Creative Freedom, Van Life and a Solo Road Trip to Remember
Sunshine, detours, dolphins and a bikini moment I’ll never forget.
When I left Adelaide with my van full of bubble-wrapped art, I had no idea what the middle of this journey would hold. I knew the Affordable Art Fair in Brisbane would be the main event, but what surprised me most were the quiet, unexpected joys that came after. From dolphins bearing gifts to discovering great wine in a town I only stopped in by accident, this was the part of the trip where things got interesting. Messy. Magic. And so, so fun!
The moment it hit me: I was finally on holidays. By myself. This was the view. The feeling of exhale. The start of something magic.
The Real Adventure Begins
After the art fair, I pointed the van north toward Tin Can Bay. I’d been told about the dolphin feeding by a collector at the fair, and it didn’t disappoint. The dolphins come in by choice, descendants of one who was nursed back to health by locals in the 1950s. One of the males brought in a little rock as a gift for the volunteers, carrying it on his nose (or technically, rostrum). Either way, I was smitten.
This little guy brought in a rock as a gift for the volunteers. Actual magic.
Noosa, I Misjudged You (I’m Sorry)
Next on my list of recommendations was the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, but I couldn’t find a caravan park with facilities that I imagined could cope with the forecast rain, so from there, I made my way to Noosa, assuming it would be overpriced and underwhelming. I was wrong.
This was the moment I knew skipping a showground park in the hinterland was the right call. Noosa greeted me with rain, so much rain, so much mud, but then the sun came out, and honestly? Noosa was delightfully better than expected.
I stayed at a caravan park in Noosa North, and maybe because it was off-season, it felt peaceful and easy. There was a relaxing ferry ride into the main part of Noosa, lush walks through national parks, and warm ocean water that made my South Australian skin feel like it was on holiday.
Hiking to the Fairy Pools and falling in love with Noosa’s coast.
I loved the lushness of the tropics. I loved my road trip to the hinterland towns like Eumundi, Montville and Maleny. So picturesque and full of colour. I could have spent a week just wandering and sipping local coffee.
Scenic drives and quirky market treasures in the hinterland.
A Little Side Quest of Self-Love Bikini Moment
After a long, sweaty hike to the Fairy Pools and Hell’s Gate, I was 10,000 degrees and dreaming of cooling off in the ocean. I ducked into the Seafolly store on Hastings Street and bought a bikini. No spray tan. No sucking in. No hiding. Just me and my white, wobbly belly going for a glorious, joyful swim. My friends and I had talked about this back at Port Willunga in the summer, how saying ‘fuck it’ and wearing what you want, unapologetically, is a joyful kind of liberation.
A no-sucking-in, no-judgment kind of swim. Just pure fun and happiness.
So I did it. I had the sales assistant cut the tags, wore my new bikini out of the store, walked into the ocean, and let the waves dump me. Then I sent a selfie to the girls to say, wish you were here (and thank you for the inspiration).
Rainforest Hugs and Surfside Sunshine
After the lush green hinterland of Noosa, I headed to Broken Head, and oh my heart, I fell a little bit in love. Tucked between rainforest and rugged cliffs, the holiday park felt like it was being gently hugged by nature. The rainforest pressed in from three sides like it wanted to join the party, leaves spilling over fences, vines leaning in close. The fourth side? A wild surf beach.
Finally, sunshine, birdsong, and a slow breakfast at Broken Head. This view, this peace, this little pocket of magic was exactly what I needed.
It was the first time since I’d left Adelaide that I had three full days of sunshine, and everything about that place glowed. Birds everywhere. Friendly travellers. A calm rhythm that made me want to stay forever. I had chats with neighbours over morning coffee, dipped my toes in the sea, and watched the light dance through the trees in that slow, golden way. It’s easily up there with my favourite places I’ve ever been. There was magic in the air, and I felt it.
