Fulltime Vanlife in Australia's Blue Mountains

[@kathymurphy7217]

Nice to listen to an Aussie in an area I’m familiar with. 😀

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks. Appreciate you watching 😊

[@CaptZenPetabyte]

Blue mountains is one of the most beautiful places in Australia, used to live in Penrith and was up there every other weekend. Thanks for the video, livin' the dream I would say. Thanks mate.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

My pleasure. Blue Mountains are certainly hard to beat! Thanks for watching 😊

[@wsparks335]

Thank you - great to see Auusie van life content 😊

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Glad you like it! Got plenty more to come 😊

[@wendyhoward472]

Algorithms have shifted and you came on my feed. What a treat to see the beautiful blue mountains. Thank you for sharing. New subscriber from Qld. Look forward to watching more.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thank you! Great to have you following along. 😊

[@AustralianCapitalist]

Somehow was recommended this despite not searching about van life in aged. Nice video and curious how would go for summertime with the van. Can’t stand the heat but love that you wake up to the beauty of the blue mountains. Good vid!

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks for watching. Yes, it can be hot. I try to stay by the sea when it's really hot but even there, it was over 40 degrees last summer. I actually like hot weather, but over 35 is really a bit too hot! At least it cools down overnight and the roof vents do a great job.

[@della7]

The Blue Mountains are beautiful. I was there and in January. Thanks for the tips!

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@kathymurphy7217]

Love the Blue Mountains! Gorgeous! Nice set up too!

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

I love it up there too but getting a little cold now!😁

[@MrAjayz]

I live in Sydney and agree it’s been so wet lately, but the sun seems to be back for a little while. Nice video.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks for watching! I think I'll head to the coast next while the sun's out.

[@robynshore7942]

Well that was very special. Thank you for sharing!

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks for watching!

[@schenelle79]

Thanks for sharing. What a nice calm demeanor you have. I feel like I've been out for a day on the road all from the comfort of my lounge. Lol 😊 Hi from Adelaide!

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thank you, glad you enjoy coming along with me. I wouldn't say I'm always calm....I have my moments but keep those off camera 😂

[@ridinginryde]

I'm a Foresty Forest subscriber/viewer and this popped up on my feed...I think I may have found the Aussie version!

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Nice! Great to have you following along 😊

[@louise7552]

I love Foresty Forest as well, and Nikki Delventhal has magic scenery, she's brilliant, a philanthropist as well. Saves dogs and donates heaps of money and food to shelters. She has over 800 thousand subscribers now. 😊 check her out, amazing off road travelling, been doing it for 3 yrs now. The real deal.😊

[@ridinginryde]

@@louise7552 thanks, will check Nikki out soon😊

[@fatmanoverlanding]

This is the first video I've watched of yours and it seems you've got a dialled-in van setup. My friends and I used to regularly MTB Narrow Neck (& surrounding areas) For Narrow Neck we usually start from Katoomba Station and ride it till the end. And when you reach the end of the firetrail/track, you either turn back to where you came from, or climb down Tarros ladder with your bike in tow, to continue on to Medlow Gap and beyond. If you do this, I'd recommend bringing ropes. And as you've found out, Narrow Neck is also a very popular night hike trail. Enjoyed your adventure. Thanks for sharing.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

That's some good info, thanks! It ended up raining quite a lot after that day so I didn't get to ride down there. Need to head back and do some more exploring.

[@peterlaw2880]

Hi Mate, I have a 750w microwave which I purchased from K Mart. Works well even when I have my induction hab on as well. Through a 2000w Renogy inverter. Haven't read all the comments so if this is old info, sorry for taking up your time. Also I've free camped at a lake near Lithgow, Lake Wallace I think. Cheers Peter

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks Peter. Yes, getting a lower power microwave is definitely an option. Thanks for sharing your experience....the worst part is not knowing when you buy one. I actually stayed at Lake Wallace for a few days after I filmed the Lost City video. Very nice spot!

