The Best of 2017

2017 was quite a year for Free Range Camping.  Many important milestones were achieved:

• Release of the Premium IOS & Android App
• Release of the Premium Members Club
• Release of the Online Classifieds Section
• Premium Members Only pricing in the online shop
• Over 9000 listings inside the directory & growing
• Over 100,000 followers inside social media

We also released some great content to our members via our newsletters and E-updates.  In this update, we showcase the best of 2017 for you to visit.

As usual you can

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Best of Articles

During the year, we wrote some articles on industry specific tips, knowledge and stuff we thought our members would enjoy.  If you haven't yet read them, click on the links below to check them out:

STABILISING CARAVANS & CAMPER TRAILERS
Caravans or Camper Trailers swaying uncontrollably have brought undone many in the past.  Whilst most think it is always an effect of speed and balance, Axle alignment plays a very important role in stabilising your caravan or trailer.

THE GOOD OLD DAYS - CAMPING & CARAVANNING
Caravans and Tents have come a long way since the early 1900’s.  Now a days, we have all the mod cons, Tents that virtually erect themselves and Caravans with everything, including the kitchen sink.  But throwback to the early 1900’s and things were not so convenient.  We recently came across a collection of photos from as far back as 1926 with some great old Tents and Caravans. 

ARE CARAVANS A MENACE ON OUR ROADS?
In this recent article in the Courier Mail the author does not hold back.  Berating caravan and motorhome drivers about their driving habits and the way they clutter our roads, to the point where he claims they are simply a ‘menace’. 

MEET KEL - 78 ON THE ROAD AND GOING STRONG
Here is an inspiration for you, at the ripe age of 75, Kel decided he should buy a caravan and trip around Australia. Trouble is he had never even towed one before, but he was up for the challenge and was not going to let a few health issues stand in his way.  Now 3 years later, he is unstoppable and having a tonne of fun out on the road as you will see in this short video.

PINK UMBRELLAS & THE TWO TEDS
Ever wondered how to get an un-interrupted view of Uluru when there is a crowd?  Or how to NOT empty your caravan toilet cassette!

In this story we have a light hearted look at our time in the red centre a few years ago.  We decided to let the folks tag along for their first adventure in a motorhome.   And an adventure it was, with dad scaring tourists away with his pink umbrella, interrupting the tour guide and showing us how to not empty a caravan toilet cassette.

Warning:  This story does contain toilet humour.

TRAVELLING DIGITAL NOMAD
This lady is what you would call an avid adventurer. She flies aircraft, has visited over 70 countries, and has now decided to travel her own in a 4WD with a rooftop tent as her next big adventure.

Combining her love of travelling with working, Linda is one of the growing number of Digital Aussie nomads taking to travelling and working their way around Australia.

REST AREAS OR FREE CAMPS - PART 1
It has been a long ongoing argument!  Can a Rest Area be used as a Camp Site or just for a quick rest?  In putting together FRC we had to be sure, so after many hours of consultation with each of our state transport departments, and based on our own experiences, Keith Thompson, one of our FRC Ambassadors has written a three part series on his findings.  Keith, is a full time traveller and knows firsthand how confusing it can be out there, so in this series of articles he attempts to clarify some of the ambiguity.

UNDERSTANDING RATINGS & MASSES WHEN TOWING
There is quite a bit to know when towing a caravan for the first time, and even those who have some experience, can often still be confused with the different terms used to explain Ratings & Masses.  

In this article courtesy of the Caravan Council of Australia we have a quick look at some of the definitions, and attempt to make it a little easier to understand the differences.  

Best of Free Camps

BURRA CREEK GORGE, SA
Burra Creek Gorge is located near Worlds End Highway. It is a campsite suitable for caravans and motorhomes.  Camping is free in this large bush setting area with lots of trees. It is a pet friendly site with amenities and fires are permitted.

