What happened to affordable camping | RedBluff (Quobba) | Ep96

G'day VanFam.
This week we head down a dirt road to camp at another of WA's west coast station stays. We explore the coast line and see some amazing sights however, were left with a sour taste in our mouth when the parent tax makes the cost of camping out here as expensive a bush camp as we have ever experienced.
Thanks for watching Van Fam.
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[@sumpjunkie]

Ok so I am ready for the haters here. Before I start, agree 100% 22 a night adult should cut it. If the tourism industry business plan was built around full time travellers, they would go broke. The fact is full timers go between one free camp and the next, wait till they get to a major town a buy up at woolies or Coles and buy fuel. Other than that rarely spend money in regional towns or tourist attractions and then whinge when you need to pay to stay somewhere. It fkn shits me. Pre covid these places were much more affordable, but since every east coaster who wants to travel all year round and spend the winter in the north of wa, it's screwed us west aussies for our 2 week winter getaways because every fker from around the country is here. So for us normal folks who get 4 weeks holiday a year with limited places to go in the winter, we are shafted. If you want to travel full time for free, be happy with the gravel pits on the side of the road.

[@SvedosTrippin]

You make some fair points. However I will say this, you have kind of highlighted something we have felt over here in WA. It feels like WA thinks it's a country onto itself and Australians from other states and territories are not welcome here. Australia is Australia and people born in Australia should be free to explore their country. The over crowding you talk about is present everywhere in Aus, not just WA. No hate, just my 2 cents.

[@sumpjunkie]

Yes covid made us a little crazy over here. Be honest, do you feel that facilities, tourism infrastructure and attractions could be justified from travellers with your budget and spend. I just feel that many full time travellers expect everyone to be on board and aligning with their beer budget whilst visiting champagne locations. Mark McGowan will be at the border to cancel your visa.

[@wildpatchhomestead]

​@SvedosTrippin spot on! I'm originally from wa and I didn't realise this until I moved away. 11 years since I've been back, but we start our travels soon and we are going to brave it. I recall 13 years ago going to coral Bay and being so annoyed at the price of basic necessities like water!

[@adventuretodaynottomorrow]

WA people don't ever leave WA that's the problem. Tourists have and always will travel the whole country not just WA.. But locals don't leave so don't see that.

[@bush2coast801]

​@@adventuretodaynottomorrow Absolute rubbish you speak ffs 🙈🤣🤣

[@susannlynchyzus8664]

GREAT! Loved the blow holes & the whales. The water was so crystal clear. Beautiful sunsets & what a camp view! Doesn't get much better than that! Keep on living the dream❣️😊

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stuartkcalvin]

So nice to see you guys on the road again with (hopefully!) another source of income.

[@lynbond5126]

Hi guys, that coastline looks awesome! Loved the whales! The camp price seems over the top, even with those views. Thanks for another great video. Stay safe, see you next week. Lyn ❤

[@SvedosTrippin]

Yeah, she was a bit expensive. Sadly it just is what it is.

[@web525]

Great video and beautiful coast line, pity about the cost of camping. When travelling into out of the way places I always carried a jerrycan of diesel as a back up, gives me up to 200 kms extra distance (when not towing). Also means that I am not lugging around the weight of a full long range tank and can leave the jerrycan empty when not needed. Also found on my Dmax that when the fuel light comes on still had 10 to 12 litres left in the tank. The most I ever put in the tank was 73.5 litres, because I relied on a couple of towns where the service stations had closed down. Lesson learnt fill up before I start a days travel.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Yeah, we used to carry jerry cans but never needed them in the past so we got rid of it. We have the capacity for the long range tank so that's what we are going to do. It's been ordered, going with 133L which will give us fantastic range. Around 700kms when towing and over 1000km when not towing. Will be good, I'm excited.

