Garry & Chris’s OKA at the top of ‘Big Red’
Sunshine Coast couple Garry, 61, and Chris, 64, have got the rig to go pretty much anywhere … and they’ve got all the time in the world to get there!
What do you travel in?
OKA 4WD motorhome. It suits us because we like to get away from the crowds. It has a 4WD capability which enables us to go and see places that many others can’t, including bush camps other rigs can’t get to.
How long do your trips last?
Current trip is 19 months and we’ll be on the road for as long as we can change the tyres!
Where do you like to camp?
Mostly bush camps and sometimes in free camps (they’re usually too crowded, dirty, and close to the roads). We have found national parks to be very good in most areas. We aren’t keen on the formalised camping areas that are becoming the norm in national parks as they tend to be restricting. We occasionally stop at a van park to use their laundry facilities.
Best thing about the lifestyle?
No plans, no schedules, good fun and fascinating sights and people. We have met some great characters including a couple from Switzerland who were travelling the world in a Series 3 Landrover with their two-year-old daughter.
… any dislikes?
Not a lot. Heading into cities! Traffic, crowds, no one has the time for anybody else and the CB becomes overloaded with rubbish.
Have your plans changed?
Yes, we no longer want to return to our house – the OKA is our home.
Favourite on-the-road meal?
Too many to mention. Our meals on the road are the same as we would have at home except they are created using a camp oven, BBQ or a Cob. We make our own biscuits, mud cake, tomato sauce and bread.
On the-road hobbies?
Bushwalking, bird watching, music, fishing photography (we have numerous photos on file of the many glorious places we have seen) and attending music festivals. We have volunteered at a couple of folk festivals.
What wouldn’t you be without?
Sat Nav with off-road maps, Hema paper maps, HF radio and a three-legged footstool.
Favourite place to camp?
The deserts – fantastic scenery that changes over each dune and the birdlife. The East MacDonnell Ranges – a fascinating piece of Australia, easy to get to and easy to explore and the park rangers are always eager to supply advice.
Scariest nomad experience?
We have been very fortunate in not having a scary experience.
Advice to wannabe nomads?
Do it while you can and don’t rush it. One day we only covered six kilometres. Break camp late, set up camp early. Find somewhere you like and stay a few days. Know your vehicle, its capabilities and be able to service, maintain and handle it.
