The Sand Van

15/01/2025

We stopped at Liawenee, one of the coldest places in Tassie, and wow… it did not disappoint! The sun was out, but don’t let that fool you—it was absolutely freezing! 🥶

Lucky for us, our van kept us nice and cosy while we soaked up the views. The place has such a peaceful vibe, even if the chill cuts right through you.

We’ll be sharing more about our frosty stop (and some beautiful shots of the area) in tonight’s video! 🎥 Don’t miss it—head over and check it out!

Anyone else been to Liawenee? Did you freeze as much as we did, or are we just soft? 😂

18/10/2024

This breathtaking waterfall reminds us that every step we take on the road is just as important as the destination. Each twist and turn leads us to moments of wonder and discovery! 🚐✨

Join us in celebrating the adventure, the stories, and the experiences that make our vanlife journey so special. What’s your favourite journey moment? Share with us below! 🌈❤️

11/10/2024

Sometimes the best moments happen when we take an unexpected turn. This stunning river surrounded by autumn hues reminds us that life’s little detours can lead to the most beautiful views! 🌊🍁

Join us as we celebrate the journey and all the surprises along the way. What’s been your favourite detour on the road? Share your stories! 🚐❤️

04/10/2024

Just a reminder that home isn't just a place—it's wherever we find joy and adventure! 🐾✨ We love soaking in the views and making memories from Vinnie.

Whether it’s a stunning sunset or a quiet forest, every stop feels like home.

Where's your favorite "home" spot? Share below! 🌲💛

27/09/2024

Every mile we drive, every new place we explore, and every person we meet adds to our understanding of the world. 🌟

Join us on our vanlife journey as we embrace the lessons that come from the road. From breathtaking landscapes to rich cultures, travel truly is the greatest teacher. What’s a lesson you’ve learned on your travels? Share with us below! 🚐❤️

24/09/2024

We released our latest adventure on Sunday at 4pm and trust us— you won’t want to miss this one! 🌊😅

Join us as we go tubing, tackle some vanlife chores, and then make a BIG mistake by heading somewhere we really shouldn't have. Hopefully we have learnt our lesson THIS time!

In this video, join us as we take on an exciting day tubing down a beautiful rainforest River while Pablo enjoys some time at daycare. We’ll also dive into s...

15/09/2024

We’ve just dropped our latest adventure video, and you won’t want to miss it! 🎥 Dive into the beauty and thrill of Babinda with us as we:

🔹 Kayak through stunning waters 🚤
🔹 Give you a 2-minute tour of our cozy campsite 🏕️
🔹 Explore the charming town of Innisfail 🏘️
🔹 And reveal why Babinda Boulders can be so dangerous!

Join us on an unforgettable adventure as we explore the stunning Babinda Boulders and surrounding areas! 🚣‍♂️🌄 In this video, we take you through a scenic ...

12/09/2024

These are the memories that fill our hearts and make life truly rich. Grateful for quiet moments with my husband and our loyal companion, soaking in the beauty around us. 🌄❤️

06/09/2024

Every journey is a new chapter in the story of your life, filled with lessons, adventures, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re venturing overses or exploring in your own backyard like we are, let curiosity be your guide and wonder your constant companion.
Embrace the world with open arms and an open heart.
Where will your next adventure take you? ✈️💫


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01/09/2024

Lets talk Budgets on the Road!

Its that time again where we show you exactly what we spent money on this month so If you are just curious or are thinking about doing the big lap and need an idea of how much things cost, its all below :)

Just a few facts on our travel set up:
We are a couple travelling with a very spoilt Chi LOL - also note we are not huge drinkers either.
We drive a Mercedes Sprinter LWB T1N and in the month of August we have not really travelled a whole lot as we have been in the Cairns / Innisfail area for Tim’s work.
Our big expense this month was 2 new mobile phones bought as we really needed upgrades and we couldn’t have eaten out a bit less but eh, what you gonna do lol

Odometer
Start: 295253
Currently : 295892

Free stays: 28
Donation sites: 2
Free stays included with admission price: 1 (Mareeba Drive-in)

Groceries: $818.20
Eating out / Coffee: $550.45
Fuel: $203.46
Insurance: $201.49
Starlink: $0 (free month)
Mobiles: $ 2,507.00(one mobile was a years cost + 2 new mobiles bought)
Campsites / Laundry: $109
Pablos (Chi) Food $43.08
Van Service / Troubles: $58.54 (4 new tyres etc…)
Subscriptions: $288.94 (Netflix, editing software etc)
Alcohol: $66.49
Van upgrades / decor: $306.69
Health and Beauty: $53
Storage Facility: $165
Excursions: $442.15
Miscellaneous: $ 119.99
Note we do have a $25 splurge each every week which we can spend on anything we want and not mentioned in the budget.