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

@ChucklesMcGurk I'd be interested to know what inverter model and microwave you're running. It is certainly getting annoying with mine! 😂

[@yumisage]

Beautiful lifestyle! For breakfast as the ingredients can be put in a pantry cupboard : Oats with apple sauce. I get the Macro Australian rolled outs and apple sauce in jar @ Woollies. It's very filling and you don't need much :) I live in Parramatta. Enjoy your great escape adventures 🙌

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thank you!😊 Apple sauce is a good idea. I usually add yoghurt, but apple sauce would be a nice change 😁

[@merindahthornton5080]

I just stumbled onto your channel today. It’s always wonderful to see how different people have arranged their vans/tiny homes. Jeans are never the best clothing choice for a bushwalk. I love the Blue Mountains almost as much as the Adelaide Hills.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks for coming along 😊 I need to get over to Adelaide at some point. Never spent any time there.

[@knolez1546]

I've done a bit of van camping in the area. I'll go again next time I'm in Sydney. If it's dry I'll drive up that track you walked on @ 1:48

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Give the track a shot...just walk it first!😁 Hard to do it without damage.

[@raymundmalig2506]

That’s gorgeous spot to camp 22:00

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

It was, but I've heard the council has blocked it off now so nobody can stay there...☹️

[@Adam-ox6zy]

First video of this channel I’ve seen. Love the Blue Mountains. Some great camping to be had in Megalong valley (or there was in 2018) but apologies if you’ve done that already.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks for watching! I did actually go down to the Old Ford Campground last week, but didn't record everyday. Megalong has only just reopened after the landslides, so I was the only one there 😁

[@GMoretti-ux1pe]

Great video, this channel will get big for sure

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks for watching! Appreciate the support.

[@jjbod6020]

Love what you are doing from u.k ,

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks for coming along! ☺️

[@monicamestas7566]

Enjoying your videos. Love your great attitude and laughing voice. I'm wondering if a different mic might give better sound. The volume varies quite a bit and you often sound like you are in a barrel (tinny) There are also a lot of background noises.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks for watching, Monica. I am playing with the audio quality to try and get it a bit better. Unfortunately I can't afford those Rode mic's that you see people using, but hopefully with a bit more effort during editing I can get it a bit better. See what you think of the Central Coast videos. Should be a lot better.

[@riahall223]

First of your videos I have watched, and really like your natural approach.👏👏

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@sienna3830]

Great video thanks for sharing your journey with us 🙌

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Always my pleasure 😊

[@tahnnyhouston6816]

Great video Jason really appreciate it. First one of yours I’ve watched and I’m very impressed. I’m saving to buy a van to travel and work.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Hope you can get on the road soon. Sometimes it's not easy, but definitely worth it!😁

[@SharonBlair-p2d]

New to your channel..love your van…set up just right..my microwave is on the back verandah..l used it way too much…missed it for a day…l always wonder why some van lifers do not have a dog…a companion..lets you know if someone is around…just asking…l know you can’t have them in our national parks…but l would never travel without one….anyway …l liked your video…beautiful scenery…take care

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks Sharon 😊 Nice to have you following along. Yeah, national parks are the biggest reason for no dog for me. Plus I really hate picking up their crap 😂 Personally, I do things that would be limited by a pet or partner, so just me works well at the moment 😁👍

[@johnnyg6380]

Living the dream. Good on ya 👍

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks mate! 😊

[@DaisyLarson4936]

I love the mountains. Lived there for 13 years. The cloud ocean is stunning, think my favourite view is from Leura Station. Minihaha is rumoured to be bottomless and a good spot for a summer swim. Perhaps you should do mountains in summer and Sydney in winter to acoid the freezing weather. I used to live right near Ech Point was fun to go down on a foggy day watching people try to find the Three Sisters.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Nice!😊 The fog is awesome to see, isn't it. I must say I'm avoiding the mountains now we're in winter but will definitely be there a lot more in the warmer weather!

