Melbourne Living in a Van | Stealth City Van Life Australia | Van Life Parking Tips
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- Melbourne Living in a Van
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I've toured North America out of a Mazda 3, spent 2 years exploring the United Kingdom out of a broken down Citroen Berlingo, lived out of a Volkswagen Transporter in Australia during the 2020 lockdown, and the year after renovated my dream van a Ford Econoline named Moe.
Now I'm back in Australia inside Tony the Transporter sharing with you how I've been able to live in the same Melbourne neighbourhood for months without anyone noticing.
Enjoy!
Every Wednesday, I release a video update in the life of this comedy cowboy, so you can get a glimpse into what people are calling 'living the dream.' Laced with an original score by Andrew Watson, grab a front seat beside this pavement pounding comic that never leaves the road.
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Stealth Van life Australia | Stealth City Van Life Melbourne | Van Life Parking Tips
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In the state of Victoria sleeping in your car is not illegal. Some municipalities, have - 4 I think - have classed it as illegal. Chances are you're in a part where it's perfectly legal.
If you travel to Queensland it's illegal everywhere ... that'll be more fun 😊
Thanks for all that insider info Michelle!
Much appreciated:)
I avoid Queensland by all costs lol, seems to me everyone wats to fight u up that way - Im guessing most come from colonial convict stock
@@davechristian7543 that's GOLD 🤣😂🤣😂🤣
@@davechristian7543 I love the rivalries between the states in this country, some real sibling rivalry. I was up that way back in June and they were talking trash about Vic and NSW;)
@@davechristian7543 yes I'm a Queenslander, previously from NSW. Can confirm, people are hostile. I get a bit uneasy with vehicles just hanging around but if I figure out the person is camping, I'm ok with that. We do have a rental crisis here so it's a bit rich they don't allow car/van camping. I suppose they expect you to spend $40-60/night for a holiday park site which are now all booked out most of the time. Qld is a beautiful state but in many ways it's the worst
Dude that is in Brunswick in Melbourne, the locals are preoccupied with accidentally miss gendering possums.
😂 They we’re all kind to me, but I didn’t get too close to any possums;)
Honestly think Melbourne is one of the easiest places in the world to do Vanlife. Brunswick/Carlton/Richmond seem to have a lot more parking restrictions than south of the Yarra. How often do you rotate your parking spots?
I was there 4 nights a week for about 6 months. It was a beautiful area! I really felt like I was part of the community.
I’ve moved on since, but as I have a mate in the neighborhood every time I return for a night or so it feels like home.
Any other favorite Victoria spots I should check out Jack?
Great video, not paranoid. Respectful and aware. Good job mate
Thanks for that Richard:) Means a lot!
The sprinter we have is ok for stealth street parking but I plan on doing up a Luton next. More space inside and I’ll have a door from the cab to the back so lights on will be no problem. Also a hi-viz vest or two in the cab for further camo ! 💚
Hi-viz sitting on the dash, that’s brilliant Emma! Thanks for sharing:)
Good on ya Matt, I moved out of my van 2 months ago after 8 months of stealth camping in the city of Melbourne so I can relate with most of the things you mentioned haha. Keep it up mate 🤙🏼
That’s awesome! Another Melbourne vanlifer!What kind of van and whereabouts were you parked?
Jesse Pinkman, we need to cook!
😂 You get the supplies, I’ve already got the van;)
Matt, com’on you know it’s pronounced Melbin
😂 Dusty… now I do.
I live in this neighbourhood - it's more that just no one cares.
Whatever the reason, it’s a stellar neighborhood. Thanks for having us:)
The saying now is “if there’s no ladder on the roof there’s someone sleeping in it.” We all know hats going on. I agree with the other comment; it’s not illegal and if you’re respecting the neighbourhood people probably don’t care.
Guess I gotta get me a ladder then;)
If you use rubber backed curtains, and two fold them and stitch them, NO LIGHT will get through. You have to make them a couple of cm larger than the window to overlap the edges.
