The diagnosis that saved this family: why they sold up to travel Australia

In this episode of the Horizons by RAC podcast, Myke Bartlett speaks with Britt and Wade Williams, the couple behind Wandering with the Willys, an ordinary Australian family who made the extraordinary decision to sell their Brisbane home, pack up their two young sons and travel Australia full-time with no end date.

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Through their social media presence, they document the realities of life on the road, sharing the places they visit, lessons they learn, and everyday moments that come with swapping stability for adventure.

Nine months in, they’ve explored Cape York, the Northern Territory, South Australia, and Western Australia. But this journey didn’t start with wanderlust, it started with a wake-up call. After a significant life disruption prompted them to shift their perspective, realising time wasn’t guaranteed, they sold their home, reorganised work to become mobile, upgraded their tow vehicle, and committed to travelling Australia by caravan.

In this conversation, Britt and Wade share the honest realities behind the idea of van life on the road, from researching caravans and planning routes to managing fuel stops, work and family routines while on the move. Alongside the challenges, there have been many unexpected rewards: more quality time together, the freedom to explore new parts of Australia, and the chance to create a lifestyle centred around connection rather than routine.

Through Wandering with the Willys, they hope to show others that there is no single path in life, and that sometimes the biggest step is simply choosing to begin because there’s never a perfect time to start.  
 
To listen to the full conversation with Britt and Wade, tune into the Horizons by RAC Podcast on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Podcast Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to the podcast
(04:45) Wade's brain tumour diagnosis
(07:30) Decision to sell up and hit the road
(10:00) The Facebook photo moment
(12:15) Pre Departure fears
(15:30) 5-month planning sprint
(16:15) The #1 travel tip
(19:45) Funding the trip
(23:45) What a lap actually costs
(28:30) Essential gear & first aid
(31:45) Day in the life. Homeschooling & remote work
(36:15) Adapting to caravan life
(46:30) Impact on the relationship
(54:45) Toughest days on the road
(1:00:45) Favourite destinations
(1:03:30) Shifting values
(1:07:00) Advice & closing reflections