The myths versus the reality

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When most people look to get away for their holidays they opt for a car or a plane to get to their desired locations, instead of choosing an RV, and there are plenty of objective reasons for this. Some people simply like to unwind and get to a destination as soon as possible and thus opt for a plane, while others like to explore the sites along the way and thus travel with a car, but others are simply afraid of trying out RV travel because of myths that surround it.

 

Of course, the quality of RV (Recreational Vehicle, a self contained camper van) travel depends on the type of vehicle that you are driving. Models differ greatly, ranging from the always popular Winnebago Adventurer ($120,000-$180,000 new) to the ultra-luxurious Newell Coach ($1,700,000), but the myths are universal. Here the five most common RV myths – and why they are not true:

RV travel is more expensive than other types of holidays

The big upfront cost of buying or renting an RV can seem steep, but in reality it can be one of the more cost-effective ways to travel. What many people forget to consider is the hefty price of things such as airfare, car rental, accommodation and eating, which can result in a bigger sum than the cost of travelling with an RV. According to research by US travel consulting agency PKF, “typical RV family vacations are on average 27 to 61 per cent less expensive than other types of vacations studied."

RVs are difficult to drive and park

Many people fear that they will not be able to safely manoeuvre an RV, even though when you try it, there’s no reason to be overly worried. You actually get used to the size of the vehicle quite quickly and, if you only drive as fast as you feel comfortable with, there’s really no extra danger on the road. Here are a few tips to make your RV driving experience easier:

 

Always monitor your surroundings through windows and mirrors.

Know how many cars are following you, if you have anyone driving beside you, and what potential obstacles are ahead.

Decelerate slowly and steadily.

Cornering with a larger vehicle requires more turning radius so always watch the back of your vehicle.

Always plan your routes in advance, even in seemingly familiar areas – your RV might not be able to pass where your car can.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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RVs are gas guzzlers

Well, this one actually used to be at least somewhat true – a few decades ago RVs were often quite the gas-guzzlers, but luckily the newer models are actually quite fuel efficient. Of course, travel conditions vary greatly, but some models get terrific mileage; a 10-metre Winnebago Rialta reportedly uses 12.8 litres/100km and the 6-metre Roadtrek Sprinter uses around 14.1 litres/100km, compared with a relatively fuel efficient car, such as the Toyota Camry, which uses about 9.4 litres/100km. The lighter the RV, generally the more efficient it will be.

You need a special RV licence

Another common myth that has to be debunked: no, you do not need any additional driver’s licence besides the one you have for your car.

RVs can’t be as comfortable as a home

Many people see RV travel as a big step-down from what they are used to at home and are hesitant to live this way for extended periods on the road. Luckily, it couldn’t be further from the truth. You can cook any food you would at home in the RV’s kitchen, relax in the lounge area and find privacy for work just as easily as at home – nowadays it’s common to even have internet and satellite TV. Of course, the space is somewhat smaller, but everything is laid out in a way to make the difference minimal. In some of the most luxurious RVs, you can even find features such as home theatre systems, roof top hot tubs, in-room baths or even retractable sky decks, which might make living even more extravagant than in most ordinary homes.

 

By Jeremy Fenwick who writes for RV Pages, part of Intermedia Group. RV Pages is an online resource for the recreational vehicle industry.

 

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Discovering East Arnhem: Australia’s most unique and rewarding corner

    Joanne Millares Joanne Millares
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    Hard to reach and harder to forget, East Arnhem offers something rare in modern travel: the chance to slow down and experience Country on its own terms.

    The sky feels bigger in East Arnhem. It stretches wide and uninterrupted above rouged earth, stringybark woodland and beaches so empty they seem to belong to another era. The coastline curves for kilometres without a footprint and the horizon runs on forever.

    For comedian Lou Wall, the scale of the place was the first thing that hit them.

    “The sheer openness,” they say. “The sky feels infinite and the land stretches out endlessly. It’s pretty breathtaking visually.”

    But the physical landscape is only part of the story. The real reward isn’t only the scenery but the shift in perspective the journey brings. Visitors stop trying to tick off the destination and a real engagement takes over.

    “It made me never want to travel again,” Wall jokes. “In that I never wanted to leave East Arnhem.”

