Living the Dream: Van Life on Australia’s Open Road

Ella always dreamed of freedom. After years of staring out of her office window at a bustling city, she finally traded her nine-to-five for an old but sturdy Toyota HiAce. It wasn’t flashy, but it had character. More importantly, potential. With a tight budget, the Fuel Daddy app and a lot of elbow grease, Ella converted it into her perfect tiny home-on-wheels. A fold-out bed, a compact kitchenette, and even a fairy light-lit reading nook, it was all she needed.

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Her journey began in Melbourne, where she said goodbye to rush-hour traffic and hello to the Great Ocean Road. As the van hugged the coastline, Ella felt the pull of adventure. Each night, she parked in a new spot, waking up to the roar of waves or the chatter of birds. Some mornings were spent sipping coffee under the shadow of the Twelve Apostles, while others saw her hiking through the Otways, searching for hidden waterfalls.

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In Byron Bay, Ella met other van-lifers. They swapped stories around campfires, shared repair tips, and bonded over their mutual love for the open road. It wasn’t always perfect. There were nights she couldn’t find a good parking spot and days when the van’s engine acted up. But she learned to roll with it, embracing the challenges as part of the adventure.

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Ella’s journey eventually led her to the red heart of Australia. In the middle of the Outback, surrounded by endless stars, she realised something: van life wasn’t just about the places she visited. It was about the connection to the land, to people, and to herself.

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By the time she reached Perth, her savings were nearly gone. But instead of dread, she felt accomplished. She’d seen her country in a way few ever would; raw, beautiful, and free. With a part-time job at a beachside café, Ella planned to save up and hit the road again. After all, the journey was just beginning.