TIFFIN MOTORHOMES Page 20 OCTOBER | liquidlifeandleisure.com.au
AUSTRALIAN HIGHWAYS Page 32
TROOPY TRAILS PAGE 42
GOLD COAST MARINE TRAINING | Page 46
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OCTOBER 2018
Contents... ON THE COVER Tiffin 20
2018 Allegro Breeze
Australian Highways 32 Check out our favourite highways
What’s on in October
3rd – 21st October
Melbourne International Arts Festival
https://www.festival.melbourne/2018/
Most spoilt pooch in Australia
12th – 14th October
Why you should have a boat licence
& Caravan, Camping & Boating Expo
Troopy Trails 42
Gold Coast Marine Training 46
BUSINESS PROFILES
2018 Sunshine Coast Home Show
http://sunshinecoastexpo.com.au/
Caravan and Camping Hire 28 FAQ of first time hirers
Johns Motor Trimmers 50 Summer is coming
Avida 51
12th – 21st October Orange Wine Festival
https://www.orangewinefestival.com.au/
Motorhomes & Caravans
ADL Marine Electrics 62 All your marine electrical needs covered
USUAL SUSPECTS
Galways Go Round 8
18th – 21st October Cape to Cape
https://capetocapemtb.com/
History of SUP
Wander To Wonder 52 Exploring Litchfield National Park
Kellys Column 68 Run to explore
SPECIAL FEATURES
Freelance Aerial Imagery 14 Top 10 drone Q&A
Lithium Battery Systems 24 Lithium explained
Gold Coast Marine Training 46 Get licenced on the Gold Coast
19th – 21st October 2018 Toowoomba Expo
https://toowoombaexpo.com.au/
26th – 28th October LOVEDAY 350 OFF-ROAD RACE
https://southaustralia.com/products
/riverland/event/loveday-350-off-road-race
from the editor...... Holla LL&L Legends,
How good it is that spring has well and truly sprung? The warmer weather and we are all hooking up the boat, the caravan or packing weekends Liquidfor Life & Leisureaway. Team Life on the road, weekend warriorsEditor or stepping out into the great outdoors for the first time, whatever it is Hayley Taylor for you we know you will love it and will be making a tonne of memories this season. Director Ben Charity
This lifestyle is one that my family and I live and National Manager breathe, so much so as you knowSales we have created Charity our business around it and haveDan never looked back. I love that even if we are not travelling, we are so Designevents and deep in articles, images and promoting Studio products it almost feels likeFlourish we areDesign out there doing it ourselves. To be a part of this industry and its Liquid Life & Leisure Headquarters growth is exactly our “why”. I talk about how much I love everyPhone edition we bring (07) 5580 4988 you and it is so true that the content created to produce each edition gets me even more motivated Address (if that is even possible) hooked and loving what I do PO BOX 1076, Sanctuary Cove Q 4212 more with every month that passes. To be so Hope Island, Gold Coast invested into your dream lifestyle is incredible and honestly without you all I would not be writing this. Websites www.liquidlifeandleisure.com.au
Who wouldn’t love writing about the amazing highways of Australia, be it beach Email highways, outback highways, and even dirt and dusty ones (see page content@liquidlifeandleisure.com.au 32 for this), or what about designing the layouts of articles for families travelling, orAdvertising editing articles on food, travel, fishing.. content@liquidlifeandleisure.com.au The list is long and I love it. So with all this said, I will leave you be15th theofjudge Deadline for Content: every on month this one, check it out from cover to cover. We don’t think you will be at all disappointed. Contributors Yasmin & Leigh - Family Gap Year Dan & Fee - Ozzy Wide Ozzy Pride Co-Founder & Blogger Hayles Kelly Gudgeon - Destination and Travel
Living & Loving Life
Liquid Life & Leisure Team Editor Hayley Taylor Director Ben Charity
National Sales Manager Dan Charity Marketing Manager Madi Taylor
Strategic Partnership Manager Kelly Gudgeon Design GraffitzDesign Design Studio Co Flourish
Liquid Life & Leisure Headquarters Phone (07) 5580 4988 Address PO BOX 1076, Sanctuary Cove Q 4212 Hope Island, Gold Coast Websites www.liquidlifeandleisure.com.au Email content@liquidlifeandleisure.com.au Advertising content@liquidlifeandleisure.com.au Deadline for Content: 15th of every month Contributors Yasmin & Leigh - Family Gap Year Dan & Fee - Ozzy Wide Ozzy Pride Leigh & Tegan - Wander to Wonder Kelly Gudgeon - Destination and Travel Adam & Sharon Galway - Galways Go Round LIQUID LIFE & LEISURE
ER B O T C O L L L
31/10/18
WHAT IS THIS SUP THING? Stand Up Paddleboarding, or SUP, may feel like it’s exploded onto the water out of no where in the last five years but it actually has a very long history.
Captain James Cook witnessed the Hawaiian people surfing in 1778 when he sailed into the Hawaiian Islands.
There are reported records of a form of Stand Up Paddleboarding having existed for around 3,000 years.
The Hawaiian people would surf on canoes or boards carved from a Koa tree. These boards were very large, ranging from two to five metres and a paddle was used with the boards to paddle out and onto the waves.
It’s thought that SUP originated in Africa where warriors would use the method to stand on their canoes and use a paddle to propel themselves when they were attacking, fishing, or using the SUP as a form of travel. However, there are also records of SUP over many other regions including South America, Israel, Italy and China dating back thousands of years. Modern day Stand Up Paddleboarding, where a surfboard type board is used with a paddle, has its origins in Hawaii. There are some reports that
More recent SUP history still has its basis in Hawaii from the early 1900s when surfing legends like Duke Kahanamoku and Bobby AhChoy were teaching surfing and would stand on their boards to get a better view of their students and sometimes using a paddle to steer the board. These surfers were at the helm of what became known as ‘Beach Boy Surfing’ and
would often stand up on their boards with paddles. In the 1990s in Hawaii Stand Up Paddleboarding was starting to be taught as an alternative to surfing when there wasn’t enough swell. The practice began to gain a lot of popularity. In the early 2000s Stand Up Paddleboarding had started to become a discipline on its own, whereas previously it still had been an alternative surfing method. In 2003, Beach Boy Surfing or Stand Up Paddleboarding was added as a new category to the Buffalo Big Board Contest, and remains a category today. By 2005, the potential for SUP and its explosion in popularity globally saw the sport diversifying into having its own tour and racing, as well as being used on rivers and other bodies of water other than the ocean.
This opened it up for use for fishing, and more recently yoga and other types of fitness based programs, due to it being a sport that was generally accessible to many people who perhaps felt surfing was out of their ability. The early 2000s stand up paddle racing was beginning to take off and stand up paddle boards were starting to show up at other prone paddleboard races as a demonstration of what the new discipline was. In 2007, the world’s first inland stand up paddleboard event and race took place at Lake Tahoe in California.
It was also in 2007, the first Standup Paddleboard magazine was published. However, it wasn’t until 2012 that SUP races became more common, with the first Standup World Series championship races, and a new industry where paddle boards are specifically designed for the type of water they are to be used on was born. This includes alternative types of boards, like inflatable SUPs, which are perfect for travelling.
The new wave of interest in Stand Up Paddleboarding has changed the surf industry and made it more accessible. For many people, surfing had become a multi million dollar industry, open only to the elite few. SUP however was something that just about anyone could learn to do very quickly, including those who may not have the flexibility and strength for surfing. Add that to the ability to SUP on rivers, which opened up the
Check out the crew from Galways Go Round and Red Paddle, they can get you decked out this summer.
https://www.galwaysgoround.com.au/
opportunity to people who didn’t live near the surf, and SUP was beginning to be used as a replacement to the canoe or kayak as a water based activity. By 2009, the popularity of Stand Up Paddleboarding was positioning it as the single fastest growing paddlesport in North America, and thereby elsewhere around the world. In Australia between 2010 and 2014 Stand Up Paddleboarding had tripled in popularity, with many reports that one of the biggest take ups of SUP is by women. Due to a lower centre of gravity, women were becoming more adept and skilled at paddleboarding than men. There are lots of opportunities to have a go on a SUP without having to lay out the cost for boards and paddles.