[@tankus41]

Hi Jason just watched this random video and really enjoyed it.. look forward to watching the rest.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

That's great! Really appreciate the feedback ☺️

[@elainemcintyre4407]

Beautiful video Jason,thank you, always wanted to go to the blue mountains. Love your van set up & electric too ! Elaine , Queensland.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks Elaine! I hope to get up to your part of the world one day too. 😁

[@PetraHanner]

I grew up walking the tracks around the Blue Mountains. Beautiful place.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

It's certainly hard to beat. I can't think of anywhere else that has so many beautiful places in such a small area.

[@jcqrdw]

Love your set up, looks great. I too have been thinking of doing up a van. Like to get you opinion, I've been thinking of getting the Mitsubishi Delica 4WD with teh aim to travel around Aust, thinking a 4WD would get to go to more places like beach front etc. In your current rig because its a 2WD, have you ever feel you wish you had a 4WD ever now and then?

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

I used to have a 1998 Delica. The old 2.8 turbo diesel is very thirsty ...14.5L/100km compared to my big van that is around 10L/100km. There is certainly enough to see with only a 2WD vehicle, but yes, I would like 4WD. Reality though is that you're not going to go on any more than wide fire trails in a van. 4WD will give more confidence and there has been one time I had to turn back due to loss if traction in my van. But that's why I also have a Mountain bike and am not afraid to walk.... I don't know....I think if you want to see a lot of the outback, it becomes more important to have 4WD, but still not essential.

[@paulthew2]

I used to park my Coaster in the spot you first stopped at on Narrowneck rd....lovely place to stay for the night. Unfortunately, now blocked it off with large boulders. No reason given, just removed a place people have enjoyed for decades.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

I ended up sleeping there that night. I did see on one of the Blue Mountains Facebook groups they'd gone along and blocked off all the parking spots.... disappointing but typical!

[@IamaNewCreature]

Subbed! Keep the videos coming, mate 💪🏽😎

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks! Really appreciate the support. ☺️

[@briansmythe3000]

A lot of Vans Camp Overnight at the Gully In Katoomba If your ever stuck you could try there , Council Don"t seem too Mind Always a Few Vans there Just across The Road from Me, Has been wet the Last Week hey

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks for the tip, will be worth checking out next time I'm up there. Certainly wet 😂

[@robyn-r3g]

Great stuff! 👍❤🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks for the visit

[@createandliveyourbestlife]

Blue Mountains are spectacular, and great destinations to explore. THANK YOU for sharing your adventures, so given the interesting sites you travel to solo, down the mountains, I hope you carry a personal EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) with you for safety in case a slipping on metal steps, ramps etc - just saying worth a thought when traveling solo on land or sea adventures. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 👏🏻👍🏻🙏🏻🙋🏻‍♀️🇦🇺

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

My pleasure 😊 thanks for watching

[@tazzy9334]

hell ye mate love too see it, the dream!

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thanks mate. I love it! 😁

[@jatzygirl3120]

So good to see an Aussie doing this. I love the Blue Mountains. Love the walks. Have you done Valley of the Waters? Pretty awesome.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thank you! Yes, i have a short video on the valley of the Waters, might even be two videos in there as I went there a second time after some heavy rain. Beautiful place!

[@myaccount9498]

Good 🌄 morning! Thank you for the beautiful footage! I'm wondering if I'm too tall for sleeping in a vehicle in Australia. Can u please share your height?

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

My bed is 175cm long. My previous van was a bigger version of the Transit and had the bed running lengthwise - that was 190cm long. You can make the bed any size you want, just a matter of trade off with the layout.

[@bentomama8966]

Try a $49.00 small microwave from kmart. We have one in our Everest, works a treat!

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Yeah, not a bad idea. At that price it's pretty low risk. 😁

[@louise7552]

Hi Jason, do you have a Jackery power station? I see everyone has one, they look extremely good. Come with fold out solar panels, can charge from your car and from an external power point and from the sun 🌞. What do you use for power please.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Hi Louise, no I put together my own system. I have quite a few build videos on my channel that show everything I've put in the van. In short, a Renogy charge controller, Atem solar panels and a VoltX battery.

