Luxury meets adventure at Sandstone Point Holiday Resort, where traditional camping transforms into an all-inclusive vacation experience that's dividing the caravanning community. We dive deep into what makes this Queensland destination arguably Australia's most expensive campground, with sites reaching a jaw-dropping $1,669 per week during peak periods.
From the moment you arrive, you're immersed in a resort atmosphere that prompted our nine-year-old son Jasper to declare, "It's not a caravan park, Dad. It's a theme park for caravaners." The facilities are genuinely extraordinary – swim-up bars, water slides, splash zones, pump tracks, recreation areas, and a unique wristband system that serves as both your access key and wallet throughout the resort.
While the price tag might cause sticker shock for traditional campers, we explore whether the value proposition makes sense for families seeking a complete holiday destination where kids can play endlessly and parents can relax poolside. Our midweek visit (30% discount applied!) gave us the perfect opportunity to experience the luxury without the weekend crowds.
We also catch up with Brad and Hayley from Our Australia Trip, who share their journey of turning a planned one-year adventure into three years of full-time travel. They offer practical advice on working remotely, with Brad securing truck driving positions and Hayley working as a relief teacher. Their key suggestion for aspiring nomads? "Set a date and just go – you can always come back for special occasions."
The couple shares insights on their favorite Australian destination (the Ningaloo Coast), hints at an exciting vehicle upgrade in their future, and discusses how they're transitioning from a short-term adventure to a sustainable traveling lifestyle that might eventually include children.
Whether you're dreaming of luxury camping experiences or seeking practical advice on how to make long-term travel work, this episode delivers inspiration and real-world strategies from those living the dream. What's your take – would you splurge on Australia's most luxurious campground?
📍 Watch the full tour of Sandstone Point on YouTube: - https://youtu.be/60DB0nHIkDk?si=gSB-QJjfSm-Wy9QC
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:05):
Welcome to the Travel Australia podcast.
We are Paul, Katie and Jasperfrom the Feel Good family.
Join us as we explore thisgreat country, Australia, its
people, places and cultures.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Yes, it's the Travel Australia podcast, where we
share the latest in RV industrynews road trip travel,
caravanning and camping, productreviews, guest interviews and
so much more.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
Thanks for joining us this week we stay at arguably
Australia's most expensivecampground, ouch.
Plus we catch up with thedynamic duo Brad and Hayley from
our Australia trip.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
Oh, so much good stuff in this week's episode
Paulie, and even a little bit ofcontroversy.
I think this particularcampground will have you divided
.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
And saving your pennies to actually stay there.
Yes, this is true.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
Well, we should say we are talking about the one and
only Sandstone Point HolidayResort, located there on the
Sunshine Coast, at the gatewayto beautiful Bribie Island.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
Look in Jasper's words this place isn't a caravan
park, dad.
It's a theme park, it's acaravan.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
It actually is.
It's like you know the placesthat you see in the movies over
there in the USA, paul, and youwould know I mean your family,
as we heard from your mum anddad last week on the podcast.
And, just as an aside, if youhaven't listened to that awesome
special episode with Lynn andPeter Guerin, paul's parents, my
beautiful parents-in-law,jasper's granny and granddad
(01:40):
that was last week's podcast dojump on.
That will inspire you no end.
But you guys traveled the usaand you stayed at these massive
resorts over there.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
Look and and in you know the term of jasper saying
it's a theme park.
He really isn't far from thatand, as you say, it reminds me
so much of what you do see inamerica Incredibly well planned
out, massive sites, incrediblefacilities.
It's a destination in itself inthat you go there and they do
(02:15):
their utmost to make sure thatyou stay and play and spend your
dollars in-house.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
You can never leave.
That's what goes through myhead.
Hotel California Well, theytempt you.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
From the minute you start to roll around to your
site, you get a text hey, by theway, happy hours, cocktails,
swim up bar, come on down First.
You know one is 50% off.
Or hey, did you think youshould have a night off?
Or deliver fresh Firestonepizzas to your van?
You don't even have to leave,like it's constant.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
It is Well.
Look, there are a few caravanparks around the country that
we've stayed at that, we think,do it really well, but none like
this.
They've taken that model to thenext level.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
Now you'd probably ask well, if it's arguably the
most expensive caravan park inAustralia or campground, why
would you stay there?
Look, they had a 30% offmidweek special.
That's a Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday night.
Because, let's face it, youcan't get in there on the
weekend because they're fullybooked.
And I said to Kate Bing, lookat that on my socials, Book it,
(03:23):
baby, Roll the wheels, let's go.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
Absolutely, and we were looking for accommodation
in this particular area anyway.
So we jumped at this 30% offdeal.
I mean, it's still an expensivestay, we're not going to lie
about that.
Even with 30% off, our site wasstill up there, I think for the
three nights.
In total, we were somewherearound the $270, $280 for three
(03:48):
nights of parking our nine meterhome on wheels, on a fake grass
slab, you know, and having thatlittle bit of space to
ourselves.
But honestly, that's not whatyou're paying for.
No, obviously that's not whatyou're paying for no, and you
don't come to this place to hangout at your site, nobody does.
You come to this place toimmerse yourself in the resort
(04:13):
facilities and then, at the endof the day, when the kids are
absolutely buggered becausethey've been playing all day and
in the pools and on the slidesand mum and dad have had too
many cocktails, you stagger backto your site and you get a good
night's sleep and that's prettywell, I think, for the majority
of people who come to SandstonePoint, how they would roll.
(04:36):
And to your point, paul, theyare fully booked just about
every weekend, certainly everyholiday period, school holiday
period, and look, if you arethinking of you know this could
be a good destination for us tocelebrate Christmas or Easter.
Then be prepared to pay.
Speaker 1 (04:55):
Now, we did inquire for the 2025 Christmas period.
They had a site available.
May have already been bookedout, but they had a site
available the week leading up tothe big red man in the fat suit
come and visit and drop hispresents off.
And it was $1,669 for one weekfor a powered site For our
(05:20):
family of three.
That's right, two adults andone kid.
So that gives you an idea, andit only goes up from there, goes
up from there, absolutely.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
So yes, be prepared to pay if you are coming in
holiday time.
But do you know?
What was interesting was whenwe were having this discussion
around it, and obviously sincereleasing our YouTube episode on
this incredible destination,there's been lots of comments on
both sides of the camp.
You know those who arecompletely against paying these
(05:51):
sorts of ludicrous prices.
To those who would totallyagree that if you are a family
looking for a holidaydestination, then this is up
there with going on a cruise orhaving an overseas holiday,
which we would totally agreewith.
But there certainly are plentyof people who love coming and
(06:12):
staying and playing at SandstonePoint.
Speaker 1 (06:15):
Well, katie, you've got a couple of million people
in a two-hour drive radius.
You can see how they'veabsolutely nailed this and
they've obviously priced it at apoint that people are just
willing to pay.
But let's talk about theirfacilities.
Okay, so you've got.
They've absolutely nailed thisand they've obviously priced it
at a point that people are justwilling to pay, you know, but
let's talk about theirfacilities.
Okay, so you've got all yourswim up bars.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
Yes, as Jasper said.
When we said to him, what'sthere to do there, mate?
Weirdly the swim up bar was onthe top of his list.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
There's a pump track for the kids with all their
scooters and their pushies.
There's basketball courts,tennis courts, mini golf,
petting zoo.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
Pedal cars.
There's an arcade room thattake it from us.
You can easily spend way toomuch money.
Speaker 1 (06:54):
Do not go in there.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
Yep absolutely.
Speaker 1 (06:56):
You will be poorer for the experience.
Yes, 100%.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
There's trampolines for the kids.
Outside of the swim-up barthere's a hot jacuzzi style pool
area.
