Driving a Campervan in Australia is EASY, they said - Caravan Sydney to Cairns Day 1

THIS WAS SUPER EMBARRASSING FOR ME--PLEASE BE NICE
Our first day in Sydney just blew right by in a jet-lag induced blur. We saw the Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, and a lot of the CBD area. We also caught up with our good friend over lunch, and then the rain forced us inside for the rest of the night. That was a good thing anyway, because we needed to rest up for our VERY stressful first day of Campervan life in Australia. We're driving from Sydney to Cairns over the next 3 weeks, and our first day was a real doozy.
#campervan #caravan #australia
😍
Breakfast with Lisa & Josh, our weekly email: lisaandjosh.com/newsletter/
Learn how we travel for free using points and miles (First 1000 to use this link get Skillshare free for a month!): skl.sh/3wstHhf
How to support our channel
Buy Lisa a Coffee (and help support our video making!) www.buymeacoffee.com/lisaandjosh
Video Gear
www.amazon.com/shop/lisaandjosh
Music for our videos - bit.ly/epidemicsoundljyt
Travel Gear
www.amazon.com/shop/lisaandjosh
BEST Travel SIM Card Plan
bit.ly/airaloljyt
SafetyWing Travel Nomad Insurance
bit.ly/safetywingljyt
Contact Info
Website: lisaandjosh.com
TikTok: / wearelisaandjosh
IG: / wearelisaandjosh
Facebook: / lisaandjosh
Email: [e-mail]
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that we provide we may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting us so that we can continue to provide you with free content multiple times each week!

[@prdeal]

Once again I love the honesty of your videos. Sharing the challenges and hurdles that normal humans face instead of the superhero travel personas that some try and present. Honest and relatable. Josh - you kicked the van's ass. The Camino doc is a masterpiece. Thanks for keeping it real. What a year you are having - thanks for the ride along!

[@LisaAndJosh]

👋🏽 thanks, Patrick! really appreciate that!! we love that travel isn't all glamour and ease--that's what makes it so fun, yah? :)

[@shelleywallis4569]

Welcome to Australia. Take care when driving North at the moment. Seems like the summer rainy season is not done with us yet. When in doubt - ask a local! especially at the camp sites this will help the most of all. Make sure you always have plenty of gas etc as we have a lot of them wide open spaces here. Stay safe and keep smiling

[@LisaAndJosh]

thank you for the welcome and the tips!! we have already met heaps of people who have been so kind and helpful and great suggestions of places to visit and see!! :)

[@dmo4032]

I agree with Lisa. I've travelled to over 100 countries and after every single one I also say, "I miss Thailand".

[@jomontanee]

You are so kind to Thailand. Thank you from the bottom of my Thai heart. 🙏🇹🇭💖🌸

[@bl4d3runn3rX]

Me too, that's why I'm going back very soon.

[@LisaAndJosh]

☺️🇹🇭🥰

[@soply7836]

I'm not a KZbin person but I have to admit, as a couple, I love you guys. I have no idea how to manage my trip around Australia from Sydney to Cairns but your mindset is so positive and the energy you give off is so good that it's worth meeting people like you on a trip like this. I hope my trip will meet people as nice as you. I would love to speak perfect English so I don't have any problems in Australia, as we are Spanish. Best regards and thank you for being amazing. ❤️

[@benscampers1818]

Thanks for this video. Preparing for a caravan trip in Aus in December It helps to see real people with a real budget showing the realities of a caravan trip and subsequent adventures. God bless and safe travels.

[@jurgentreue1200]

2:35 That's a bin chicken or by it's proper name, Australian Ibis. Pretty cool native bird that has adapted well to urbanisation. Sydney is a huge city in area, a massive urban sprawl and Sydney drivers aren't renown for their courtesy. We live about 120klms to the south and avoid Sydney as much as I can. We also have a Toyota Hiace campervan, but a bit different to the one you hired. We spend time exploring the east coast of Australia. We are taking 'Teddy' across to Tasmania this coming October/November. Hoping for good weather.

[@alfredpek2812]

Good luck guys! It is a big adjustment after travelling through Asia and then into Australia! As a Sydneysider, traffic jams like this doesn't happen too often, but I'm glad you guys to experience some nice parts of it! I hope you get better weather as you drive along the east coast!

