Aussie parents pack up their life and toddler to hit the road - here's how much it cost
Many Aussies have a dream of driving around the nation in a campervan.
But few do it with a new baby.
That didn't stop Ryan Mumford and wife Bec from setting off with Riley, who was just 18 months old.
READ MORE: The one thing you should do before pursuing 'campervan life'
The family travelled in style, with a $90,000 custom caravan, complete with solar power. Supplied
READ MORE: These are the best camping spots in Australia, according to our readers
They have just spent 16 months on the road, driving around 40,000km all over Australia. And speaking to 9Travel, the parents say little Riley, who will turn three in January, adapted well.
"People don't believe us, but we've got an amazing kid," Ryan, 42, says, adding "an iPad and lots of snacks" were used to kept him happy when he needed.
The family travelled in style in a $200,000 custom-built caravan truck combo, complete with solar power and it's own shower and toilet. They also towed their own boat and buggy.
The Perth couple saved up for their jaunt and rented out their house packing up everything they own.
Ryan, a miner, took a year off, but picked up farm work toward the end of their trip, too. They also filled in as caretakers for a caravan park in QLD.
READ MORE: The $10 Kmart buy travellers are obsessed with
It's essential to book campsites around Ningaloo Reef in WA, the family advised. Getty Images/iStockphoto
READ MORE: The best position for sleeping on a plane if you're in economy
The couple posted about their trip online. Also sharing about how much things cost for them. All up they spent around $100,000.
"We stopped doing a budget after the first month," he Ryan says. "I knew $10,000 would get me home wherever we are, that was our fail safe.
"We had some pretty big bills on the road - we spent about $20,000 in repairs and maintenance, tyres are expensive, that kind of stuff."
But when put into perspective, data shows the average household spends $132,000 a year on housing costs, food, and clothing - averaging out to just over $2500 a week.
The Mumford's spent around $1500 a week.
READ MORE: Surprising favourite country of couple driving from UK to Australia in a truck
The Perth couple saved up for their jaunt, and rented out their house. Supplied
They loved the trip so much they're planning to go again - and they intend to travel indefinitely.
They want to see more of the country, including their favourites states, Western Australia and Queensland.
"I still say west is best - you can't beat a Western Australian sunset, but we do love Queensland," Ryan says.
Mostly they don't plan their travels, or book campsites, except for Western Australia, particularly around Ningaloo which gets busy.
READ MORE: 'What it was like staying in a 900-year-old Japanese temple
The inside of the Mumford family's customised van. Supplied
They also tried to get ahead of the crowds when possible.
"We always made sure we left early," Ryan says.
One of the essentials on the road was Starlink internet coverage, so Bec could contact her family, no matter where they were. Other than that there was nothing they missed or needed.
The Mumford family now plans to return to the road indefinitely. Supplied
READ MORE 'Lifesaving' suitcase hack you need if you're travelling here
And for anyone thinking about doing the same thing, Ryan has one piece of advice.
"Just pack your sh-t and go. People freak out about the unknown, saying 'what if?"
"If you're going to be like that there's no point going."
The family at the famous Daly Waters pub in the Northern Territory. Supplied
The Australian Trade and Investment Commission found Australians took more than 15 million caravan, camping and glamping holidays last year, spending $14.3 billion.
Portable energy retailer Outbax has seen a 60 per cent spike in sales so far this quarter for portable generators, batteries and mini power stations.
The family used a 2.2kW generator to power their trip and ensure they were safe during their off-grid adventure which was enough to run a small fridge and devices for eight hours.
