Camping for the 2022 season

[Sweefu]

The highly anticipated 2022 camping thread is now here! Please try to contain your excitement.

Link to 2021 thread https://www.ski.com.au/xf/threads/camping-for-the-2021-season.88908/

Link to 2020 thread https://www.ski.com.au/xf/threads/camping-for-the-2020-season.86045/

Recommended topics based on previous discussions:
- DIY beer keg installs
- Proximity of said beer keg to toilet facilities
- Diesel heaters

 

[skichic]

Same as last year’s plan (which was foiled early August). Every weekend that’s not complete rubbish at Island Bend, single person tent, no beer, no soft heaters.

 

[Jacko4650]

Temperatures are already falling. Intend to camp for a night or two in tent late next week and the forecast had Perisher getting down to zero. Must take warm blanket. No van with diesel heater for this trip!
Following week with van at Island Bend for summer hikes, fishing and march fly swatting.

 

[skull]

Diggings and Ngarigo will be our primary van locations this year again. I best set a reminder to get my bookings on.

We have put some roof racks on the van now so can put the pod on the roof to carry the skis and other extra items and not cramp up the van floor. Will need to get a mini step ladder so I can actually get up to the pod.

I notice shingle back have new bike racks that can now have a ski/snowboard attachment. A bit hexy but looks like it could be good. They have a rack with a hitch on it too, so will be able to swing and lower the hitch and open the back of the van. Considering ordering it.

 

[skull]

- Diesel heaters

I still toy with the idea of this but so far we haven't really been cold enough to warrant paying for it.

 

[skichic]

Temperatures are already falling. Intend to camp for a night or two in tent late next week and the forecast had Perisher getting down to zero. Must take warm blanket. No van with diesel heater for this trip!
Following week with van at Island Bend for summer hikes, fishing and march fly swatting.

I spent last weekend out near Guthega, woke to a tent covered in ice.

 

[Moondog55]

I have spousal permission [ albeit grudgingly] to undertake a re-hash of my aborted 2021 ski camp at PV.
I'm going to need a method of running a CPAP machine as these days I can't get enough regular sleep with out one. Any recommendations of reasonably priced solar panels and controllers as I need a new battery and it's probably worthwhile changing from lead-acid to lithium technology and my current controller won't work with lithium cells.
Will be using the Helsport lavvu/tipi with stove as the group shelter and sleeping in a modified cheap tent from Rays, highly modified with stove and other bits
Looking forward to advice on solar chargers

 

[skifree]

Same as last year’s plan (which was foiled early August). Every weekend that’s not complete rubbish at Island Bend, single person tent, no beer, no soft heaters.

But no need for an eski, a good saving right there.

 

[DidSurfNowSki]

I'm off to a flying start this year. Managed some hiking and camping in Tassie at the very start of the year with @skifree and I'm up to 15 days on snow with @Kletterer.

Need to figure out something to keep me occupied until QBLW. Maybe some section walks of the AAWT ?

 

[fenrir]

Tossing up whether to pick up a teardrop trailer this year. The roof tent, whilst quick to set up and cosy had to be packed up before going skiing in the morning - not fun when it's frozen over with ice.

 

[Sage O]

No major upgrades to our van at this stage for the upcoming winter. Having said that, we're running starlink now at home so if geolocking is done with by winter will have satellite internet for the hutte. It pretty taxing on power reserves though so may need to add a second house battery.

 

[Moondog55]

Tossing up whether to pick up a teardrop trailer this year. The roof tent, whilst quick to set up and cosy had to be packed up before going skiing in the morning - not fun when it's frozen over with ice.

You could simply put the rooftop tent on a small trailer and save some cash for new skis.

 

[telecrag]

I do all my camping overseas now, I doubt Ill bother to camp in Australia again, its a lesser experience. All the best camping is overseas.

 

[skull]

Having said that, we're running starlink now at home so if geolocking is done with by winter will have satellite internet for the hutte.

So on our local community page someone had been adjusting their starlink address to use it when travelling between here and the coast. That was until the last trip returning home and they could no longer hook back onto the home address. I guess the base station got full while they were away.

 

[DidSurfNowSki]

I do all my camping overseas now, I doubt Ill bother to camp in Australia again, its a lesser experience. All the best camping is overseas.

Tassie is still part of Australia

 

[skull]

Tassie is still part of Australia

Since when?

The big island thinks it is part of Tasmania

 

[Sage O]

So on our local community page someone had been adjusting their starlink address to use it when travelling between here and the coast. That was until the last trip returning home and they could no longer hook back onto the home address. I guess the base station got full while they were away.

