WOMEN WHO LOVE THIS COUNTRY

Part 1: Before you leave tips

RV Features to Consider with special guest and sunbird Judy Mann

From a woman's point of view, there are a few things you need to consider before purchasing or renting your RV. If your budget runs to a full bathroom, it is a bonus. It offers extra cupboard space for towels and combined with space under beds for linen is ample. The shower with glass door is adequate and easy to clean. The wardrobe hanging space is usually combined with drawers underneath. With careful selection of easy-care clothing this is a good feature. Also check the lighting over kitchen and bedroom areas, should they be wanting, alter – no more squinting. The kitchen fridge of 150 litres has a separate freezer and is a must. It is much more efficient than a smaller fridge. Great for stocking with fish or whatever else you pick up on the road (also quite handy for happy hour). Finally, consider whether you'd like carpet on the floor or seats. It is not good for when you find yourself beachside. Leather seating is a breeze when it comes to cleaning.

Planning Your Trip
You generally already have a rough idea of where you want to go. You may want to revisit a favourite holiday spot you had as a kid, or you know of a good region from your more recent travels, or maybe you have a place in mind that you haven’t been before. People generally follow their own distinct interests. Some love visiting the beach, others enjoy a sprawling journey along a winery route, while others might prefer the red of the outback.

Getting the Weight Right
When assembling your rig, keep it on the minimal rather than overkill, bearing in mind the lesser the weight the better your fuel economy and always stay within tow ball regulations to validate your insurance.

To validate your insurance you must adhere to towing regulations that limit your load to the amount specified by the manufacturer of your vehicle or the maximum capacity of the towbar(which ever is least). To find out how much your vehicle is able to tow, check the owner’s manual, the vehicle’s sales brochure or talk to your local caravan dealer. When calculating the total weight of your load make sure that you include both the trailer weight and mass of your load.

Important Note: The information presented above should be used as a guide only. CRVA strongly recommends that you follow your vehicle and caravan manufacturers advice when setting towing weights.

Leaving Behind Space Wasters
Consideration is needed before setting off. It’s a new lifestyle and so many items we believe cannot be done without in the home become space wasters in an RV. You tend only to use kitchenware which you have instant access to. Variety in cooking utensils etc. should seriously be considered – stick to basics. Who cares, it’s one big holiday! All things should have a place, packed away for safe traveling. This only requires a few minutes.

Kitchenware Made To Travel
It is certainly a good idea to look into buying a travel hardy set of kitchenware. We find that plastic plates and glasses work to reduce the weight of our load and tend to last much longer then their fragile china counterparts. Since leaving to hit the road five years ago, I have broken only one plastic plate, which is an amazing testament to their resilience considering all the moving about we have endured.

Crucial Gadgets
Now for the males. As a species you are not adverse to the odd gadget so make sure that you really need that good gadgety idea you read about before you choke the locker up with excess and more weight. Flexy sullage hose and trailermate hydraulic is a must, basic tools only are the go. Don’t stop reading Caravan World and Australian Caravan & RV Magazine. Be informed, for you are the officer in charge.

TOWING SPECIAL
Getting Hitched: What are the different types of couplings and which one is right for your vehicle and RV?

Coupling Selection Criteria and Descriptions

The coupling is the vital link that joins the trailer to the towing vehicle.

As a dedicated quality supplier, AL-KO, ensures that each and every trailer coupling in our extensive range conform to the relevant Australian performance standards. This guarantees that every AL-KO coupling you use is safe and capable of performing to a high standard.

To select a suitable coupling, consider the following:

• What types of brakes are being used?
• What is the maximum total loaded weight of the trailer planned to be?
• Can I use a 50mm ball or do I need a ring type attachment?
• Is there a need for a specific application? Eg. anti-sway, off road, commercial?

Trailer couplings comprise some specific groups based on their planned usage:

FIXED COUPLINGS
This style of coupling, usually suited to a 50mm Australian Standard tow ball, is suitable to be used where either there are no brakes fitted to the trailer or the braking system does not require activation from a sliding or overrun coupling.

