The Art of Coming Home to Yourself
A solo road trip full of colour, quiet magic, and the next brave step.
I was somewhere between Eagle Point and Daylesford, audiobook off, tyres humming against the bitumen.
The light was low. Autumn was doing that golden thing. And I was doing something between smiling and sighing.
It was almost hometime.
But I wasn’t quite ready.
The stillness at Lake Daylesford. A gentle pause before the final leg of the journey.
Goodbye Sydney, Hello Stillness
After a heart-filling stay in Sydney, running my art workshop at Little Lane, staying with my beautiful friend Ros and soaking up the buzz of family life, it was jarring to wake up alone again in my van again.
It was suddenly quiet. Just me again.
But that’s when the final chapter began.
Somewhere between the cows and the colour, I remembered who I was. A woman who travels solo. Who dreams, then does.
The Cows in Moruya
I arrived at Moruya in the dark to find my caravan park neighbours sitting outside their van, talking and complaining loudly. Something about the vibe felt off. So I did what I’ve learned to do: connected power to the van, found the bathroom, made a mental note to avoid eye contact, and walked myself to the pub for dinner.
I was the only one there. The chef personally delivered my meal.
It was strange. Slightly eerie. But also sort of wonderful in a “main character energy” way.
And the next morning? Magic. I opened the van door to the sounds of birds and the unexpected joy of having cows as my other neighbours. There was fog on the river. Sunlight dancing through mist. I set up my folding table, made coffee on my little gas stove, and wrote my newsletter with a hotspot from my phone and a grin on my face.
After the chaos of city life, I felt at peace.
Wandering the silt jetty at Eagle Point
Curious Swans and Lakeside Fire Chats
Next stop: Eagle Point. I’d read reviews, paid extra for a waterfront site, and was hoping for calm.
This curious guy greeted me like an old friend. Nature has a funny way of making you feel seen.
I got it. And then some.
The lake shimmered under a magical sunrise. Curious black swans wandered right up to the van like a feathered welcome committee. Birds everywhere. Quiet everywhere. I even made friends with some fellow travellers. I think there were only three groups in the whole park! We sat around their fire swapping stories and sipping wine.
They’d been on the road for 18 months!
I was only a few weeks in. But I got it. That tug of freedom. That reminder that we get to choose what our life looks like.
Sunrise and swans. So grateful to have been awake for this.
Peacocks and Pinot in Daylesford
I’d always wanted to go to Daylesford, and oh, I’m so glad I did.
Daylesford in all her autumn glory. Cold cheeks, warm heart, and the thrill of being somewhere new.
It was colder here, autumn leaves in red and gold, little bursts of sunshine through the grey. I stayed in Jubilee Lake Caravan Park, and yes, there were actual peacocks. I know they’re not native, but they’re still fabulous. They wandered the grounds like royalty, lording it over the ducks and other birds.
Daylesford was one of the few places I splurged. I bought good wine. I browsed boutiques. I sat by a fire in a cosy café with cake and coffee. I even did a solo wine tasting, something I’d never done alone before. (It felt slightly uncomfortable at first. And then I was just really proud of myself.)
After weeks of mostly budget-conscious camping, it was a gentle, lovely indulgence.
Cheese, wine, and a new kind of confidence at Passing Clouds Winery. This solo tasting was a little awkward at first, but then kind of fabulous.
What Clicked on the Way Home
Somewhere between the cows in Moruya and the peacocks in Daylesford, I remembered who I was. What I am capable of. I’m a woman who loves an adventure, and isn’t afraid to take the long way home.
Driving that final stretch home to Adelaide, I had all the feels.
Pride. Hope. A strange reluctance to let go of this version of me. The version who woke up with birdsong and packed her dreams into a van and made it happen.
And yes, there was sadness. But not tears, not a breakdown. Just that quiet ache of leaving something good behind. All the different flavours of joy: quiet, curious, unexpected.
Through it all, I’d still worked, writing newsletters, connecting with collectors, keeping things rolling in the studio back home. That balance was tricky at times (guilt when I was working, guilt when I wasn’t), but it’s made me realise: next time, and there will be a next time, I’ll slow down even more. Stay longer in each place. Make room for both.
The magpies kept me company while I worked riverside in Moruya.
What I’m Bringing Home (Besides Wine)
Pride. I travelled solo for a month. I figured stuff out. I didn’t melt down. I thrived.
A full camera roll of inspiration (birds, trees, spiky tropical leaves, sunsets, reflections).
Creative clarity: I want to make more art with birds, water, plants, colour, and always joy.
Confidence that I can build the business I dream of. It’s not perfect yet, but it’s possible.
A gentle plan: remember who I am. Show up, connect, keep going. One bold, beautiful step at a time.
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 is infused with the spirit of adventure. Quiet mornings by the lake, bird calls at dusk, the hum of the van on the highway.
You can buy original art online or commission a custom piece inspired by the road trip.
Light the “Bold, Brave, Brilliant” candle • A reminder that you can be all three
Grab a “You’ve Got This” print • perfect if you’re on the edge of your next brave decision
Wear the “Brave” tee • for every woman who packs up the van and trusts her gut
Or “It’s the Little Things” • peaceful, meaningful, and full of soul
And if you’re near Sydney, come create with me in person! My next collage art workshop in Sydney is now open for bookings. It’s going to be joyful, messy fun.
New here? You can also catch up on Part 1 and Part 2 of this road trip blog series:
🩷 Part 1 – Packing Art, Crossing Borders & Finding My Feet
🩷 Part 2 – Rainforest Hugs, Dolphins & a Bikini Moment I’ll Never Forget
Final Thoughts
If you’re reading this and thinking, maybe it’s not too late for me, or maybe I really could take the next brave step, I want you to know:
You can.
And if you’re not sure, message me. I’ll trust you for you.
Because you’ve got this. And I’ve got you.