There's also a massive, massivemain pool area with a younger
children and, I guess, toddlerpool area that connects into
that.
Then there's the incrediblesplash park that has one, two,
(07:21):
three, four, five water slides.
You know the big bucket thattips everywhere and more guns
and water codes that are justthere to just order your
cocktail or your mocktail, oryour pizzas, or whatever it is
(07:48):
that you desire All there, otherthan their 160 to 200 sites?
is that about right.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
Yes, as in powered sites for caravanners and
campers motorhomes, there arealso about 60 other.
Two three bedroom cabins,double story apartments.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Yes, glamping tents, you name it.
Any style of accommodation ison offer here, and they even
have a stunning new addition tothe main accommodation area,
which is the Lagoon exclusiveoverwater cabins.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
Yeah, you'll need a back line for that one.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Yeah, you will.
But, gee, it's beautiful and,as you said, paul, the standout
really is the landscaping andthe tropical gardens and the way
they have created a completeholiday resort.
It feels like you're on acruise ship and you're not on a
cruise ship.
It is just everything that youcould possibly want, for it's
(08:56):
there, within easy walkingdistance and, when you check in,
very different to anywhere elsewe've been.
But the adults get a wristbandthat's got a chip inside the
wristband.
You use this to be able toaccess the boom gates, to be
able to get in and out with yourvehicles.
But then you can also, way tooconveniently use your wristband
(09:20):
to order your drinks and yourmeals when you're at the pool
bar.
You don't need to take yourwallet anywhere with you when
you are staying here.
It's far too easy.
Speaker 1 (09:30):
Don't let the kids get the wristband.
That's all I'm going to say.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Yeah, there's a reason they give the kids paper
wristbands and not the same onesas the adults, that is for sure
.
Something else unique aboutSandstone Point is that it is
connected to the Sandstone PointHotel, which in itself is an
incredible venue, servingbreakfast, lunch and dinners
right on the water there,overlooking Palmerstone Passage,
(09:55):
of course, towards BribieIsland, and this venue, which
was actually built first on thesite here and then the resort
followed a few years later.
It's just superb, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (10:06):
Paul, I love that.
We rocked in 5, 36 pm and youknow you've only even done a
well, we were sitting on the m1traffic so it was a few hours
drive, but we were done.
The last thing you want to dois even fire up a barbie, or you
just really want to be fed andwatered and the kids just, you
know, get their chippies andthere's no complaints exactly
(10:28):
and so we did that.
we walked across to you knowwhat is maybe 500, 600 metres
away to the Sandstone PointHotel.
The food's fantastic, theservice is next level.
We cannot fault it, you know,but you do pay for the privilege
of attending a resort-stylecomplex like this.
We will go back.
(10:48):
I don't think we'll go back atChristmas, but we will go back.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
Yeah, absolutely, and I would think that any family
who has children would be of thesame thought.
It really is somewhere wherethe kids can just absolutely go
nuts, have an incredible time,wear themselves out and to go
and do a three-night stay.
Midweek it was beautifullyquiet as far as the number of
(11:15):
people camping there.
When we were there the weatherwasn't the best, but we did
certainly have moments where thesun came out and, you know,
really made it that perfectholiday vibe when you were
sitting on your lilo beside thepool drinking your cocktail.
But that was lovely to have,not a jam-packed campground.
But I tell you what, when wewere leaving, the amount of
(11:37):
campers who were rolling in vanafter van after van ready for
the weekend buzz that is everysingle weekend was astounding.
Speaker 1 (11:46):
I think that's it.
That would be our pick.
Take advantage of the midweekspecial and a little bit of a
quieter time.
You won't have a problemgetting service and a cabana and
the kids feeling safe to runaround and for you to do as
little or as much as you like.
Absolutely our special guests.
(12:06):
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Speaker 2 (12:18):
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Speaker 1 (12:29):
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Speaker 2 (12:39):
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Speaker 1 (12:54):
Okay, it is time for that favourite part of the
podcast for me.
Katie, I love off the beat andchat, and we've got some local
Gold Coasters our hometown aswell.
We've got Brad and Hayley,better known now as Our
Australia Trip.
Welcome to the podcast guys.
Thanks for having us.
Speaker 4 (13:11):
Thank you, good to be here.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
Fantastic.
Now I have to ask where are youat the moment?
Speaker 3 (13:15):
Up in the VQI country , a little known town called
Mount Beauty.
Speaker 1 (13:20):
Oh just the name sounds good doesn't it, kate?
Speaker 2 (13:22):
I know I'm a bit envious.
I have to say we, as you know,are parked up getting a new tow
vehicle build underway, so we'rejust itching to get the wheels
turning and get back outtravelling.
And then you know, chatting toyou guys and keeping across your
socials.
I'm like, oh gosh, we've got toget out there.
Speaker 3 (13:42):
Yeah, no, sorry to rub it in, but we've literally
just done a, got here today andhad a look around town.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
Sorry, we're not laughing.
We cannot believe it.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
Can you hear that in the background?
Speaker 1 (13:55):
That is the ice cream man.
Speaker 2 (13:57):
Oh my God, it's the home ice cream man.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
I didn't know that the home ice cream man even
still operated.
Speaker 4 (14:04):
It's like he's just pulled up.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
Oh my God, it's like he's literally just pulled up at
the front of our caravan.
Jasper's like looking out thewindow like can we get some?
Speaker 1 (14:12):
Listen mate.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
I'm so sorry guys.
Speaker 1 (14:20):
Do you?
Know that that sound isactually him letting everyone
know that there's none left.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
That's why he rings the bell.
Sorry, none left.
No, that's so random, likeseriously, we've been parked up
here for a week and a half and,uh, we have not heard that sound
at all except for now with youguys on the fine ice cream man.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
Okay, so back to you guys now.
Listen, you've been travelingaustralia now, I think, full
time, for is it three yearsalready?
Speaker 4 (14:44):
we are almost at three years.
Yeah, we left in the july, soyeah, it won't be long before
we've been on the road for threeyears.
It doesn't feel like that long,hey, like time really has flown
by.
Yeah, it's crazy to look backand think at how much we've done
and all the places we've beenin that time, but it's cool.
Speaker 2 (15:06):
It does certainly fly , doesn't it?
I know we are constantly justpinching ourselves at where the
time goes and you know how muchyou can actually jam into that
time, but you guys weren'tsetting off originally to be on
the road full time, were you?
Speaker 3 (15:22):
Not really.
No, we always had the when thewhole idea come about that we
wanted to travel Australia.
It was both like a passion thatwe both had shared and we're
just going to do it for a year.
And then one day we thought,well, why don't we sort of make
it to?
We knew we wanted toconcentrate a lot of time around
Western Australia.
So, like I just said to Hayleyone day, what if we, like,
(15:44):
stopped and worked in WesternAustralia and sort of had that
experience too, which would sortof push out our travel window?
And I think, yeah, then we didthat and the whole YouTube thing
started and it sort of has justsnowballed.
Speaker 4 (15:58):
And I think, for so many people who are traveling
like regardless of whetheryou're doing YouTube or not,
like you see so many travelingfamilies and traveling couples
they start with a kind of a timeframe in mind, but then, once
you're on the road and you justfall in love with the lifestyle
and you just kind of extend itand it becomes a real ongoing
(16:20):
thing and I think, yeah, that'sdefinitely happened to us.
It's not so much a trip anymore, it's a lifestyle.
Speaker 2 (16:26):
Oh, a hundred percent .
We totally agree with that.
It becomes addictive, doesn'tit?
This lifestyle and the freedomthat it affords you across, I
think, all facets of your life,not just escaping the
traditional nine to five.
Speaker 1 (16:41):
Yeah, that's right, and I think, for people that are
listening out there too, thoughthis didn't just happen for you
guys.
