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BIG Announcement – Our 1 Year Road Trip Around Australia

By Craig | March 14, 2017 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read our Disclosure.

Yesterday Caz wrote about her travel fears and why we have delayed following our travel dream for too long.

Six weeks ago I wrote about the secret to our success and how it has taken us five years of tears, hard work and persistence to get to this point.

But today is all about JOY.

We’ve been writing about travel on this blog since 2010: three years of sharing all our wisdom and stories from 15 years of travel – we don’t want any other life.

We’ve tried and it didn’t work for us. All we got was a gigantic kick up the arse in order to follow our true passion: a life of travel.

MY LATEST VIDEOS

Some people have a travel bucket list. Some don’t. But almost everyone has a DREAM.

Today we are are excited to announce that we are finally moving forward with a long-time dream of ours. We’ve spent 15 years exploring the world and very little time getting to know our own country.

It’s time for a change.

This September we are packing up the kids, the car, and few possessions and road tripping around Australia – for at least one year!

I don’t think we’ve ever been as EXCITED about a trip as this one.

It’s been a long time between drinks for a big trip, and there have been many moments in recent years when we thought it would never happen.

This is probably the biggest travel adventure we have ever taken on. We’ve backpacked Africa, campervanned around Europe and road tripped across the USA. Huge adventures that involved just Caz and I.

Now we have two little cherubs joining us and this journey will undoubtedly go for longer than any other. PLUS, we are doing it in one of the BIGGEST and MOST expensive countries in the world.

But we are up for the challenge.

Why Australia?

Because it’s our homeland.

It’s unique, it’s diverse, it’s full of larrikins and from the little bit we have seen it’s bloody beautiful. It’s an island, a country, a continent – yep, she’s a BIG one!

With a coastline stretching 50,000 kilometres and linked by over 10,000 beaches, we can’t wait to dig our toes into the sand and see sunrises and sunsets over some of the most magnificent beaches in the world.

In the centre there’s the iconic Outback. We have never been to this remote, vast area that symbolises Australia. Experiencing the open spaces and camping out under the stars is going to be incredible.

Let us show YOU our island home.

Our country is known for its world class wine regions, World Heritage National Parks, ancient rainforests, unique wildlife, spectacular reefs, vibrant cities, the Aussie sense of humour and the fascinating aboriginal culture.

We want to see and feel it all. It’s time for us to get lost again and take on an Australian adventure.

And what an experience for our girls – to show them their amazing homeland – the memories are going to be priceless.

Team yTravelBlog.com - Ready for our 1 year road trip around Australia

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Why a Road Trip?

Road trips provide a perfect opportunity to connect with your family, a sense of nostalgia, educational value and an environment for bonding as a family unit.

One of my fondest childhood memories are the annual road trips with my family to Port Macquarie in NSW – ever since I’ve been hooked.

Road trips are just so practical and cost effective. And as a travelling family we can’t rate them highly enough as a memorable travel experience.

Our number one tip for traveling with kids is SLOW travel, and road trips allow for that.

You can set your own travel hours and destinations, and the journey becomes just as memorable as the destination.

I’m so excited about hitting the wide open road with the kids and having the flexibility to do what we want, when we want.

It’s the best way for us to travel and run our business.

We plan to act as your virtual tour guide and story tellers as we discover Australia one blog post, tweet, Facebook status, instagram, pin, and video at a time.

Where are we going?

Everywhere and anywhere.

Starting from Sydney, we’re heading south for the summer months and then north for the winter. By hitting the Top End in the winter months we’ll escape the humidity and the wet season. You gotta plan your seasons in Oz.

At this stage we are planning for a year, but to be honest, the more we research, the more we find out there is to do, so don’t be surprised if that stretches out to 2 years.

We’re excited for our family to come and join us at certain points along the journey, and we are going to go with the flow as much as possible.

We have a rough itinerary in place for where we will be each month, but this could change as we stumble on new destinations and get new recommendations.

Here are our must sees on the bucket list for each state heading south from Sydney:

October – NSW

South Coast and Canberra.

Jervis Bay, NSW - Places to visit in AustraliaJervis Bay, NSW     credit: Yegor Korzh

November – Victoria

The Yarra Valley, The Grampians, Melbourne, Phillip Island, The Mornington Peninsula, The Great Ocean Road.

Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road - Places to see in AustraliaTwelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road       credit: edwin.11

December – Tasmania

Hobart, Launceston, Port Arthur, Cradle Mountain, Tamar Valley, Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay,

Wineglass Bay, Tasmania - Places to see in Australia                                   Wineglass Bay, Tasmania                     credit: coolhunter

January – South Australia

Adelaide, The Barossa Valley, Kangaroo Island, The Flinders Ranges, Coober Pedey

Barossa Valley - Places to visit in AustraliaBarossa Valley     credit: Kyle Taylor

February, March and April – Western Australia

Perth, Margaret River, The Southwest, Cape Le Grande National Park, Ningaloo Reef, Broome, The Kimberleys, Karijini National Park.

Mitchell Falls, The Kimberley - Places to see in AustraliaMitchell Falls, The Kimberley     credit: Devar

May, June – Northern Territory

Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, Arnhem Land, Uluru, Katherine, Kings Canyon.

Arnhem Land, Northern Territory - Places to visit in AustraliaArnhem Land

July, August and September – Queensland

Tropical North Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands, Fraser Island, The Sunshine and Gold Coasts, Brisbane.

Heart Reef, Queensland - Places to see in Australia                                Heart Reef, Great Barrier Reef           credit: traveling greener

October 2014 – NSW

North Coast, Byron Bay, Port Macquarie, and everywhere along the Legendary Pacific Coast Highway.

We’ll be travelling SLOW (just like our manifesto says). We have to, we have two children, plus we will be working a business.

Our Mission

This trip is NOT just about us. We want to show you that family travel can be done, road trips are great fun, and Australia is worth exploring.

We are very excited about sharing our stories, tips, photos and videos from around Australia with the 155,000 people visiting our site each month.

As always, our goal is to inform and inspire you to go travel, and travel more often.

We want your help.

For us, the best travel tips always come from other traveller’s who have been there and done that, and the locals on the ground.

We’ll be reaching out to our online communities on the blog and social media for all your insider tips. Plus, we’ll be chatting with the locals in every town and other travelers on the road.

As we arrive in each place, we’ll be asking the locals (and you) to help us discover:

  • the best beach?
  • who makes the best coffee?
  • best place for a beer?
  • best place for a sunrise and sunset?
  • the best fish and chips?
  • best vegetarian cafe
  • the best family activities?
  • best walks?

We’re excited to hear your suggestions and to also share new things with you.

Types of Experiences

It’s no secret Australia can be an expensive place to travel. But we are up for the challenge of showing you how to make it affordable.

We’ll be seeking out free and unique activities along the way and sharing out tips for saving money on the road.

In our blog posts and social media updates we will share tips like:

  • where to stay
  • where to eat
  • things to see and do
  • planning
  • logistics of travel in Oz

Suggested Itineraries

Although our trip is for at least a year, we know and understand a lot of you will probably only ever get to do shorter trips in Oz. So our idea is to break up our content into more practical posts.

We plan to publish posts and write eBook guides for each city and region. For example:

  • 3 days in Sydney
  • 3 weeks in Tasmania
  • 2 weeks in the Outback
  • 3 weeks in North Queensland
  • 1 month in Western Australia etc.

We also plan to mix up our accommodation options as we know you all have different budgets and tastes. For example:

  • camping / caravanning
  • hostels
  • hotels
  • apartments / vacation rentals
  • some luxury
  • possibly some house sitting.

What Do We Want to Experience

Lots of things. Australia beyond the icons.

We love nature, food and wine, wildlife experiences, island life, sports and festivals, vibrant cities, National Parks, aboriginal culture, endless summers, family adventure, hidden gems, and BEER.

