This month started with grease under fingernails, tools scattered everywhere, and two rowdy boys using a spanner as a “sword.” Just another normal morning in our driveway.
Living full-time in a caravan isn’t just sunsets and beach swims — it’s maintaining your entire life on wheels. Our home has an engine. Our house has brake lines. And when something breaks, it’s not always a quick trip to Bunnings… it’s your entire life temporarily parked.
Luckily for us, Matt isn’t just pretending to know what he’s doing — he’s a mechanic. And honestly, thank God, because the car got a serious overhaul this month. We upgraded the rear suspension, the girl got a whole new motor, and Matt did preventative maintenance — fluids, filters, and installing a ScanGauge so we can monitor important engine sensors. Nothing like having your own personal roadside assistance permanently onboard.
The caravan got some love too. We built a timber benchtop, added new sheets and doonas, and completely reworked our storage. When you live in a space smaller than most people’s bathrooms, storage isn’t optional.
Just when we thought we were ready to hit the road… setback.
Our caravan brakes failed completely. Suddenly, our departure plans turned into a two-week delay while we travelled to Melbourne to get the parts. Then, on a dusty roadside rest area outside Melbourne, my personal mechanic got to fixing them. Living on the road full-time means setbacks aren’t “if,” they’re “when.” Flexibility isn’t a choice — it’s a requirement.
Saying goodbye to family never gets easier, especially knowing we aren’t coming back anytime soon. But Ningaloo is waiting, and anyone who’s tried booking there knows you don’t mess around when you finally get a spot!
We covered serious kilometres this week, stopping at Little Blue Lake in South Australia for a swim and some cliff jumping. It was absolutely beautiful. You can also visit Umpherston Sinkhole, Big Blue Lake, and of course the famous Loch Ness Monster sculpture at Lake Bumbunga — which was a highlight for our boys.
We’ve mostly free camped so far, except for one perfect stop at Perlubie Beach. Absolute beachfront for $30 a night — and a free crab dinner if you’re quick enough.
One important tip: don’t do a big grocery shop before crossing state borders. Australia’s quarantine laws are strict, and you’ll likely lose your fresh fruit, veg and honey.
Next stop: the Nulla.
– Tiarna
@bline.aus — Follow the Burney family on Instagram to keep up with their Big Lap ~
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