GAYNDAH HERITAGE RAILWAY CAMPSITE, QLD
Located in the township of Gayndah, 158 kms NW of Gympie QLD is the Gayndah Heritage Railway Camp Site. The quiet and secluded campsite sits beside the Heritage Railway Station. 

CURRA BUSH CAMP, WA
Curara Bush Camp is a private property offering camping space “in the bush”

ST LUKES CHURCH, WA
St Lukes Church in Westonia offers 48 hour free camping for fully Self-contained RV’s only.  St Lukes Church was originally built in 1916 at Naretha 205 mile camp along the Trans Australian Railway.

BURREN JUNCTION, NSW
Burren Junction Bore Baths and Camp Ground offers free camping with an amenity block with electricity, pool side showers and barbecue facilities, filtered water and a dump point.

DELORAINE, TAS
Deloraine Free Camp is a great spot to rest and explore the town. The pet friendly site is suitable for all sized caravans as long as it is self contained. It has a few scattered rubbish bins and a dump point.

ABERCROMBIE RIVER CAMP, NSW
Abercrombie River Camp is a beautiful, sheltered campsite located next to the Abercrombie River. The site offers free camping with basic facilities accessible to caravans and big rigs.

FIFIELD HOTEL CAMPGROUND, NSW
Fifield Hotel offers free camping at their hotel grounds. Enjoy the huge meals they provide and friendly publican atmosphere. The site is suitable for motorhomes and caravans and dogs are permitted.

GREEN HILL LAKE CAMPING AREA, VIC
Green Hill Lake has an area of 260 hectares and can easily accommodate the smallest tent to the biggest motor home. Just pull in and select your own free campsite.

HARRISVILLE OVERNIGHT STOP, QLD
This 24 hr Free campsite in Harrisville Qld, is offered to travellers by Shane from XMAV Motorhome & Caravan Repairs. With 2 acres available beside his shed and pets permitted, there is plenty of space for their daily exercise.

CALIGUEL LAGOON CAMPGROUND, QLD
Caliguel Lagoon Campground is a popular site for water sports located on the banks of Caliguel Lagoon only a short distance from the town of Condamine.

Best of Campgrounds

IPSWICH SHOWGROUNDS, QLD
The Ipswich Showgrounds are the only Low Cost camping option in the Western Corridor of the Greater Brisbane area and is only 40km from the Brisbane CBD via the Ipswich Motorway.  It is also only a short drive into the Lockyer Valley to the West and the town offers all major shopping facilities.

PENROSE PARK CAMPGROUND, QLD
There’s a lot to do for the whole family at Penrose Park. There are tennis courts, children’s playgrounds, wood and gas barbecues, walking trails and even a bush golf course.

PIONEER PARK CAMPGROUND, TAS
​Situated on the edge of Silverton, Penrose Park campground and accommodation covers 80 hectares set among gums natural flora and Australian wildlife. Whether you’re after a quiet family picnic, an eventful weekend or a week away from it all, Penrose Park is the perfect spot for you and your family.

ELDEE STATION FARM STAY, NSW
Staying on Eldee Station is a unique way to experience quintessential outback life and for a ‘real’ Aussie Outback adventure where we offer unique accommodation options to suit a variety of budgets and complimentary facilities giving guests ‘great value for their money.

CAMP KOOYOORA, VIC
Camp Kooyoora is surrounded by thousands of acres of Kooyoora State Park, and is the brain child of Barb and Ian Collie. Situated only 45 mins N/E of Bendigo in Victoria, Camp Kooyoora is set on 78 acres of beautiful private bushland and is the perfect place for families and pets to reconnect with nature. 

COPETOWN DAM, NSW
The Northern Foreshores Copeton Dam Campground is located on the Auburn Vale Road on the picturesque foreshores of Copeton Dam. The site is nestled amongst a Flora and Fauna Reserve and is operated as a primitive camping area with a limited number of drive through powered and unpowered sites and a small shower and toilet block situated at the entrance to the reserve.