I mean, you did your research,you went to the shows.
It was a couple of years beforeyou actually picked up your 79
and you hit the road, is thatright?
Speaker 4 (16:53):
Yeah, absolutely.
It's funny you mentioned theshows because I think the first
show that we ever went to youwere speaking there, like during
one of your presentations, andthat's the first time that I'd
ever heard or seen of like atraveling family, which was
really cool, heard or seen oflike a traveling family, which
(17:14):
was really cool.
But yeah, we spent about fouryears I think it was from the
time that we came up with theidea to do a lap until when we
actually took off.
So it was four long years ofsaving and putting away every
penny for, obviously, the setupand then the you know year's
worth of living expenses.
So yeah, there's a lot thatgoes into it.
Speaker 2 (17:33):
Oh, absolutely, and you know it's such a popular
topic for people who are in thatstage of you know, maybe not
even planning, but stilldreaming or wondering whether
they can take that leap and livethis lifestyle for themselves.
And the how did you do itquestion in terms of the
planning and the saving andbeing able to afford it, and
(17:55):
then also the working on theroad question.
You know they're such hottopics, so can you guys maybe
expand a little bit on?
You know you stopped in WA, youworked there, what were you
doing?
How long did you do it for?
And then how did that reallyimpact being able to then hit
the road again?
Speaker 3 (18:15):
Yeah, well, I think the number that we'd come up
with, that we wanted to save for12 months, was like 50 grand, I
think.
Hey, for like 12 months ofliving expenses.
Speaker 4 (18:25):
At the time I think that was a pretty common
recommendation to save up aboutthat much.
So that's what we did.
But then we got on the road andwe quickly realized that that
wasn't enough money.
So, yeah, we did stuff and worka little earlier than what we
planned to.
Speaker 3 (18:42):
Yeah, so we yeah.
Their first work stint was inthe southwest of Western
Australia.
Speaker 2 (18:48):
There's definitely worse places, guys, to park up
and get work.
Speaker 3 (18:53):
We sort of definitely tried to pick a spot that was
lifestyle orientated and alsohad a good broad range of work
available.
We didn't realize how much wewould actually be working to
make it happen.
But yeah, we stopped thereabout eight months in a little
town called Bunbury, which is onthe southwest.
(19:13):
I have like truck drivingtickets and crane tickets and
all that sort of stuff, so Ifind it not too hard to pick up
work, although it is hard topick up temporary work.
I would say like we had to lockin for my job as a truck driver
.
I had to lock in for threemonths.
They really wanted me like more, like six months, but that was
(19:36):
sort of where I got the job andthen we worked highly around
that as a school teacher,because she can.
Speaker 4 (19:41):
Yeah, it was easier for me to be able to work
anywhere, so we just focused onfinding Brad a job and then I
would just contact the localschools in that area and be able
to get work there as well.
So that worked well for us.
But even like we were lucky inthat, we stuck to our trades.
I guess you could say, however,you know you talk to so many
(20:02):
people and as soon as youmentioned that you're planning
on working on the road, like wewere constantly getting job
offers or like being toldinsights like oh, if you go to
this town, this person's lookingfor work and oh, you drive
trucks, if you speak to thisperson in this place, they'll be
able to get you work anytime.
So we definitely found that themore we put out there that we
(20:22):
were looking for work, the moreopportunities we had come our
way.
Speaker 3 (20:26):
And we still get those offers, still today.
Speaker 2 (20:29):
Yeah, that is so cool , and I mean, the community is
amazing, isn't it?
And certainly that's been ourexperience too.
We haven't ever stopped andworked in different jobs to, I
guess, running our feel goodfamily business, but everywhere
that we travel, whether it's ina coastal location and
(20:50):
particularly in those moreregional, remote areas of the
country, everywhere we go wemeet people who are screaming
out for workers.
And even to the point wherethey've said to us we meet
people who are screaming out forworkers and you know, even to
the point where they've said tous, we really don't even mind if
they don't have the skills thatwe're looking for.
We're just after good peoplewho have the willingness to work
(21:10):
and you know, we'll just getstuck in and do a good job and
the pay is incredible.
So I think you know when you'rein that planning or dreaming
stage and you're worried aboutall of the things that you just
don't know because you justdon't know them.
Work is a big thing, but wejust try and assure or reassure
people that there's so much ofit out there to not let the fear
(21:32):
of not being able to get workstop them from taking the leap
to travel.
Speaker 3 (21:36):
Right, 100% yeah.
The leap to travel Right, 100%yeah.
And I think that that goes.
That same sort of mantra goesfor just leaving a normal life
and doing this because, like,there's so many uncertainties
but you've just got to do it.
And it's funny, like life findsa way, like it's, there's
really opportunities in everyaspect of life.
(21:58):
You've just got to be willingto get up and go.
That's just the way that wefound it to be.
Speaker 1 (22:04):
I love that, mate, what you just said life finds a
way and on that too, your mottothat you guys have really built
your lifestyle, but also yourbrand and your business, around
that to live an extraordinarylife.
And you're doing just that.
Speaker 3 (22:19):
Yeah, I honestly I can't believe that we're here
and we're doing it, but likewe're making it work.
So, yeah, I can't see anyreason.
And anyone that asks us aquestion like how do you do it?
Like there's so many questionsabout you know, like work and
travel and family, but like,yeah, you just sort of figure it
out, you just sort of got tolet go of the anxiety of not
(22:40):
having a go and like, yeah,everything just sort of works
out.
Well, it certainly hasn't beensimple or straightforward, but
like, yeah, you just keepfollowing your nose and it all
works out.
Speaker 1 (22:53):
Yeah, yeah.
Look, we've spoken a lot aboutthis community across our
podcast and then, katie, earlierin this conversation with you
guys.
That it amazes us still.
You know, after now five and ahalf years, that people are just
good people.
Like the best thing you coulddo in your life.
If you're planning on doinganything you know that's out of
your comfort zone, like you know, packing up and travel in
(23:15):
Australia for a year or taking agap year or pulling out of your
career for a minute just toexplore Oz, is that it really
will work out because goodpeople are everywhere.
Just turn the news off.
You know really.
Speaker 2 (23:28):
Yeah, it's such good advice, Paul, and I think, brad,
you just touched on this inwhat you were just speaking
about.
But one of the questions wewanted to ask you guys was you
know what is the best advicethat you could offer for others
out there who are, you know,considering, you know taking
their own leap of faith orgetting out of their comfort
(23:50):
zone?
And I know you just rattled offso much good advice there, but
do you have anything else, anyother gems that you would share
with people to really encourageothers to get out and travellers
?
Speaker 4 (24:01):
I think a big one would be if you've decided that
or thought about this issomething that you want to do.
I think a great starting pointis to actually set a date for
when you'll leave, because whatwe've found, and a lot of people
have spoken to us about, isthat there's always things that
will come up.
You know, someone's birthday ora wedding, or if you kind of
(24:23):
just have that mentality of, oh,we'll just wait for this and
then we'll go, or we'll justwait until I get this sort of
point in my career and thenwe'll go and whatever, you're
always going to be waiting forthe next thing, whereas we
always tell people like, justset a date that works for you
and then just go, and you canalways come back for that
(24:43):
wedding, you can always makeplans to visit home or whatever,
but just set the date and goand then you'll be on the right
track and it will all work outfrom there.
Speaker 2 (24:55):
Yeah, absolutely.
That is such great advice,hayley, and there really is
nothing like a deadline toreally get you motivated to work
towards that goal.
Speaker 1 (25:04):
Now you guys have had some pretty epic road trips and
really off the beaten trackalong this last three years of
journeying Oz.
What's your favourite so far?
