed. there are no external storage interesting about this model is compartments. However, Jayco that unless you look up as you has developed a neat idea in the HQWHUWKHYDQWKHSRSWRSDUHD form of a storage area under may go unnoticed. Apart from the large hatchway area behind WKHEHGDWWKHUHDU7KLVLV WKHGULYHU·VFDEWKHUHDUHRWKHU ÀWWHGZLWKDVOLGHRXWIRUHDVH clues, like the lack of any roof RIJHWWLQJLWHPVLQDQGRXW,W·V KDWFKHVRUDURRIPRXQWHGDLU not particularly large but will conditioner. for example, take a couple of camping chairs and a plastic bin 7KDWVDLGWKHUHVWRI for items like water hoses and the layout does look quite power leads. All the essentials conventional — for a large van are there. conversion, that is. Both cab VHDWVVZLYHODURXQGDQGWKHUH·V For the 12V power supply, a small table and two more WKHUH·VD$KEDWWHU\\DQGD URRIPRXQWHG:VRODUSDQHO – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 22

REVIEW: JAYCO JRV FD 19-4 The JRV FD is a pleasure to drive SPECIFICATIONS VEHICLE Manufacturer Jayco Model JRV FD 19-4 Base Vehicle Fiat Ducato Multijet 160 Tare weight 3116kg GVM 4250kg Licence Car Passengers 4 MECHANICAL Engine 2.3 litre turbo diesel Power 118kW@3600rpm Torque 400Nm@1500-2250rpm Gearbox 9 speed auto Brakes ABS Disc DIMENSIONS External length 6.36m (20ft 10in) External width (incl awning) 2.15m (7ft 1in) External height TBA Internal height 1.89m (6ft 2in) Bed size (rear) 1.85m x 1.5m (6ft x 5ft) Bed size (top) 1.93 x 0.6 (6ft 4in x 2ft) (x 2) EQUIPMENT Cooktop Dometic 2-burner Fridge Vitrifrigo C85 12V compressor 85L Microwave Oven NCE Lighting 12V LED Batteries 1 x 100Ah Solar panels 1 x 180W Air conditioner Truma Saphir Toilet Thetford cassette Shower Shower and Thetford cassette combo Hot water heater Suburban instantaneous Heater No Water tank 1 x 90L Grey tank 1 x 80L Gas cylinders 1 x 4.0kg Price $136,990.00 What’s interesting about this model SUPPLIED BY is that unless you look up as you enter, the pop-top may go unnoticed Jayco Sydney 63–76 Glossop Street St Marys, NSW 2760 Ph: (02) 9623 1971 Web: jaycosydney.com.au – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 23

The ladder will UP TOP models. As I noted earlier, this undergo a redesign That’s the conventional part of is a prototype and Jayco is fully for production models the layout design covered — the aware of these issues. pop-top roof of course adds a slightly different dimension. What does the roof space look Unlike most VW Transporter and like? There are two mattresses Toyota HiAce based designs, it’s on posture slat bed bases, each hinged at the rear. sized 1.93m x 0.6m (6ft 4in x IW$LUÁRZDQGQDWXUDOOLJKW Lifting the hatch is a matter of score quite well with screened attaching the ladder to the van windows on both sides and the roof mountings, releasing the front wall of the canvas gusset. latch mechanism, and undoing In addition to that, there’s a roof the straps on either side. At this hatch of a decent size as well. point I’d say it’s nice and easy, but it does require some effort. Wand-style reading lights are The second issue is that ladder included on each side of the bed. needs a bit of a redesign due to At the pillow end, the roof height the fact that the table has to be is 0.55m (1ft 10in) and that PRYHGWRÀWWKHODGGHU:KLOHLW·V reduces down towards the rear. useable, it’s not really practical on several levels for most people, Who is going to be sleeping in and Jayco is working on better WKLVDUHD\"'HÀQLWHO\\WKHIDPLO\\·V alternatives for the production junior members, or maybe a couple of reasonably agile, smaller adults! Needless to say, it’s a fairly compact interior – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 24

REVIEW: JAYCO JRV FD 19-4 A thoroughly impressive prototype – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 25

