Our Story
We are a family of four; Abby, Christian, Laura and Hannah. Recently returned to Australia after living in New Zealand for five years.
We left Australia seeking change, escape, a holiday and new experiences. We got all of that and more in New Zealand.
But, between COVID, some changes in circumstances, horrifyingly high costs of living and no desire to take on a ridiculous mortgage to own a home of our own in New Zealand, we decided to return. We had the usual conversations about where… Did we return to Townsville, try Brisbane or Mackay to be closer to family or somewhere completely new? Did we want to just jump into the same daily grind and get new jobs as soon as we crossed back across the ditch?
Yeah, nah. Before we left Australia in 2017 we were deciding to either drive around Australia in our little caravan or move to New Zealand. Back then we chose New Zealand, which was the right decision. But the desire to slowly explore Australia hasn’t ever gone away. With a New Zealand house deposit unspent and no commitments we decided now is the right time. We’ve blown that house deposit on a new caravan and trip around Oz instead.
As we travel, we hope to get an answer the question, “where will our next home be?”
Our little family
We (Abby and Christian) are both engineers and have kind of let our careers take us where we saw an opportunity. Christian grew up mainly in South East Queensland, while Abby is from further north. We did things young; got married; bought a little house in Townsville; settled down and had the girls. Laura and Hannah are still primary school age – old enough to be self sufficient, young enough that Mum and Dad are still ‘OK’ to travel with. That will be tested as our trip unfolds no doubt. We are outdoors people, not the mad keen survivalist type, but happy to walk, ride, swim, climb and explore places a little out of the way as long as Abby has a comfy bed to sleep in each night.
Not quite the caravan novices
We do have a history with caravans – this van will be our third. Our caravanning started after a particularly bad night in a tent; Laura was an infant and unbeknown to us about to fall unwell. After one sleepless night trying to settle her from the comfort of our small tent’s floor, Abby called time. If we wanted to continue to explore like we had before children, the accommodation required an upgrade.
Our first van was a Goldstream Wing 3, a wind-up type with canvas walls and plenty of bells and whistles. We travelled in it extensively and learnt the tips and tricks, getting setup and packing down sorted. We loved it so much it joined us in New Zealand, continuing its service there. After a move to (very, very windy and wet) Wellington we realised the impracticalities of that van in that location and it was time for an upgrade.
The second van was a Dethleffs C’Go. German made, full hardbody, with a heater, double glazing and insulation. All the things needed to travel New Zealand, especially in winter. We really used it too, doing about 100 nights over the next two years. It opened our horizons in New Zealand, taking us everywhere from the surf to the snow in comfort and warmth.
This van will be different again, a JB Gator. We are yet to see one up close, beyond the photos, brochures and videos on the internet. We bought it sight unseen from New Zealand, getting in early to beat a price rise and mad keen rush for caravans. Hopefully it’s what we want and need!