11 Things we WISH we knew before TRAVELLING AUSTRALIA!

G'day Van fam.
This week we are sharing 11 things we think will help those out there planning and dreaming of travelling Australia in a Caravan like us. We hope this collection of things we have learned over 2.5 years of travelling Australia will help those that are early in their travels or still in their planning and preparation phase.
Hope you enjoy this weeks ep and thanks for watching!
0:00 Intro
00:22 You don't need EXPENSIVE setups
01:21 Keep it simple
02:33 Buy Quality
03:43 Weather
05:41 You can cook inside
07:11 Transporting water
08:43 Solar and Power Needs
11:18 Talk to people
12:51 Services and Repairs
14:32 You will be busy
16:29 It's Expensive

[@user-yq7pv3tu1n]

Hi Brett and Mel, your point on not needing a $500 set up is so good, unfortunately some of the other KZbin travellers are building rigs that only the very rich could afford and seem to losing touch with the average person/traveller. Anyway keep up the great work and enjoy your travels. Cheers Mick

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks Mick, also the problem is they make everyone else think they need all this to do it too. That's why we wanted to include it in this vid. Thanks for watching and commenting 😀

[@jimmyriddle5246]

So true. As soon as so many of these KZbinrs reach a certain amount of subscribers and likes, they ditch everything for the "latest and greatest" setups... That's when I turn off and look for somebody more relatable

[@trevorjohns494]

First time I have ever commented, but in your case I have to! The main reason because I feel you absolutely nailed the reality of travelling in a van. I have a21 year old Jayco poptop freedom done over 500 thousand k's, towed by 3 vehicles. Congratulations, well put together. Save travels, TJ

[@geoffphillips8029]

Carrying water is my most important tip

[@dingdongdarna]

I havent finished watching this video yet. But you brought up a good point. As another youtuber was confused by the two cooking areas on some of the campervans they hired. But i like how you ditched the outdoor kitchen to lighten your load👌. I think if you want to cook outdoors a little weber bbq does the trick.

[@frednerks3371]

Great video Brett and Melissa. Lots of great tips and hints. Keep up the good work on the videos

[@SandraPrinsloo-vn8dq]

Thank you for the information. Keep enjoying your travels

[@SvedosTrippin]

your welcome, thanks for watching and commenting.

[@robertwilson1827]

Thanks for pointing out research, research, research before heading off!!! Lesson learnt!⛺️⛺️⛺️

[@krh007]

Yeah sick of the yuppy vanners on YT like for example the couple "Just Vanning it" who churn thru caravans like toilet rolls. They upgraded again to the blingy carbon fibre Zone Summit 21ft worth well over $200k and towing it with their +$150k landcruiser so tipping near $400k rig for 2 + pets. Or the young Perth couple on the east coast who love trashing their V8 landcruiser & wrecking their caravans (also ugraded to a very expensive big one for just the two of them which they immediately went bush bashing to scratch the hell out of it beat the crap out of it). These examples are far from reality of the average couple or family wanting to see how other normal people are getting around and tips etc. We have got a 2001 Coromal Seka 535 dual axle pop top and absolutely love it. Towed by our 2007 Prado 120 GXL which we also love that 4wd and would never part with it. The pop top has a lot less wind drag & weight than our last full height caravan which was an older Roma 17'6" single axle van which we also adored as i fully renovated it, but wanted a dual axle pop top this time to save on fuel for those longer trips

[@melissaleaning7474]

nice and casual and full of handy tips.

[@stuartrose9456]

Great imfo thankyou very much.

[@NoFixedDestinationAu]

Great tips guys thanks for sharing

[@SvedosTrippin]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching.

[@geofftonks8960]

Well done guys. Good content and honest. You said everything I’d say and I’m sure it’ll be inspiring for so many folks. Especially the chair advice.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Much appreciated! Thanks for watching and commenting 😀

[@karenmc9298]

Fabulous video. Thanks so much. Really enjoying your channel. Learning lots and a lovely couple.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad you like them!

[@terrywilson7518]

Very good info, well done

[@user-rx9jn3ch2y]

Hi guys. Great tips. Mel…love your dress🩷

[@26realmc]

Interesting on your cooking comments. Most people with off-road vans n campers prefer to cook outside most of the time unless weather dictates it.