[@JulieMelissaCo]

Are you stealth camping? Just wondering how you go about staying up there without having to be in a designated camping spot? I’m thinking of doing the same in the mountains as a lifestyle but don’t want to stay in parks.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Long term would be more difficult. There's not many suitable spots that I've found, but that doesn't stop a lot of people just staying practically anywhere. I don't think the Blue Mountains Council is all that van friendly. They've just blocked off all the spots to stay on Narrow Neck Rd... The key for long term is to find many spots and rotate between them....and do your best not to annoy the locals. They're the ones that will call the Rangers.

[@louise7552]

Make sure you practice Pack in Pack Out. Ie, Don't leave rubbish, turds or anything behind. The more people do, the less places you can all park overnight. 😊😊 Happy Travelling.

[@louise7552]

​@@MakingStuffGoingPlaces Hi mate. I used to camp at Blackheath when I was a kid. Across the road was the best park EVER. It had a rocket, car, shoe, all great stuff made of steel. It was awesome. Up the back were 3 pools, the huge one had a really high slippery dip in the middle. It's all a memory now. I was just wondering if you have thought of promoting the Pack in Pack out, Leave NO Trace ethic on your channel, maybe at the beginning of your show. Nikki Delventhal is a youtuber, brilliant chick, been living 3 yrs in a van, started off in a Toyota Prius 😮. I love her messages to pick up trash, even if it's not ours. This will help van lifers have more choices for staying overnight, if the areas aren't ruined. New Subscriber Louise Tuncurry NSW.😊😊

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Hi Louise, thanks for following along!😊 From my experience, it's not vanlifer's that are leaving rubbish around. It's generally the weekend warriors in their 4WD's that go out unprepared and in most cases, really don't care anyway. I drop a few comments in some of the videos but try not to make my videos about preaching. But totally agree with your thoughts. It's always the minority that ruin things for everyone else.

[@nigelburgess-w5f]

Just come across your channel, I’m about to do exactly what you are doing…. Thinking about getting a transit van aswell, so I would be interested in your comments on the van & how it’s performing." Thanks Nigel

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Hi Nigel. This is my second Transit and both have been great, though I bought both new. They're good value when you compare to other vans in terms of the features you get for the price. The blue one has the 10 speed auto trans which is fantastic. Goes really well. More than enough power and fuel consumption is still typically under 10 l/100km.

[@nigelburgess-w5f]

@@MakingStuffGoingPlaces Thanks, the transit i'm looking at is 2016 with very low K's... so Im hoping part's etc will be ok to source once I'm on the road. regards Nigel

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Shouldn't be too bad for parts and the 2.2L is common with Ranger, so there might be some compatibility with parts at wreckers. My last one was a 2018 model, so essentially the same.

[@LeeJahn-ih9xu]

Use to live in Winmalee in the mountains, now south west Tasmania, miss the blue mountains but it just got too overpopulated and pricey and was starting to lose its charm

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Tas is so beautiful though. Far more things to see down there, but just a little cold 😁

[@nickislade5533]

1:42 quite often these fire trails a re not really well built and rain washes them out with very little use

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Very true!

[@victorsvoice7978]

Nice to live off the grid. Sometimes, there is just too much government. There are too many taxes and regulations.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Yeah....bit cheap to live a "normal" life in Aus. Nice to have no bills now!😊

[@newoization]

Hi mate. Hearing you talk about 5 days of rain previous to this video made me think. Do you have a tv? How do you spend your time in that van when the weather is bad? Might be a good idea for an eposode?

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

I've actually already done a few videos on the topic. I either keep doing what I do, or take the opportunity to rest. There's always breaks in the rain where you can get out and see things.

