1. You’ll save money.

One of the main reasons to travel off-season is because doing so is significantly less expensive. You may save on your motorhome rental as well as on reservations at RV resorts and campgrounds. Prices for attractions can go down as well, and sometimes even prices at shops and restaurants.

2. Sometimes, the weather is better.

Peak season for tourism tends to be when temperatures are hottest. Many people do prefer this type of weather, but for others, it is less than ideal. If you prefer cooler temperatures, you may find that travelling off-season is more pleasant.

3. Attractions will be less crowded.

Another major advantage of travelling outside of peak season is that tourist attractions are not so overrun. You will spend less time wading through crowds and waiting in lines, and more time enjoying beautiful destinations to their fullest.

Not only is this less stressful, but it can also lead to better vacation photos as well. If you happen to be taking any tours during your trip, you may also have your tour guide more or less to yourself, leaving you free to ask any questions you have.

4. Campgrounds and motorhome parks will be quieter and less crowded too.

During peak season, when you get back from exploring parks and other attractions, you might come back to a noisy campground or motorhome park. But off-season, you are more likely to come back to a quiet, tranquil environment where you can rest up for tomorrow’s adventures.

5. Booking is easier (and more flexible).

Attempting to place reservations during peak season for campgrounds, motorhome resort spots, tours, and so forth can be a challenge. In some cases, it may be outright impossible to do all the activities you had planned or stay at the campgrounds that you would prefer.

Off-season, obstacles like these are far less likely to crop up. You may have your choice of campgrounds, and it should be easier to book other reservations for tours and activities. In some cases, you may not even need to place reservations at all.

And what if you need to make a last-minute change? During peak season, you might be out of luck and find yourself up a creek without a paddle. But off-season, there’s a good chance that you can adjust your reservations if needed and still get a spot at a park or on a tour. This saves you from having to plan entirely new destinations and activities!

6. Your whole travel experience is more authentic.

During peak tourist season, most destinations cater to tourists in order to make money. This means that you get the experience which is designed to appeal to outsiders—not one which gives you the most natural “slice of life” portrait of what it is like to live in a particular location year-round.

If you want the authentic experience, visiting a destination off-season is the way to get it. The spectacles for the tourists have been packed away for the year, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by locals who are living their normal daily routines.

7. You’ll be less stressed and have more fun.

Let’s face it. While travelling during peak season can be fun, it can also be stressful! You spend more time stuck in traffic, more time waiting in lines, more time scrambling to deal with reservation changes, and more time trying to relax amidst noisy crowds. Needless to say, all of that makes it pretty hard to relax!

If you travel off-season, you will feel a lot less stressed, because you’ll be dealing with fewer hassles. The flexibility, low costs, and sparse crowds make it so much easier to fully immerse yourself in the best that Australia has to offer so that you can return from your trip feeling de-stressed and recharged.

Conclusion: Travelling Off-Season in a Hired Motorhome or Campervan Has Its Benefits

If you are able to travel at any time during the year, think about hiring your campervan or motorhome in Australia off-season. You’ll be able to keep vacation costs to a minimum and enjoyment of your trip to a maximum!

1. Rec room

Some motorhome parks have recreation rooms. In fact, this is a pretty common feature even among more residentially oriented parks. So chances are pretty good that almost any park where you are planning on booking your trip will have one, but it is always worth asking.

2. Nearby playground or park

Most motorhome parks do not have their own playgrounds, but some may be located close to city playgrounds or parks with slides, swing sets and other fun equipment for children.

3. Swimming pool

In Australia, there are many motorhome resorts which feature swimming pools where guests can cool off after exploring some beautiful (but frequently hot) Outback wilderness areas. Kids typically love swimming pools, so this is an awesome feature to find.

4. Splash park

Did you know that there are motorhome resorts which feature complete splash parks? In fact, there are a whole bunch operated by BIG4. Some of these include:

• BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park
• BIG4 Great Lakes at Forster-Tuncurry
• BIG4 Karuah Jetty Holiday Park
• BIG4 Nambucca Beach Holiday Park
• BIG4 Saltwater @ Yamba Holiday Park
• BIG4 Sunshine Resort, South West Rocks
• BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park
• BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Lake Conjola
• NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Park
• NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park

And that isn’t even the full list!

5. Room to run around

Another great feature to look for at any motorhome resort or RV campground is plenty of wide open space for kids to run around, burn off some excess energy, and just generally have a good time.

6. Roads or paths to cycle

Many children enjoy bicycling when they are on vacation. If you will have bicycles with you, see if you can book at resorts which have safe roads or paths to cycle on either in the parks or nearby.

7. Nature

Kids enjoy nature as much as adults, and love features such as beach access, access to a river or lake, paths in the woods, and so forth. Some parks include these features right on the grounds or within a short walk.