Speaker 3 (25:18):
Goodness.
Speaker 2 (25:19):
It's a hard question, isn't it?
Speaker 4 (25:22):
I think we are very big supporters of the Ningaloo.
I think that is definitely theNingaloo area as a whole would
be our favourite area that we'vetravelled so far and obviously
there's so many little gems andplaces within that I think
anyone who loves the water, likeus.
Speaker 3 (25:42):
Yeah, that's a natural attraction, but it would
really be hard, like when wehave a top 10 camped like sort
of sites in our head that wealways talk about and it's
forever changing.
Even up until the last fewweeks, it has changed.
I just the thing, the mainthing I love about traveling
Australia is that I loveAustralia.
(26:03):
I love every landscape thatAustralia has to offer, whether
it be the desert, it'd be theocean, it'd be the high country,
like there's just so muchalpine areas.
It's just there's so much thatexcites me about, yeah, the
Australian landscape andtraveling through it is like the
best bloody job or the bestexperience that I think any
(26:25):
Australian can have.
We love that.
Speaker 1 (26:28):
Totally agree.
I have to give you guys a goodshout out too to your website
there Our Australia Trip andthat you have an ebook there on
the Ningaloo coast that reallyhighlights the best of what to
do, where to stay, where to play, et cetera.
Yeah, encourage anyone outthere that's dreaming of the
ultimate WA getaway.
That'd be our pick as well, hey, katie.
Speaker 2 (26:50):
Oh, absolutely.
It's one of those places thatyou arrive to and you think how
can we just stay here forever,Like we?
Really don't need to seeanything else, this is it.
Yeah, can we just stay hereforever.
Speaker 4 (27:01):
We really don't need to see anything else.
This is it?
Yeah, absolutely.
I think that's what led us towriting that e-book, because we
went to the Ningaloo for thefirst time for six weeks and
just had an absolute blast.
It was all of our favoritethings remote camping, beach
camping, fishing, diving,snorkeling, all the rest of it.
So then we were like we have tocome back here, but with a boat
(27:21):
.
So then the following year wecame back there with a boat in
tow, and that time we stayed forthree months, I think it was.
So we really felt like weexperienced the best of what the
Ningaloo had to offer over thattime and we got so many
questions about it.
So it was a great opportunityto put everything that we know
(27:41):
into that little guide, and I'mglad that it's able to now help
other people plan their trips tothe Ningaloo, because it truly
is such a special place.
Speaker 1 (27:50):
Yeah, amazing guys.
Yeah, encourage the listenersout there to really check out
that as well.
And yeah, awesome guys, nowyou've got your Peregrine Zone
RV.
You guys are proud ambassadors,as are we, in the incredible
vans that they are producing.
You know, australian made aswell.
Speaker 2 (28:07):
Love that.
Speaker 1 (28:08):
Talk about loving Australian and supporting
Australian businesses, but thetow vehicle now you're in your
single cab 79 there.
Is there any plans?
What's next for you guys?
Speaker 3 (28:20):
Yeah Well, actually funny.
You mentioned that this wholetrip was supposed to be a year
or two.
It's turned into an open-endedsort of thing.
So the car that we bought wasdefinitely fit for purpose for a
year's lap or two years lap,but we found ourselves dreaming,
probably well pretty early on,maybe like 18 months ago.
Speaker 4 (28:42):
I guess that, yeah, as soon as we realized that this
was not just a short-term thinganymore, this was our lifestyle
, then our attention changed tobeing like okay, our current
cruiser is great, but lookinglong-term, we do need to upgrade
that.
You know, we want to have kidsone day if we can and travel
Australia with kids.
(29:03):
The single cab is not going toallow that.
So yeah, we definitely startedlooking at options to
future-proof our setup.
Speaker 1 (29:10):
Yeah, is it a secret?
Speaker 4 (29:12):
And it's been a bit of a journey.
Speaker 3 (29:16):
We have something coming guys.
Speaker 1 (29:18):
Okay, let's leave it at that, then we have something
coming guys.
Speaker 3 (29:19):
Okay, let's leave it at that.
Then we have something coming.
We've been screwing away thepennies for like the last 12, 18
months and we're finallygetting close.
That's exciting.
Speaker 1 (29:29):
We love that.
It's an incredible.
We joke about this.
You know it's an incredibleproblem to have trying to work
out a new table isn't it yeahit's been a real headache.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, hey.
And speaking of kids, are wetalking an upgrade to a Sojan
family bunk van?
Speaker 3 (29:48):
Yeah, absolutely that's the dream.
That's the dream.
We've experienced so much ofwhat this lifestyle has to offer
and we just see so manybenefits, especially for young
kids, to have those sameexperiences that we've had.
We're sort of getting ourselfishness out of our system
and we just want to show ourkids that sort of lifestyle as
(30:12):
well.
So it'd be an awesomeprogression for us.
And, yeah, that's the ultimatedream, eh.
Speaker 2 (30:17):
Definitely Fantastic guys and what an absolutely gift
.
And it's the.
I think the thing that keeps uson the road.
You know, even after all ofthis time is that family time
that you get to spend with yourkids and to make these memories
and have these experiencestogether.
You know it does something toyou as individuals and then also
(30:42):
as a unit.
It makes you realise that thatreally is the most important
thing about life.
You know, the material thingscan come and go really quickly,
but having the opportunity towatch your children through
these experiences around as yousaid, brad, like we think it's
the most amazing country in theworld.
You know the world's bestbackyard and we've got it all
(31:05):
here.
So to do that as a family isjust such a blessing and we're
excited for you.
I mean, you're still plentyyoung enough, so you guys have
got plenty of time to still beselfish and you know, worry
about that.
Speaker 4 (31:15):
Yeah, we're talking a little bit in the future, but
yeah, no, so good.
Speaker 2 (31:19):
We're excited to keep across your journey as well and
watch you guys as you do comeinto that stage of your life.
Speaker 1 (31:27):
Now listen before we let you go, though.
Give us the selfless plug, ohplug.
Where can people find you?
Because they want to follow youon YouTube and socials.
Give us the wrap up.
Speaker 4 (31:36):
I think the number one spot would be our YouTube
channel, our Australia Trip.
That's where we post our videosof our travels and a really
good in-depth look at where wego and what we do and all that.
But then, of course, we haveour Instagram and Facebook, our
Australia Troop, as well, whichhas more of that up-to-date
(31:57):
content too.
Speaker 1 (31:59):
Fantastic.
Well, congratulations, too, oneverything that you guys have
worked towards and to see yousucceed and that your journey
continues.
Speaker 2 (32:09):
It's only going to get better from here we think
Thanks, guys, and really lookingforward to seeing you in person
too.
I think we'll do a little bitof a crisscross over as you're
making your way up the coast.
Speaker 1 (32:22):
Babysitters.
Katie, you can have a practicewith us.
Speaker 3 (32:26):
Do you really want me rubbing off on Jasper?
I don't think.
Speaker 1 (32:32):
I'm the best role model.
No, you've got to get thepractice in.
It's all good.
Speaker 2 (32:35):
He's a bit of a strong personality, Brad.
I'd be worried about himrubbing off on you, to be honest
.
Speaker 1 (32:42):
Well, thank you so much, guys, for joining us, and
we will catch you around acampfire soon Sounds good, we
look forward to it.
Speaker 4 (32:48):
Thanks for having us.
Cheers guys.
Speaker 1 (32:50):
So good to talk to Brad and Hayley.
And we did get to catch up withthem down there at the
Melbourne Caravan and CampingExpo or Super Show, but always
lovely to speak with those guysand an inspiration, I think, to
other young couples out there tothink you know, look like what
we say, if we can do it, anyonecan do it.
Speaker 2 (33:13):
Oh, 100%.
