What started as a simple caravan and camping holiday has turned into something much bigger for one Yeppoon family — the chance to win $1 million.
When the email came through announcing she was the Road to a Million primary winner, Monica Heaslip said it didn’t quite feel real.
“I honestly had to read it a few times because I was so shocked,” she said. “I texted my husband straight away and he couldn’t believe it either.”
Telling the kids quickly brought things back to what matters most.
“The first thing my daughter said was, ‘Yes! Now we can get a pool,’ which was pretty cute.”
Now, she’s heading into the Million Dollar Draw, with the chance to win $1 million — and a guaranteed $5,000 prize — all from taking a camping holiday.
For the Heaslip family, camping isn’t just a holiday — it’s a way of life.
“We both grew up camping, fishing, and boating, and have so many great memories from those days. It was always important to us that our kids got to grow up with those same experiences.”
With two kids (14 and 11) and two mini dachshunds in tow, they’ve been travelling together since the kids were just three months old. These days, they travel with a Patriot Campers X1 setup, built for the kind of off-grid adventures the family loves.
“What we love most about travelling together is the quality time — being outdoors, exploring during the day, then coming back to camp, sitting around the fire, laughing and chatting together. Those moments are our favourite.”
The winning Road to a Million entry came during a two-week trip through Far North Queensland, filled with bucket-list experiences like Paronella Park, the Mamu Skywalk and the region’s waterfalls.
The family stayed at Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut while exploring the area.
“It was the perfect base camp — great facilities and plenty to keep the kids entertained. It made the whole stay really easy and enjoyable.”
With the draw approaching, the family has started to imagine what a win could mean.
“The first thing we’d do is pay off our mortgage. Then we’d love to put in a pool for the kids and take them on an overseas holiday to Japan.”
At its core, though, it’s about more of the same.
“It would be all about creating more amazing family memories together.”
For anyone considering their first caravan and camping trip, Monica’s advice is simple:
“Just give it a go. You don’t need everything perfect — it’s all about spending time together and making memories. The simple moments are usually the best ones.”
While one lucky family is in the running for $1 million, four additional Road to a Million winners have already received $500 holiday park vouchers and $500 fuel vouchers — helping them get out and explore more of Australia.
Julie, one of the minor winners, said the prize came as a complete surprise.
“We always say we never win anything,” she said. “With fuel prices and increasing costs, these vouchers are very much appreciated.”
Travelling with her husband John in a restored 1977 Bedford motorhome, Julie said the vouchers will help them continue doing what they love most — discovering new places and staying in caravan parks around the country.
“We are looking forward to staying in more parks and exploring more of Australia.”
Other minor winners:
The Million Dollar Draw will take place at Ingenia Holidays Kinka Beach on Tuesday 14 April.
Until then, it’s a waiting game — and a lot of excitement.
Fingers crossed and best of luck for the Heaslips!
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