[@darrylmackie9184]

Depends on what you are Cooking, the family have been on the Road for 950 day's, BBQ sausages and onion would not be their go to meals.Not like the people you know go triping for 6weeks drink a thousand beer's, same thing you can do in the back yard at home.

[@26realmc]

@@darrylmackie9184 I'm not sure what you're talking about with reference to sausages and onion? Doesn't matter what you eat I'm saying given indoor and outdoor cooking options the vast majority prefer outdoor cooking when weather allows.

[@lynbond5126]

Hey guys, what a great video with such useful tips - the best and most honest we've seen on this topic. We love how humble you guys are. You're so happy with what you have, and we agree, you don't need a big and expensive rig and van to travel Aus. You just have to make sure that they are reliable and are serviced, which you covered in the video. We love your videos! Keep them coming. Safe travels. Enjoy the weekend and see you next week ❤

[@SvedosTrippin]

thanks Lyn, that's a big one about you don't need the taj mahal to see Australia. More stuff just makes life more complicated. thanks for watching and the kind comment.

[@ruthbentley2090]

We had what we called the “Tarp Majal!” Was great fun! I agree, comfort is really important …. bed and chairs!! Climate consideration… yeahhhh! Wind is the pits! Advice: cook in the morning Salads at night! Water tank: yeahhh! Major! Good friends 👍👍👍 Free time? … WHAT!!! Down time essential😎 and time out from each other. Free camping is a great way to have “down-time” and save money. If you have 3way fridge freezer, ask if local butcher can deep freeze your meat purchase! Even if you don’t, it still is worth it… will last for days! Deep cycle battery is a really good investment. Look forward to following you! Blessings and safety.

[@diannehavelberg5875]

Great video guys yes you dont need a big flashy van to enjoy this beautifull country and great tips to

[@SvedosTrippin]

We agree! thanks for watching and commenting.

[@craigball2732]

Really great tips guys. I’ve been watching your videos for a couple of weeks now & the info you are passing on is invaluable 👍

[@SvedosTrippin]

Great to hear our content is being helpful, thanks for watching and commenting 😀

[@Sparkles1111]

Another great video, thank you. We just don’t know where to head first, we live on a small island off Tassie so your tips are great. Would love to hear more about how you chose your van sites, tips and more about looking after your van, maintenance etc. Such a lovely family, I enjoy when a new video comes out. 🙏

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks guys. If you haven't already, get wikki camps that's how we find camps.

[@melissasvedinek850]

Love this video, just facts and live the simple life

[@SvedosTrippin]

thanks :)

[@kathleenbarton4201]

Well done 👏 ✔️ 👍 👌

[@lazzasamuels3722]

Another great video, thank you. I'm 4 years away from becoming a solo Grey Nomad and I have no doubts that costs will continue to climb, free camp sites will continue to dwindle, and leveraging stays at private properties will become more important for long term road trippers.

[@SvedosTrippin]

yeah, it certainly wont get any cheaper or easier that's for sure.

[@banjojo27]

Great tips guys. Our family have enjoyed watching your videos for the past couple months. we seem to be only a few hundred kms behind you lately.

[@SvedosTrippin]

that's awesome, don't be surprised if you overtake us soon ha-ha, we move pretty slow. WA sure has been an an eye opener

[@cds1015]

Thanks ,Big help about to do myself also ,Your one of the only ones honest about the costs

[@SvedosTrippin]

You're welcome. It beats me why other creators won't tell the truth... and don't get me started on their sensationalised thumbnails, haha.

[@michaelphillips7596]

great ideas guys appreciate it

[@SvedosTrippin]

Our pleasure!

[@love2spinvinyl]

Just subscribed, you’ve popped a couple of times in my KZbin algorithm and enjoyed the few videos I’ve watched. My van is built and will take delivery in the new year so thanks for the helpful info.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Welcome aboard! Enjoy your travels, might catch you on the road.

