The Cheap Way to do Van Life in Australia

Lets have a real frank chat about van life in Australia and the true cost associated with traveling. Today, I will compare myself (a budget van lifer) with a more average van life budget (Cassadvantures) to show that van life is truly within your budget, no matter how small!
Make sure you check out Cass's video too!
• Costs of Vanlife💰
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Van Tour
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Tags:
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[@JosephineOliver-qh1te]

So refreshing to hear a fellow Aussie's take on vanlife, take care and safe travels 🚙 😊

[@tashsikkes]

Many thanks, Josephine! So far the travels have been a lot of fun 😁

[@JosephineOliver-qh1te]

@tashsikkes Enjoy while you're young, when you become an ole girl like me with health issues you're limited to what you can do 😁 ever thought of coming to Mt. Isa, there's always plenty of work out here..but it can get pretty hot here, winter is a good time and in August the Isa Rodeo is on, yeehaa 🐎🐃

[@tashsikkes]

@JosephineOliver-qh1te certainly trying my best to take advantage of what my body is capable of doing while I'm young 😊 My original goal was to go up along the coastline and then come back through the middle but my van doesn't have air-conditioning so it got a bit too hot for me when I started getting to the top of nsw. If I can make some adjustments I'd love to travel all throughout but Murray may not be the van for the job ☹️

[@traceycrawford9938]

Thank you for this video. A lot of Australian’s are doing Vanlife through NECESSITY now with the ridiculous rent prices (and housing crisis) and certainly don’t have lots of money lying around to buy expensive vans and build outs.

[@tashsikkes]

So true and so sad that people are having to resort to it. I think a lot of people have forgotten that "van life" or sleeping in a vehicle is a way to make ends meet, but with recent gentrification I feel a lot of people (myself included) can't do van life unless it's a decked out sprinter. Travelling and living in a vehicle is a budget way to travel if you have the means but it's also used as survival and I think a lot of people have forgotten that. I'm tempted to do a video on it in the future, let me know if that would interest you 😊

[@stevenloynds3691]

I think the way you done it on the cheap is the best way....I've seen people sink money into the works to later find it doesn't do or have what they need the ones that put permanent fixtures in now have to spend more money modifying there vehicle paying twice...then some just hate the lifestyle 6 months or a year in, it's a lot of money if it's not the life you was expecting and selling you will never get back what you put in so someone else benefits from your loss.....Doing what you have done you can try it out if you survive 6 months or more with minimal gear your probably going to stick it out long term...in that time it gives you experience what you need and how you like your set up to be what works for you...by then you will have a much better understanding about yourself and set up only spending once on exactly what you need nothing more....at least if in the early stages if it's not the lifestyle your chasing, then you lost little when selling the van...If I can give any advice and that is don't go out broke have an emergency fund saved at least 5k and have all the insurance break down services....when shit hits the fan and believe me buying second hand vans stuff will break so have a safety net of a few thousand dollars will come in handy believe me....

[@tashsikkes]

Thanks! I certainly had that same mindset going into it. As an interior designer by trade you would think I'd want it to pretty but I knew functionality (at least at the beginning) is key. I was really lucky out on the road while I was travelling, I didn't have any issues. But when I got back it did break down. I have a few videos mentioning it but you were certainly right, I was lucky when I got back I actually made that emergency fund up just to spend it on the van to fix and then sell. I was so fortunate it didn't happen in another state, certainly learnt my lesson for next time 😅

[@annettehewitson6426]

There a lot of outback pubs that hire over weekends or a week,you could be in the kitchen or being a bartender,my partner spend nearly 50 years on the road before I met him.and I know it hard for him some days,and 10 years I still feel as I trapped him,he says to me love conquers all.good video.

[@tashsikkes]

awww he sounds so truly sweet. What an amazing partner! I can imagine outback pubs are always needing help, Ill certainly look into it as a potential option for the future, thank you! ❤

[@adventurewithdj]

Love this breakdown!!! And simplicity of your choices - makes it so accessible for anyone really. We always say just start with what you have and figure it out along the way. We do part time van life, our van converts from a work van to a campervan. It’s not for everyone but it works for us.

[@tashsikkes]

I love that! Honestly that mindset has allowed me to just start on so many different fun experiences that I wouldn't have done because I "wasn't ready" it's so awesome to hear others doing the same. Great work! 👏

[@cherieleeishere]

Thanks for your honesty! appreciate the information and will look forward to seeing more ✨🌻

[@tashsikkes]

Thanks so much, glad I could help ☺️

[@daisyleaf3636]

Thankyou for keeping it real, following the urge to just do it, is part of the adventure.