DOWN BELOW wand-style reading light for the DECENT KITCHEN It might have a fairly compact table but it’s also possible to use In a fairly neat conjuring trick, interior, but the JRV is well laid the roof-mounted one as well. Jayco has managed to squeeze out, with obvious distinctions All the seating area is raised in a kitchen bench of a fairly between functional areas. Up VOLJKWO\\IURPWKHPDLQÁRRU good size. It has the essentials, IURQWWKHEHQHÀWVRIVZLYHOOHG but it’s not a bad arrangement. mostly downsized a bit. A two- cab seats can be plainly seen. Above the seats is a single burner hob sits adjacent a Together with the rear seat and overhead locker on one side round stainless-steel sink sans a table, a neat little dining area is and all the control panels and drainer. There’s a good amount ready to go. If only two people radio unit on the other. They of benchtop space, which is are using the motorhome, are relatively easy to reach, and surprising, made possible in part there’s room to stretch out in also to read, for those of us with by the under-bench Vitrifrigo a bit of comfort. There’s one multifocal glasses! 85L fridge. Adjacent to the fridge are a cupboard and several drawers. A little surprisingly, there’s a microwave oven in this motorhome. It’s in its own cabinet in the air space above the kitchen bench. Mounted on the wall behind the kitchen bench is a swivelling television, such that it can be watched from either the front seats or the bed. The Ducato XLWB has an external length of 6.37m (20ft 11in) The JRV FD 19-4 is laid out well with clear distinctions between areas – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 26

REVIEW: JAYCO JRV FD 19-4 The offside bathroom cubicle Airflow and natural light score well SUITABLE ENSUITE There’s absolutely no surprise here that the bathroom is a combo ‘wet’ installation, given the space limitation. Complete with Thetford cassette toilet, ÁH[LEOHKRVHVKRZHUDQGFRUQHU wash basin, there’s enough room to turn around without banging elbows. I did like the slotted drainage frame; it certainly reduces the post-shower wet ÁRRUSUREOHP The ‘wet’ ensuite – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 27

Swivelling cab seats LOWER BED EHGEXWWKHOLJKWVZLWFKHVDUH Across the rear, the 1.86m x on the offside bathroom cabinet. Given the proximity of the bed PIW[IWEHGÀOOVWKHUHDU area. There are windows on WRWKHNLWFKHQEHQFK,PLJKW EHSXWWLQJDSODVWLFVKHHWRU HLWKHUVLGHRYHUKHDGORFNHUVRQ VLPLODURQWKHEHGLQWKDWDUHD HLWKHUVLGHDQG/('VWULSOLJKWV ZKLOHNLWFKHQGXWLHVDUHEHLQJ XQGHUERWK6RWKHSLOORZV XQGHUWDNHQ FRXOGEHDWHLWKHUHQGRIWKH Certainly a compact model – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 28

REVIEW: JAYCO JRV FD 19-4 Adding a new dimension THE BOTTOM LINE to large van conversions 7KHUHDUHGHÀQLWHO\\DIHZWKLQJV WKDWQHHGWREHFKDQJHGWR LPSURYHWKHSRSWRSXVDJHEXW WKHRYHUDOOFRQFHSWLVDJRRG RQH,·OOEHLQWHUHVWHGWRVHH WKHFKDQJHVLQIXWXUHPRGHOV DQG-D\\FRLVWREHFRPPHQGHG RQWKLV'XFDWREDVHGSRSWRS FDPSHUYDQ ,W·VDOLWWOHGLIIHUHQWWRWKHXVXDO ODUJHYDQFRQYHUVLRQDQGZKLOH NHHSLQJDVWDQGDUGOD\\RXW WKHSRSWRSURRIDGGVDQHZ GLPHQVLRQ OCTOBER 28 to NOVEMBER 1, 2022 HOLE in ONE COMPETITION • Idyllic spaced out camp • Fireworks on Saturday sites over several fairways night and evenings or in friendly clusters filled with music and • Fishing in the stocked entertainment water hazard for prizes. • On Monday join the Tag • Games for kids including Along Tours through the favourite of jumping some of the seldom seen castle and more. back roads of Omeo • Stroll the market Region's High Country. stalls, and enjoy sheep • For day visitors $10 lets them enjoy all the shearing demonstrations entertainment omegolfclub.org.au 0439 968 504 For up to the 4 nights those in RV’s caravans, camper trailers 21 Stanley Drive Omeo Victoria 3898 Omeo Caravan & RV Muster or tents the requirement is to register and pay the $100 fee via [email protected] trybooking.com/BXTOO Trybooking - https://www.trybooking.com/BXTOO