Many places around Australia hire boards for relatively little cost, and most often start with an introductory lesson to get you started. Stand Up Paddleboarding is some of the best fun you can have on the water. What’s the worst that could happen? You’ll fall in and get a bit wet.
Freelance Aerial Imagery Top 10 Drone Questions and Answers What kind of drone do you have and do you love it? I have a DJI Mavic Pro that is my everyday drone, it’s a fantastic Hobby or Semi-pro drone. It takes great photos, and 4K video. Very portable, fits into a small carry bag with controller, 2x spare batteries and other spare parts, filters etc, and the 12v charger that comes in the fly more pack is a saviour for us when free camping, fly then recharge when driving or off the van How fast does it go? Depending on wind, I have had it up to 93kmh with the wind behind. Are you taking pictures of me? I have a lot better things to look at than you.
Do you ever see people sunbaking nude in their backyard? No, that would be illegal to fly over a person Can you fly in a National Park? You require approval from all states and federal national parks to fly. Federal include the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru/Kata Tjuta, and Kakadu NP, all the remainders go through the state agency that manages them. Where is it now? I always maintain a visual of the drone, legally you have to maintain visual line of sight of your aircraft, through the naked eye, no binoculars etc. Aren’t you afraid of losing it? When you buy your drone it will come in beginners mode and it’s advisable to leave it in that until you build your skill and confidence.
How much did it cost? Mine was $2000 for the Fly More Pack which includes spare batteries, blades, 12v charger, and carry bag.
Are you worried about crashing it? Mine has sensors for forward and descending. You can fly straight at an object and it will stop, also it wont land if the ground underneath isn’t suitable.
Don’t you need a licence for that? You don’t need a licence to fly recreationally for a drone under 2kg, but you need to follow the rules below.
The rules for Recreational Flying • You must not fly your drone higher than 120 metres (400 ft) above the ground. • You must not fly your drone over or near an area affecting public safety or where emergency operations are underway (without prior approval). This could include situations such as a car crash, police operations, a fire and associated firefighting efforts, and search and rescue operations. • You must not fly your drone within 30 metres of people, unless the other person is part of controlling or navigating the drone. • You must fly only one drone at a time.If your drone weighs more than 100 grams: • You must keep your drone at least 5.5km away from controlled aerodromes (usually those with a control tower) • You may fly within 5.5km of a non-controlled aerodrome or helicopter landing site (HLS) only if manned aircraft are not
operating to or from the aerodrome. If you become aware of manned aircraft operating to or from the aerodrome/ HLS, you must manoeuvre away from the aircraft and land as soon as safely possible. This includes: not operating your drone within the airfield boundary (*without approval) not operating your drone in the approach and departure paths of the aerodrome (*without approval) • You must only fly during the day and keep your drone within visual line-of sight. This means being able to orientate, navigate and see the aircraft with your own eyes at all times (rather than through a device; for example, through goggles or on a video screen). • You must not fly over or above people. This could include festivals, sporting ovals, populated beaches, parks, busy roads and footpaths.
• You must not operate your drone in a way that creates a
hazard to another aircraft, person, or property • You must not operate your drone in prohibited or restricted areas. * Approval is generally linked to an approved model flying association and its members Please respect personal privacy. Don’t record or photograph people without their consent—this may breach state laws.
Important: tips for flying within the law There might be local council and/or national park laws prohibiting drone flights in certain areas. Research the area you plan to fly and contact your council or national park if you're unsure. Don't operate near emergency services aircraft – if you fly, they can
Other drone laws Although CASA oversees the legislation for the operation of unmanned aircraft, local drone laws are increasingly being introduced. A simple way of thinking about it is CASA governs the airspace, but other authorities control the drone once it’s on the ground. For example, most state governments have banned drones from taking off or landing within national parks and reserves. Many local councils have also made the operation of drones on council property a prohibited activity. A Google search, contacting government authorities or a discussion with locals might help you understand any local drone laws that will affect you flying. It pays to do a bit of research.
In addition, there are rules that stop you operating drones near whales and dolphins. The Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching explains all aircraft, including drones, may cause a disruption to marine life due to their speed, noise, shadow or downdraft. The guidelines state “drones” are considered to be “aircraft” (not helicopters). This means people operating drones near whales and dolphins must abide by the following requirements. The drone must not: Fly lower than 300 metres (1000 feet) and within a 300 metre radius of a whale or dolphin Approach the whale or dolphin from head on. Land on the water within 300 metres of a whale or dolphin Finally, the guidelines explain a person who wishes to operate a drone in close proximity to a whale or dolphin will need to apply for a permit from the Department of the Environment and Energy (in Commonwealth waters) or the relevant state or territory government (in coastal waters).
Overall, there are many rules that will affect the operation of your drone, even if just flying for recreational purposes. The above information is not absolute, and we recommend you conduct further research into the drone laws that will affect your flying.
For more information about flying drones and drone laws, please visit the following pages: Drone certification explained What are the sub-2kg rules? Obtaining your Remote Pilot Licence Model Aeronautical Association of Australia
CONTACT US If you would like to contact us to discuss Freelance Aerial Imagery capturing a special image or video for you, either enquire through this fantastic magazine, or email freelanceaerialimagery@gmail.com or keep an eye on us at www.facebook.com/meandmydrone
Aviation Reference Number (ARN) 1046734 Remote Pilots Licence Number (RePL) Multi-Rotor (Upto 25kg) 1046734
2018 Tiffin Allegro Breeze 33IBR
market and since then, has been supplied from our dealership on the Gold Coast.
The birth of the Allegro Breeze in 2011 opened the door for a luxury Class A diesel pusher coach narrow enough for Australian regulations. Sure, Tiffin had been producing beautiful, bigger coaches for several decades at this stage but the narrow size of the Breeze made it a perfect candidate for the Australian
Powering the Breeze is an assertive Cummins ISV5.0 V8, the result of a three-year collaboration between Tiffin and Cummins. Designed, developed, and tested on the Breeze PowerGlide chassis, the ISV5.0 exceeds traditional diesel engines in durability, reliability, and performance. With an all new floor plan featuring 3 slide outs, these coaches are sure to impress! The Allegro Breeze comes in a variety of paint schemes outside opening up to a range
of cabinetry and decor options inside. At Tiffin Motorhomes, we build for quality first and foremost, limiting our production to ensure meticulous craftsmanship. It may not be the most business-savvy way to run a company but it is the best way. By investing the time and effort to do things right, we want you, as a Tiffin owner, to have the utmost confidence in your coach, as well as a peace of mind you won’t find with other manufacturers. You see, not only do we stand proudly behind our product, we stand behind you as well.
"Some of the standard features include 1000W of solar, automatic satellite, blu-ray player, 3x Smart LED TV’s, dual rooftop ducted reverse cycle air cons, gas furnace, 218L compressor fridge / freezer, Thetford cooktop / griller combo, convection oven, Queen bed with memory foam mattress, huge wardrobe, ensuite with full size shower, intelligent 12V system, 4000W inverter, 430a/h battery bank, front load washing machine, dual side and 1 rear cameras, automatic levelling system, huge electric patio awning, electric door awning, LED lights throughout, front swivel seats, solar and privacy shades on each window, 23L gas/electric hot water system and 5kw Cummins Onan diesel generator!!! It’s also been optioned with LED headlight and tail light package, exterior sound bar, 4G WIFI antenna, UHF radio and electronic brake controller!!
Further details can be found on our website and we
have lots of new stock arriving over the next 3 months!
Get in touch to begin ‘Roughing it Smoothly’.
Murray Robertson 0416 080 127 murray@tiffinmotorhomes.com.au
Alex Rees-Hyde 0411 616 617 alex@tiffinmotorhomes.com.au
P. 07 5563 2559 | E. service@tiffinmotorhomes.com.au www.tiffinmotorhomes.com.au
GOURMET MEALS IS NOW NDIS APPROVED! Gourmet Meals is proud to announce that it is now an approved and registered provider of meals for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which has started rolling out in Brisbane and South East Queensland from 1st of July. By 2020, the NDIS will support around 460,000 disabled people with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to live an ordinary life. Depending on
eligibility, prepared and delivered meals can now be fully or partially funded by the NDIS for people with a disability, their family and their carers.
