THE STATS ON MICHAEL'S TRIP
103 nights on the road
19 different G'day Parks or Discovery Parks stayed in
55 Nights in a G'day Parks or Discovery Parks
40 different overnight stops
18,544km travelled home to home
51 fuel refills
$250 saved on accommodation by being a G’day Rewards member
When G'day Rewards member Michael bought a caravan and a new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport in 2016, he had plans to drive some serious km’s. After completing a 6-week East Coast trek in 2016, this year he completed the loop and tackled the West with a 3-month journey taking him and his wife Melinda across SA, around WA, through the NT and back home to Vic. We sat down with Michael to find out more about his adventure!
Kicking off in May, Michael travelled 18,544km taking in some of the most amazing sites Australia has to offer. “We did and saw so many incredible things along our journey” said Michael. Michael loved the changes in scenery as they drove up the WA coast “from beautiful white sand of Lucky Bay Esperance to red dust of Karijini National Park.”
Lucky Bay, Esperance
The Breakyaways, Coober Pedy
“This trip has been a bucket list item for a long time” Michael said. “I’ve spent a lot of time on the road over the years with my work, so it’s been an ambition to take it slower and actually see more of the country.”
But embarking on a trip of this size doesn’t come without quite a lot of planning. For a year Michael joined caravan and camping Facebook groups like the G’day Rewards Members Group to get tips and insights from fellow travellers. “I was inspired by reading about other people’s trips and found out a lot of insider knowledge that you can only get from people who have been there and done it.” From this knowledge Michael built a trip on WikiCamps and that made the foundation for their journey. “We also met a lot of people and shared ideas and experiences along the way” Michael told us, showing the real value to those in park happy hour’s!
When asked about the epic things which they saw on his trip, there was one true standout. “Swimming with the Whale Sharks off Exmouth on a Catamaran from Ningaloo Discovery was an amazing experience.” As an added bonus Michael booked this through a G’day Rewards partner, Experience Oz, so saved on this experience.
But as always when traveling on some of Australia’s roughest roads you’re bound to run into a problem or two. “Because of my over zealous tightening, we had to get a wheel stud replaced but luckily we had a Mitsubishi dealership close by in Broome.” Upon discovering a leak in the aftermarket long range fuel tank in El Questro, Michael was able to MacGyver a fix as the supplier helped to get it replaced at the next major stop in Darwin. “People are pretty helpful when you’re on the road, they know how dependant you are on your car so really go out their way to help.”
Zebedee Thermal Springs, El Questro
So with 103 memorable nights on the road, 51 of them in G'day Parks or Discovery Parks, Michael’s anti-clockwise half lap has come to a close… for now. When asked if he would do it all again? “I’m already planning the next trip” he tells us with a twinkle in his eye. We can’t wait to join him on that one too!
MICHAEL'S FAVOURITE G'DAY PARK
Esperance Bay Holiday Park - Amazing views