BROKEN CREEK BUSH CAMP, VIC
Broken Creek Bush Camp offers you the chance to enjoy your camping experience in the rural countryside, while still being close to amenities, towns and tourist attractions.

COMEROO STATION FARMSTAY, NSW
Comeroo Station, 150km north west of Bourke NSW, encompasses a vast area of over 100,000 acres of Australia’s red and black soil and situated beside the Maranoa Waterhole, a scenic 6km stretch of permanent water. Comeroo is a working sheep & cattle station and a must stop for travellers and and families who want to experience life in the outback.

CAMP AT OLD BARA, NSW
Situated between the towns of Mudgee, Lue and Rylstone NSW, Old Bara Camp is a picturesque 1100 acre cattle property offering campers a slice of paradise. The spacious paddocks, undulating terrain and a creek that runs through majority of the property, will keep the kids entertained for hours exploring, yabbying, swimming, bike riding or simply flying their kites, while you sit back and enjoy that true Aussie break. 

ROCKY POINT RETREAT, QLD
Rocky Point Retreat is a family owned recently established campground run by Kati & Darren Rasmussen. The waterfront camping area is a part of the 250 acre rural property “Rocky Point” which is located on the southern bank of Baffle Creek at Winfield approx. 63km north of Bundaberg.

UNDERCLIFF FARM, NSW
Undercliff Farm is a private family-friendly, single safe and group friendly bush camping site located on a stunning 325 Acres in the northern reaches of NSW.  We offer natural landscapes and bush land with open grasslands for spacious living, as well as a beautiful creek that runs down to Undercliffe Falls which is an ideal place for swimming.

3 CREEKS CAMPGROUND, NSW
3 Creeks Campground is situated on approximately 50 acres of picturesque, undulating country property, with 3 creeks that flow around the property and rainforest areas that are well worth exploring. Located between Coffs Harbour and Grafton NSW it is easily accessible by all vehicles.

Best of Caravan Parks

Although designated as Caravan Parks, many of the below listings also are campgrounds and facilitate camping activities.

COLEAMBALLY CARAVAN PARK, NSW
Coleambally Caravan Park is a small, quiet park in a natural setting, featuring shady trees and lawned sites. The park offers affordable accommodation options which include powered and unpowered sites, and fully furnished self contained cabins and vans.

WINDMILL CARAVAN PARK, QLD
The Windmill Caravan Park is a quiet, boutique sized park centrally located in Hervey Bay.There is a good choice of powered caravan and tent sites, shady or sunny, with concrete slabs or grass.

MT TRIO BUSH CAMP & CARAVAN PARK, WA
Mt Trio Bush Camp & Caravan Park is situated in a peaceful natural bush enclave on a working farm bordering the Stirling Range national Park and is an idyllic base from which to explore the Stirling Ranges.

COONAWARRA BUSH HOLIDAY PARK, SA
Located in Coonawarra, the Coonawarra Bush Holiday Park, also called Coonawarra Caravan Park, offers powered and unpowered camp, tent, motorhome, caravan and RV sites, featuring new amenities and 170 acres of private bushland.

QUEEN MARY FALLS CARAVAN PARK, QLD
Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park has a variety of accommodation options to suit your family and your budget. The site has a number of powered and unpowered sites available suitable for camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes. Amenities blocks for showers and laundry facilities are only a short walk away. 

BINGARA RIVERSIDE CARAVAN PARK, NSW
The Bingara Riverside Caravan Park is situated in an idyllic position opposite the mighty Gwydir River, next door to the swimming complex, and within walking distance to town and Batterham Lookout.

PORONGURUP RANGE TOURIST PARK, WA
The Porongurup Range Tourist Park is a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of day to day life. The site is beautifully grassed with well maintained grounds and nestled amongst shady trees with views towards the Ranges.

