In the immortal words of Fabrizio Romano… “Here we go”.
After all the planning, tinkering, and waiting, we’ve finally hit the road on the first leg of our long-anticipated trip around Australia. It feels a bit surreal, if I’m honest—sitting here in the caravan, knowing this isn’t just another short getaway, but the beginning of something we’ve been building toward for a long time.
This first stretch is a gentle one. We need to be back in Perth toward the end of May, so the plan (at least for now) is to stay fairly close and explore the Wheatbelt. No big miles, just easing ourselves into the rhythm of life on the road (check out our travel map on the Homepage).
Today gave us a proper taste of it. Warm, almost teasingly so—27 degrees during the day, dropping to around 20 by 7:30 in the evening. Not bad on paper, but the wind has been howling like it’s got something to prove. Sitting inside, listening to it rattle around the van this evening and it’s just started to rain with more forecast, you start to realise how much the elements shape this kind of travel.
And that’s already got us thinking.
We say we’re doing the Wheatbelt Way, and we’ve made a good start—calling in at Dowerin to meet Rusty, the famous tin dog. There’s something about these quirky outback landmarks that makes the journey feel properly underway.
But plans on a trip like this are more like suggestions than rules.
If the wind keeps up and those evening temperatures don’t quite hit the mark, I wouldn’t be surprised if we make a sharp left turn in the next few days and start nudging north. That’s the beauty of this lifestyle. We’re not locked into anything.
For me, the sweet spot is low 30s during the day and low to mid-20s in the evenings. Comfortable, easy living. We’ll see if the Wheatbelt delivers that—or if it gently nudges us elsewhere.
Either way, we’re out here now. That’s what matters.
So so so glad the day has come for you both. We will miss you being home with us, but are so looking forward to reading about and seeing pictures of the amazing things you see out there.
Take care of each other – sending massive love and hugs – and remember, doors always open and beds always here if you need.
Love you both so much. You deserve this. X