AL-KO couplings are simple to attach to the towball and provide safe secure attachment of the trailer to the tow vehicle.

Typical applications for domestic trailers are up to 750 kg loaded mass, where no brakes are required. For independent brake systems such as electric or power operated like the Sens-a-Brake system for marine trailers over 2000 kg, a fixed coupling is the appropriate selection. Fixed couplings for 50mm towballs are suitable for up to 3500 kg total laden trailer mass as long as the appropriate braking system is fitted to the trailer.

OVERRIDE OR OVERRUN BRAKE COUPLINGS
On trailers between 750 kg and 2000 kg total laden mass, braking systems that  use an override principal are acceptable, as long as they provide adequate braking for the trailer and tow vehicle combination.

The principal of this type of coupling is a sliding shaft attached to the tow ball housing of the coupling, and as the tow vehicle slows down the force of deceleration is passed through the coupling shaft and pushed either on a mechanical linkage (for mechanical brakes) or acts on a linkage connected to a hydraulic cylinder providing hydraulic pressure to a braking system (hydraulic brakes) .

This type of coupling is efficient if the ball load is not excessive and when load levelling devices are not used, as these devices impede the smooth operation of the coupling, hindering the brake performance.

SWAY CONTROL COUPLINGS
AL-KO has a specifc coupling designed to reduce trailer sway. This 50mm ball type fixed coupling is designed to be used on trailer up to 2500 kg total loaded mass and with a maximum tow ball weight of 250 kg.

This unique product incorporates a clamping system that grips the sides of a specially designed 50mm towball and resists movement of the trailer. This action slows down any tendency for the trailer to sway or veer from a straight condition. This is particularly beneficial when large trailers such as caravans are buffeted by side winds or by a passing truck and trailer combination.

RING TYPE COUPLINGS
When used in a commercial or defence department application, often a 75mm ring type towing eye is requested.

This style of coupling is similar in function to ball type couplings (fixed and override) but instead of the connection to the tow vehicle being a standard 50mm ball, the connection is a 75mm inside diameter ring and this attaches to a pintle hook fitted to the tow vehicle. These types of couplings are primarily used in applications where the tow vehicle is a heavy commercial truck. As the Australian Standard AS4177 states the 50mm towball to have a maximum capacity of 3500 kg loaded trailer mass, ring couplings are used when higher loads are involved.

OFF-ROAD COUPLINGS
When a coupling is used for rough off-road use the Australian Standard degree of articulation (or angles of available movement) may be insuffcient. When off-road 4WD vehicles tow trailers in rugged outback conditions it is advisable that a coupling specifcally designed to have greater angular movement is used.

AL-KO has a range of suitable "off-road" couplings in both fxed and override functions to provide the appropriate articulation for this use.

As this is a specifc application we suggest you contact your nearest AL-KO customer service officer for specific advice.

Visit http://www.alko.com.au/vehicle/couplings/selection.html for more information.

AUTUMN EVENTS

Apple and Grape Harvest Festival
When: 7-9 March
Website: www.appleandgrape.org
Where: Stanthorpe QLD

Into their 42nd year, the Apple and Grape Harvest festival is a celebration of Queensland’s Granite Belt produce and booming wine industry and is arguably Australia’s most successful Harvest Festival. But it’s not only for grape and apple aficionados – there’s also the Grand Parade, fireworks, music and the Grape Crush, which is bound to tease and please the crowds – all free of charge.

The best places to stay while visiting this event:

Country Style Tourist Accommodation Park
Invites you to enjoy its quiet and peaceful country atmosphere. Revitalise or convene throughout the changing seasons set in front of the picturesque Glen Aplin hills, amidst native eucalyptus bordering the Severn River.
Address: 27156 New England Highway, Glen Aplin QLD 4381
Phone: 07 4683 4358

Stanthorpe Top of the Town Caravan Park
Relax unwind and refresh or tackle the new day and  experience the vast array  of flora and fauna, or fossick for gems along the creek beds.
Address:10 High Street, Stanthorpe QLD 4380
Phone: 07 4681 4888

Bendigo Easter Festival
When: 21-24 March
Website: www.bendigotourism.com
Where: Bendigo, VIC