Don't you just love hearingtheir stories?
Speaker 1 (33:16):
though from their perspective of not traveling
with kids Sounds like it's amatter of time.
Yes, Now the takeaway is jobsfill your pockets, but
adventures fill your soul.
Speaker 2 (33:25):
Just love it.
And isn't that the truth?
And more and more, as wecontinue living this incredible
lifestyle that we are sograteful for, we are reminded
every single day that it's notabout the material things that
come in and out of our lives.
It really is about theexperiences that you get to
share together.
Speaker 1 (33:45):
Love it, katie.
Now next week we stay at aChristmas tree farm, cue the
carols and it's time toofficially say goodbye to the 79
series Makes me want to breakout in song.
For now we'll say dream big,look after yourself and look
after your family and happytrails.
Speaker 2 (34:03):
I love you.
Welcome to the Travel Australia podcast.
We are Paul, Katie and Jasperfrom the Feel Good family.
Join us as we explore thisgreat country, Australia, its
people, places and cultures.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Yes, it's the Travel Australia podcast, where we
share the latest in RV industrynews road trip travel,
caravanning and camping, productreviews, guest interviews and
so much more.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
Thanks for joining us this week we stay at arguably
Australia's most expensivecampground, ouch.
Plus we catch up with thedynamic duo Brad and Hayley from
our Australia trip.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
Oh, so much good stuff in this week's episode
Paulie, and even a little bit ofcontroversy.
I think this particularcampground will have you divided
.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
And saving your pennies to actually stay there.
Yes, this is true.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
Well, we should say we are talking about the one and
only Sandstone Point HolidayResort, located there on the
Sunshine Coast, at the gatewayto beautiful Bribie Island.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
Look in Jasper's words this place isn't a caravan
park, dad.
It's a theme park, it's acaravan.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
It actually is.
It's like you know the placesthat you see in the movies over
there in the USA, paul, and youwould know I mean your family,
as we heard from your mum anddad last week on the podcast.
And, just as an aside, if youhaven't listened to that awesome
special episode with Lynn andPeter Guerin, paul's parents, my
beautiful parents-in-law,jasper's granny and granddad
(01:40):
that was last week's podcast dojump on.
That will inspire you no end.
But you guys traveled the usaand you stayed at these massive
resorts over there.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
Look and and in you know the term of jasper saying
it's a theme park.
He really isn't far from thatand, as you say, it reminds me
so much of what you do see inamerica Incredibly well planned
out, massive sites, incrediblefacilities.
It's a destination in itself inthat you go there and they do
(02:15):
their utmost to make sure thatyou stay and play and spend your
dollars in-house.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
You can never leave.
That's what goes through myhead.
Hotel California Well, theytempt you.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
From the minute you start to roll around to your
site, you get a text hey, by theway, happy hours, cocktails,
swim up bar, come on down First.
You know one is 50% off.
Or hey, did you think youshould have a night off?
Or deliver fresh Firestonepizzas to your van?
You don't even have to leave,like it's constant.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
It is Well.
Look, there are a few caravanparks around the country that
we've stayed at that, we think,do it really well, but none like
this.
They've taken that model to thenext level.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
Now you'd probably ask well, if it's arguably the
most expensive caravan park inAustralia or campground, why
would you stay there?
Look, they had a 30% offmidweek special.
That's a Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday night.
Because, let's face it, youcan't get in there on the
weekend because they're fullybooked.
And I said to Kate Bing, lookat that on my socials, Book it,
(03:23):
baby, Roll the wheels, let's go.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
Absolutely, and we were looking for accommodation
in this particular area anyway.
So we jumped at this 30% offdeal.
I mean, it's still an expensivestay, we're not going to lie
about that.
Even with 30% off, our site wasstill up there, I think for the
three nights.
In total, we were somewherearound the $270, $280 for three
(03:48):
nights of parking our nine meterhome on wheels, on a fake grass
slab, you know, and having thatlittle bit of space to
ourselves.
But honestly, that's not whatyou're paying for.
No, obviously that's not whatyou're paying for no, and you
don't come to this place to hangout at your site, nobody does.
You come to this place toimmerse yourself in the resort
(04:13):
facilities and then, at the endof the day, when the kids are
absolutely buggered becausethey've been playing all day and
in the pools and on the slidesand mum and dad have had too
many cocktails, you stagger backto your site and you get a good
night's sleep and that's prettywell, I think, for the majority
of people who come to SandstonePoint, how they would roll.
(04:36):
And to your point, paul, theyare fully booked just about
every weekend, certainly everyholiday period, school holiday
period, and look, if you arethinking of you know this could
be a good destination for us tocelebrate Christmas or Easter.
Then be prepared to pay.
Speaker 1 (04:55):
Now, we did inquire for the 2025 Christmas period.
They had a site available.
May have already been bookedout, but they had a site
available the week leading up tothe big red man in the fat suit
come and visit and drop hispresents off.
And it was $1,669 for one weekfor a powered site For our
(05:20):
family of three.
That's right, two adults andone kid.
So that gives you an idea, andit only goes up from there, goes
up from there, absolutely.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
So yes, be prepared to pay if you are coming in
holiday time.
But do you know?
What was interesting was whenwe were having this discussion
around it, and obviously sincereleasing our YouTube episode on
this incredible destination,there's been lots of comments on
both sides of the camp.
You know those who arecompletely against paying these
(05:51):
sorts of ludicrous prices.
To those who would totallyagree that if you are a family
looking for a holidaydestination, then this is up
there with going on a cruise orhaving an overseas holiday,
which we would totally agreewith.
But there certainly are plentyof people who love coming and
(06:12):
staying and playing at SandstonePoint.
Speaker 1 (06:15):
Well, katie, you've got a couple of million people
in a two-hour drive radius.
You can see how they'veabsolutely nailed this and
they've obviously priced it at apoint that people are just
willing to pay.
But let's talk about theirfacilities.
Okay, so you've got.
They've absolutely nailed thisand they've obviously priced it
at a point that people are justwilling to pay, you know, but
let's talk about theirfacilities.
Okay, so you've got all yourswim up bars.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
Yes, as Jasper said.
When we said to him, what'sthere to do there, mate?
Weirdly the swim up bar was onthe top of his list.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
There's a pump track for the kids with all their
scooters and their pushies.
There's basketball courts,tennis courts, mini golf,
petting zoo.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
Pedal cars.
There's an arcade room thattake it from us.
You can easily spend way toomuch money.
Speaker 1 (06:54):
Do not go in there.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
Yep absolutely.
Speaker 1 (06:56):
You will be poorer for the experience.
Yes, 100%.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
There's trampolines for the kids.
Outside of the swim-up barthere's a hot jacuzzi style pool
area.
There's also a massive, massivemain pool area with a younger
children and, I guess, toddlerpool area that connects into
that.
Then there's the incrediblesplash park that has one, two,
(07:21):
three, four, five water slides.
You know the big bucket thattips everywhere and more guns
and water codes that are justthere to just order your
cocktail or your mocktail, oryour pizzas, or whatever it is
(07:48):
that you desire All there, otherthan their 160 to 200 sites?
is that about right.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
Yes, as in powered sites for caravanners and
campers motorhomes, there arealso about 60 other.
Two three bedroom cabins,double story apartments.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Yes, glamping tents, you name it.
Any style of accommodation ison offer here, and they even
have a stunning new addition tothe main accommodation area,
which is the Lagoon exclusiveoverwater cabins.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
Yeah, you'll need a back line for that one.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Yeah, you will.
But, gee, it's beautiful and,as you said, paul, the standout
really is the landscaping andthe tropical gardens and the way
they have created a completeholiday resort.
It feels like you're on acruise ship and you're not on a
cruise ship.