[@susannlynchyzus8664]

Great travelling advice now that u have over 2 years of experience!🥰

[@user-ng7od8rd4m]

Excellent guys. Thanks so much. Heading to Kimberley’s in May/June and the to Kakadu. Appreciate your tips very much.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Our pleasure! Enjoy the NT.

[@GoYourOwnWay49]

Hey guys! 🚐 Just watched your latest video, it was so genuine and super informative, which is clearly based on lived experience 🌏😎 Those 2.5 plus years on the road really shine through with caravanning tips and wisdom. Super helpful for us and others planning their own Aussie adventures. Thanks for sharing the knowledge, much appreciated! 👍 Stay safe and see you guys next week 👍 kind regards Corrie

[@SvedosTrippin]

Our pleasure! thanks for watching and commenting. Hope to see you on the road some time, let us know when you get on the road and where you are.

[@GoYourOwnWay49]

@@SvedosTrippinNo worries will do Brett, it’ll be great to catch up with you guys someday 😊

[@ouroz_adventures]

Great honest real life tips guys …. Great Ep as always 🤙🍻

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thank you 😊

[@svleoc1201]

Great video and very honest

[@SvedosTrippin]

I appreciate that! Thanks.

[@stevehardiman8134]

Great advice guys I'm heading of may next year and yes its expensive for that im reading, and definitely will be keeping it supa simple...and definitely the coffee machine will not be packed 😅 keep up the great videos thx.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks so much. Good luck with your preparations and travels.

[@filthyoffroadadventures]

Great video thanks. We are just in the planning phase to hopefully take of traveling full time in April 2025 🤞 This is a good help.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck with your preparations.

[@filthyoffroadadventures]

@@SvedosTrippin one big step taken today :) Looks like we have the van sorted. Just a little excited.

[@chrisp3044]

thanks for the honest review. Like everything there are variables depending on how you travel. With respect to wind and having outdoor cooking you very much need an awning/wind break/shade system depending on how long you stay and of course the "weather" as you say makes or breaks your experience. This leads to outdoor and indoor cooking which for mine outdoor anytime the environmentals allow with an internal options when necessary. Of course we all have our own way and limits, weights, timing, etc. Being only a couple, with all kids having left home, its a different game altogether. With respect to expensive set ups, I see many good channels become "infomercials" once they become industry sponsored something that "taints" their objectivity unfortunately.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Hopefully that won't happen to us. But my point was stay with in your means. I'd love to have a new cruiser and 22 foot luxury van but I'm not going to put off exploring cause I don't have those things. Thanks for watching.

[@frasermacquire6902]

Great stuff Brett I've noted everything ready for our journey whenever that maybe. One thing I won't be towing a van after weighing up all the pros and cons 😂

[@SvedosTrippin]

cant wait to see what you choose then :P

[@hapninemptynesters]

Great video! We met this random kid, called Owen, wandering through our camp and made AMAZING friends from it! Also agree you don’t need 500k setup but if anyone wants to give me one I won’t say no!

[@SvedosTrippin]

Me either. Haha, thanks for watching.

[@chrisjamesfell]

Nice video. Just a small correction, “amps per hour” isn’t a thing. I think it’s worth getting this right because people can learn a lot from you.

[@user-op6cv3zd8l]

Hi guys,great tips.Always enjoy your videos. What brand are your camping chairs.?

[@SvedosTrippin]

they are Zempire, we found them at a BCF though haven't seen them in one since.

[@Mick_4591]

You mentioned the " Elnicks" in the video. Fair enough that they may have a 500K set up but it's what they needed for where they travelled to and something they could not have done in a dual cab Ute. I dont follow them as theres not a lot of " transparency " in their Channel" Trip in a van .

[@Thomas_M_1963]

New subscriber here. Looking forward to your next videos. Cheers

[@SvedosTrippin]

Thanks for following 😀

[@paulinamay8941]

Hi great video. Can I ask brand of your chairs. Yes keep it simple is also our motto. We don’t have inside kitchen so careful planning of when and what to cook occurs. Thanks again

[@SvedosTrippin]

the chairs are Zempire, BCF usually stocks them. thanks for watching'.