[@LisaAndJosh]

so true! we were excited for the change, but quite the adjustment for sure :) thanks for the comment!!

[@thegorn9904]

Lisa and Josh. Just discovered your wonderful travel blog. I very much admire the can-do spirit of positivity you both have, no matter what comes your way. I must apologise for Sydney, and the entire nation, that you arrived here in the middle of the most extraordinary rain event in generations, rolling transport strikes that have been the worst in living memory, a global pandemic, and had to drive some clapped out manual van on the other side of the road (from what you're used to) in a torrential downpour, in terrible traffic. You guys are troopers. That attitude will ensure you are loved wherever you go, will always see the glass as half full, and sunshine will shine on your adventures (spiritually, if not literally).

[@LisaAndJosh]

Thank you for the kind words and thoughts!! No need to apologize! :) The weather is a force to be respected and wow, we feel for the people living and working here. Through it all we received some of the warmest hospitality here (including from you!) Thank you for watching!

[@starlitesoapstudio6642]

You two always impress! We did this same trip in 2001 from Sydney to Cairns in a 1972 VW van. Amaaaaazing trip. We blew the engine and had to spend $2000 on a rebuild, so we took the bus further north to Cape Tribulation while the engine was being fixed. The good news, we resold the van back in Sydney and recouped our money, before flying back to Canada. Why am I recapping our adventure? Because there was no KZbin in 2002, and no-one was interested in our "blog!" We live vicariously through you! Keep up the great work 🤩

[@LisaAndJosh]

👋🏽☺️ wow!! what a story--that's amazing and so awesome you were able to recoup the m money. we are so interested in the epic stories you must have from that trip!

[@tcmazz]

Hi Looking to do the same less the engine blow up, where did you buy the Van and how easy was it to resell the Van? What do you figure it cost you for the whole trip were you gone for a month? Also from Canada EH!

[@starlitesoapstudio6642]

Speaking for us (not Lisa and Josh) 1. Kings Cross Car Park car market (might not exist any more!) 2. It took us 2 days to resell in the same location. 3. The whole trip? Food, fuel and engine rebuild included, about $8000 for three months. But that was year 2001 dollars.

[@geraldinehadiwidjaja7421]

So, you're on the road! Yay! And bravo for overcoming all those "obstacles" 💪 and arriving at your first campervan spot. Take care as you head up north.🤗

[@LisaAndJosh]

thank you!! was a tough first day, but challenges and obstacles only make us stronger, right? :)

[@explorinwithlaurin]

Got to love when you arrive in a new country and realize you have planned NOTHING, you guys will ease right into your new scenery in no time! Some of the best things just happen by coincidence! Excited to follow you guys through your Australian road trip!

[@LisaAndJosh]

you're right--that's where all the adventure is, for sure! :)

[@matthewleys6504]

Hello Lisa and Josh, Welcome! We've been waiting and waiting for you. I hope you enjoy every minute you spend with us. Don't worry about manual transmission. It's like riding a bike, you never forget how. Thankyou so much for this video

[@LisaAndJosh]

thank you for the warm welcome!!! we are so, so excited to be here! it's definitely getting easier as the days go on, but phew! what a first test 😅

[@Wildernessadventuresoz]

I absolutely love the rain too

[@Walts-Travel]

On the bright side, you guys overcome whatever comes your way. You just find a way to win. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@LisaAndJosh]

yess!! and it helps to have people like you cheering us on--thank you for that!!

[@Walts-Travel]

@Lisa and Josh I'm on team Lisa and Josh. Even though Josh is a window seat hater. 🤣😂👊😎

[@Diana-lo6cx]

Good job guys! Looking forward to following your Austral adventures!

[@LisaAndJosh]

thanks for watching, Diana!!!

[@lenalindley8643]

Wiki camps guys. Go into the rest area places that are marked then look no at the reviews. In the reviews it notes if that spot people camped their overnight or didn’t with or without issues. No need to pay for camp spots in Australia. Just once a week so you can wash your clothes, or use a proper shower. The fridge recharges when you drive. Don’t believe the rental place, it doesn’t need to be charged every couple of days. Turn the sink pump on and off when not in use.

