Aussie Vanlife - Northern Sydney to Central Coast, avoiding heavy rain

[@TempyBuilds]

Such a lovely peaceful river , beautiful views and very cute wildlife , thank you again . Also maybe an electric warmer of some kind might help you , a heating pad , I think you can get usb ones , another great vid

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thank you very much! I do actually have the diesel heater in the van if I'm really cold. It's very cheap to run so no real reason for me not to use it if I'm cold 😂

[@fatmanoverlanding]

I used to live at Lane Cove, so Davidson Park was a frequent picnic destination for us. We love it but can get extremely crowded on weekends. Lindfield Rocks is where I first take inexperienced friends interested in going canyoning/abseiling with me. I teach them the techniques of abseiling there - to ensure they can handle it and not freak out when we're actually at the edge of a cliff at the Blue Mountains. And if you're into semi-remote and longish bushwalk/hike, park at the Cowan Station, follow the signs to the track. The track goes all the way to Brooklyn through some magnificent vistas. Then catch the train back to Cowan. Best to do in summer as it's a solid 8-13hrs walk.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Seems you've lived everywhere I go 😂. I'm not stalking you...promise. A full day walk might be a bit out of my comfort zone! Would be nice though. Nice that you can catch the train back. Sounds like a good ride, but I bet there's stairs. 😁

[@fatmanoverlanding]

@@MakingStuffGoingPlaces Hahaha. 😂 I've been lucky enough to live in great places in Australia. Grew up in Port Stephens (Nelson Bay), lived in Sydney, now in the Central Coast. And I love adventure. So, I've been to many locations where this can be had, like the Blue Mountains and surrounding areas, Snowy Mtns, and many national parks & state forests. I have no doubt you'll go to more places in the future that I too have been. Looking forward to tagging along with your journey.

[@barbarabruce7648]

Ooh Davisdon Park. Wow. I had a friend that lived there. Sydneysiders dont realise that there are so many gorgeous places to explore. This one is new to me. Reminds me of Lane Cove National Park. Reminiscent of Sunday drives as a kid. Dad drove us on Sydney adventures growing up. Always somewhere different. Think I will check this place out!

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Yeah, it's a beautiful spot and I think you could walk along the river for almost as far as I kayaked.

[@DebMoon17]

Some great spots - thank you! I’m not a big fan of highways north of Sydney especially Sydney to Newcastle. I drove from Port Macquarie to Sydney last year in absolute driving rain and my hands were clenched to the steering wheel. 😊

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks Deb. Yeah, the highways are a bit scary in the rain, particularly when people see it as a challenge to keep driving fast! 😂

[@paulineh4019]

I didn't realise you could stay overnight at Brooklyn, lot quieter than Mooney just up the road. You've given me some ideas for visiting the city, which I avoid driving in/through (I'm South Coast nowadays). Nice footage as always.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks Pauline. There are parking restrictions in Brooklyn, but other than the boat ramp, I didn't see any no camping signs.

[@Allison12338]

My daughter and her husband live at Bar Point just down from Brooklyn. Only boat access. They love it there.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

That's cool. Do they commute by boat to work every day?

[@Allison12338]

They have their own business. Work from home for the most part. Do you talk to many people on your adventures?

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

That's perfect! Live in a spot like that and work from home 😁 No, don't really talk to many people. In summer I would have a chat with people walking by as I sit with the door open....harder in winter 😂

[@Allison12338]

That would be the worst part for me. Safe travels.

[@jcqrdw]

another great video 👍. I thought about an inflatable kayak, you convinced me it's worth it.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Yeah, even a cheap one for occasional use....I do enjoy having it! 😁

[@dlps7373]

Hi Jason - enjoying your content, every thought of adding a drone for some aerial shots? Cheers.............Doug

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks Doug. Yes, would love a drone. My son just bought one and the footage is awesome. Main problem is that most places I go are national parks and you're not allowed to fly them...plus I can't afford one 😂

[@MandyJArt]

HOW on earth did I not know about the vent button!!!!! Only been using chemical toilets for nearly 3 years….. probably my first one didn’t actually have it but I have the same model as you and never twigged ugh. Been emptying on hard mode lol Edit : can recommend ecotraveller sachets. Suitable for septic tanks too, as u seem to empty to public toilets quite a bit. They do smell good too

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Glad my overly detailed toilet footage has been a benefit!😂 I do have biodegradable sachets for the toilet as well, but most places I empty are connected to the sewer so I try to save them for when I'm out of cities.... they're a lot more expensive.