Land vs.Sea Maria Island anchorage – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 30

MEMBER FEATURE: LAND VERSUS SEA Roadside rest between Coral Bay and Exmouth Katherine Sellers walks (or swims) us through the similarities and differences between life on land and at sea. WORDS AND PICS KATHERINE SELLERS N77503 It was coming into winter, not As an infamous water rat once a season we’re used to, but announced, “…there is nothing we were prepared to brave — absolutely nothing — half so the cold in order to view a much worth doing as simply potential second home. We’ve messing about in boats”. spent many years adventuring around this vast land of After some serious negotiating, Australia in our Toyota Coaster we now have the best of both motorhome, living and working in worlds: a Hartley Fijian 43 sailing remote areas, interspersed with yacht, Jobey Doh, to complement months on the water. It had been our prairie schooner, Delvy. 12 months since we sold our There are similarities between last boat and I knew it wouldn’t life on land and water, but there be long before sea fever set in are also plenty of differences for us both. So, back in May we (knowing how to sail is one completed an overland trip from of them!) so let’s compare a Lake Macquarie to Gippsland motorhome with a yacht; wheels Lakes to view a cruising yacht. versus sails, a green landscape versus blue. – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 31

SPACE At 43 feet (13.1 metres), Jobey Doh is quite a bit larger than Delvy (nearly twice as long, in fact) and has separate accommodation quarters so we can actually get out of sight of each other in the main living area. It’s like a two-bedroom apartment. There are also two levels — on deck and below deck — and there is room for up to four visitors if we choose. However, just because there is more available space doesn’t PHDQLWFDQEHÀOOHGXSZLWK stuff. Both forms of mobile living require minimalist habits. A boat needs more things to operate safely, but the lighter it is, the better it performs. That could be said about us humans, too! The public jetty at Lakes Entrance – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 32

A full moon over Shark Bay MEMBER FEATURE: LAND VERSUS SEA In the harsh marine environment, maintenance is four times the cost Exploring remote beaches in the dinghy Sunset sailing with friends MAINTENANCE to mention the cost for regular STORAGE The Toyota Coaster bus is slipping. In the harsh marine Delvy and Jobey Doh need to reliable, simple to maintain with environment, maintenance is be left for periods of time as we spare parts easy to source, and four times greater. To keep on top swap one for the other or have having a diesel mechanic on of the neverending list of jobs, as some contract work. It takes board helps keep any costs down, a general rule, a minimum of two a bit of juggling sometimes, too. A boat, however, is much hours maintenance is required but things usually have a way more demanding. Jobey Doh has daily. Owning an old cruising of working out. Depending on a main diesel engine, an inbuilt yacht is not for the faint of heart, length of storage requirements, diesel generator, and a 15hp but we have plenty of experience sometimes we park Delvy out outboard — plenty of machinery and skills to keep a vessel in the front of a friend’s place for a and systems to manage, not seaworthy condition. week or two. For longer periods, we pay to place it in storage. However, as all travellers know, it’s about keeping costs down — so wherever we can save a dollar we will. The boat can be left on a mooring for a period of time but does need to be checked on regularly as the sea and wind never rest. Neither home can be ignored for too long — use it or lose it. – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 33

GETTING AROUND are straightforward compared The ability to navigate on water to boating rules and charts. is essential, and while there is Coastal navigation skills are a risk of collision with a whale must. With an average speed or a stray shipping container, of 6 knots, a vessel doesn’t that risk is remote compared to make long distance progress driving along National Highway if it doesn’t travel at night, so 1. “Nothing challenges you like 5pm sundowners are out. At the sea does”, says my husband. sea, prudent decisions are made Seamanship is a fundamental with a variety of factors at play, difference between driving a and one must have the ability motorhome and skippering a boat to carry them out. There’s no — it accounts for everything on pressing the big red button to water. While you need to be able stop and get off when a situation to capably drive a heavy vehicle, becomes challenging on the it’s easy to pull over if lost, tired, water. One must see it out to the hungry, daylight is fading, or end, and only good seamanship if there is a mechanical issue. will contribute to a favourable Road signs and road maps outcome. A visitor Delvy at a rest area in the NT – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 34

