Editing Melbourne (section)

=== '''Camping, Animals and Wildlife''' ===

'''ALWAYS GO INTO THE BUSH PREPARED & TELL FRIENDS/ FAMILY WHERE YOU'RE GOING!<br />In March 2011, Melbourne CouchSurfer [http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2011/03/21/33155_editorial.html Rachel Funari] was declared missing presumed dead, bush-walking in Tasmania. It is understood she had intended only to go for an evening walk, leaving her walking gear in a backpacker's - we have now learned she fell from a cliff. Exhaustion, exposure, dehydration and disorientation are the real dangers anywhere in Australian wilderness. This section is dedicated to Rachel's memory.'''

Camping is a great way to experience nature and save on accommodation, some areas are assessable by public transport. Victoria has a range of natural landscapes, from high country wilderness to the desert outback of the west as well as lakes, beaches and rivers across the state. There can be grassed tent sites, camp kitchens and barbecues, toilet and shower amenities, laundry services and electricity or just grassed tent sites, so check first. The [http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne.php?id=10897 Only Melbourne] site lists profiles of Melbourne caravan parks. And [http://www.coastalcampingvictoria.com.au/ Coastal Camping Victoria] lists those camping/ caravan sites around Victoria.

Bush camping - many state parks and reserves provide camping areas for public use. Car-based (non-4x4) camping is often a good option, while some sites can only be reached on foot. 

Permits and bookings campgrounds are busy during peak holiday times. Most parks charge a fee for camping and some of the more popular parks require bookings well in advance. Some parks require campers to obtain camping permits, which can be purchased from Park Visitor Centres or at the campground you are intending to camp in. Restrictions also sometimes apply to camping in public areas such as roadside rest areas and foreshore reserves. Check with local authorities before camping overnight on public land that is not a designated camping area.

Couch Surfers have found the follow books useful [http://www.racv.com.au/shop/SelectProd.do?prodId=127 Camps Australia Wide] and [http://www.racv.com.au/shop/SelectProd.do?prodId=337 Explore Budget Camps] and have recommended reading [http://www.visitvictoria.com/displayobject.cfm/objectid.00088ACF-1F92-1CF3-850D80C476A903D1/ General Safety Advice]. 

Victoria has many unique and interesting animals that live in our delicate environment. Tread lightly when you travel Australia, don't leave your rubbish behind, don't touch wild animals or try to feed them and be very very careful when using fire in the bush. Lastly, no matter how inviting never dive or even duck-dive in water. It will be muddy and the eucalyptus trees naturally drop their branches throughout the year. Many end up in rivers and wherever broken form sharp points that can impale, cut or blind. Unless they are very sure, locals will enter the water slowly and move feet first! Take the hint.

    * Australian animals      http://www.australianfauna.com/
    * Australian birds        http://birdsinbackyards.net/finder/birdlist.cfm
    * Australian marine life  http://marinebio.org/Oceans/Creatures.asp

Contrary to popular belief dangerous Australian animals will not be waiting to get you at the airport, in your bed, in the dunny or lying in wait in other places thought up by your own paranoia Most Australian animals are happy to be left alone and you will find unless you are forcing your finger in an animal's face they are happy to stay out of your way. The eastern Brown Snake is one of the most common snakes in Victoria and one of the most deadly in the world. During early summer mornings they can be seen sunning themselves on Melbourne's bike paths. However, as wikipedia notes about the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_brown_snake Eastern Brown Snake]: 

''The Eastern Brown snake is diurnal (meaning it is active during the day). When highly agitated, they hold their necks high, appearing in an upright S-shape. Despite their fearsome reputation, brown snakes are reluctant to bite and react only to movement; standing still when in close proximity to one will result in it ignoring you. They are attracted to rural and farming areas, probably due to the large numbers of associated rodents. Such areas also normally provide shelter in the form of rubbish and other cover.''

Most snakes and spiders do their best to stay out of your way. If you come across a snake, you have probably caught it by surprise sunning itself on a rock or a bush-track. Back away immediately until you are out of sight of the snake. If you live in a dirty house with rubbish and have a rat / mice problem you will probably attract snakes too. So cleaning rosters have their uses. That said, you will find insects, especially the mosquitos & flies to be the #1 irritation. Go figure.

    * All about Australian Spiders http://australianmuseum.net.au/Spiders
    * Check out Australian Insects http://australianmuseum.net.au/Insects
    * Check out Australian Snakes  http://australianmuseum.net.au/Reptiles