[@LisaAndJosh]

super helpful rec and thank you! we didn't know to look at the rest areas!!

[@vibrantvitalityvibes7931]

Great video! Look foward to next episode!

[@dismaldog]

You did very well driving a manual van through sydney on the left side in all the wet weather-will follow your travels to cairns

[@LisaAndJosh]

hey, thanks, definitely trying! :) thanks for following along!

[@byrdsonawire]

“Whatr youuuuuu”, made me laugh! What a cool bird!!!!

[@LisaAndJosh]

Hahaha just strolling around Sydney

[@Catlady768]

Way to go to relearn how to drive on the wrong side with a stick. I did the same thing and I made it all the way without incident. What courage you have. Just one of the reasons I love watching your channel. Can’t wait to see the next few weeks. You’re going to love Australia, no worries!

[@LisaAndJosh]

thanks!!! definitely gives us encouragement and hope 😅we love it here already :D

[@ozzygrrrl]

Even though it was daunting to begin with, you kept a positive outlook to everything. Hope you had a wonderful holiday in Oz.

[@LisaAndJosh]

thanks so much :)

[@chimeragaming56]

the shifter is on the left gotta throw me off always reaching on the right side hahah

[@LisaAndJosh]

Was such a trip!!!

[@isamaaltaein8672]

Hi Lisa and Josh we have a lot of fun watching you gays with this experience in Australia .best wishes and have fun. Chaos 😎😂🦖

[@LisaAndJosh]

Hey 👋🏽 thank you!!!

[@NellChua]

Love the scenery in australia. Have a safe dive and take care. New friend here

[@LisaAndJosh]

hi, Nell!! thanks for finding us! hope we can showcase and do the beautiful scenery here justice !

[@JourneywithJenandDrew]

This is going to be so cool! We don't know how to drive stick, so watching you relearn made us scared to learn haha! That bed is looking interesting but hey whatever works :)

[@LisaAndJosh]

haha it's always just an adjustment, that's for sure 😅

[@ethanmandel2413]

Good on you for jumping in the van completely unprepared and just going!! I don't know but you must be able to find out of the way roads/land to camp for free, then visit the beach during the day to save the cash. I also agree with Lisa: "I miss Thailand." At least you know that you can always go back to Thailand. I look forward to your adventure. Make sure to visit the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. There are 2/3 day sailing boat trips you can do.

[@LisaAndJosh]

😅 we definitely had to try!! thanks for the suggestions!! Visiting Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef are definitely on our bucket list :)

[@rockpeacelove365]

How amazing! Bet you guys are going to have an amazing time. Lisa I am also a Hula dancer I would love to see you dance some day!

[@LisaAndJosh]

amazing!! maybe someday soon :)

[@TalesFromOurPocket]

Omg, we can't believe you two didn't stop earlier for food! We would have eaten *before* cleaning up the van. #Priorities 😂😂😂 hopefully the rain clears up for you soon!

[@jomontanee]

Me too! Eat first work later. Lol 😂

[@LisaAndJosh]

😅 we definitely get sidetracked and distracted by challenges all too easily!

[@Mod-man]

Hey Lisa & Josh, it's a pity you didn't head south. The weather here in Melbourne is pretty good at the moment. Lots to see and do. Anyway, a couple of recommendations from me. Firstly, Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. An absolute must! Keep an eye out for electric BBQ's in public parks just like the one you used at the caravan park. They don't cost much to use.

[@LisaAndJosh]

thank you for the recommendations!! hope to make it there! love all the electric BBQs we are seeing everywhere

[@Aphony66]

Stick shift plus driving on the correct side of the road! All the skillz brah!

[@megansaussey7065]

Oh my gosh I feel so bad for you guys and the weather here! It’s the worst in decades!! Usually it’s beautiful this time of year. Trust us it is true.

[@LisaAndJosh]

Even in the rain and gloom, Australia is stunning! But we totally believe you too :)

[@withinjapan2024]

Well a few things 1. It's illegal to have your arm out the window by having it on the windowsill and you 2. Must indicate leaving round about a

[@kenjikanasawa6347]

Global travelling w u both...fr Thailand !!...waiting for Australia scenery tour..