8. Safety

Finally, the most important feature to look for with your kids in mind when you are booking at any motorhome park is safety. This means thinking about things like:

• The general location of the park (is it in a safe neighbourhood?).
• Natural features (setting up at a wilderness campground near a cliff edge or even at the beach may not be wise with little ones that like to run off).
• Highway proximity (again, you do not want small children running into traffic).

Enjoy Vacationing With Your Kids at Australia’s Motorhome Parks and Campgrounds

There are many safe and fun campgrounds and motorhome parks throughout Australia. No matter where you are headed on your vacation, with a little extra research, you can find a place to park your hired motorhome or campervan where your kids will have a blast!

Perhaps this is because it can be difficult to evaluate a park just by visiting its website and calling up reservations on the phone. But there are a number of red flags which you can detect even across a distance which can tell you that you might want to avoid a certain park.

Following are 10 red flags to be on the lookout for when you’re placing your reservations for your next vacation.

1. Consider avoiding major highways.

While there certainly are high-quality RV parks along highways, major roads can sometimes cause problems. For example:

• Noise levels can be high, sometimes even at night.
• There could be safety issues with driving in and out of the park.
• All that through-traffic sometimes brings other types of traffic as well (i.e. drug trafficking).
• Costs may be inflated because of convenience.

How big an issue the presence of a highway is depends completely on the location where you will be staying. In some areas, it may be well worth staying away from major roads, while in others, it could be completely irrelevant.

2. Try not to stay at parks in areas with high crime rates.

Crime issues tend to leak into such parks. This can result in dealing with unsavoury persons and/or unsavoury situations. Particularly if many of the park’s residents are permanent, there may be a lot of drama going on around you instead of the peace and quiet you are after.

3. Avoid parks which have inflated prices for no obvious reason.

There are many factors which can influence the cost of a motorhome park space. Some of these make sense, i.e. hookups available, the sizes of spaces, the proximity of spaces to an attractive feature such as a lake or river, and so forth.

But sometimes, prices of spots may vary for no particular reason aside from management discretion. It is also not uncommon to see large differentials in cost from one park to the next even within a small geographical area.

While you might think that a more expensive park will always be much nicer, it’s not always the case. In fact, sometimes the reverse can be true. If prices have been jacked up for no reason, you can be sure that you are not going to have the best vacation experience.

4. Consider the social economics of a park (in either direction).

There is a great deal of concern nowadays over the “type of people” staying at any given motorhome park. Many parks are actively working on gentrification, and find excuses to keep poorer people away (like rules limiting the age of motorhomes allowed in).

Just learning a park’s social economics with respect to policies like these can help you to get a feel for both the attitude of the management and the economic class of the typical resident or vacationer at the park.

Based on this, you can decide whether a park might be a good fit for you or not. If you would prefer an upper class environment, you can choose one. If that type of environment would not suit you, you can avoid it.

5. Stay away from parks with dodgy customer service and/or bad attitudes.

You can tell a lot about what you can expect from your experience at a motorhome resort just by talking to customer service about your plans and asking some questions.

It isn’t just the content of what the person tells you that should be informative, but the way that the person handles the conversation.

If you find yourself dealing with someone who dodges around questions and/or rushes you, speaks tersely, or even actively discourages you from placing a reservation (this can happen more often than you might think if management suspects you are not their “kind of people”), there is no reason to check into that park any further.

6. No photos? That’s not a good sign.

Since you cannot actually drive by a motorhome park to check it out unless you are planning a vacation relatively close to where you live now, you will need to rely on the internet for photos.

Hopefully, you can find a good selection of photos of an RV resort directly on that resort’s website. If you cannot, that raises questions about what you can expect from your stay.

Whether or not you find lots of photos on the site, you should also check customer reviews for uploaded photos. Those, after all, were taken without management’s stamp of approval, and may provide you with a more honest insight into the appearance of the park.

7. It’s worth asking about noise regulations.

There are a couple of relevant noise regulations worth asking about when you pick up the phone to chat with a booking agent. You should find out whether generator use is allowed, and you should also ask what the quiet hours are.

If a park does not have any sort of rules about noise, that may be a sign that it can be a loud place to stay. It also might indicate that partying is commonplace. So if loud noise and partying are things that you want to avoid on your vacation, you might want to stick with parks that have clear noise regulations.

Of course, the converse is true as well. If you plan to party on your vacation, you may want to specifically search for a motorhome resort which will allow you to do so without worrying about noise levels.

8. Be aware that “RV resort” is a meaningless phrase.

Something else worth mentioning is the phrase “RV resort.” I have seen people say online that you should look specifically for a “resort” rather than a “park.” The idea is that this will get you away from a “trailer park” atmosphere.

But having stayed at both, I can tell you the phrase is meaningless. RV parks and resorts are interchangeable, and the name tells you nothing about the park’s true character.

So that means that the word “park” is not a red flag in itself. And it also tells you that someone who tries overly hard to sell you on the “resort” nature of their business may be attempting to mislead you through a simple choice of words.