The Bendigo Bank Bendigo Easter Festival is a rich and spectacular celebration of community and culture. Four full days of activities and entertainment allows you to make your way through the program and around Bendigo. A festival for everyone, the day and night events cater for all crowds. There are countless artistic, cultural and musical events to discover. Highlights of the program include the Chinese Spring Festival, Awakening of the Dragon on Easter Sunday and the Gala Parade where Sun Loong the longest imperial dragon in the world winds his way through the streets of Bendigo on Easter Monday.  Don’t miss Spectacular China a unique and powerful stage show with music, dance, acrobatics and martial arts highlighting dynasties long gone but not forgotten.

The best places to stay while visiting this event:

BIG4 Bendigo - Ascot Holiday Park
Great options to suit most lifestyles and budget choices.  Management and staff take great pride in their park and are committed to offering excellent customer service and facilities.
Address: 15 Heinz Street, BENDIGO VIC 3550
Phone: 03 5448 4421

Central City Caravan Park
We are close to most of Bendigo's major tourist attractions and offer the visitor to Bendigo a clean, quiet base to stay and enjoy all the attractions of Bendigo and the surrounding Goldfields of Victoria.
Address: 362 High St (Calder Hwy), GOLDEN SQUARE VIC 3555
Phone: 03 5443 6937

Marong Caravan Park
Just 10 minutes from west of Bendigo, this spacious family park has a quiet, rural setting with beautiful shade trees. A great spot to relax and unwind!
Address: Calder Hwy, MARONG VIC 3515
Phone: 03 5435 2329

McIvor Highway Caravan Park
Offers affordable holiday accommodation just 6km from the heart of Bendigo. Discover the relaxed location, welcoming hospitality and peaceful atmosphere of this excellent caravan park.
Address: McIvor Highway, JUNORTOUN VIC 3551
Phone: 03 5449 3335

Robinley Caravan Park
Comfortable accommodation to suit all budgets and styles. Robinley is the ideal base to explore Victoria’s Goldfields and the many attractions Bendigo has to offer. Perfect for the weekend getaway.
Address: 723 Calder Hwy, MAIDEN GULLY VIC 3551
Phone: 03 5449 6265

Lake Macquarie Heritage Afloat Festival
When: 5-6 April
Website: www.heritageafloat.com.au
Where: Toronto Foreshore, NSW

Held on the Toronto foreshore, parklands, launching ramps and the enclosure and jetties for a wide range of marine related activities, Heritage Afloat includes the participation and exhibition of traditional and classic boats - steam, sail, motor and oared craft of all sizes from all over Australia. The festival hosts a parade of boats, sailing, Putt-Putt and rowing races, a nautical treasure hunt, demonstrations, blessing of the fleet, displays relating to heritage boat activities, boats and boat bits on sale, vintage cars and hotrods, kids games, live entertainment and the "Quick and Dirty" boat building competition.

The best places to stay while visiting this event:

BIG4 Lake Macquarie Monterey Tourist Park
The magical waterfront location on Lake Macquarie, abundant and friendly wildlife, local marina and township shopping provide an idyllic environment in which one just can't help but relax
Address: 71 Rutley's Road, WYEE BAY NSW 2259
Phone: 02 4359 1248

Mecca Village
If you are looking for the ideal place to unwind and enjoy a relaxing lifestyle, Mecca Village is the perfect place for you.
Address: 71 Rutley's Road, WYEE BAY NSW 2259
Phone: 02 4359 1248

SIDETRACKS
The team at We Love This Country Team has collected plenty of travel notes on our travels around Australia.

HAWKER, SA:

Where is it?
In the Flinders Ranges area of South Australia, 365 km north of Adelaide.
(See it on Google Map View Larger Map )

Why go?
Hawker is a great little outback town that welcomes you to the Central Flinders Ranges - the most accessible outback scenery from any capital city in Australia. The district showcases a mix of natural and cultural attractions - rugged scenery, relics of the early settlers, art and craft galleries, bush pubs and unique eating places, railway history and more.

