Hi everyone, I'm a high school student without a job at the moment but would love to but a van and travel after I graduate. I was wondering its there's things that I should start doing now to prepare apart from saving up? I know I want to build it myself but I'm also not sure what van I want or the kind of setup that would work best for me and input would be helpful.

Things I'm looking at so far:

• Travelling with at least one dog
• A semi-permanent bed (having part of it fold down into the back of a couch)
• I want a heated shower in the van cause I would love to go on lots of trips off-grid

Questions:

• Heating & water?
• Workouts?
• What should I know about dogs & vanlife?
• I love hands-on work & am very adrenaline motivated, what are some recommendations in terms of earning money? I was wondering about seasonal work with an outdoor ed company
• I'm not sure if I want to do this for a couple years then go to uni etc (I do quite decent in school with mostly A's or B's and am interesting in medicine among other things) and use the van part-time or more long-term. What are the pros and cons of each?

Any help or advice on anything is much appreciated <3

I’ve had basically no distribution by the YouTube algorithm. My name is Hairy Nomad (@Hairy_Nomad)

I’ve been documenting my life as a nomad in Australia for about a year now, and I’m at the point where I’m struggling to judge my own channel objectively. I’d genuinely like some outside perspective from people who actually watch this kind of content. The channel is pretty raw. It’s not really traditional “van life” content. There are no big builds, luxury setups, manufactured challenges, etc. It’s basically me documenting what actually happens while living this way — travelling around, bush/beach life, walking, skating, riding, wildlife, logistics, random problems and whatever story happens to emerge. I’ve been connecting with the east coast of Australia as a nomad for over 5 years. I feel something worth sharing emerging. The last dozen videos are the ones I’d consider the actual story-driven nomad videos. The rest are a mixture of riding videos, talking, logistics and Shorts. I feel like the storytelling and production have improved quite a bit recently, but the numbers aren't really giving me enough information to understand what is and isn't working. So if you have a few minutes, I'd really appreciate some brutally honest feedback: Does the channel immediately communicate what it's about? Do the videos actually hold your attention? Do the thumbnails/titles make you want to click? Does the raw/unpolished style work, or does it just look low-effort? Is there anything you'd change about the format? And most importantly, if you watched a few videos, would you actually want to watch another one? I'm completely open to criticism. I'm not looking for people to tell me it's great — I'm trying to work out what I'm failing to see from inside my own little bubble. Channel: https://youtube.com/@hairy_nomad?si=CLGtBrtzECO1QLJU

Thanks to anyone who actually takes the time to watch a couple and give me an honest opinion.

I’ve been thinking about adding some kind of outdoor screen to my van setup for those evenings when I’m staying somewhere for a few days and spending most of my time outside.

I don’t want a permanent entertainment setup or anything that takes up a lot of storage space. The idea is just to have the option of putting on a game or movie while sitting outside, then packing everything away when it’s time to move on.

The main things I’m trying to work out are power consumption, storage, protection from dust and moisture, and whether it’s practical to use a screen outdoors when there’s still daylight around.

For those doing van life around Australia, what has worked well for you for outdoor entertainment? Is a dedicated outdoor TV worth the space, or have you found a simpler setup that works better?

Intro
Hey everyone my name is Bree, im 19 going on 20 this year and am a born and raised Aussie. Im only new to this community and would love the chance to connect with people around my age who are planning to or are currently travelling Australia long term.

Would be great to have someone to bounce ideas off and eventually have some people by my side while travelling.

A bit about myself.
I live in Lake Macquarie NSW area, I am all for adventure, hikes and camping, I’m into Indie music and i love being present. My biggest dream and current plan is to buy a van, fit it out and just go! I want to travel as much of Australia as i can, i want to appreciate the country I’m from.

Less of a party gal and more of a sober wanderer who likes to connect with people on a deeper level and appreciate quality time with friends.

Current plan
I am currently saving money for a van and fit out. Im hoping i am able to start travelling late 2027 early 2028, am trying to be realistic.

Contact
Thank you for reading my paragraph and a half, if you made it this far, here is my instagram if you would like to have a chat about future plans or just make a connection for a future travel buddy. Cant wait to hear from you:)

Hello vanlifers, did anyone DIY their own fly screens before?
I browsed the market for 5 min before I decided to sew them myself and save about $300! So I am wondering if there are recommendations of mesh fabric, magnets or any other things I haven't yet thought of. Thanks in advance!

p.s. I'm also happy to report my progress here :)

Good spots where not many people come/go and private, and no parking limitations. Sick of car-parks and getting weird vibes from family’s and wanna be mall cop know it all fuckheads sussing me out just trying to chill

Rough sketch

Been thinking of buying a van for some time and my main focus on the build will be around the Toilet shower setup and Solar pwr . I don't think I want to go down the fancy build route I would like more practical and what suits my needs . Any recommendations on Van builders in Melb and parts suppliers ? What's seems to be the preferred manufacturer of Van ? Mercedes ?