That being said, there are RV parks which really do offer a high-class resort experience. But it should be self evident just from checking out their amenities and the photos on their website that they really are worthy of that “resort” moniker.

9. If they don’t promote their amenities, that’s a bad sign.

Let’s talk for a moment about motorhome resort amenities. If you are planning to use amenities such as laundry, toilets and showers, you want to stay at a park which draws emphasis to these amenities and their availability to guests.

If a motorhome resort offers these amenities but does not go out of their way to promote them to you on the telephone or on their website, it raises the question of why. Here are couple of possibilities:

• The facilities may exist, but they could be in poor condition.
• While the facilities are available, the park management may prefer that you not use them.

If a motorhome park has kept their amenities in excellent shape and truly wants guests to have the most convenient and enjoyable experience, they should go out of their way to make sure you know everything which is available, just like any hotel would.

10. Bad reviews often speak for themselves.

Last but certainly not least, you should read reviews for any RV resort which you are thinking about parking at.

In particular, I recommend looking for long, detailed reviews which are both positive and negative.

While your temptation may be to read reviews from other vacationers, you should strongly consider looking for those which have been left by full-time residents as well.

This will provide you with the most thorough portrait of what the park is really like.

Avoiding These Red Flags Should Help You Find a Quality Park for Your Motorhome Vacation

It may not be easy to assess a motorhome park accurately when you’re not able to visit it yourself before booking a reservation. But it is far from impossible.

Hopefully the tips above will help you out during your search so that you can avoid dodgy RV parks and stay only at those which will provide you with the most enjoyable vacation experience.

That is going to involve price comparison both between parks and within parks. You will probably notice a significant price differential during your search, sometimes even within a relatively small geographic area.

This can raise a lot of questions. Why is one park so much more expensive than another? And why are some spaces within a single park more expensive than other spaces in that same motorhome resort?

Let’s go over some of the factors which can drive costs up or down for spaces in motorhome parks. That way, you will have some guidance to help you select both a park and a space which you can afford and which will provide you with the value and features you are looking for on your motorhome vacation.

Factors Which Impact the Cost of Motorhome Spaces Within a Park

First, let’s go over factors which may lead to different pricing for different spots within a single resort. Depending on what you can and can’t live without, you may be able to save a significant amount of money booking a less pricey space.

1. Available hook-ups

Within a single motorhome park, there may be differences in the hook-ups available between different spots. Some spots may include full hook-ups for cable, electric and plumbing. Others may include partial hook-ups. Still others may include no hook-ups at all.

Naturally, those spots which include full hook-ups are typically more expensive than those which include partial hook-ups or no hook-ups.

You will need to decide what comfort level you require while you’re parked in your hired motorhome. While many vacationers feel that paying for hook-ups is worth it, others may feel that this is a luxury that they can go without.

2. Proximity to attractive features

Another factor which commonly creates a price differential within a single motorhome resort is how close certain spaces are to attractions as well as the views that they offer.

For example, if a motorhome park is located on a riverbank, the spaces which are right along the river will usually be significantly more expensive than those which are all the way across the park.

3. Size of the space

If you have chosen to hire a particularly large motorhome, you will need a large space in which to park it. Such a space may cost less than a smaller space to accommodate a smaller vehicle.

4. Arbitrary decree

Finally, it is not uncommon to come across price differences for spaces within an RV resort with no obvious explanation. It would seem that park owners sometimes have their own private, arbitrary reasons for pricing one space higher than another.

Not Sure Why a Space Costs More? Ask.

Many websites for motorhome resorts include a map which shows the locations of each of the spaces as well as what hook-ups they have available. Examining this information, you may be able to figure out on your own why one space carries a higher cost than another.

If you find yourself flummoxed about why a particular space has a higher price tag, you can always ask. If you do not receive a satisfactory answer, just pick another space.

Factors Which Impact the Cost of Motorhome Spaces from Park to Park

Now, let’s talk about why some RV resorts are more expensive than others overall.

1. The same features listed above

The same factors which account for price differences within a single RV resort can also account for price differences between parks.

Say for example that one park features hook-ups for most spaces while another does not. All other factors being equal, you would expect the park with more hook-ups to charge more than the other.

Let’s also say as another example that there are two motorhome parks located relatively close to the same river. One resort is located right on the bank, while the other doesn’t even offer a view of the river. The park with the prime location on the bank will probably cost more.

2. Remoteness

Motorhome parks which are located in remote areas are often (but not always) less expensive than those with central locations. In particular, those with inconveniently long drive times with relation to stores, restaurants, and so forth may be less expensive to park at than those which are a stone’s throw away from everything you’d need.

3. Amenities

Amenities featured within a park can also push up the price of the spaces that park offers. A fancy motorhome resort with a water park on the property, for instance, can easily get away with charging quite a bit more than a resort with nothing but a small souvenir shop on the premises.