Meal Delivery Service with the NDIS Meal preparation and delivery is covered under Core Supports through the NDIS, as assistance with daily living. While this can vary with
individual circumstances, generally, NDIS participants can choose to have meals prepared and delivered from a registered meal provider through the National Disability Agency. The Agency (or in some cases the participant’s Plan Manager) is invoiced for the cost of meal preparation and delivery, with the recipient only having to pay for the cost of the ingredients in the meals.
Healthy and Delicious Meals Gourmet Meals offer a wide selection of healthy, nutritious and delicious snap frozen meals that cater for different health and dietary concerns. With reduced fat, reduced salt, high fibre, high protein, dairy free and gluten free meal options available, we can accommodate NDIS recipients who suffer from any food allergies or intolerances.
Pureed meals are now also available, however, for these, please call our office on 1300 112 112 for more information. All of our meals are portion controlled and prepared by internationally trained chefs, from the finest and freshest ingredients. There are also no added flavours, colours or preservatives in any of the meals we supply. If you would like nutritious and
delicious meals delivered to your doorstep by Gourmet Meals, just visit our website on www.gourmetmeals.com.au and then, contact the NDIS who may be able to assist you directly or put you in touch with your local area coordinator. The LAC represents the NDIA in your area and will work with you to develop an NDIS participant’s plan and ascertain your eligibility for delivered ready meals.
46/215 Brisbane Road, Labrador, Qld 4215 | Postal: PO Box 12, Arundel, Qld 4214 Phone: 1300 112 112 / 07 5529 3000 | Fax: 07 5529 0649 | Email: sales@gourmetmeals.com.au www.gourmetmeals.com.au
POWERING FREEDOM
TM
Beginners Guide to Lithium Batteries By Chris Carrigan, Lithium Battery Systems Lithium Batteries have been used for years in smart phones and power tools because they are powerful and lightweight. Companies like Tesla and Lithium Battery Systems have developed the control systems to bring the power of lithium battery chemistry into batteries designed for cars, boats, RV’s, caravans and home storage. This wave of new battery technology is long overdue with lead-based batteries being the only choice for over 50 years. Lithium batteries are revolutionising the sector and here we explore why all the smart users are moving to lithium battery systems.
What is lithium?
Lithium is the lightest known metal and highly reactive which makes it perfect for storing electrical charge. Lithium is found combined with other elements in ores around the world and Australia has vast high-quality deposits. You may be hearing about several lithium projects going on right now around the country as companies take advantage of growing global demand for lithium. Australia is not only one of the largest lithium miners in the world but is also starting to process more of it here before exporting it to countries like China and the USA, to be made into battery cells.
Why is lithium used in batteries? Batteries have an anode and a cathode that allows the transfer of electrons to store and provide electrical energy. Lead and acid have been the chemical mix that have been used for decades. Wet cell, deep cycle, AGM and Gel are all variants of the same chemical lead acid mix. Lithium has physical, thermal and electro-chemical properties that make it ideal for use in batteries. Physically, lithium is the least dense solid element know to man, which means batteries made using lithium are much lighter. Lithium also has the highest specific heat of any solid element, making it an efficient heat transfer agent. But perhaps the greatest advantage of lithium is that because it is highly reactive it can pack more power than other battery types. Lithium cells can produce a voltage up to 3.7V and are put together to create batteries that are 12V/24V/48V systems.
What lithium cells are best and why? There are several types of lithium-ion chemistry on the market, including lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganese oxide, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide and lithium iron phosphate. The cells come in different packages including cylindrical and prismatic. Cylindrical look like bigger AA batteries while prismatic cells are rectangular about the size of a small book. Lithium iron phosphate is the the safest chemistry and prismatic cells are the most efficient and mechanically robust way to package the stored energy.
LBS 12V 100Ah lithium battery engineered and designed in Australia
LBS 12V 50Ah Portable lithium battery 10kg
A quality Battery Management System (BMS) controls the whole system (more about this next month). Beware of lithium batteries using the small cylindrical cells soldered together in a plastic box using a cheap low quality BMS.
LBS 12V 200Ah Portable lithium battery Ideal for RV and marine appications
Chris Carrigan | chris@lithiumbatterysystems.com.au 0404 041 189
Lithium Batteries are ideal for marine applications.
carrying a 32kg lump of lead.
COST EFFECTIVE OVER LIFE CYCLE
hiring a caravan - the safety low down
Making the decision to hire a caravan or camper trailer usually means that you won’t have all the bells and whistles already set up on your vehicle. Or if you are hiring a tow vehicle it may not be kitted out with the necessary safety gear you need to legally and safely tow a van. Caravan and Camping Hire are the most experienced RV hire company in the industry and below provide advice on what is legally required, and what is available for hire to be fitted to your tow vehicle to make it a
more comfortable and safe towing experience, for the novice to the more experienced. Electric Brakes – do you need them, can you hire them and how can they be fitted? The answer is yes, most caravans and camper trailers have electric brakes on their wheels and axles unless its otherwise specified on the Caravan and Camping Hire website. It is a legal and insurance cover requirement for ALL tow vehicles to have either Portable
Electric Brake Units or Factory Fitted Electric Brake systems. Caravan and Camping Hire will provide ALL hirers with the option the hire a portable electric brake unit for just $100 for the hire period. The owner of the hire vehicle will have portable electric brake units and can assist the hirer to fit them and set them up for towing, which will take only around five minutes when you pick up the caravan.
Towing Mirrors and weight distribution bars – do you need these and do you hire them? Yes, towing mirrors will be provided by the owner of the hire caravan or camper trailer if you do not have your own set, for a small additional charge. If the hire caravan or camper trailer is deemed to be heavy and long enough for weight distribution bars, these too will be provided in the equipment by the caravan owner. They will be able to show the hirers how to fit and operate them at the time the hirer picks up the caravan or
camper trailer. These items will make towing the vehicle much safer and easier. Can we charge or run the caravan fridge while travelling? Running the fridge to make sure the milk doesn’t sour, or the beer is cold on arrival at your destination is important. Whether this is possible all depends on how your tow vehicle is wired up and whether the tow vehicle already has electric brakes fitted or not. The fridge can only charge or run while travelling if the tow
vehicle is fitted with either an Anderson Plug power feed or has a 12 pin flat towing plug fitted on the tow vehicle. If portable electric brake units are required to be hired and used then the only way the fridge can run while travelling is through a pre wired up Anderson plug on both the tow vehicle and the caravan. Not all caravans are wired up with Anderson plug connects and most are wired up with 12 pin flat towing plugs. Depending on your tow vehicle this is something you should discuss with Caravan and
Camping Hire when you are choosing a hire vehicle to make sure it meets your needs.
insurance cover in the case of sinking or flooding.
Can you take the Caravan on unsealed roads or beaches?
Generally you can travel on unsealed roads, however you should first get the approval from the owners of the caravan or camper trailer and provide them with information on where you are planning to travel. Heavy undulating and serious 4WD tracks and roads will mostly not be permitted due to the potential damage that can be caused to the hire vehicle while its being towed. So maybe rethink the plan to do
Most of the best camping spots are off the beaten track, so it makes sense that you would need to travel on the dirt from time to time. Due to insurance provider restrictions however most hire caravan and camper trailers are not permitted to be hired for beach driving or river crossings. This is because there is no
Gunshot Creek at Cape York with a hire van, but everything is negotiable. Final approval always sits with the owners of the hire vehicle. When hiring a caravan or camper trailer will you get a run down or set up and pack down? Absolutely! Every time you hire a caravan or camper trailer through Caravan and Camping Hire you will be given a full and
detailed 30 to 60 minute walk through and induction process on every thing you need to know about setting up, packing down; operation of everything in the vehicle; how to perform all
safety checks and information about towing; and everything about post hire cleaning and return requirements. So if you are considering hiring a caravan or camper trailer
make Caravan and Camping Hire your go to hire company, Their experience and knowledge is second to none in the industry, they take the guess work out of hiring an RV.
