Caravan Park Etiquette 101
It’s cold. Bitterly cold. So like the migratory Godwits the ‘rock doctor’(rd) and I have headed north, to Cooktown. Along the way and while in town we have set up camp in a local caravan park. This is new for us. We are caravan park virgins, preferring to park Jasper (the Jayco) in wide open spaces where you have to use morse code if you want to contact your neighbour. Here’s what we have learnt and some tips you might find useful.
1. All caravan parks north of the Tropic of Capricorn are largely made up of people over 60 (A milestone my rd and I are staring down the barrel of. We are starting to blend in).
2. It’s good to set up camp next to Seniors as they are relatively quiet except for between 6 and 8pm at night when due to their reduced hearing they have the tv blaring. But they go to bed early so it’s tolerable.
3. Said seniors are largely sedentary during the day but once an unsuspecting newbie arrives, it has been noted that those of the male variety become very animated. Much gesticulation occurs as they stand behind reversing trailers and liberally spray phrases like left hand down at the person trying to reverse.
4. It’s good to get set up then quietly rate others on how well they manoeuvre their large RVs into spaces no bigger than a small dingy! To be fair ratings should be given for effort as well as skill.
5. It’s cramped so gentlemen use the toilet facilities and no late night peeing outside your RV. We can hear you!!!
6. Try to park near the toilets. This makes late night visits easier and means you have less electrical cords, tent ropes, hoses etc. to trip over. It’s a minefield out there.
7. Try to camp on the female side of the toilet and shower block. For while you will be subjected to the pungent smell of women using far too many cosmetics this is much more preferable than the smells (and sounds) that radiate from the mens toilet…..Just sayin.
8. People shower at all times of the day. From 4am -11pm people are showering. No wonder this country is running out of water.
9. Washing machine etiquette 101. Like the first in line at a red light, you need to be alert. As soon as your washing is finished remove it from the machine. No body else should have to touch your old man y fronts or nana pants!
10. Try to be inconspicuous when taking photos of other peoples set up you admire. The locals either a) don’t like it or b) trap you in a 4 hour monologue about all the benefits and disadvantages of their ‘rig’ blah,blah,blah!
11. Acceptable caravan park clothing attire includes Jackie Howe singlets, shorts, thongs and t-shirts that scream ‘Cape York Done and Dusted’. Collared shirts, brushed hair and closed in shoes are not to be tolerated.
12. Red dust covering everything from your car to your hair is important if you want street cred. Clean cars are a sure sign the owners are just plain soft.
13. Finally remember, no matter where you are in a crowded caravan park, someone is always watching!
If this story has stirred your adventuring spirit, I’d love you to visit my art gallery page and explore the drawings these travels have inspired. www.catherinegordonart.com
*We travelled to Cooktown in July 2022. This article was first posted in July 2022.
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