Gold Coast Couple Travel Australia Instead of Buying a House

This Gold Coast couple travel Australia but they were saving for a house.

Deposit sorted. Corporate jobs. Brisbane commutes. The “next logical step” mapped out.

Then they looked at each other and said, "what if we didn’t?"

Gold Coast Couple Travel Australia

In this episode of Big Lap Chats, I sit down with Abby and Gus from Sunburnt Tracks, a young couple who made a bold call: instead of buying into one of Australia’s most expensive property markets, they bought time, freedom and a Hilux canopy setup towing a tinny.

Seven months later, they’re still on the road.

And they’re not going back anytime soon.

The Setup: Rooftop Tent, Tinny and a Whole Lot of Courage

No caravan.
No luxury motorhome.
No big freezer full of comforts.

Just a Hilux canopy fit-out (built in spare weekends while working full-time), a rooftop tent and a 4.6m tinny that has completely reshaped their lap.

At first, Abby wasn’t convinced they needed the boat.

Now? She says it’s the one piece of gear she’d never travel without.

What started as a big lap of Australia has quietly evolved into something else entirely chasing weather windows, planning around tides and launching into croc country rivers in search of barra.

Including one moment that involved knee-deep murky water, ten large saltwater crocodiles nearby, and absolutely no barra to show for it.

You’ll want to hear that story from Gus himself.

Work on the Road Is More Possible Than You Think

One of the most practical parts of this conversation is how they made it sustainable.

Abby reached back out to her former employer and negotiated 15 hours a week of remote work. That decision changed everything.

It gave them:

• A steady income
• Structure without being tied down
• The ability to extend the trip beyond the original 12-month plan

They talk openly about the mindset shift that happens once you leave the city grind and how many regional towns across Australia are crying out for workers.

They also share how tools like Starlink have opened doors for remote work in places most people would assume are completely off-grid.

If you’ve ever wondered whether “working on the road” is realistic, this episode will challenge a few assumptions.

Crocs, Corrugations and Travel Ruts

Not every day is turquoise water and perfect sunsets.

They describe:

• Four-hour stretches of brutal corrugations between Hells Gate and Borroloola
• Constant small breakages on rough roads
• Launching boats in crocodile country
• That emotional crash when the fish don’t bite and everything feels hard

One of the most honest takeaways?

It’s okay to do nothing.

When the adrenaline wears off and you hit a rut, sometimes the reset isn’t another epic destination. It’s a couple of quiet days, a movie night and catching up on sleep.

There’s maturity in that perspective — especially coming from a couple who left a fast-paced Gold Coast life behind.

The North Changed Everything

From Cape York to East Arnhem Land, the Top End left a mark on them.

They talk about why East Arnhem Land felt special, why Ningaloo lived up to the hype, and why the Gibb River Road is still unfinished business.

What surprised me most was how quickly their perspective shifted.

Seven months ago, they were city people.
Now they say they can’t imagine moving back to the Gold Coast.

And that says a lot.

The Conversation That Changes Everything

If your partner is hesitant about doing a big lap, this episode is worth listening to together.

Abby admits she was the grounded one at first. The secure job. The safe plan. The logical next step.

Gus nudged the idea forward.

Now she calls not buying a house “the best thing we ever did.”

They talk about the pressure to follow the expected path, settle down, buy property, climb the ladder and what happened when they questioned that script.

It’s not anti-house.
It’s not anti-career.

It’s about timing. And choosing your own version of success.

Listen or Watch the Full Episode

There’s so much more in this chat that you need to hear in their own words, the fishing highs, the river launches, the cyclone in Shark Bay, the freezer regrets, the trading fish for steak at campgrounds.

If you’re planning a lap of Australia, or even quietly dreaming about it, this episode will either light a fire or give you the nudge you need.

🎧 Listen on your favourite podcast app
📺 Or watch the full episode on YouTube

Search Big Lap Chats Abby & Gus from Sunburnt Tracks or use the links below.

And then tell me, would you have bought the house or the tinny?