military Camping Overseas

OK, I'll try to get this one started. My husband and I are starting our retirement and fulltime RVing soon. Before we buy a rig here in the States, we want to travel to Europe, and then to Australia, to RV first for 6 or more months in each place. We plan on purchasing a used "Caravan" for our use and then resell when we leave. We have researched prices, commerical campgrounds, "petrol" and other considerations for both places. However, other than the "Military Campgrounds" book, we can't find any info or any military families that have attempted this or have camped while stationed in Euorpe. So, my question is.... Has anyone stayed in any military campgrounds outside of the US? Any info would be helpful. Such as... Can you buy fuel on the base where the campground is if you are not stationed there? Are reservations hard to get? Thanks for any input. Christine

Are you still looking for info on European camping?
Robert

Did you ever go to Australia? My husband and I want to RV in Australia and New Zealand, probably in early 2012 or 2013. We would like to swap RVs with someone there. Do you have any info or suggestions? Thanks,

Linda Garnett

dddlin wrote:

Did you ever go to Australia? My husband and I want to RV in Australia and New Zealand, probably in early 2012 or 2013. We would like to swap RVs with someone there. Do you have any info or suggestions? Thanks,

Linda Garnett

We RV'd in Australia for 30 days a few years ago. We rented a "camper van" (Sprinter) and greatly enjoyed our trip. Just not enough time! We were rushed just to see the SE corner (Melbourne, Sydney, and Tasmania).

You can read a little about our Australian RV adventure here:
Article on RV'ing in Australia
Our travel log for that month.
View our Photo Gallery of this trip.


I don't have any suggestions on a RV exchange, although a Google search will get results.

DDDlin, how long do you plan to spend in either Australia or New Zealand? We visited New Zealand several years ago for three weeks. Nine days on the South Island and eight on the North, which was not nearly enough for either island – we would liked to have spent several months on the South Island alone! We want to return, probably in three years. While there previously, we rented a class C type Maui camper- the only way to see NZ. When we return, we are seriously contemplating purchasing a camper on Maui’s “buy back” program, as we plan to remain in NZ a minimum of six months, possibly as long as ten. Daily rental for that period of time would be cost prohibitive. Maui will buy the unit back for 55% of the sale price, provided you comply with their conditions for buy back. Quite possibly, camper renters in Australia have similiar programs.

John

Thanks to both of you for the info. I'll look at Larry's info more thoroughly when I have a little more time. We planned to spend a month in New Zealand and up to three months in Australia. But we might have to re-think this after hearing from you both that it will take more time. Did you use Space-A to get there, or commercial air?