[@Ourwhittleadventure]

Absolutely beautiful, love the drone work! Hate the parent tax, we would of refused personally and went elsewhere. Great well put together vid guys well done

[@SvedosTrippin]

Yeah, we need to build a back bone when it comes to the parent tax and take a stand on it. Thanks for watching

[@lorrainehollibone5022]

Great video, loved the drone footage 💕💕💕

[@kadachiman7234]

I have posted on your videos many times about how expensive campgrounds have become in West Aussie......it's got to the absolute ridiculous stage. With the cost off camping going higher and higher and more and more free camps being closed, people will eventually just vote with their feet and catch a plane to another country for holidays ... and I say to hell with the WA Tour operators when they start crying poor....as they have become way too greedy.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Yes, you can stay in hotels and do tours in some countries for less than staying at a caravan park and doing nothing in aus. Australia is one of the most expensive places in the world to travel. We watch the TV show travel guides and they often do things in Aus and it's out of this world how much some of the tours they go on cost compared to what they cost in other countries 😳

[@melissasvedinek850]

Love all the wildlife, just amazing 👏

[@SvedosTrippin]

not bad a.

[@mickspilstead]

Hi guys, fully agree with your WA assessment.We went to Hoptoun to Exmouth then Karajini last year.Everybody seems to push off grid camping but it is becoming as dear as van parks but without all the amenities. WA seems to be massively over priced and children tax disgusting. Really look forward to your adventures in other states.

[@SvedosTrippin]

We are excited to get to a new state too. Not long now.

[@grjh58]

Great video, when we did our 18 month lap we agreed Quobba Station was the biggest rip off of anywhere but the natural beauty is amazing

[@SvedosTrippin]

Yes, our exact sentiments.

[@GoYourOwnWay49]

Hey guys, this vlog looked like an incredible experience along WA's west coast with some stunning sights! It's a shame that the "parent tax" made this one of the priciest bush camps you've experienced, particularly with bugger all amenities! It's always a bummer when costs take away from the enjoyment of such beautiful places. See you in the next vlog. Take care and stay safe Kind regards, Corrie

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks Corrie. Beautiful place, just a bit of a rip off.

[@johnpitt2742]

we did a trip in 91 down the east coast we only had tents and when we got to philip island and when we were told the price i said at least you got the prize for the most expense camp we have had so he reduced the price by $8 to $40

[@jasonbarnes5605]

Great episode guys. Jerry cans of fuel? Yeah, the rent is a bit steep but maybe there are cheaper alternatives nearby.

[@wayneddrmody7298]

I travelled WA before the pandemic. $50 a night would be Max, since the Parks and wildlife took over the stations, moving in WA became a lot harder, some one mentioned about maintaining roads etc. Parks and wildlife do none of that. I have lived in WA for the past 10 years and have stopped travelling as the hassles are not worth it.

[@SvedosTrippin]

@wayneddrmody7298 Yeah, it's getting a bit silly isn't it. I had to laugh at the guy using the maintaing of the roads as a reason for the expense. Our argument is that it's a bush camp, giving 0 facilities, so why are we paying a parent tax. Does having kids in our car increase our impact on the road more than a couple in their car.

[@annettepocock8058]

How good is it to have everything clean even just for 5 minutes. Another great video we missed the Ningaloo last year but we did visit Quobba from Carnarvon.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Yes being clean for 5 minutes was nice haha. Some impressive coastline around Quobba right.

[@OurOutbackJourney]

Should have stayed at the Blowholes - $20 a night for two adults. We had an ocean view and saw hundreds of whales. We could also see the Blowholes from our van. It's our new favourite camping spot. We visited Red Bluff for the day, but weren't impressed by the campground. Sounds like we made the right choice!

[@SvedosTrippin]

Yes, the campgrounds at the blowholes looked good. We were going to go back and camp there but it just diddnt quite work out. Next time in WA that's where we would stay too.

[@OurOutbackJourney]

@@SvedosTrippin as a side note, we watched the latest Fire to Fork video. He did a drive through Cape Keradreun and roughly calculated they're making $21,000 a week from their bush camping! Mind boggling.

