Fulltime Vanlife on the NSW Central Coast, Australia

I've stopped working, moved out of my house and started living full time in my self converted Ford Transit campervan. I pass my days mountain biking, bush walking and generally exploring the beautiful natural attractions that Australia has to offer.
I spent the night in Norah Head, so went down to the lighthouse in the morning for a walk around the rocks. Ended up joining a tour of Norah Head Lighthouse, which was well worth the $10.
In the afternoon, I headed out to Ourimbah Mountain bike park and did a few runs down the hill. Finished off by going a little deeper into the Ourimbah State Forest to find a nice quiet camping spot. Surrounded by Bell birds and Lyre birds, very nice!
Keep an ear open for some of my vanlifer tips, recommendations and general experiences throughout the video.
Chapters:
0:00 Wake up
2:07 Jenny Dixon Beach
2:54 Free camping discussion
5:49 New shower screen
7:37 Lighthouse reserve
9:09 Waves on the rocks
11:17 Lighthouse tour
13:17 Lunch stop
14:52 Ourimbah MTB Park
18:36 Finding somewhere to sleep
21:13 Dinnertime
22:16 Van electrical discussion
23:29 Peaceful sunset dinner
24:00 Bedtime
Fulltime Vanlife vlog

Пікірлер: 53

  • @Deemay5555
    @Deemay5555Ай бұрын

    I'm really enjoying these videos, theres not many aussie van lifers on youtube so you're videos are much appreciated.

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you! It really motivates me to do more 😊

  • @ianm5249
    @ianm5249Ай бұрын

    Thanks for another video. I'm really enjoying sharing travels. Keep them coming.

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you. Really appreciate the support!😊

  • @mistymint7983
    @mistymint7983Ай бұрын

    Thanks for showing us around, bike ride lyre bird nice full day, the small blow hole was a nice find 🌿

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    Ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it! Another pretty full day 😁

  • @letsgo2510
    @letsgo2510Ай бұрын

    Just love this style of van life, realistic..........looking forward to more Will you be heading north for the winter....Cheers

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    Ай бұрын

    Thanks! Really happy you like them and plenty more to come 😁

  • @nicolepalachicky8033
    @nicolepalachicky8033Ай бұрын

    Usually locked at night by security patrols. We have to attempt to find the owners of the car before we lock up. Due to alarm etc, we don't always get there on time. As long as you're hidden in your van for an hour or so after lock up time, You'll be good to stay. However, some require a patrol call during the night as well.

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    Ай бұрын

    Good to know, but I don't think I would try it. I can imagine it will cause grief for the people locking up and don't want to do that. ☺️

  • @fatmanoverlanding
    @fatmanoverlandingАй бұрын

    It's been over 5 years since I've been to that MTB park near the treetop adventure park. And the park where you had lunch - Woodbury Inn Park - I sometimes take my dogs there for a walk. Thanks for taking us along your trip. 👍 When you're back in the area, try camping the Pines Campground (not the picnic area) - weekdays is best. It's great site and a good base to do some MTB exploring rides.

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    Ай бұрын

    Nice, thanks mate. I'll certainly have a look at that campsite.

  • @xGR1MREAPERx
    @xGR1MREAPERx27 күн бұрын

    youre a legend, im considering this life and your videos help

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    27 күн бұрын

    Thank you. My advice.....just do it! 😁

  • @jcqrdw
    @jcqrdwАй бұрын

    Love your shower! 👍. and the diesel heater in your earlier video, it does get a bit chilly sleeping in a vehicle, or hot 🤣. I set up my compact suv a few years back to take a bed and a 12v fridge and been going on a few road trips ever since. Some of your comments in your trip really resonates, like sleeping and motorbikes starts riding pass 🤣. I had a few times someone testing the door to see of its unlock, no longer scary but annoying. 😠

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    Ай бұрын

    Thanks, yeah I get a bit sweaty while riding so a shower is essential for me. Works well too. Wouldn't be without the heater either and at $100 off eBay, money well spent! It's great that you also have a vehicle to get away in, it's the best way to spend your spare time 😊

  • @MegaSusanc
    @MegaSusancАй бұрын

    I enjoyed watching 👀 this video, it was great. You Sir are pretty awesome. Wow, the way you road that bike was astonishing. Just wow. Thank you for bringing us along with you on your adventures. Those views were gorgeous. Thank you for sharing. You're pretty Awesome. KEEP ADVENTURING GOD BLESS YOU!

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you very much! 😊 Keep an eye out for the next few videos. I've been to some spectacular places over the last few days.😁

  • @alexandramary3118
    @alexandramary3118Ай бұрын

    Hi Jason, the photography was good. That mountain bike trail was pretty exciting. I have a question: will you be lining the roof of the van to cover the insulation? I am asking because you have done such a lovely job of fitting out the rest of the van. Alexandra.

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    Ай бұрын

    Thanks Alexandra. Yes, the ceiling is awful! I'm gradually working through finishing off the van but that part will take a lot of time to get done and I prefer to be out exploring rather than doing work on the van 😁

  • @mrwolf9913
    @mrwolf9913Ай бұрын

    You earned a new sub! I know you will be famous if you keep doing thoose videos :)

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you very much! It's great to know people like them 😊

  • @mrwolf9913

    @mrwolf9913

    Ай бұрын

    @@MakingStuffGoingPlaces yeah😃

  • @raquelszann8253
    @raquelszann8253Ай бұрын

    i often car camp at Norah Head its a lovely spot

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    Ай бұрын

    Yeah, I really like it there. Love that little beach too.