In total we spent $6,278.53

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to PM us we are happy to share more info.
If you are interested in seeing our trip we do have a you tube channel (link below) and our BIG LAP series is up now!!

https://www.youtube.com/
You will be able to see what we are spending money on, where we go, what we do, where we are staying and how we go about our days traveling this wonderful country

See you over there!

29/08/2024

Sometimes, the best journeys are the ones that lead us to unexpected places and new perspectives. Embrace the detours, relish the uncharted paths, and remember: wandering is just another way of discovering what truly matters. Keep exploring!
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29/08/2024

We wanted to share a quick update and a friendly warning for fellow dog lovers up in the North QLD area. A couple of days ago I took Pablo Thetravellingchi to the vet because he’d been scratching at his ear. We learned that he has a yeast infection in his ear, which is quite common in this humid climate and especially for dogs who enjoy swimming. (if you weren't aware - Pablo had fallen into a creek recently...)

The vet mentioned that this type of infection is prevalent here in North Queensland due to the high humidity and frequent water activities. So, if your dog has been swimming or spending a lot of time outdoors, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on their ears and overall skin health.

Here are a few tips to help prevent yeast infections:

1. Keep Ears Dry: After swimming or bath time, make sure to thoroughly dry your dog's ears to prevent moisture buildup.
2. Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular vet visits to catch any potential issues early.
3. Clean Ears: Gently clean your dog’s ears with a vet-recommended ear cleaner to help prevent infections.

If you notice any signs like excessive scratching, redness, or unusual odor, don’t hesitate to consult your vet. It’s always better to address these issues sooner rather than later!

Stay safe and keep your furry friends happy and healthy! 🐶💕

27/08/2024

Shout out to our newest followers! Welcome and we hope you enjoy our Big Lap updates 😊 🤗

Tim Evans, Camping Mania, Michele Arrogante, Lau Ri, Michael Meißner, Marcelo Guarapari Pacheco, Ezequiel Martines Fernandes, Nicolas Nenna, Piotr Kruger, Leva Livet Lagom Angela Edy, Halil Basak, Vincenzo Bellanca, Cristiano Verona, Jof Kingman, Steve Denney, Mary Sant'anna, Humberto Ibañez, Orion Miller, Alain Le Nomade, Louly Jra, Michael Van Schaick, Khun Ying Hunt, Adam Ciesielski, TC Tugay Şenoğul, Stephen Countryvanlifeuk Bennett, Xiaofei Zhi, Bartons Rving, Elflaco Ducoing

26/08/2024

There's something magical about standing on top of a mountain in Scotland, feeling the wind in your hair and the world at your feet. Grateful for moments like these that remind us how incredible life can be. 🏔️❤️

25/08/2024

Stepping back in time in Innisfail! ✨ The art deco architecture here is like a window to the past, full of vibrant colors and intricate details that tell the story of a bygone era. It's amazing how these buildings have been preserved, giving the town such a unique charm. If you’re a fan of architecture or just love exploring history, Innisfail is a must-see! 🏛️🌿

23/08/2024

Chasing waterfalls in North Queensland! 🌊✨ Exploring the stunning cascades that make this region so magical. From hidden gems to iconic spots, each waterfall tells its own story. 🌴💧

22/08/2024

Shout out to our newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Tell us, do you live in your van full time? Part time? Or looking for a rig?! Comment and photos below! We'd love to see 😊
Danielle Slawitschek, Ash Thornton, Hayley Evans, Francesco D'angelo, Israel Sambrano, Gary Knight, Juan Sanchez, Karahan Çapari, Chris Pickering, Shaun George, Camper Schildi, Ali Mada, Natalie Rogers, Kenny Fernandez, Ramon Martinez, Cesar Rocha, Albert Duran Canet, Alex Martins, Ed Tom, Gabriel Motta, Brezilyada Turk Ailesi, Antônio Augustinho, Gordon Macaoidh, James Nigel Whitfield, Kent David