MEMBER FEATURE: LAND VERSUS SEA WEATHER Sublime sunsets on the water On a boat, your life is constantly dictated by the weather — breeze Whatever we strength and direction, tidal do, the fresh times, water depths, sea state sea air always aids a and current, and if on anchor good night’s sleep we still need to be alert. As I write, it is currently blowing a 30 knot nor easterly with a forecasted westerly gale for the following day. This means we will have to move anchorages in between breeze changes at around 4.30am. We could go into a marina, but provided there are other safe choices, we’d prefer to save our money. The constant movement and noise of a boat in a blow can be stressful and not conducive to a good night’s sleep. However, when it is calm, it is bliss. As for Delvy, she doesn’t have any of those concerns except maybe not park under a big tree in a storm, avoid hail and driving in inclement weather. EXERCISE Living on a sailing yacht is physically demanding — your body is always moving, and when it’s rough it can be exhausting. Boat ownership equals daily maintenance, there is always some job to do. There can be a lot of down time though, as there are fewer external distractions — we are basically marooned on our RZQLVODQGVR1HWÁL[ZLOOJHW a workout if we have internet connection. On land, it’s easy to step out and go for a walk, a bike ride or a wander to the shops (depending on where you are), but when on anchor any land activity has to be planned according to weather, tides and dinghy access (or ability to swim ashore!). We always plan an exploration activity like a beach or bush walk when we arrive at a new anchorage — that’s the fun of cruising, to discover new places. Sometimes we just noodle around in the dinghy, going up creeks and inlets. Whatever we do, the fresh sea air always aids a good night’s sleep, and as an added bonus also keeps hay fever away. – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 35

Making use of a public mooring at Flinder’s Island – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 36

MEMBER FEATURE: LAND VERSUS SEA HOUSEKEEPING doesn’t cost anything, but you In Delvy it’s easy to pull up at a do need some to start with. Delvy supermarket to stock up, and if goes through 16L of diesel per we forget anything, we can pick it 100 kilometres on average, so up in the next town. travelling long distances does Not so on a boat. Good add up. A recent trip to Victoria provisioning is important, was about 900 kilometres along especially for long passages. the coast road. The distance from There’s no home delivery out Lakes Entrance to Port Stephens at sea and it’s a long way to was a bit less by sea, and if we the store if you forget anything. motored all the way with an Storage, refrigeration, and freezer average of 6 knots we’d use more space is at premium on both fuel — but with the wind behind which requires careful menu us sail power prevailed. planning for variety and minimal wastage. Black water storage and treatment is mandatory for both Frugality with fresh water is forms of transport, and needs DPXVWEXWLW·VHDVLHUWRÀOOXS to be deposited in appropriate when on land. Jobey Doh can go allocated areas when the to a public jetty or a marina fuel receptable is full. We have pretty ZKDUIIRUDZDWHUÀOODQGZHFDQ much visited most of the dump capture it from the sky via the points listed in the Campervan rain catchment system that we and Motorhome Club of Australia designed to come off the coach handbook. One could make it house roof. a lifetime project to visit every single one, along the lines of, “I’ve Fuel requirements are vastly been everywhere, man”. less on a sail boat as the wind Delvy at Eden Wharf – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 37

A favourite free camp spot near Rainbow Beach, Qld Deal Island in the Bass Strait is only accessible by sea Bribie Island shore excursion Family visiting Nelson Bay NATURE When constantly out and about in the natural environment, sunrises and sunsets are a prominent daily feature but more obvious on water as the sky is all encompassing. Away from light pollution, the stars are countless and bright — it makes better viewing of shooting stars, meteor showers, and other planets. When undergoing an ocean night passage with a full moon, there are fewer things more wondrous. Living on the water provides ample opportunities to see an abundance of dolphins, turtles, and even whales during the season. Snorkelling coral reefs IXOORIFRORXUIXOWURSLFDOÀVKLVD real treat. A green forest walk is a welcome change from an all- blue environment, but we must remember to arm ourselves with insect repellent. One of the best things about being at sea is there DUHQRPRVTXLWRHVÁLHVDQGDQ\\ other pesky bugs to contend with. With either mode of travel, birdlife is a constant even when far off shore or parked up in the middle of nowhere without a tree in sight. – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 38

