Yuraygir National Park

After collecting the van from the factory, we stayed on the Sunshine Coast for several more days before leaving on Sunday 18th May. We spent the night again at the Yelgun rest area on our journey south.

From Monday the 19th, we enjoyed three lovely nights camping at Yuraygir National Park. The park stretches along the NSW coast, starting just south of Yamba and extending for approximately 60 km. We stayed at the Illaroo campground, which is right on the beach with a view of the Pacific Ocean. Activities here include surfing, swimming, fishing, and walking along the coast, which extends for many kilometres north towards Sandon River. The small town of Wooli is relatively nearby, and Grafton is just over 50 km inland.
 
Facilities include eco-toilets, rubbish bins, and fireplaces. 

June 6: Following a suggestion from Stephen, we purchased the black infill, which arrived today. It was purchased from Caravan and RV Works, which has just relocated to the same street as Bushtracker in Kunda Park. Best of all, it was on special at $2.00 per metre. We both feel that the black infill is a much better match with the silver cladding.

Rejuvenation

Our van was five years old when it was damaged by hail in November last year. Our only thoughts on that day were of sadness, but now all that has changed because it now looks brand new again. 

The only item not re-installed was the rear outside shower locker. This locker continually leaked whenever it rained and wasn't worth the trouble. We have also upgraded the television to the latest 24-inch LED model and replaced our Pioneer deck with the newest product from Fusion. These photos show the changes we have made.

Audio locker and new television:

Fusion deck:

DO35 hitch, Jack and WDH system:

LED reading lights:

Ceiling touch LEDS:

Awning LED lights and outside speakers:

We love the automatic awning:

Alongside this work, the bearings and suspension were serviced, and the underbody has been resealed. 

What a difference just one day makes

Just returned from the factory, and the exterior of the van is now complete, except for the installation of audio and visual equipment, which includes the outside speakers and our roof-mounted satellite dish. These will be fitted next week, along with having the underside of the van re-sprayed. Talk about attention to detail— they even purchased an RM Williams Longhorn sticker to replace the ones that were on the van.

Progress to date

Here are the latest photos taken this afternoon. There is still a fair bit of work to be done on the van's exterior, including the installation of the awning. Daniel from Leisuretainment still needs to install some of the extra audio and visual equipment, including the rear view camera and outside speakers. We are amazed by the van's transformation after it has been sitting damaged at home for the past five months. Van completion is expected on Tuesday or possibly Wednesday next week.

Van Renovation to date

Friday, 2nd May: It's now day five since we dropped off our hail-damaged van at the factory.
 
We were unaware until yesterday, when we received a call from the factory, that our awning was also to be renewed.
The call was to confirm whether we wanted to stick with our existing type of awning or pay extra to have the Dometic 12-volt automatic awning installed. After inspecting its operation yesterday afternoon at the factory, we have now decided to proceed with this option.
Here are a series of photos showing the new cladding in place.