4. Gentrification

Finally, a less tangible factor which can have a tremendous impact over motorhome space pricing is gentrification. There are many park owners who no longer want older motorhomes to park in their spaces, and who also want to discourage those who are not middle class or wealthy from staying (whether permanently or as vacationers) at all.

The easiest way to gentrify a motorhome park is to mark up the prices of the spots. This is especially easy to get away with if a park is located in either an urban setting or close to a popular tourist destination.

Not everybody chooses to do this, however. If you shop around, you may be able to find parks even in these high-demand areas which are much more affordable. Often, these parks are every bit as pleasant (and sometimes, more so). So you cannot necessarily judge a motorhome resort by its prices alone.

Conclusion: Motorhome Space Prices Vary Based on Many Factors

You now are familiar with some of the factors which can cause some motorhome spots to be much more expensive than others: proximity to attractions, hook-ups, space sizes, amenities, remoteness, gentrification, and more.

Make a list of what you are looking for in a park as well as in a space, and figure out your budget. Based on the two, research your options and conduct some price comparisons. Once you have found the best value for your money, you will be ready to hire a motorhome in Australia and make your booking!

In order for your motorhome family vacation to be a success, however, you do need to do some thoughtful planning. Here are 8 tips to ensure a smooth, safe and enjoyable trip for the whole family.

1. Plan the duration of your trip carefully.

The idea of three or four luxurious weeks in a rented motorhome trekking across the Outback may sound ideal to you. But don’t forget that small children can fatigue easily with travel. You want your vacation to feel long, but not for the wrong reasons. When you are dealing with impatient, frustrated kids who just want to go home, it can feel way longer than you’d like.

On the other hand, some kids really get into travel, and will enjoy every minute of an extended vacation just as much as you. So consider the ages and personalities of your children, and plan your trip duration around their needs. That might mean making it a few days shorter, or it might not—it all depends on your family dynamic.

2. Pick a vehicle size which will allow everyone sufficient space and privacy.

A lot of motorhomes are advertised as having four or more berths, which may make you think that they have plenty of room—but in smaller models, that “room” can be pretty crammed together.

Consider all the problems which can result from a lack of space. Siblings are more likely to squabble. Kids may avoid their parents. Even for parents, cramped quarters may become frustrating. Everyone may become short with one another. So pick a motorhome which is large enough to really accommodate the entire family comfortably.

There is also the matter of the bathroom. You should park at campgrounds which include toilets and showers so that there is a more private option, but you probably should still look for a motorhome where the onboard bathroom can be easily screened off.

Why? This gives you a lot more options for bathroom breaks on the road. You can literally pull over anywhere instead of looking for a rest stop. That means happier kids (and parents) and less time wasted on the way to your destination.

3. Look into optional equipment rentals if you need them.

Some motorhome rental companies will allow you to tack on extra supplies for your kids at a reasonable fee. These may include booster seats, car seats, portable cribs, outdoor toys and so forth. Check into this before you make plans to bring your own. Renting these supplies can be much easier and more convenient.

4. Plan activities every member of the family can enjoy.

If your five-year-old child hates hiking, planning miles upon miles of hiking probably will not result in the most enjoyable trip. By all means, do some hiking, but try to factor in your child’s stamina and pick some routes which will not exhaust his or her enthusiasm.

Your kids are more likely to tolerate the activities you want to do if you also plan some specifically around their interests. If your eight-year-old is obsessed with horses, plan a horseback ride one day. If your kids love to swim, plan a hike to a lake.

5. Stay at campgrounds which are kid-friendly.

After a day in the motorhome, most kids are going to want to stretch their legs and run around. The best campgrounds to choose are those which have some wide open spaces and which will tolerate their noise levels. That way they can burn some of their excess energy off before bedtime.

6. Make sure your children are buckled in while the motorhome is in motion.

Kids are likely to look upon the motorhome as a kind of living room in motion, and may treat it accordingly if you do not remind them that it is still very much a vehicle. It is just as vital for them to sit down and buckle up while you are driving as it would be in a car. Set firm rules on this so that your children stay secure.

7. Put car seats where they belong and make sure small children stay in them.

On that note, very small children will need to remain in car seats. For every model of motorhome, there are ideal locations to position the seats. Ask about this when you are booking your rental so that you know the safest seats in the vehicle for car seat placement.

8. Remember, you are providing your own room service.

Finally, a motorhome can be a far more comfortable option than a hotel room for accommodations, but there is a catch—and that is that there is no room service. When you stay at a hotel, you go out each day and enjoy your activities, and then come back to a clean room. That doesn’t happen when you are staying in a motorhome.

So if you allow your kids to get out of control, they (or you) will have to clean up the entire mess. Over the course of days or weeks, you may find yourself staying in a motorhome which is less and less tidy.

Try and prevent this by again setting firm rules in advance. That way you can spend less time cleaning up after your kids and more time enjoying the sights on your vacation.

