Patrick and Lyn enjoyed their journey from Queensland to WA.
When Lyn and Patrick Donnelly set off on their first big trip, a four-month adventure from their Gold Coast home up to Exmouth in Western Australia, they could have hardly been more excited.
They packed up their Swift Sportsman 514 caravan, hitched it up to their Hyundai Sante Fe and hit the road without a care in the world … apart from which beautiful spot they were going to be spending their first night at.
That was January and they had no idea that a global pandemic was about to change almost every aspect of Australian life … including their freedom to travel. They loved their journey up to Exmouth and were on their way south to Kalbarri when borders started to close.
As Lyn had gone through open heart surgery four years ago, and Patrick suffers from Psoriatic Arthritis, they were keen to do everything by the book to protect both their own health and that of the wider community. They drove to Geraldton, to Fremantle, to Coolgardie, to Madura and then into South Australia where they were stopped by police at a quarantine point near Ceduna.
“They took our details then gave us our exemption certificate,” said Lyn. “We were told we could get food but have as little contact with people as possible, to not go sightseeing, and to get home as soon as possible.”
The Donellys had a similar experience when they crossed back into Queensland and were warned at the border not to hug the grandkids.
Now safely back home, the couple can reflect on the dramatic events that left them ‘knackered’, stressed and shaken. Lyn said every campsite owner or manager they had come into contact with had been fabulous, even though the parks were seeing their livelihoods going down the drain
“The biggest area of worry has been the lack of regard for travellers caught in a nonhome state,” she said. “It feels like we were an afterthought … if the state governments had co-ordinated a response that gave a criteria for getting home or a timescale for people far from home it would have helped.”
The couple are self-funding and their pensions have taken a big hit, so their future travels might be very different.
“I doubt we will do such a big trip again, we’re more likely to stay local,” said Lyn. “It’s a shame because we had a ball in the first half of our trip!”
We were in Tasmania in a tent ( left the van home as it was cheaper to go in vehicle). The last week was very worrisome knowing borders were shutting.. social distancing and parks, restaurants etc shutting.. Thankfully we got an earlier berth in the Spirit., took a cabin to isolate. The mood in the ship very somber and all looked worried. Van parks etc all lovely and all we could do was wish them well. Got back to SA straight off boat and still on 14 days quarantine.. that’s no drama.. getting things delivered. Feel sad for tourism industry and sad we can’t do our winter get awY to NT. Stay well, Jean
As FullTime Caravanners of 18 yrs, we had already flown back to Cairns for the passing of my wife’s mum on the 6th of February.
Little did we know how serious this Virus problem was to become.
After a serious think about our Ute and Caravan (our home) of the last 16 yrs still in Victoria, we flew back to Melbourne on the 23 Rd of March ( Ute in storage), then drove to Shepparton to connect up our caravan.
We hit the road to get back to Cairns and across two borders in 6 days, before problems increased with the coming changes.
We then on arrival in the Cairns region setup on an inlaws canefarm to isolate for 14 days to protect others, just incase we picked up the Bug on the plane and two international airport entries.
We have not shown any issues of this infection as of yet thank Heavens, lucky maybe.
Looks like we’ll be here for the term of this pandemic.
The reason we drove up here was only because we are in the process of purchasing another property, after 18 yrs of not living in/on a house/property.
If not for the property purchase we would’ve found a campsite in Vic or stayed at our friends place at Shepparton for the term of the Virus Pandemic.
We have had a great 18 yrs of travels and once again putting down roots.
We will keep our Cruiser Ute and 22 ft Boroma van of 16 yrs as we love them dearly and have served us well over the years.
We will use them for shorter holidays or trips in the future after Corona Virus is dead and buried hopefully, for all around the country and world.
Health to all out there and happy travels in the coming future after all has normalises.
Beautiful story….. thank you… and the very best to you.
We were in Perth WA from Brisbane after leaving March 2019. My husband became ill and passed away March 24 2020. My son helped me make the mad dash back to QLD traveling 4213 km in 4 days. We arrived safely with both caravans as my sister was also traveling with us. Now in quarantine and not planning on going anywhere in this horrible year.
I’m so sorry for your loss, I can’t imagine what you have been through.
It really put everything into perspective. I hope you are able to, in time, find comfort & strength in your cherished memories.
Oh Ann my heart goes out to you.
So sorry for your loss Anne. Your story makes me remember that there is always someone out there doing it tougher. Take care.
Can you still camp on the Victoria side of the Murray river
No, all non esential travel, camping, and holidaying away from your home is banned in Victoria.
Ann, so sorry to hear of your loss. Stay strong, and as Ruth said , cherish the good memories.
we were in Tasmania for a 4 month trip in our Touareg and 19’6″ Paramount Commander when the local govt closed all campsites and most caravan parks. We were successful in moving our return boat trip 4 times, eventually leaving on the night of 1 April. Got off the boat in the morning and drove to Renmark SA for 1st night stop. SA Police were polite and gave us permit to transit to SA/WA border. Police were again polite at WA border and commented that all caravans still coming into WA seemed to be from Tasmania. Given 2 days to get from the border to home in Perth (1428kms) to continue our 14 days isolation which police said began at the border. Hardly any traffic for the whole journey except for trucks etc. No bad behaviour tho we did have a sign on the back saying Essential Travellers going home which produced quite a few thumbs up and friendly toots. Glad to be home, but still cant see grand-kids for a while yet.