Had our first trip away as a family to a DPI site in the Otways. Must say it was interesting, DH is still a sod to pack with, but we had most of the gear that we needed to do basic camping.

I am completely confused about what people camp for. I thought it was about getting away from it all, getting some peace and quiet, moving at a slower space. Being with nature, blah, blah. Well the site we went to was full people with a tonne of noisy gadgets. Mini bikes, dirt bikes all hooning around the site. Loud boom boxes. One site even had massive speakers with flashing lights Please, please, please tell me that we were just unlucky and came across a camp site of tools and that most camp sites are peaceful. Otherwise if they are all like this, then I am going to veto camping all together!

Oh and Tinks, DH downloaded that app last night
We had one weekend with mum and dad that was a little like that - really it was only one man who was a pain, but he kept engaging the backpackers into drinking games and guitar playing all night long, then he was going to leave in the morning, but had drained his battery by playing the radio half the night - so then he stayed another night! That was just outside Lorne - a free site and it was over the holidays. Mum and Dad who have now been away four months and stayed at mainly free or very cheap sites often have them all to themselves.

The kids and I went up to near Echuca at around Australia day with mum and dad, and we stayed at a site in Barmah State Park - (thanks for the info Lenny - we also went and investigated the area you mentioned but mum and dad determined was just a little too far from Echuca and also were worried about how close we would be to the river for DS (I am not sure would have been a problem)). It was lovely. We went up to picnic point near Mathoura for the day, and had a lovely time floating down the Murray on pool noodles. I would definitely go to the are again.

Mum and Dad are back after Easter and will be leaving the camper trailer and the car with us till late June. Dad is worried about it being in our garage though, as there is no power socket in there and it is best not to leave the battery in the trailer with no power source. If was parked outside would get enough juice from the solar panel, so we may have to ask a neighbor (if can put the portable panel on his balcony) - am sure we will work something out.

Still not sure if I will use the trailer while they are away - I am a scared of reversing it, and May, June are not the most favorable months for a short weekend break around Melbourne - but we shall see.