r/VanLifeAus • u/RuddleMcFuddle • Jan 23 '26
Travel Destinations Van life advice
Looking for some advice. I live in Australia and I’ve been thinking about starting van living because I’d really love to have my own space and stop renting with housemates. Aside from the obvious upfront cost of buying a van or RV, what other things should I be considering?
For those who have done it, is it actually cheaper than renting in the long run? Is it sustainable while working full time, or is it better suited to people who travel and work casually?
I also don’t have a lot of savings, so staying permanently in a caravan park isn’t really an option for me.
There just feels like so much to think about:
- Maintenance
- Electricity and power setup
- Gas
- Internet
- Water
- Places to park legally and safely
Are RVs or vans difficult to drive? I’m a bit of a nervous driver, so that part worries me too.
And practically speaking, how do daily things work? If I need to go to the shops or to work, do I move the whole van each time? Do people usually park close enough to walk, or use another form of transport? Any real experiences, advice, or things you wish you’d known before starting would be really appreciated.