[@shoestringtravellers]

Hi guys. The wife and I love watching you guys and look forward to your videos. I have to ask (wife made me) where did you get your timber outdoor table from? She loves it. Thanks for what you do. Tim and Cathy.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Hey Mate. The table is from the brand Zempire. BCF stocks the brand but they don't always have them, but wait till you see how well they pack up hahaha. You will love it.

[@MarkTurner-uu7os]

Hi Guys Thank you for the info enjoy watching you keep it coming we are hoping in 12 months to do the same

[@SvedosTrippin]

thats awesome, 12 months to go, let the countdown begin :)

[@CitizenZ9823]

With the question what does it cost? It costs what it costs better to enjoy your trip than worry about money! If you run low time to go home or do some work there are always farmers looking for help you don’t need to earn a ton of money just enough to move on!

[@glennsmethurst2235]

Question - what maintenance does a van need? Wheel bearing and brake check after long dirt run or 20,000km. Suspension check every long run. Fix broken bits along the way - taps, doors etc.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Suspension checks, break check, grease, alignment. Etc.

[@RaisedtoRoam]

Hi Brett and Mel Eric and I were wondering what is your off grid power set up. We want to be able to love off grid when travelling around Australia. Thankyou for providing information on KZbin. Happy travels. 🌻Eric and Melinda

[@SvedosTrippin]

Hi guys, we have 300 amps of lithium battery and 450 watts of solar. We are pretty power hungry on workdays running 4 computers and starlink, we make do but I would feel better with more. My ideal set up would be 400-600 amps of battery and 1000-1500 watts of solar. Happy preparations.

[@MegaHilly13]

other than tyres brakes & bearings what else needs servicing

[@mikecamimo]

Great videos guys. You mention that you work while on the road. Curious to know what you do for a living.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Mel does book keeping, I (brett) do the social media.

[@user-oo8lq2vr2y]

Good info. What brand are your chairs?

[@SvedosTrippin]

Hi, our chairs are Zempire. BCF often stocks them.

[@user-uq8rz7lz4f]

Lovely video what chairs did you buy

[@SvedosTrippin]

They are zempire. BCF usually stock them.

[@thethinkingman9338]

im 8 years on the road, when it comes to servicing your vehicle and van “ Learn to do it yourself “ and buy a setup that “ You can service yourself “ this approach has saved me a ton on - money, time and headache. I always do my own services ( even sometimes at a rest stop ) every 5000 km. also learn to do your own 12 v wiring and repairs. again this will save you money time and headaches.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Good advice, but how do you manage carrying an oil catch pan and other tools required. We have super limited space and weight allowances.

[@thethinkingman9338]

@@SvedosTrippin I have a long handle shovel, I did a deep hole and bury the oil, it came from the ground and goes back to the ground- filters etc I place in a plastic bag and tie it up and place in a road side bin, I carry a basic tool kit ( as everyone should) with tools that fit most common replacements parts on my vehicle + a cordless drill and a hand held grinder ( runs off the generator) I also carry electrical wiring parts and a sortment of nuts and bolts, hose clamps etc - combined these items would account for about 15kg, they are critical, so if weight is a barrier drop 15kg of non critical stuff.

[@kadachiman7234]

Well done guys, great video with fantastic tips. If I can't pull up and be 100% setup within 10 minutes means I need to change something ... I do not see the point in travelling as a lifestyle choice only to have to waste my time then setting up house every time I stop for the night.

[@SvedosTrippin]

completely agree, but marketing tells newbies they need all this crap. thanks for watching and commenting.

[@roberteverett968]

Hi Guys, My wife and I are long time follows of your channel because of your unbiased honesty. I have a question for you, we have been wanting to replace our wineguard TV aerial with a cowfish vantenna so that we can instal extra solar but can not find any unbiased tests or reviews any where on the net. Have you spoken to anyone on the road that has installed a cowfish vantenna and said that it was better or worse then the wineguard. Keep up the great work

[@SvedosTrippin]

Hey guys, I've not met anyone that's talked about the Cowfish Vantenna to us. I can tell you this though, we have a wind up antenna and wish we had deleted it and had more solar. We don't watch TV we use the internet to stream what we watch so the antenna is a complete waste of space as we never even put it up. Sorry we cant be more helpful here.

