My sister and her family are leaving this week on a six week trip around outback Queensland with their caravan.
It reminded me of the time we packed up all our worldly goods and put them in storage, rented out our house, bought a caravan and travelled around Australia – for six months – back in 2001.
We were fortunate to find a great caravan as our little home away from home. No hot shower unfortunately, but it did have a little toilet cubicle which meant we weren’t necessarily locked into staying at caravan parks.
We headed south as hubster comes from north Queensland, and only made it as far as Perth before we ran out of time and had to come home.
One of the first questions we get asked is “How did you afford it?!”
We were fortunate in that my husband was owed a lot of leave, so about half of our time away he was still getting paid – and he was able to take leave without pay for the rest, so still had his job to come back to.
Between that and the rental income from our home, we found we survived quite nicely and our only debts upon our return were for the car (which we kept) and the van (which we sold, for more than what we’d bought it for).
However, we met a lot of other people who were working their way around Australia – in many of the country locations, these travellers found farm work was a handy source of income.
Caravanning Around Australia – 2001
Our kids were 7 (Year 2) and 4 (Prep) when we set off on our “Great Australian Adventure”, so we home-schooled them while we were gone.
I have to say that trip was one of the best things we have ever done as a family. It was a great bonding experience, and we created some awesome family memories – even today, my kids will bring it up in conversation.
Now that the kids are 19 and almost 17, the hubster and I are starting to dream of getting a motorhome and hitting the road once more … but with just us two this time! Finally we will get to see the Top End π
So for this (almost) Wordless Wednesday I thought I’d share some of our pics from our Great Australian Adventure – caravanning around Australia. Enjoy!
Have you ever thought of caravanning around Australia – or is it on your bucket list?!
Liz says
Wow Janet. That’s the ages my kids are now. And your kids are now so big. Time is going to fly.
Lovely pics. What great memories to have.
Janet says
It sure does Liz – I can’t believe it either. Feel a bit teary sometimes :`-(
Leanne Winter says
On the bucket list, I’m afraid. I’m so jealous of you and your sister! What a wonderful adventure for the kids and yes, I’m sure they will remember it for the rest of their lives, Janet. How great that you and hubby are looking forward to heading off just the two of you – more memories to make.
Janet says
Yes, life begins at 50 or thereabouts hey!
Kerri says
What an awesome plan. I travelled round Aus in a campavan 15 years ago. Don’t miss Platypus Bush Camp near Eungella national park! http://www.bushcamp.net/
Janet says
Hubster grew up near Mackay, he knows it well! Will have to get him to show me next time we are up that way π
Lynda @HomeleaLass says
What a wonderful experience!
Cheers,
Lynda.
Janet says
It sure was Lynda – I would recommend it to everyone!
Kaz @ Melting Moments says
This is something that we really want to do! I love your photos! What a wonderful experience.
Janet says
Do it Kaz!!!! 6 weeks or 6 months – whatever you can manage!
Toushka Lee says
It’s definitely on my bucket list! My husband and I moved to Australia from NZ about 7 years ago with travel in mind. As travel agents we had seen a lot of South Australia and wanted to see more of Aussie as we worked and played here. But what’s that thing they say about the best laid plans? Suddenly and unexpectedly we were talking birth plans instead of travel plans.
We are now dreaming of family holidays in a caravan.
Thanks for sharing your photos!
Janet says
Don’t worry, your turn will come π
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
Great photos Janet, what a trip! π
Janet says
It sure was!
Emily @ Have a laugh on me says
Thanks for sharing those J, wow what a great thing to do – especially to home school the kids! I could NEVER do that! The caravan looks so spacious and lovely. I bet the kids have some fond memories π
Janet says
I must confess – even though I’m a qualified teacher – hubster did all the maths / science stuff. Not my thing AT ALL!
And yes, it was a GREAT family van. Our bed was at the front and folded up into the wall during the day, and a table folded down instead, which saved heaps of room.
lady daa doo says
Fabulous trip!! What a great experience for your family. It must’ve brought everyone close together. I bet you had some funny stories to share when you came back.
Janet says
I can understand now why women whose husbands have just retired, complain π … it took a bit of adjusting at first til HE got used to doing things MY way … or was it the other way round … LOL
Lisa Wood says
Such great Pics and wonderful memories you have created for your little ones….loved looking at all of your adventures and your great photos of where you had been.
We live in a Motorhome and couldn’t ever imagine going back into a House π
Love your last photo – you all looked so healthy.
Janet says
And happy!!!!!
Alicia says
Trip of a lifetime, you even made it down my way. My brother and sister in law(retired) get home next month from their 7 month caravan holiday. They are very tanned and their facebook page is filled with amazing photos from around the country π
Yvette @ Little Bento Blog says
Oh what great holiday pictures.. I’d love to head around Australia.. my husband did it with his family when he was little and I hope one day we can do it with ours!!!
WW visiting!
Janet says
Do it – you’ll never regret it!
Pinky Poinker says
Fantastic photos and memories! So your hubby comes from Nth Qld eh? Must be a great bloke!
I’m not surprised your kids still talk about it!
Janet says
I think he is but then I’m biased! He grew up on a cane farm outside of Mackay.
Aroha @ Colours of Sunset says
That is fantastic!! Oh how I wish we could do that!
Caroline Raj says
What an amazing trip. Popping in from Cooker and Looker on Australia Day and so lovely to see all these amazings pics from all over the country. Hope you had a good one!
Amanda @ Cooker and a Looker says
Oh Janet – I would love to take the girls around Australia like this! They’re fabulous photos – real family memories.
Thanks for joining the Australia Day Party.
Cheers,
Amanda x
Janet Camilleri says
My pleasure Amanda, I love taking a walk down memory lane. Thanks for hosting!