MEMBER FEATURE: LAND VERSUS SEA CAMPING alive. There’s no need to draw We love freedom camping the curtains. That to me is and we see marinas the same IUHHGRPDQGZKDWWKLVOLIHVW\\OH as caravan parks — to be is all about. frequented sparingly. Being cheek to jowl with others 6RZKLFKLVEHVWOLIHRQODQG defeats the purpose of being or life on the sea? Alternating self-contained and self- between the two is ideal for VXIÀFLHQWEXWIRUWKHYHU\\ me. Living at sea challenges all odd night or two they can be aspects of a person’s skill and XVHIXOOLNHWRSSLQJXSWKH UHVROYHEXWDWWKHVDPHWLPH batteries with mains power provides experiences like nothing after a long run of overcast HOVH$VWKHVD\\LQJJRHVLILWZDV GD\\V6LWWLQJRQGHFNDORQHLQ HDV\\WKHQHYHU\\RQHZRXOGGR DFDOPDQFKRUDJHRUEHLQJWKH LW+RZHYHUDWWLPHVLW·VQLFHWR only vehicle at a picturesque take a break — to stop the world campsite is like having private IRUDPRPHQWSXOORXWP\\FDPS front row seats with nature. It chair from Delvy and just have feels like we’re the only people DVWLOODQGTXLHWVLWOLVWHQLQJWR the birds. PORTABLE AIR COOLER • Duvet, sheet and mattress • Smooths out uneven surfaces AW7191839 combination, 66cm & 77cm wide, 4cm & 5cm thick • Ideal for motorhomes, caravans, holiday homes, • Fully reversible to open on boats, trucks, horse floats and right or left hand side at home • One for single, two for • Travel toppers also available, double/queen 66cm & 77cm wide, 5cm thick • Premium, supportive • Storage bags, spare covers • Compact and Light - 1.kg dry weight • Environmentally Friendly memory foam base and pillowcases optional extras • Low Current Draw - 0.7 to 1.7 Amps • Use anywhere - Indoors/Outdoors, • 4 Directional Vents • Freshtec option – more • Visit our website to view all stationary or on the move • 2 Year Warranty airflow to fight heat retention colour, size and price options • Use 12/24 Volt DC or 240V AC • #VJMU
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• Competitive freight prices • NZ GST deducted for  to your door Australian customers. www.duvalay.co.nz www.rvliving.nz Tent Caravan Camper Boat Truck RV 4WD Pets [email protected] 0064 27 2271590 Ph 0418 510 862 www.transcool.info – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 39

Fabulous Festivale Held over three days in Launceston each February, )HVWLYDOHVKRZFDVHV7DVPDQLDōVƓQHVWIRRGEHYHUDJHV and entertainment. We take a sneak peek at what’s KDSSHQLQJLQ WORDS AND PICS JULIA JENE AND SUPPLIED – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 40

PRESENTED BY FESTIVALE The summer event is truly special Celebration is in the air Staged in Launceston’s animals prefer cooler weather, City Park, the outdoor so they are right at home in atmosphere of the Tasmania’s climate. summer event Festivale is truly special. Originally THE ENTERTAINMENT established in 1988 as a Headliners for Festivale 2023 will multicultural street party, it has be announced on 1 September evolved into an iconic Tasmanian 2022, but to give you an idea of event, drawing people together the talent to expect, some big to celebrate what Tasmania has names from past events include to offer. Listen to your favourite Motor Ace, Eskimo Joe, Jack artists and local performers live Jones, Vanessa Amorosi, Russell on stage, watch chefs in action Morris, and The Whitlams. There as they whip up feasts in the will be plenty of local acts serving park, take a food or beverage up the tunes too, as well as masterclass, and sample some live cooking from celebrity 7DVPDQLD·VÀQHVWSURGXFH guest chefs Karen Martini and Matt Preston. The entertainment THE LOCATION doesn’t end at the stage — you’ll The three-day food, beverage, be sure to encounter roving street and entertainment celebration performers, so keep your eyes makes the most of its iconic peeled at all times. outdoor location, and the relaxed festival vibe is undeniably THE MASTERCLASSES enjoyable. City Park was once What better way to learn about called ‘People’s Park’, which hints the great local produce and at how the park has been viewed beverages than indulging in a by the people of Launceston SDODWHSOHDVLQJDUUD\\RIÁDYRXUV since its inception in 1820. whilst listening to winemakers, The park’s many attractions gin distillers, fermenters, and include beautiful gardens, a other industry legends speak conservatory, a bandstand, about their area of expertise? duck pond, a giant chess board, Past masterclasses have included historical monuments, and a canapé and wine matching, children’s playground. There cheese and beer matching, wine is also a Japanese macaque and gin tasting, fermenting monkey enclosure — these cute basics, and cocktail mixing. – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 41

