Two Years on the Road
After more than two years of full-time motorhome life, we’ve collected more than just dust on the dashboard; we’ve picked up a few lessons, too.
Some came the hard way, others with laughter, and a few were just plain obvious in hindsight. What started as a grand adventure has slowly evolved into everyday life filled with small rituals and unexpected hiccups
It’s been a journey that has reshaped our perception of comfort, home, and even ourselves. Here are some of the lessons that have stuck with us along the way:
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Our Top 10 Lessons from Life on the Road
1. Your house doesn’t need to be big—just clever.
Space is overrated. Give us good storage, a comfy bed, and a kettle that doesn’t slide off the bench, and we’re happy campers. A small space nudges us outdoors, where the real adventures happen.
2. Laundry waits for no one.
We’ve become connoisseurs of laundromats, from the sweet-smelling, well-kept ones to the dodgy machines with sticky buttons and broken vending machines. Pro tip: Save your $1 coins and never unquestioningly trust a dryer.
3. Weather apps lie.
One moment you’re in sunshine, the next you’re bogged and muttering at BOM forecasts. We’ve learnt to roll with it. If the day’s a washout, we tackle admin, brew a cuppa, and wait for the skies to clear.
4. Free camps are a mixed bag.
Some are serene river escapes, others have you parked beside a bin or someone’s roaring generator. We’ve found that the further you park from the amenities, the greater the chance of finding a bit of peace.
5. Less stuff really is more.
If we haven’t used it in a month, we ditch it. Except wire ties—you always need wire ties.
6. Water is almost as important as fuel.
Solar provides power, but water is a precious resource. We top up whenever we can, even if we don’t need to. Bore water can be questionable, so we keep spring water on hand for us (and Zoe).
7. The Internet can make or break your day, or not.
We begrudge paying Elon for Starlink, but it keeps us connected wherever we are. Telstra alone just doesn’t cut it once you stray too far from towns.
8. A catastrophe will always happen at the worst time.
Usually in the rain, on a dirt road, with no signal. We’ve learnt to pause, put the kettle on, and then tackle the mess with fresh eyes (and sometimes a few swear words).
9. The best views come after the bumpiest tracks.
We’ve rattled our bones and questioned our sanity, only to find ourselves somewhere breathtaking. Worth it every time. The Jimny may not be comfortable, but it gets us off the main road to find the hidden gems.
10. Home is where we park it.
It’s not about four walls. It’s about who you’re with and the memories you collect.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing we’ve learnt, it’s that life on the road isn’t about perfection. Some days are tough, most are wonderful but nearly all are worth it. Our best advice? Don’t wait too long. Hit the road, rock scramble, climb the mountains, swim with sharks.
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