On our agenda will be classic road trips such as:

  • The Gibb River Road in Western Australia
  • The Great Ocean Road in Victoria
  • Nature’s Way and Red Centre Way in Northern Territory
  • Kangaroo Island and Wine Regions of South Australia
  • Perth to the Southwest in WA
  • The Legendary Pacific Coast Drive
  • The Great Tropical Drive in North Queensland
  • A lap of Tasmania

Follow Our Journey

On the blog we’ll be sharing everything about our journey around Australia.

  • the budget tips
  • the ups and downs
  • the travel planning
  • the reality of travelling on the road as family
  • how to be a digital nomad
  • travel life through our children’s eyes
  • the weird and the wacky!

If you don’t want to miss any of our updates, plus all of our pre-planning posts over the next three months before we leave, then subscribe via email.

The Hashtag

#yTraveloz will be our official hashtag for the whole trip so you can follow our live updates via Instagram and Twitter.

We’ve had a love / hate affair with instagram since it launched on android, but we get it now and is probably the best place to follow our journey LIVE!

Pinterest

Our Pinterest boards are going to be a BIG focus and where we share our best photos and content with our 4 million followers.

As well as pinning stuff to our travel tips, family travel, food travel, Australia and bucket list boards, we’ll also create State boards you can follow to get your inspiration and information. Join us here.

Facebook

Look out for our live updates on our facebook page. We’ll be sharing tips and pics from the places we see, where we eat, and where we stay.

And this is where we’ll be asking for your suggestions on things to see and do.

Food eBook

As food is such a big part of any trip, we plan to write an eBook on 30 simple, healthy dishes to cook on the road.

We’ll be seeking out local farmers markets and on the hunt for the best value in supermarkets.

Home Schooling Kalyra

Kalyra turns six in September, and one of our new challengers will be looking after her educational needs.

Are we worried? Nope. Luckily for us Caz is a qualified Primary School teacher and has been teaching around the world and in Australia since 1997.

We know that travel offers so much to our kids as far as education goes, and opens their eyes to a whole new world. Most recently we witnessed this when Savannah met Alida in Vanuatu.

There are life lessons to be learned that cannot be taught in any classroom, text book or movie. History, Science, Language, Math and the Arts can all be studied hands-on through travel.

We certainly don’t plan on home schooling our kids full-time, but for now traveling together as a family, and creating lifelong memories as a family is very important to us.

Meet Ups

In every major city we plan on having reader meet ups over a few drinks and a travel chat. We’d love to meet as many of you as possible and hear about your travel stories too.

To learn more about this and get email updates click here.

Partnerships

We will be partnering with a few select brands on this trip, but only those that are relevant and offer value to us, you and them.

For us it’s always important we create win-win-win relationships, and we are very conscious of our own brand and only aligning with companies who are a natural fit and we believe in.

Life is too short

It is ticking by, faster with every year.

Believe it or not I turn 40 in September and what a great way to kick off the rest of my life with this HUGE adventure.

Australia has given us so much. It is time for us to give back to our own country by showcasing it as much as we can.

We want to show you why there really is no place like Australia and how travel can be affordable here. It ain’t going to be like south east Asia, we certainly aren’t delusional, but we want to show how it can be done in a way that is cheaper than you expected.

So that’s it. It’s really happening, and this post is our official announcement. There’s no turning back now.

In just over three months time we’ll pack up the kids, jump in our car and hit the open road.

It’s going to be EPIC!

Is Australia on your bucket list?

Where should we go?

What must we see?

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you might also enjoy

  • One year road trip around Australia - the journey so far! Australian Road Trip with Kids – One year of awesome
  • Recording Your Kids’ Australia Road Trip Memories
  • Why We Are Reversing Our Australian Road Trip

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Questions & Comments

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  1. MrsCeeeceee

    5 years ago

    SO exciting! And so happy you are coming to Victoria!!

    Reply to MrsCeeeceee
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Yeah better believe it Caroline!!! 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  2. Beth

    5 years ago

    Very jealous. I completely feel the same way. I’m 21 and have visited more places overseas then I have here. Definitely something I’ll get around to one day.

    As for coffee & Brisbane…I just wrote an article on this very subject for uni a few weeks ago.

    You can find it at this site if you need a bit of inspiration – http://bethlouisemackenzie.wordpress.com/other-work/brisbanes-bean-scene/

    Reply to Beth
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Hi Beth, a lot of traveller’s are like this, always leaving our own backyards until later. But I’d rather do it now while I’m willing and able. Looking forward to all the coffee stops 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  3. Kate

    5 years ago

    Yay! This all sounds fantastic and really well thought out. It’s cool that you can do a loop and make the seasons work like that. This makes me think about doing a long road trip around New Zealand. I’d never thought of that.

    Reply to Kate
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Hi Kate,

      New Zealand would also make a fantastic road trip destination. You should definitely do it.

      Reply to Craig
  4. Russell Ward

    5 years ago

    You little ripper you. Looking forward to this. Great idea, fantastic country, a whole world of content to share. The very best of luck guys. See you soon 🙂

    Reply to Russell
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      G’day Russell,

      Absolutely. Beyond excited.

      Reply to Craig
  5. Paul (@luxury__travel)

    5 years ago

    What a great adventure. It’s all too easy to forget your own backyard sometimes…

    Reply to Paul
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      and it’s a very big backyard Paul. Super excited to check it all out.

      Reply to Craig
      • Paul (@luxury__travel)

        5 years ago

        Well… yes… I don’t you’ll be bored, let’s put it that way! 🙂

        Reply to Paul
  6. Leisa

    5 years ago

    Amazing! Can’t wait to read your stories… And give you tips on Northern Aus! Great work & best of luck!!

    Reply to Leisa
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Hey Leisa,

      Really looking forward to the Northern states, but the south will be incredible too 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  7. Abi

    5 years ago

    I’m looking forward to hearing about all your travels and tips on places to go and see as next year my partner and I are packing in our jobs, heading to Australia and travelling for a year. It will be great to hear your advice. Especially budget tips!

    Reply to Abi
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      That’s awesome to hear Abi. Maybe we will run into each other somewhere?!

      Keep following for all our tips!

      Reply to Craig
  8. Audrey

    5 years ago

    this is a GREAT move!! So excited for you!! 🙂 EPIC adventure indeed!!

    Reply to Audrey
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Cheers Audrey!

      Reply to Craig
  9. Charli | Wanderlusters

    5 years ago

    Oh wow, you’re going to have such an incredible journey. We spent 11 months travelling Australia in a motor home last year and followed pretty much the same route.

    If you’re planning to camp/caravan then you must invest in a Camps book. I think they’ve just launched Camps 7. It’s basically a free and low cost camp site directory with country wide road maps.

    I can’t wait to relive our adventures through your updates!

    Reply to Charli
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Great Charli, will have to get that book. Thanks for the heads up!

      Where were your favourite places around Oz?

      Reply to Craig
      • Charli | Wanderlusters

        5 years ago

        Jeepers, this could take some time!

        QLD

        Glass House Mtns
        Seaforth – council camp ground
        Blackdown Tablelands NP
        Gem fossicking in Emerald and Ruby
        Cairns – Mike Ball 7 Day Coral Sea Safari

        NSW

        Broken Hill
        South West Rocks – scuba dive
        Dorrigo NP
        Bellingen – small arty town

        WA

        Cape le Grand NP
        Quagi Beach Camp – swam with wild dolphins here
        Agusta / Margaret River
        Super Pit in kalgoorlie
        Sadly we didn’t get to North WA

        You should def drive the Nullarbor Plain

        SA

        Port Lincoln
        Port Germein – catch crabs off the long wooden jetty

        NT

        I know you’ve driven through Arnhemland already, one of our fav parts. We drove Gove to Darwin.