Armed with these 8 tips, you are now ready to plan a great motorhome trip with your kids. With the right campervan and supplies, kid-friendly campground bookings, activities planned for the whole family, and rules for safety and tidiness, you can create a fun and memorable experience travelling in the Outback with your loved ones.

Eating on vacation tends to be expensive—but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Following are some tips to help you keep food costs to a minimum on your next trip.

1. Budget your food each day

To start with, you need a realistic budget for eating each day on your trip. The emphasis here is on the word “realistic.”

While you want to keep your food costs as low as you can, if you set your budget unrealistically low, it will not help you to constrain your costs on the road. Once you realize you will exceed it, you will be tempted to just shrug and think, “Well, I am on vacation, so let’s stop worrying about it.”

But that means you may massively exceed your budget. At that point, your trip can become exorbitantly expensive.

So budget, but use common sense. Allow yourself to spend more on daily food costs than you would at home—but put a sensible cap on it.

2. Bring snacks along on your trip

It isn’t just eating out which costs a lot on vacation—it is eating often. Driving, hiking, and other vacation activities cause us to feel more hungry throughout the day than we would at home.

That means if you usually eat two meals a day, you may want three. If you usually eat three, you may want four.

To prevent yourself from splurging on extra meals—and losing valuable drive time—bring along some inexpensive but delicious snacks that your family can enjoy without pulling over.

3. Eat foods which are high in protein

Did you know that research shows that protein-rich foods increase satiety? Have that in mind when packing snacks and when ordering food. For example, a bag of nuts will keep you more satiated than a bag of chips.

4. Order smaller portions which are less expensive when possible

Restaurants sometimes sell half portions as well as kids’ menu items which cost less than full portions. Some also have menu sections for “lighter fare.”

Consider ordering some of these smaller portions. Most full restaurant portions are too much to consume in a single sitting anyway.

If you are traveling without a cooler (see below), food left over on your plate after you are done eating just goes to waste—along with the extra money you spent on it.

5. Bring a cooler so you can store leftovers and eat them later in the day.

You can make large portions at restaurants go further on vacation if you save your leftovers to enjoy later. Even if you are traveling in a car or another vehicle without a kitchen, you can at least bring a cooler with you. Then you can reheat your leftovers for another meal at the hotel later.

6. Stay at places which offer free breakfast.

Speaking of accommodations, another trick to saving money on food when you travel is to look for hotels and motorhome parks which offer complimentary breakfast to vacationers. Since you can usually serve yourself these types of breakfasts, this also saves time.

7. Load up on food before visiting theme parks and/or national parks.

Theme parks usually charge an arm and a leg for food. Food options in national parks also are usually very restricted, managed by one or two vendors. Those one or two vendors know that most visitors are not going to leave the park for food, so they make the most of the situation.

This means that park food too tends to be very expensive. This can even be the case with cafeteria-style options.

So if you are heading to a theme park or about to enter a national park, strongly consider eating at a restaurant nearby first. It will probably save you a significant amount of money. There is also a good chance the food will be better. You can certainly bet that the selection will be larger.

8. Hire a motorhome and prepare your own food.

Finally, the best way to save money on food while on vacation is to prepare it yourself. While there are some hotel rooms which include kitchenettes, an easier option is to take your kitchen with you wherever you go.

How can you do that? By renting a motorhome. With a motorhome, you can have access to an oven, cooktop, microwave, fridge and freezer.

That means that if you bring along sufficient ingredients and cookware (which might be included with your rental), you can make affordable and delicious home-cooked meals.

Plan Ahead to Save Money on Food While on Vacation

The cost of dining while on a trip can add up quickly, often exceeding your expectations by a surprising amount of money.

But by planning ahead, purchasing smaller portions, snacking, and hiring a motorhome where you can prepare your own meals, you may be surprised by just how much you can save.

Following are some tips which can help you get started on the right track for a pleasant and safe motorhome vacation.

1. Be prepared for long, wide turns

The most obvious difference between driving a motorhome and driving a smaller vehicle is that the large size of your vehicle means that you will need to be making long, wide, slow turns.

If you need to make a tight turn, the trick is to do two things:

1. Put more width between yourself and the obstacle you need to pivot around.
2. Start your turn earlier rather than later.

That second step may seem counterintuitive, and may make you feel uneasy. But if you watch videos, you can see these principles demonstrated.

If you are ever in any doubt about your ability to make a particular turn, do not do it. If you absolutely must, get someone outside the vehicle to help you.

2. Do not follow other drivers too closely

Because it takes longer to stop a motorhome, you need to make sure that you are putting more distance between yourself and the drivers in front of you. Following closely puts them and you at risk.

3. Be prepared for longer brake times

Even if you have an open road in front of you, you need to keep your longer brake times in mind constantly.

Say for example you are driving down a hill starting at the top. If you start at the same speed you would normally in a car, you will probably be surprised by how fast you are going by the bottom. Start out slower so that your brakes have less to do. Use the appropriate gear as well.