Three things to see:

1. The Yourambulla Caves feature significant Aboriginal art. It is best to try and visit caves such as this with a local Aboriginal guide. Contact the local information centre for details.
2. The Old Ghan Restaurant is the old Hawker Train Station, originally built in 1884. Dine on the old platform or in the ladies waiting room where the fireplace is welcome in winter. Don’t forget to browse the Old Ghan Gallery which specialises in FlindersRanges art and artists and extends from the walls of the restaurant to the original ticket office.
   
3. Castle rock lookout is a prominent rock formation located to the east of Hawker. Many visitors have been known to ask "What building is that?" The resemblance is most castle-like, hence the name. The lookout has amazing views of Hawker, Yourambulla Range, Elder Range and Wilpena Pound.

Local favourites:

• View a range of original paintings and prints at the Wilpena Panorama and Jeff Morgan Local Gallery and be tempted by local native produce, quandong centred chocolates, jams, chutneys & mustard.
• The Hawker Hotel is the place to repeat a 120 years of tradition by enjoying a refreshingly cold ale on Elder Terrace.
• Hawker Motors, the local Automobile Association representatives, on the corner of Cradock and Wilpena Roads, has it’s own a display of gemstones, memorabilia and Aboriginal artifacts to enjoy without leaving the town.
  

Did you know?
Hawker was a thriving railway town from the 1880s until 1956 as it was on the famous Ghan railway line, until the route was moved further west when the line was upgraded. Hawker's pace slowed somewhat. It is, however, an important tourist town servicing the traffic into the central and northern Flinders Ranges and has all necessary facilities.

Have you been here?
Pass on your tips to other VIP club members. Send us an email.

Where to stay:

Rawnsley Park Station
Overlooking the southern side of Wilpena Pound, Rawnsley Park Station provides the perfect base for exploring the Flinders Ranges.
Phone: 08 8648 0008
Address: Wilpena Rd, VIA HAWKER SA 5434

Hawker Caravan Park
Situated on the outskirts of Hawker with views of Wilpena and Ranges but within easy walking distance to shops. 4WD tours to spectacular areas in the Flinders. So come and relax in the peaceful surroundings.
Phone: 08 8648 4006
Address: Chaceview Terrace, HAWKER SA 5434

Wilpena Pound Resort
On the banks of Wilpena Creek in the Flinders Ranges, offering guests and travelers warm, outback hospitality and a wide range services and facilities to cater for all tastes and budgets.
Phone: 08 8648 0004
Address: Wilpena Pound, VIA HAWKER SA 5434

KATHERINE, NT

Where is it?
320 km southeast of Darwin in the "Top End" of the Northern Territory.
(See it on Google Map View Larger Map )

Why go?
Sweeping from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the West Australian border, the vast Katherine region is full of breath-taking natural scenery.

Three things to see:

1. Its most well-known watercourse is the Katherine River, which flows through the famous Katherine Gorge. A series of remarkably beautiful gorges through which the Katherine river winds it's way, framed by the sheer 60metre sandstone walls
2. Katherine has its own little "Hot springs" to relax in. Tucked away in the Katherine River bed the springs pump from deep within the earth at a mild temperature.
3. Take a walk through the Nitmiluk National Park, one the most beautiful of all the National Parks in the region because of the delicate rainforest which grows in the gorges.
   

Local favourites:

• A great swimming spot is Edith Falls in the Nitmiluk National Park. Quiet and perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
• Stop in at the Fair Dinkum Café (102 Third St Katherine) for big serves of home cooked favourites.
• Of course locals know best and recommend exploring the Nitmiluk Gorge with a guide. Guides interpret the geology and cultural significance of Nitmiluk Gorge and best of all, provides food!
  

Did you know?
Explorer John McDouall Stuart passed through the region in 1862 and named the river 'Katherine' after the daughter of his sponsor, James Chambers. His daughters name was actually spelt with a 'C'.

Have you been here?
Pass on your tips to other VIP club members. Send us an email.