        We sailed the NT coast so don’t have a lot of land based recommendations!

        Katherine Gorge was stunning.

        Reply to Charli
        • Craig

          5 years ago

          Wow, awesome! Thanks for sharing Charli. Great list to refer to 🙂

          Reply to Craig
  10. Amy

    5 years ago

    So exciting! I can’t wait to read about your year around Oz! I loved road tripping on my last trip there (Adelaide to Sydney), but it was too short – would have loved to spend a year exploring. 🙂

    Reply to Amy
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Thanks Amy,

      Yeah thinking we will need an endless amount of time. So much to see and do – a good problem to have I suppose 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  11. NatalieT

    5 years ago

    Guys I’m in Sydney. If you cross over here let me know, it’d be great to meet you this side of the pond!!

    Reply to NatalieT
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      Hi Nataliet, we live 1 hour north of Sydney. Not in NZ 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  12. Brendon @ Nerd Travels

    5 years ago

    I’m so excited for you all. This sounds like an amazing trip and you have everything so well thought out, I’m impressed. I will be eagerly following along 🙂

    Reply to Brendon
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      Let’s see how all this planning goes. Will be expecting adjustments along the way. Trial and error 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  13. Outside The Den

    5 years ago

    Congratulations to you! How extremely exciting! We’ll be following along for sure!

    -Heather & Alex

    Reply to Outside
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      You bet. Thanks Heather & Alex

      Reply to Craig
  14. Stef

    5 years ago

    Awesome plans!!! I can’t wait to read about your travels! Enjoy them!!

    Reply to Stef
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      We will Stef thank you!

      Reply to Craig
  15. Michelle

    5 years ago

    Wow so exciting! Sounds like so much fun 🙂

    Reply to Michelle
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Cheers Michelle. We plan on creating some awesome memories!

      Reply to Craig
  16. Louise Goldsbury

    5 years ago

    Good move, guys. This is much more your style.

    Before I specialised in cruising, I did a 6-month motorhome trip around Oz and it was incredible. It’s also when I started a travel website called Mad Nomads (now offline) – this was in 2003 – little did I know I was blogging before it became a thing! Wish I’d kept it up! So who knows where you two (four) will take it….

    Top 3 places I’d recommend:
    1. Uluru – lives up to expectations.
    2. Coober Pedy – f*cking crazy.
    3. Any hot spring in NT – good relaxing for “car arse”.

    Reply to Louise
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Hi Louise,

      We agree with you, definitely MORE our style! And thanks for the tips, really excited for the Northern Territory!!

      Reply to Craig
  17. Amy @ The Q Family

    5 years ago

    How excited!!! I can’t wait to follow along with your journey. I have to admit that I don’t follow blogs as much as I did in the past. With kids and work, it’s hard to comment or even read the blog. But your blog has always provided great information as well as inspiration. Keep up the good work and enjoy your EPIC road trip.

    Reply to Amy
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Thanks for the nice words Amy! We surely will 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  18. Beatrice

    5 years ago

    How exciting!! Having spent 5 months this year exploring Oz, and 2 months in 2010, I just know you’re going to have an amazing time.

    Australia is big, beautiful, amazing, and has some spots you will never want to leave… even if you know the next stop will be just as great!

    Some favourites, by state:
    NSW: Sydney, Narooma, Byron Bay
    Victoria: Sorrento (Mornington Peninsula), all the food in Melbourne, Great Ocean Road
    SA: Kangaroo Island, Barossa Valley, Port Elliot (Fleurieu Peninsula) – Coober Pedy is a weird, weird place that’s def. worth a visit
    NT: sunset at Uluru.
    Tasmania: Hobart, Recherche Bay, the Edge of the World
    WA: Esperance, Wave Rock

    ENJOY! 🙂

    Reply to Beatrice
    • Beatrice

      5 years ago

      OH – forgot QLD: Whitsunday sailing, Great Barrier Reef, Cape Tribulation!

      Reply to Beatrice
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Hey Beatrice,

      Yeah, kinda thinking it’s going to be really hard to leave certain places whilst looking ahead to new destinations.

      Someone mentioned Narooma yesterday. And definitely going to Esperance. Appreciate all the suggestions!

      Reply to Craig
  19. Turtle

    5 years ago

    Incredible!! Can’t wait to read it all. Love this idea so much!

    Reply to Turtle
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Well, it might be a while until to we see you again??? 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  20. Monica

    5 years ago

    This sounds absolutely incredible! I took exactly the same route back in 2010-2011. It took me 18 months of very slow travel and it was honestly the best 18 months of my life.

    I’m looking forward to reading more about your trip!

    Reply to Monica
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Will have to check out your posts Monica. Feel free to leave any links.

      Yeah, thinking 18 months is more realistic, but time will tell 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  21. Lpeg

    5 years ago

    Australia and New Zealand are next on my list, but I can only make it for a month, tops! Can’t wait to hear all about your adventure, and the inspiration for my trip!

    Reply to Lpeg
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      You can still have an amazing time in 1 month, just don’t try and see the whole country.

      Reply to Craig
  22. Lisa Anderson

    5 years ago

    We spent six weeks with our 3 teens and 7 year old in 2011 traveling the S half of Oz… West Australia, Nullibor to South Australia, Victoria and then flew to Brisbane area. Wicked weather kept us on our toes! With teens, we found FAST travel was best to avoid boredom, and we were tripping RTW in limited time. It’s all about what works best for your family. And it was REALLY hot at the Ningaloo Reef in January 🙂 We captured our story in an ebook, link on our website. Happy travels to you, and we’d love to do it again!

    Reply to Lisa
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      That’s great Lisa. I hear you on the speed of travel with teens, I guess we won’t have that issue with our kiddies but they definitely play a role in HOW we move!

      Ningaloo will be amazing. Yeah, I guess WA is hot period in the summer.

      Reply to Craig
  23. Jean of HolySmithereensl

    5 years ago

    WOW! Great plans indeed. Love that you guys are doing this, hope it inspires more Australians to explore our own backyard. I look forward to following your roadtrip adventures!

    Reply to Jean
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      We hope it does too Jean. That’s a big part of what we do!

      Reply to Craig
  24. Johanna

    5 years ago

    Woo Hoo! You’ve done it! Well done! So excited for you 🙂 And you’ve picked a fabulous time for South West Australia – looking forward to catching up for a wine or beer or two or three!

    Reply to Johanna
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Absolutely Johanna, will be spending quite a bit of time in your backyard (southwest WA) and we have to have wines/beers!

      Already one of my fave regions of Oz and have only scratched the surface!!

      Reply to Craig
  25. Dee

    5 years ago

    This is amazing!!! All the best for the great road trip. It will be a great experience for the kids. Looking forward to your posts and FB updates 🙂

    Reply to Dee
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Thanks Dee. The kids are going to grow so much in more ways than one!

      Reply to Craig
  26. Kate - CanuckiwiKate

    5 years ago

    This is amazing! I’m currently roadtripping across Canada, my home country which I’d never seen much of or explored. My boyfriend and I bought a Ford Explorer, and have been camping in the back of it for the past 6 weeks! We’re not travelling quite as slow as I’d like (we ended up racing across the Prairies and going to TBEX) but it’s pretty amazing experiencing the diversity of the country I am so proud to be from.

    I am (well, used to be since I quit to travel…) a primary school teacher too, and totally agree that these kind of hands-on learning experiences will be completely more valuable and memorable than anything in a classroom!

    Good on you guys, can’t wait to see read along!

    Reply to Kate
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Cheers Kate. That’s awesome you’re loving Canada. Another road trip destination for the future.

      And yes our kids will get more out of this trip than sitting in a classroom at 6 years old.