PYRAMID HILL CARAVAN PARK, VIC
Pyramid Hill Caravan Park is within walking distance to the town centre and adjacent to the Lion’s Park where there is an electric barbecue. Tennis courts and public swimming pool are also adjacent, and with the lawn bowls club nearby.

CRANKY ROCK GLAMPING, NSW
Cranky Rock Glamping is located at the base of the mountains on a beautiful valley floor, located in wine country in the lower Hunter Valley. The name Cranky Rock was from a 25 tonne sandstone rock that graces the area. 

INGLEWOOD MOTEL & CARAVAN PARK, VIC
Inglewood Motel and Caravan Park (Park) is a 10 acre bush park privately owned and managed by Jerry and Pauline Wellman. The site includes 8 motel rooms, 20 ensuite powered caravan sites, 20 powered sites, as well as space for numerous unpowered sites.

MT WARNING RAINFOREST PARK, NSW
Nestled in the rainforest, right at the foot of Mt Warning you’ll find Mt Warning Rainforest Park. The Park is the closest thing you’ll find to camping in the wilderness with the choice of a private Riverside Cabin or a night under the stars by your own camp fire.

LAKE KHANCOBAN LAKESIDE, NSW
Nestled in the south western foothills of the Snowy Mountains, only 13 kms from the Victorian border on the outskirts of the picturesque lakeside town of Khancoban, is the family owned Khancoban Lakeside Caravan Park. With over 6 acres of parkland, this is the perfect location for those looking for a relaxing country holiday or for the outdoor enthusiast, with so much to see and do all year round. 

SHOAL BAY HOLIDAY PARK, NSW
Directly opposite to one of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast of Australia, Shoal Bay Holiday Park is ideal for short breaks or an extended stay. The Park features a number of accommodation options that are sure to meet your needs. Choose from 2 bedroom Villas and Cabins through to ensuite van sites and grassy powered campsites.

PETERBOROUGH CARAVAN PARK, SA
Peterborough Caravan Park is located in the historic railway town of Peterborough, situated just off the Barrier Highway in the wheat country of mid-north South Australia.

INVERALL CARAVAN PARK, NSW
Inverell Caravan Park is situated on the beautiful McIntyre River, with a large variety of trees and birdlife. We provide clean and accessible amenities, laundry facilities, large spacious sites on full size slabs and grass sites, as well as a range of cabins.

SCAMANDER SANTUARY, TAS
Scamander is a popular beachside township on the East Coast of Tasmania and the gateway to St Helens, Bay of Fires and Binalong Bay.  The park is family-friendly, offering both powered and unpowered camp sites and caravan sites. The park is well-priced, peaceful and family-friendly and all guests enjoy the use of clean, high quality amenities including private showers, great communal cooking areas, a laundry and two children’s playgrounds. 

DOUGLAS DALY TOURIST PARK, NT
The Douglas Daly Tourist Park is a pet friendly park for travellers looking for a relaxed and quiet place to stay, midway between Darwin and Katherine. The tourist park is the only park in the Douglas Daly area that offers camping, caravanning and cabin accommodation.

FINGAL BAY HOLIDAY PARK, NSW
Fingal Bay Holiday Park offers all the convenience of a first class holiday resort in a stunning natural bushland setting. Go troppo in our resort pool, cook up a storm in the camp kitchen or stay in self-contained luxury in one of our large family Beach Houses. 

KAPUNDA TOURIST PARK, SA
Kapunda is located between the Clare and Barossa valleys and is rich in culture and history. Kapunda Tourist Park is a modern, spacious and well-shaded park, situated in historic Dutton Park, in the heart of Kapunda. We offer powered and unpowered sites, as well as a range of cabins and cottages to suit all budgets.

HALIFAX HOLIDAY PARK, NSW
Set in natural bushland, surrounded by two calm water beaches, Shoal Bay and Little Beach Halifax Holiday Park is the ideal choice to have it all at your fingertips. Set in natural bushland and surrounded by two calm water beaches, its a perfect choice for your next holiday in Port Stephens.