Where to stay:

Katherine Low Level Caravan Park
Gateway to Katherine Gorge. Located in one of the NT’s most peaceful locations, providing friendly accommodation and quality facilities within a lush green oasis.
Phone: 08 8972 3962
Address: Lot 3649 Shadforth Road, KATHERINE NT 0851

All Seasons Inn Caravan Park
All Seasons Inn Caravan Park is conveniently positioned on the cross roads of Stuart Highway and Cypress Street.
Phone: 08 8972 1744
Address: Cnr. Stuart Hwy & Cypress Street, KATHERINE NT 0850

Hi-Way Inn Caravan Park
Hi-Way Inn boasts pokies, an internet café and satellite TV, a new pool, accommodation blocks and re-vamped caravan park.
Phone: 08 8975 9925
Address: 430 Stuart Highway, Winnellie NT 0850

Shady Lane Tourist Park
You can be assured of a quiet, friendly atmosphere in which to relax and unwind. The ideal base from which to explore the many attractions within and around Katherine
Phone: 08 8971 0491
Address: 1828 Gorge Road, KATHERINE NT 0851

SWANSEA, TAS

Where is it?
The center of Tasmania's east coast, 134 kilometers from Hobart. (See it on Google Map View Larger Map )

Why go?
The historic township of Swansea is ideal for fishing, swimming and diving, or relaxing on the beach overlooking Great Oyster Bay and the beautiful Freycinet National Park.

Three things to see:

1. The multi-award winning Swansea Bark Mill and Museum in Swansea features Australia’s only restored black wattle bark mill. The fully working mill demonstrates how bark from local black wattle trees was once crushed for export across the world.
   
2. Morris' General Store is an impressive three-storey building on the main road through the town. It started life as a single-storey building in 1838 and the two additional storeys were added as business expanded. It is a simple rectangular structure with hipped iron-clad roofs and 12-pane windows.
   
3. Located 7.5 km south of Swansea, Spiky Bridge is a convict bridge which was built in 1843. It was constructed from fieldstones which were laid without mortar or cement. The parapet features fieldstones laid vertically which gives the bridge a spiky appearance. It has been claimed that the spikes were designed to prevent cattle falling over the sides.
   

Local favourites:

• We found the best pizza in town at the Barkmill Tavern. Locals also love this place because it is family friendly. However if its fine dining you’re after, head to Ebb which offers fine seafood dining with a bayside view.
• Spend a day at Kate’s Berry farm. Claimed to be one of Tasmania's little treasures, this berry farm, with panoramic views of Great Oyster Bay, produces outstanding fresh berries, jams, sauces and delicious ice-cream. According to local tourism operator – the ice cream is raved about by locals and visitors alike.
• For nature lovers, visit the mutton bird rookery at Swansea and walk the track around Swansea's headland. It is recommended that the track be walked at Sunset as the birds come back to nest for the evening, creating an amazing scene.
  

Did you know?
25.1% of the town's population are above the age of 65 which makes Swansea the Tasmanian town with the largest percentage of over-65-year-olds.

Have you been here?
Pass on your tips to other VIP club members. Send us an email.

Where to stay:

Swansea Holiday Park at Jubliee Beach
The Jubilee Beach holiday park is at the northern end of Swansea with fantastic views across Great Oyster Bay to Freycinet Peninsula and the famous Hazards.
Phone: 03 6257 8177
Address: Shaw Street, SWANSEA TAS 7190

Swansea Holiday Park at Schouten Beach
Beach frontage.  Enjoy local wineries, restaurants and historic attractions or just relax and enjoy the parks facilities.  Fabulous fishing on Great Oyster Bay.
Phone: 03 6257 8148
Address: 2 Bridge Street, SWANSEA TAS 7190

Iluka Holiday Centre
Iluka Holiday Centre at Freycinet National Park in Coles Bay, Tasmania offers a full range of accommodation and amenities including a tavern, bakery, and shop.
Address: Esplanade, COLES BAY TAS 7215
Phone: 03 6257 0115

SHOW TIME

Perth Caravan & Camping Show
Where:Perth, WA
When:13-17 March
Website:www.caravanandcampingshow.com.au


At its new home in 2008, the Claremont Showgrounds, the Perth Caravan & Camping Show is shaping up to be a great event with exhibitors lining up to show you the latest in caravanning, camping and motorhoming. Staged over 5 great days visitors will have the chance to look at and purchase all the latest products available in Australia at the one place, watch product demonstrations, obtain expert product and travelling advice and upgrade their caravanning, camping and motorhoming needs.

