We have had an amazing time and it’s sad that it had to come to an end. We missed our family so much but enjoyed the Skype chats. We caught up with friends around the country and made new ones along the way. We are used to wearing our thongs in the shower, sleeping with sand in the bed, not showering every day, wearing the same clothes, confined space, washing the dishes in 2 inches of water, lining up for washing machines and meeting new people every day.
We have seen koalas, emus, kangaroos, snakes, spiders, lizards, crocodiles, echidnas, wild horses, wild donkeys, water buffalo, alpacas, cows, sheep, goats, dingoes, sharks and fish, crabs, cane toads, frogs, rabbits, dolphins, whales, foxes, possums, sea lions, termites, and 1000 different birds.
We have camped in many fantastic places that didn’t cost us a cent, we lit fires, toasted marshmallows and star gazed. Most days we didn’t know where we would end up for the night, that was half the fun. If we didn’t like an area we just picked up and moved. We have had bumps and bruises but thankfully nothing serious. We thank our lucky stars we hardly used the medical kit or the tool box. We have had days of 40 degree weather and days of below freezing. We have had fun in the sun, swimming, surfing, snorkeling and beach combing but most of all we just enjoyed being together as a family.
We have seen the desert, the rain forests, the stunning coastline and beaches, the farms, the sacred Aboriginal lands, historic sites, archaeological digs, natural wonders, drought affected areas, flood affected areas, the whitest beach in the world, big cities and small country towns.
We have been on a croc jumping tour, a Kakadu boat cruise, a camel ride on the beach, underground caves tour, cane toad hunting, museums and galleries, adventure parks, an underground mine, markets, mazes and nearly every zoo in the country.
We have been told by a hundred different people how brave we are to travel with 3 kids and a caravan but honestly its been fantastic. We are incredibly proud of our kids, they have handled it very well and have grown so much. Most importantly they take care of each other more than ever before and that’s a fantastic thing for two parents to watch.
Thanks to everyone who made this trip possible for us. Thanks to everyone who was kind enough to let us stay with them. We had a fantastic time with you all. Also thanks to my wonderful husband who drove almost the whole way.
It’s been a life changing experience and we would encourage anyone to do what we have. Especially with kids, they have learnt so much more in these 5 months that they would have at school. Don’t keep waiting for the right time, just get out there and explore this beautiful country.
Our email addresses are lisagibson@mail.com and craiggibson@mail.com if anyone needs any tips and advice for a future trip.
Thanks for following us along the way…..
The Survey:
Craig:
Favourite town….Broome
Favourite city...Darwin
Favourite state...W.A
Favourite beach….Lucky Bay, Esperance
Best National Park….Cape Range, Ningaloo Reef
Best Caravan Park….Mataranka Springs, N.T
Favoutite markets….Mindil Beach, Darwin
Favourite tour….Yellow Water Cruise, Kakadu
Best day….Kayaking with dolphins, Ningaloo Reef
Worst day….Breaking down just out of Tennant Creek, N.T
I never thought I would….swim with sharks
I wish I had seen...whale sharks and manta rays off Exmouth
Favourite meal on the trip.....Chilli Crocodile at Stokes Hill Wharf, N.T
Hardest part about caravanning....sometimes being confined to the caravan
One place on the trip you could live forever...Margaret River
What I missed the most....the northern beaches
Lisa:
Favourite town….Margaret River
Favourite city...Perth
Favourite state...W.A
Favourite beach….Lucky Bay, Esperance
Best National Park….Cape Le Grand, Esperance
Best Caravan Park... Kakadu Aurora Resort
Favourite markets...Mindil Beach, Darwin
Favourite tour...Camel ride on Cable Beach
Best day...Kayaking with dolphins on Ningaloo Reef
Worst day...the car breaking down near Tennant Creek
I never thought I would...eat so many 2 minute noodles!
I wish I had seen....Uluru and Wombeyan Caves
Favourite meal on the trip...Our 10 year wedding anniversary dinner in Melb
Hardest part about caravanning....the constant packing away then setting up
One place on the trip you could live forever...Margaret River
What I missed the most....my mum, our dog Lola, my oven
Kai:
Favourite town….Broome
Favourite city....Perth
Favourite state...W.A
Favourite beach….Turquoise Bay, Ningaloo Reef
Best National Park….Kakadu
Best Caravan Park….Big 4 Darwin
Favoutite markets….Parap, Darwin
Favourite tour….Croc jumping
Best day….Questacon, Canberra
Worst day….when I was in trouble and wasnt allowed to go to Katherine Hot Springs
I never thought I would….swim with sharks and turtles and feed dolphins
I wish I had seen...Uluru
Favourite meal on the trip.....nachos cooked by mum
Hardest part about caravanning....the flies
One place on the trip you could live forever...Canberra
What I missed the most....my friends, Lola our dog and Tei Tar
Bailey:
Favourite town….Broome
Favourite city...Perth
Favourite state...W.A
Favourite beach….Cable Beach, Broome
Best National Park….Cape Range, Ningaloo Reef
Best Caravan Park….Mataranka, N.T
Favourite markets….Mindil, Darwin
Favourite tour….Caves around Margaret River with daddy
Best day….Questacon, Canberra
Worst day….No such thing!
I never thought I would….visit Parliament House
I wish I had seen...Tasmania
Favourite meal on the trip.....Fish n chips with nan and pop in Darwin
Hardest part about caravanning....being cold at night
One place on the trip you could live forever...Broome
What I missed the most....My school friends
THE END….
