Jan and Russ Around Australia

Tales of two novice caravanners who set of from Warrnambool with a new caravan, 4WD, tinny and an old dog.

We'd originally planned a trip to the US for 3 months, then decided the money could be better spent on a vehicle and van, so changed our plans accordingly.

In September, we bought a Nissan Navarra (it's 3.3litre turbo charged diesel for those that care) and in October we bought ourselves a new Coronet 18' 6" full van. We've since bought a "tinny" , or small aluminium boat, which we carry over the cabin of the Navara.

Neither of us had towed a van, so the trip home on the day we collected it was hair raising to say the least. We had to cross Canterbury Road, travel down Mountain then Burwood Highway, that turned into Toorak Road (my personal nightmare) then under Burnleigh Tunnel, over Westgate Bridge and out to Geelong Freeway. I have to say the freeway with all those huge trucks whizzing by was far more pleasant than Toorak Road! I took my turn behind the wheel from Berrybank to home.

Since then, we have taken the van to Mildura, and apart from a couple of teething problems, thoroughly enjoyed it.

I finished work in August and Russell on January 25th. We head off on February 20th, with about 5 weeks to get to Perth where we have booked for 2 weeks at Burns Beach. I'll turn 50 during our time there, and it's always been our plan to spend that 50th birthday with Blair and Leah and Todd.

Then we'll head North for a few months (until it gets too hot) then come South again to see the wild flowers (a first for me) then who knows.............