Right from when they first met, Greg and Lyn O’Brien have shared a passion for caravanning and it’s a passion that has endured … despite some significant challenges.
Now in their late 60s, the couple bought a caravan soon after they got married and they made it their home as they worked their way around the southern half of the continent. However, less carefree days lay ahead.
While still in their 20s, the O’Briens were involved in a serious car accident that left Lyn a paraplegic, and confined her to a wheelchair.
Not surprisingly, as they struggled to come to terms with their changed circumstances, the pair’s vanning adventures were paused … but, happily, not ended.
Lyn and Greg enjoyed a train trip to Kuranda. PIC: Greg O'Brien
“About 10 years ago, the itch to once more go caravanning became really strong and so we began exploring the possibility of a wheelchair-bound person dealing with a van,” said Greg.
The first issue was finding a way for Lyn to get into the ‘higher’ 4WDs that are needed to tow a reasonably-sized van. Happily, she quickly found an electric hoist that hooks on the door hinge of the vehicle so no modifications are needed to the car.
Next was the van itself, and the couple had a specially modified and fully self-contained caravan built.
Lyn has found a number of helpful gadgets to make travelling in a wheelchair that bit easier. PIC: Greg O’Brien.
“We have since travelled quite extensively and have just returned home after our fifth trip across the continent and back with this van … one of those a complete Lap,” said Greg. “It has enabled Lyn to see places that she would have never been able to see due to the severe lack of suitable disabled accommodation in the more remote areas.”
In the more inaccessible locations where they can’t take their van, the pair often leave it behind and take day trips in their 4WD to difficult-to-access spots like the Bungle Bungles.
“There are hydraulic hoists for van access but we have opted for a simple ramp system which is easy to repair if caught out in remote areas,” said Greg. “For us, caravan parks are generally the most convenient but it doesn’t stop us from free camping if that is the best option at the time.”
Greg and Lyn say many places are now making it much easier for wheelchairs, including some that have ramped walkways down to the cliffs.
Things are inevitably more challenging – and sometimes downright impossible – in the most remote areas, but Greg stresses many tour operators go above and beyond to help.
The couple installed a ramp so Lynn could access the van. PIC: Greg O’Brien.
Some have even gone so far as to literally ‘manhandle’ Lyn and her chair onto a boat so she can enjoy a cruise.
“We try to go where we can, and not be too disappointed if we can’t,” he said. “There are more than enough experiences to enjoy.”
Greg and Lyn’s longer trips usually last about three months, with the shorter ones lasting 2-3 weeks … and they are currently busily plotting two separate adventures before the end of this year.
“I hope that our adventures might inspire others, particularly those with a disability, to get out there and have a go at this marvellous means of seeing our country,” said Greg. “They don’t have to miss out.”