Am looking at fitting an SUV for curtains and will definitely use these tips. Thanks for that:)
You're very welcome. Nice to see the stealth is strong with you.
@@marcusm663 😂 Thanks yoda;)
Another great tip that has worked for me is to buy 12mm rare earth magnets from Bunnings (about $10 for 6 of them) to hold the blockout material in place around the windows. It works heaps better than velcro or anything else because you can move the magnets around and then do few perimeter walk arounds to ensure there's no light visible from the outside.
@@thunzie I hear ya, you can also get the magnets in a strip.
It looks like you may be living in a street of commission housing. (Government funded housing). Without wanting to be negative , those streets tend to tolerate quite a lot of … ahem, let’s just call it - anti-social behaviour. This means that compared to what else may be going on there you are probably causing the least concern to authorities.
@@erstwhile6163 I don’t believe that’s the case as one of my best friends lives there and he has quite the success online security business. Maybe some of the other flats are but I doubt it. Short of all the scaffolding, and that one time a rogue truck came crashing through the streets hitting his car, it’s a pretty nice neighborhood.
Thanks for watching:)
I just got a van myself (I'm a few hours out of Melbourne). I'm so keen for sleeping in it, the first thing I did when I got it was shove a Queen size mattress in the back! I left one back seat in the van so I can sit up straight with a good sized table top as a fold down shelf over the seat
@@brendanhoffmann8402 Congrats on the new wheel estate buddy! Thanks for sharing and enjoy the journey.
Hi I live in Melbourne Australia your secret is safe with me I’ll tell no one I’ll take it to the grave LOL
I knew I could trust you;) Thanks Heather:)
I do the same thing when I'm in the back seat of my car. I have a curtain and peek and then quickly make my move to grab what I need from the front lol. 😂🚘
You're the second fellow vehicle dweller to comment that. So fun to hear that I'm not a complete creeper:)
Thanks for sharing that Undercover Adventurist!
@@MattWatsonComedy yes I feel like in watching because I'm about to commit a crime 😂😂😂 the reality is I just want my water bottle I left in the front seat. So funny lol.
@@undercoveradventurist that’s exactly how I feel! Imagine having to do time on a account of just needing your water bottle?!
I don’t know the the hierarchy works in there but I reckon that would put you near the bottom.
@@MattWatsonComedy 😂😂😂
@@undercoveradventurist 👏 😂
Cool video. I stealth camped in a sprinter all over SA for a little while.
It looked much more like a trade vehicle than a camper cause I had some fake signs on the side and no obvious signs of camping.
I’d find good places where I felt secure and stay there a while - never had any troubles with anyone.
I always felt much more comfy is a quiet suburban back street than anywhere else.
While the sprinter had a shower I’d almost never use it - it wasn’t great, so I had a 24/7 gym chain membership and would just look up where they were compared to my travel plans and pop in late at night for a great hot shower.
Cool video!
Glad you liked it Sean! Thanks for sharing your experience:)
I’ve build a home in a bigger cargo van with a sink and counter for food prep but l still found myself doing my cooking and dishes outside. At this point I feel like all I really need is a vehicle with a bed.
Thanks for checking it out!
Could sign up to a 24hr gym and just use their toilets and shower.
Had a job at the Hilton at this time and got paid to shower;) Great tip though!
Thanks for watching!
Instead of curtains I’d try and rig up some fitted cardboard cutouts. Might help with the light.
Thanks for the tip Hayley:)
I love it , thanks for showing Ur sweet little home ❤
So glad you liked it:)
Didn’t realize it then but this is hands down the best free city stealth parking I’ve ever found. Beautiful part of the world.
Thanks for checking it out!
This is great Matt! I never actually knew this is how you do it!
It’s pretty sneaky;) Glad you liked it!
he looks like eh hasnt slept in weeks
😂 that’s my look
Why sit in the dark? Just get some blackout curtains. How are you going to stealth camp without blocking the light coming from your van. Spend the few extra dollars and do it properly. Sitting in the damn dark. Makes no sense. Take $50 and get the proper curtains. Or tint the windows.