OUR BRAND NEW WEBSITE HAS LAUNCHED ! The new website features a fully interactive map of Australia with clickable pin drops for all vehicle listings! www.caravanandcampinghire.com.au
0409 964 049 | enquiries@caravanandcampinghire.com
Life is a Highway There is a certain romanticism about long road trips along outback highways. Highways and ‘being on the road’ have always been a favourite subject for rock and roll and country / folk bards from the classics like, Willy Nelson’s “On the road again’’, John Denver’s “Take me home country road”, and Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to run” through to Fanny Lumsden’s “Roll On” and the Waifs “Highway One”. Highways are the lifeline from small towns to the cities, the ocean, the mountains and everywhere in between. But more than that, for most travelers the roads we travel are not just the way to reach the destination, they are a big part of the actual journey. So which highways are the best in Australia? This is the Liquid, Life and Leisure guide to some of the not to miss ‘Highways of Australia’.
Outback Highways
Gibb River Road: 660km through the heart of the Kimberley in the North West, from Derby through to Kununurra. It will take you through some of the most incredible country where you can experience spectacular gorges, rock formations, waterfalls and everything the Kimberley can offer.
Questro, the Pentecost River, Windjana Gorge and countless other places you will want to stop along the way.
While the ‘Gibb’ is no-where near as treacherous as it once was, you will still need to ensure you have a 4WD vehicle that is up for the long dirt and corrugated road, and you will need to make sure you are self-sufficient enough to last the vast distances between services.
Oodnadatta Track: 620km from Marree in South Australia through to the tiny town of Oodnadatta, home to the Pink Roadhouse, before it meets back up with the Stuart Highway at Marla on the South Australian side of the Northern Territory border.
During the dry season it can be one of the busiest ‘highways’ around. With some remarkable stops like El
If you decide to travel during the wet season there will be many places that will be restricted due to road closures and flooding.
The Oodnadatta Track is an iconic trip through Outback South Australia. The road itself is one of the better dirt roads you will travel, although its still
advisable to travel in a 4WD. The track follows the old Ghan railway line to Alice Springs, and along the way there are some fantastic things to see, like Australia’s largest lake - Lake Eyre, if you are lucky you may be able to see it with water when it is home to an incredible number of water birds! You will also pass through some fantastic little towns like William Creek, and Anna Creek, which is on Anna Creek Station – the biggest cattle station in the world, you will find some beautiful water holes and some pretty quirky sites, like the Alberrie Sculpture Park. As well as some great sites to see, you are also bound to come across some of Australia’s most colourful personalities!
Beach Highways
Great Ocean Road: 243km of Australian National Heritage Listed road from Torquay in Victoria to Allansford, near Warrnambool. This is possibly the most famous and popular ‘highway’ road trip in Australia. Travelling along the ‘surf coast’ out of Torquay you will find the world-famous Bells Beach, home of Australian surfing, and many more incredible beaches until you reach Cape Otway. At Cape Otway you can climb the lighthouse which overlooks Bass Strait, and the start of the section called the ‘shipwreck coast’. It’s along this stretch of the road you will find the most incredible rock formations formed over time by the wild surf below the cliffs. Along this section of the Road are the
12 Apostles, Lord Ard Gorge, The Grotto, London Arch – formerly London Bridge until it collapsed in 1990 stranding two people on the remaining rocks in the ocean until they were rescued by helicopter, and many more amazing lookouts over the wild Southern Ocean. Watch out for the millions of tourist buses along this road though. It can get very busy! Cairns to Cape Tribulation: 140km along what is known as the Great Barrier Reef Drive, will take you from the city lights of Cairns through two World Heritage Areas and finishing in the rainforest of Cape Tribulation. This relatively short ‘highway’ is spectacular. Looking out over the Coral Sea with opportunities to stop at some amazing secluded beaches and
exploring the World Heritage area of the Great Barrier Reef. You will pass through the resort town of Port Douglas and then through the incredible Mossman Gorge. Then you will get to the World Heritage Listed Area of the Daintree River, where you will find lots of crocodiles, and the Daintree Forest where you can expect to find lots of Cassowaries. This is an important part of Australia so even though the road trip itself is not long, make sure you have plenty of time to explore everything this region has, before finishing at the little rainforest village of Cape Tribulation. From here you can continue to do the just over 900km to reach the most Northern Tip of Australia – Cape York. But that is another entry in itself in the best ‘highway’s’ of Australia!
Mountain Highways Great Western Highway – Blue Mountains: 201km from the Western suburbs of Sydney, across the Blue Mountains to Bathurst in the Central Tablelands.
explorers Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth is one of the great stories of colonial Australia and their mark can be found through the lower Mountains.
While not really a ‘road trip highway’ usually found in the lists of great Australian drives, mainly because to access it you must deal with Sydney traffic, but once you get past the western suburbs you begin the ascent into the ‘mountains’.
The Great Western Highway weaves its way through all the tiny mountain towns and villages, up through the incredible eucalyptus forests to the waterfalls and steep cliffs of the Blue Mountains National Park and the bushwalking trails beginning at the town of Katoomba.
The history of the Blue Mountains is synonymous with the development of modern Australia. The trek of
It’s here you will find the incredible views at Echo Point, be able to ride
the Scenic Railway from the top, very fast down the cliffs, or see the hazy blue hue of the Three Sisters rock formation. The other side of Katoomba, through to Bathurst is less populated and more pristine and its well worth heading past the major tourist centres to discover the other side of the mountains. These ‘highways’ are just a few of the many amazing road trip experiences throughout Australia.
Some other honorable mentions include: The Savannah Way – 3,700km from Cairns in Queensland to Broome in Western Australia The Red Centre Way – 1,135km loop from Alice Springs to Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Watarrka/ Kings Canyon and back through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs.
Litchfield Road Loop – 735km from Darwin through Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. The Nullabor – 1,256km from Ceduna in South Australia to Norseman in Western Australia. Hobart to Launceston – 200km from Hobart to Launceston in Tasmania.
For more awesome articles around oz check out our site www.liquidlifeandleisure.com.au
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Planning the perfect trip for Spring IT’S that time of year where the days are getting longer, the sun is shining a little brighter, and we are all ready to get outside and make the most of the wonderful opportunities our country has on offer. With Winter officially over for another year and the days now getting much warmer, now is the time for us all to start planning our overnight escapes or trips to take over the Spring season. Everybody has different interests or travelling preferences, and caravan and camping trips have something to suit all ages and styles. Whether you are planning on hitting the road in a motorhome, pitching the tent under the stars, or prefer a proper bed in a cabin, there truly is something for everybody! When planning a trip and deciding on which places to visit or parks to stay at, it is always important to consider what type of holiday you are taking and the requirements of whoever you are travelling with. If you’re taking a trip with children, make sure to check out what type of kids’ entertainment or activities are on offer nearby. A playground or pool always goes down a treat, especially in warm weather! If you’re planning a group holiday, make sure to check the accommodation can cater for the needs of all travelers so that everybody has a great time. Or, if it’s a special occasion or romantic weekend away, why not consider glamping? Many parks are now offering self-contained safari tents which are every bit as glamorous as a five-star hotel. If you are eager for a longer trip and hitting the road, there are a variety of beautiful routes around Australia and options to suit both short and long trips. For those who aren’t sure where to start, here are a few ‘must dos’: • • • • • • •
Tropical North Queensland The NSW Blue Mountains The Great Ocean Rd in Victoria Road trip around Tasmania Red Centre Way, Northern Territory Food and wine trip through South Australia The Coral Coast, Western Australia
If you would like to find out more about caravan and camping and get a bit of inspiration for your next trip, visit:
www.letsgocaravanandcamping.com.au
We founded Wilkos Marine back in 2003 after I had spent many years working for our local marine dealerships. Initially we were servicing and maintaining client’s vessels up and down the Queensland coast which kept us quite busy. We also had contracts fitting out vessels for a few local boat builders as well. During 2012 We decided to start marketing marine parts & products online. What we quickly noticed was that there was a lot of boaties that preferred to perform their own service and repair work. They were also having trouble sourcing the right parts at reasonable prices, along with a getting a little expert advice along the way. We started marketing SEI products first in 2012 and then visited SEI in the USA and took on a distributorship in early 2015. Not long after we also added API Marine Products to our line
up as well. We were attracted to both SEI & API Products as they were of excellent quality, value for money and backed by an industry leading warranty. We started with marketing their Mercruiser Stern Drive replacements and now offer a full range of alternators and starter motors along with many replacement parts for Sterndrives, Inboards and Outboards. Our product range for SEI & API is constantly expanding every month and we also have fortnightly shipments to maintain our stock levels, offer new product lines and for special orders. Steyr Engines has been one of our favourite brands since early 2006 and we have worked closely with the Steyr team on many different projects across this time. The engines are manufactured in Austria and are designed specifically for the marine
environment. Steyr was the first marine engine to ever offer a “Hybrid” propulsion system for their engine range. Steyr engines are designed to be coupled to Mercruiser & Volvo Drives along with Shaft and Jet Drives. The Australian Navy also use these engines in their ridged inflatable boats, they can also be found in many rescue boats on ships and cruise liners. They are a great option for repowering a vessel that currently have petrol or diesel engine as they have an excellent power to weight ratio, compact engines size and will couple up to most propulsion systems with ease. Not to mention their smooth quiet running and fuel efficiency. At Wilkos Marine we are here to help you get back on the water. Have a browse through our web store or if you can’t find what you need, simply give us a call or send an email.