    Getting there

    Aerial shot of East Arnhem’s coastline as cars trace the curve of the shore.
    Sail along the remote coastline on an expedition cruise.

    Reaching East Arnhem is part of the adventure. Travellers typically fly into Gove Airport near Nhulunbuy via Darwin or Cairns, or arrive by expedition cruise along the remote coastline. Others make the journey overland along rutted dirt roads that cut through East Arnhem’s small pockets of monsoon forest.

    However you arrive, there’s a distinct feeling of crossing into somewhere different. Permits are required to visit the region, reflecting the fact that this is Yolŋu land where communities and traditional owners maintain deep cultural connections to Country.

    The extra planning becomes part of the experience. By the time visitors arrive, they understand they’re entering a place not just of respect, but also patience and curiosity.

    At one with nature

    East Arnhem’s  landscapes leave a strong imprint. For Wall, one place in particular still lingers in their memory: Ngalarrkpuy, also known as Lonely Beach, near Bawaka Homeland.

    “I genuinely felt like I was living inside an Instagram filter,” they say. “One of the most stunning feats of nature I’ve ever seen. The water was so clear I swear I could see even the fish smiling.”

    Across the region, natural experiences unfold at a slower pace. Fishing, beachcombing and island hopping reveal the rhythm of the coastline. The tides shape daily life and the vastness of the landscape makes even simple moments feel downright cinematic.

    For visitors with limited time, Wall says the Bawaka Homeland experience is unmissable.

    “I just left and I’m already planning when I can get back there.”

    The sense of remoteness is part of the appeal. In a country where many beaches are crowded and well-trodden, East Arnhem’s coastline still feels wonderfully wild.

    Immersing in local culture

    A visitor spends a meaningful moment alongside Yolŋu guides, gaining insight into their deep cultural knowledge and connection to the land.
    Experience authentic moments with the locals.

    Culture is woven through every experience in East Arnhem. Visitors have the opportunity to spend time on Country with Yolŋu guides and knowledge holders who share stories and traditions that have been passed down for generations.

    For Wall, one of the most powerful moments came during a conversation with a Yolŋu elder.

    “I got to meet a traditional elder, Mayalil, in Nhulunbuy,” they say. “Listening to her talk about her home made the land feel alive in ways I couldn’t have imagined.”

    The region is also home to internationally recognised Aboriginal art centres where artists shape works deeply connected to land and family knowledge.

    Music carries the same cultural energy. East Arnhem has produced globally recognised artists such as King Stingray and Baker Boy, blending Yolŋu language, storytelling and contemporary sound.

    Wall experienced this musical spirit first-hand.

    “A jam session around the fire was it for me,” they say. “Letting the deep joy and history of their music wash over me…  and meeting a few of the King Stingray musicians was unreal.”

    These moments of human connection often become the most memorable part of a visit.

    Spotting local wildlife

    An aerial view of the beach shows tiny figures lined up across the white sand, moving as if in a rhythmic dance.
    Step into a world where nature reigns.

    The wildlife of East Arnhem adds another layer to the experience. The region is home to an extraordinary range of animals, from waterbirds and turtles to dugongs, dolphins and the formidable saltwater crocodile.

    Wall admits they didn’t actually spot a croc during their visit.

    “Devastatingly, I didn’t see one,” they laugh. “But with all the stories from the locals I definitely gained a healthy respect for caution.”

    Some of the most memorable wildlife encounters can be surprisingly small., At Banubanu Beach Retreat on Bremer Island, Wall remembers walking along the beach one morning and watching it come alive.

    “As you walk through the sand you see hundreds of crabs scurrying into their holes as you pass by,” they say. “Such a small thing, but it was completely magical.”

    Moments like this reveal the quieter rhythms of East Arnhem, where even the smallest creatures seem to play a part in the landscape.

    Visitors who make the journey soon learn the most important travel tip of all.

    “Go in open-minded with a sense of curiosity,” Wall says. “Be prepared to ditch your plans. The land and the locals will guide you on an adventure no spreadsheets could ever compete with.”

    And most importantly, they add, don’t rush.

    “The land and people deserve your time and attention. You’ll be all the better for slowing down.”

    For more information on visiting East Arnhem, head to eastarnhem.com.au.