Off-Grid Travel Australia with Bush and Bay: The Realities of Full-Time Road Life

Off-grid travel Australia in your sights?

Are you planning an off-grid lap around Australia but feeling stuck between setup options, power limits, and where to even begin? You’re not alone.

In this episode of Big Lap Chats, Annette's joined by Sam and Wim, aka Bush and Bay, a Belgian couple now living their dream through off-grid travel in Australia.

From Brisbane to the red centre and remote WA coastlines, they’ve explored more of Australia in five years than many Aussies do in a lifetime. And they’re doing it all from a custom slide-on camper that’s tough enough for outback tracks but still offers a few indoor comforts (like that all-important toilet!).

If you're preparing for your Big Lap of Australia and wondering how to balance adventure, practicality, and the freedom of going remote, this episode is your roadmap.

Why Van Life Didn’t Work for Them

After trying campervan road trips through Camp Amplify, Sam and Wim quickly realised van life wasn’t their forever setup.

“We always wanted to know what was behind the sealed roads.”

They swapped out their van for a 4WD and eventually a camper trailer, but even that wasn’t ideal for full-time off-grid travel. Enter: Tommy Campers, a lightweight slide-on unit that lets them go remote while still enjoying indoor living when the weather turns wild.

Their Ultimate Off-Grid Setup (And Why It Works)

They now travel full-time in a 79 Series Landcrusier + Tommy Camper combo, designed for off-grid camping in remote parts of Australia. Here's what their setup includes:

• Slide-on Tommy Camper with internal sleeping/living space
• External shower + kitchen for that authentic bush-living vibe
• Toilet inside! (non-negotiable for NT nights)
• 150L water capacity (lasts ~7 days)
• Solar panels + Starlink internet
• 4WD-ready and built for rough tracks

“It’s not perfect—but it’s perfect for us right now.”

Why Weather Is Everything in Off-Grid Travel

One of their biggest tips for off-grid travel in Australia?

Plan around the weather.

“We’ve been to the same beach twice—one time it was magical, the next time it was cold, grey and miserable. It changes everything.”

They now skip tourist hotspots when the forecast is poor (sorry Esperance) and instead follow the sun to remote spots that truly shine in the right season.

How They Find Hidden Gems

Sam and Wim aren’t just relying on Google Maps. Their off-grid itinerary gets shaped by:

• WikiCamps and CamperMate
• Scrolling Instagram and TikTok (surprisingly helpful!)
• Zooming in on Google Earth
• Chatting with locals—if they’re willing to share!

“Locals have given us some of our best spots… but only if they trust you.”

Real Talk: What Most Lappers Get Wrong

What can make or break a lap?

“Trying to see everything. Don’t. Slow down. You’ll actually enjoy it more.”

Other lap-breaking mistakes they’ve seen:

• Ignoring weather when planning routes
• Underestimating how much time content creation takes
• Overloading their gear for "just in case" situations

Off-Grid Budget Hacks (And What Doesn’t Work)

Let’s be honest off-grid travel isn't always cheaper.

But Sam and Wim have a few money-saving tricks:

• Free camping wherever possible
• Stocking up in bigger towns (Aldi, not remote IGA)
• Doing laundry every 3 weeks
• Cask wine—though Annette firmly disagrees 😂

They don’t strictly travel on a budget, but they do avoid tourist traps and overpriced parks when they can.

Productivity on the Road: How They Work & Explore

“If the weather’s good—we explore. If it’s crap—we catch up on work.”

Content creation for Bush and Bay is a full-time gig. They stick to a loose routine:

• Early mornings for social media engagement
• Full exploration days when the sun is out
• Admin + editing days when weather (or school holidays) keeps them parked

They rely on Starlink for stable connectivity, with plans to upgrade to the mini model for 12V power and portability.

Final Thoughts from Sam & Wim

“There’s no perfect setup. But if you’re waiting for everything to be just right—you’ll never go.”

Whether you’re building a rig, planning your Big Lap, or dreaming of sunrises over salt flats, this chat with Bush and Bay is the perfect reminder that off-grid life is more about mindset than gear.

Extended Episode: Their #1 Favourite Place in Australia?

Join us at the BLCCrew+ to hear it!

The full, uncut interview includes:

• Their number one destination
• Pre and post-interview chats
• ...and much more

👉 Join the BLC Membership Here and unlock the full conversation