Black out curtains are a great suggestion Joe! Thanks for that, will look into it:)
Use reflectix - you can cut it to the exact size of your windows and then just press it to the window and it stays in place. It’s block out plus sun reflecting.
#2 use doggie bags.
Love that:)
Thanks for the tip!
The "predator monster... not Jeffery dahmer"... had me laughing !
You're the best !
Thanks Connie:) Did you watch the Netflix series by the way?! So dang creepy, yet I was beyond intrigued.
@@MattWatsonComedy saw some documentary somewhere. The one thing I will never forget is the young teen that got away and the police gave him back.
I personally know a guy (Kevin Artz) who murdered his wife , took pieces of her flesh to the pizza shop he owned and used them as toppings.
There is no shortage of sickos
@@noglenogle Yeah the fact that he could have been stopped a few victims earlier had the cops done their due deligence with the child that they were called about is certainly heartbreaking.
My jaw has dropped with what you just told me. For whatever reason when I hear of these true stories there's still a part of me that still can't fathom it, I would imagine when the event is on a personal basis there's no ignoring the horror.
@@MattWatsonComedy great vid, i live in QLD, im thinking of buying a Van like yours and living in it, when you live in a van full time, and you have bills what address do you put down? when your licence needs to be renewed and your rego needs to be paid what address do you give? just the PARK? lol or do you give your old address? do you have a PO box where your bills are sent too?
can you have a laptop computer and a plug for it in a van like yours or a plug to recharge your phone? cheers
@@petejames1326 Greeting James! I’m quite lucky in Australia as I put my girlfriend’s address down for all rego and all bill related info. This particular van does have a “leisure battery” (second battery) under the bed that charges off the van’s alternator whilst I drive. When parked I do use it to charge my laptop and cellphone. If you want an easier and less permanent solution you could get a portable power station that you can charge either by power point or via solar to power all your gear. Safe travels!
Are you not allowed to live in your vehicle in Australia?
Last I checked it depends on the State. Where I was here in Melbourne Victoria it wasn’t illegal. Hope that helps.
Thanks for watching:)
@@MattWatsonComedy oh that’s good to hear. I’ve heard just stories of people getting their vehicles taken in Brisbane and Sydney and find that sad. Wishing you well on your journey man.
@@ClassicGaualofa My ex use to say that to me too. It’s never happened to me, but I would take that advice as an opportunity to be extra careful. Right back at ya!
LOOOOOL the predator quote, had to make it clear.
😂 Glad you see the humour in it:)
Thanks for checking out my home!
There are some very small minds that absolutely will care and some will see you as a criminal simply because your home has wheels instead of a foundation. In my experience the ignorance of ignorant people has been my bliss. I decided to go all in on "vanlife" from the beginning so I got something big enough to have ALL the comforts of a regular home and it is completely stealth which is an absolutely underrated feature for above mentioned reasons.
Now that’s the right way to live!
Thanks for sharing:)
Love it! But why don’t you just go to the other side of the park? All day parking (unless that’s changed), semi-industrial, perfectly legitimate place to be parking & no need to be in anyone’s business. I’d be very surprised if the people in those houses aren’t aware of you, even if they aren’t doing anything about it. Anyhoo, good on you.
Exactly .I would not be parking directly outside houses.
You're probably right, lucky it's legal in this state. Someone did say "good morning" to me as I was getting ready next to the van in what I felt like a bit of a tone, but it was 6am. If that's all they're gonna say, I'll take it:)
@@MattWatsonComedy Mind you, & I’m loathe to criticise cos I like /need to do it too sometimes, but I do think loitering around in one place, especially one as claustrophobic as that, is kinda overstaying your welcome. And even more so when your van’s so perfect for the next road over - nice ambiguity as to whether you’re attached to the residential or industrial (and you wouldn’t need to hide like an escapee!). Bear in mind, those people pay plenty of money to live there & it’s hardly affluent, & parking’s at a premium. I reckon I’d be pretty miffed if my visitors couldn’t get a park cos some freeloader’s moved in. Unless of course you’re contributing to the community somehow…. Just my 2 cents, I’m still all for it, just not so much there.