      Reply to Craig
  27. Lissie - from Travel Tips

    5 years ago

    Please don’t make the normal mistake and stick to the coast and the tar seal. Get a 4WD and a tent and get off road. We drove 35000km in 6 months, and the best of Australia is a long way from the east coast . My favourite spots, which hardly anyone goes to include: Birdsville, Winton, Broken Hill, Mungo NP, Oodindnatta Track inc Williams Creek, Kings Canyon (leaves Uluru for dead), Milaprinka, Cape Le Grande NP, Green Pools WA, Karajini NP, Exmourth and swimming with whale sharks.

    Best sunset – Broome – by quite a long way .
    Best drive – the Savannah Way.
    Best oasis – Lawn Hill, Qlds.
    Most underrated and stunningly beautfiful area – Ord River WA
    Also worth the detour Thursday Island. Oh and the Lost City in NT

    I regret not getting north of the GBR – htere are some very remote roads north to the coast, but you need anothe 4WD for safetly.

    I assume you are taking a satellite phone, you won’t be logging in regularly if you don.t We did the trip in 07 – but from what I’ve read the cell coverage hasn’t improved much. I don’t think we got a signal on the Savannah between Athertorn Tablelands and Milparinka – we were travelling fairly fast and that was still about 10 days. With kids I’d probably want a satellite phone for safety.

    But really get off road, it’s very easy, buy an old Toyota Landcruiser or Nisasn Patrol – old because you want any bush mechanic to be able to work on it, and have the parts. Don’t tow because it really limits where you can go unless you are really experience. There are some cruiser converted to camper will easily take your size family.

    Reply to Lissie
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Hi Liz,

      Definitely going to get off the east coast, and the coastline in general, especially in the NT and WA.

      And going up north of the Great Barrier Reef seems very appealing. Love tropical North Queensland.

      Hadn’t even crossed my mind about a satellite phone, but we will tick all of those boxes when it gets closer to departure. And will be changing from Optus to Telstra that’s for sure as far as our smartphones go!

      We already have a Nissan X-Trail we’ll be using, and seriously considering a camper trailer as want to do the caravanning/camping lifestyle as much as possible.

      Thanks for your tips!

      Reply to Craig
      • Moses

        5 years ago

        You should be able to get the xtrail up to Cape York, just be sure to take the bypass around gunshot creek!

        Here’s a pic of when I crossed it in a Patrol back in ’06
        http://www.mosey.id.au/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=260&g2_serialNumber=2

        Also be very careful to abide by the restricted alcohol areas. We found the signs quite confusing, and after getting caught at a roadblock I had to fly back to go to court in Cooktown! Managed to get it moved to Brisbane, but still an expensive VB..

        Reply to Moses
        • Craig

          5 years ago

          Cool pic. Looks intense. And yeah, I wouldn’t drink VB for free 🙂

          Reply to Craig
  28. Sam

    5 years ago

    Wow! Super exciting! I love that you’re travelling slow, too (like you said, you have to with kids), and it’ll be cool to see what kinds of things you’ll uncover about your own country taking your time to do so.

    Reply to Sam
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      SLOW is the best way for us Sam with young kiddies, and running a business. And it’s the best way regardless 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  29. Erica

    5 years ago

    An epic adventure ahead, congratulations, what a fantastic experience for the family! Hope to meet you all and show you some good bits of the Mornington Peninsula!

    Reply to Erica
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Would love some advice on the Mornington Peninsula Erica. Have heard it’s beautiful but don’t know anything else.

      Yep, going to be a memorable family experience!

      Reply to Craig
  30. Megan

    5 years ago

    This will be such an amazing journey. It’s wonderful to see such seasoned travellers dive into their own country. So many of us keep travelling the world saying “oh it will always be there”.
    As a Taswegian I’m super excited for you to discover my home. I’ll be in touch with some suggestions when you get closer to crossing the water.
    Enjoy and I can’t wait to read all about it.

    Reply to Megan
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      That’s what we have always said too, Australia will always be there. But, we may not always be willing and able, so why not do it now when the timing is perfect, well as perfect as it gets!! 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  31. Val

    5 years ago

    Woo hoo! A brilliant dream now a reality! You will love it and do so well with it! Look forward to catching up with you somewhere on the road….

    Reply to Val
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Cheers Val. See you on the road, or in Queensland!!

      Reply to Craig
  32. Christina @ Mr and Mrs Romance

    5 years ago

    This is so awesome and we’re both so excited for you! Can’t wait to follow along with this adventure x

    Reply to Christina
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      And we must get all your best tips Christina!! Thanks, can’t wait for this next chapter.

      Reply to Craig
  33. PlanningQueen

    5 years ago

    This is so inspiring guys – absolutely love it. Love how well it is planned with plenty of room for flexibility.

    Look forward to you guys coming to Melbourne and please let me know if I can help out with the Vic part of the trip at all.

    Nic

    Reply to PlanningQueen
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Thanks Nicole, we must do a catch up in Melbourne. Have only ever seen Melbourne through the eyes of a ProBlogger conference 🙂 Looking forward to spending a good amount of time in the area!

      Reply to Craig
  34. Carli

    5 years ago

    Fantastic news guys, I would love to do something similar but we can’t really manage it at the moment…now I get to live through your travels instead 🙂

    Reply to Carli
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      We will do our best to bombard you with photos 🙂

      Thanks Carli.

      Reply to Craig
  35. sofia

    5 years ago

    Awesome you guys!! Really looking forward to read more about Tasmania! 😀

    Reply to sofia
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      and we are really looking forward to at least a month in Tassie. Thanks Sofia.

      Reply to Craig
  36. Sally

    5 years ago

    oooh have fun! I’ve always wanted to do something like this in my home country, USA. can’t wait to read all the updates!

    Reply to Sally
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Go for it Sally 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  37. Mary

    5 years ago

    I am so excited for you guys and for me getting to witness it all through the blog and social media:) How on Earth will you manage Internet though? We were there a week and couldn;t get it the whole time.

    Reply to Mary
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Ha ha, welcome to Australia and our communications challenges! Yeah, gonna be an issue in some parts, but we’ll schedule stuff ahead of time. Where were you based?

      Telstra has the best coverage next time you’re downunder!

      Reply to Craig
  38. Jenny

    5 years ago

    How exciting! I look forward to following your adventures as we embark on our new life in Milan, Italy. I’m sure we’ll be tempted home to follow in your footsteps around Oz. Two must sees – Esperance WA for the most beautiful beaches in the world AND Lake Mungo National Park for inspirational stories about our millions of years of history.

    Reply to Jenny
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Thanks for the tips Jenny. Yeah Esperance looks AMAZING! And you’re the second person to mention Mungo. Will have to look into it.

      Enjoy Milan.

      Reply to Craig
  39. Moses

    5 years ago

    Awesome news, you’re going to have a ball. So many cool places to go… be sure to pack a mask / fins and spend some time snorkelling Ningaloo reef – imho it’s as good as GBR but shore based!

    Reply to Moses
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Everyone who visits Ningaloo says that. Got the fins ready. We’ll have to catch up over beers in Sydney and swap notes before we leave!!

      Reply to Craig
  40. Bethaney - Flashpacker Family

    5 years ago

    Woohoo!!! How exciting for you guys!!! It sounds like an epic adventure for your family.

    Reply to Bethaney
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Thank you Bethaney – as long as the kids behave themselves 🙂

      But yeah, gonna be EPIC!

      Reply to Craig
  41. eemusings

    5 years ago

    Now that is an itinerary! Excited to read about your adventures over the next year.

    Reply to eemusings
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Looking forward to sharing it with you!

      Reply to Craig
  42. Beth

    5 years ago

    Super exciting! What great memories to create with your family.

    Can’t wait to read all about it (and learn more about Oz)!

    Reply to Beth
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      It’s all about the memories Beth. They never lose value!