It is just everything that youcould possibly want, for it's
(08:56):
there, within easy walkingdistance and, when you check in,
very different to anywhere elsewe've been.
But the adults get a wristbandthat's got a chip inside the
wristband.
You use this to be able toaccess the boom gates, to be
able to get in and out with yourvehicles.
But then you can also, way tooconveniently use your wristband
(09:20):
to order your drinks and yourmeals when you're at the pool
bar.
You don't need to take yourwallet anywhere with you when
you are staying here.
It's far too easy.
Speaker 1 (09:30):
Don't let the kids get the wristband.
That's all I'm going to say.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Yeah, there's a reason they give the kids paper
wristbands and not the same onesas the adults, that is for sure
.
Something else unique aboutSandstone Point is that it is
connected to the Sandstone PointHotel, which in itself is an
incredible venue, servingbreakfast, lunch and dinners
right on the water there,overlooking Palmerstone Passage,
(09:55):
of course, towards BribieIsland, and this venue, which
was actually built first on thesite here and then the resort
followed a few years later.
It's just superb, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (10:06):
Paul, I love that.
We rocked in 5, 36 pm and youknow you've only even done a
well, we were sitting on the m1traffic so it was a few hours
drive, but we were done.
The last thing you want to dois even fire up a barbie, or you
just really want to be fed andwatered and the kids just, you
know, get their chippies andthere's no complaints exactly
(10:28):
and so we did that.
we walked across to you knowwhat is maybe 500, 600 metres
away to the Sandstone PointHotel.
The food's fantastic, theservice is next level.
We cannot fault it, you know,but you do pay for the privilege
of attending a resort-stylecomplex like this.
We will go back.
(10:48):
I don't think we'll go back atChristmas, but we will go back.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
Yeah, absolutely, and I would think that any family
who has children would be of thesame thought.
It really is somewhere wherethe kids can just absolutely go
nuts, have an incredible time,wear themselves out and to go
and do a three-night stay.
Midweek it was beautifullyquiet as far as the number of
(11:15):
people camping there.
When we were there the weatherwasn't the best, but we did
certainly have moments where thesun came out and, you know,
really made it that perfectholiday vibe when you were
sitting on your lilo beside thepool drinking your cocktail.
But that was lovely to have,not a jam-packed campground.
But I tell you what, when wewere leaving, the amount of
(11:37):
campers who were rolling in vanafter van after van ready for
the weekend buzz that is everysingle weekend was astounding.
Speaker 1 (11:46):
I think that's it.
That would be our pick.
Take advantage of the midweekspecial and a little bit of a
quieter time.
You won't have a problemgetting service and a cabana and
the kids feeling safe to runaround and for you to do as
little or as much as you like.
Absolutely our special guests.
(12:06):
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This podcast is brought to youby our great mates Stratus
Outdoors, creators of thetoughest and eco-friendly
outdoor equipment designed tolast a lifetime.
Speaker 2 (12:18):
Oh, I love their camp gear, especially the all-day
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and they're made from recycledmaterials.
Speaker 1 (12:29):
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Speaker 2 (12:39):
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Speaker 1 (12:54):
Okay, it is time for that favourite part of the
podcast for me.
Katie, I love off the beat andchat, and we've got some local
Gold Coasters our hometown aswell.
We've got Brad and Hayley,better known now as Our
Australia Trip.
Welcome to the podcast guys.
Thanks for having us.
Speaker 4 (13:11):
Thank you, good to be here.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
Fantastic.
Now I have to ask where are youat the moment?
Speaker 3 (13:15):
Up in the VQI country , a little known town called
Mount Beauty.
Speaker 1 (13:20):
Oh just the name sounds good doesn't it, kate?
Speaker 2 (13:22):
I know I'm a bit envious.
I have to say we, as you know,are parked up getting a new tow
vehicle build underway, so we'rejust itching to get the wheels
turning and get back outtravelling.
And then you know, chatting toyou guys and keeping across your
socials.
I'm like, oh gosh, we've got toget out there.
Speaker 3 (13:42):
Yeah, no, sorry to rub it in, but we've literally
just done a, got here today andhad a look around town.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
Sorry, we're not laughing.
We cannot believe it.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
Can you hear that in the background?
Speaker 1 (13:55):
That is the ice cream man.
Speaker 2 (13:57):
Oh my God, it's the home ice cream man.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
I didn't know that the home ice cream man even
still operated.
Speaker 4 (14:04):
It's like he's just pulled up.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
Oh my God, it's like he's literally just pulled up at
the front of our caravan.
Jasper's like looking out thewindow like can we get some?
Speaker 1 (14:12):
Listen mate.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
I'm so sorry guys.
Speaker 1 (14:20):
Do you?
Know that that sound isactually him letting everyone
know that there's none left.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
That's why he rings the bell.
Sorry, none left.
No, that's so random, likeseriously, we've been parked up
here for a week and a half and,uh, we have not heard that sound
at all except for now with youguys on the fine ice cream man.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
Okay, so back to you guys now.
Listen, you've been travelingaustralia now, I think, full
time, for is it three yearsalready?
Speaker 4 (14:44):
we are almost at three years.
Yeah, we left in the july, soyeah, it won't be long before
we've been on the road for threeyears.
It doesn't feel like that long,hey, like time really has flown
by.
Yeah, it's crazy to look backand think at how much we've done
and all the places we've beenin that time, but it's cool.
Speaker 2 (15:06):
It does certainly fly , doesn't it?
I know we are constantly justpinching ourselves at where the
time goes and you know how muchyou can actually jam into that
time, but you guys weren'tsetting off originally to be on
the road full time, were you?
Speaker 3 (15:22):
Not really.
No, we always had the when thewhole idea come about that we
wanted to travel Australia.
It was both like a passion thatwe both had shared and we're
just going to do it for a year.
And then one day we thought,well, why don't we sort of make
it to?
We knew we wanted toconcentrate a lot of time around
Western Australia.
So, like I just said to Hayleyone day, what if we, like,
(15:44):
stopped and worked in WesternAustralia and sort of had that
experience too, which would sortof push out our travel window?
And I think, yeah, then we didthat and the whole YouTube thing
started and it sort of has justsnowballed.
Speaker 4 (15:58):
And I think, for so many people who are traveling
like regardless of whetheryou're doing YouTube or not,
like you see so many travelingfamilies and traveling couples
they start with a kind of a timeframe in mind, but then, once
you're on the road and you justfall in love with the lifestyle
and you just kind of extend itand it becomes a real ongoing
(16:20):
thing and I think, yeah, that'sdefinitely happened to us.
It's not so much a trip anymore, it's a lifestyle.
Speaker 2 (16:26):
Oh, a hundred percent .
We totally agree with that.
It becomes addictive, doesn'tit?
This lifestyle and the freedomthat it affords you across, I
think, all facets of your life,not just escaping the
traditional nine to five.
Speaker 1 (16:41):
Yeah, that's right, and I think, for people that are
listening out there too, thoughthis didn't just happen for you
guys.
I mean, you did your research,you went to the shows.
It was a couple of years beforeyou actually picked up your 79
and you hit the road, is thatright?
Speaker 4 (16:53):
Yeah, absolutely.
It's funny you mentioned theshows because I think the first
show that we ever went to youwere speaking there, like during
one of your presentations, andthat's the first time that I'd
ever heard or seen of like atraveling family, which was
really cool, heard or seen oflike a traveling family, which
(17:14):
was really cool.
But yeah, we spent about fouryears I think it was from the
time that we came up with theidea to do a lap until when we
actually took off.
So it was four long years ofsaving and putting away every
penny for, obviously, the setupand then the you know year's
worth of living expenses.
So yeah, there's a lot thatgoes into it.