4. Make sure you are centered in your lane

Because a motorhome is also wider than a regular vehicle, it can be difficult at first to gauge your position in your lane. One thing which can help is to stick with driving in the lane closest to the shoulder. That way if you veer too far to the right, at least you will not veer into traffic.

Plus, this is the lane you are expected to drive in if you are going more slowly, which you probably will (and should) be. If there are cars piled up behind you, do use the turnouts. This is courteous to other drivers. It is also safer, since you will then not have angry people trying to pass you. This will reduce tailgating as well.

5. Do not pull into spaces without someone outside to help

If you are trying to park your motorhome, whether in a parking lot or an RV park, you should not attempt to do so entirely on your own.

You need to have somebody outside to help you gauge the distance between the motorhome and other vehicles, as well as how aligned you are with the space.

Even experienced motorhome drivers do this, so as a beginner, there is no excuse not to. If you are traveling by yourself, ask a staff member at the RV park to assist you. Most park staff will not hesitate to help you out.

6. Never make assumptions about clearance

It’s very easy to forget that you are driving a vehicle which is quite a bit taller than you are used to. Always check clearance for tunnels, bridges, petrol stations, and so forth before you proceed in your rented motorhome. This is also something to keep in mind when you are planning your routes.

7. Be aware of the “tail swing”

The construction of motorhomes means that sometimes the front and back of the RV are actually comprised of separate pieces which turn at slightly different rates. This results in a “tail swing” which may be as high as 30 inches.

Be aware of how tail swing can affect the way that your vehicle turns. Compensate for it so that you can make your turns safely.

8. Watch out for wind

When driving a motorhome, your vehicle’s centre of mass is higher off the ground than it would be in a regular car. That means that wind can have more of an impact on your vehicle, causing greater instability.

Winds which a car would be able to handle with little difficulty can be quite problematic for a motorhome driver. So do not make assumptions about what you will be able to deal with. If the wind is giving you trouble, just pull over until it passes.

8. Use Caution and Common Sense When Driving Your Hired Motorhome

You now have some important tips to help you out while you are learning to drive the motorhome you hire for your next vacation. Take it slow, and do not be afraid to pull over when you need to. You should get the hang of it pretty quickly, and will be able to enjoy a safe and smooth motorhome experience.

You might think that any motorhome park is much the same as another—just somewhere to pull in, hook up, sleep, empty your dump tanks, and be on your way. But BIG4 motorhome parks are different.

BIG4 motorhome parks were designed to offer a true holiday getaway experience. That means enjoying the comfort and leisure options of a resort environment while you are parked in your campervan or motorhome!

Below are some of the top recommended BIG4 motorhome parks throughout Australia.

1. BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park

Quite a few of the motorhome parks operated by BIG4 have won prominent awards. One of the most renowned is Deniliquin Holiday Park, recipient of the Australian Tourism GOLD Award three years running. The park currently is listed in the Hall of Fame, and is one of a number of BIG4 parks to win a 2017 State Tourism Award.

Location:

You’ll find the Deniliquin Holiday Park along the banks of the Edward River just outside Deniliquin itself.

What Makes It Awesome?

First of all, the Edward River is gorgeous, and offers plenty of leisure activities on its own. To those who love water-based fun, though, the park offers so much more in the form of a Splash Water Park, complete with a giant water bucket and a heated waterslide.

The resort also has a Pontoon Boat which you can hire. Cruise up and down the river, taking in the scenery, and be sure to grab your water-skis.

If you are ready to get back on dry land, you can play a round of mini-golf right on the grounds, or you can barbecue with your friends and family.

2. RAC Cervantes Holiday Park

The RAC Cervantes Holiday Park won the Silver Australian Tourism Award in 2017, placing just behind the Deniliquin Holiday Park.

Location:

This holiday park is located right on the coastline, squeezed in between the ocean and Nambung National Park north of Perth. This makes it the perfect staging ground for your adventures exploring the park. You’ll gasp in awe at the spectacular limestone pillars and the other distinctive features which make Nambung so remarkable.

When you’re ready to come back to your motorhome and relax at the end of the day, you’ll have a beautiful and serene resort environment waiting to welcome you.

What Makes It Awesome?

One of the biggest draws to RAC Cervantes Holiday Park is obviously its location. But this award-winning park has a lot of other great features and amenities to recommend it as well.

After a day at Nambung, you’ll love a chance to leap into the cool, refreshing waters of the holiday park’s swimming pool. Kids have a playground to keep them entertained while you cook up dinner on the barbie. Play some pool or table tennis in the evening for even more family fun.

3. BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

Placing just after the RAC Cervantes Holiday Park, the BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort won a Bronze Australian Tourism Award in 2017, making it another of the most highly rated BIG4 parks in Australia.

Location:

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort is located on the Queensland coast between Mackay and Townsville right next to Conway National Park with the Cumberland Islands just offshore. If you are looking to explore the forested hills and beautiful beaches which make this area so picturesque, you’ll find no better spot to turn in for the night.

