The incredible view across the salt lakes

If you haven’t been exposed to RVs or campers, it can be quite daunting to hire — not to mention buy. Take it from Peter and I, both of whom are amateurs in the camping world and are not mechanically minded, that it’s worth every ounce of effort.

Back in 2016, we booked a trip to the island state and decided to try our hand at the RV lifestyle. It was a big adventure in our minds, with no idea how we would find travelling in the van. We soon found ourselves hooked, and thought it such a wonderful way to travel — to be able to stop and have a cuppa when we felt like it, or even have a nap, seemed like pure luxury! We also very much enjoyed not having to backtrack from visiting a place to arrive at our accommodation in time — therefore allowing us more time to sightsee and explore new places.

Upon our return to Perth and sharing with our neighbour the joys of our travels, she told us about a friend who was selling her RV. We weren’t quite sure if we were ready to take it on, but a year later we inquired as to whether it was still available. To our joy, it was! In no time at all, we were proud owners. It certainly was quite a big outlay, however we learned that RVs don’t depreciate as fast as cars do, and tend to hold much of their value.

Climbing Baladjie Rock in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia

The owner had looked after it so well and had a list of what to do before setting off, such as ensuring that the gas was off, that the steps were up, and the like. She ran through how to turn the gas stove and gas fridge on and off, how to empty the toilet cassette and fill the water and toilet tanks, and much more. We were at first a little overwhelmed, but just like anything else, the more you use it, the easier it is to remember! In the meantime, I had fun finding places for our food, blankets, our issues of The Wanderer, binoculars, camera, and clothes. I loved putting our own touches to things like choosing a doona cover and cushions to add whichever colours we liked.

Finally, we set off to Collie on our first adventure. We made this trip with friends who were also new to the lifestyle, which greatly helped our psyche as opposed to being totally alone on our maiden voyage. We had a great time camping at Wellington Dam and visiting Honeymoon Pool. Backing our RV up so we could see the view from the back window was terrific — I could sit and birdwatch, and have since found it an excellent and serene way to wake up with such beautiful views. On the way back, we decided to top up at the Collie petrol station, and hadn’t realised that the diesel pump also  had a petrol pump and yes — you guessed it — we filled up with petrol. Blissfully unaware, we then travelled on to Brunswick Junction, Waroona, and finally stopped to check in at Lake Brockman. After checking in we went back to the van to drive off, and had no success. We phoned KT insurance and were advised to smell the diesel to see if petrol had been put in by error. We soon found out it is a very common problem as the petrol nozzle fi ts the diesel inlet — so there we were on our maiden voyage, watching our RV being placed on the back of a truck and disappearing around the corner! The point to make here however is that help is never too far away. The owners of the park were fantastic and, so was KT. It put an end to our camping for a few days, but fortunately, our daughter was only an hour away.

Esperance is a beautiful sight

We decided to eat at the restaurant whilst waiting and celebrate what was left of my birthday. Not even that mishap could kill my mood, as I had now tasted the joy of camping. 

Since that maiden voyage, we have discovered so many places. In the following year we went to many places including Lake Yealering, Beverly, Lake Brockman, Moore River, and even Perth at Karrinyup Waters Resort. By that stage we were feeling more confident and decided on a bigger trip taking in Wave Rock and going down to Esperance. Our only mishap was not allowing enough height when travelling near verge trees — a branch sticking out hit our annexe and shunted it along the track. Fortunately, at our friend’s farm we could get it back on, but a lesson was learned: not all shires cater for tall vehicles.

We began to realise through other travellers just how much we hadn’t seen of our own state, and also discovered that the regions between Geraldton and Perth are not boring as I once thought. There are so many nooks and crannies to explore, such as the wildflower towns Watheroo, Marchagee, Coorow, Carnamah, Three Springs and Coalseam. The latter area has so much to offer, and from there on the way to Geraldton, we passed Ellendale Pool, Greenough.

All of this was seen over the first year heading off for a few days to a week at a time.

Taking in a Tasmanian vista

For the first timers it is wise of course when doing a trip to remote areas to ensure you are adequately informed and well-supplied with emergency items. We planned a larger trip and bore in mind how remote the north-west was from 40 years ago. I had apprehension about safety, but fortunately things have changed. Mostly in our favour though was the amount of people travelling due to COVID-19 — when something did go wrong, it was only a matter of minutes before help came along.

Our biggest adventure therefore started in August 2020 when we decided to go to the north-west region of Western Australia. As mentioned, we aren’t experienced and are not mechanically savvy, so I went as prepared as I knew how — with spare diesel, water, tinned food supplies, water coolant, oil, new tyres, a new spare tyre, et cetera. I had an emergency kit, including a snake bite bandage and plenty of torches, but one thing I wasn’t sure about was what tools to take. In hindsight, a set of sockets would have been helpful. We also had clothes for all weather conditions.

Early morning breakfast in Esperance before setting out for the day!

One other thing to add about travelling through the north-west is how wonderful the free rest stops are. They often are quite large and well-equipped, and are  always fantastic for meeting other travellers. Coupled with some great station stays and the odd caravan park, it makes travelling much more affordable and we can all help the economy by not always eating in and paying to see museums, stargazing events and whatever else takes your fancy. Don’t forget to journal your trip, take lots of photos, admire the beauty of the wildlife and enjoy the people you meet.

There is so much more we could share, but this is just to let our fellow members know that travelling in an RV when not experienced is still very much an option and an adventure - don't let your fears stop you from taking the leap!

Stunning colours in the island state

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Written: Wed 01 Sept 2021
Printed: September, 2021
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