Speaker 2 (17:33):
Oh, absolutely, and you know it's such a popular
topic for people who are in thatstage of you know, maybe not
even planning, but stilldreaming or wondering whether
they can take that leap and livethis lifestyle for themselves.
And the how did you do itquestion in terms of the
planning and the saving andbeing able to afford it, and
(17:55):
then also the working on theroad question.
You know they're such hottopics, so can you guys maybe
expand a little bit on?
You know you stopped in WA, youworked there, what were you
doing?
How long did you do it for?
And then how did that reallyimpact being able to then hit
the road again?
Speaker 3 (18:15):
Yeah, well, I think the number that we'd come up
with, that we wanted to save for12 months, was like 50 grand, I
think.
Hey, for like 12 months ofliving expenses.
Speaker 4 (18:25):
At the time I think that was a pretty common
recommendation to save up aboutthat much.
So that's what we did.
But then we got on the road andwe quickly realized that that
wasn't enough money.
So, yeah, we did stuff and worka little earlier than what we
planned to.
Speaker 3 (18:42):
Yeah, so we yeah.
Their first work stint was inthe southwest of Western
Australia.
Speaker 2 (18:48):
There's definitely worse places, guys, to park up
and get work.
Speaker 3 (18:53):
We sort of definitely tried to pick a spot that was
lifestyle orientated and alsohad a good broad range of work
available.
We didn't realize how much wewould actually be working to
make it happen.
But yeah, we stopped thereabout eight months in a little
town called Bunbury, which is onthe southwest.
(19:13):
I have like truck drivingtickets and crane tickets and
all that sort of stuff, so Ifind it not too hard to pick up
work, although it is hard topick up temporary work.
I would say like we had to lockin for my job as a truck driver
.
I had to lock in for threemonths.
They really wanted me like more, like six months, but that was
(19:36):
sort of where I got the job andthen we worked highly around
that as a school teacher,because she can.
Speaker 4 (19:41):
Yeah, it was easier for me to be able to work
anywhere, so we just focused onfinding Brad a job and then I
would just contact the localschools in that area and be able
to get work there as well.
So that worked well for us.
But even like we were lucky inthat, we stuck to our trades.
I guess you could say, however,you know you talk to so many
(20:02):
people and as soon as youmentioned that you're planning
on working on the road, like wewere constantly getting job
offers or like being toldinsights like oh, if you go to
this town, this person's lookingfor work and oh, you drive
trucks, if you speak to thisperson in this place, they'll be
able to get you work anytime.
So we definitely found that themore we put out there that we
(20:22):
were looking for work, the moreopportunities we had come our
way.
Speaker 3 (20:26):
And we still get those offers, still today.
Speaker 2 (20:29):
Yeah, that is so cool , and I mean, the community is
amazing, isn't it?
And certainly that's been ourexperience too.
We haven't ever stopped andworked in different jobs to, I
guess, running our feel goodfamily business, but everywhere
that we travel, whether it's ina coastal location and
(20:50):
particularly in those moreregional, remote areas of the
country, everywhere we go wemeet people who are screaming
out for workers.
And even to the point wherethey've said to us we meet
people who are screaming out forworkers and you know, even to
the point where they've said tous, we really don't even mind if
they don't have the skills thatwe're looking for.
We're just after good peoplewho have the willingness to work
(21:10):
and you know, we'll just getstuck in and do a good job and
the pay is incredible.
So I think you know when you'rein that planning or dreaming
stage and you're worried aboutall of the things that you just
don't know because you justdon't know them.
Work is a big thing, but wejust try and assure or reassure
people that there's so much ofit out there to not let the fear
(21:32):
of not being able to get workstop them from taking the leap
to travel.
Speaker 3 (21:36):
Right, 100% yeah.
The leap to travel Right, 100%yeah.
And I think that that goes.
That same sort of mantra goesfor just leaving a normal life
and doing this because, like,there's so many uncertainties
but you've just got to do it.
And it's funny, like life findsa way, like it's, there's
really opportunities in everyaspect of life.
(21:58):
You've just got to be willingto get up and go.
That's just the way that wefound it to be.
Speaker 1 (22:04):
I love that, mate, what you just said life finds a
way and on that too, your mottothat you guys have really built
your lifestyle, but also yourbrand and your business, around
that to live an extraordinarylife.
And you're doing just that.
Speaker 3 (22:19):
Yeah, I honestly I can't believe that we're here
and we're doing it, but likewe're making it work.
So, yeah, I can't see anyreason.
And anyone that asks us aquestion like how do you do it?
Like there's so many questionsabout you know, like work and
travel and family, but like,yeah, you just sort of figure it
out, you just sort of got tolet go of the anxiety of not
(22:40):
having a go and like, yeah,everything just sort of works
out.
Well, it certainly hasn't beensimple or straightforward, but
like, yeah, you just keepfollowing your nose and it all
works out.
Speaker 1 (22:53):
Yeah, yeah.
Look, we've spoken a lot aboutthis community across our
podcast and then, katie, earlierin this conversation with you
guys.
That it amazes us still.
You know, after now five and ahalf years, that people are just
good people.
Like the best thing you coulddo in your life.
If you're planning on doinganything you know that's out of
your comfort zone, like you know, packing up and travel in
(23:15):
Australia for a year or taking agap year or pulling out of your
career for a minute just toexplore Oz, is that it really
will work out because goodpeople are everywhere.
Just turn the news off.
You know really.
Speaker 2 (23:28):
Yeah, it's such good advice, Paul, and I think, brad,
you just touched on this inwhat you were just speaking
about.
But one of the questions wewanted to ask you guys was you
know what is the best advicethat you could offer for others
out there who are, you know,considering, you know taking
their own leap of faith orgetting out of their comfort
(23:50):
zone?
And I know you just rattled offso much good advice there, but
do you have anything else, anyother gems that you would share
with people to really encourageothers to get out and travellers
?
Speaker 4 (24:01):
I think a big one would be if you've decided that
or thought about this issomething that you want to do.
I think a great starting pointis to actually set a date for
when you'll leave, because whatwe've found, and a lot of people
have spoken to us about, isthat there's always things that
will come up.
You know, someone's birthday ora wedding, or if you kind of
(24:23):
just have that mentality of, oh,we'll just wait for this and
then we'll go, or we'll justwait until I get this sort of
point in my career and thenwe'll go and whatever, you're
always going to be waiting forthe next thing, whereas we
always tell people like, justset a date that works for you
and then just go, and you canalways come back for that
(24:43):
wedding, you can always makeplans to visit home or whatever,
but just set the date and goand then you'll be on the right
track and it will all work outfrom there.
Speaker 2 (24:55):
Yeah, absolutely.
That is such great advice,hayley, and there really is
nothing like a deadline toreally get you motivated to work
towards that goal.
Speaker 1 (25:04):
Now you guys have had some pretty epic road trips and
really off the beaten trackalong this last three years of
journeying Oz.
What's your favourite so far?
Speaker 3 (25:18):
Goodness.
Speaker 2 (25:19):
It's a hard question, isn't it?
Speaker 4 (25:22):
I think we are very big supporters of the Ningaloo.
I think that is definitely theNingaloo area as a whole would
be our favourite area that we'vetravelled so far and obviously
there's so many little gems andplaces within that I think
anyone who loves the water, likeus.
Speaker 3 (25:42):
Yeah, that's a natural attraction, but it would
really be hard, like when wehave a top 10 camped like sort
of sites in our head that wealways talk about and it's
forever changing.
Even up until the last fewweeks, it has changed.
I just the thing, the mainthing I love about traveling
Australia is that I loveAustralia.
(26:03):
I love every landscape thatAustralia has to offer, whether
it be the desert, it'd be theocean, it'd be the high country,
like there's just so muchalpine areas.
