Lyn and Phil love the freedom of life on the road
Motorhomers Lyn & Phil (aka philyn) went free camping on their wedding night nearly half a century ago … and they’ve been at it ever since.
What do you travel in?
A 28’ Swagman. We started with vans years ago and then had Toyota Coasters. We decided to retire fully (after Phil’s cancer wake-up call) and updated to a second-hand Swagman which we have had for six years now and love. We tow a Suzuki, take our pushbikes and have just acquired a little dinghy so we can do some fishing.
How long do you travel for?
We are away in total for 6-8 months a year. The longest at one stretch is around five months over winter.
Where do you camp?
We like to free- or low-cost camp while touring around. We couldn’t afford to stay away for this long each year if we stayed in caravan parks every night, and we love the friendliness of the free camps. The first time we ever free camped was 49 years ago on our wedding night. We were loaned a 10’ ply van for our honeymoon as a wedding present and spent our first night just pulled up in a farming area in the southern highlands of Sydney.
Favourite camping spots?
The Camps Australia book is our bible but, over the years, we have found our own spots here and there. Some are Winton, Long Waterhole, Theresa Creek Dam Qld (low cost) and numerous spots along our beautiful Murray River and beautiful Tasmania … amazing free camps everywhere.
Best thing about travelling?
The freedom you feel. All the little worries drop off your shoulders as you head off. The spirit of adventure. What amazing things are in store for us this time? Not to forget the wonderful fellow travellers we have met and now call friends.
On-the-road hobbies?
Photography, walking, push-bike riding, and we have volunteered with Blaze Aid and Vise on properties in Victoria, New South Wales & Queensland, which is very rewarding.
Where are you now?
We have just returned from three months in Tasmania, one of our favourite places. We have had two six-week motorhome trips to Tassie and decided to double that this time. It’s our beautiful little island state. Every corner is another postcard scene and there are so many wonderful free camps everywhere. We only stayed two nights in a caravan park.
Scariest nomad experience?
When our awning unclipped while going over the Batman Bridge in Tassie. A huge wind sent it over our roof and our friends following said it looked like a parachute.
Advice to wannabe nomads?
Don’t wait. Find a way to make it happen, even if you have to look outside your comfort zone. You will never regret it.