  • @RVescapePod
    @RVescapePod8 күн бұрын

    A minor point. Yes the NSW state law its legal to sleep in a vehicle if your legally parked. BUT you can be legally parked in NSW and it can still be illegal to sleep in your vehicle ! Unfortunately each local council can and do makeup local by laws that prohibit sleeping in a vehicle "anywhere" within the local council area, in addition to the normal sings you see at parking lots etc saying no camping / sleeping in vehicles. When we first started using the van we went great 👏 and then you slowly realise more and more councils have by laws, no sleeping in vehicles. It can be hard to find out if a council has "no vehicle" sleeping by laws. Luckily Central Coast I don't believe has any, and as you say, as long as you act respectfully and don't throw out all your chairs, tables and set up camp, generally its fine. Just got back from the Sunshine Coast where in QLD state wide, its illegal to sleep in a vehicle even if legally parked. Just chose sleeping areas away from the main beach front streets and was gone from sleeping areas early so your not annoying locals, and move to public beach parking, or public parking areas during the day.

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    8 күн бұрын

    Totally agree. In Victoria, I've had a ranger come and inform me I need to be gone by the end of the day as the City of Port Phillip doesn't allow sleeping in vehicles. Similar on the Surf Coast....sign says "Welcome to Torquay" followed by "no sleeping in vehicles"....though I haven't had any issues there, just quietly. Same practice as you mentioned for Qld.... stay away from the beaches and get up early. Good to hear your experience with Sunshine coast. Very keen to go there!

  • @nataliebrookes
    @nataliebrookesАй бұрын

    Got to be made of Milo!🤪

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    Ай бұрын

    One of my essentials 😂

  • @michaelmedicworldoftanks33fps
    @michaelmedicworldoftanks33fps8 сағат бұрын

    300A of power better than Chernobil power station 😁

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    5 сағат бұрын

    😂 and no radiation.....so far. Seems to be enough for my needs.

  • @night-heron954
    @night-heron954Ай бұрын

    You are a good bike rider.

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    Ай бұрын

    😁 thanks. I'm not all that good, but trying to improve the best I can. The way some people ride is like they're from a different planet 😂

  • @Chris-be1fo
    @Chris-be1foАй бұрын

    I no longer park overnight within a half hour drive of a population centre. Even a small one like a township. Since I took this precaution, I’ve never had yahoo’s turn up in the middle of the night with their antics.

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    Ай бұрын

    Yeah, I think that's a good strategy!

  • @unicorntravellers5103
    @unicorntravellers510315 күн бұрын

    Would you mind tellling me what the toastie maker is that you have? Would love to know how much power it draws

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    15 күн бұрын

    Nothing special...just a $20 unit from Target, had for 10 years 😂 It's 1000W.

  • @ValueCarsAU
    @ValueCarsAUАй бұрын

    Great video mate, but I have to say it's painful to watch with the fisheye effect on (try dewarp setting on your action cam) and sound during the kitchen talk was really horrible. Saying it as I want to watch more of your videos and follow your journey but even as a rather unrefined viewer, I've struggled.

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    Ай бұрын

    Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated. I've stopped putting my camera in that particular spot, so I think the sound will be better coming up. Agree with the wide camera angle. I try not to use it too much but sometimes need it to get the whole picture....then forget to switch it off 🙄

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    Ай бұрын

    Just watching this video on a big screen.....yeah....I was moving around too much with the camera set to wide angle. Nearly made me throw up too 😂

  • @scottmchale6200
    @scottmchale6200Ай бұрын

    I think you can park at the lighthouse car park as I go fishing 🎣 at the next beach over and leave my 4x4 there I just put sign saying gone fishing back at 7:00am peace ☮️

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    Ай бұрын

    It's often ok to park there overnight, but people get funny if they think your sleeping inside. There's a few other spots close to that area so it's not too bad there 😁

  • @christopherrussell1677
    @christopherrussell1677Ай бұрын

    Bright blue van ! Not trying to be obvious ? 🤔

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    Ай бұрын

    😂 but I just love the colour! You'd be surprised how it disappears in the dark.

  • @christopherrussell1677

    @christopherrussell1677

    Ай бұрын

    @@MakingStuffGoingPlaces ✅

  • @jimw7916
    @jimw7916Ай бұрын

    Why do you have so much fear?

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    Ай бұрын

    Just the way I'm programmed really. I find people unpredictable and don't want the inconvenience of having to resolve what problems they cause for me.

  • @jimw7916

    @jimw7916

    Ай бұрын

    @@MakingStuffGoingPlaces we all need to find a way of "de-programming". Surely you realize that the powers that be have "programmed" us all with , lets say ....... bad software? The FIRST step towards happiness is to stop fearing. I promise you sir.

  • @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    @MakingStuffGoingPlaces

    Ай бұрын

    @jimw7916 agree. I've recently conquered the fear of being alone and am a lot better off for it 😁

  • @jimw7916

    @jimw7916

    Ай бұрын

    @@MakingStuffGoingPlaces good on ya ...I hope you continue to improve and therefore become happier. SUBSCRIBED!

  • @robertnelson2784

    @robertnelson2784

    13 сағат бұрын

    I'm enjoying your content but may I ask if it's not to rude but are you retired .