What Makes It Awesome?

This is pretty much the ultimate motorhome park for anyone who loves swimming pools and water parks. The pool measures 32m and is shaped to resemble a lagoon. The water park has a total of 13 slides which are fun for the whole family along with a tipping bucket. With palm trees rustling overhead, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to a tropical Eden.

The water slides and Lagoon Pool alone would be enough to make this a standout holiday park, but there is even more awaiting you at this destination. There are landscaped gardens and scenic walks for you to explore, a tennis court where you can play, a mini golf course, a kids club, and even the chance to get a professional massage (very relaxing after a day at the beach or hiking in the nearby national park).

4. BIG4 MacDonnell Range Holiday Park

This is another BIG4 holiday park which received a 2017 State Tourism Award. This is just one of the many awards the park has received. According to BIG4, it is the “most awarded tourist park in the Northern Territory.”

Location:

With its location just south of Alice Springs, it is close to a number of area attractions. These include the Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park, the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve, the Ilparpa Swamp Wildlife Protected Area, the Alice Springs Desert Park, the Owen Springs Reserve, and the West MacDonnell National Park.

What Makes It Awesome?

This park offers plenty of shade trees—a very welcome feature in this location. You can explore landscaped gardens, gazing through the trees to the mountains beyond. If you need a refreshing dip, a swimming pool awaits you. Because it is not right next to the highway, you can also count on this park to be quiet.

It’s also worth mentioning that if you are planning to stay at the park on a weekend, you’re in luck. Every Sunday morning, the park hosts a Pancake Breakfast! This is a popular event, and a great way to fill up for a fun day touring the area.

5. BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park

We’ve shared a lot of popular and highly rated BIG4 parks which provide you with access to some of Australia’s beautiful natural areas. But what about an urban park? You might want to consider the award-winning BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park if you have an itch to explore the city.

Location:

This park is of course located in Launceston. There is so much to see and do in this bustling city. Visit the City Park, tour the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, or get up close and personal with some of the animals which call the island home at the Tasmania Zoo. There are of course also abundant shopping and dining options!

What Makes It Awesome?

You are right in the heart of one of Australia’s most beautiful and fascinating cities when you stay at this BIG4 park. You can walk to the town centre in a matter of minutes to experience the best of what Launceston has to offer. While you are at the park, you can look forward to conveniences like free wireless internet and the top-shelf hospitality you can expect at any BIG4 holiday destination.

Book a Reservation At Any of These BIG4 Holiday Parks Today

Adventure abounds throughout Australia. When you stay at any of these BIG4 Holiday Parks, you’ll discover that plenty of exhilarating activities await you right at your motorhome park. But you’ll also get the relaxation and rest you need to continue to make the most of your vacation. Hire a motorhome today, and place your reservation at one or more of these award-winning parks!

In order to plan ahead though, you need to have some idea what types of optional items are available. These vary from one rental company to the next, but there are some common items which you are likely to encounter from many rental companies. Here are a few of them.

1. Furniture

Folding furniture is frequently available as an add-on to a motorhome rental. The types of items you will usually find include folding camp tables and camp chairs. Fees for renting extra furniture can range significantly, but something like $15-$20 for a table could be expected. Chairs might be available for free or for a nominal fee. These items can greatly enhance your comfort if you are going to be spending time sitting outside your rented vehicle.

2. Food-Related Supplies

Next, there is the category of supplies related to food preparation and storage. Here you may find quite a few different options. Typically, you can rent a large cooler and cooler hitch. You may be able to rent a portable barbecue grill. You might also have the option of renting a toaster, tea kettle, rice cooker, coffee maker, or so on.

Before deciding on extras for your kitchen or outdoor grilling experience, be sure to ask what is already included for free. Also think about the amenities which may be available at the campsites are headed to. You do not need to rent a portable grill if you will be staying somewhere that already provides you with a grill.

As far as costs go, there is a lot of variation here as well. Some items may run you up to $20 or more per trip. But quite a few may be available for just a few dollars per trip or per day. Remember that if you plan to use these rentable items, you may also need to pack some additional supplies in order to do so.

3. Activity Supplies

Next up, there are a lot of activities which you can really only participate in on your travels if you have the equipment you need for them. To that end, you may have the option of renting fishing poles and tackle boxes, bicycles (possibly including mountain bikes), binoculars, and more.

These will generally be some of the more expensive optional add-ons. The reason is pretty obvious. Not only do these items have significant value, but you will be using them outdoors, so there is a higher chance that they may be damaged during your trip. So instead of paying $10-$20 to rent a bicycle for an entire trip, you can expect the cost to be closer to $10-$20 per day.

These add-ons may drive up the cost of your rental, but they can greatly enhance the fun you will have on your adventure. They may also be less expensive to rent through the motorhome rental agency than they would be through other tourism companies at the destinations you will be visiting.

