Tuesday Trippers - 03 - @offroad_touring_life

This week we talk to Richard of @offroad_touring_life

Hi, my name is Richard, our style of travelling is in swags mostly. Taking in everywhere from the Victorian High Country to the outback. I do a lot of solo camping and touring.

1.Exploring the Snowy Mountains.

2. The beaches of South Australia

3. Camping at high altitude

4. The Otway Ranges

5. Beachside camping!

We asked @offroad_touring_life 5 key questions

Beyond the iconic landmarks, what's one unexpectedly amazing place you've stumbled upon during your travels that most people wouldn't know about?

Beyond the iconic landmarks one of the most unexpected places in have visited was, one of the most spectacular Sunsets while camping at over 1600m. I was camping solo and thought there may have been a chance of a good sunset. Well words simply can't explain what I witnessed, the colours were truly spectacular, not a breath of wind amda temperature of approx 6c. The conditions were prime. It was a free camp with no one for miles!

Australia's a big place! What's been the biggest "learning curve" or unexpected challenge you've faced while on the road as a family, and how did you overcome it? You have the same challenges everyone does, whether one the road or at home.

One of the biggest challenges would be don't think being on the road is all sunshine and rainbows. Our longest trip so far was over 4 months long doing half a lap. Trying weather conditions, wind and rain does happen. You just need to be prepared for it all.

If your family's road trips had a theme song, what would it be and why?

Mmm tough question I can't really think of one theme song.

Looking back at all your adventures, what's one particular moment or story that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of your family's road tripping ethos?

As funny as it sounds it seems to rain whenever I go camping...I never let it stop me. It has become a bit of a running joke amongst my mates.

Knowing what you know now, what's one piece of essential advice you would give to another family considering embarking on their own extensive road trip around Australia?

Just set a date and stick to it. That's what we did. You don't need a catalogue bolted to your vehicle either. We travelled with two young girls, a very basic offroad soft floor camper trailer we bought for 5k. We towed this camper over 23k on our trip. All I added was a water tank. The vehicle I had at the time had a basic 12v system to run our fridge. Plus basic touring gear. We spent 3 months in WA, free camped where we could. Only bought a few take way meals and made it work. This isn't for everyone, but doing it this way enabled us to stay on the road for a longer period of time.

THANKS FOR THE CHAT RICHARD!