[@RustyCandyAdventures]

Lean to fly the drone a chest height. Forwards, backwards, left, right. Then figure 8. Do many obstacles. Then, increase the height.

[@SvedosTrippin]

good advice

[@biglap.australia]

We noticed paid camps north of Perth to the NT border generally speaking were very brave with what they charged per night. With the long distances to drive and high camp prices it’s hard to understand why WA remains so popular.

[@nealkt]

We've been 'stalking' you of late... Saw you in the Carnarvon Woollies, then the Monkey Mia caravan park a few days later. Would have said hello (hey van fam), but that would have confirmed the stalking status (nah, you just looked to be out when we strolled by). Thumbs up on the vids!

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks guys. We always like to meet our subscribers, next time do come up and say hello.

[@joychancellor2151]

Love your videos when are you back in south australia

[@SvedosTrippin]

thank you, in only a couple months we are back in SA, cant wait.

[@theluckyseven3406]

Long range tank was the best investment I have done so far on my Dmax such a small factory tank

[@SvedosTrippin]

Yeah, we booked in for a 133l upgrade. I'm excited for it.

[@priscillacatania8275]

I won't pay that. Off grid and paying that. No way

[@mickyarred279]

And while there is no shortage of people willing to pay the inflated prices (just like you guys have done!!)….then campgrounds will continue to charge the higher prices!! 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@MrFastFarmer]

100% So many grey nomads with a bucket list or YOLO attitude can only see prices climb (as is also occurring in every other aspect of van life).

[@jimmyriddle5246]

Agree with the price gouging. It REALLY grinds my gears 😤

[@SvedosTrippin]

@jimmyriddle5246 it's getting out of control isn't it...

[@merinofarmeragriculturewor4623]

First comment ❤ your channel ❤️👍👍

[@SvedosTrippin]

@merinofarmeragriculturewor4623 over achiever haha. Thanks for watching, well done on first comment 2 weeks in a row.

[@merinofarmeragriculturewor4623]

@@SvedosTrippin thanks 👍👍

[@SEAescapes25]

Sounds like a whinge to me, you do realise tracks have to be maintained, it's remote it costs more to get machines there, from what I'm seeing for 4 people like $17 each it's awesome value 🤔 How much is a whale watching cruise these days $250 pp

[@johnpitt2742]

i an sure that yandina in qld is much cheaper than that

[@dotwillcoxson5352]

Is that camp on private property? If so, public liability insurance could be a big factor. Expensive camp.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Not sure how other places can do lower prices if it all about public liability insurance 🤔

[@stuartkcalvin]

As for stay costs, it varies wildly. Some farm stays that I visit are $30-$40 per night, but they suit my itinerary most times for remote travel, especially if they have a dunny and water. I visited Denman earlier this year (upper Hunter) for a 'wine and dine' stay. The van park was $36.40 per night on an ensuite site with power and town water, walk to two pubs and an IGA. My next farm stay was remote, no reticulation and $40 per night. When I explained the Denman piece the owners dropped the price to $15 per night for a 14 day stay; they said "well, that's what Farm Stays told us to charge ..." I'm currently stuck (awaiting van repairs) East of Rockhampton on a farm stay for $140pw with bore water, a flushing dunny and hot showers - not bad when you're stuck. Nearest Foodworks and Bottl'o is 12Km and Rocky Central is 16Km. Some of the cattle stations are seasonal, like snow-ski fields where they make their money in six to eight months, some maybe less than six months. I found Ellenbrae in WA an exception - café meals, bore water and power for $25 and cabins for $35 per adult; and great scones!

[@MrHsv123]

Was at a hip camp no toilets ,water and power paid 90 dollars a night .Crazy

[@SvedosTrippin]

Yeah some hip camps are a bit out of control too.

[@colinl9018]

So the natives strike again in Carnarvon. Geraldton is the same unfortunately and inland as well.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Yeah, plenty of lock it or loose it places in WA.

[@priscillacatania8275]

Mel is getting browner. Getting her tan on.

[@SvedosTrippin]

She sure is.

