We are Richard and Catherine, early retirees with a shared passion for travel and photography, and this is the story of us, our plans and our big Australian adventure.
We both met, literally, in the middle of nowhere in 1992 while traveling in separate groups through the American mid-west with travel group Trek America. During subsequent years we have hired various Recreational Vehicles exploring many of North America’s and Canada’s spectacular National Parks. But now, free from the daily toil of work, it is time to explore closer to home, our own vast country, our ‘Big Lap’.
Where it began
Where it began
For a number of years we have been visiting the annual Sydney Caravan and Camping Show looking for suitable caravans for a planned trip around Australia but nothing really stood out as our ideal home from home. Many of the internal layouts appeared more suited to short breaks than the longer-term travel that we had in mind. A comfortable bed was a must – we both have bad backs – and a good seating area were our priorities along with plenty of internal and external storage and, of course, the van’s ability to handle our many and varied road surfaces.
Much of what we saw at the show left us disappointed with poor quality fittings, seat fabrics, joinery etc., just a general lack of attention to build quality and detail. And this was a public show where caravan builders should have been showing-off their best if they wanted to part us from our life savings. Why were manufacturers still installing those tacky gold trimmed analogue clocks? Yes, you’ve seen them. Come on guys this is the 21st century!!
Hello, things are looking up!
Hello, things are looking up!
Then, at the 2017 Sydney Caravan and Camping show, we noticed a considerable change in both design and quality. White interiors were the new trend, bright and airy. Bathrooms were transformed and many new technologies had been introduced. We even began to see the addition of mini washing machines though how practical they would be was, as yet, uncertain. Caravans were beginning to look like mini hotel suites and that suited us just fine.
And there were certainly plenty of caravans to choose from, suitable for the serious off-roader through to the weekend getaway, but one van in particular appeared to meet all our requirements; soft-road capable, solar power with dual batteries for the occasional free-camping days, 3-water tanks (2-fresh, 1-grey), a full queen-size bed and a comfortable leather-clad sofa – both mounted on a slide-out, lots of storage and within budget – the 21ft Jayco Silverline Outback.
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Jayco’s Silverline Outback 2018
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While researching between shows we had read online, with some concern, the negative reviews of Jayco’s caravans and in particular build quality. Aware that online forums are largely unbalanced, often a platform for those that prefer to rant and rave over the most minor detail, noticeable though this year was the increase in positive personal reviews following a big shake-up at Jayco’s HQ near Melbourne. And from what we were seeing it looked as though Jayco were now leading in quality and design.
Friends had previously bought a Jayco Eagle and quickly commandeered by their son for his own Big Lap. After a few test runs of their own, and at the same 2017 show, they upgraded to a new Jayco Starcraft Outback caravan and shared with us a few of their negotiating skills. Issues with the van on their Lap? Just a loose shower door – the result of heavy corrugation and easily resolved with a well placed pool noodle!
Though not ready to buy in 2017 we were looking towards 2018 to be the year we would join the league of Grey Nomads and own our first caravan.
Discovery Down Under 