For Jess and Allan (@ExploreOz), life on the road isn’t just about adventure—it’s about finding the perfect balance between travel and work. Since May 2021, they’ve been exploring Australia, discovering how to make money while travelling, and enjoying the freedom of the nomadic lifestyle. From physiotherapy jobs to hands-on roles in hospitality, they’ve embraced flexibility and opportunity, showing how caravanners can fund their dream journey across the country.
Jess and Allan discovered their love of camping and adventure on a trip to Uluru in 2019, then for their next big adventure to Cape York in 2021, they decided to keep going!
They have found that flexibility is key when working on the road. Jess, a qualified physiotherapist, typically picks up locum work, which can last anywhere from a few weeks to six months. While they prefer to take on full-time work for a few months and save as much as possible, they also take on other roles. They’ve worked at bottle shops, supermarkets, caravan parks, and in hospitality, taking on everything from reception and café work to groundskeeping and housekeeping. They often stop for 2-3 months of work, before hitting the road for another few months of travel.
Looking for work, Jess will check out agencies like CC Medical and job listings on state and territory health websites, for locum physiotherapy jobs. They also browse platforms like Seek and Indeed, or even reach out directly to practices in areas they’re planning to visit. For more casual work, Facebook community forums, caravan parks, and local businesses provide plenty of opportunities—especially if they hand-deliver resumes, ensuring a more personal touch.
Although they don’t have a strict budget, Jess and Allan aim to spend under $1,000 a week while on the road—a reasonable target for two people. Their top tips for saving money include cooking their own meals, skipping takeaway coffees, and looking for low-cost camps. Simple but effective strategies help them stretch their budget while still enjoying the occasional pub meal or bakery treat.
The biggest sacrifice for Jess and Allan is being away from family and friends. Jess, in particular, misses her niece and nephew and finds the lack of stability difficult at times. But both agree that the freedom and flexibility far outweigh the challenges. Being able to go wherever they want, whenever they want, is the ultimate reward.
However, they caution against the idea that life on the road is always easy or carefree. “Travel fatigue” is real, they say—after visiting countless waterfalls or beaches, even the most stunning sights can start to feel routine. That’s when they know it’s time to pause and recharge. Once you’re sitting still in one place for a while, you’re reminded of why you love the freedom of travel.
For anyone dreaming of a similar lifestyle, Jess and Allan’s advice is simple: “Just do it.” You don’t need the flashiest setup or the biggest rig to start—what’s important is the desire to make it happen. They’ve found that life on the road brings its ups and downs, just like life at home. So why not face those challenges while exploring the beauty of Australia?
Their final thought? They wish they’d started sooner. The freedom to live life on your terms is priceless, and there’s no better time to start than now. Whether you’re taking on odd jobs or working remotely, there’s always a way to fund your journey and make the most of your travels.
Ready to hit the road? Jess and Allan show that with a bit of flexibility and a lot of determination, you can live the nomadic adventure of your dreams.
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