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Our Brands; SEI (Sterndrive Engineering), Stern Drives, Outboard Gearboxes and replacement parts API Marine, Alternators, Starters, Trim Systems. JML Marine Parts Sierra Parts Victory Parts Vetus Engine & Vessel accessories
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BEP Marine electronics Maxwell Winches Steyr, Marine Engines Hyundai, Marine Engines SeaStar Steering systems NGK Spark Plugs
Phone: 07 54085205 | Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm | www.wilkos.com.au/
TROOPY TRAIL S Travelling with a dog, do you take or leave your dog at home? We have been travelling for 8 months, through each state of Australia and currently exploring the top of WA with our 3 year old Chocolate Labrador Atlas. We get asked all the time about how we go travelling with a dog. Here are common questions we get asked.
VACCINATIONS AND TABLETS First thing first; the health of your dog is the most important thing. If you want to travel Australia with your dog you need to remember that you will be exposing it to diseases and some nasty animals that may harm. When travelling to Tasmania you have to treat your dog for Hydatid Tapeworm, which is a tablet that can be brought at the vets or pet store. When travelling to Queensland in certain seasons you need to treat your dog for ticks. These ticks there will paralyze and/or kill your animal. Tick treatment can be liquid on the skin or tablet brought from your local vet. Just inform them where & when you are going. If you think you may need to put your dog in a kennel you need to make sure that your dog’s vaccinations are fully up to date otherwise they will not take your dog into the center.
These are all things that we have learnt on the road. We would definitely recommend getting the correct treatments and research other treatments for which state you may be entering to protect your dog. We also have a pet first aid kit, which consists of bandages, solution and instructions for treatment if a snake bites Atlas or if he has been poisoned. It is definitely something to invest in and hope that you never have to use it.
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH ATLAS IN DOG PROHIBITED AREAS AND NATIONAL PARKS? Have you ever seen that tiny sign of a dog in a circle with a cross in it, yeah its tiny and easily missed but yes that means dogs are not allowed in that area so what do you do? Well sometimes we just have to accept that we just can’t go there. When it comes to beaches we usually keep Atlas on the lead and walk on the path or stay up in the grass area. As for walks, if they are longer then 30mins and hot we don’t do them. But if it’s cool we park in the shade, crank the fans, open the windows, give him a bone and a bowl of water. How about National Parks? Oh yes, National Parks, the least dog friendly part of the country. This is when a lot of research pays off, we Google to see if the National Park is worth it, worth the fuel, the entry fee and worth leaving Atlas behind while we
explore it. A good example is Karajini National Park now that is a MUST so what do we do? We get Atlas dog sat by our fellow Troopy owners, our followers on Instagram, family or we get in touch with old friends who live in the area. If you don’t have a network of people then you can get on the community facebook page, kennels, caravan parks or a dog sitting app like Mad Paws and ask for someone to take care of your dog. At the end of the day it all comes down to research and planning. If you love your dog you’ll always manage to make it work.
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH ATLAS WHEN YOU GO SHOPPING AND INTO CAFES? We are very lucky that Atlas is such a placid dog and doesn’t mind lying on the bed in the car while we do food shopping. We usually shop first thing in the morning before the heat kicks in, crank the fans and give him a water
bowl. On hot days one of us will stay in the car with the AC on while the other does the shop. When we hit a new town and walk through the main street we most definitely take Atlas with us. Atlas loves window shopping he gets so much attention and love from other people because he is just a bundle of chocolate joy. When it comes to going into the shop we either tie him outside where we can see him. Some shops let him in or we take turns having a look in the shop. As for Cafes, we pick the ones that have alfresco and are dog friendly so he can stay with us while we have a bite to eat.
WHAT HAVE WE PACKED FOR ATLAS? You’ll be surprised actually on how much stuff he has. First he has his own box on the wheel carrier. Half of his box is biscuits and the other half consist of shampoo and conditioner, brush, spare collars, muzzle for when we are in a baited area, Epsom salts incase he is poisoned and we need to make him sick, bandanas cause I mean who doesn’t like a dog wearing a bandana, ruff wear shoes for when there are too many prickles on the floor
or it is to hot for his paws, a microfiber towel for drying him after the beach, a back pack for hikes, endless supply of dog bags, a pop up bowl for hikes, a big metal bowl for water once we are set up in camp and of course treats because he is a Labrador and is treat and toy orientated. We have a fold out dog bed; it’s like a deck chair as its compact, lives in a bag and fold out into a nice size bed for Atlas. Atlas loves toys he has a tub that is full of his toys such as tennis balls, Frisbees, water floating toys, soccer balls, footballs and what ever else he has found on this trip. If you ever see Atlas he will always have a toy in his mouth, he doesn’t want to play he just wants to show you his toy. He even has nighttime teddies that he has to sleep with and squeak before bed otherwise he has a restless night sleep. Travelling with a dog is like travelling with a child you have to pack their own stuff and bring lots of toys to keep them occupied so you can get things done. If you ask us travelling with Atlas has been the best part of this trip. He absolutely loves living on the road; he has a new backyard every single day and gets to explore this wonderful country with us. We have bonded so well with Atlas on this trip and it has made this trip one to remember. We hope that this has helped you with any questions you may have about travelling with a pet. If you have any more questions feel free to get in touch with us on our instagram page.
Heidi Ph: 0487 895 683 E: heidi@goldcoastmarinetraining.com.au www.goldcoastmarinetraining.com.au/contact-us Suite 9, Lvl 1, Runaway Bay Marina Offices
In much of Australia it’s been a long cold winter. But can you feel that? Yes, that’s the feeling of the sun thawing everything out, it’s that hint of summer approaching. It won’t be long now; the days will be longer and warmer. The weekends and holidays will once again be all outdoors, and life will be all about all those activities you can do on and in the glorious water. Aussie summers are synonymous with water activities. It’s estimated that 85 per cent of Australians live no more than 50km from the coast or a river. That’s a lot of opportunity for swimming, fishing, surfing, wakeboarding or being out on a boat, jet ski or some other vessel.
