Have you ever..........?

Have you ever taken a $1 a day van hire? We did. Peter has always wanted to, so when we needed to get to Sydney for a cruise, we decided to try it. Peter has been on the mailing list from Imoova for years now, and now was a perfect time to try it. The van can only be booked last minute, so we were looking for a few weeks to get the timing right. We were about to book flights when we received a phone call about a 4 berth fully self contained motor home. So we booked it. We needed to be in Sydney by Monday, and this relocation was to be picked up after 9am in Brisbane and dropped off before 3pm in Sydney three days later. We knew it was doable as we have travelled the Bris-Syd, Syd-Bris many times. 

When we arrived at the pick up place, we got a smaller van (still 4 birth) than we were told, but it was ok, although the step up to the bed was hard to get up and more difficult to get out. I used one of our suitcases to climb in and out of bed. The van had everything we needed - a bed and a toilet! TV was a welcome bonus and the two lounges that convert to another bed were comfortable.

Our first stop was Grafton Hotel Motel 5, where we have stayed before. They provide free self contained camping if you have a drink or meal in the hotel. We met up with family and had a lovely dinner there. Next day was a log drive to Tea Gardens Country Club, where we have also stayed before. The Club provided 4 spaces for members with self contained vans. We had another lovely meal and trivia night. The third day we drove through rain into Sydney. We did drive pass some "BIG" things: a big dog at Glenreagh near Coffs Harbour;

and a big Oyster at Taree.

For relocating one of the vans, one pays $100 holding bond and from that is deducted $25 booking fee, and $1 a day hire. They also refund $100 for fuel upon receiving receipts. The biggest 'annoyance' was the $1000 security bond which is only accepted by Visa or Mastercard credit cards. This is refunded some weeks later, however, one must pay the 2% credit charge.

Would we do it again - maybe. It was ok and was a cheap way to get to Sydney, however the amount of days - or lack of - leads to a rushed drive and long days. Certainly not relaxing.

POST SCRIPT - almost two months after relocating in the motor home, we were charged an extra $55 fee for using the toll roads. We had paid all tolls using our own account, which we organised before we even left the motor home car park, yet we were charged an extra $55. Still cheaper than flying, but I don't think we will do it again. Really not worth it in the long run.