[@nigelmorgan3449]

You just be very careful with the king waves people have drowned there because 1 they couldn’t swim and they got to close to the side

[@SvedosTrippin]

@nigelmorgan3449 thanks, we're all safe, we stayed well back and kept a close eyes on the kiddies.

[@priscillacatania8275]

Can u just set Camp near the caves or not allowed?

[@stuarthadrill]

Agree with you about fuel capacity. We have a MY19 Mux which have a 65 litre tank and it really limited our offroad adventures away from servos. I assume your new model DMax has the 80 litre tank? I think the aftermarket 112 litre tanks are anywhere between $900 - $1800 😢

[@peterstaggs1956]

Should have bought a Prado

[@SvedosTrippin]

70L tank, we're putting a long range on in Perth 133L $1800. Will make a big difference.

[@peterstaggs1956]

@@SvedosTrippin very worthwhile investment.

[@jeffwinter6859]

Long range tanks sure do make remote trips a lot less stressful. My 79 has a 185L rear and a 110 reserve tank - with around 265 usable litres. Obviously being a V8 I’m only getting around 19-23L/100 which is ok. Horses for courses 👍😎

[@whitedog7897]

We stayed at Quabba Blowholes recently. $20/night with great views and 20mtrs to the beach. Red Bluff is over rated and over priced. Love your vids though. 👍

[@SvedosTrippin]

Yeah the blow holes camp ground is the go for sure.

[@dognute2746]

Not long back from WA. As a rule of thumb the more you had to pay the less you got. I found the road less travelled better.

[@SvedosTrippin]

We tend to agree 👍

[@Kb3164-t3z]

Just guessing the Tarif is reflective on the incredible views and places on the WA coast not seen in most other states

[@peterstaggs1956]

Every state has amazing things to see, many without the fees.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Tariff is reflective of how much the station owners like money I think.

[@priscillacatania8275]

How long did it take you to get good at packing up and really organised

[@SvedosTrippin]

@@priscillacatania8275 I don't know, I still don't think we are good at it lol.

[@priscillacatania8275]

@@SvedosTrippin from watching use looks pretty professional.

[@SvedosTrippin]

@@priscillacatania8275 thats all part of the illusion 🤣

[@jeremyerdmann377]

Totally agrees with the quobba coast being bloody expensive! But after travelling the whole of Australia, that coast between carnarvon and Broome is the best Australia has to offer for offgrid camping and they know it. So it's annoying.

[@SvedosTrippin]

next time will be a long way away. We looked for a road along the mine road but couldn't find it... ahh well, maybe next time.

[@SvedosTrippin]

@@jeremyerdmann377 thanks mate next time. Is it good, no wait don't tell me haha.

[@OurOutbackJourney]

The Quobba Blowholes Campground is cheap as - 2 adults and 2 children would've only cost $26 a night. It's also closer to Carnarvon too, so not as far if you need to refuel (we did) and their toilets were spotless. If people continue to pay silly money for no facilities, nothing will change. Vote with your feet and boycott overpriced campgrounds!

[@adventuretodaynottomorrow]

@@jeremyerdmann377 Shhh stop telling people...

[@jeremyerdmann377]

@adventuretodaynottomorrow your right shouldn't give away any WA secrets even if they are just a little one

[@Travelbug68]

Why is it funny that a man had his wallet stolen?? 😳 How is he going to pay for his $64 camp site now 🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[@SvedosTrippin]

To clarify, it was funny how the whole caravan park was talking about it in all of their little circles. It was not funny that the man was robbed.

[@tonysmith9548]

Yep total rip off

[@SvedosTrippin]

yup.... Just looked to camp on someone's farm camp outside of Gero today, they wanted 25pp and 10per child, So they expect $75 a night for a bush camp for a family. Lots of comments on wikki stating that its a rip off, we boycott that one. At least it had a shower and some flushing toilets over the red bluff camp but...

[@lorrainehollibone5022]

Great video, loved the drone footage 💕💕💕