One of Australia’s most unique 4WD adventures – an epic road trip from Brisbane to Broome and back again

Last updated 18 March 2022

One couple’s classic Aussie 4WD adventure involved a 15,000 kilometre road trip from Brisbane to Broome and back

Explore more of Australia on a road trip

My friends Cyndy and David have become Australian explorers via their caravan and 4WD vehicle.

They love nothing more than planning a route, checking on the weather forecasts (Australia has its fair share of wild challenges including bushfires, floods and cyclones) then packing up the van and heading out on the open road.

These middle-aged explorers, along with many grey nomads, (and millennials too) are embracing an adventurer’s life, preferring to head outdoors to explore over sitting at home (obviously I’m not referring to the lockdown periods.)

You only have to pick up a copy of a 4WD magazine or do a google search to find hundreds of websites catching on to this caravan, motorhome, and camping ‘phenomenon.’

I wrote a story for Unsealed 4×4 Magazine issue #52 on Cyndy and David’s epic Brisbane to Broome 4WD trip the title was originally called, One couple’s search for their holy grail – now updated to Brisbane to Broome (a boring title!)

As I update this post in March 2022, I’m reflecting on the last two years of the pandemic when Australia closed down to the rest of the world. Those Aussies unable to leave for overseas holidays in possession of a caravan, motorhome or camper trailer turned to the highways and dirt tracks to explore the length and breadth of this great country.  (Oh, except for Western Australia – the state only recently opened their borders again.)

In the same article, Billy Falconer, marketing/sales and dealer development manager for Australian owned Company Avida Motorhomes and Caravans, said sales of their products were up by 100 percent on last financial year.

“Stock is a challenge, and I think it’s a challenge everywhere at the moment,” he said.

So, if you managed to order and now have your hands on a brand new off road or 4WD vehicle – this article is for you. Especially the ‘what they learnt‘ sections.

 Adventures on the open road

For anyone who owns a caravan, campervan, motorhome, or off-road vehicle, maybe Cyndy and David’s journey (and Cyndy’s stunning images) will inspire you to consider following in their footsteps.  The open road is waiting for you!

Camooweal free camping spot Image: Cyndy Heard

 

Mapping out the Brisbane to Broome road trip

David and Cyndy broke their journey into sections – and depending on where you live, you could do this too.

Jen’s road trip tips

I love a good road trip and although I don’t have a 4WD I’ve clicked up a few kilometres in a sedan.  Including discovering Yeppoon for the first time and heading out west from Brisbane to Charleville and Charlotte Plains – Beyond the Warrego Highway Thankfully no tyre punctures or car issues.

For anyone planning on taking to the open road:

1. Be PATIENT. There is no place for road rage. There’s always been plenty of caravans on the roads, but now that more people have discovered the joys of van life, there are going to be many more recreational vehicles to contend with. And the road trains delivering essential food and goods to remote regions – are a constant. 

2. Only overtake when it’s safe to do so. Remember the road trains sharing the highways with us can be long (many containers) and really should not be overtaken unless you are absolutely sure its safe to do so. (Refer to point 1.)

3. Take regular rest breaks. Always better to arrive late to a destination, than not at all!

Australia is a diverse and scenic-rich country that’s just waiting for you. And remember, those more remote regions are always looking for an injection of cash into their communities.

While we’re unlikely to be travelling overseas for a while, let’s make the most of what we have here in Australia.  Road trips are a hot ticket holiday – provided you do a little pre-planning!