Originally from the UK, Janie & Peter S, 60-plus, now call Australia’s highway and byways home (nearly)
What rig do you have?
We travel in a Lotus Freelander 2012, towed by a Holden Colorado LTX 2012. This is our first van which we started travelling in 2013 to see Australia and meet new friends. Our rig is modern, light and bright and has all the amenities of home.
Are you full timers?
We are not on the road permanently but, as a retired couple, we take as many trips as possible. In August we are off to Louth for the races where Peter hopes to win a lot of money, and then to the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia for six weeks. We return home to Melbourne in time for the Grand Final!
Where do you camp?
We camp in caravans parks, free campsites and national parks. We meet such an enormous variety of people. It’s a great way to see our beautiful country. Our most memorable experience was when we first free camped in Hay and there was about 20 of us around an open fire where we talked, played games and sang. This experience and memory will live with us forever.
Just like the UK, then?
In England the experience of travelling is not the same as Australia because of the roads, and size of Britain. Also, in the UK, not very many people would be able to store their caravans at home. Many people have permanent places in caravan parks and just stay weekends and holidays.
Any dramas on the road?
Plenty. When we were on the Birdsville Track we stopped to get a cup of tea and, when we returned to our van, we found we had a puncture. Now, Peter will only drink beer or wine!
On-the-road hobbies?
We enjoy meeting new people and I like to cook things like cakes and biscuits and roasts, just like I do at home. I also keep a blog so my Uncle Cyril in the UK can see what and where we are up to. In 1957, he cycled from the UK to Melbourne through Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Any must-haves?
I do not like to be without my phone, iPad, computer and TV. Peter doesn’t mind because without them we would get antsy with each other after a couple of days.
Dislikes of the road?
We are not too impressed with truck drivers as they tend to travel too near to the back of us before overtaking.