Detours, Wine, and a Surprising Coffee Stop
Heading to Sydney, I detoured through Tenterfield and Tamworth due to flood-affected roads and more heavy rain forecast. As I pulled into Tenterfield for a coffee break, I was surprised to find a wine bar that could’ve been transplanted from inner Melbourne. They served up smooth coffee and sold local wine (yes, really). I’m a South Aussie, and I thought the South of Australia had the monopoly on Australian wine, but turns out the Granite Belt makes excellent cool climate Pinot and Fiano. I bought two bottles to share with my sister and brother-in-law. Both have now been consumed, and I can confirm, best accidental stop of the trip.
And in other surprises, Barnaby Joyce’s office was pretty much next door to the Peter Allen Motel. Tenterfield, you’re quite the puzzling town of contradictions.
Light-Filled Studios and Happy Faces
When I got to Sydney, I stayed with my beautiful friend Ros, of Art for the Heart fame, and it was exactly the soul-recharge I didn’t know I needed. After weeks on the road, it was such a treat to sleep in a real bed, be surrounded by art, colour and laughter, and feel so at home with someone who’s become like family. Her daughter even made me a rainbow painting to decorate the guest room and take with me for the road. Honestly? I felt so loved.
A rainbow from Ros’s daughter taped up in my van, and a garden hug with Ros herself. This little interlude in Sydney felt like being wrapped in colour, comfort, and chosen family.
Then it was off to run my workshop at Little Lane Studio, hosted by the fabulous Sonia and Carl. I’d seen photos of their space, but in person it was even more stunning, filled with light, laughter, and returning students who clearly love the vibe.
One of the funnest parts of the workshop? The person who won my print giveaway at last year’s Sydney Affordable Art Fair came with a friend. I loved getting the chance to catch up with her again. AND Sonia loved the workshop so much that she booked me to return this November!
Creative joy in full colour, making magic with scissors, glue, and a whole lot of heart at the Sydney workshop.
Want to join me for the next Sydney Workshop? You can book your ticket here.
Rainy Nights, Camp Kitchens and Settling Into the Chaos
Much of this leg of the trip was wet. Relentlessly, inconveniently wet. Most nights I arrived at the caravan park just before or after dark (because I always underestimate time), and my setup routine was simple. Plug in power, turn on the dehumidifier, find the bathroom and kitchen, then settle in with something easy for dinner, cheese and biscuits, leftovers, and a glass of wine.
I don’t have a fancy van setup, so when it was raining, I’d find shelter in the camp kitchen to make tea or work on my laptop rather than be stuck in my tiny van space. That rhythm gave me a strange sense of calm. A reminder that adventure doesn’t always look Pinterest-perfect. Sometimes it’s soggy ugg boots and whatever’s in the esky is actually really quite perfect.
The view from my makeshift desk at Broken Head. I sat here uploading the unsold art from the Brisbane Affordable Art Fair, surrounded by sunshine, my new friend, and the quiet satisfaction of getting it done.
What I Learned Along the Way
Here’s what this middle leg of the trip reminded me:
Magic hides in places you expect the least (hello Tenterfield)
Rain teaches patience and flexibility
Being alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely. You can feel connected even while travelling solo
Beauty is always there, even in the chaos. Especially in the chaos.
And maybe most importantly:
You don’t need permission to show up, even in a bikini. Even in the rain. Even when you're winging it.
Want a Piece of the Journey?
If you missed the Brisbane Affordable Art Fair, you can still collect a piece of the story. The original artworks that travelled with me (and didn’t sell at the fair) are available now. Each one infused with the spirit of adventure.
Holiday Energy
A vibrant reminder of sunshine, spontaneity, and making your own magic. This piece travelled coast to coast with me and still carries that warm, buzzing, adventurous energy.
It’s the Little Things
Inspired by quiet moments in lush surrounds, this artwork celebrates the beauty of simplicity and unexpected joy and reminds me of all the beautiful birds I befriended on my travels.
Just for Fun Tee
For the ones who dive in and don’t care what anyone thinks. This dopamine-drenched tee is a celebration of colour, confidence, and creative freedom.
Sea Spray & Sunshine Candle
Fresh, bright, and full of permission. Light this when you need to feel like you’re waking up in a rainforest near the sea.
→ Make your own rules, wherever you are
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🩷 Book the Sydney Workshop: If you're near Sydney, come create collage magic with me in person this November. It’s going to be joyful, colourful, and super fun.