Boating is one of the fastest growing leisure activities in Australia. In 2012 there were just over 2.1 million people, or just over 11 per cent of the population, who lived in a household with some kind of boat or water vessel. That figure is now closer to 2.6 million or around 13 per cent of the population, who have some sort of boat in their household. What’s more surprising is that it’s not the wealthy who are now buying boats. The biggest consumers for boats now are in fact middle class Australians, who have seen that they too can enjoy the lifestyle that owning a boat can offer. With such a big jump in boat ownership, there is obviously a bigger need to provide easy to access and affordable education for people on the safety aspects of being on the water. Maritime Safety Queensland and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Australia have strict rules and guidelines around boating. You should be familiar with local and be aware of what the weather forecast will be before you head out to sea so you are not caught out in storms or worse. In many parts of northern Australia, summer is the time where the weather is the most unpredictable. You also need to be familiar with the fact that traffic on the water, unlike on a road, can come from any direction, and just like in a car, there are strict drink driving laws that apply to skippering a vessel on the water. As the skipper on your boat, you are responsible to know the maritime collision regulations. Just like learning how to drive a car, there is a lot to learn, and apart from being aware of the safety aspects and rules of being at sea, you also need to ensure you have the correct licence for the vessel you intend to be using. So now, with the summer weather fast approaching, it is the perfect time to get ‘licensed to thrill’ so you, your family and friends, are ready to enjoy the best and safest summer ever on the water.
Gold Coast Marine Training (GCMT) run boat and jet ski licence courses on the Gold Coast at Runaway Bay Marina every weekend and most weekdays. GCMT trainers have years of experience in the maritime industry, including skippering and crewing on a range of commercial vessels which means they truly understand the importance of all safety aspects at sea. GCMT have a passion for the ocean and boating and want to pass on that experience and passion to others, thereby making sure the ocean is as safe as possible for everyone. GCMT offer the highest quality of training on the Gold Coast to ensure that you come away
with all the necessary skills to keep you and your family and friends safe out on the water and they also offer the most affordable prices. GCMT can offer courses to individuals, groups, clubs or schools or other groups and also runs specialized team building boat and jet ski licence courses for organizations. At GCMT you can do a face to face boat licence course, jet ski licence course or a combination of both in one day at Runaway Bay Marina. This includes a theory component and practical hassessment on the boat and
jet ski that will ensure you are as prepared as possible for your own venture out on the water. GCMT also offers online boat and/or jet ski licence courses. The theory is completed in the comfort of your own home at your own pace and then the practical component and written assessment is completed in a few hours at one of our office locations. The practical boat assessment will be done ona rib inflatable 570 BRIG Navigator with a 90 HP engine or a Delta Bay Rib Inflatable with a 150 HP engine on the back. These vessels are great to learn on and with inflatable tubing surrounding the hull of the vessel it offers a bit of padding for inexperienced skippers who are still learning how to park and maneuver the vessel. The jet ski licence course is completed on one of the Yamaha VX cruisers. They are perfect jet ski’s to learn on and are stable with forward and reverse control systems. So, no matter your ability. Heidi and her crew will be able to get you on the water, safely and with all the knowledge you need to ensure the best summer you will ever have.
Photo credit: @tyronedenmanproductions For information call Heidi on 0487 895 683 or email her at heidi@goldcoastmarinetraining.com.au or have a look at their website https://www.goldcoastmarinetraining.com.au/
SUMMER IS COMING TIME TO GET YOUR SHADE ORGANISED
Here at John’s Motor Trimmers Perth, we have experienced firsthand the highest manufacturer standards necessary when producing quality repairs. The use of the latest equipment together with manufacturer processes place John’s Motor Trimmers Perth repair quality ahead of the field. Our experience, together with the latest modern technology, has significantly increased accuracy in all our repair procedures. This significantly decreases turnaround times allowing us to get the job done efficiently and effectively. John’s Motor Trimmers Perth talented and professional team can provide full custom trimming jobs, making your vehicle or vessel really stand out. We provide nothing but top tier service, and use only the very best in materials, assuring you get quality and professional trimming for your vehicle or vessel. Whatever your trimming requirements may be, from cars and caravans to boats and trailers, John’s Motor Trimmers Perth have the team and experience to get the job done right. www.johnsmotortrimmers.com.au | 7 Adrian Street, Welshpool, WA 6106 Telephone: 0419 784 647 | E-mail: marine@johnsmotortrimmers.com.au
Litchfield National Park www.wandertowonderoz.com | www.instagram.com/wandertowonderoz www.facebook.com/wandertowonderoz
It’s no secret that Litchfield National Park is a must see if you're in the Top End, and with over a quarter of a million people visiting each year we can certainly see why! The 1500 square kilometre park features a myriad of diverse landscapes, wildlife and fauna. While the biggest drawcard is of course the numerous waterfalls to swim under and water holes to relax in, we discovered that there was so much more to explore to truly appreciate the area.
Getting There Litchfield is located 120km south-east of
Darwin near the town of Batchelor and is an easy 1.5 hour drive on fully sealed roads making it a popular day tour destination.
However if you’d like to spend more time
(which we strongly suggest), then there are a heap of accommodation options to choose
from. Camping is available year round within Litchfield itself at Wangi and Florence Falls,
as well as four-wheel drive camping areas at Sandy Creek and Surprise Creek. Just
outside the park you’ll find caravan parks and camping options in Rum Jungle, Berry Springs or Batchelor to name a few.
Buley Rockhole This long series of miniature cascading
plunge falls and many little water holes are
ideal for cooling off in! Parking (and space) is limited though so if you want to enjoy the
holes in peace I’d strongly advice you to get there early!
Florence Falls
Be sure to take a dip underneath Florence’s
gorgeous double-plunge waterfall that cascades into a deep pool set amongst a picturesque
monsoon forest. Then take a short walk to the
viewing platform above for scenic views high above the falls. The walk down to the falls does involve a number of stairs so leave the pram in the car!
Magnetic Termite Mounds

These impressive architectural feats built by
thousands of tiny termites come complete with
arches, tunnels, chimneys, and insulation as well as being aligned north to south to minimise the
exposure to the sun and keep things cool. Pretty
clever for a teeny critter hey! Some are up to 100 years old and can stand up to 2m tall. There are hundreds of these mounds around the park and
you can learn more about them at information site approximately 17km from the eastern boundary.
The Lost City
It’s easy to see why many people mistook these
sandstone outcrops for an ancient civilisation! The natural sandstone structures are over 500 million
years old and have been shaped by thousands of years of wind and rain erosion to give the
appearance of man made walls, windows and roof tops. Entry to the City is via a 10km four-wheel
drive track that can at times be rocky and rough.
Wangi Falls
Wangi is the best know and most popular attraction in Litchfield with facilities to match. After a cooling
swim under the two falls you can grab a bite to eat at the kiosk or enjoy a picnic on the vast grounds. We discovered an awesome rock pool near the
base of the smaller fall where the trickling warm
water has created a little hidden plunge pool. Well worth the climb!
The Cascades
After failing to get a car park at the busier falls right on lunch; we decided to try out the lesser-known
Cascades. After a pretty arduous 1.7km walk uphill in the heat, we were rewarded by getting this
beautiful spot to ourselves for 2hrs! The water was warm, kid depth friendly and crystal clear, and the view was perfect.
Tolmer Falls
Tolmer is the tallest of the Litchfield gang with a
drop around 35m over two high escarpments into a deep plunge pool. However, unlike the other
waterfalls you are unable to swim at the bottom
and are left to appreciate its beauty from a large
viewing platform. There is a 1.6km return walk that also offers great views and it is possible to get to the top of Tolmer for a dip
.
Blyth Homestead
The homestead was built by the Sargent family in 1928 who worked the area and operated a tin
mine. The site now serves as a reminder of the tough conditions faced by pioneers in remote
areas. Be sure to take the time to read the book located inside the dwelling, the little wanderers
were captivated by stories of bush doctors and pet crocodiles. Entry is via a 4wd only track with a
couple of nice river crossings and if conditions are good you can press on further to Tjaynera
Falls/Sandy Creek Falls to swim without the crowds.
Be sure to follow our adventures on Facebook, Instagram and on our website!