      Reply to Craig
  43. Michela @RockyTravel

    5 years ago

    Your road trip plan sounds very exciting! I have travelled Oz several times for 2-3 months every time and have been to most of your destinations. You are going to have a fantastic year! 🙂

    Reply to Michela
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      We are getting more excited by the day Michela. What was your favourite place in Oz?

      Reply to Craig
  44. Andrea

    5 years ago

    You’re going to have such an amazing time! We’re dying to do a road trip around the USA but have some things we need to accomplish first…road trips are awesome!!

    Reply to Andrea
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      Road trips ARE awesome. The open road, blasting the tunes, exploring, ahhh 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  45. Sam @ Travellingking.com

    5 years ago

    Looking great guys! Can’t wait to read all about it Would love to meet up when you are in Adelaide.
    You will love the Flinders – We were just up there, beautiful place 🙂

    Reply to Sam
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Sure thing Sam!

      I have never been to South Australia. Looking forward to Flinders, Kangaroo Island, Barossa, Adelaide plus much more!

      Reply to Craig
      • Sam @ Travellingking.com

        5 years ago

        Brilliant 🙂
        The Flinders is amazing!!! Make sure to go Hot Air Ballooning if you can (better than a scenic flight)

        Reply to Sam
  46. Dean

    5 years ago

    Awesome guys. This will be an amazing adventure. There is just much to see in Australia it is not funny. I took five weeks to drive from Brisbane to Perth and I had to miss so much. Enjoy and take it nice and slow 🙂

    Reply to Dean
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      SLOW will be the theme of the trip, that’s for sure!! Glad you got to do a nice road trip Dean. What was your favourite part??

      Reply to Craig
  47. Jackie

    5 years ago

    Wow! Congrats on your decision. Hope your journey is everything your family dreamed.

    Reply to Jackie
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Cheers Jackie!

      Reply to Craig
  48. Christy

    5 years ago

    This sounds perfect for you guys! I’m looking forward to seeing more of Australia through your posts. One of these days I’ll have to do a USA trip like this.

    Reply to Christy
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Totally perfect Christy. The countdown is on!

      Reply to Craig
  49. Linda ~ Journey Jottings

    5 years ago

    Road trips are the best – and around Oz you can’t get much better –
    Super excited you’re heading off on the ‘big lap’ –
    Looking forward to following all the highlights of your holiday adventure 🙂

    Reply to Linda
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Thanks Linda!

      Always wanted to do the “big lap” 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  50. Britt Reints

    5 years ago

    Perfect!! You described exactly why we chose to tour the USA for our year of travel – it’s our home! What good is it to know the world if you don’t know the place that birthed you?

    So excited for you!!!

    Reply to Britt
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Thanks Britt,

      Exactly, really excited to show the kiddies the best of Australia and beyond! Can’t wait.

      Reply to Craig
  51. Maxabella

    5 years ago

    Game on!!! Could not be more thrilled for you guys. x

    Reply to Maxabella
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Cheers. Got my game face ready that’s for sure!!

      Reply to Craig
  52. Veronica @ Mixed Gems

    5 years ago

    What an adventure! I went on a road trip several years back to trace the footsteps of my ancestors who came to Australia to work in the copper mine in Burra, SA. It’s a fascinating town that allows you to explore the old mine, brewery, jail, etc. on your own time by following a heritage passport. So not only was it a fascinating lesson about history but my personal history too as I visited the graves, old house and stomping ground of various ancestors including my great-great-great grandfather. Have you thought about incorporating some of this type of exploration in your travels?

    Reply to Veronica
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Hey Veronica,

      That’s fantastic you traced your family footsteps. It hasn’t crossed our mind, and we would have to do some research, but never say never.

      Reply to Craig
  53. michelle

    5 years ago

    What a fantastic adventure you all have ahead of you. Brilliant news. Will you guys be camping, taking a trailer, using a caravan?

    Reply to michelle
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Thanks Michelle,

      We are planning to tow a camper trailer and really get amongst the camping / caravanning lifestyle. However, we are also planning on our fair share of hostels stays, apartment stays, and some hotels in major cities. Plus, potentially some house-sitting.

      Reply to Craig
  54. Katlo in BVI

    5 years ago

    What an amazing choice of adventures. If you can take in multiple indigenous Australians as they are very diverse! Hopefully you will get to paint your own didgeridoo!

    Reply to Katlo
  55. Lyndal josephine

    5 years ago

    Look out country towns – the blonde nomads are on their way! Such an awesome adventure you’re embarking on.
    So many stunning places – better than anywhere else in the world, this country of ours.
    Ok, i’d best plan where i come and visit!
    Xx

    Reply to Lyndal
    • Caz

      5 years ago

      Lynny I love that term– the Blonde Nomads!! Nice one. You better come visit us lovely! Every good road trip needs a Lyndal Josephine!

      Reply to Caz
  56. Laney | Crash Test Mummy

    5 years ago

    Well done for taking the leap and making the decision. So exciting. I hope we catch up when you’re in Victoria!

    Reply to Laney
    • Caz

      5 years ago

      Plan on it Laney! We’ll probably cross the border in Late Oct/ Nov

      Reply to Caz
  57. Leigh

    5 years ago

    What a year of adventure you have in front of you. I think becoming an expert in your own country is brilliant – and should open the door for lots of other opportunities. Lucky kids with parents like you too charging around the country. I spent almost 3 months in Australia a long time ago and would now like to see the Adelaide area, western Australia and take a train trip across the country. One day.

    Reply to Leigh
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Yes, our kids are very fortunate Leigh, they don’t quite no it yet but they’ll learn, and they have no choice but to travel, they chose us haha.

      That’s great you’ve had 3 months downunder and YES you must come back!

      Reply to Craig
  58. Anthony The Travel Tart

    5 years ago

    Cool. Let me know when you are in Brisbane for beer o’clock!

    Reply to Anthony
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Won’t be for probably at least a year Anthony, but maybe we’ll see you in another state?!

      Reply to Craig
  59. Jill

    5 years ago

    It’s an incredible adventure – I’m so very happy for you.

    We’re still reeling after our 15 month trip around Oz – even that wasn’t long enough to see this huge backyard of ours. Our kids were 3 and 4 when we left, they are now 5 and 6.

    It’s shaped our family life…possibly forever. I wish you the very best for your trip – you will love it!

    Reply to Jill
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Hey Jill,

      I just checked out your website and bookmarked it for our trip. Great tips. That’s very inspiring what you guys did. We can’t wait. Thanks for dropping by and maybe we’ll see you on the road?? 🙂

      Reply to Craig
      • Jill

        5 years ago

        Would love to see you guys as you swing by Brisbane…you are going to love the trip!

        Reply to Jill
  60. budget jan

    5 years ago

    Great new Caz and Craig. You will absolutely love it. When our kids travelled during school term their teacher just asked that they keep a diary (come to think of it, that is sort of like an off-line Blog:)). Can we expect some on-line photos or posts from Kalrya?

    Reply to budget
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Thanks Jan.

      Yeah, Kalyra is already doing little Vlogs. I’m sure by the time we get settled into our trip she’ll be getting right into it and creating all kinds of stuff. Can’t wait.

      Reply to Craig
  61. Phil

    5 years ago

    Sounds like an amazing trip Criag! Did half of Australia in a camper a few years back and loved it so will keep up to date with your blog to hear about your adventures and what we missed on the other half. Would be great to meet you, Caz and the kids when you come to Cairns, I’m a local here so happy to help with local knowledge, the Great Barrier Reef and finding some of the hidden gems. Happy travels!

    Reply to Phil
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Thanks Phil,

      Yep Cairns is definitely on the itinerary, but not sure when. So thanks for the offer, we love insider tips! 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  62. Becki | Backpackerbecki

    5 years ago

    Good on you guys! It’s all too easy to lose sight of the dream, but reigning that vision back in and going for it feels amazing… and spending a whole year exploring one country is pretty epic. I am hopefully visiting Oz for the first time this year so am looking forward to your updates!

