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Let’s face it: It’s been a rough year. But as the warmer weather settles in, and the Australian summer lingers on the horizon, it’s time to start planning your next adventure.
One of the best ways to clear your head after a challenging year is to jump in the Kombi and hit the road. The fundamental rule of #vanlyfe? Don’t overpack. In the immortal words of Marie Kondo: only bring things that spark joy.
We’ve compiled a list of joy-sparking travel essentials for your trip, and littered your itinerary with some epic spots to camp, hike, picnic and drink your way into 2021.
Embrace your inner nomad. It’s time to hit the road!
1. Bluetooth Speaker
Not all vans are equipped with a serviceable sound system, so a reliable bluetooth speaker is a must. Perfect for use on the road, grass or sand, you can set up your portable speakers to serenade softly by the seaside, or blow-out your eardrums next to an esky full of beers. Just remember, everybody grooves to a different sound. Don’t be a dictator, DJ!
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2. Backpack
No one wants to be the guy stuffing bananas into somebody else’s backpack. Do yourself a favour and pick-up a Herschel daypack. Arguably the best storage solution on the market, the bag is equal parts American vintage and techwear, with adjustable shoulder straps and ample room for all the essentials. If you need something a little smaller for your wallet and everyday items, consider Patagonia’s mini hip packs – perfect for your outdoor strolls or inner-city shenanigans.
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3. Sunglasses
There’s nothing worse than belting along a highway with sun blinding you through the windscreen. An ever amorphous trend, sunglasses are constantly changing in shape and size, this year’s The Last Dance documentary fuelling a resurgence in vintage Oakleys and smaller frames. Are you a lead-foot? Wrap Scottie Pippen’s supersonic Oakley Jawbreakers across your peepers. Want something a little more classic? Channel Michael Jordan’s eclipsing black Ray-Bans from ‘93. Alternatively, you can barrel along the coast channelling Joe Biden in aviators, a timeless classic that’s yet again become a statement piece in 2020.
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4. Water Bottle
It sounds obvious, but you won’t believe the amount of people relying on petrol stops to pick up more plastic water bottles. A good, sturdy 1.5L soft reservoir from Salomon is your best bet here, the French alpine company accustomed to manufacturing quality items for any altitude. Featuring a pliable TPU bladder, the future-forward water bottle has got you covered in any climate. Give that baby a refill!
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Struggling with your itinerary? Here are a few tips.
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@bezum_
Alligator Creek Falls Track, Queensland
The ominous-sounding Alligator Creek Falls is anything but, the 17km round trip bursting with waterfalls, wildlife, and deep natural pools. Located near Townsville in Queensland, the track provides lots of lookouts for lunch, and swimming holes to cool off. Passing through Cockatoo Creek and Hidden Valley, the relatively easy hike is best tackled in the morning so that by the time it heats up you’re ready for that midday swim.
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@bee.keels
Bouddi National Park, New South Wales
A 1,532-hectare feast for your senses, Bouddi National Park is located on the NSW Central Coast. Scattered with clifftops, camping spots, beaches, and rainforests, the Bouddi National Park was one of Australia’s first marine-protected areas. While it’s loaded with eye-watering swimming, fishing, cycling and whale-watching spots, it’s the Bouddi National Park Coastal Walk that truly steals the show. A 6km return from Putty Beach to Maitland Bay, National Geographic recently lauded the Coastal Walk as one of the top 20 walks in Australia. You’ll cross an iconic boardwalk, take in the wild coastline, marvel at a shipwreck and, if you’re lucky, spot a whale. Bouddi National Park is worth plotting your whole itinerary around.
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@tamburlaineorganicwines
Tamburlaine Organic Wines, New South Wales
One for all of you wine connoisseurs! Organic wines are dominating the market in 2020, and we’re seeing a lot of competition from some mighty fine viticulture in Australia. Still, Tamburlaine Organic Wines is one of our favourites spots, the Hunter Valley region embodying all the characteristics of great wine Down Under.
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@bessiebusandus
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
With 509km of coastline, Kangaroo Island is a certified blockbuster of the natural world. Devastated by the recent bushfires, the diverse wildlife and stunning beaches will welcome you with open arms. A quick (kombi-friendly!) ferry from the mainland, Kangaroo Island is one you’ll definitely want to hop over and visit.
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@jonathanmavroudis
Cactus Country, Victoria
Located in Strathmerton, Cactus Country is just a three-hour drive from Melbourne. Packed with over 4000 different species of cacti, the 10-acre property snakes through plenty of weird and wonderful plants. The best part? Cactus cake, ice cream, and cocktails! It’s such a good spot, it might just be the perfect location for an overnight stay.
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@dylan.dehaas
Ningaloo Reef Marine Park, Western Australia
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ningaloo Reef Marine Park is 260km of incredibly diverse marine life. Teeming with manta rays, dugongs, and humpback whales, it’s also one of the few places in the world you can swim with sharks.
Ready to burn rubber?
Get all the gear for your epic road trip right now at THE ICONIC.
