2010 VAN NATS

Dear all, the VCV committee needs some input urgently to help decide the venue for the 2010 Nats. Would you prefer a fully catered venue, e.g strictly NO BYO, but all drinks available at normal Bar prices and Breakfast & Lunch included in the entry price. The additional cost would be about $90 per head, on top of the entry price. Approx total entry price with meals as above would be $250-$300 per couple. Not sure of Kids at the moment. The other option is to do it all ourselves. If the majority of entrants would prefer the bulk price then we have a venue, if this is not an option the majority want then we will keep loking. we hope to have a definite venue before the next VCV meeting on Thursday August 6, 2009. So please ask around and let us know asap as a decision has to be made.

which ever way. as long as there is a Nats...

i second that

Matt meant to type breakfast and dinner not breakfast and lunch.

Off to a good start, with the right attitude, don't care as long as we have a nats.....

just wondering whether this options also includes sufficient of the basics such as showers/toilets/power etc.... don't mind paying a bit more since food is included (excl. lunch), guess we'll just have to start saving for the alcohol.... either way, i'll be there so it's a yes to the option you have given, and a yes to if we need to go look elsewhere and do it all ourselves cos the majority says no, you know if you need help, just ask. Presume also that singles will be half the cost given??

I'm there, what ever the outcome.....

Maz, you can share with me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are looking at 3 possible venues (today) the one we asked about has toilets, showers, licenced bar, camping, powered sites, security, insurance, caterers on site etc. A single party area being the bar.we stayed there about 5 years ago for the Philip Island event and had a great time, basically a private camp ground.
Still looking at prices, the 250-300 per couple was an estimate singles would be catered for as with kids etc, still in negotiations
The other 2 have an assortment of facilities but do not have caterers, you can bring as much alcohol as you want, however you will be asked to sit on the gate for a few hours as we will need people to do gate duty. we will have to provide our own security, (which if we pay someone for we are looking at around $4-5,000 for the weekend). our own insurance, club party areas. Costs for the entry will still be about $180-$240 per couple
looking at the options, asking for feedback so the committee can make a decision on or before the meeting on Thursday.

I also agree as long as there is a van nats I am happy, I do not mind helping out , but I do like all the modern conveniences especially onsite catering, but not like the ones at this years nats who only opened and closed when it suited them or so it seemed

Y'know its funny, the vanners on here don't care, the friends on face book don't like the no BYO????

Looks like we have the following: 2 prices to follow, one includes breakfast & dinner,Pre entry only, one without food. . Licence in venue is not BYO, they will be sending drinks prices in the next few days. cheaper than most pubs counter prices. limited powered sites, plenty of room for camping. a few on site cabin style accom's, including one bunk room with about 10 bunks. still waiting on prices for bunks. place was set up for Bike GP accom so they are used to the type of stuff we might want. 1 bar that can sit around 250 people suitable for breakfast, lunch and dinner, VC agm, presentations, etc. Area upstairs for kids biz to be run by the P3 (Parfitt girls, who actually started Kidz Biz in the 80'S so they know what they are doing). single large camp fire supplied by venue for atmosphere, just outside the bar. Tennis courts for R/c car games and rocker cover racing, oh, and tennins if required. large GREEN paddock for show and shine if we have one. plenty of room for public parking away from camp site. show and camp site in the same vanue.
Location Philip Island so you have all the surf and tourist stuff you want. have already organised discounts to Vietnam Vetrans museum and guided tours if required. running out of room more to follow as it happens. Looks like 2010 Nats is a happening thing. will have entry forms available as soon as we have final pricing.

Do we get to cruise around the race track??

Forgot to ask.
Is there a place nearby that can do a caravan drop off again like at this years event.
It was VERY handy, especially for the kids.

Get in early Agro and book a cabin... beds ... no kitchen

Questions asked so Far:
Can you cook your own meals?.. Yes, the pre booked meal tickets are an option not compulsory, there is a BBQ on site or Bring your own.
Can Caravans be booked and dropped off?... Do not know, there are a few cabins without cooking facilities but you will have to get in early.
Can you get drinks from the Bar to take back to camp?.....Yes but they will be opened at the Bar, distance from the Bar to cam site 20 to 200 meters depending on how far into the camp ground your camp is.
Cab we drive around the race track??.....We will look into it but no promises.