    Reply to Becki
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Cheers Becki, hope you make it down here. We’ll do our best to keep inspiring you!!

      Reply to Craig
  63. Ali

    5 years ago

    Seriously so excited for you guys! This sounds like it will be an incredible experience!

    Reply to Ali
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Thanks Ali. Really looking forward to this adventure!

      Reply to Craig
    • Caz

      5 years ago

      Thank you Ali. It is going to be awesome. I can’t wait to be a nomad again

      Reply to Caz
  64. Barbara

    5 years ago

    What an amazing journey you have planned out for the year ahead or as you mentioned, possibly longer. I’m excited to follow along. We have not visited Australia yet but it is defiantly on our bucket list!

    Reply to Barbara
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Cheers Barbara,

      Glad Oz is on your list, and we look forward to sharing our stories and tips with you as we go 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  65. Jeremy

    5 years ago

    Definitely Aus is my next travel destination after Macau and HK. I am really inspired by this article.

    Reply to Jeremy
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Happy to hear that Jeremy!

      Reply to Craig
  66. Tim Horgan @ On and Off the Gringo Trail

    5 years ago

    You should check out Nimbin (inland from Byron Bay). It is the heart of Northern NSW and really the heart of Australia’s alternative scene.

    It’s quite an extreme place so you might have to leave the kids in Byron (I’m sure you’ll hear heaps about it on your adventures).

    Reply to Tim
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Thanks Tim. Have actually passed through Nimbin many years ago for a sticky beak pre-kids. Definitely an eye opener 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  67. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella

    5 years ago

    That’s amazingly exciting guys! I’m so happy for you and what a great itinerary you have put together! 😀

    Reply to Lorraine
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      Thanks Lorraine,

      We are beyond excited for this trip. Bring. It. On 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  68. Luxury Apartments Gold Coast

    5 years ago

    This blog is so exciting. I love the photography and the posts. Keep up the good work and hoping to read more of your adventure and road trip.

    Reply to Luxury
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      Cheers Guys!!

      Reply to Craig
  69. Cam @ Traveling Canucks

    5 years ago

    Awesome news guys! We plan to do the same thing in a couple years… but in North America. We want to visit every National Park in Canada and the US.

    Reply to Cam
  70. Craig Makepeace

    5 years ago

    Thanks Cam,

    Yep, National Parks in Oz will be a BIG focus. Love em. And you must do the same trip!!

    Reply to Craig
  71. Digital Nomads

    5 years ago

    I believe it will be one of the best experiences ever. Good luck guys! The photos are awesome and it seems it will be very busy year.

    Reply to Digital
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Thanks Guys, it’s getting closer by the day!!

      Reply to Craig
  72. Clive Peters

    5 years ago

    Looks like you had a great time. My dad visited Australia a few months back and got to see a lot. Quite a bit of road though 🙂

    Reply to Clive
  73. Hogga

    5 years ago

    so jealous, i miss australia!

    Reply to Hogga
  74. Spoken English in Pune

    5 years ago

    Master Plan!!
    Very eager To Know About Your Travel Stories.
    Best Of Luck.

    Reply to Spoken
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Thanks. Looking forward to sharing our stories and tips!

      Reply to Craig
  75. Andy Santos

    5 years ago

    Looks really exciting. I want to see Mitchell falls and the Heart Reef too!

    Reply to Andy
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Yep, those two places will be AMAZING no doubt. Thanks Andy!

      Reply to Craig
  76. Cathy Sweeney

    5 years ago

    Exciting! What an amazing road trip you’ve got coming up. Can’t wait to follow along and see your island home through your photos and stories. Just reading this and looking at your photos has me itching for a trip to Australia (have never been)!

    Reply to Cathy
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Thanks Cathy,

      I’ve no doubt you would love it down here! Looking forward to sharing our pics and tips!

      Reply to Craig
  77. PurpleTravelKate

    5 years ago

    Fantastic! Have an amazing trip!

    Reply to PurpleTravelKate
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Cheers Kate. Will do.

      Reply to Craig
  78. Albert

    5 years ago

    Good choice !

    I just started traveling Australia myself for 1 year last May. And still enjoy every minute of it. Big country indeed and lot of things to do. Have fun down under !

    Albert,

    Reply to Albert
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Awesome Albert. Great to hear. Yep, she’s a big one! See you on the road maybe??

      Reply to Craig
  79. Angela Irving

    5 years ago

    I can’t wait to follow your trip. I just finished the Gibb River Road and will be heading back to do it again. When you are going to Mitchell Falls via Kalumburu Road drive with care! This is seriously the worst road I have ever been on. It is worse than any road I have travel in Africa and South America. We meet so many couples and families that had been “spanked” by this road. Rolled caravans, twisted axles, shattered bearings, cracked petrol tanks…this road means business!

    The Gibb River Road is in very good condition and many portions are paved now – which is disappointing.

    Can’t wait to watch your great Aussie Roadtrip.

    Reply to Angela
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Thanks for the heads up Angela. We’ve done some of the Gibb River Road before, but that was 10 years ago. Really looking forward to getting back to the Kimberley region and Mitchell Falls.

      Safe travels.

      Reply to Craig
  80. Robert

    5 years ago

    Wow, what a great adventure. Look forward to all your upcoming posts and pics! My wife and I are traveling to Australia for the first time in Feb. 2014.

    Reply to Robert
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Cheers Robert. What are your plans for Oz? Let us know if we can help with anything!?

      Reply to Craig
  81. Pasture Braised

    5 years ago

    Wow guys. What an inspiration. We are 1/2 through our first RTW trip and often talk about what it would be like to do it w/ kids. Best of luck. I’m sure it will be a blast. We will be following.

    Reply to Pasture
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      It’s going to be a challenge with the kiddies no doubt, but so is staying at home 🙂

      And happy travels to you. Have you got Oz in your itinerary?

      Reply to Craig
  82. Yeison and Samantha

    5 years ago

    Hi Caz and Craig !!

    Greetings from Costa Rica !!!

    We wish you the best for your trip, it souds so fun … be safe and please post a lot of pictures and keep us update !!!

    Reply to Yeison
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Greetings!! And thank you! If it’s pictures you want, it’s pictures we will provide 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  83. Kristin @ KEEN Digital Summit

    5 years ago

    Late to the party but just wanted to say yay, you guys! This sounds like the trip of a lifetime, and I do think you are from one of the prettiest countries on the planet, so what better way to explore it?

    Reply to Kristin
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Thanks Kristin. Sure is beautiful down here.

      Reply to Craig
  84. ken stan

    5 years ago

    Sounds great I live in the US and grew up in Huntington Beach Ca, moved to Las Vegas 20 years ago. I have never seen much of the US always travel over seas. Australia looks great always wanted to go but where do you start.I’m starting in Cairns next week.

    Reply to ken
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Welcome to Oz Ken. Cairns and Tropical North Queensland is a great place to start. Enjoy your time, and you come from a great country also!

      Reply to Craig
  85. Mike

    5 years ago

    This is going to be an EPIC road trip! Cant wait to see the pictures!

    Reply to Mike
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Cheers Mike. Thanks for following along.

      Reply to Craig
  86. David

    5 years ago

    You can even WALK around the continent in one year… 🙂
    Will you?
    Of course, it is not a good idea with small kids.

    Reply to David
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      I think we’ll pass on that. This time 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  87. Thomas

    5 years ago

    First time to the site and all I can say is WOW. First congrats on following the dream and making it happen! Secondly I cant wait to see how this goes. Having a family of five the wifey and I have concerns about just dropping everything and traveling. Since we have two boys in high school pulling them out right now seems unfair. After they finish we would love to do more traveling with the younger one. I guess planning is a must especially when something so simple as location during a certain period can make a big difference. Congrats again and safe journeys!

