Born in South Africa and Zimbabwe respectively, Erich and Fiona Peters loved caravanning in Africa … so, it’s no surprise that they took to the on-the-road lifestyle in Australia like ducks to water.
They arrived in Perth in 2012 via a stint in New Zealand and, although the wildlife here is arguably less threatening, they still prefer the relative security of caravan parks … although they do plan to test out their ‘self-contained capabilities’ in the near future.
As they are both still working, the couple are currently restricted to exploring closer to home but they say the Big Lap is now ‘on the horizon’.
“I used to caravan with my parents as a child in Zimbabwe and it was quite different from here from what I remember,” said Fiona. “We were part of a caravan club and would go away as a large group … I think, in Australia, people tend to travel either on their own or with a small group of friends.”
Erich and Fiona have taken to life on the road in Australia. PIC: Fiona Peters
The Peters bought their 17.6’ Goldstar Liberty Tourer late last year and tow it with a 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, which boasts a 3.1T towing capacity.
“Our van is semi-off road, and has everything to make life on the road comfortable … solar, washing machine, microwave, toilet, shower, fridge/freezer, nice long bed, aircon, etc,” said Fiona. “We have also made a few little modifications to our van, including removing the jockey wheel to replace it with a Bos drill-operated jockey stand … now putting the caravan onto the towball is so easy, with no knocking your knuckles when winding down the jockey wheel.”
The Peters tow their 17.6’ Goldstar Liberty Tourer with a 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. PIC: Fiona Peters
As the couple got more seriously into exploring Australia, Fiona decided to do a towing course, and she found the two-hour RAC Caravan Safety training course invaluable.
“As a couple we are probably a bit different to most travellers as I do just about all the driving when we are towing, as Erich just doesn’t like driving that much,” said Fiona. “Pulling into a caravan park and reversing the van in has Fiona and Erich found camping in Australia was a little different now become second nature to me and I don’t even notice the spectators …. who are usually disappointed when I get it in, in one go!”
While they are waiting to retire and set off on the ‘big one’, Erich and Fiona say they are happy to continue to hone their ‘living the dream’ lifestyle skills with shorter trips.
“We have met some people who we have now become firm friends with and we have a little Facebook group together,” said Fiona. “I am hoping it becomes more like a club, with regulars going away together.”
Just like they used to do in Zimbabwe … except with koalas, kookaburras, and kangaroos for company instead of elephants, lions, and giraffes!