[@mistymint7983]

Not an easy walk, well done

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Well worth it though! 😁

[@zo1dberg]

Isn't there a power setting on the microwave? It just means you need to run it longer, but at least you'll be able to run it without tripping your inverter.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Unfortunately when you reduce the power on a microwave, they just switch on to full power for a short time, then switch to zero power. Actually makes it worse as it is starting up multiple time. I have actually bought an inverter microwave now, which I talk about in a later video. Works perfectly!😊

[@zo1dberg]

@@MakingStuffGoingPlaces Ah yes that makes sense. Inverter microwaves actually do variable power output, just like inverter air conditioners.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Yeah, that's right. I figured buying the new inverter microwave was minimal risk as I could then run it at a lower power if needed, but it goes great on full power. Don't even need to turn off the fridge anymore 😂

[@jazzycool2950]

I have found that condensation in my camper is a major issue particularly in the colder months. Winter temps in The Blue Mountains are colder than temps at the foot of same mountains where I am. How do you control condensation?

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Yeah, it's not easy. I get very little condensation except for the glass, and then it's mainly just the windscreen. The insulation stops surface condensation but other than that, it's just ventilation. If I'm cooking or showering, I have a lot of flow through air through the roof vents.

[@helenellsworth9556]

Do you do a fair bit of travelling through NSW, i live in an oasis dead centre of NSW

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

I do plan to get inland at some point, just not in winter. Just got so much to see! 😁

[@helenellsworth9556]

​@@MakingStuffGoingPlaces😅 , spring time is the best for inland travel

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Sounds good! Might be a good plan for spring this year 😊

[@blueoceansaustralia]

what about the rice you buy in a packet and it takes 90 seconds to warm it up in microwave?

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Definitely easy, but very expensive. About $1.70 or so per serve whereas I buy a 1kg bag for $1.80. I save money everywhere I can. 😊

[@beverleyschilder8008]

That was worth the walk.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Yeah, definitely 😊

[@jeffn1384]

Not sure it's it's been asked before, but why do you bother making up the bed each night and putting it away in the morning? Just for more daytime room? I have a similar van and just leave to bed up all the time.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Exactly, for the space during the day. In my mind, it takes less than 5 min to set up and pack away, so for the sake of having everything more usable, that's what I prefer to do.

[@patriciaa3462]

When last looking for a new microwave, I noticed that there are lower rated microwaves on sale. Now I know why. They are for people such as you. 🙂 Might as well buy leather boots and some shoe polish too. 🙂

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Exactly...on both comments 😂 Waterproof boots and pants would be good!

[@michellesmith6558]

I’m in Wentworth Falls!

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

It's a beautiful spot! So much to see around there.

[@AI_admin]

I can understand living in a van in the UK is doable, but how on earth do you survive the summers?

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

😂 for me, I actually prefer the heat, though it's a bit unpleasant when it gets over 35 degrees...

[@zo1dberg]

Full van tour when?

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

I have a series of videos covering the build on my channel. I'm kind of waiting until I finish off a few things before I do a full tour, but that could take forever, so maybe I'll just do a tour anyway 😂

[@oggyoggy1299]

See any Yowies?

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Yeah, but they were too fast to catch in video 😂

[@janewilson1775]

Out of curiosity, what was your profession?

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

I was a Mechanical Engineer....which probably explains my personality 😂

[@janewilson1775]

@@MakingStuffGoingPlaces We thought you seemed pretty cluey. Love your videos as we also live in the mountains and so recognise a lot of the place you visit. Travel safe.

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Thank you very much, Jane 😊

[@crazyduck1254]

my god the roof vent is noisy 😂

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

😂 yeah they make a lot of noise over the video! Opening and closing is very noisy, but once running on low speed, they're pretty good. I can sleep with them going overnight.

[@Red_1976]

What made yu quit your job, leave your home and travel on the road?

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Just something I've always wanted to do. I just love travelling and I love enjoying myself. I felt I was wasting my life working 😂

[@GeeBee-j5d]

How many inverters do you have?

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

Just one...Giandel 2000W unit. I have considered getting a second one and having a dedicated fridge inverter. Won't solve the microwave start up surge issue though 🙄

[@JoelPenson]

Aren't Minnehaha Falls womens only to respect Aboriginal tradition??

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

I didn't see any signage indicating that.

[@stevenjohannesen88]

Another great bush walking vlog, I think u need to buy some Wellington boots! C(Evers 🦘🦘🦘🇦🇺❤️

[@MakingStuffGoingPlaces]

😂 not such a silly idea!