@@s-c.. I see where you’re coming from. Loving feeling like I’m beating the system, hate feeling like I’m a free loader.
It’s weird because no matter where I park I’m in the same bed, but for whatever reason that particular pavement feels likes home.
It’s probably partly due to one of my best friends living in one of those houses making it feel like we’re ‘neighbors’ as he’s the one that was encouraging me to come here in the first place.
I do my best to lend a hand around the neighborhood when I see it’s needed, but I mostly keep to myself. In the weeks to come I plan on doing a video for the neighborhood as a thank you for letting me be a part of it for so long:)
You mentioned freeloading, which I have trouble with. You are working, and I assume you are paying income tax on earned income. I assume you are using the library, which would be from local property taxes. If being morally pure is a thing for you, perhaps volunteer at the library or make a donation of some kind. I wouldn't think of this as freeloading, with the minor exception of the library. I make the assumption that you shower at a local gym, so that is something you are paying for the use of. It really just comes down to making sure you are being a good neighbour, aren't a nuisance, and not denying a resident or guest of a resident a place to park. But perhaps mix it up a bit and spread it around. Any vehicle in the same spot for a long time without ever moving tends to become suspicious to police - e.g. is the owner still alive, was he the victim of a crime? Was this vehicle used in some illegal? All of a sudden, your vehicle starts getting queried by police, along with your name an awful lot, which then starts raising questions in their minds. If their good police, they'll eventually question you, and if you answer honestly and they'll put it to bed. Probably they'll ask you to move along, especially since it's Australia, and the police there are notoriously nitpicky. US police won't always be so kind.
We're pretty laid back too as youve found out.
Honestly, since releasing this video I’ve “van lifed” in a lot of cities and I have yet to find a more kind, welcoming and respectful neighborhood. Hope that this never changes (likely due to my kind;) because I look back on those parking spots with nothing but fond memories. Thanks for having us nomadic folk:)
Hi I have black tinted windows in my van. During the day you can see out but not in. With a screen protector across the front window inside nobody sees in.
At night I use black out material with magnets on the windows.
It is obviously a camper van but not obvious someone is in it.
I also have a Rebault Master with a nature's head toilet. Best thing out for night time call of nature.
You sound like an experienced van lifer:)
I’ve created some black out curtains in for my Kia Niro which attaches by magnets and agree that system works alright. Although as it’s a soft build, and can be converted back into a full vehicle, the curtains don’t hang so it can be a bit of a chore putting them on at night, but definitely worth it for the privacy.
Jealous of your toilet! I’m still a Gatorade bottle for numbers ones and a ‘hold it’ for number 2s. Thanks for the suggestions!
Do People actually Care if you're in the back of your van when they walk past. You might be staying with the people in the house that you're parked outside the front of. They should mind there own business
@@itsjustweard2328 I do agree, but it probably depends on the individuals. It is a shared space so I try to keep to myself as much as possible in case I’m parked near people who it would annoy.
How do you shower ?...what about post ? ...what address do you use to receive post ??...How do you make money ?...I wish you the best of luck , I have been dreaming of living like that but no brave enough to do it .
Thanks for the questions Marshal.
I did create a video "crash course" on how to set up van life in a new city right here that you may enjoy: th-cam.com/video/HenIPX_-8AM/w-d-xo.html
For showering in this particular time of my life, I was serving breakfast at the Hilton Hotel so I'd show up early before my shift and shower there.
I did have deliveries sent there as well, but I was lucky enough to have a girlfriend at the time and used her address for most things.
Back then I was making money from the hotel, doing stand up comedy, this youtube channel, and my patreon page.