4. Baby and Child Supplies

Finally, there is the category of baby and child supplies. Naturally if you are going to be travelling with a baby, it would be inconvenient or impossible to bring along everything you need to keep your baby comfortable and safe. That is why you can rent optional baby supplies such as a child car seat, child booster seat, and portable crib.

Some companies may also offer children’s outdoor toys for rent as well. These might include sports equipment, Frisbees, horseshoes, water guns, and so forth. These are great for keeping kids entertained when you are at the campground.

What are prices like for these items? Rentals like car seats and cribs will usually be some of the more expensive add-ons, but probably will still be available in the $15-$20 range for the duration of your trip. The cost to rent children’s outdoor toys will vary depending on what is included in the set.

Optional Extra Items Can Add Value to Your Motorhome Rental

You will need to tally up the cost of any add-on items you are thinking about renting carefully so that you can get a feel for what they will amount to before you decide to move forward with your rental. Even though these items usually are not expensive on their own, they can add up fast.

Nonetheless, the extra expense can be well worth it. Add-ons can make it easier to prepare food, take care of babies and young children, and lounge comfortably outside your rented vehicle. They can even give you the opportunity to explore the areas you visit on a bicycle, go fishing, and more. So do optional items add to the cost of your rental? Sure, but they more than make up for that added cost in terms of extra value. That means a more enjoyable trip for you and your entire family.

1. A fire extinguisher.

I am going to jump right past talking about proper tires, because I am going to assume you have that squared away, or the company you are hiring your 4WD camper from has taken care of it.

Next on your list should be a fire extinguisher. Rules and regulations in many parts of the world stipulate that this is a must for off-roading, so chances are good your rental company has already provided this as well.

Just make sure you know how to use it and understand what it is for. Obviously it is there partly to help you douse a fire in your vehicle, but it is also provided so that you have a shot at preventing a forest fire.

2. A recovery kit.

Another vital item is a recovery kit. This all-in-one kit provides you with the supplies you need to get a stuck vehicle un-stuck. Make sure that you are travelling with a high quality kit with sturdy gear, and that you keep it somewhere accessible. You never know if you will be able to get into the trunk of your vehicle if you do get stuck, so it is wise to keep it near the driver’s seat. That way you can be assured of reaching it when you need it.

3. A hi-lift jack.

This incredibly useful tool can be a lifesaver when you are off-roading. It can help get your vehicle un-stuck, and can be used as a stopgap solution if an axle shaft breaks. It also works for winching in a pinch, and can be used for a variety of repair jobs.

4. A work light.

You cannot assume that you will be able to get back up and running from every emergency before the sun sets. Be prepared with a hands-free work light which provides at least a few hours of bright light per charge. Bring extra batteries.

5. Recovery straps.

These may very well come with your 4WD rental, and are required in many locations if you are going to be off-roading. You can hook them up to another vehicle and pull on yours to dislodge it if you are stuck. Why not just bring tow straps? Recovery straps feature greater elasticity. This allows the vehicle that is doing the tugging to exert more force on the stuck vehicle. This in turn gives you a better chance at getting your vehicle dislodged.

6. Recovery boards.

While a winch or recovery straps can help get your vehicle un-stuck, what if you are looking for a safer, more moderate approach? And what if there is no other vehicle available to help tug you back up onto the track?

Consider bringing nylon recovery boards with you. You can use these to shovel mud, dirt and rocks out from around your tires, and then you can place them in front of your tires. Dig them slightly underneath, and then use them as ramps to drive up and out of the mud, snow, or so forth.

You will probably find some other uses for recovery boards as well. They are one of those all-around great supplies for off-roading and camping.

7. A tire repair kit.

You have a much higher chance of punching a hole in one of your tires off-roading than you do driving on the highway. Why take any chances? A tire repair kit may prevent you from getting a flat in a remote location where you’d have a hard time getting help. While you are at it, make sure you have a good air compressor.

8. A personal locator beacon.

Finally, what will you do if none of your gear is adequate for getting out of a jam? You will need to find a way to call for help. If you are in a desolate, remote area like the Outback, you may have no reliable way to do this visually. You do not want to be stuck relying on smoke signals, mirrors, and messages in the sand reading “SOS.”

Carrying a personal locator beacon can solve this problem. With a PLB, you can transmit an emergency signal for 24 hours or more. You register the device before you use it, so rescue workers who receive your signal immediately can identify you. With onboard GPS, your PLB tells the team exactly where you are. They can then come swiftly to your location to extract you from your predicament and return you safely to civilization.

With These Off-Roading Essentials, You Can Stay Safe on Your Adventures in Australia

You now know some of the most important gear to stock up on and bring with you on your 4WD off-roading trip. With these supplies on hand, you can hopefully stop a small emergency from turning into a big one. If you drive carefully and safely, you may never have to use these supplies, but you’ll be able to proceed with greater confidence and peace of mind knowing you have them. Good luck!