Aussie caravan couple share ‘challenging’ reality of travel not seen on Instagram

If you’re on social media, you might have seen the endless photos and images showcasing all Australia has to offer, with those travelling the country in a caravan or camper sharing the amazing sights they’ve visited.

And while it’s true some of the world’s best beaches exist here Down Under, with thousands flocking to the coastline each year, things aren’t always as “Instagram-worthy” as they appear.

Bryce Connole and partner Chelsea Wood have been travelling the country in a caravan for the better part of five years and have pretty much seen it all.

“We have travelled a lot of Australia now. It’s amazing, because there is so much to see,” Chelsea told Yahoo News previously. But the couple, originally from South Australia, recently shared the hilarious yet “challenging” reality of full-time travel, rarely shared on Instagram.

Brutal reality of caravan travel across Australia

In a video shared on social media this week, the couple were seen visiting the popular Ningaloo coast in WA — a heritage-listed area comprising some of Australia’s most pristine beaches. But visitors might also experience some unexpected “sand blasting,” as Bryce and Chelsea discovered during their stay.

Strong winds covered their belonging with harsh, grainy sand which also ended up inside the caravan parked on the beach. In the tongue-in-cheek clip, Chelsea is seen battling the windy conditions while later sweeping the sand out of their home on wheels.

“Instagram VS reality on the Ningaloo,” the couple captioned the video. “Don’t get me wrong, we are loving our time here on the beach but getting sand blasted every day is challenging”.

It can be a familiar feeling when on WA’s beaches, according to others who’ve visited the area.

“The wiiiiind! I’m so done with feeling like I’m in a constant tornado haha,” one said.

“We were just at Winderbandi, and 6 times in one day I cleaned out the van. It was mental but worth it.” said another.

“The constant sweeping,” another appeared to agree in solidarity.

Caravan travel around Australia is ‘worth it’

Despite the occasional hiccup though, Bryce and Chelsea wouldn’t change their lifestyle.

“We honestly think we have the perfect set-up for us and that’s why we’ve have been travelling for the past five years full-time. It works for us and we feel so comfortable in our home on wheels,” they told Yahoo News last month.

Meanwhile, a Gold Coast couple also shared with Yahoo their own unvarnished realities of caravan travel.

“We are often told we’re living the dream life, which we personally agree with, but we also know the reality of it would be some people’s worst nightmare,” Jess Wilcox, who’s travelling with partner Mitch, said.

“I have cried, sworn and wanted to cancel the trip on many occasions, which may sound dramatic but until you’ve experienced these conditions for days and weeks on end, you just won’t understand”.

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