From Grief to the Great Aussie Road Trip: A Story of Healing, Hope and Adventure

This Aussie road trip story started with a camper trailer. Then a caravan. Then a year that changed everything.

Rachel and Darren known online as As We Adventure Aus have packed up their lives in Perth and hit the road on an 18-month lap of Australia.

But their journey wasn’t just about ticking off iconic destinations. It was born from heartbreak, built with purpose, and fuelled by something a lot deeper than wanderlust.

I was lucky enough to sit down with them for one of the most honest, heartfelt, and moving chats I’ve had on Big Lap Chats. We covered everything from off-grid upgrades and Starlink setups to grief, resilience and how to keep going when life throws you the unthinkable.

Here’s their story.

A Trip Born From Tragedy

Before the lap, Rachel and Darren had a plan: work hard, pay off the caravan, retire, and travel Australia one day.

But one day in 2022, everything changed when they lost their daughter, Ree, in a horrific motorbike accident. She was a passenger. The driver who was speeding at 147km/h, survived and left the scene.

What followed was trauma and court cases. “We were just in survival mode,” Rachel told me. “No time to grieve. No time for ourselves.”

So they made a decision.

“We needed to do this for us,” she said. “Life is short. You don’t always get the chance to grow old. We didn’t want to wait for retirement.”

And just like that, the plan changed.

From Camper Trailer to Caravan Life

They’d already had some experience with camping, first in a tent, then a camper trailer. But when a month-long WA trip turned into 17 setups and pack-downs, Rachel called time. “I said to Darren, ‘I’m too old for this. It’s time for a caravan.’”

They bought their Coromal in 2017 and never looked back. It’s a 17'6 full off-road, perfect for their needs.

They've upgraded the solar, doubled the water tanks, and added lithium batteries. Their tow vehicle is a 2014 Ford Ranger with a canopy kitchen setup and Starlink Mini mounted to the car.

Travelling With A Dog: Archie the Labradoodle

If you’re planning a lap with a dog, you’ll want to hear this.

Archie, their six-year-old Labradoodle, is very much part of the adventure. They’ve only used a dog sitter once in nine months. Instead, they plan their route around Archie, avoiding national parks when needed, seeking out quieter, off-the-beaten-track gems instead.

Rachel said it best: “There’s so much to see outside of national parks, and it’s often less crowded and more special.”

They leave Archie in the van occasionally when it’s safe and cool, but mostly, they adjust their travels to make sure he’s always included.

On the Road: Free Camps, Budget Wins & Starlink Setup

Their setup allows them to free camp often.

For their budget, they keep things simple. No fancy dinners, no pricey tours, and every dollar is tracked. They stick to around $1,000 per week (including fuel, groceries, accommodation, and even home running costs).

And staying connected? They rave about their Starlink Mini. It’s powered by 12V, mounted to the car, and gives them connection wherever they go—even deep in the outback. “Game-changer,” Darren says. “You couldn’t do a trip like this long-term without it.”

One Tip That Could Save Your Trip

When I asked for their #1 tip, Darren didn’t hesitate:

“Maintenance. Every single day. Check your setup. Corrugations rattle everything. If you don’t catch it early, it’ll cost you later.”

He inspects bolts, rivets, tyres, suspension, whatever it takes to keep the car and van in one piece. “Our bathroom door fell off five times on the Cape,” Rachel laughed. “But he kept fixing it!”

It might not be glamorous, but it’s non-negotiable.

What Most People Get Wrong About the Big Lap

“The myth is that you need to wait,” Rachel said.

“You wait for the right time. For more money. For everything to be perfect. But the truth is, that time might never come. You just have to decide, and then make it happen.”

They lived on one wage for over a year, sold their motorbikes and gear, and made sacrifices to fund their dream. But they don’t regret a single thing.

And the other big myth?

“That it’s dangerous out there,” she said. “It’s not. The travel community is incredible. People help each other. Don’t let fear hold you back.”

Final Thoughts: Life After Loss, and the Road Ahead

Rachel and Darren’s story isn’t just about travel. It’s about healing, courage, and learning to live with grief. It’s about finding joy again in sunsets, rivers, quiet camps, and shared adventures.

They both worked high-stress jobs before the lap. They had every excuse not to go. But they went anyway. And their story is a reminder that you never know what’s around the corner but you can choose to keep moving forward.

“We do this for us,” Rachel said. “And we make it count for those who can’t.”