If this is your dream you should at least give it a shot. You don't need to 'convert' a vehicle permanently, in fact I turned a rental into a camper to van life all over the UK back in September, so it's very possible. That video is right here:
th-cam.com/video/XK3mGNSnD6Q/w-d-xo.html
Hopefully you find this helpful and best of luck in your travels.
I do exatly wat u do when in my van like peep out the window n check first n then go to the front part or open the door lol, im in Sydney nsw in my lil star wagon 'just not full time but most time - A little colder down that way tho, anyway stay safe bro n good to see theres more ppl doing it heir in Australia.
That’s awesome Dave!
Makes me feel way more ‘normal’ that someone else out there camps the way I do!
Have the neighbors given you any trouble? Or have you also proven that stealth vanlife is actually a thing?
@@MattWatsonComedy As u said if u pick your spots wisely n don't go getting in n out of your car/van to often or sometimes at all when settling down for the evening n of course dont go singing or talking loud on your phone or like me 'dont go talking to your self to much haha you ll be ok n would actually even be surprised how many prime million dollar locations n views one can have n yes even in the eastern suburbs of Sydney but i love sticking to the Blue Mountains n on summer bc the weather is perfect even tho i should be keeping that to my self haha but ya im not full time but iv met a few great guys who had been doing for it up to even 4 years n they even survived the lock-downs amazingly enough believe irt or not n trust me they r real dark-horses lol as i was even amazed, anyway ya i love seeing n hearing about more vanlifers who stealth park/camp in Australia n i guess were a little more on the down low maybe than our american friends n not as many off course but yep it can be done 100% as long as u use your brain a lil common sense n courtesy 'Anyway all good n thanks for sayin hello.
@@davechristian7543 It may look that I’m ‘loud and proud’ online, but I certainly keep to myself in the real world. Nice to hear I’m not the only who talks to themselves out loud;)
Safe travels mate!
you need a vw crafter high roof
It would be cool to get some more space in there but honestly, but pretty happy with what I’ve got. Thanks for checking out the video Carl!
yo! what about airflow, do you keep a window slightly down??
On Warner nights I do keep the windows down just enough to get a little airflow, but not enough that someone could get their hand inside.
Eating lying down. No wonder you eat tums like candy ( or possible the sandwiches?!?)
That may have something to do with it. Although since I’ve stopped eating the John Watson hot dog diet, I’ve felt much better.
The way rents are going in Melbourne this is going to catch on my rent nearly 2000 a month living in the van free gym membership great idea for showering
Rent’s soaring in most major cities in Canada right now too. Gonna be some cold van dwellers!
Two things to complete the look
1) Featherlite ladder on the roof
2) Have a magnetic decal with a BS company name like "MatthewTech Enterprises" and a simple logo on each side. They are cheap and can be easily removed.
These two things will complete the look that you are a commercial vehicle that is owned by a local. Of course, some neighbourhoods have bylaws against commercial vehicles parked overnight, so it pays to know.
Jason do you work uncover for some law agency?! I like to feel I’m pretty good at getting away with sneaky shenanigans but that’s some next level advice!
Will be looking into that asap. Thanks!
@@MattWatsonComedy ha! that's what they want you to believe.
@@jasongoodburn-moffitt8396 Mission accomplished.
who can make you a magnetic decal for the door with a fake company name? bunnings?
Vista print make them!
He lives in Wankerville, formerly known as Brunswick.
I’m back in Canada now, but would move back to the neighborhood in a heartbeat.
I can tell you in Australia most ppl don’t care
That’s exactly how I felt!
Hi
so do you think its is more cost effective to live in a van in australia than renting and would you recommend it to a student ?
It’s not what you do with your life that makes the choice , but the type of person you are. The VanLife hashtag glamorizes the lifestyle, it’s actually quite tough and not suitable for the majority of the population. There are too many factors to decide if it’s cheaper for an individual or not. Depends on how you live.
