We’ve driven all day, it’s late, the kids are tucked safely in bed a few metres away and the communal camp fire licks and leaps, mesmerising the circle of new friends surrounding it.

We share road stories until there’s barely an ember. Our family is new to the caravanning lifestyle, but already the sense of camaraderie – and the knowledge that tomorrow we can go where we want, when we want – has given us a new-found sense of freedom.

Way to go
Jumping into a fully equipped Winnebago for a week of adventure feels like the ultimate in luxury on wheels. The destination really is the journey. If you’re hungry you can pull over and grab something from the fridge - twin gas bottles provide LP gas for cooking and cooling the refrigerator when mains power is unavailable.

If you need to change a nappy, look for the next rest stop and do it in the comfort of the motorhome, and the same goes for changing into something more comfortable. With the ultra-modern motorhome, every nook and cranny is put to good use. There are state-of-the-art appliances, plenty of storage, a large roll-out awning and air-conditioning and heating. Best of all, there’s a bathroom with a shower and hot/cold running water, and a flushing toilet. We need not ever go home!

Australia may be in a serious economic downturn, but our caravanning industry is expanding with a growth rate of between 10 to 15 per cent. More and more Australians are rediscovering our own backyard and enjoying the budget-friendly fringe benefits themselves. Doing this also benefits our tourism industry, especially in rural Australia.

One for the road
Like many late-model motorhomes, Winnebago’s new Esperance range can be driven with a standard driver’s licence. The company names its motorhomes after iconic towns, and this latest range is named after the glorious town on Western Australia’s southern coast.

Perhaps the highlight for me was just being able to lie in bed early in the morning surrounded by family and listening to nature waking up around me. Pure bliss!

Lifestyle choice
Winnebago’s Max Mayo says many customers are retirees who use their superannuation to buy a motorhome and often spend three to six months of the year away on the road.

He also notes that younger families have embraced the lifestyle more so than ever. And why not? It’s budget-friendly, and we’re lucky enough to have an array of caravan parks dotted along the coastline and in rural surroundings offering million-dollar views. ndeed, this is the life! It’s settled – I’m joining the Winnebago RV Club (you don’t need to be an owner to join) and we’re booking in for the Birdsville Track Safari tour in July. To learn more, call 1800 258 278 or visit www.winnebago.com.au.

Fuel-saving driving tips
A recent study commissioned by the Caravan & Camping Industry Association NSW found that an increase of 20 cents per litre in fuel price only increases the overall cost of a caravan or motorhome holiday by about $2 a day.

The study detailed the cost of fuel for four popular trips based on fuel consumption from 10 to 30 litres per 100km, and with fuel prices ranging from $1 to $2.50 per litre.

Winnebago has some excellent tips on how you can maximise fuel savings:

• Keep your motorhome maintained and tuned. The better its engine runs, the more efficiently it burns fuel.
• Check tyre pressure regularly – at least every third or fourth fill-up at the service station. Under-inflated tyres reduce fuel efficiency and shorten your tyres’ life.
• Watch your speed. Motorhomes can use 30 per cent more fuel at 100km/h than at 90km/h. The difference in arrival time on a 300km journey travelling at that slower speed is just 20 minutes.
• Drive steadily. Look ahead and adjust your speed to avoid accelerating sharply or braking heavily.
• Lighten up. Extra weight burns fuel so remove all unnecessary equipment from your motorhome. 
• Don’t sit in traffic with the engine running. If you expect to be held up for some time, turn it off.
• Plan your journey if you’re going through towns and avoid peak-hour traffic where possible.
• Modern motorhomes are far more fuel-efficient. If you’re upgrading, consider a new or late model.

Calculate the cost of fuel for your next trip at www.caravan-camping.com.au. Enter your car’s fuel consumption, travelling distance and fuel price. 

Camping out
Start preparing for your next caravanning or camping adventure now with these tips:

Make a checklist Ensure you are ready for every event by compiling a detailed checklist that covers food, all your equipment, first-aid supplies and the leisure activities on offer at your destination.

Choose the right spot Look for relatively high and level ground, and allocate areas to prepare food and wash dishes. Keep your camping site clean and take your rubbish with you when you leave to protect and preserve the surrounding environment.

Camp fires Abide by fire restrictions and park rules if you plan to enjoy toasting a marshmallow by the camp fire. Ask park managers for information about restrictions.

For more handy tips and advice, visit www.caravan-camping.com.au.

Get paid to travel!
If you’re taking some time out but are worried about budget constraints, why not work your way around Australia? The Workabout Australia website features seasonal vacancies, hospitality and tourism vacancies and some great advice. Visit www.workaboutaustralia.com.au.