It's just there's so much thatexcites me about, yeah, the
Australian landscape andtraveling through it is like the
best bloody job or the bestexperience that I think any
(26:25):
Australian can have.
We love that.
Speaker 1 (26:28):
Totally agree.
I have to give you guys a goodshout out too to your website
there Our Australia Trip andthat you have an ebook there on
the Ningaloo coast that reallyhighlights the best of what to
do, where to stay, where to play, et cetera.
Yeah, encourage anyone outthere that's dreaming of the
ultimate WA getaway.
That'd be our pick as well, hey, katie.
Speaker 2 (26:50):
Oh, absolutely.
It's one of those places thatyou arrive to and you think how
can we just stay here forever,Like we?
Really don't need to seeanything else, this is it.
Yeah, can we just stay hereforever.
Speaker 4 (27:01):
We really don't need to see anything else.
This is it?
Yeah, absolutely.
I think that's what led us towriting that e-book, because we
went to the Ningaloo for thefirst time for six weeks and
just had an absolute blast.
It was all of our favoritethings remote camping, beach
camping, fishing, diving,snorkeling, all the rest of it.
So then we were like we have tocome back here, but with a boat
(27:21):
.
So then the following year wecame back there with a boat in
tow, and that time we stayed forthree months, I think it was.
So we really felt like weexperienced the best of what the
Ningaloo had to offer over thattime and we got so many
questions about it.
So it was a great opportunityto put everything that we know
(27:41):
into that little guide, and I'mglad that it's able to now help
other people plan their trips tothe Ningaloo, because it truly
is such a special place.
Speaker 1 (27:50):
Yeah, amazing guys.
Yeah, encourage the listenersout there to really check out
that as well.
And yeah, awesome guys, nowyou've got your Peregrine Zone
RV.
You guys are proud ambassadors,as are we, in the incredible
vans that they are producing.
You know, australian made aswell.
Speaker 2 (28:07):
Love that.
Speaker 1 (28:08):
Talk about loving Australian and supporting
Australian businesses, but thetow vehicle now you're in your
single cab 79 there.
Is there any plans?
What's next for you guys?
Speaker 3 (28:20):
Yeah Well, actually funny.
You mentioned that this wholetrip was supposed to be a year
or two.
It's turned into an open-endedsort of thing.
So the car that we bought wasdefinitely fit for purpose for a
year's lap or two years lap,but we found ourselves dreaming,
probably well pretty early on,maybe like 18 months ago.
Speaker 4 (28:42):
I guess that, yeah, as soon as we realized that this
was not just a short-term thinganymore, this was our lifestyle
, then our attention changed tobeing like okay, our current
cruiser is great, but lookinglong-term, we do need to upgrade
that.
You know, we want to have kidsone day if we can and travel
Australia with kids.
(29:03):
The single cab is not going toallow that.
So yeah, we definitely startedlooking at options to
future-proof our setup.
Speaker 1 (29:10):
Yeah, is it a secret?
Speaker 4 (29:12):
And it's been a bit of a journey.
Speaker 3 (29:16):
We have something coming guys.
Speaker 1 (29:18):
Okay, let's leave it at that, then we have something
coming guys.
Speaker 3 (29:19):
Okay, let's leave it at that.
Then we have something coming.
We've been screwing away thepennies for like the last 12, 18
months and we're finallygetting close.
That's exciting.
Speaker 1 (29:29):
We love that.
It's an incredible.
We joke about this.
You know it's an incredibleproblem to have trying to work
out a new table isn't it yeahit's been a real headache.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, hey.
And speaking of kids, are wetalking an upgrade to a Sojan
family bunk van?
Speaker 3 (29:48):
Yeah, absolutely that's the dream.
That's the dream.
We've experienced so much ofwhat this lifestyle has to offer
and we just see so manybenefits, especially for young
kids, to have those sameexperiences that we've had.
We're sort of getting ourselfishness out of our system
and we just want to show ourkids that sort of lifestyle as
(30:12):
well.
So it'd be an awesomeprogression for us.
And, yeah, that's the ultimatedream, eh.
Speaker 2 (30:17):
Definitely Fantastic guys and what an absolutely gift
.
And it's the.
I think the thing that keeps uson the road.
You know, even after all ofthis time is that family time
that you get to spend with yourkids and to make these memories
and have these experiencestogether.
You know it does something toyou as individuals and then also
(30:42):
as a unit.
It makes you realise that thatreally is the most important
thing about life.
You know, the material thingscan come and go really quickly,
but having the opportunity towatch your children through
these experiences around as yousaid, brad, like we think it's
the most amazing country in theworld.
You know the world's bestbackyard and we've got it all
(31:05):
here.
So to do that as a family isjust such a blessing and we're
excited for you.
I mean, you're still plentyyoung enough, so you guys have
got plenty of time to still beselfish and you know, worry
about that.
Speaker 4 (31:15):
Yeah, we're talking a little bit in the future, but
yeah, no, so good.
Speaker 2 (31:19):
We're excited to keep across your journey as well and
watch you guys as you do comeinto that stage of your life.
Speaker 1 (31:27):
Now listen before we let you go, though.
Give us the selfless plug, ohplug.
Where can people find you?
Because they want to follow youon YouTube and socials.
Give us the wrap up.
Speaker 4 (31:36):
I think the number one spot would be our YouTube
channel, our Australia Trip.
That's where we post our videosof our travels and a really
good in-depth look at where wego and what we do and all that.
But then, of course, we haveour Instagram and Facebook, our
Australia Troop, as well, whichhas more of that up-to-date
(31:57):
content too.
Speaker 1 (31:59):
Fantastic.
Well, congratulations, too, oneverything that you guys have
worked towards and to see yousucceed and that your journey
continues.
Speaker 2 (32:09):
It's only going to get better from here we think
Thanks, guys, and really lookingforward to seeing you in person
too.
I think we'll do a little bitof a crisscross over as you're
making your way up the coast.
Speaker 1 (32:22):
Babysitters.
Katie, you can have a practicewith us.
Speaker 3 (32:26):
Do you really want me rubbing off on Jasper?
I don't think.
Speaker 1 (32:32):
I'm the best role model.
No, you've got to get thepractice in.
It's all good.
Speaker 2 (32:35):
He's a bit of a strong personality, Brad.
I'd be worried about himrubbing off on you, to be honest
.
Speaker 1 (32:42):
Well, thank you so much, guys, for joining us, and
we will catch you around acampfire soon Sounds good, we
look forward to it.
Speaker 4 (32:48):
Thanks for having us.
Cheers guys.
Speaker 1 (32:50):
So good to talk to Brad and Hayley.
And we did get to catch up withthem down there at the
Melbourne Caravan and CampingExpo or Super Show, but always
lovely to speak with those guysand an inspiration, I think, to
other young couples out there tothink you know, look like what
we say, if we can do it, anyonecan do it.
Speaker 2 (33:13):
Oh, 100%.
Don't you just love hearingtheir stories?
Speaker 1 (33:16):
though from their perspective of not traveling
with kids Sounds like it's amatter of time.
Yes, Now the takeaway is jobsfill your pockets, but
adventures fill your soul.
Speaker 2 (33:25):
Just love it.
And isn't that the truth?
And more and more, as wecontinue living this incredible
lifestyle that we are sograteful for, we are reminded
every single day that it's notabout the material things that
come in and out of our lives.
It really is about theexperiences that you get to
share together.
Speaker 1 (33:45):
Love it, katie.
Now next week we stay at aChristmas tree farm, cue the
carols and it's time toofficially say goodbye to the 79
series Makes me want to breakout in song.
For now we'll say dream big,look after yourself and look
after your family and happytrails.
Speaker 2 (34:03):
I love you.
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