Yeah wouldn't want to lose my spot here at the home address, going back to NBN would be dreadful *vomit emoji

 

[Sage O]

I have spousal permission [ albeit grudgingly] to undertake a re-hash of my aborted 2021 ski camp at PV.
I'm going to need a method of running a CPAP machine as these days I can't get enough regular sleep with out one. Any recommendations of reasonably priced solar panels and controllers as I need a new battery and it's probably worthwhile changing from lead-acid to lithium technology and my current controller won't work with lithium cells.
Will be using the Helsport lavvu/tipi with stove as the group shelter and sleeping in a modified cheap tent from Rays, highly modified with stove and other bits
Looking forward to advice on solar chargers

We just been using one of these which was able to provide enough juice to keep our battery topped off camping last season.

CAMEC 100W FOLDING SOLAR PANEL

Camec's mono-crystalline solar panel range uses only A-Grade solar cells throughout ensuring the panels will effectively generate as much current as possible with the available sunlight supplied. All solar cellsare individually tested to ensure they meet A-Grade specifications before being...

www.camec.com.au

Puts out about 77w with full direct sunlight per the VictronConnect battery shunt I'm using.

Cost about $340, quite bulky to transport and decently heavy.

 

[skifree]

I do all my camping overseas now, I doubt Ill bother to camp in Australia again, its a lesser experience. All the best camping is overseas.

I hear the camping is good in Afghanistan and Syria, luverly big camps in Syria.

 

[Myazma]

I hear the camping is good in Afghanistan and Syria, luverly big camps in Syria.

Wakhan corridor is on my list of places to go camping

 

[DidSurfNowSki]

I hear the camping is good in Afghanistan and Syria, luverly big camps in Syria.

How about the Ukraine ? Could do a 'boy scouts' trip.

 

[fenrir]

You could simply put the rooftop tent on a small trailer and save some cash for new skis.

The price difference between a trailer and a teardrop from aliexpress isnt that much. Added bonus that you don't need to wait for a sunny day to dry it out between use.

 

[Moondog55]

Never seen a teardrop caravan on Ali can you share a link? Would freight be a killer tho?

 

[Sweefu]

I've been trying to do a longer camping trip near Perisher for the last 2 years but being based in Melbourne I haven't been able to.

So the plan for this year is to do a decent trip 10 - 14 days at Island Bend, as well as a couple of smaller trips where I'll probably share accommodation with mates who won't camp in winter.

My partner and I do a lot of camping through the Vic high country, down on the coast and longer trips to NT/Central Aus, all based out of our car so most of our gear is pretty heavy/comfortable.

I'm tossing up which tent to use this winter but probably my Blackwolf Turbo 210 Lite, I've read a few posts about these and they seem to cope with wind OK. Being able to stand up and get changed inside the tent is a huge bonus for this type of camping so the swag isn't an option.

A giant fridge isn't as much advantage here but I do have a 200ah lithium battery and 2000w inverter, I typically use an induction cooker which has been an amazing upgrade, much easier in wind too.

Has anyone tested any awnings or gazebos at Island Bend or similar conditions? I have 2 Oztrail gazebos but they are awful in the wind, wondering if anyone has found a good alternative?

Would be great to meet anyone else camping this winter

 

[3decks]

Does anyone who rides Perisher camp at the Diggings?

I always have a tube pass but still go the Bend for car camping. Hadn’t really thought of heading to the Diggings despite it being easy via the Tube.

Granted I haven’t done much car camping recently but I wondered the relative merits of catching the Tube down and camping at the Diggings instead of the Bend (eg 2wd and less access issues) does anyone have a point of view? pros/cons?

 

[skull]

Does anyone who rides Perisher camp at the Diggings?

Not me, but met plenty perisher riders camping at diggings.

Diggings is inside the park so you are meant to have a parks pass to have your car there. A 2wd 'should' be fine in most circumstances, there may be the odd occasion needing chains to get out and to the tube

 

[Balsta]

Does anyone who rides Perisher camp at the Diggings?

I always have a tube pass but still go the Bend for car camping. Hadn’t really thought of heading to the Diggings despite it being easy via the Tube.

Granted I haven’t done much car camping recently but I wondered the relative merits of catching the Tube down and camping at the Diggings instead of the Bend (eg 2wd and less access issues) does anyone have a point of view? pros/cons?

If you don’t mind catching the tube then I can’t see a problem. Also better for those who don’t like driving in the snow as much.

 

[skichic]

I’m guessing a lot less availability at the Diggings, IB is huge. Get in early to book.

 

[skull]

the tube

No mercy getting on the tube in the afternoons. There was more jostling than trying to get on the train in HK

 

[northsail]

From Diggings can drive to Thredbo for a swim/shower.

 

[Untele-whippet]

PreCovid the Diggings was really overpacked and quite often on weekends totally full with no spots left at all.
Covid probably sped up the much needed booking system as it was becoming a circus.

 

[Myazma]

The way bookings are going this year, accom anywhere will be a shitshow.

 

[Myazma]

With Parks using the IB airstrip as a dirt dump they may as well whack in some more dunnies and create a heap more camping spaces there as well.

 

[Telemark Phat]

No mercy getting on the tube in the afternoons. There was more jostling than trying to get on the train in HK

There is a trick to it.