[@LisaAndJosh]

thank you for traveling along side us!!! Australia has been so beautiful already :)

[@faithopelove_]

Make sure you spread the Vegemite very thinly! And it's yum with butter on toast :) Drive safely, Im worried about you guys with all the flooding as you are heading up north, don't take any risks xx

[@LisaAndJosh]

thanks for the suggestion!!! can't wait to try. and thank you for the concern--we are safe and sound and so grateful! the weather definitely took a turn for the worst

[@kayethomas6244]

Welcome to Australia 🇦🇺 happy adventures 🕺😎 🏄‍♂️ 🦘🌞

[@LisaAndJosh]

thank you for the welcome! so excited to be here!

[@tonybrincat6879]

Welcome to Aussie Guys

[@LisaAndJosh]

thanks for the welcome!! :)

[@stephenholloway3041]

So cool

[@LisaAndJosh]

yah!!!

[@stevens8785]

shopping tip - Aldi much cheaper than Woolworths or Coles. Have fun guys :)

[@LisaAndJosh]

Yessss! Thank you! We love ALDIs!

[@alanharvey1448]

Welcome Downunder! You’ll find your Vegemite, once in your system, helps repel all the Aussie nasties such as spiders, snakes, sharks and crocodiles. But, spread it on economically as your Northern Hemisphere system is not use to it. Put on heaps of butter and mix a small amount of Vegemite in and make sure your toast isn’t too soft. I’ll provide more fair dinkum Aussie tips when needed! Loving your Vlogs.

[@LisaAndJosh]

😅 thank you for this!!! this is exactly what we need to know

[@motraveller9132]

Nice

[@DeeDeeCreative]

Welcome to the land of Oz! You're not driving on the wrong side of the road, you're in Australia! Yep, stick shift on the opposite side of the road can be scary and overwhelming 😖 PS, that bird is lovingly (?!) known as a "Bin Chicken" aka Ibis.

[@LisaAndJosh]

hahah you right, you right--it's not the wrong side of the road :)

[@laurencoelho]

OH Wow Guys! You were in our area, picking up your camper van! Sydney traffic is horrendous at the best of times, sorry!!!

[@LisaAndJosh]

oh heeyyy! 👋🏽 how fun! yeah, definitely wasn't the ideal time, but we got out of it, phew! :)

[@TheSlaterz]

Vegemite is spread thinly as possible on buttered toast. My parents were camping near Coffs Harbour this week. They got the shits (annoyed) with the weather packed up and went home. What a crappy weather first week - hope it clears soon! Monday I think they said on the radio 🤞🏻 I’m in Newcastle and will be at the local ice hockey finals with lots of Canadian expats 😂🤣

[@LisaAndJosh]

ohhh we drove to Coffs Harbour recently 😅 hoping this extreme weather clears up for everyone soon!!

[@sheldaritchie6829]

Weather is perfect in Western Australia😊

[@darrylellis9578]

Mate we are unprepared for the rain also. Please be kind with your reviews it is usually beautiful weather. Normally Sydney weather is almost like air conditioning. Travel safe. Seek out the best pies, make it a project.

[@LisaAndJosh]

Completely understand the sentiment and if anything, we appreciate the rallying support we have seen and heard across this amazing country. The weather has been unbelievable

[@kenjikanasawa6347]

I assure u ll miss Thailand..country that food n 711 is in every corner.

[@jomontanee]

Not only 7/11 but the street foods everywhere, even during covid outbreak you still can find food to eat.

[@LisaAndJosh]

😅so true!!

[@2twoable]

You can sleep overnight at alot of the rest stops

[@LisaAndJosh]

thanks for the tip!

[@randy5859]

Where did you guys rent yout camper van? Did you drive from Sydney to Cairns? Thanks!

[@williamriding5749]

Only bother with the manly ferry even if it’s raining it’s like a weather warp

[@gg-ne3gh]

I want to be your driver hahahaa🤣🤣 I always drive a manual car. Take care!!!

[@LisaAndJosh]

omg, yes, please!🤣

[@evelyngrammar]

I have driven stick for better than 50 years and only stopped last year because I couldn't find a reasonably priced car with a stick shift. It was only available in sporty models at a premium. Miss it.