PADTHAWAY CARAVAN PARK, SA
A picturesque drive through the vineyards of the renowned Padthaway Wine Region leads you to the tranquil setting of the Padthaway Caravan Park. Nestled on a hillside overlooking the historic Padthaway Homestead and township, Padthaway Caravan Park offers a relaxing and peaceful setting for our guests.

PORT STEPHENS TREESCAPE, NSW
Located in 8 hectares of bushland and nestled on the edge of One Mile Beach and The Samurai Beach Sand Dunes, the park offers the best of both worlds being close to Nelson Bay, yet secluded enough to enjoy the native wildlife which have made their homes at our property.

HALLS GAP LAKESIDE TOURIST PARK, VIC
Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park with its breathtaking views of the mountains and an abundance of Australian Wildlife is the perfect place to base yourself if you’re wanting to explore the Grampians. The stunning surrounds of the Grampians National Park, its quiet location and friendly and relaxing atmosphere means you can enjoy a bush camp experience with all the modern facilities

KINGSTON ON MURRAY, SA
Kingston-on-Murray Caravan Park is a picturesque and peaceful family-owned park situated on the Murray River, in a secluded setting just 2 km off the Sturt Highway. Our award-winning park offers friendly, personalised service, powered and unpowered sites and a range of cabins to cater for all budgets, as well as extensive facilities for our guests to enjoy.

TRAVELLERS REST, VIC
The park is bordered by the local swimming pool (seasonal), bowling club and croquet lawns, and is pet friendly. The south and north sides of the park are divided by the river, with a swing bridge linking both.

BALLAN CARAVAN PARK, VIC
The small town of Ballan is conveniently located between Melbourne and the historic regional city of Ballarat. The Ballan Caravan Park is nestled alongside parklands that flank the meandering Werribee River. Our park has grassy powered and unpowered sites, as well as a small range of lovely 1-2 bedroom cabins.

Best of Product Reviews

TOPARGEE WATER TANK GAUGES
Many campers will know how precious water is when out camping, especially when free camping or in some of the more remote areas of Australia.  Knowing how much water you have on board can be critical, and it also allows you to plan your trip better and know how long you can stay in one location.

BIOMAGIC - TOILET WASTE & WATER TREATMENT MANAGEMENTHaving travelled the country in our motorhome full time for the last 4 years, one of the things we have struggled the most with is the smell, or should I say the pungent odour that is eliminated from our Grey Water tank.  Not to mention toilet smells.  Then there is a constant effort to keep our water clean and healthy, and eliminate the tank taste you can get.  So, we were excited to recently meet Jacquie from Bio Magic, who solved quite a few of our problems, with her range of Bio Magic products.

SATELLITE TV KITS FOR MOTORHOMES & CARAVANS
Granted, not all caravanners want or need a TV, but for those on the road full time, the caravan or motorhome should feel like a real home.  It doesn’t matter if you are getting away for a weekend, or short break, it can still be a perfect time to unwind and watch a favourite sporting event or a TV show.

FRC CAMPING & CARAVAN MATS - KEEP YOUR FEET DRY IN THE WET
Believe me, since we hit the road some time ago now, we have had our fair share of wet weather and it is inevitable that when out camping or caravanning there will be times where your site will become water logged.  And if not water logged, sand, gravel and dirt always seems to find its way into the tent, caravan or motorhome.

MAJESTIC TV's - THE RIGHT TV FOR YOUR RV
When it comes to finding the right TV for your RV, in our opinion, there are two important things to take into consideration

1. Is it Energy Efficient?
2. Will it withstand harsh treatment?

240 volts is not always something you will have on tap, especially if you love free camping.  So ideally, a TV for your caravan or motorhome should run on both, and of course be energy efficient.