Blake and Alyse are a couple on the ultimate Aussie adventure - caravan in tow and their senior miniature fox terrier riding shotgun! They’ve traded work boots and office chairs for fishing rods, campfires, and endless open roads, currently soaking up the beauty of Western Australia
Blake, a hands-on mechanical fitter, and Alyse, a savvy legal secretary, have pressed pause on their careers to chase sunsets, reel in big catches, and explore every hidden gem Australia has to offer. With their loyal four-legged travel buddy always along for the ride, life has become one big road trip full of laughter, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
We're Alyse and Blake from Port Macquarie, New South Wales. Since we were 16, we've both worked hard to follow the traditional path – saving money, buying a house, and doing all the “right” things. But somewhere along the way, we realised that while we were ticking boxes, we weren't truly living our dream.
So, we made a big decision: to step away from the routine and chase what really lights us up – travelling and exploring the incredible country we call home. Australia has so much to offer, and we're setting out to experience it all – the places, the people, and the freedom of the open road.
Honestly, it's the freedom. Waking up in a new place, surrounded by nature, with no strict schedule – it's something we never really experienced in our day-to-day lives before. Life on the road has given us the chance to slow down, reconnect with each other, and really appreciate the simple things.
Whether it’s a quiet sunrise over the ocean, meeting like-minded travellers, or finding those hidden gems off the beaten track – it’s those little moments that have become our favourites. Every day feels like a new adventure, and that’s what makes it so special.
There have been so many incredible moments on the road, but a few really stand out for us.
One of the most unexpected and magical highlights was when our dog Marley met a friendly dolphin in Whyalla – it was one of those surreal moments that remind you how amazing nature can be. We’ve also had the chance to help out some stranded strangers in the middle of nowhere, which really reinforced the sense of community that exists out here on the road – everyone’s looking out for each other, and it felt good to give back.
Another proud moment for us has been finding places that feel like home even when we’re far from it. Linga Longa Station is one of those special spots – it gave us that feeling of belonging and connection, and reminded us why we chose this lifestyle in the first place.
All these moments – big and small – have helped shape our journey and reminded us that the best parts of travel often come when you least expect them.
Over the next 5 years, we see ourselves continuing to travel Australia, but at a slower, more intentional pace. We're not in a rush – we want to really soak in each place, not just pass through it.
We’d love to take on short stints of work along the way, especially at stations or caravan parks along the coastline. It’s a great way to meet locals, be part of a community for a little while, and support this lifestyle while still enjoying everything each destination has to offer.
Whether it’s remote outback stations or beachfront parks, we’re excited about the idea of living and working in places most people only visit – and truly getting to know the heart of Australia.
And of course, Marley will be right there with us, probably making more dolphin friends!
Yes, plenty! While life on the road is incredible, it definitely comes with its fair share of challenges.
One of the biggest has been dealing with wild weather. There have been times when we’ve had to pack up and move quickly just to escape strong winds or relentless rain. It can turn a peaceful camp spot into a stressful situation overnight. Learning to read the weather and stay flexible with our plans has become a key part of how we travel.
Another big one has been finding water – something you completely take for granted when living in a house. In remote areas, it’s not always easy to come by, and we’ve had to plan ahead, ration, and sometimes have a shower with a bucket and soapy cloth. It’s made us appreciate the little things, like a hot shower or even just a full kettle, so much more.
Our biggest piece of advice? Don’t wait – just give it a go.
Life changes quickly, and nothing is ever guaranteed. You’re better off taking the leap and creating memories than looking back and wishing you had. We spent years doing what we thought we were “supposed” to do – saving, buying a house, ticking all the boxes - but at some point, we realised that wasn’t our dream.
You don’t have to live the life others expect of you. It’s your journey. If travelling Australia is something you're passionate about, make it a priority and start working toward it. It doesn't have to be perfect or all figured out – you’ll learn as you go, and that’s part of the adventure.
And don’t stress about having the flashiest setup or comparing your journey to others. The real beauty is in the freedom, the experiences, and living life on your terms.
For us, making long-term travel work is all about mindset, flexibility and smart budgeting.
Learning to budget well is key. We realised early on that living on the road doesn’t mean being cheap or missing out on Australia’s incredible attractions and adventures. It’s about finding the balance between enjoying experiences and managing costs. Sometimes that means treating ourselves to a special tour or meal, and other times it means camping in more affordable/free spots or cooking our own meals.
If you can, planning casual work along the way is helpful. We’ve found that swapping a few hours of work for camp fees at stations or caravan parks not only helps keep costs down but also connects us with locals and communities in a way that feels really rewarding.
Our interest in PainPod comes from real, personal experience with pain that’s been a part of our lives for years.
Blake, being a mechanic, has dealt with back issues from heavy lifting throughout his career, and also from a Jetski accident where he came off hard. Meanwhile, Alyse had a workplace fall early in her hospitality career that twisted her spine and pelvis. Over time, physio and chiropractic care have helped both of us manage the aches and pains, but it’s always been a constant challenge in our lives, considering we should be in some of our fittest and able bodies being in our youth.
Then, one day at a Caravan and Camping Show in Wauchope, we discovered our lifesaver – the PainPod. It offered a drug-free, portable way to ease pain quickly, which has since changed our lives beyond words. Being able to manage pain naturally means we can keep adventuring without letting discomfort hold us back, in the comfort of our home, now in our caravan traveling around the countryside.
We couldn’t be more grateful.
PainPod has become an essential part of our recovery routine on the road. After long days of driving, setting up camp, or exploring tough trails, both of us often feel the wear and tear.
Using PainPod helps us manage those aches quickly and naturally, without relying on medications. We usually use it on sore muscles, stiff backs, or anywhere that feels tight after a big day.
It’s super easy to use – portable and quick – so whether we’re camping under the stars or relaxing at a caravan park, we can get relief whenever we need it. For us, it’s about staying active and comfortable so we can keep enjoying every part of our Aussie adventure.
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