 

[northsail]

With Parks using the IB airstrip as a dirt dump they may as well whack in some more dunnies and create a heap more camping spaces there as well.

Did I see some new toilets being built at Island Bend last year before heading down the hill?
Are thy finished?

 

[skichic]

Did I see some new toilets being built at Island Bend last year before heading down the hill?
Are thy finished?

Yep. Will save all those people driving up to the upper loos. Think there was a second lot going in downhill too, but haven’t been down there since winter.

 

[Sage O]

Did I see some new toilets being built at Island Bend last year before heading down the hill?
Are thy finished?

Yeah they were looking finished when we were there late august last year but the roof looked like it was damaged in the high winds. I’m sure it would have been fixed pretty quickly though.

 

[Jacko4650]

Yeah they were looking finished when we were there late august last year but the roof looked like it was damaged in the high winds. I’m sure it would have been fixed pretty quickly though.

Yep , new dunny's (single berth only) are now fully operational at the Bottom camp at IB and in the middle (winter swampy) section adjacent to the grass airstrip. The middle one has issues with water leaking straight back into the 'operational' zone (ie: under feet, whilst seated at the throne) and might present some interesting ice skating challenges in winter so be very careful.
I would strongly urge fellow ski.com'ers to avoid the middle (airstrip) camping area during winter. It is perhaps the dumbest location for camping in a National Park I have ever witnessed - it can quickly turn into a muddy, half frozen, wind blown quagmire.
That said, it remains quite popular here in summer now that the rains have eased.

 

[Sage O]

Was wondering how long it would take before someone started making these. Tempting.

 

[teleroo]

Question. Drinking water at Island Bend. Just extract from Snowy River, or summin else. Boil/treat first, or usually good to go for drinking?

 

[Sage O]

Question. Drinking water at Island Bend. Just extract from Snowy River, or summin else. Boil/treat first, or usually good to go for drinking?

I bring it with us. Not too keen on drinking water out of the river.

 

[DidSurfNowSki]

I'd pull the water before the ski resort.

 

[coolair]

Down stream of resorts, try your luck, personally BYO.

 

[skichic]

I bring it with us. Not too keen on drinking water out of the river.

This. I drink out of other water sources, but there’s a bit too much human activity there.

 

[Goski]

In winter, would I get in and out of Island Bend campground ok with chains on a front wheel drive VW Transporter van? A 4motion AWD VW van would be much better but there aren't many of those in the used vehicular market.

 

[DidSurfNowSki]

In winter, would I get in and out of Island Bend campground ok with chains on a front wheel drive VW Transporter van? A 4motion AWD VW van would be much better but there aren't many of those in the used vehicular market.

Technically speaking, to drive to down the bottom you need a 4WD.

Can neither confirm nor deny I've been down there in the 2WD Honda Jazz.

 

[skichic]

In winter, would I get in and out of Island Bend campground ok with chains on a front wheel drive VW Transporter van? A 4motion AWD VW van would be much better but there aren't many of those in the used vehicular market.

Top section easy. Even the bottom section probably. I was surprised how easy the road was even after snow. I have an Impreza with snow tyres.

 

[fenrir]

Looking for a tent that can pull double duty for touring and the odd night at one of the campsites in the park if I'm on my own.

Does anyone have experience with the Mont Moondance FN? Looks expensive compared to 3 seasons (cheap compared to 4 seasons) but has a lot of nice features like covered vents and a very waterproof floor. Are there any other comparable tents that are cheaper?

Moondance 2FN Tent

he Mont Moondance 2FN Tent has been designed to provide you with winter-grade weather protection, lightning fast setup, minimum packed size and the lowest possible weight without sacrificing performance. The new Moondance 2FN Tent is the best lightweight, 2 person tent for hikers, bikers, skiers...

www.mont.com.au

 

[telecrag]

Wait until the factory sale in May maybe (stock these days fk knows really) and get a good price. I have the original MD1, it’s a really good unit.

 

[Sage O]

Looking for a tent that can pull double duty for touring and the odd night at one of the campsites in the park if I'm on my own.

Does anyone have experience with the Mont Moondance FN? Looks expensive compared to 3 seasons (cheap compared to 4 seasons) but has a lot of nice features like covered vents and a very waterproof floor. Are there any other comparable tents that are cheaper?

Moondance 2FN Tent

he Mont Moondance 2FN Tent has been designed to provide you with winter-grade weather protection, lightning fast setup, minimum packed size and the lowest possible weight without sacrificing performance. The new Moondance 2FN Tent is the best lightweight, 2 person tent for hikers, bikers, skiers...

www.mont.com.au

I picked up an MSR remote 2 a few years back on sale from the uk for about 700 delivered but it’s not the lightest out there. Can get the weight down somewhat by jettisoning pegs if you’ve got poles and skis you can use. Good amount of space for two and very sturdy construction.