If any one has questions please ask us and we will try to accomodate if possible.
The 2010 Nats will be a more back to basics Nats as we do not have the time or motivation to do it bigger and better. The general consensus has been that a back to basics Nats is better than no Nats so we have agreed to assist again, even though we swore 2008 would be our last. Therefore do not expect massive goody bags as any pins, patches, stubby holders etc may not be available, we are looking at the options here and they will NOT be included in the entry price, If you want these goodies they will have to be pre-ordered. details to follow on the entry forms

I'm in, sounds good to me, catered for or no catering, i will be there.
I think a back to basics will be good for every one, people will be so surprised on how much of a good time they will have with out the preasure of having to attend so many activities, people will probably mingle more with each other, be good.

M&M wrote:Get in early Agro and book a cabin... beds ... no kitchen

Well give me the details ASAP, then i can get things organised.

Prices etc for the cabins will be posted as soon as we have them. it will be first in best dressed.

i don't mind a back to basics either, and i'd prefer the cook your own option, though i would like the mug, tshirt and patch please.

I'm in too............

Will be DIY caterer also...... stomach has own ideas of meal times and this alcohol dependant!

Well M&M, I think your on the right track. The cost of entry for
our annual four day event has been too low for at least the last five,
maybe ten years. The organisers of recent Van Nats have kept the entry
low in fear of losing the regular entrants. We need a reality price
check - it costs more to breathe in Sydney during Easter than a current
entry to a Van Nats.

Fully catered is a great option for the travellers. Probably get more resistance from the locals.

The "private camping ground" is a far easier option for organisers, especially with issues like security, insurance and local councils - we're testing a similar approach up in NSW for "$10 Del Rio Weekend" this October. (See separate topic for details )

"No more after 2008" - M&M
We've always said everyone should do a Van Nats once.
Others say you need to be a little "mad" to do it twice.
Wife says I need a divorce lawyer to do it three times.
But you guys are upto 19 or something - you need to seek professional advice if symptoms persist...
Hope you can recruit an army of first time assistants to get you through.

Suppose we'll be looking to party with someone else around 2am next Easter

The Gap sounds good to me.
Had a great time there some years back.
The boys managed to drink the bar out of Carlton Draught on the first night, but had no hope the second.
The couple restocked big time!
The people running the grounds seemed to be GREAT people!
Happy to pay extra up front, hate cooking!!
Great work M&M.
I will be happy to spend some time on the gate.

thanks for the positive feed back.
"But you guys are upto 19 or something - you need to seek professional advice if symptoms persist...
Hope you can recruit an army of first time assistants to get you through."
Yea, well someone has to do it, but we do get a lot of help from our friends. Wasteland as a club have agreed (or were railroaded into agreeing) to put this one on as all the VCV committee are Wasteland members, so it is not just us. Should be easier as you said re gate duty,security, insurance etc which all cost $, but this year are incuded in the cost for the Vanue.

"Suppose we'll be looking to party with someone else around 2am next Easter"

Just cos were working doesn't mean we can't have fun, just have to put up with the hangover in the morning.

Just to throw my 2 bobs worth in LOL We will definitely be there, definitely want a cabin (officially requested) as not having a van this time will fly/drive down and its too far to come with a tent hahaha

Would like to know if bottles of spirits/wine can be purchased at bar., as you cant buy a pre mix Fruit tingles, would like to make up my own, and Julian being (non drinker) can he bring his own mineral water ??????

probably sounds petty, but just wanting to find out before (in case) we have to smuggle it in hahahaha

Happy that something is taking shape, and dont forget to ask for help, I'm good at welcoming people and not bad with a pole

Odd ball premix drinks not sure of at this stage... still looking into all that stuff... as more details come to hand will keep you all updated. Only a couple of cabins... will investigate caravans for on site. Wines are available in BIG glasses... pints no less. Non alcoholic drinks not a problem. Will get back to you regarding the entertainment LOL!! Pole on front gate

Love it, Thanks Mandy....Mental note to self Getting too old for such undignified antics
1 more question ; Where on Phillip Island will the Nats be held