With spring in the air, thoughts for many RVers turn to holidays by the coast to make the most of warmer days. These ideas will prepare you for comfortable stays by the sea and out in nature.
Spring Clean Your RV for Coastal Trips
Before leaving home, give your van a spring clean to lighten the load and get rid of excess items. Reducing RV load weight for towing is something that should always be considered, so it's a good idea to cull what you carry (inside and out) from time to time.
Take only what is necessary for the planned holiday and the number of people to be catered for. Check that any first aid products on board are still within use-by dates, and that goes for any pantry items too. It's also a good time to replace smoke alarm batteries.
Prepare for Conditions: Coastal RV Safety Tips
For coastal holidays, shade and wind protection should be considered, and having lightweight privacy screens that attach to the van awning will provide protection when needed.
If possible, park your van to block the prevailing wind, which will give you a sheltered side to sit in comfort if conditions are windy and cool.
A good quality outdoor mat that allows sand to fall through will help keep sand from being traipsed into the van.
Keep Bugs at Bay on Coastal RV Trips
Use amber insect-repelling lights outdoors and wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing to deter biting insects.
Find an insect repellent that you're happy to apply often, especially at dawn and dusk. There are some good quality Australian-made products on the market which have natural ingredients, are DEET-free and work well at repelling mosquitoes and sandflies.
Check that the insect screens in your van windows and doors are intact to prevent flying insects from getting in.
If all else fails, make sure you have something on board to soothe insect bites and sunburn, too.
RV Fishing Essentials for Coastal Holidays
Carry a lightweight or two-piece fishing rod, and a tackle box with tracers already prepared, as well as an assortment of hooks, lures and floats to target different species.
Check fishing regulations for catch sizes and limits, and whether you need a licence prior to fishing in the State you are travelling to. Don't forget to carry a bucket (a collapsible one will free up space), a head torch to keep your hands free; and have a ruler or measure to check that your catch is legal size. Tackle shops and service stations in coastal areas will usually have bait suited to local species.
Have a suitable cutting board and filleting knife for cleaning your catch, and make use of the fish cleaning facilities that many coastal RV parks offer. Dispose of waste thoughtfully by following the instructions at cleaning stations. Many jetties will also have fish cleaning facilities.
Beach Driving Preparation and Seaside Hazards
Be alert to local marine hazards that you may not be familiar with. Even in shallow water, there are some deadly or at least pain-inflicting marine life to be aware of in different parts of Australia, including razor fish, stonefish, jellyfish and blue-ringed octopus. Wearing aqua shoes in the water can be a good idea; and if you're unsure of what you see, avoid it.
Don't swim in an unfamiliar area unless you have checked for signs of rips or currents, and preferably swim at patrolled beaches. Check with local authorities for the safest swimming beaches.
If you intend beach driving, know the tide times and get advice from locals before heading off. Carry tyre deflators and a compressor for safe beach driving, and also a spade or recovery tracks in case you need to get yourself out of trouble.
Keep an eye out for signs advising of birds or animals such as plovers and turtles that may be nesting on beaches, and avoid driving in these areas.
Coastal Views and Off-Grid RV Camping
Local tourist information centres are a great source for finding out about coastal walks or scenic drives. They can also have information on any off-grid campsites in the area, as well as the best beaches for fishing and those that are off-leash dog-friendly if you're taking your pet.
If you're after the best sites for beach views at RV parks, avoid travelling at peak times like public holidays and school holidays. Try off-grid RVing at national parks or council-run bush camps.
Enjoy the Serenity on Your Coastal RV Holiday
Coastal holidays are among the best for relaxed, carefree days, and the mental and physical health benefits of spending time by the sea are well-documented. Take advantage of a little sun and saltwater therapy by packing in a comfortable chair, some reading material or a device with books downloaded, swimming togs, beach walking shoes and any other water sport activities that space permits.