Festivale is a popular event Enjoy diverse local produce THE STALLHOLDERS known for the quality of the Arguably the nuts and bolts of food on offer. Whether it’s new the event, the multitude of food ingredients or new methods for and beverage stalls will have preparing traditional ingredients, you coming back for seconds, the art of cuisine and the thirds, and more. There will be creativity of gastronomy forms around 80 stallholders offering part of the backbone of the event. up samples and servings of food, PREMIUM BEER wine, beer, cider, and spirits as Festivale is a wonderful showcase well as plenty of non-alcoholic of the current diversity of the options and the all-important beer industry. Tasmania is at the coffee vans. heart of the craft beer revolution, and with the strong focus on When hunger strikes, you can provenance and personal stories, H[SHFWWRÀQGHYHU\\WKLQJIURP there is no better place to taste pizza and paella to crêpes and beers that are brewed with local doughnuts. ingredients. The cornerstone of the beer industry in northern FABULOUS FOOD Tasmania has long been James Not only does Tasmania have Boags, which along with a some of the freshest gastronomic number of talented craft brewers, experiences in the country, they is always pushing the boundaries. also have the chefs who bring it all to life. Festivale is well- – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 42

PRESENTED BY FESTIVALE WONDERFUL WINE commodities such as potatoes north is a feast of historic Tasmania is renowned for its for the vodka, Tasmania is at the streetscapes and heritage estates, cool climate wines, and Festivale leading edge for innovation in this rich farmland, and fresh produce. showcases innovation and beverages category. It is also a haven for crafters and experimentation fused with REFRESHING CIDER designers all too eager to share traditional classics and hallmark From the ‘Apple Isle’ to the cider their work. styles. With so many high- bottle, Tasmanian cider is one of quality and consistently lauded the most exquisite in the world. LOVELY LAUNCESTON wines in Tasmania, selecting Taste an array of ciders brewed The largest city in the region — wine stallholders is incredibly using various methods and meet and second largest in the state — GLIÀFXOWIRUWKHHYHQWRUJDQLVHUV some of the most innovative is Launceston, a vibrant hub for — but they always manage to do producers in the industry. This is food, wine, and culture. In fact, it a fantastic job. a beverage with a deep connection was recently named a UNESCO to Tasmania, and with such City of Gastronomy. SENSATIONAL SPIRITS fantastic local apples and pears Unless you’ve been living under to use, it’s no surprise that the With 45% of Tasmania’s a gastronomic rock, you’ll resulting quality is astounding. farmland located in the north, be well-aware of Tasmania’s MORE TO EXPLORE there’s access to some of the best rapidly growing spirits industry, Make the most of your visit farm-to-table experiences in the producing some excellent and take some time to explore VWDWH<RXZLOODOVRÀQGWKULYLQJ products including local whisky, the city of Launceston and the community markets, enticing gin, and vodka. Be it native surrounding region. Tasmania’s cellar doors, delicious restaurant botanicals for the gin, local peat dining, and trendy cafes and for the whisky, or repurposed bars. Launceston has one of the best-preserved early cityscapes in Australia with its elegant colonial and Victorian architecture and century-old parks. There’s plenty of culture on offer at art galleries, museums and design studios, with The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery being the largest regional gallery in Australia. There’s also a touch of wilderness with Cataract Gorge just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre. The Gorge has walking tracks, a swimming pool, the world’s longest single-span chairlift, a suspension bridge, and panoramic lookouts with spectacular views. Peacocks and native wildlife add to the unique experience. The true spirit of Launceston You’ll find innovation and experimentation fused with traditional classics and hallmark styles – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 43