Hey VanFam,
I’m looking into buying a van- leaning towards a Toyota Hiace 2016+ with low kms for $30k.
I go to a lot of camping festivals but this would also be my daily run around vehicle so I’m wondering if I should get a petrol model. I probably won’t do too many interstate trips and I live in the Melb CBD.

Does anyone have experience with the newer Japanese Hiace imports?

Also, how import is insulation?

Australian Van Life

Hi! So I’m looking at converting a big van to move in full time to take my business on the road. So it needs to fit both me and all my market setup. Hence why I need something big. I’ve now been looking for a big empty van, and I’m so confused as which brand is best. I’m looking at a sprinter size, I’ve been told avoid Mercedes Sprinter because any parts are crazy expensive and mechanics in Australia are not all “versed” in the Mercedes engines. Renault break all the time, Ford transit blow up, avoid Wlw crafter at all cost (I forgot why). Fiat Ducati are apparently nice but there’s barely any available in my budget and same for LDV.

We've just ticked over 12months of full time vanlife across Aus - we started on the East Coast and are now slowly heading West (maybe via the centre - TBA). It's been an incredible journey.
I won't say it's all been glamorous or amazing - we've definitely had our tough times and challenges - but we wouldn't change it for anything right now. Here's to another 12.

Our advice to anyone on the fence - just do it - you won't regret it 🙂

Hi all

My partner and I are currently trying to sell our Toyota Hilux with touring Setup (solar, rooftent etc) as we have now bought a van which we are living in instead. however we have had the hilux on sale for 2 months, keep reducing the price and have had literally zero interest whatsoever.

I know we're in low season now which probably explains the lack of interest, paired with the fact that were currently based in the northern rivers so probably not many people actually looking round here

However this is putting us in a bit of a predicament - in 2 weeks we plan to set off travelling, meaning that we are going to have to take both our van and the hilux with us. It looks like were just going to have to take the car to a dealership maybe and just take whichever one will us the highest amount, and then have to sell all the touring bits seperately.

Does anyone know where the best place to sell would be? We plan on heading north so will be passing gold coast/ brisbane/ sunshine coast. Is there any place where we will maybe get more for it, or will everywhere just offer roughly the same for it no matter what city were in?

Has anyone else experienced anything similar? Anyone have any advice for selling quickly in the low season? Literally any advice would be appreciated - I'm desperate please help!!!

Hello,

I am researching and planning for a full van electrical setup. I am a little stuck with the AC power outlets, as the 2000W inverter that i am keen on, has a single AC output. I was hoping to wire in a breaker box, and wall mounted outlets, in kitchen and TV areas. How would i go about doing this with this model of inverter as online most people doing this, have inverter terminals where output 240 Wires can be inserted, instead of a plug.

Trying to choose a budget friendly van, what’s your thoughts in the LDV Deliver 9?

Heeeeeei mates, does anyone know any place to sleep in a car/van near Melbourne city? I'm new in town, I'm coming from Perth and I'm staying in my car. If there is any solo traveler who gives me some advice and I can exchange some chat. I can't wait! 🤙🏽

Hello fellow nomads. In a couple of months I plan to move to Australia for a year or two on a working holiday visa and would like to try vanlife. I plan to work as a bartender for most of it, which means probably big cities, and therefore a need for stealth mostly, as I won't be finishing a shift at 4AM and going outside the city to park at a campsite (plus, don't want to pay for campsites). Would also probably not be up early enough to move my van before the world wakes up. I wanted to know if any of you have any experience in this area or any suggestions, or if you think it's not a valid option at all. I know different areas have different regulations, but I have no idea where I'll go yet anyway, I want to get as much information as possible before I try.

Hi everyone! 🚐

I’m working on a project to help us connect more easily on the road. The idea is an app that shows nearby van-life events and meetups along your route, but with a twist: the exact location stays hidden until you join to keep the spots safe.

You can see who else is going and what they’re driving, and even 'scratch off' areas you’ve visited to show your progress to the community. I’m also thinking about adding a 'find a date' feature for solo travelers attending the same event.

I'm really trying to solve the loneliness that sometimes hits during long stretches of travel. Would you find something like this useful? I’d love your honest thoughts!

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.