When Mandy and Nigel talk about their travels, it’s not just about the places they’ve been; it’s about the people they’ve met, the memories they’ve made, and their much-loved furry family member who never gets left behind.
From Backpackers to Caravanners
Originally from London, Mandy and Nigel came to Australia 25 years ago as backpackers. They told everyone it was just for a holiday, but one lap around the country later, they’d fallen in love with the place and as Mandy said, “we just never went home”.
When they arrived in Australia, they purchased a Motorhome and did a lap of Australia, from Sydney to Sydney. While they were in Adelaide, Mandy’s parents came to visit and bought a Jayco Freedom to stay in. When their trip ended, Mandy and Nigel sold their motorhome, moved into the Jayco and made their way to Perth in 2001, towing the Freedom behind their Land Cruiser, and they have been here ever since.
That Jayco Freedom became the first chapter in their long caravanning story.
COVID, a Wedding Anniversary, and the Journey Begins Again
After settling into life in Perth, caravanning took a back seat to busy careers and holidays overseas. But like many others, the COVID-19 pandemic changed that.
With travel plans cancelled, they hired an Apollo motorhome for their 25th wedding anniversary and drove to Monkey Mia; the same spot they’d had celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary all those years ago on their first lap.
“We dropped the motorhome back at the airport, got in the car, and I turned to Nigel and said, ‘We have to buy a caravan’” Mandy said. She remembered how good it felt to be on the road again. A caravan gave them the freedom to go wherever they wanted without leaving their dog behind.
That December they drove up to Monkey Mia again, this time without a van, and quickly realised accommodation just wasn’t the same. “There’s nobody to talk to in a hotel,” Mandy said. “I like to walk around the campsite and talk to people.”
So, they came shopping at Caravanland for a 12-foot pop-top. They left with a 19ft Jayco Journey.
“That’s how it started. We’re COVID campers,” Mandy laughed. “But it would have happened anyway. It was just getting harder to find dog friendly accommodation. And we’re quite social, we missed talking to people.”
Mandy & Nigel’s Advice for First-Time Caravanners
If there’s one thing Mandy and Nigel have learned over the years, it’s that comfort matters and so does being prepared. Their biggest piece of advice?
Go bigger than you think.
They originally went shopping for a little 12-foot pop-top and drove away with a 19ft Jayco Journey. A couple of years later, they upgraded again to the Jayco Silverline. “If you can afford it, stretch yourself and buy the bigger van, it will end up being better in the long run”
They also swear by having a checklist. “It took us forgetting the towing mirrors a few too many times to realise we needed one,” she laughs. And while they’re seasoned travellers now, they still don’t take anything for granted. “Never assume you’ve remembered everything. You probably haven’t.”
And finally, say yes to help. Even if you don’t need it. “Half the time, someone offering to help you reverse in just wants to have a chat,” Nigel says. “It’s how friendships start.”
For them, that’s what it’s all about. Being open, asking questions, offering a hand and receiving one in return.
From a Friendly Chat to the Silverline
For Mandy and Nigel, it’s the social side of caravanning that led them to their beautiful Jayco Silverline. On a trip to Monkey Mia, they wandered over to chat with someone who had a new Ford Ranger, they were tossing up purchasing the new Amarok at the time. What started as a conversation about cars quickly turned into something more. He invited Mandy and Nigel into his Jayco Silverline for a look, and the first thing that caught their eye was the club lounge. Comfortable, open, and perfect for entertaining, it ticked all the boxes.
Then he shared a piece of advice that stuck:
“Life’s too short. There’s no upgrade in heaven.”
That was all the encouragement they needed. As soon as they got home, they headed straight to Caravanland and made the leap.
Their Home Away from Home
Their Jayco Silverline, complete with club lounge, bigger shower, solid bathroom door and the fridge (that keeps the beer very cold) has become their home away from home. “The dog loves it too,” Mandy laughs. It’s not just about the gear though. For them, it’s the lifestyle.
They’ve made a tradition of heading to Monkey Mia for New Year’s. Paella in the pan (dubbed “Emu Stew” by the campsite kids), music pumping from their PA system, and strangers turning into friends around the van. “We always end up with heaps of people around,” Mandy says. “Last year, all the staff ended up partying at our van after midnight. We might’ve been a bit noisy…”
When they’re not in Monkey Mia entertaining fellow travellers or cooking up paella, you’ll often find Mandy and Nigel down in Busselton for the Ironman season. Nigel’s completed eight full Ironmans and 13 half Ironmans over the years, though these days, he’s officially retired from racing and prefers cycling on more relaxed caravanning trips with friends.
Even though he’s not competing this year, they’re still making the trip to Busselton, this time to volunteer and catch up with friends they meet there year after year in the caravan park. Mandy also takes on the role of support crew, happily cheering from the comfort of the van. “I can relax in the van in between spectating,” she says. “It’s the perfect spot.”
Fitting In, Without Fitting the Mould
One thing that stands out about Mandy and Nigel is how much they love that they don’t “fit the mould”, and yet, they fit in perfectly everywhere they go.
“We’re not retirees and we’re not a family travelling with kids. It’s just us and the dog. But we slot right in.”
And maybe that’s what I love most about this lifestyle, the way it makes room for everyone. Whether you’re setting a camper trailer up in the rain, towing a pop-top with kids in tow or living it up in a Silverline with a PA system and a dog in the passenger seat, there’s space for all of us.
Especially for Mandy and Nigel, who always bring the good stories, a cold beer, and just the right amount of Emu Stew.
Lifestyle