Wednesday Write-Up: Camper Australis #4
Our featured Adventure Seekers this week, are a young couple that grew up on Gladstone, QLD. Earlier this year, Blaine and Shenaid decided to quit their jobs, (Shenaid was a teacher in Emerald while Blaine was working in Mackay) and packed up their lives to take off on a ‘big lap’ of OZ in their Patrol. We began following each other on Instagram earlier this year and by chance, literally crossed paths with them along a dirt track in Northern New South Wales. Here is a snapshot of their life of adventure, some of the lessons they’ve learnt along the way and the why they took a knife to bed for protection.
What is your current off-road vehicle including your set-up/living arrangements?
We have a Nissan Patrol GU ute with a canopy and a Bundutec electric rooftop tent and awning. We started our lap with a camper trailer but downsized to make life easier!
Describe yourself in 5 words.
Adventurous | Easy-going | Creative | Fun | Persistent
How old were you when you started your 4WD adventures?
Blaine purchased his first 4WD at 16 and has been obsessed ever since.
What was your first 4WD/touring vehicle?
Nissan Patrol GQ 1993 model.
Who inspired you into this ‘adventurous’ lifestyle?
Our friends and family who have done big trips before and shared their adventures.
What has been your all-time favourite 4WD track in Australia and why?
We loved the Crooked River Track in the VIC High Country. There are about 25 river crossings in a short distance.
Can you tell us the most bizarre experience that you have encountered on your current Big Lap?
We were two days in the VIC/SA Boarder Track and hadn’t seen anybody else. We pulled up at a little camp spot for the night and wandered in the bush looking for firewood. Instead, we found a brand new men’s jacket hanging in a tree. We took a knife to bed that night?
Fondest memory while out exploring Australian roads?
Finding an amazing spot next to Lake Eyre to camp the night. Watching the sun going down over the salt lake was incredible.
Describe your ideal campsite.
Not crowded, fires allowed, next to the beach. The more remote, the better!
What Australian Tracks are on your bucket list?
Gibb River Road | Simpson Desert | The Cape | Actually, too many to list!
What would be your advice to new 4WD enthusiasts?
Pack lightly and ensure you have all the gear you need for self-recovery (we’ve been stuck alone before!). Make sure everything is easily accessible in your vehicle.
Name one product you wouldn’t leave home without?
Our Weber BBQ. We use it every single day without fail. Everybody needs one of these.
Connect with Blaine and Shenaid ‘Camper Australis’ and follow their big lap around Australia on
Facebook, Instagram & Website
Would you like to share your story? Have a favourite track that others should know about? Leave your name in the comments below and we’ll be in touch.