Happy Travels, Tegan & Leigh
Bamboo Creek Tin Mine
The Bamboo Creek Tin Mine was discovered around 1906 and operated sporadically until 1955. A short
walking circuit takes you through sections of the old
buildings and remnants of equipment providing an insight into the mining activities of the era and the hardships
endured by miners as they struggled to make a living.
The little wanderers loved all the tiny sparkling tin pieces that litter the ground and collected quite a few for their treasure boxes!
Cleaning a Rusty Camp Oven with Molasses
Make up the "brew" of molasses & water. One part molasses to 9 parts water. Give a good stir. A lidded plastic garbage bin or tub is a good container. Molasses is bought from a produce store. Generally about $1 a litre. Remember you need to completely immerse your rusty camp oven. I used 2 litres of molasses here plus water to achieve the depth needed to cover camp oven & lid.
The victim is a friends 10 inch oven that was left out in the weather.
Gave the oven a quick scrub before popping in the bath. The lid beside the oven. Pop lid on to keep smell in. It's not that bad though I leave for 3 or 4 days to soak. It will froth up a bit. On 3rd or 4 th day pull out & scrub with curly steel wool. Or use a stiff brush. You don't want to gouge the metal just clean rust off. For badly corroded ovens you may have to use a wire brush very lightly. Give it a good rinse & pop back in again if needed. When you have cleaned all the rust off. Rinse & wash with a tiny bit of detergent. Dry completely in the sun. After drying if oven develops a light rust spray with vinegar & wipe off.
To season the camp oven lightly rub inside & outside with oil with a cotton cloth. I use ricebran oil or flaxseed oil. Place upside down in hooded bbq or oven & cook on 220 - 240 Celcius for around 35 - 40 mins . Let cool down in bbq or oven. It will smoke a bit & when it cools down reapply oil again. I do this 3 times. You are creating a non stick surface to cook on. They should feel smooth with no stickiness between each heating. If there is stickiness you havent had heat hot enough OR long enough in. Just pop back in bbq or oven.
PLEASE NOTE : Do not use your oven inside unless you have to. As it can tend to trash it. And definitely heat in well ventilated areas. The smoke does smell. You can use the brew to do a quite a few items. You can't remove paint with this method. Happy cleaning. Restored by our resident Camp Oven Queen - Lisa Turner
More information available at www.everythingcaravanandcamping.com
WHEN TRAVEL AND FOOD IS YOUR LIFE MEET BEC “THE FOOD JUNKIE”
When travel and food are your two passions, I have been one very lucky girl. Chef by trade, my life has been a foodie’s adventure. After I completed my apprenticeship I headed overseas, fell in love with travel and spent the next ten years there. Working in different countries and living the dream. Then I met my partner in England and plans to come back to Australia and travel were quickly made.
On arrival we purchase an old Nissan Urvan camper and off we set. From Melbourne around the west coast and down through the middle. Twelve months on the road and would have to say the best time of my life. I have been so lucky to travel many countries, but as they say “there’s is no place like home”. So, moving back to Australia, with an intrepid traveling partner, it was. We set off this time from Melbourne up the east coast and decided on a slice of paradise to call home, Airlie Beach. Actually, we did also run out of money and the small amount of funds left, we felt it was more warranted to buy wine then fuel. The plan was to head north and find some farm work, live the travelling life, but sometimes one just needs wine. So, home it was for now, and being absolute paradise, it wasn’t
too hard to handle. Jobs were found, and we fell into life the Whitsundays way, a slice of tropical paradise. After a short while an opportunity to go into the restaurant business came about and to further my skills and passion, a too good of an opportunity to miss. The next few years, as anyone in hospitality will tell you was allot of hard work, a hell of a of lot of fun, blood, sweat, and tears and my new restaurant family formed. This year, 15 years on we are able to start enjoying the benefits of the hard work. Back to more traveling this beautiful country. Camper trailer purchased, and, on the roads, we can start to travel again. So, travel and food. The passion has been ignited and we are back in our happy place. Roaming around from town
to town collecting produce as we go is an absolute joy. From farmers markets to artisan specialists, hunting and gathering a variety of produce that I can cook with to make meals of pure pleasure. Made with love and the regions local produce, a perfect recipe right there. Lunch usually a grazing platter consisting of a mix of cheese, charcuterie, PâtÊ, dips, breads, fruit jellies, salads, olives and antipasto marinated vegetables, and other culinary delights we have sourced on the way. As one item is gobbled up another will take its place. It’s like the long lunch that never ends. A perfect way to enjoy a camp side graze. Being the chef and avid foodie that I am, sometimes, yes, I have over purchased. The camper only has a smallish fridge, and this can help refrain me but
occasionally it all does go out the window. Also, my impatience to try my new treats can overcome so the lunch items may move into the dinner menu. An all-time favorite is to top some fresh oysters with some creamy blue cheese, then on the BBQ, or in a lidded frying pan on some foil to hold them upright, slowly warm through. Blue cheese oysters an absolute delight. Other ingredients also can be incorporated into the dinner menu as I need to make way for the new arrivals. Most cheeses can turn a classic meatball into a taste bud sensation. A small cube in the center of the meatball or grated into the mix… Firm cheese good for grating, soft good for a center burst. Cold meats can jazz up a pasta sauce or be added to antipasto vegetables to make a chicken or
meat pocket stuffing. Playing around as we travel along, finding new and innovative products, roaming the local markets, it’s so enjoyable. The local market in my mind is the soul of area, whether it’s a small town or a big city, anywhere in the world. The friendly faces, market banter and true passion of the growers and produces is priceless. Farmers markets vegetables picked that morning along with some local meats, once again a recipe in itself. Sourcing fresh produce rarely needs a lot of attention, the flavours are just there. One little road trick I will say though is before you leave make a few pastes. What I’m referring to is the likes of a garlic paste or a blend. Maybe chili, ginger and garlic, the list goes on. These are so easy, just blend with a little oil to make a paste. Top with a
little extra oil to keep fresh and store in a jar. This will turn dinners into a breeze. Fresh meat, vegetables and home make pastes without all the small fiddley chopping, el presto. Buon appetito.
NOW WHAT’S FOR DINNER?
Instagram @ the_food_junkie Website and blog www.thefoodjunkie.com.au Facebook - The Food Junkie @ thefoodjunkiechef
We all aim to spend as much time on our boats as we can. So, it makes sense to ensure your AC and DC electrical systems on your boat are operating at their highest potential, and are wired and upgraded to current Australian standards. This will ensure your family and friends safety, and protect your investment.
your requirements; install automatic charging systems for solar, wind and engine charging options and upgrade your lighting system to LED’s for an energy efficient solution. Whether the installation is interior, exterior or underwater, ADL can supply high quality light fittings to suit all applications.
ADL Marine Electrics are industry specialists, with more than 15 years operating in the marine industry. ADL Marine can make sure your boat is up to Australian Standard, as well as offer you a full electrical inspection of your AC and DC operating systems. We also offer an easy to follow maintenance plan to keep everything operating as it should.
ADL Marine is based at East Coast Marina, Manly, Brisbane. If required, can also provide a mobile service anywhere between the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. If your boat is on a trailer you, can bring it to them and have the piece of mind your pride and joy is safe in their secure boat yard with camera surveillance and security. The team of qualified electricians will have you back on the water in no time.
ADL Marine can service and repair all brands of anchor winches; customise your battery system to
ADL Marine specialises in: Design, installation and repair of complete wiring systems in new and used vessels. Location and repair of electrical system faults in AC or DC installations. Installation of battery systems to suit individual requirements. Installation of automatic charging systems and battery monitoring solutions. Installation of 240 volt sub circuits, switchboards, battery chargers, inverters, combis & generators. Bow and stern thrustor installations. Load testing and battery replacement. Electrolysis testing and rectification. Wiring Refurbishments ADL Marine can refurbish your old electrical system and have it last for another 20 years! Our expert team can design, manufacture and install the correct system to suit your individual requirements. If you sail the bay, or cruise the coast, ADL can design the right system for you.
Electronics ADL Marine can supply and install all your navigational and fish finding needs. Audio Systems ADL Marine is an authorized Fusion Marine Stereo installer. The Fusion range of stereos, speakers and amplifiers can fulfil any requirement.
