Words: Andrea Ferris
WE’RE ALL GOING ON A …
Image: Megan Willis Photography
S
ummer holidays are just about here and lots of families will be pitching and pegging together to enjoy some well-earned rest and relaxation after another hectic year. That’s why there’s an emphasis on family camping in this issue; drawing on the experience of many of our regular writers that travel, with family in tow, in all sorts of situations. Fiona’s taken the kids to Tassie’s Cradle Mountain, Seth’s given his partner a break and taken toddler Sylvia to the wilds of the Atherton Tablelands – solo. Jennifer’s sussed out the best spots on the NSW coast to let the kids learn to surf, while Megan shares some tips on camping with toddlers (SO glad those days are over!). Steve’s had the teens tramping the Bibbulmun Track in WA and Robert’s discovered gold in Victoria’s Gippsland high country – what a great activity for the school holidays. Camping has to be safe and enjoyable, so Monica got down to business and ‘tested’ (let’s not ask too many questions …) a range of portable toilet solutions, Carrol asked an expert about what to pack in the camping first aid kit, Jill’s faced a fear to bring us the facts on snakes, and I have a few tips for canine campers.
On a personal note, it’s been a terrific year for myself and TOH as we’ve caravanned, tented, four-wheel-driven, motorbiked and paddled to some amazing places. I never stop learning when I travel, mostly about how to do things better: what not to take, how to remember what I’ve forgotten to pack, what’s essential and what’s not, how to save money, what to cook and how to get away without cooking, and what’s worth arguing about – and what’s not! Not having a 9–5 job or a school-aged family, we bunker down at home for the summer holidays to avoid the crowds, but for everyone venturing out here’s my favourite five: n T oilet paper is for toilets or the bottom of holes that are at least 20 cm deep. n S upplies in – rubbish out. Take home everything that you bring with you to the campsite. n P ack an extra garbage bag and ‘Take 3’ www.take3.org.au n A llow nature to entertain you; not iStuff. n L ove thy neighbour – kids, dogs, music – show respect and tolerance. Happy Holidays!
Andrea Ferris, Editor andrea@vinkpub.com www.gocampingaustralia.com.au
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Contributors John Algate
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Editor
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Seth Hartley
Andrea Ferris E: andrea@vinkpub.com
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Julie Bishop and Regina Jones
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FRONT COVER: Early morning at O’Tooles Flat campground, Victoria. Photo courtesy of: Robert Norman Go Camping Australia & 4WD Adventures is distributed through newsagents and camping stores across Australia. Recommended retail price A$6.95. Annual subscription A$33 includes postage within Australia and GST. Distribution by Gordon and Gotch. Editorial and photographic contributions welcomed. Disks, transparencies and self-addressed stamped envelopes are required. The publisher takes no responsibility for the views expressed in articles or advertisements herein. The publisher could not possibly ensure that each advertisement published in the magazine complies with the Trade Practices Act. While every endeavour has been made to ensure complete accuracy, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Print Post approval No. 100000936.
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25/11/2014 1:11 pm