WHERE TO STAY You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation in Launceston and its surrounds ŋbKHUHDUHVRPHRSWLRQVWRJHW\\RXVWDUWHG CARAVAN PARKS HOTELS AND MOTELS CMCA RV Park Railton Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston W: rvparks.cmca.net.au W:JUDQGFKDQFHOORUKRWHOVFRP BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park Balmoral on York W: ELJODXQFHVWRQFRPDX W:EDOPRUDORQ\\RUNFRPDX Best Western Plus /DXQFHVWRQ+ROLGD\\3DUNŋb/HJDQD W: bestwesternhotellaunceston.com.au W: ODXQFHVWRQKROLGD\\SDUNFRPDX /RQJIRUG5LYHUVLGH&DUDYDQ3DUN 6WLOOZDWHU6HYHQ W:ORQJIRUGULYHUVLGHFDUDYDQSDUNFRP W: stillwater.com.au East Beach Tourist Park Tamar Valley Resort — Grindelwald W: eastbeachtouristpark.com W:WDPDUYDOOH\\UHVRUWFRPDX 5RVV&DUDYDQ3DUN W: rosscaravanpark.com.au/ross-caravan-park Plan out ywohuatwyoonu’twbaendt itsoapdpoo, ionrtepdlaeyitiht ebryweaayr — NORTHERN TASMANIA EDFNWRZQRI'HUE\\DFODVVLÀHG )DUPWUXHJROÀQJWUHDVXUHVIRU From Launceston, you can historic town that’s small on both the enthusiast and social follow the Tamar River north scale but big on stories. Once golfer. A little over an hour’s through Tasmania’s premium a booming mining settlement, drive from Launceston, with wine-growing region, the Tamar Derby was the setting for an epic fresh Tasmanian air and the Valley. Meander through forested tin rush that saw thousands omnipresent echo of crashing KLOOVIDUPODQGODYHQGHUÀHOGV RIHDJHUPLQHUVÁRFNWRWKH waves, Barnbougle is the perfect vineyards, orchards, and area. These days, it’s mountain JROÀQJJHWDZD\\ riverside towns. Historic villages bikers carving up the dirt with are found around every bend, a network of world-class trails A two-hour drive from from Longford on the outskirts of reaching up to the nearby Launceston is Cradle Mountain Launceston to Evandale, Ross, Blue Tier mountain range. If — a magical setting where you and Campbell Town along the you prefer a slower pace, gem can leap off waterfalls, kayak Heritage Highway south. In fact, hunting might be for you — keep to isolated myrtle forests, ride a the whole region is packed with your eyes peeled for smokey horse through alpine wilderness charm — from the quaint old quartz, topaz, and amethyst. or simply take a walk and enjoy towns to award-winning produce the natural beauty surrounding and stunning scenic highlights. Fancy a swing on the green? you. You’re guaranteed to Barnbougle is a name that see wildlife such as wombats, An easy one-hour drive north- represents two iconic golf east of Launceston is the laid- courses, The Dunes and Lost – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 44

PRESENTED BY FESTIVALE Launceston is ripe for exploration pademelons, currawongs, easy access, ample parking, echidnas, and quolls. comfortable passenger lounge with a cafe and children’s play On Tasmania’s north coast lies area, and seamless boarding and Narawntapu National Park — an security processes. Driving your ideal location for nature lovers to RV onboard is straightforward experience the state’s wildlife in a and no weight restrictions apply. variety of coastal environments. The crossing to Devonport takes The park is a great place to get around 10 hours — remember to know the local marsupial and that your vehicle cannot be bird species, and there are plenty accessed during the voyage so of bushwalks with sweeping take any items you may need vistas of endless beaches set with you. against a unique Tasmanian coastal backdrop. Tickets to Festivale 2023 go GETTING THERE on sale 1 September 2022. The From 23 October 2022, the Spirit event has sold out in the past, of Tasmania will no longer be and organisers predict that 2023 departing from Station Pier, Port will be no different. So, put the Melbourne. Its new terminal will date in your diary and don’t be Spirit of Tasmania Quay in dawdle. While you’re at it, put Geelong, a brand-new purpose- 3-5 February 2023 in your diary designed facility promising an too, as this is when you’ll be enhanced travel experience with eating, drinking, and dancing in City Park! The Festivale experience is not to be missed

Panels are increasingly efficient Being equipped with batteries and solar panels means living off-grid is possible, but for how long? Part one of this two-part feature will examine some of the required system components. WORDS MALCOM STREET PICS MALCOLM STREET, CAM INNISS & ARCHIVES Electrical power systems battery and solar panel capacity in recreational vehicles will suit individual needs does (RVs) are getting very require a little bit of electrical sophisticated these knowledge, but if the basics days. There was a time when, are understood, then all that’s if a motorhome had a house required is a calculator. battery at all, it relied on either a simple mains charger or, maybe In the June issue we had in the case of a caravan, a 12V two Member Features, A/C charging supply from the tow Alterations and Adventures vehicle. in Lithium by Bill Brady and Graham Buchanan respectively, Those times are long gone. covering their personal Now an RV may well have two experiences with solar and batteries, a roof plated with solar battery management. panels, a DC-to-DC charger, and an inverter. In some cases, This feature will aim to go back with enough battery capacity to basics — it’s a good idea to to power an air conditioner or understand all the parts of an microwave oven. electrical system, starting with the essential item underpinning Calculating what sort of it all. – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 46