[@tashsikkes]

Thanks Daisy! Much appreciated 🙏🩷

[@annieeefotho]

This is so helpful - thank you so much for posting it !! xx

[@tashsikkes]

I'm so glad! Thank youuu 🩷

[@frederickfred2714]

I think it is a live and learn experience and spending big money is no guarantee of successfully transitioning to a different lifestyle ..

[@tashsikkes]

That's honestly so true! We greatly underestimate how stuck to our own lifestyles and expectations we are until we are pulled out of it and sometimes that transition period can be rough

[@frederickfred2714]

Some countries don't have the same level of welfare system as we do so oldies and many others have no choice but to transition to a mobile life style or live in a tent on the footpath..we are fortunate indeed..

[@forgottenknowledge8917]

I got an old Volkswagen Caddy off a family friend for cheap. I was lucky. The van was $1000 and probably another $1000 in making it compfy. I can pull everything out and still use the van

[@tashsikkes]

That's such a great way to do it! I wasn't as lucky and had to spend a bit more to get an auto but if I knew how to drive manual I would have saved so much money 😅

[@mostafaomais8471]

You’re honestly such a cool person I’m soo keen to watch more😁😁. If ur ever in the Sydney region I’d love to tell u about some cool spot and lookouts.🙃

[@tashsikkes]

Aww thanks! I actually just left there so it may be a while till I'm back, absolutely loved exploring it though 😊

[@liabeachy]

Hi just subscribed and I’m hoping to do that this year . Not permanent but I’m going to use it for everyday use as well . I’ll look forward to watching your story . Safe travels ..🌸👍😊

[@tashsikkes]

That's wonderful to hear! Good luck with it. It's certainly an adventure and a half 😊

[@gutmincer2]

i did the same thing but i owned my car and had 2 grand in my pocket lived in my canvas canopy with a mattress and some personals best thing i have ever done in my life met fantastic people some completely amazing back in the mainstream atm but let me tell you not for much longer , I also 100% recommend you go experience this life but be warned ! it comes with the cost of complete freedom which for me is exceptionally hard to not return back too

[@tashsikkes]

It certainly is an amazing change of pace. The people I met were wonderful. Such a transformative time for me! 😁

[@ValueCarsAU]

Nice video Tash

[@tashsikkes]

Thanks! 😊

[@Lazza88]

Omg I'm about to start vanlife in January 2024 I love your channel.. I'm a fan now haha

[@tashsikkes]

Aww congrats! It's honestly so exciting to get started, good luck on your travels! ✨️

[@evolveausevolveaus]

hi Tash, thank you so much for sharing. awsome info. im a single fella looking to travel aus this year, i own a house that im planning to advertise on airbnb, i have a budget of around 400 a week, but qant to spend as little as possible. i own a station wagon and have camping gear so thinking using it instead of a van. hopefully see you out on the road soon.

[@tashsikkes]

You can most certainly use a station wagon, I've seen someone use a Kia! Good luck and stay safe on the road 😊

[@looksea2me]

Great rational, love the go - now attitude

[@tashsikkes]

Thanks! I think many people fall into the perfectionist mindset that they never end up starting (myself included) but once I started just starting regardless as to whether it was "perfect" or not, thats where I saw the most change and was able to experience so much more 😀

[@oneaussiesadventure]

I agree 1000000% just get in and go. Ive been blessed that i can now afford a more reliable van thats a lot bigger than my last one. I live and work full time on the road, I now have starlink for remote areas and for the first time I’m doing a massive road trip (8000km) that I otherwise would never have done in my last unreliable beatbox. But again. I worked with what i had and stealth camp even now.

[@tashsikkes]

Your new set up sounds like an absolute dream! But for sure, especially when starting out you just have to start, it doesn't have to be perfect and you'll learn what you do and don't need while on the adventure 😁

[@oneaussiesadventure]

I worked my arse off and got a used sprinter van. And i have fitted it out to be functional not pretty. One day ill save up and make it instaworthy but not my priority.

[@tashsikkes]

@oneaussiesadventure sounds very well deserved though! I 100% agree though function over beauty every time! 🙂

[@SUVTouring]

well done !

[@tashsikkes]

Thanks! 😊

[@solovantravel]

Hey Tash. I'm coming to Australia and I would like to do car camping to the national forests. Any recommendations on safety, where to park? I'll be flying into Sydney. Thanks so much

[@tashsikkes]

I'd certainly check Google and the national forests websites before arriving, they'll be able to tell you if you can camp and whether or not it's open. I definitely got caught out a few times just looking at google to see if places were open only to find that rangers had closed the place due to weather or other conditions. I would 1000% recommend Coorongooba Campground if you get the chance, it's further out but honestly the most beautiful spot I went to that wasn't too far north. Good luck and safe travels! 😁

[@Lara-Darling]

Oh and have a look at Kendall and Glenn also

[@tashsikkes]

Oooh thank you! Such a great suggestion 👌

[@lifetheuniverseandothercra4581]

Good stuff

[@tashsikkes]

Thanks! 😊

[@chrisbrisi2235]

Hey Tash! Starting my van life adventure in 2 weeks. Question… when you applied for a job, did you mention that it would only be temporary(a few weeks) or not?

