We started a folder and diary of things we needed to buy, places we’d like to visit and general research into things we new nothing about…solar panels, satellite phones, recovery gear, water filtration systems, compressor v’s 3 way fridges, etc.  We went to a 4WD/camping show and asked a lot of questions about upgrading our camper trailer, cooking options, off road vehicles, water tanks…..

 

Then, one night in mid June I simply said to Michael "Fuck it...let's go next year". There was really no point in waiting.  We could make 2016 the year of our Big Lap.  We had already booked our annual Christmas camping holiday for 18th December.  So we had a date.  Now all we needed was to plan everything else!

 

The policy of our kids’ school was that we needed to give 2 terms notice if we planned to change their enrolment.  We had 2 weeks to make a decision to meet the 2-term deadline as the mid year break was fast approaching!  In that 2 weeks, I needed to get my leave approved, prepare a budget, decide whether the keep/sell the house and determine what schooling options were available 'on the road' for the kids. We could figure the rest out later!

 

With work sorted, I nervously emailed the school’s registrar and confirmed we’d not be returning in 2016.  This was harder than I thought.  We loved the school and valued the commitment and engagement of all the teachers.  The kids had thrived there and my head was spinning with horrible thoughts of them forgetting how to read and write or remember basic maths while we traversed the continent!  I knew we’d have access to distance education on the road but how could it possibly compete with the resources and experience of a private school?  How could we teach our kids?  Would they listen? Did we have the patience? This was possibly the biggest leap of faith and the hardest decision of the entire trip.

 

In that 2 weeks, we also decided we’d sell the house so we didn’t have to worry about tenants while we were away.  We knew we’d also need an upgrade to our camper and a new car.  We’d need lots of ‘accessories’ for the car and although we were well resourced for our local camping holidays, we’d need very different supplies for a year of self contained, off-grid camping in remote Australia.  Our folder and diary suddenly filled very quickly with lists of 'essentials'!  We also discovered very quickly that this was going to be a major investment.

 

We put our professional skills as planners and project managers into high gear.  Every night we judiciously set about researching & preparing.  We looked for product reviews, read blogs and 4wd forums, tapped into the extensive experience of the grey nomad army roaming around Oz and bought ridiculous numbers of caravan and camping magazines!  We drew up a budget and a project plan. We were BUSY, but a happy busy.

 

We knew we were being rather optimistic and probably a little ambitious trying to prepare for such a big trip and sell our house but we were determined. I chose a real estate agent who came highly recommended. We drew up a schedule of works required to be done around the house before putting it on the market. We began painting (sometimes still going at 11pm!) and overhauling the garden. We culled the kids toys and started updating the interior furnishings.  So much to do in only a few months...timing for selling would be tricky but we'd have to trust the agent to get it right.  

 

While all this activity was underway, I started listening to stories of people who were finding it incredibly hard to get a rental property.  (something we'd need when we got back!)  These were families, single people, young people, older people - seemed the discrimination extended to everyone.  When we returned, we'd be a family with 2 big dogs and 1 income (Michael would be quitting his job before we went).  I learnt we'd be considered undesirable and high risk!  I also learnt that we couldn't even apply for properties without attending open inspections.  This meant we wouldn't be able to start looking for a house until we got back.  This was crazy.  I wasn't spending a year living in a camper only to return to Melbourne and be homeless!  So I decided we'd keep the house and rent it out.  We were lucky to have a lovely family referred to us who will move in to the house for the period we're away.  

 

Like us, the kids have been through the gamut of emotions - excited, anxious, curious, happy and sometimes overwhelmed!  It's great to see their enthusiasm growing as our departure approaches.  They're awed by images and footage of places we'll visit, rivers we'll cross, geography we'll marvel at and ancient indigenous history we'll learn about.  

 

It's not long now before we go.  Since having our "fuck it" moment, we haven't once regretted the decision.  We've invested enormously, both emotionally and financially, but it feels right.  Maybe we can inspire some of you to plan your dream trip - whether it be around Australia or somewhere else in the World.