If you’ve never gone camping, I would be trying that first before purchasing a camper.
That’s a good place to start.
Good luck!
Here’s a video I did on the subject you may find helpful: Is Living in a Van cheaper than Renting? th-cam.com/video/q4HXg-RYuhU/w-d-xo.html
You need proper window blocks
I certainly do. Those curtains are risky!
so welll done! very impressive Cool name! keep it up!
Right back at ya mate:) Glad you enjoyed it!
You learn not to care when people see you
Oh I know. Been getting better at it:)
You've lived there for 7 months and still pronounce "Melbourne" like that?
I guess so Boots.
Why would you want to stay in the suburbs of Melbourne when there's far nicer places not far away ?
One of my bestie’s live in that subdivision. But if you got something better please share with the class:)
sir can you tell me weather it will be good for an international student coming there in aus to study to live a van life..means i like van life although i would save too much money on rent during study ..tell me weather it will be good desicion for me or not ..or how can we be safer in a van life ?
I can’t make that decision for you. Just as most things, you’ll have to try and see if it works for you. I certainly wouldn’t say living in a van is safer, but I haven’t run into any problems doing it in the city of Melbourne.
Best of luck!
Note to self: don’t self snitch
Gummon man.
Noted. Thanks for watching.
I can usually spot a stealth van a mile away. Curtains (usually black), usually backed in (for a quick getaway). out-of-area license plate. Some have darkest window tinting allowed by law. They are usually like mice (flock together) If you see one then there is probably a companion stealthier not too far away, especially here in the states. I see them at Wal-mart, Box Stores, Truck Stops, 24 hour grocery's, Cracker Barrel, Planet Fitness, Libraries and Parks. I like them a lot better than the homeless drug addict's and crazies all over my city near blood banks, feeding centers, under bridges, beggars with signs, and daycares for the homeless.
Hard to say you don’t live in you van at least occasionally when you’ve got curtains, those are a dead giveaway. As long as all those campers you mentioned are respectful of their environments, I’ve got no issues.
Thanks for checking out the video Tom:)
@Private Information 2/2 comments where I don’t know what you’re referring to. Happy to try and answer honestly if you clarify:)
Are you 25 but look 55?
Or 55 and live like 25?
I’m so confused
Right up middle bud, 35. And if all continues to go well, by 45 I won't have to change a thing;)
Thanks for checking out the video!
@@MattWatsonComedy good boy.
Loved the video!
Don’t be nervous! Meet your neighbours, they might let you in for a shower
@@TomWilding1 Very sweet of you Thomas:) Believe it or not I've actually got a bestie in the subdivision and we hang out as often as we can!
@@MattWatsonComedy aight I’ve subscribed.
You’re a good bloke
@@TomWilding1 Means a lot Thomas. Thanks for that:)
Your in Australia and we arnt that paranoid about getting killed like in the USA but the second you step out of the boundarys Aussies set youll know all about it 😮
There was a stolen transport truck that went crashing through this very neighborhood around the time I made this video, and I was lucky not to be sleeping in any of the vehicles in his path. I appreciate that sentiment but when you’re camping in a foreign city in a vehicle solo you’ve gotta be careful.
Thanks for having me:)
@@MattWatsonComedy I don't entertain the idea of hypothesis I think society is harsh enough as it is, so I don't care if a plane crashed up the road from you it didn't hit you so stop being scared of life and thinking like a female
Is it a law. You can't stay in a vehicle?
How about staying in the beach areas?
Depends on where you are. Currently legal in every state of Australia to sleep in a vehicle except Queensland.
@@MattWatsonComedy I'm in Melbourne, so im allowed to park the camper van and sleep in it in Melbourne? or beach areas?
@@BeautifulWomanCollection it’s not illegal to sleep in your vehicle in Melbourne assuming you’re following the parking signage.
@@MattWatsonComedy thank u
@@BeautifulWomanCollection No problem. You will have challenges but with all the facilities available at uni I reckon you can pull it off.