Camps Australia Reviews
From time to time, various magazines and individuals have reviewed the Camps Australia Wide books. We would like to share these with you:
Heraldsun - Melbourne Victoria
It bills itself as "the traveller's bible" with good reason. The comprehensive 408-page fifth edition of Camps Australia Wide guidebook includes more than 3550 campsites, making it mandatory reading for budget-conscious roadtrippers. Authors Philip and Cathryn Fennell have traversed more than 90,000km reviewing sites for this long-awaited new edition, fondly known in the RV-Caravanning world as simply Camps 5.
Outer Edge - The Ultimate Adventure Magazine - 5th Edition
Updated edition of the staple reference guide for any self-respecting camper. Pinpoints most, but not all, sites with easy to follow symbology and accurate map placing with directions. Would be even better if there was a smaller version for backpacks. 'CampsSnaps' version with images gives you an idea of what to expect.
Channel 7 Local News - Queensland
A Sunshine Coast couple living the Australian Dream and travelling around the nation are now earning a living from their many adventures.
The self-published book on campsites and caravan parks, Camps Australia Wide, has become a bible for the budget conscious traveller. A must have for the budget traveller, it includes rest areas, free camps, national and state forest parks, GPS references and low-cost caravan parks. There are over 3,300 listings....
If there's one key piece of advice that the author's have to offer, it's to start travelling sooner rather than later. They say having good health is essential if you're to explore everything Australia has to offer and really enjoy the lifestyle.
The Great Outdoors - Channel 7
Ask Ernie... "In terms of where to travel, Australia has some great spots for caravan holidays right across the country. For a comprehensive guide, Camps Australia Wide has got over 3300 listings including rest areas, free camps and National Parks all over the country. You can contact the publisher on 07 5449 1476 or visit the Camps Australia Wide website".
Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia Ltd
Camps Australia Wide -
The Ultimate Guide for the Budget Conscious Traveller
by CMCA Member, Phil Procter
A4 size, over 400 pages. 3,300 sites, 101 maps, colour-coded States, index of highway routes, alpha list of site names, regular updates on the Camps Australia Wide web site. An order form is depicted on the web site.
This is a first: a national guidebook with sites listed linearly along the major highways and roads. Phil uses easily-recognised symbols for classifications: overnight camp spot, day-use rest area or (budget) Caravan Park. Distances are given relative to and from towns, not just in one direction. Each site lists location, map reference, highway number, contact phone number. Facilities are depicted by the usual symbols, including new symbols for motorhomers: big rigs, pets allowed, max stay allowed, dump point, fees.
Around-Oz
This is definitely the most expensive camping guide available in Australia - but is it? All the others to date, bar one, cover individual states and some just parts of a state, so overall it really is terrific value. Added to this, it truly is a very professional publication. The huge problem with all published guides is they are out of date even before the first book is sold. The Camps team has overcome this limitation in a very unique way, using the technology that most of us use everyday. As updates come in they are entered onto his dedicated internet site. . We liked the big A4 pages and the night/day symbol indicating at a glance if the spot is definitely an overnighter. Another great idea is having a Hema map reference as well as the books own easy to read maps.
The publication is mainly designed for those caravanners and motorhomers who, because of budget restraints, tend to look for low-cost or free camp spots whilst travelling. It's also great for those who enjoy camping the most when well away from crowds. Lets face it, you can save a lot of money if you just use commercial parks just a couple of days a week to do the washing and have long hot showers. The team has even ferreted out road houses and service clubs who are "camper" friendly. Those following the Bowen saga in Caravan World would have read how a roadhouse owner is inviting tourists to stay overnight at his premises - free! Like most of you we have downloaded and printed out various guides available on the internet. Most efforts print out extremely badly. The big drawback is they are all so hard to read as they do not use the legend system. Those spread out across two pages are almost impossible to use in the vehicle whilst on the move. Phil's couldn't be easier and of course it follows main routes, so you don't actually have to have a good geographical knowledge of the area.
There are over 3,300 listings which include:
Rest Areas - Free Camps - Low Cost Caravan Parks - National Parks - State Forests and
Parks - Reserves - Roadhouses - Service Clubs
You can order by mail, fax, phone or online using your credit card * You will easily recoup the cost of the book in the first week, and yes it does show the pet friendly places! It really is the definitive guide to camping in Australia and is a "must have". Absolutely recommended.
Bob Eustace
The Road Ahead - RACQ Magazine
Camping in Oz - The original concept behind Camps Australia Wide was to provide a comprehensive list of free and low-cost campsites located around the main highways of Australia.
However, author's list soon expanded to include camps in national parks, state forests and even some caravan parks. His list has now become a guide of 400-plus pages with more than 3300 entries.