[@tashsikkes]

I sure did! I told them straight out the gate that I was travelling and how long I intended to stay in the area. A lot of rural jobs are more flexible for the sake of travellers and getting whoever they can, as long as you have a can do attitude and are willing to learn there are plenty of jobs on the road 😊

[@forgottenknowledge8917]

A quick hint, get a small turbo diesel van. I get 1000kms per tank

[@tashsikkes]

Great hint! Thanks for the comment 🙂

[@shumailQofficial447]

looking so beautiful😍

[@tashsikkes]

Thanks

[@matthewappleby8272]

Double is not even close for luxury van, if you double her cost and then double again that is closer to it. For example, my brand new Ford Transit van I'm picking up next week is $70,000 and then the fit out cost that I'm doing myself is probably about $40-50k when all done. This includes shower, toilet, 12v aircon, gas hob and oven, 85l fridge, 600-800w of solar with 3000w inverter and 600 AH of batteries, tv, 4 different types of lighting, fans, diesel heater, upgraded suspension and AWD tyres, front light bar, side lights, ladder and just general materials for the build. This is creating a home you can live in though for long term travel. All up around $120k roughly, but if you were to get the build done for you then this price would jump to about $150k

[@tashsikkes]

wow thats amazing! Theres certainly a larger cost when you go to that extent, but if its for long term itd certainly be worth it. Make sure you post it, Id love to see it once its done!

[@elizabethgreen2134]

❤

[@tashsikkes]

🩷

[@musiccreations85]

Hi so do you think its is more cost effective to live in a van in australia than renting and would you recommend it to a student ?

[@tashsikkes]

It would depend on the way you were doing it. If you lived out of caravan parks it'd probably be the same if not more expensive. But if you stealth camped and had the mobility to go further out for more touristy jobs, not only could it be cheaper, it'd also be far more of an adventure. The only thing I'd note is that van life especially as low budget as the way I'm doing it, it's hard to relax, you're constantly looking for a place to park for the night, shower or charge technology. It would depend on your situation but if you enjoy a lot of change and are flexible with your lifestyle, I'd recommend it 😊

[@ValueCarsAU]

Another great very non-hype video. Love it. I'm sure i don't need to tell you, but here goes anyway - you are you and there's no need to compare yourself to someone else. I will look at your other videos, but can honestly tell you that i have zero interest in looking at "her" videos. There you go.

[@tashsikkes]

Aww thank you! That's made my day, I'm so glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@michelle10261]

Hi I just bought a Mitsubishi express 2005 for $1500 Australia. How do people work on the road. I,m 62 on pension and still rent a place to live.

[@tashsikkes]

Congratulations! A lot of people get remote jobs these days, stuff like data entry can commonly be done from a work from home situation. An alternative which is what I did is looking for work in more remote and potentially touristy areas. A lot of the time these will be more hospitality type positions. It'll depend on your personal skill set and what you prefer. I found working on a computer on the road difficult because i have such a lean set up but it's certainly still possible. Good luck on your own adventure and have fun! 😊

[@patriciawatt5647]

Are you still travelling?

[@tashsikkes]

Yes and no! In a van, no, on the other side of the world, yes 😊

[@suenicholls4950]

Hi Tash, chec out. ‘Brenna lives joyfully’ who is a van-lifer in your neck of the wood. New sub here. Love your content.

[@tashsikkes]

Oooh Thank you! Will do! 😊

[@dentray]

Beer

[@philheath9854]

I don't think "Costed" is a real word.

[@tashsikkes]

Probably isn't, I tend to make up and mispronounce a lot of words on this channel, enjoy 😊

[@Palimbacchius]

It certainly is: "The project was costed at $21bn."

[@evolveausevolveaus]

@@tashsikkes what a picky mofo. settle down champ, we understood what she ment....

[@user-bw5yf2gu3e]

Definitely is here in Aus

[@classicscustomsandhotrodso600]

My latest made up word is Fidiot. It needs no explanation.

[@US-Watcher-nc1xr]

Make more of this kind video, then you will be famous . other videos ,people is not interested

[@tashsikkes]

Thanks for the feedback 😊