John and Lorraine can go anywhere in their off-road rig
John, 62, and Lorraine, 56, sold up to hit the road full-time in July, 2011
What do you travel in?
Our 21’ Kedron ATV suits us because of its off-road, go anywhere, ability.
Do you work as you go?
We worked at Birdsville Caravan Park during race week, 2011, were caretakers on a 70,000-acre cattle station near Winton, and John drove for the bean harvest in Bowen. In 2012, we worked at the Prairie Hotel in Parachilna for three months, and John worked for Viterra for the grain harvest in Balaklava for two months. We have just finished a short stint at Port Vincent Caravan Park.
Why do you work?
As self-funded retirees, we like to keep our bank balance topped up. Also we like to experience what it is like to live in towns away from the capital cities of the east coast.
Any advice on ‘work’?
Be selective. Only accept what you think you will enjoy. Don’t travel the length of the country to accept a short-time position.
Where do you camp?
We freedom camp wherever possible, but avoid roadside rest areas unless they are well off the road. Until recently we had to avoid national parks as we travelled with our four-legged companion, but he recently passed away.
Best thing about lifestyle?
The freedom to move whenever we want. The ability to move to avoid weather conditions, school holidays etc. Reducing the need to work full-time by getting rid of everything that goes with a full-time job (ie mowing, cleaning house, time schedules).
Dislikes of life on the road?
We miss the grandchildren badly. Despite being available on the phone, email, and Skype, chatting, hugging, laughing with and playing with in person cannot be beaten.
On-the-road hobbies?
Lorraine loves to write and would like to paint more but we’re rarely in one place long enough to warrant getting out the easel! John has tried fishing, … without much luck. He may try snorkelling! We enjoy photography and have bought golf clubs so we can try the golf course as we cross the Nullabor.
Favourite place so far?
Still so much to explore but we loved the Lilydale Hills near Winton, and the Flinders Ranges. The best recent free camp would have to be Port Gibbon on Eyre Peninsula.
Advice for other ‘full-timers’?
Treat the first few weeks as a holiday and stay in ‘resort-style’ parks. You should then be over the ‘homesick’ stage, and ready to continue your travels. Oh yeah, don’t pack away all your warm clothes