    Reply to Thomas
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      G’day Thomas,

      Thanks for dropping by. Yeah, our eldest is only 5. It would be different if she was 15. So the outdoors is going to be their classroom for the next year or two.

      We have a rough plan, but will be taking it as slow as possible. Keep the dream alive also and definitely hit the road when the time is right for you!

      Reply to Craig
      • Thomas

        5 years ago

        Thanks for the encouraging words Craig!

        Reply to Thomas
  88. Jackie @indietrips

    5 years ago

    Sounds like you will have many great stories to update us all on soon! Enjoy the journey!

    Reply to Jackie
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Thanks Jackie. Going to create some precious lifetime memories!

      Reply to Craig
  89. Anne McKinnell

    5 years ago

    Hi Caz and Craig, I am so looking forward to following you in your year-long journey. My husband and I spent a year travelling around North America and quickly became snowbirds spending our summers at home in Canada and winters travelling in the USA. We have thought about doing a similar journey in Australia one day. One thing I wanted to suggest to you is RVing. We love living in our RV. There’s nothing like seeing new places and doing new things and still having your own bed, shower and kitchen.

    Reply to Anne
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Hey Anne,

      So glad you will be following along. Yes we plan on towing a camper trailer so we are as self sufficient as possible, and it makes it so much more affordable to stay at caravan parks in Oz.

      Yes, you must do a similar trip down here. That’s awesome you have done the US already. Once we’ve finished Oz we have similar plans for the US and Europe 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  90. Arianwen

    5 years ago

    This sounds like the trip of a lifetime. I just arrived in Sydney on a working holiday visa. It’s a shame I have to do the work part! I’d love to meet up when you’re here and share Aussie travel ideas!

    Reply to Arianwen
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Hi Arianwen,

      Welcome to Sydney! We actually live 1 hour north and are here until end of September. Let us know if you need help with anything? Here is our detailed guide on the working holiday visa if it helps: https://www.ytravelblog.com/working-holiday-australia-visa-2/

      And be sure to jump on our Facebook page and say hi.

      Cheers Craig!

      Reply to Craig
      • Arianwen

        5 years ago

        Thank you! I’ve liked your FB page and will follow your plans! I’ve signed up for Travel Massive in Sydney so perhaps I’ll see you there? All the best!

        Reply to Arianwen
  91. James Clark

    5 years ago

    Wow, what a great trip! This is something I would love to do at some point in my life. I once drove from Melbourne to Cairns, and when I got to Cairns I felt like I could have kept driving so I know I could easily do the rest.

    I’m back in Melbourne in December so that is too bad I will miss you guys.

    Reply to James
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      Cheers James. Actually, we should be back in Victoria from Tasmania mid-late December. Would be great to meet up!

      Reply to Craig
  92. Ces @ Thrifty Vagabond

    5 years ago

    Oh my! I’m excited for you as well. I know traveling with kids for one whole year is not the easiest thing in the world but I’m pretty sure you can prove that it’s doable. I look forward to your travel posts. Enjoy!

    Reply to Ces
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      Thank you. The kids are very excited (but have no idea what they’re in for 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  93. saurabh

    5 years ago

    What a great adventure these place are awesome. I am really inspired by your photos and the captions. Keep up the great work. I like traveling and trying new thins as well.
    thanks

    Reply to saurabh
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      Happy to hear that Saurabh. Happy travels to you!

      Reply to Craig
  94. Johathan

    5 years ago

    I want to make Trip Around Australia. Your road trip plan sounds very exciting. I just arrived in Sydney 😀

    Reply to Johathan
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      Hey Johathan. Have an awesome time in Sydney!

      Reply to Craig
  95. Gabriel

    5 years ago

    I always found it funny that people want to explore the world and haven’t even explored there home country which has so much to offer. I’m guilty of that too though =P

    Reply to Gabriel
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      That’s all about to change!

      Reply to Craig
  96. Marianne Cantwell

    5 years ago

    This (and Caz’s travel fears posts) are just awesome. Love what you’re doing for yourselves 🙂

    Reply to Marianne
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      Thank you Marianne! Very grateful for our lives.

      Reply to Craig
  97. Joshua Smith

    5 years ago

    Welcome to Australia. Hope you will enjoy our place as well. I am a fan of your blog. Totally the best.

    Reply to Joshua
    • Caz

      5 years ago

      Thanks Joshua. We are from Australia though, just choosing to explore it more!

      Reply to Caz
  98. nateniale

    5 years ago

    Sounds like it will be an amazing trip! Enjoy it! Looking forward to read about your travels!

    Reply to nateniale
  99. Shalu Sharma

    5 years ago

    Looks like its going to be another great travel trip. Australia is one beautiful country with lots of natural beauty. Hope to follow you on this road trip.

    Reply to Shalu
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      Thanks for following along Shalu. Looking forward to seeing all that beauty!

      Reply to Craig
  100. Noah @ Somewhere Or Bust

    5 years ago

    Sounds like a phenomenal trip. Some of my favorite lesser known spots are Cape Tribulation and the surf musem in Coff’s Harbor. Have a blast

    Reply to Noah
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      Cape Trib is amazing Noah. Definitely revisiting!!!

      Reply to Craig
  101. Nick Paton

    5 years ago

    That sounds incredible. I’m from the northern beaches of Sydney myself and have always wanted to explore Australia too. If you guys happen to swing by the Northern Beaches, hit me up I’ll show you some of the awesome spots around here and we can exchange stories!

    Reply to Nick
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      Sounds good Nick. We are actually from the Central Coast. Your backyard is a great part of Sydney.

      Reply to Craig
  102. Jacqui

    5 years ago

    Hi Caz and Craig, I too have a dream to slow travel around my home country one day. Nothing like waking up to the sounds of the birds along a lake or river somewhere with the gum trees in the background 🙂
    Don’t forget to look me up when you get to Adelaide. Would love to catch up with you guys if you get a chance 🙂

    Reply to Jacqui
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      Hey Jacqui, we will have a meetup in Adelaide. Hope to see you there.

      Reply to Craig
  103. Janet @ Redland City Living

    5 years ago

    You will have the absolute BEST time! We did it in 2001 for six months when our kids were 7 & 4. Best thing we ever did! You can see some of my pics here: http://bit.ly/14Kr4mV

    Reply to Janet
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      That’s great Janet. Happy to hear that.

      Reply to Craig
  104. Michael Murphy

    5 years ago

    Hello there, i am working in the Middle East for a Year or so. I am from Ireland and i would live to see OZ before i go home. Am planning on going there at the end of Next Year before going home for Christmas.. From Spet – Dec… Am just wondering where to go and what to see!!

    Regards
    Michael Murphy..

    Reply to Michael
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      It’s a big place Michael. Depends on your travel interests and how long you have? Either it’s hard to go wrong in Oz. Hope you make it.

      Reply to Craig
  105. Grace

    5 years ago

    Caz & Craig!! I am so excited for both of you. Your trip sounds AMAZING, I’m hoping to do a good ole Aussie roadtrip in a couple of years time so in the mean time I will follow your journey around oz. I will be eagerly waiting for you to reach Uluru so I can meet your family (waay to shy to say hi at the PBEvent).

    Cheers,
    Grace

    Reply to Grace
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      Grace. You should have come and said hi. I don’t bite. Seriously. Would be great to hang out in Uluru.

      Reply to Craig
  106. Mali

    5 years ago

    You simply MUST go to the Bay of Fires when you are in Tasmania! It’s on the northeastern coast near St Helens, it has beautiful beaches with firey red rocks.

    Check it out on wikipedia if you like: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_of_Fires

    Have a great trip!

    Reply to Mali
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      Yes Mali, we surely will. Thanks for the reminder!

