We are planning a 2month trip up the East Coast of Australia from Melbourne up to the Gold Coast, We will have surf boards...and are on a tight budget. I am wondering which will be cheaper and more efficient! Backpackers camper have the most reasonable priced campervans for hire...how is free camping up the coast and how safe is the van left unattended if we are in the water? also comparing this with the cost of car rental and hostels...any help tips or advice would be appreciated - thanks

Joey you might get more people who have recent experience of this on Thorntree http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/index.jspa

The people here tend to be a bit older and in need of a bit more comfort.

However I would suggest that you look at buying and then reselling a station wagon and fit it with roof racks. Caravan parks have inexpensive cabins and you are sure to gets lots of good info and invitations once you are on the road.

Safety is always an issue but not a very big one.

Free camping is allowed in State Forests and some National Parks.

Take a look at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/nationalparks and www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forests/recreation for details about where camping is allowed. Di

Thank you both, AlanJG I am looking at thorntree now too...much appreciated.
Joey

...and di am checking the links too..thank you x

http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/06...tern-australia... good info for you here. buy/re-sell deals boots on the ground work best for me in distant past cars free camp hostels hostelbookers.com tend to be cheapest. Many touts on LP now owned by BBC best to get deals boots on the ground in Oz hook up with travel buds share expenses when you get there.
if you tryto do this on line you will pay thousands more than you have to. Online Camper/van rentals insurance one of the biggest scams going on the boards parting fools and their money regularly.

Good luck!

Sorry just saw you were going up the est coast same info Bus also possible there.Travel from Sydney to Cairns, using hop on hop off busses! I'm thinking about using the following itinerary:boards.bootsnall.com/east-coast-of-australia-please-elp-t15892.html.Anyway just stay flexible roll with the flow hostel/free camp econocar share or bus you will save bunches.

We own a small camper van (VW Transporter). We have NEVER stayed in a commercial caravan park/camping ground, other than those in National Parks etc. where the fees are nominal, in the 20 years we have been camping.

We stay in truck stops/rest areas, picnic grounds, look outs, beaches etc. The best book to buy is from this website. http://www.campsaustraliawide.com/#

It lists all the free and cheap camp spots. The book costs about $60 - this is about the same as two nights in a caravan park. You can buy it here from Newsagents, book shops and the RACV.

We have never had a problem with theft or anything else criminal. Same as with a car. Cover up valuables, lock the vehicle etc. Take the card out of you camera and hide it somewhere so that if your camera is stolen you still have your photos.

Most councils are moving to being RV Friendly where there are free or cheap places to park a campervan. Generally they are for short stays <48hrs. Check out www.cmca.net.au/ for a list of RV friendly towns and other useful tips.

The advantage of a camper is that you have everything with you when you need it. This is especially great when you are surfing as you will be able to have hot/cold food/drink when you come in. Case in Point we went diving in Whyalla in June in 13 degree water and 2 degree air. Came back to the van had hot tea and porridge for breakfast sitting under a doona looking at a great view.

If your camper doesnt have a shower I would suggest buying a solar shower for about $10 from any camping shop or bring your own. You don't have to use the sun to heat them up although they are very good but take hours. A ratio of 2 pots of cold to 1 pot of boiling water gives a good temperature for a shower. They are great for rinsing off salt and washing hair.

Going up the coast there will be lots of free places to stay. They do get a bit annoyed if you stay for more than a night or two unless it is a signed camp ground. There are lots of Natiaonal Parks etc. We have stayed in amazing places with fantastic views and been the only ones there. I would not travel in Australia any other way.

Re Surfing - Where are you from? Australian waves/coasts are somwhat different to what you may be used to. Be sure you check with locals first and obey surfing etiquette. Our surfies can be a rough bunch if provoked, but when treated with courtesy (and a beer or two) will be your best mates and let you know the best spots and times.

When are you coming. The best surf in the South is in our autumn/winter, but quite cold.

Let us know if you have any more questions.

Have a great time.

Thank you all so much for your responses..much appreciated!

I have decided that having a camper van is the way forward and am very excited about arriving in Oz as a first timer!! Love new experiences....

But am now considering whether a better option would be to buy on arrival rather than rent...

Peter - thank you for the detailed information, i think we will be getting a copy of camps wide, it has been recommended through out my searches. I also have a VW camper at home (Jersey Channel Island UK) which I have travelled the coast of Europe with a number of times, from northern France down to south Portugal...as far as surfing is concerned, we have both been surfing for a few year now...although im not a big wave girl...Think we have an understanding of surfing etiquette - although not terribly rowdy some of the lads down the beach here can get very protective of certain spots...waves etc... As an 'out of towner' we would always respect the locals...whether it be in the surf or otherwise Thank you very much for you help. We will be arriving in Melbourne in Mid Feb and staying in australia till mid april...flying out of Sydney to Indonesia for 3weeks

I guess this is ok as far as camping weather is concerned and swell and surf spots on the south i am still researching...Still wondering weather or not to pack my 3.2 wetsuit in or not? I guess it depends how much time we will spend on the south and how quickly we head north...

once again appreciate all the advice and tips

Personally, I would rent a campervan. Then you are covered if anything goes wrong, they will replace it etc. Less hassle all round.

Sounds like everything else is going to plan.