Having already completed a Big Lap in 2014, grey nomads Ray and Christine Boreham were looking to find something ‘different’ when they rented out their Adelaide house and hit the open road again in late 2016.
Travelling with kayaks helped bring a new perspective, and heading up to places like Cape York brought a new sense of challenge … but still the couple wanted more.
Then, after a couple of months of travel, they saw an ad in the Grey Nomad Times that read: “Come experience life in the outback. Young couple with two sons (3½ years and 8 months), wanting a couple to help out with the kids and odd jobs around the homestead in exchange for power, water, all your food, a bath and the chance to explore the property.”
Ray and Christine's adventure took an unexpected turn.
After making contact with managers Georgie and Hugh, the couple were soon hooking up their 18’6 Island Star van and heading to Talalara Station halfway between Tilpa and White Cliffs in outback New South Wales.
After an eight-week stay, the Borehams can look back fondly on a life-changing experience and they will value forever the relationships they have formed with Georgie and Hugh and their young boys, Felix and Alfie.
Although Ray and Christine had the option of staying in the old homestead, they preferred to stay in their own van, although they quickly grew close enough to the family to eat their evening meals with them.
The couple became almost like part of the family
Christine normally headed over to the house around 9am each day to help with the children, while Ray would work through a ‘wish list’ of tasks that included such things as installing a watering system, painting, fixing leaking taps, and fitting fly screens.
“We would then meet at the caravan for lunch and, although our afternoons were free, we were normally drawn back to spend some time in some way with the family which was our choice,” said Christine. “We are in awe of the people who work and live here; the hours they work, and then their easy laughter and friendship.”
Looking back at their station adventure, Ray and Christine can reflect on other unforgettable experiences such as helping to haul cows from bog holes, seeing off a big brown snake from the garden, learning to drive quad bikes, witnessing massive dust storms, and countless memories of stunning sunsets and Outback serenity.
“We have had an amazing experience, met some beautiful people, and we have made – we are sure – lifelong friends,” said Christine. “We are thrilled that we took the risk.”
* Have you helped out at a station? How did you find the experience? Email us here to share your thoughts.