The best places to stay while visiting this show:

BIG4 Perth International Tourist Park
Spoil yourself at BIG4 Perth International Tourist Park, Western Australia's finest tourist caravan park. The Caravan Park is set in beautiful landscaped grounds with plenty of lovely shady trees. We have a range of accommodation choices to suit your family and budget.

Address: 186 Hale Road Forrestfield Western Australia 6058
Phone: 08 9453 6677
Email: bookings@perthinternational.com.au
Website: www.perthinternational.com.au

Karrinyup Waters Resort
Karrinyup Waters Resort is a modern tourist facility conveniently located in Perth's northern suburbs, only 10 minutes by car from the city centre and just 5 minutes to picturesque, sandy beaches.

Choose from modern deluxe, superior or standard self-contained cabins; or if you are caravanning, a range of shady caravan and camping sites

Address: 467 North Beach Road Gwelup Perth WA 6018
Freecall: 1800 633 665
Email: kwresort@iinet.net.au
Website: www.kwr.net.au

Kelmscott Caravan Park
Situated at the foot of the Darling Range (24kms from Perth) close to Armadale heritage country, Roleystone and Araluen.  Caravan & Camping sites available as well as a number of on site vans and other accommodation options.

Address: 80 River Road, Perth WA 6111
Phone: 08 9390 6137

Perth Central Caravan Park
Ideally located within close proximity to Perth Central City, Central Caravan Park is a friendly home during your stay in Perth, Western Australia.
Address: 34 Central Ave Ascot WA 6104
Phone: 08 9277 1704

Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Super Show
Where: Caulfield Racecourse, VIC
When: 23-28 April
Website: www.caravanshow.com.au

The Victorian Show is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere and this year it will be even bigger. There’ll be more caravans, campers and motorhomes, more tents and camping equipment, more 4-wheel drives and accessories, more tourism displays, and more free activities and seminars.

The best places to stay while visiting this show:

BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park
This unique 5 star holiday accommodation facility and caravan park presents an appealing alternative for visitors to Melbourne, Victoria. Where else can you stay within 9 kms of the main city centre and experience a little bit of country in the city! The winning combination of superior and varied holiday accommodation, friendly service and excellent amenities is well established.

Address: 265 Elizabeth Street, Coburg 3058, Victoria
Phone: 03 9354 3533
Email: holidaypark@big4melb.com
Website: www.melbournebig4holidaypark.com.au

Apollo Gardens Caravan Park
Set in a patch of bush and grasslands in Metro Melbourne, Apollo Gardens Caravan Park offers a high standard of self contained accommodation tailored to suit your needs.

Whether you're towing your own caravan or looking for cabin accommodation Apollo Gardens Tourist Park offers a range of self contained - serviced apartments, motel style units,
Holiday Cabins and Deluxe drive thru ensuite sites - priced with your budget in mind.

Address: 284 - 290 Hume Highway, Craigieburn Victoria 3064
Phone: 03 9305 5656
Email: stay@apollogardens.com.au
Website: www.apollogardens.com.au

BIG4 Melbourne Ashley Gardens
This unique 5 star holiday accommodation facility and caravan park presents an appealing alternative for visitors to Melbourne, Victoria. Where else can you stay within 9 kms of the main city centre and experience a little bit of country in the city! The winning combination of superior and varied holiday accommodation, friendly service and excellent amenities is well established.

Big4 Melbourne Ashley Gardens is a Big4 Caravan Park and holiday accommodation close to the heart of Melbourne.

