Situations to avoid when caravanning through Gippsland

When towing, whether it be a trailer or caravan, safety chains perform a vital role in the off chance the coupling is separated from the tow ball.

Safety chains for towing must meet Australian Standard 4177, which certifies it to tow a maximum load of 3500 kilograms.

Here are some scenarios involving worst case scenarios with safety chains and their misuse.

Scenario 1

Dustin and Pam are about to set off on their long awaited holiday to East Gippsland. As they are leaving town, An animal runs in front of the car causing Dustin to brake suddenly. This causes the car and caravan to jack-knife with the caravans coupling to come off the tow ball. Luckily Dustin had his safety chains connected before leaving and while there is minimal damage to the caravan, Dustin realises how dangerous is could have been as the caravan would have veered into the oncoming traffic.

Scenario 2

Dustin and Pam are caravaning through Gippsland to attend a local country music festival. The police pull them over because they have failed to secure the safety chains. While the police said they could issue a fine they allowed Dustin to secure his safety chains and wave him on with a warning.

Scenario 3

Dustin and Pam hit a large bump on the way to Lakes Entrance. Dustin forgot to attach the safety chains at his last stop, and the coupling has bounced of the tow ball causing the caravan to come off and smash into 3 cars behind him. Luckily no one is hurt, but Dustin realises the seriousness of implications he caused.

Activities - East Gippsland Lakes

East Gippsland Lakes is a body of water that spans 400 square Km. There are many activities to do around the area limited only by your own imagination.

The great thing about East Gippsland is the relaxed atmosphere. There are plenty of adventurous activities that can be done, but if that's not your scene then you can always kick back and read a book and soak in the sun.

Jet Skiing

Jet Skiing, boating and other water activities are popular on the lake around the Paynesville area. Please be aware of personal watercraft regulations and understand your responsibilities when operating jet ski's and other high powered crafts.

Fishing

The East Gippsland Lakes offers both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Bream being plentiful in the area around Metung and Paynesville. There is also good sized Flathead around Lakes Entrance and the Lake Tyers area.

Bushwalking

There are many national parks scattered around the Gippland Lakes with great walking tracks. Why not go for a leisurly bushwalk and take in the flora and fauna.

Camping

There are plenty of great potential camping locations around the Gippsland lakes for camping. Whether you are looking to spend some quality time with the family or a catch up with old friends, there is plenty of prime camping locations available to allow privacy and to camp right up to the lake.

Some facts on East Gippsland

Did you know that the East Gippsland area equates to around 14% of Victoria?

Did you know that the Gippsland lakes stretches over 400 square kilometres making it the largest in-land lake system in Australia?

East Gippsland has a population of over 80,000 people.

Bairnsdale is East Gippslands largest town with a population of just under 12,000 residents.

More than 17,000 square Km of East Gippsland is public land.

2,680 square Km of East Gippsland is national parks. The largest two being Snowy River National Park and Errinundra National Park.

East Gippsland was traditionally known in the past for it's thriving forestry industry, however today this industry only equates to less than 1 percent of employment in the region.