Hi all happy campers! we are new to this and havent' started travelling yet--but, we are getting ready and should be on the road within a couple of months. What I need to know from the more experienced travellers is:

approximately how much does it cost per year on the road --- taking into account stay overs in each capital city in caravan parkes. Only need to know the average cost of diesel fuel and accomodation

Are dogs accepted in caravan parkes

are dogs able to cross each state

are there maps available to show legal camping sites

can u have a camp fire in the bush, thanks

Can't help you out with cost or the dog but there is a book available with all the Free Camping sites in Aust. It is updated regularly and you can purchase it from any good book shop. Here is the site to find the book on line. http://www.campsaustraliawide.com/

There are also plenty of caravan books out there that provide you with set up advise, maps, travel info, POI and costs of camps. Enjoy your travels and good luck.

Cheers

mcnally goldace,

How much?? - somewhere between $80-$100 per day if your are touring, depending on how far you travel each day and where you camp.
Caravan parks can be $25 to $45 per night for 2 people depending on location.
Fuel, at the moment would average about $1.25 per litre and going up of course. Have a look at Explore Oz website where they list fuel prices around the country.
Dogs - are allowed all over the country subject to National Parks etc regulations.
Be sure to talk to a Vet regarding any health issues for you dog in places such as Nth Qld where there are some nasty diseases to be found.
Only about 30-40% of caravan parks take dogs and some of those wont take them during tourist season.
There is a book Travelling with Dogs, I think its called. Might also be a website somewhere too.

Half the fun of camping in the bush is the campfire, just be careful where you light it. Some campsites have campfire provisions - bring your own wood.
As said previously - get camps 5 ( Camps Australia Wide) it will save you thousands of $$$$.
Also Google "Oz Camps" where there is a list of 200+ camps Australia wide with entries from those wot been there.
Also Google "Badgers" same thing - for many, many, Caravan parks.

Hope this is of some help.

Jeff.

If you have'nt already done a couple of short trips to try out your setup' you should. This will give you a clue as to how much fuel you will use when towing with your vehicle and what extra things you might need, and what you don't need. Be sure to check out country fuel prices if you want to do the sums, you can get these off the internet. Van site costs as per Jeffie, And don't forget to organise to get your mailbox emptied at home, and your yard kept tidy so it looks lived in. And don't forget that you will still be sent bills whilst you are away (unfortunately). Add in entry fees to attractions too. Sorry if this sounds a bit glum, but thats life.