Address: 129 Ashley St, Braybrook Victoria 3019
Phone: 1800 061 444
Email: holiday@big4ashleygardens.com.au
Website: www.big4ashleygardens.com.au

Sundowner Caravan & Cabin Park
Situated on the Princes Hwy, 18km south of Melbourne city centre. Easy access to transport, shopping complexes and tourist spots and activities. Quiet park with shop at park entrance.
Address: 870 Princes Hwy, SPRINGVALE VIC 3175
Phone: 03 9546 9587

Visit the following trade business at the show or visit:

Springvale Caravan Centre
Situated on approximately four acres of land in the south east suburbs of Melbourne on Springvale Road, with plenty of internal parking for your car and van if need be.

It is easy to find us: Melways Ref Map 88 J7.
Address: 723- 731 Springvale Rd Keysborough VIC, 3173
Phone: 03 9798 3954
Email: caravans@bigpond.net.au
Website: /www.springvalecaravan.com.au

NEW PRODUCT NEWS

ALCO BATTERIES
Alco Battery Sales, Australasian Master Distributors for Trojan Batteries, the world’s leading manufacturer of deep cycle batteries now have available the new Deep-Cycle Gel™ line of sealed lead acid batteries. Trojan’s Deep-Cycle Gel batteries are completely maintenance free and require no watering while providing customers long-lasting runtime and battery life in the most demanding of applications. Utilising a proprietary Gel formulation, with superior engineering, the Deep-Cycle Gel line offers exceptional durability and is certified non-spill (UN2800) for air, sea or ground transportation, thus making it an optimal solution for use in health & safety-sensitive (HSE) environments such as schools, hospitals, airports and office buildings. Trojan deep cycle batteries have a well-earned reputation among seasoned RV'ers.

So hit the road with confidence knowing Trojan will supply all your house-power needs.

For more information go to www.alcobatterysales.com.au

COOKING WITH ROBYN

With every supermarket selling a squillion packaged flavours it's easy to find just the right one... or is it? Unlike fresh foods that will mostly deliver the correct ratio of minerals or vitamins many packaged foods are now fortified with a number of nutritional supplements. Smart foods designed to keep us healthy; living long and happy lives, or so we are lead to believe.

It's not always good enough that a product has been fortified with one particular mineral unless that mineral is in balance with other important minerals. Calcium for instance should be consumed by most people in a two to one or one to one ratio with Magnesium as both are vital for healthy heart function and proper muscle function in addition to their contribution to bone density.

Fresh is always best but it's true to say not always available when travelling. So when choosing packaged foods there are a number of things to look for so you don't always compromise good nutrition for convenience. There's a little game we play at work called 'Name the Product'. One person is handed a list as it appears on a food package and must guess what the finished product is. If you can name the end product from the ingredients it's probably okay.

Big things to look for are trans-fatty acids and hidden sugars like glucose and fructose as well as sucrose. Of course there are a number of other food additives that attract heated debate on their health benefits or detriments.

When Robyn does not have access to fresh herbs and spices, her favourite flavour brand is Asian Home Gourmet, with Laksa being the pick of the bunch.

PROFILES

Billy Tea Bush Safaris, QLD
Billy Tea Bush Safaris is a family owned company. Based in Cairns in Tropical North Queensland we operate personalised outback tours and rainforest tours to:

• Daintree
• Cape Tribulation
• Cape York
• Central Australia and
• Northern Territory

We have vehicles (maximum 14) custom built for passenger comfort and to withstand some of the ruggedness required in the areas that we operate. We have fully equipped camping trailers ( Kitchen, Lights, Ice boxes etc.) and the vehicles are equipped with Air-conditioning, First Aid Kits, UHF  radios, Satellite phones and Flying Doctor radios and all seats are seat-belted and forward facing. We specialise in charters and will personalise a tour to suit requests from clients.

Address: PO Box 77N, North Cairns, QLD
Phone:07 4032 0077
Website: www.billytea.com.au
Email: info@billytea.com.au

Dometic Pty Ltd
Welcome to the world of comfort. If you want to enjoy the highest level of comfort and quality wherever you go, Dometic is your reliable partner with more than 80 years expertise. Most caravans and motorhomes but also hotel rooms, boats and commercial vehicles worldwide are equipped with our products for your satisfaction.