Anchor Winch Sales & Service ADL Marine is the recommended service agent for Maxwell Anchor Winches. With extensive knowledge and access to a large range of parts for all makes and models. ADL can overhaul your old winch and make it look and perform like new, or supply and install the entire range of vertical, horizontal and drum winch solutions.
Service & Maintenance
Caravans and RVs
Maintenance can make or break your trip. Maintenance needs to be performed correctly for safety and to avoid a disappointing trip out on the water or land. If you are uncertain or unsure about your electrical systems operation and condition, contact ADL Marine and they can put your mind at ease and give guidance so your trip can go as you planned it would.
ADL offers its services to Road Boats as well.
Electrical Contractor #83808 http://www.adlmarineelectrics.com.au/ | Email: adlmarineelectrics@bigpond.com East Coast Marina, 570 Royal Esplanade, Manly, QLD 4179 Australia | Ph: 0419 653 657
Life after the big lap A few weeks ago we passed a signifcant milestone, the 1 year anniversary of returning home from our big lap. Almost everyday there are subtle reminders of what an epic adventure it was and thought it was worth sharing some of what we experienced as a family post-trip.
Back to Reality Coming home does leave you with mixed feelings. While we had all had our fill of adventure at the 18 month mark, coming home was odd after so long out on the road. This didn't last long though with life returning to normal really quickly and not all in a good way. We went from having all the time in the world while on the road to quickly becoming overscheduled with work, school, extra-curricular activities, sporting commitments, etc. Not too long after arriving home, the trip (at times) felt like a distant memory. Living Lean One major plus of living in a 21ft long tin can for 18 months is that we realised we don't need to live as large as what we did before we left. The 5 bedroom house with a study, a pool and all the trimmings is just not necessary anymore. Also given we didn't even use half the stuff we took with us in the caravan, we realised we have far too much stuff for our own good. While we haven't re-bought yet, when we do it will be a much smaller, sustainable dwelling so we can use the funds we save on more experiences and adventures.
Green Eyed Monster While I love seeing other people/families take off on their own adventures, I'll admit to feeling a little pang of jealousy when it happens. Obviously I know what they're in store for and it's absolute magic. Even a full year on from our adventure, caravans and motorhomes passing through Brisbane still catch my eye and my thoughts immediately go back to the fun we experienced on our own trip.
The Next Adventure I don't think we're done with caravanning, in fact, I expect we'll do more laps or a prolonged lap again in the future. It will be so much more fun now we're armed with the intel from the first trip. A lap riding push bikes and in a yacht are also both very serious considerations for later in life. While another big trip isn't on the cards for a while, we'll definitely do some mini-trips and one of the first will be the Overland Track in Tasmania. From the moment we entered this region we vowed to come back to tackle it as a family. Also we're big on sports such as MTB, triathlon, skiing and our love of those pursuits will give us lots of other mini trip options. I just returned from an adventure in Cairns/Port Douglas/ Daintree where I rode a MTB the entire length of the famous CREB 4wd track! No Regrets Do we regret our trip - HELL NO! None of us would trade our experiences over that 18 months for anything in the world. It's reminded the adults of the importance of adventure in a life well lived and instilled a love of adventure in our children, one we hope will last a lifetime. The reality of adventures like this is they don't make much sense, particular for younger travellers like us with family - it's likely to send you backwards financially, you'll be miles away from your family and friends, your kid's academic and sporting pursuits will be disrupted, etc. The list is endless, however, for every reason not to go, there are a bunch more why you should. You can always make more money, your family and friends will be there when you get back and what the your kids miss out on in terms of book smarts will be replaced by hands on learning opportunities they were never going have in a classroom environment.
The number one thing people on their deathbeds regret is that they didn't have the courage to pursue their dreams. The decision is scary, but it's so worth it. In the end we used a quote from the movie "We Bought A Zoo" to guide us - "All you need is 20 seconds of insane courage and I promise you something great will come of it" - and haven't regetted a single moment of it since. Leigh, Yas, Layla and Libby aka Family Gap Year
Run to Explore Living life on the road can obviously involve long periods of time of inactivity, over indulgence of sometimes not great foods, and many times the temptation to kick back with a coldie as the sun sets. Many, many people travelling will tell you they could live a bit healthier.
There are ways however, to work exercise and health routines into travelling, without missing out on all the fun stuff. My way of trying to maintain my health and fitness has been to run. Running is great because your gear doesn’t take up much room (unless
like me half your wardrobe is active wear), and you can do it absolutely anywhere. The other great thing about running is its one of the best ways to explore new places, and if you do events, that can give you ideas on places to go, and a focus to your training.
Since we’ve been on the road I’ve had a goal of doing at least one race in every State or Territory of Australia. I’ve only got Victoria, ACT and NT to go. And the great thing is I’ve experienced major events like the Gold Coast Marathon (I did the half) and the Ultra Trail Australia 50 in the NSW Blue Mountains, down to smaller community-based events like a trail half marathon in Derby in Tasmania, the Esperence Half Marathon in WA, and my most recent, the Goldfields Pipeline Marathon in Kalgoorlie WA, which was an incredible and highly emotional experience to be back in Kalgoorlie, with a group of amazing friends who I made through running while we were in town on a work stop. It’s not just about events, although they are a lot of fun with the atmosphere and crowd support, and it can be incredibly emotional to achieve a major running milestone.
Running to explore is a great way to see the sights. I’ve been able to experience some incredible things like running around the base of Uluru at sunrise, with the track to myself for much of the run, it gave me an incredible perspective of one of the most special and
spiritual places in Australia. I’ve also been able to run the trails through rainforests, and up mountains in the Glass House mountain range; along beaches where I’ve watched baby sharks swimming in the shallows or crabs scurrying along the sand; along dirt roads with only kangaroos for
company (and the odd lost dog), along cliff edges with the ocean roaring below, through many, many towns discovering local treasures which I often then take the family back to see later, and as a mainly morning runner I’ve experienced many, many sunrises.
Running to explore is my favourite way to run. You never know what you are going to discover, where the road will take you, or who you might run into. It’s true I’ve had some odd looks in small towns when I’ve been running laps of a main street but generally most people will just cheer you on and tell you you’re either crazy, or almost there. So, no matter what your preferred way of staying active, whether it be running; hiking; walking; weights and gym based activity, there are ways of working it into travelling. Find a trail, wander around a town, take your gym gear to the beach, the playground or use your body for resistance just about anywhere.
Being active will make the glass of wine or beer later that night all the sweeter. Follow us @thegudlanges www.instagram.com/thegudlanges
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WELCOME TO GOTCHA COVERED SHEDS HI I'M TRENT WALTON, A TRANSPORTABLE SHADE SHEDS RESELLER! I'm here to represent Narrabri and the North West of New South Wales. My goal is to make sure that you get the best deal on Transportable Shade Sheds. I'll look after you from your enquiry, right through to purchase, delivery and I'll even install it on your property.Contact me today! A TRANSPORTABLE SHADE SHEDS RESELLER IN NARRABRI AND NORTH WEST, NEW SOUTH WALES I recently took up the business opportunity to supply and install Transportable Shade Sheds in and around my local- area of Narrabri.(500 kms) After training in the complete range of all Shade Shed products from customer purchase to installation I am keen to help locals with their equipment cover needs.
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NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL At ALL TONES Marine Painting on the Gold Coast we take pride in all our work. We specialise in all aspects of boat spray painting from gel coat repairs to full paint resprays. OUR SERVICES include: • FULL BOAT RESPRAYS • GEL COAT REPAIRS • MARINE PAINT REPAIRS • DETAILING • FIBERGLASS LAMINATION Each job we take on we make sure it is finished to the highest quality to ensure our clients are 100% satisfied. With our experienced team of painters we will always make sure you get what your looking for. All Tones Marine Painting can also perform minor repairs to boats off site. For your convenience we can come to your site and perform your repair or restoration. Contact us to discuss your options.
No job too big or small! We range from jet-skis to super-yachts. Let us help keep your pride and joy looking great.
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