FEATURE: BATTERY AND SOLAR BASICS Battery BaasnidcSs olar – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 47

BATTERIES Rooftop real estate is For RV users, there are two in high demand basic types of batteries: those used for starting engines, and those used for everything else. Starter batteries are designed for high-current, short-time operation, while deep-cycle (and derivative) batteries and increasingly lithium (LiFePO4) batteries are used for everything else. Deep-cycle batteries are available in three different forms ³ÁRRGHGJHODQG$*0³EXW the most common these days are $*0DQGOLWKLXP Solar power seekers are increasingly spoilt for choice BATTERIES — AGM $EVRUEHGJODVVPDW$*0 batteries were originally developed for the military and KDYHDQDEVRUEHGJODVVÀEUH mat that sits suspended in DQHOHFWURO\\WH$*0EDWWHULHV are fully sealed, designed to be maintenance free, and to withstand mechanical handling or something like vibration on corrugated roads. &RPSDUHGZLWKÁRRGHGDQGJHO EDWWHULHVWKH$*0W\\SHKDV the lowest self-discharge rate. It’s not a perfect world, though. $*0EDWWHULHVDUHVHQVLWLYH to heat in locations such as underneath the bonnet of a car, though that’s not usually a problem in RVs. – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 48

FEATURE: BATTERY AND SOLAR BASICS Bigger installations should be central, low and protected BATTERIES — LITHIUM Batteries are heavy and must be secured Although more expensive than AGM batteries, lithium-ion (LiFePO4) batteries are becoming WKHÀUVWFKRLFHIRUPDQ\\59 travellers. The prime advantage is that their output voltage remains constant even when GRZQWR²SHUFHQWRIWKHLU charge. For a given output, WKH\\DUHOLJKWHUDQGVPDOOHU WKDQFRQYHQWLRQDOGHHSF\\FOH EDWWHULHV7KH\\FDQDOVREH charged and discharged at a UHODWLYHO\\KLJKFXUUHQW Fitting lithium batteries into DQH[LVWLQJV\\VWHPVKRXOGQRW be done without considering all other components, like the charger which should have a OLWKLXPF\\FOH Unlike regular batteries which can be monitored as a single HQWLW\\OLWKLXPEDWWHULHVFRQWDLQ internal electronics to monitor their internal cells to ensure WKH\\DUHEDODQFHGDQGFKDUJHG HYHQO\\/LWKLXPEDWWHULHVGR require a dedicated charger. – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 49

CHARGERS cent capacity is reached. That on the internal lead plates, Starting with a few basics, older does depend on the battery type which then leads to a longer style battery chargers worked somewhat and while AGM and battery life. This sulphation can on the principal of applying gel batteries will get to 100 per be caused initially by incorrect a voltage greater than that of cent, more basic deep-cycle charging or leaving a battery the existing battery voltage. batteries will only reach 90–95 unattended for too long. For a 12V battery, a voltage per cent. of 14.2–14.4V was applied. Sadly, true multi-stage As the difference between the Some chargers have an battery chargers aren’t cheap battery and charging voltage was equalisation cycle that injects but to get good battery life, a reduced, so too was the charging a pulsing high voltage to break quality charger is just about current. While that mostly down sulphation that can occur mandatory. worked okay, the main problem was that it did not fully charge most batteries. Enter multi-stage chargers, which are designed to get over that problem. Most ‘smart’ chargers have three stages of FKDUJLQJ7KHÀUVWLVWKHERRVW mode, which is the initial bulk charge and supplies a constant charging current that increases the charging voltage as the battery voltage rises. The second stage is the absorption mode, which operates differently to the boost mode in that it keeps the charging voltage constant once it reaches 14.2–14.4V, and slowly reduces the charging current. )LQDOO\\ÁRDWPRGHLVWKH stage in which the charging voltage is reduced to 13.6–13.8V and the battery continues to charge slowly until 100 per Professional installations are worth paying for Cabinets must be waterproof – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 50