[@melflesser3549]

Hi Guys - What a great insight. Wife and I are about to retire and change from camping on the beach in a small van for a week at a time to more long distance travelling. We pick up the new van on Jan 8th. Any tips on what to look for on our first shake down weekend ? cheers

[@i.m.peterrific]

Water leaks, not just possible roof leaks during rain, but plumbing leaks. One of our vans (who's name shall remain hidden) had a persistant leak with the bathroom vanity drain. It was 100% due to the design of the plumbing.

[@SvedosTrippin]

I guess if it's a shakedown you need to test everything. Make sure it's all working. Keep a close eye on your power and see if you're getting too low or charging vack to full.

[@anaderol5408]

Very interesting and informative. I disagree on one point - with regard to the food budget - being on the road and living in a caravan would be far more expensive than living in a suburban house. 1) minimal storage in the caravan would limit the amount of food one can purchase whereas in a house the fridge/s and freezer/s provide greater storage ...which leads to 2) in suburbia one can purchase food from a variety of shops / markets and bulk food stores e.g. Costco. Therefore a family living in suburbia who gets to know the more economical places and means of purchasing food and has the space to store the food (not just fresh food - e.g. a 12 can pack of tinned tomatoes from Costco is cheaper than the supermarket) would not need to spend as much as a traveller in deep countryside or outback living in a caravan and having to purchase food at a premium price given the greater distance the food has had to travel from the warehouse.

[@SvedosTrippin]

You make a very valid point. Thanks.

[@ChimericalPye]

Hi Svedos. I was wondering who and how you chose your insurance? RACQ seems great for at least the roadside assist as you've mentioned a couple of times, but who did you go with for insurance and why? For both caravan and tow vehicle. Enjoying your vids a lot, watched them all.

[@melissasvedinek850]

Hi, Thanks for watching. RACQ roadside is epic we pay extra for ultracare as we are usually towing. With insurance we are also with RACQ for car and van, it was the cheapest and covered most things, but the only catch is we have minimal contents covered and if we went with a specific van insurer for these it would cost twice as much. Every year I do assess our insurances and see if we can get a better deal, but as yet we are still with RACQ. Hope this helps

[@ChimericalPye]

@@melissasvedinek850 Thanks very much for getting back to me. A follow up question, I hope you don't mind. Why 'only' ultra care and not ultimate or RV? Unrelated - how do you print stuff for the kids schooling? We're just preparing for setting out on our trip and as you can imagine there are 1,000,000 questions and things to think of. Anything to help us plan better.

[@willeton]

How about a 2016 vw polo, a one man tent and a sleeping bag? Thats all I have unfortunately.

[@Mick_4591]

Nothing wrong with that Happy travels

[@theoztreecrasher2647]

Probably not a good idea to set up your tent/bag too close to any Northern Australian Waterways though! Mick's mate might help you pack up camp! 🤔😱🙄

[@willeton]

@@theoztreecrasher2647 I dont think I will be sending the mighty polo on any corrugated roads, stick to the bitumen :)

[@i.m.peterrific]

Weather... We arrived in Darwin in late September this year after leaving Canberra on a frost morning of minus 6 degrees, we are still in Darwin living happily in our van. You just need a really good air conditioner in your van and be expecting it to be hot. The funny thing is, the locals complain much more about the heat than we do 🤣

[@SvedosTrippin]

Hahaha, I hear alot of people never leave Darwin. We haven't made it up there yet. Might be just because it's a novelty for you 😂. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@rebeccaw9656]

Haha, reading this comment as a Darwin local😂True, we complain about the heat, yet we’re dragging on a jacket/cardigan as soon as the temperature drops a couple of degrees…

[@lindsay6529]

Hi, Excellent video and suggestions. Can you please comment about your table in the video. We need to be a bit "weight savy" with our van. Is the table "light... ish"? What is it made from (top & legs)? Does it fold away and easily and simple to set up again and compact? Is it "sturdy" like it looks? Any info of the brand and where to buy would be appreciated. Thanks, Lindsay👍

[@SvedosTrippin]

Hey Lindsey, the table is from zempire (not sure on model sorry). Its incredibly compact when folded down, though it is fairly heavy for a table. So compact yes, but not light. Good luck in your search and thanks for watching.

