A Bathroom on the Spirit of Tasmania

Before this trip, David’s whole world was a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house. He’s four — big spaces are all he’s ever known. Yet after five months on the road, his perspective has shifted.

And if I’m honest, so has mine.

“I thought the biggest lessons would come from the places we visited. Instead, the biggest lessons have come from living in a small space together.”

The caravan has given us some incredible memories. It has also given us some tough days.

Like the time we were free camping in Tasmania and the sun disappeared for days.

Our batteries were running low. It happened to be one of the coldest stretches of weather we’d experienced. I remember standing outside freezing, wondering when we’d see the sun again.

Looking back now, we laugh about it.

The boys don’t feel the cold the way I do. When I complain, one or both of them will usually grab my hand to warm it up. It’s such a small thing, but it’s one of the moments I’ll remember most from this trip.

Living this way means there aren’t many places to hide. You spend a lot of time together. You learn each other’s habits, strengths and quirks. You get to know one another on a much deeper level.

Right now our caravan is parked in Torquay in Victoria, right on the beach. We can lie in bed and watch the surfers. It’s a simple thing, but it feels pretty special.

“Why are we making plans to build a bigger house when the things making us happiest have nothing to do with the size of the home?”

Five months ago, we thought we knew what our future looked like. We own a small beachfront house in Bowen, at the top of the Whitsundays. Before leaving, we had plans drawn up to add another level and more bathrooms. It seemed like the obvious next step.

Now I’m not so sure.

A few weeks ago we were camped at Bridport in Tasmania — the van parked right on the beach, a fire pit out the front, walking to the laundry when we needed to dry clothes. We were happy. Really happy.

It made me stop and ask: what if the better option is less house and more life?

More time on the boat.

More time with family.

More involvement in the local community.

More experiences. More memories.

The trip isn’t over yet, but one thing is already clear.

“We’re coming home with a very dif erent idea of what ‘enough’ looks like.”