[@LisaAndJosh]

we wish we had your skills right about now!! :)

[@tomaszkielbasa6377]

Hey. After all how is was to travel in that kind of big camper? No problem with parking etc? I mean we are considering about this one and a little bit smaller (5m lenght). How about phone card? Which one you can recommend for 1 month in Australia?

[@Walts-Travel]

I'm first! Travel Thursday, Travel Thursday, we're in Sydney!!!!! 🦘🐨🤙🏽

[@LisaAndJosh]

🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Walts-Travel]

@@LisaAndJosh is it still raining and flooded there? They are mak8ng the news with all the rain. 😯

[@wolfriderpack]

You should DEFINITELY listen to some Kylie Minogue "Disco" album on your trip! It's a fun revamping of new disco style songs and should keep you awake, haha. 🕺 Plus, she's Australian!

[@LisaAndJosh]

how could we forget Kylie Minogue!! yes!!! thank you!

[@aeva8114]

Oh dear, what a trip! May I ask what company you rented the van from? We're looking to do the same trip as you guys in a couple of months.

[@LisaAndJosh]

ha, uh, for.... reasons... we can't say which company specifically, but if you're getting a campervan in australia, you should check the reviews very carefully first.

[@aeva8114]

@@LisaAndJosh Haha understood! Thanks for the advice!

[@WorldwideWheelers]

Hey Lisa and Josh! We are just kickstarting our KZbin channel but we live on a small island in South Korea called Jeju, if you have any plans to come and visit Korea/jeju we would love to show you around!

[@LisaAndJosh]

hi guys!!! We 100% would love to come to South Korea--Jeju looks amazing!!! keep those videos coming!

[@victorianbunyip2215]

I'm afraid the east coast is going to be very wet. If you're flying by the seat of your pants, head inland.

[@LisaAndJosh]

This is what we ended up doing - but it looks like the rain has (hopefully) moved on

[@rscosworthfan]

AUS and UK drive on the correct side od the road

[@processserver8470]

Greetings from Greenwich London ⚓️ ⛵️ Cheers ☕️ 👍 🌹 ✅

[@LisaAndJosh]

cheers!!

[@graemehunter5063]

How much rain is too much?

[@LisaAndJosh]

seems like we found out

[@johnkelly7264]

Wrong side of the road??? You mean the CORECT side I assume?. Welcome down under, and I hope you have a great time.

[@emilystreeton2974]

I’m wanting to do this with my boyfriend, do you have any tips for beginners doing this please? :)

[@sweetiedarl6802]

Welcome to Australia! 🥰 A word of caution…. Please hit up some of your Aussie subscribers for advice before you try Vegemite!

[@LisaAndJosh]

👍🏽 thank you for this--noted!! :)

[@mariahsart]

Did they not have automatic camper vans? 😮

[@LisaAndJosh]

they do, but are, for some reason, CRAZY expensive

[@user-eo6bk9sg5y]

You’ll get used to driving on the wrong side of the road 😂

[@abrahamgeorge6443]

Welcome to Australia. Get used to paying more for everything

[@LisaAndJosh]

thank you!! 😅

[@tietan867]

Josh, do you have an international driving license? Thanks

[@LisaAndJosh]

yes, we both have international driving licenses that we got before we left for our trip :)

[@mentorinspired]

This title lol. Id say its the opposite. Australia can be a harsh unforgiving place if your level isn't High enough.

[@LisaAndJosh]

😅😅😅

[@wolfriderpack]

🙀

[@LisaAndJosh]

😅

[@darrylellis9578]

Sorry to bother you however I feel I need to defend Vegemite. Millions of Australians can’t be wrong, all kids love it. Americans don’t understand it is put on lightly. Toast lots of butter and a film of Vegemite. It is not peanut butter, thin film of paste, enjoy our country.

[@LisaAndJosh]

We are so excited to try it!!!

[@ryanCODMAN]

Distressed Dad thumbnail photo. Clickkkkkkk

[@madeinaotearoanz]

Vegemite 🤮🤣

[@LisaAndJosh]

we can't wait to try it!!! :)

[@wolfriderpack]

🙀

[@LisaAndJosh]

😅