Picture this, it’s 10pm on a work night. You’re tired from the daily grind, tucked in bed doomscrolling Instagram when you come across a picture of two ridiculously tan twenty-somethings standing next to their (also tan) 70 Series LandCruiser. Parked up on a pristine beach with turquoise water glistening in the background, they’re happy.
“WOW,” you think to yourself. “What a life they’re living. Maybe I should quit my job and travel Australia full-time, how hard can it be?”
The answer is, ultimately, quite.
And before you come for me, I am qualified to speak on the topic, because the above scenario did in fact happen to me. One long lap of Australia later and I have some thoughts.
The romanticised ideal
It’s safe to say that #vanlife has captured the imagination of millions, fuelled by social media’s ability to highlight the most picturesque moments of this nomadic lifestyle while ignoring everything else. A quick scroll reveals a flood of idyllic scenes: cars parked along clifftops overlooking the ocean, fairy lights illuminating cozy interiors, and steaming cups of coffee enjoyed against a backdrop of majestic mountains. Who doesn’t want that?
For many, vanlife (and I use this term as a catchall to describe anyone living out of their vehicle while travelling) represents freedom - freedom from the 9-to-5 grind, freedom from rising rent prices, and freedom to travel anywhere at a moment’s notice. Influencers and bloggers have turned vanlife into an aspirational lifestyle, often framing it as a way to simplify life, reconnect with nature, and focus on experiences over material possessions. But behind those picture-perfect posts lies a reality that’s often overlooked. Vanlife isn’t all sunsets and vibes, it’s also cramped spaces, unexpected expenses, and challenges that can test even the most adventurous spirits.
The reality check
While life on the road may seem like an escape to simplicity and freedom, the daily realities can be far from glamorous. That’s why it’s important to understand the types of challenges you might be up against before you quit your day job and commit to the DIY build out.
Daily struggles
Living out of your car means embracing minimalism to the extreme. With only a few square metres of space, every item must have a purpose. This extends to partners and pets too, so choose wisely.
Basic comforts, like a good night’s sleep, can be hard to come by. Thin mattresses, awkward sleeping positions, and outside noise will do its darndest to keep you awake, not to mention the discomfort of extreme heat or cold. Everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning will also require extra effort, particularly if you don’t have easy access to clean, running water. Thought doing the dishes sucked before? Think again.
Financial challenges
Many assume that vanlife is a cheap alternative to traditional living, but the costs can quickly add up. The initial expense of purchasing and outfitting a vehicle can be significant, especially if it requires customisation or repairs. Then there’s the ongoing cost of maintenance, as constant use makes vehicles more prone to breakdowns.
Even day-to-day living isn’t free. Fuel costs, parking fees and paid campgrounds can eat into your budget. Then there’s insurance, road tolls, and the occasional emergency expense that can strain finances.
All of which I experienced first hand. Yipee!
Mental and physical toll
Vanlife might seem like the ultimate form of independence, but it can also be isolating. Long stretches on the road often mean being far from family, friends, and familiar communities. This isolation, combined with a lack of routine, can take a toll on your mental health.
Physically, vanlife can be draining too, with long drives often leaving you fatigued and uncomfortable beyond belief. Something that personally surprised me was just how exhausting a lack of consistent access to proper facilities can be over time. That, plus being exposed to the elements for most of the day, can leave you feeling pretty knackered - who would have thought?
It’s inconvenient
Simple, everyday tasks can quickly turn into logistical nightmares when you’re living out of your car. Things you wouldn’t normally think twice about, like showering or doing laundry, can actually require significant planning, especially if you’re travelling on a budget and don’t have access to paid campground facilities.
Parking is another issue. Not every location is safe, legal, or welcoming to overnight stays, leading to stress about where to park at the end of the day. If the threat of a fine every night doesn’t put you off, the nosiness of people walking past you should. Trust me, nothing has humbled me quite so quickly as hundreds of people doing the parkrun past my car at seven in the morning while my sleeping form was clearly visible through the window. Jog on already!
Tips to stay sane
Test the waters
Before committing to vanlife full-time, why not consider a trial run? Renting out a campervan for a weekend is a great way to figure out if this is indeed what you really want. If it isn’t, much better to find out before, not after, you invest your life savings. Use a test trip to carefully assess whether this particular form of travel suits your needs and expectations. Resist the urge to gaslight yourself into thinking that everything will be fine once you’re on the road if you’re really not feeling it.
Not sure where to go? Why not check out some of our recs for the best road trips out of Sydney.
Plan and budget
Living out of your car might seem like a budget-friendly alternative to paying rent or a mortgage, but unexpected costs can (and will) crop up.
- Create a realistic budget that accounts for fuel, maintenance, insurance, and campsite fees.
- Set aside an emergency fund for repairs or unforeseen expenses.
- Track your spending to ensure you’re staying on budget while on the road.
Optimise your setup
A well thought out interior can make all the difference.
- Invest in a comfortable mattress.
- Prioritise compartmentalised storage solutions that maximise living space.
- Don’t let aesthetics rule your life. Sometimes practical items are ugly and that’s ok.
Be flexible
Life on the road is unpredictable, so adaptability is key.
- Create a loose travel plan but be prepared to adjust based on weather or unexpected detours. Sometimes you might want to stay in a place longer or shorter than originally anticipated, give yourself the freedom to do so.
- Keep a daily routine to maintain a sense of normalcy and productivity, even in a small space.
- Always have a backup plan for parking and facilities in case your first option doesn’t work out.
Just remember, hope for the best, but plan for the worst.
So, is it worth it?
Obviously yes. It’s hard to grasp just how big Australia is until you’re out there. Just know that if you only stick to the major cities, you’ll barely scratch the surface of this incredible country. Sometimes you just have to get in your car and go. If a lap is something you think you’d like to do, all I can say is there’s no time like the present! Lock in and make it happen, you won’t regret it. The places you’ll go, the experiences you’ll have, and the people you’ll meet along the way will make you a far more interesting person - trust me. Plus, at the end of the day, it’s an insane flex, and isn’t that why we do anything? Go on, you know you want to.
