After leaving Sydney on 15 Jan 2024, we set off on the first of three camper van trips back to back, covering over 2,750 miles from Sydney to Melbourne, then on to Adelaide before finishing with a loop around the wonderful island of Tasmania.

During this time we visited over 50 beaches across the four states, staying on camp sites in some of the most glorious settings, as well as free camping on sports fields, vineyards, urban parks and beach tracks.

We woke up the sound of the local birdlife in all its various forms, including laughing kookaburra, galah, Australian magpie, Paradise parrot, Rainbow lorikeet and the Sulphur-crested cockatoo to name but a few. Added to that it wasn’t uncommon to spot wallabies and kangaroos in the undergrowth and occasionally koala’s, Wombats.

In terms of our beach standouts we loved visiting NSW finest, Hyams Beach and Jervis Bay.

In Victoria, Bells Beach, Squeaky Beach, Lorne Beach, Brighton Beach, Torquay Beach, Apollo Bay, Port Fairy, St Kilda Beach and Wilson’s Prom.

Moving on to South Australia we enjoyed Long Beach, Hardwicke Bay Beach, Port Willunga Beach, Glenelg Beach and Maslin Beach.

Finishing in Tasmania we spent some great times at beaches in Wineglass Bay, Bay of Fires, Cosy Corner and Boat Harbour Beach.

Outside of being on numerous picturesque beaches, we spent some wonderful times wine tasting at 25 wineries, across South Australia visiting Barossa Valley, McClaren Vale, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills and Coonawarra. The wines from the Red centre of Australia included Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. We also indulged in Riesling’s, Chardonnay and the odd Sauvignon Blanc. Happy days!!

In Tasmania, we spent time in Devils Corner and Freycinet Peninsula, with Josef Chromy Wines standing out as one of the best wineries on the island.

We got to see Andy’s family during this 2 month stint, notably The Elliot’s in Melbourne and Adelaide – big thanks to Sue, Paul, Rupert and Jayne.

Our lasting memory of this time was the freedom that the camper vans gave us as we crossed through the four states, going and staying wherever we wanted and experiencing the beauty and wonder that Australia offers.