      Reply to Craig
  107. Henry | @fotoeins

    5 years ago

    Caz &Craig, I’m so glad I got to meet you, but I’m sorry that I couldn’t come up to visit more often while I was in Sydney. You live in a beautiful (and I imagine underrated) part of New South Wales. 🙂 I enjoyed our conversations and I learned a lot from you. I hope this year is all for which you’ve hoped and MORE. Best wishes from “this” side of the Pacific!

    Reply to Henry
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      Cheers Henry. Pleasure was all ours! We’ll be seeing ya again no doubt 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  108. Stephen S.

    5 years ago

    Congrats! You guys deserve this!! I am moving to Oz on a work visa and January. I want to do something similar. Can’t wait to here how it goes.

    Reply to Stephen
    • Craig Makepeace

      5 years ago

      Hey Stephen, check out this post on the working holiday Australia visa: https://www.ytravelblog.com/working-holiday-australia-visa-2/

      Hope it helps?

      Reply to Craig
  109. Hip Caravan Hire

    5 years ago

    This is October now so you must be doing NSW? Hope you’re having fun. We’ve had clients do big trips using our caravans ex Byron, but you guys are going all the way it seems. Good luck!

    Reply to Hip
  110. len

    5 years ago

    Wow. Great shots in Australia! 🙂

    Reply to len
  111. [email protected]'s gone 2 Aus

    5 years ago

    Looking forward to following this trip, we’ve lived in Aus for four years and don’t think we’ll ever get bored of places to visit. We’re also planning a road trip in a few years, with our kids. Wish I had some places to recommend, all I can say is enjoy and make the most of it! From a personal perspective we’d be very interested in learning about what you packed, what you used most, what you never opened! Thank you.

    Reply to [email protected]'s
  112. Veera Papinoja

    5 years ago

    Australia, amazing amazing place!

    Reply to Veera
  113. Dorian

    5 years ago

    Amazing, wish you all the best in this adventure

    Reply to Dorian
  114. Viet Anh Tran

    5 years ago

    Hi Craig!
    I am Viet Anh, from Vietnam. My best friend living at Sydney, Australia, he usually tell me about Australia, beauty Australia, people and anything … I really want go there, but i can’t have a Australia’s visa – very hard to have a Aus’ visa at Vietnam. Do you have anyway easy go to Australia?
    Thanks for your shared!

    Reply to Viet
  115. Alex

    4 years ago

    The beauty about living in this world is that its so diverse and unique in every single way that traveling in your own home country you will always find and learn about new things. Heck, even being a tourist in your own city can be surprising and wonderful!!

    Reply to Alex
  116. Nollie Palmer

    3 years ago

    Comprehensive and beatiful. I come again and againto your blog.

    Reply to Nollie
  117. Johanna

    3 years ago

    A friend and I were thinking of doing one in a camper any budget ideas?

    Reply to Johanna
  118. Angie sobh

    3 years ago

    I’m a total novice so i will need all the advice i can get so i will be following your trip very closely.

    Reply to Angie
  119. Alice

    3 years ago

    Great post, the listed destinations and reasons behind that is completely approachable. Whenever I travel in Australia, I discover something new in the same place. Australia is a complete package for holidays with kids, family and for all age people. I love to follow off-road trip to RED CENTER and THE GREAT BARRIER REEF.

    Reply to Alice
  120. Zoe

    2 years ago

    Where would be a good place for a family of 7 to stay? We are planning to visit Sydney on December for 3 days but the hotel were too expensive to be considered. Any place that might be affordable and also can easily access to tourist area?

    Really envious of people who can have a well-planned trip, great blog!

    Reply to Zoe
  121. Fabionodariphoto.com

    2 years ago

    I hope your adventure was great. 🙂

    Reply to Fabionodariphoto.com
    • Craig

      2 years ago

      Yes. It was life changing!

      Reply to Craig
  122. Jess

    2 years ago

    Hi, I’m doing a year 12 project about travelling among youth and how it broadens a young persons outlook on life, I was wondering if I could get in contact with your family and get some more information about your trip away?

    Reply to Jess
    • Craig

      2 years ago

      Hi Jess. Send us an email at: [email protected]

      Reply to Craig
  123. countrywide austral

    2 years ago

    Hi,
    Thank you so much for posting such valuable information! You are amazing and deserve much success.

    Reply to countrywide
  124. countrywide austral

    2 years ago

    Hi,
    Good blog post. I’ve got a question. As a blog owner, just how long did it require for your blog to become productive? Likewise what do you enjoy most about blogging?
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    Reply to countrywide
    • Mikhail

      2 years ago

      Very good block where gladly read reviews and questions to the people. Thank you found an interesting site.

      Reply to Mikhail
  125. Sarah

    2 years ago

    This post should be named ‘The Ultimate Guide to Road Tripping Australia’ 🙂

    The best thing about Australia is there isn’t one or two places to visit, you can pretty much go anywhere. Each area or city is great for its own unique reason. Stay on the coast for amazing beaches or go in land and see some amazing hidden gems.

    Thanks for sharing your journey guys, I can’t wait to see more of our great land!

    Reply to Sarah
  126. Suraj Soni

    2 years ago

    wow it is a beautiful country, i always travel around my country it is adventurous

    Reply to Suraj
  127. Marcelo

    2 years ago

    Australia is really a fantastic place. Many people report major travel experiences to the East. New Zealand must be very beautiful too! Brazilian dream. Come to Brazil! 🙂

    Reply to Marcelo
  128. Veronica

    2 years ago

    Hey Caz & Craig,

    I am going to Australia this week, and have been researching where to go as I have never been and will be there for 1 year. Do you have a more specific itinerary, or travel ideas?

    Reply to Veronica
    • Craig

      2 years ago

      Hi Veronica,

      Awesome. You can read all our best content with tips and suggestions at this page: https://www.ytravelblog.com/travel-destinations/australia/

      Enjoy Australia!

      Reply to Craig
  129. Team Building Nha Trang

    1 year ago

    Yay! This all sounds fantastic and really well thought out. It’s cool that you can do a loop and make the seasons work like that. This makes me think about doing a long road trip around New Zealand. I’d never thought of that.

    Reply to Team
  130. Adam

    1 year ago

    I am kind of late to this article, but what an amazing thing to go traveling with kids for a whole year. How was the road trip? How much did it cost? I want to do something similar next year in the UK.

    Reply to Adam
  131. Joane

    10 months ago

    I dream someday I’ll still go

    Reply to Joane
  132. Broome Kimberley

    9 months ago

    Wow! it’s an Amazing Australia trips. Good to see the content here along with beautiful Australia pictures and places.

    Reply to Broome
  133. pet shop de porto velho

    4 weeks ago

    Wow, what beautiful landscapes, really is a place to make a beautiful family trip!

    Reply to pet

Trackbacks

  1. Top 50 Travel Blogs | La Maison Pacifique says:
    July 30, 2013 at 10:59 am

    […] are some great entries in here that cover everything from top listed Aussies yTravel and their planned year-long (or could it be 2?) journey around Australia to Traveldudes who talk […]

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  2. La Maison Pacifique August 2013 Update | La Maison Pacifique says:
    August 27, 2013 at 9:25 am

    […] are some great entries in here that cover everything from top listed Aussies yTravel and their planned year-long (or could it be 2?) journey around Australia to Traveldudes who talk […]

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    June 25, 2015 at 1:42 am

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  5. 100 Travelers, 100 Adventures - P.S. I'm On My Way says:
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    […] (trusted) strangers from Buenos Aires for a month-long vacation. 14. Caz and Craig are going to travel in Australia for one year. They’re leaving next month with their 2 kids. 15. Shannon traveled Panama with her […]

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Hi! We're Caz & Craig

Travel addicts living life unplugged and proving travel doesn’t stop after kids.

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