Dometic is a customer driven, world-leading provider of innovative leisure products for the caravan, motor home and marine industries. Dometic offers a full range of air conditioners, refrigerators, awnings, cookers, sanitation systems, lighting, windows, doors and other equipment that makes leisure life more comfortable away from home.

Address: PO Box 1140, CLAYTON SOUTH VIC 3169
Phone: 03 9545 5655
Website: www.dometic.com.au
Email: olaf.bach@dometic.com.au

Mission Beach Hideaway Village, QLD
Mission Beach Hideaway Holiday Village is situated right in the centre of magical Mission Beach. It borders on World Heritage Rainforest and is only 100 metres to the beach. While the area is renowned for its natural beauty, there is still the convenience of a close shopping village that is adjacent to a park, restaurants, a supermarket and specialty shops. You can try the local region’s exotic fruits and seafood, rainforest walks, or just laze on the beach.

A full range of facilities are provided, including a fresh water pool, spacious BBQ areas, internet kiosk, 2 amenities blocks (1 with baby bath) and a fully equipped camper’s kitchen including fridge. Guests have a choice between well equipped, luxurious cabins or shady powered camping/caravanning sites. While you’re enjoying your stay at the beautiful Mission Beach, there are a number of tours available to take pleasure in including cruises out to Dunk Island or the Outer Barrier Reef, and activities such as white water rafting, skydiving, kayaking, fishing and croc spotting. Courtesy tour transfers are also available to all tour attendees.

Address: 58-60 Porters Promenade, Mission Beach, QLD
Phone: 07 4068 7104
Website: www.missionbeachhideaway.com.au
Email: info@missionbeachhideaway.com.au

Pembroke Tourist and Leisure Park
Pembroke is an award winning Inland Park situated on 14 acres of landscaped gardens only five minutes drive from the city centre of Armidale and a short drive to the wonderful National Parks of New England.

The Park offers a range of accommodation to suit every traveller. From tent sites, drive through ensuites for vans to fully self contained 1 bedroom units and luxury lodges. Linen is available for hire.

For group bookings Pembroke Youth Hostel offers a 40 bed bunkhouse. The building is equipped with laundry, recreation or conference room and a TV Library Lounge.Outside recreation includes tennis court, pool, covered BBQ area and playgrounds. The office provides internet access for guests also.

Pembroke staff will make your stay warm and welcome as you explore and enjoy the abundant history and beauty of the Waterfall Way.

Address: 39 Waterfall Way, ARMIDALE NSW 2350
Phone: 02 6772 6470

Warrnambool Caravan Repairs, VIC
In its 30th year of operation, Warrnambool Caravan Repairs is a family owned business. The owners are big caravanners themselves and bring that experience to their work. Based in the centre of town, they provide general servicing and repairs, maintenance, spare parts and accessories, sales of second hand caravans and more custom made options, including caravan renovations and building, food vans, horse floats and buses.

Warrnambool Caravan Repairs are Accredited Insurance Repairers, a Jayco Warranty Centre and a Warranty Centre for most other brands.

Address: Shed 84 Hyland Street, Warranambool, VIC
Phone:03 5562 7359
Email: caravanrepairs@bigpond.com

Winnebago
Winnebago Industries is the largest Motorhome Manufacturer in Australia.

The roots of Winnebago Industries go back to 1965, with the formation of Freeway which introduced the first Freeway slide on camper to Australia. They progressed with the Freeway name producing motorhomes, caravans and tent trailers.

Winnebago Industries grew from producing in one factory to four factories, concentrating solely on motorhomes. The range- Freeway Explorer (Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth), Wanderer and Chinook. Today Winnebago Industries range includes Classic, Nullarbor, Freewind, Alpine, Leisure Seeker, Birdsville and Huntsman - more than 70 models in total.

We at Winnebago Industries are committed to providing high quality, sleek style, efficient designs and the best value motorhomes you will find in Australia. We currently have thirteen Dealers in our network of Dealers throughout Australia and New Zealand. We have decades of experience in our field, and will continue to grow and strive for many future successes. "We mass produce in volumes of one"

Phone: 1800 102 201
Website: www.winnebago.com.au
Email: info@winnebago.com.au