We’ve now been on the road for 2 months and 10 days — covering roughly 6,000 km so far.
Fuel spend has come in at around $1,200, with another $600 across camps and caravan park costs.
Like any journey, there have been both highlights,lowlights and lessons along the way.
Lowlights
Travel route timing
With the sale of our house happening quicker than expected, we’ve had to shape our current itinerary around staying further south until around March before heading too far north. This also meant clashing with Christmas school holidays and peak season, particularly along the NSW South Coast. With caravan parks charging $100+ per night — and many campgrounds not far behind — we made the call to explore more inland, west of the Great Dividing Range instead.
Campground conditions
As experienced travellers, it’s always disheartening to see campsites littered with rubbish, and sadly this trip has been no exception — particularly in some free camps. In several cases we’ve chosen not to stay, which is disappointing. We do our best to clean up where we can, but ultimately it comes down to user responsibility. These free spaces are a privilege, and caring for them ensures they remain accessible for years to come.
Travel App reliability
One of the biggest challenges for Unshackled Adventures — with our preference for free or low-cost, more private camping — is the reliability of camping apps. Photos and reviews don’t always match reality, and sometimes it’s a “suck it and see” situation.
We stick to the 3×3×3 Unshackled Adventures rule:
• No more than 3 hours driving
• No more than 300 km
• Arrive by 3 pm
This approach keeps travel days manageable and gives us daylight to shift to a Plan B if a campsite doesn’t feel right.
Highlights
Freedom
We’ve always travelled, but usually within tight timelines that required careful planning. Aside from a special wedding in WA this September, we’re travelling without a fixed schedule — and that flexibility feels incredibly freeing.
New places discovered
Some of our biggest highlights have been the places we hadn’t explored before. The Limestone Coast in South Australia, always provides new and stunning places to explore and the small camp reserve at Nug Nug, Victoria was a standout. Nug Nug in particular was a gem — not only for the ability to sit with our chairs in the shaded creek and escape 40-degree heat, but for meeting Jo and Trev, the incredible caretakers. They work tirelessly to keep the campground running and ensure everyone feels welcome.
The Snowy Mountains
The beauty, ruggedness and history of the Snowy Mountains have carved out a special place in our hearts. We loved our time there and will absolutely return in the cooler months to experience it from a different perspective. (Jump over to our Destinations page to read more.)
Lessons Learned
Trust your gut
If a campsite doesn’t feel right, don’t commit. There’s always another option — and if needed, even a simple roadside stop can do for a night while you regroup.
Slow down
Transitioning from a fast-paced life takes time. It’s not always about the destination; the magic often lies in the journey itself.
Let go of disappointment
Not every camp or destination will be amazing — and that’s okay. Make the most of each situation (unless safety is a concern). The beauty of this lifestyle is freedom: if you don’t like a place, you can simply move on.
Round up
All in all, we’re having the time of our lives. Transitioning into this lifestyle has felt natural, and we’re settling into a comfortable rhythm on the road. While we’ll always miss our family and friends, we’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to embark on this journey and experience this chapter together.
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