[@lindsay6529]

Thankyou 👍@@SvedosTrippin

[@Mick_4591]

Agree with this lot. Think you will find theres probably not a lot of " transparency "on their channel as it seems to me they have a " partnership" with various companies. Another channel is just brilliant adventures who has " partnerships" with so and so or have an arrangment with various companies and DOSENT declare " paid promations included"

[@SvedosTrippin]

That's about the gist of it, but I think many of them hold back more than they have to.

[@martynnewby6298]

What thouroughly nice people

[@SvedosTrippin]

thank you

[@paulfranchina8193]

Curious what seats did you purchase. I have purchased all styles and brands they just fall apart.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Hey mate. We have zempire chairs. BCF usually stocks them.

[@yvonnex8662]

Just checking do you carry 2 spare tyres for your single axel van - if yes where do you carry them?

[@SvedosTrippin]

No mate, just the 1 spare for the van. 2 spare tyres is alot of extra weight.

[@neilbates8409]

@@SvedosTrippin thanks for the reply. We have similar van to yours and was a bit worried about only one spare.

[@SvedosTrippin]

@@neilbates8409 Have, done the Gibb River Road, have done Cape York. Never needed a spare, just put on new tyres before you undertake something like that. In 3 years I haven't had a flat on the Van, seems like a long time to be carrying around an extra 40 odd Kgs.

[@spudboy1328]

For the 300Ah you've got, is that lithium or standard?

[@SvedosTrippin]

Lithium

[@erroneouscode]

I understand that most people are fair weather campers, but I like traveling when the vast majority don't. To see the ultimate extremes of what Australia can dish out. Locals afterall have to endure it.

[@SvedosTrippin]

We usually "experience" the extremes and realise its time to move, fast....

[@erroneouscode]

@@SvedosTrippin Yeah I understand. Not fun with kids either in 50 degrees C

[@shaneyule3484]

Shit weather happens..... a lot. Be ready for it.

[@Michelle_Emm]

It's crazy to think that travelling around Aus will cost us about double what we pay to live in our house!

[@SvedosTrippin]

hmmmm... I'm not sure about that unless you don't have a mortgage. It's costing us less to live this life style than the old in a house life.

[@Michelle_Emm]

@@SvedosTrippin no we don't have a mortgage and we have enough solar panels to always be in credit for our power. Our biggest expense would be our rates and food. We spend about $500-$550 a week for everything so from what I've read and watched on different channels we'd be looking at well over $1k a week plus we'll be leaving our house empty while we travel so we'll still have rates and insurance to pay for that. It's still doable and definitely worth the expense to have the experience before we kick the bucket. Can't take it with us and our kids already have more money than we do.😂

[@Michelle_Emm]

@@SvedosTrippin and you can't put a price on the fabulous memories you're making with your kids.

[@cometopoppa1]

How do you make your money

[@SvedosTrippin]

we have a video from about a month back titled, "how do we afford to travel australia full time" we explain it all there.

[@i.m.peterrific]

I'd be surprised if you could feed a family and supply fuel for $50k a year in this country when you are travelling full time. Let alone pay all the other expenses of running a mobile home. I personally can't see anyone travelling in a van full time doing it for close to $50k while being comfortable and having a healthy diet.

[@SvedosTrippin]

Yes completely agree. Yet I was just chatting with a family that was planning their lap in a couple of months and he thought he could do it for 50K. One of the reasons I'm trying to educate on this as it is a bit of a common belief. Thanks for watching.

[@bretthogan5820]

My wife and I have been living on the road for 15 plus years and I'm a pensioner we travel and see place's you wouldn't know were even there there are things you can do to cut costs stay a little longer don't rush slow down take your time after all we've got the biggest backyard in the world and please stay out of caravan park free camp free camp you'll save so much money and don't be afraid to go of the blacktop

[@foff-666]

yeh but the mistakes ARE the journey, or a big part of it -- take away the mistakes, and you might be complaining about some mundane meaningless thing 'cause you wouldn't know what hardships you may have otherwise encountered... such is life mate :)

[@SvedosTrippin]

Cheers. Thanks for watching and commenting 😀