............hi again, I am planning my route through/across Australia which is looking immensely exciting and fun! However I have a concern about the potential issues of city parking at night :o(

I beleive that whilst between major cities, off the road parking, and campers parks/sites will accomodate a kombi camper (nominally for little or no charge) however whilst in major cities I will still obviously want to stay in the camper but have read much about huge parking charges :o

Can anyone confirm if staying in a Kombi in cities such as Brisbane and Sydney is just too expensive a proposition, and/or if any laws are being breached by doing this?

Any 'real life' stories (or advice) would be appreciated

Cheers

Matt

This might not be of much help except that I've done a lot of camping/overnight staying in Northern NSW (border to Coffs) and the rangers and coppers will nab you at every opportunity. I've had a couple of fines and warnings but generally when I've stayed in car parks at National Parks/surfspots, and usually only when I sleep in. Oh yeah, especially in Byron!! If you're up at the crack of dawn you generally have no problems anywhere...

Have heard people say they stay overnight at truck stops on the freeway with no problem. Just say you're "stopping, reviving and surviving" if any rangers/cops question you.

Also haven't had much luck getting a cheaper spot at camping grounds because I've only got a camper...

Good luck for the mission!

Thanks bus

Anyone else got any views?

We had trouble in the major cities. Brissie is definitely a no. There really isn't anywhere to park up other than recognised camping grounds and they're all at leat 5-10km out of the center.

Byron - we got moved on at 4am whilst parked up on what turned out to be the market grounds!

Out of the cities, we had no issues. We parked in national parks and beach parking areas and never got told off, even when there was a no camping sign. Sometimes it was just at the side of the road too. Generally we stopped at 9pm and were off again before 9am and never had a problem.

Good luck with the trip and if you're on the Sunny coast there's a car park over the road from me by the beach where there doesn't seem to be any problems!

Joel

This one's a bit out there but if you only need 6 hours sleep a night, park in the Star City Casino carpark for $10 I think it is (or $15 on Sunday nights), pull the curtains across and sweet dreams! Don't forget to set your alarm though so you don't cop additional parking fees.

Are we talking about the best country on earth "Australia"

I have travelled this country in a kombi east west north south

There are National Parks in every state and teritory plus all capital cities, all have camping sites for a small fee.

I have never had a problem in my travels.

Just the obligitory kombi wave..

Good luck on your journeys.


ps: if ya get stuck in Sydney you can park the bus on my lawn.

There is a little known caravan park in sydney Only 10 mins from the city..
Near Global Studios, Delhi road and turn into Plassey Rd it is Lane Cove River van Park..

Also in my neck of the woods there is a Caravan park in north Narrabeen, 100m from the beach...
Top spot..

Enjoy..

Or there is often the odd Van parked at Warriewood Beach, it is off the main road and out of the way.. Best be up early though... Ranger Danger

Thanks for all your imput guys!

Cheers

Matt



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