[@marks35]

Really enjoying your vids ! Seeing all these different places bring back wonderful memories . Sydney is interesting because there seems to be the most beautiful walks and scenic surprises everywhere !! My family and I proudly live here and have had so many wonderful times ' exploring ' . Glad you are living and loving life mate ( subbed a few days ago ) . 😀

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks mate, great to have you following along! There's certainly a lot to see around Sydney, despite the size of the city.

[@katyhughes-brown4417]

Great video very informative and enjoyable

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@paulineh4019]

I really like the idea of using induction cooking, something I may look into when I start longer trips. I have very basic setup in a regular Ford Transit Custom and only a solar blanket at minute, so will have to up solar and battery setup. With your toilet do you use water in the top tank?

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Just need a battery capable of delivering the power for the induction cooker, but LiFePo4 batteries are not too expensive now. Yes, I forgot that step...there's 15L of water in the top for flushing the toilet...also use a flush chemical in it.

[@paulineh4019]

@@MakingStuffGoingPlaces Yep, at minute only have small battery box, so upgrade to solar and battery needed. Thankfully, like you say Lithium have come down. Coz I'm old, I like a bit of comfort and enjoy cool weather travel, I'd also like to run a small diesel heater. Time to start putting these into place for next Winter. Will you be going inland on your travels or mainly sticking to coast for the time being? So much to see and experience!

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

The diesel heaters are well worth it, particularly the $100 one I got off eBay. I used it most mornings in winter. I will go inland eventually....no plans though 😂

[@fatmanoverlanding]

I didn't realise the carpark at the Lakes Beach Surf Club no longer allow overnight stays. I still see many vans and 4WDs with RTTs when I drive past. Were there some when you stayed there? And did you try the bike track along the northern shores of Budgewoi Lake (from Budgewoi to San Remo)? And if you're game, do the entire Budgewoi Lake loop.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Yeah, about 3 others there too. You can see the small red signs all over the carpark....some have been removed 😂 I've ridden right around Budgewoi lake once before. Not a bad ride. About 25km from Jenny Dixon Beach.

[@SeanC1959]

Your nomadic lifestyle is very inspiring Jason. I'm still vacillating as to whether or not to pursue a van lifestyle. You present a realistic picture of van life. Thanks for your efforts. Sean.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks Sean 😊 Diving right in is hard. I started by going away for weekends, then holidays and was really enjoying that so decided to go fulltime. Maybe go step by step. It reduces the risk! 😁

[@SeanC1959]

@@MakingStuffGoingPlaces Thanks for the heads up Jason. You have a home to return to as well, giving you the option of returning whenever you like.

[@pjpw2320]

What speed do you get up to going down some of those mountain bikes tracks, Jason? I'm just thinking, one bad move and you get flipped off the bike and end up wrapped around a tree!

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Most trails are well under 30km/h. Yes, there is potential for bad things to happen, but I'm pretty careful in balancing the risk. In some of the videos you'll see me walk through some more difficult sections rather than risk a crash.😊

[@GiGiWellness28]

The induction cooker that you bought from China, do you need to use an adaptor, or their plugs are same as ours, or you've changed it to AU plug? Not sure how safe it is to use overseas electric goods that are not meant to use in overseas 😬 I'm fine to use those I bought from Kmart, Target that listed "Made in China", while they were made for overseas use. As you said, yours doesn't even have English! You must have used Google translate for a while to get used to which button for what purpose... or you actually can read Chinese 😲

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

It's definitely best to just get one from Kmart or similar as they're only $50. I did change the plug on mine. Long story as to how I got it....😁

[@GiGiWellness28]

@@MakingStuffGoingPlaces Do share the long story

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

@GiGiWellness28 actually not as interesting as it sounds. I might discuss more one day...😁

[@robyn-r3g]

Is there anywhere left unspoiled by human beings? I'd like to see you go there! 🚶‍♂🏊‍♂ 🚣‍♂ 🚴🚎🧗‍♂ 🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Not easy to find anywhere untouched, particularly near the cities. I'm sure I'll find somewhere eventually 😊

[@robyn-r3g]

Good luck! Don't forget to get a good video for us! @@MakingStuffGoingPlaces 👍