Leaving home
Leaving home felt strange. We’d technically been homeless for two weeks already, staying with family over Christmas and New Year, but January 4th, 2026 was the day we finally left.
We headed south towards Minnamurra, where we were planning to stay the night. Emily’s mum, Wendy, and her side of the family were holidaying there, so it felt like one last pause before heading properly across Australia.
Our first planned stop was the Seacliff Bridge in Clifton, but Emily found a cute waterfall a few minutes off the road in the Royal National Park. It was a great first stop and a perk of not being on a time limit.
The waterfall itself was beautiful. Walking down the track, you could view it from the bottom platform or walk behind it and watch the water fall around you.
After leaving the waterfall, we arrived at the Seacliff Bridge. I wanted to fly the drone for the first time over the ocean and try to follow the van across the bridge. Standing on the cliff, watching Emily drive off while I launched the drone felt equal parts exciting and uncomfortable.
It started well. The footage looked incredible, our van moving across the bridge with the blue ocean below. Then the signal dropped. For a moment, I was standing there with a frozen screen, hoping it would come back before the drone decided otherwise.
Just in time, as Emily was coming back across the bridge, the signal returned and I managed to get the video I wanted. With my luck officially used up, we packed up and kept driving south.
We finished the day at the Minnamurra Rainforest. The walk was easy, and the waterfall was flowing well after the recent rain. Later that afternoon, we arrived in Minnamurra, a hidden gem where the river meets the sea, and spent the night with family.
Bakeries and white sand beaches
The following morning we spent the morning swimming in the Minnamurra river and saying goodbye to family before getting back on the road. The first stop of the day was Berry, where I had the best sausage roll I have ever had in my life from Milkwood Bakery. I cannot recommend the pork and beef enough! This was followed by a lovely cinnamon, and a Nutella full donut from the famous Berry Donut Van.
After Berry we headed for the renowned Jervis Bay region to see the World’s Whitest Sand Beach, according to google. On arrival to Hyams beach it was clear to see what everyone was talking about. Crystal clear water and white sand. Unfortunately, we weren’t the only ones to get the memo, the place was packed.
Loving the van life
The next morning we headed towards the beach town of Ulladulla. We went swimming at Rennies Beach in the morning and then set up camp at Mollymook beach which we cannot recommend enough. There were plenty of other vans and the surf club stays open for toilets and shower amenities.
Following a well rested night we left the next day heading towards Batemans Bay. Despite free camping for the last two nights, we were both looking forward to not having the anxiety of a possible visit from the ranger, so that night we had booked a camp spot at Moruya.
On the way we learnt one of the biggest advantages of slow van life. We found one of the best spots we had ever been to. A river inlet located at Dolphin Point. The tide was coming in, so we were able to spend hours just floating and drifting in the current. It was pure bliss!
Reality check
Unfortunately the perfect start to our road trip started to take a twist. After leaving Dolphin Point, we arrived at our camp site. The advertised site was heavily sugarcoated, because in reality we were staying next to an airport, with drop toilets, and an outside cold shower that was incredibly exposing. To top it off, the next morning we awoke to our solar system completely failing. So here we are, thinking we are having the perfect trip, only to have reality slap us in the face.
We called in to a local auto electrician who suggested that we get a new battery and to get a portable solar blanket to help with the load. We learnt very quickly that solar troubles in a remote community comes with a very expensive price tag. Luckily we had friends visiting from Sydney who were able to bring us a new battery, solar blanket, and an inverter which got us back on track.
Despite the solar being fixed, our luck didn’t turn around. We arrived in Bermagui, one of the most lovely beach towns with superb beaches, hikes, and a rock pool surrounded by seals. With everything Bermagui had to offer, we thought our time would be great, but we did not account for the wind. Our campsite was on the top of the bluff so the wind came through at a tremendous rate leaving us unable to set up any camping equipment. The wind was also bringing the smoke from recent fires occurring in Victoria, leaving a terrible amount of smoke in the air.
Leaving early
After leaving Bermagui we arrived at the coastal town of Tarthra. The wind had settled allowing us to go for a swim and enjoy the beautiful beach.
Our South East Coastal adventure unfortunately got cut short at Tarthra. We received terribly sad news about a family members health so we decided to get in the car and head back home to be with family.
Reflection
Although our South East Coastal adventure ended sooner than planned, it gave us the first taste of van life, the highs, the lows, and the little moments we will cherish forever. We couldn’t wait to get back on the road.
If you would like to see our trip in more detail, we shared it on YouTube! You can also keep up with our day to day activities on Instagram.