Road trips without a trace: exploring and protecting Australia
There is something freeing about travelling Australia by motorhome. You can set your itinerary, choose your own pace and see more of this beautiful country by taking the roads less travelled. However, it is important to ensure that you leave our breathtaking nation as you found it so that future travellers can experience that same sense of wonder at our land down under.
The leave no trace principles are a set of seven guidelines for travelling Australia, they help to keep our country beautiful and ready to welcome visitors for generations to come. Read on to find out more about the principles and how they can be applied to your journey around Australia with a GoCheap Campervan.
Plan ahead and prepare!
Even though travelling via motorhome gives you more flexibility than a traditional tour, it is still important to have a plan on where you would like to go and places that you are allowed to stay in the area. Research your destination, where you are going to camp for the evening and what amenities are available to ensure that your stay is as stress free as possible.
It is also advisable to be prepared and have contingency plans for extreme weather or emergencies to ensure your safety and minimise the risk of unforeseen circumstances. For extra peace of mind, when you hit the road with GoCheap Campervans, our 24/7 Roadside Assistance Team is there to help during your holiday if you need!
Travel and park on durable surfaces!
It is important to drive and park your campervan only on durable surfaces, but to also walk on them as well. Stick to designated roads and campsites for travelling with your campervan and when out exploring remain on designated walking trails and avoid walking on the local flora and fauna.
Remember, our country is home to a wide variety of unique species, and we must all do our best to ensure that we leave their homes undisturbed to safeguard their continued survival.
Dispose of your waste properly!
If you take it in – remember to take it out! Nothing ruins a view than garbage, so ensure that everything you take with you also leaves with you, by planning your stay and making sure that you know where you are able to park to charge your campervan (and empty out any waste that you may have accumulated), you will be doing your part in keeping Australia pristine for future visitors. If you need some advice on emptying your Grey Water you can read our blog: How to Properly Dispose of Campervan Grey Water.
Also do not leave any food behind. As much as we all love the viral videos of cockatoos stealing from a BBQ, food that is safe and enjoyable for humans can lead to long term health effects and even death for the cute (and not-so-cute) wildlife in Australia.
Leave what you find behind!
It is important to leave what you find behind – leave all rocks, plants, artefacts and other natural objects as you find them. This helps to ensure the sites natural integrity and allows other visitors to enjoy the beautiful treasures that Australia has to offer.
The best way to remember all the wonders that you find can be found right on your mobile phone – a camera. So, fill up your camera roll and not your pockets.
Minimise campfire impacts!
If you are going to use a campfire only light them in designated areas and check local regulations to ensure that there are no fire bans active in the area that you are using. If you do light a campfire keep it small and ensure that all wood is burned to ash and that the fire is completely out before leaving it unattended.
For ease of cooking all GoCheap campers are fitted with a small kitchenette, and we recommend utilising this for all your cooking needs. If you are going to partake in some out-of-van culinary arts, consider a small light weight stove instead.
Keep our wildlife wild!
It is vital to have respect for all the creatures that call Australia home. No matter how cute and cuddly they may appear. Observe all animals from a distance and never feed wildlife. Feeding wildlife damages their health and alters their natural behaviours, so keep your food packed away and safe from curious locals.
Show consideration for others!
Respect other visitors and locals to protect the quality of their experience and yours. When exploring walking trails yield to others and keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing others and the local wildlife.
When you are parked for the night, please be mindful of the volume of any music or tv that you might be enjoying, so that everyone around can enjoy the beautiful sounds of Australia at night and get some well-deserved rest.
By taking these principles into consideration, you and others can all enjoy the abundance of experiences and wonders that Australia has on offer. Ready to start your trip? Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the campervans we have available at our branches!
