AUSTRALIA
Meet Jessie McCall, a photographer and artist I met while we both were living in Australia. We became fast friends, as we both were creative types originally from California and found ourselves living on the other side of the globe. We spent many days exchanging ideas about love and life, and enjoyed many spontaneous adventures together. Her work, both above and below the water, is truly breathtaking and we knew we had to share with the estCA community.
When I first moved to Australia, I took a few months to drive around and explore the country. Along the way, I met so many amazing people - some who lived permanently in their vans - and some who utilize their little home on wheels for road trips and extended holidays. Regardless, all these people had one thing in common: a passion for adventure.
When I first moved to Australia, I took a few months to drive around and explore the country. Along the way, I met so many amazing people - some who lived permanently in their vans - and some who utilize their little home on wheels for road trips and extended holidays. Regardless, all these people had one thing in common: a passion for adventure. Today, we are sharing Kendall & her converted van, Vance.
The Big Things of Australia are a loosely related set of large structures, some of which are novelty architecture and some are sculptures. There are estimated to be over 150 such objects around the country.
The big things have become something of a cult phenomenon, and are sometimes used as an excuse for a road trip. So, when I set out for my epic Australian road trip last year - I made it a point to stop at as many at I could.
Now, a lot of amazing things happened for me in 2020 so saying that this is the best thing I did for myself is saying a lot. As long as I could remember, I’ve been scared of the ocean. I didn’t like the idea of fish surrounding me and maybe rubbing up on me. Snorkeling and diving has always been very low on the list of things I thought I wanted in my life. Well, I’m happy to say, I was wrong.
In the southern west coast of Australia is a small town called Margaret River. This little town consists of one or two main streets, but the region is much larger and is known for it’s delicious wines. Whether you are looking for swimming, surfing or camping - Margaret River as a littler something for everyone.
I’ve been traveling solo this trip - and although I have met people along the way, sometimes it’s a bit difficult to set up a camera to be able to take beautiful photos in a desired location. Then, I discovered “Sweet Escapes”, an app that easily pairs you with a local professional photographer.
Step back in history and take a breathtaking train journey deep into the heritage of the Tasmanian wilderness and hear tales of resilience and triumph over rugged terrain, hardship and adversity. Much more than a railway journey within a wilderness setting, the West Coast Wilderness Railway is a heritage experience that will touch your soul.
Meet Sarah. the salty soul behind Salty Luxe, a tropical, luxury travel blog and brand. You may have seen her insanely stunning photos on social media and if you’ve been lucky, you also have watched some of her stories and videos which showcase how truly genuine and kind she is. This hard-working and good vibe creative radiates warmth and support in the creative world - and through documenting her journey, she also shares the many milestones, dedication and perseverance it took to build her own dream life.
Rugged mountains, spectacular coastlines, native forests, sweeping bays, picturesque beaches, sparkling lakes all on one island... Tasmania has been described as an "island of contrasts" because there is an immense variety of attractions to enjoy. How can this breath-taking island, the smallest state in Australia, have so much to offer? It's hard to fathom unless you have spent some time exploring this island for yourself — and I, like many others, didn’t know about Australia’s best kept secret.. that is, until I met a local who told me I had to go.
Meet Neri and Manu of the Australian-based clothing label, Ottway. Their collections are all vintage-inspired, unisex and made in limited numbers as part of a commitment to sustainable practice. Each piece has its own story, inspired by nature or their own family history which gives the brand that personal touch that can resonate within us all.
One of my favorite experiences of my Australian road trip was my journey along the Great Ocean Road. From watching the sunrise at the Twelve Apostles to wine by the campfire in Blanket Bay, the 243-kilometre (151 miles) stretch of road is definitely one to camp, surf and explore.
The next stop on the (virtual) Australian road trip is at Paperbark Camp - located in a small town called Jervis Bay, just 2.5 hours south of Sydney. The 13 canvas safari-style tents have been placed amongst the eucalyptus and paperbarks, built above the ground to give privacy and capture the sea breeze. The camp offers an experience I can only describe as paradise. Whether you are a solo traveler (like I was) or looking for a romantic getaway, this is a must.
I remember the first time I heard the term: The Golden Triangle. The three cities where you find laid-back, beach-y, creative vibes. Where good food, style and sunshine all reside. It doesn’t surprise me that I now spend my life between the three: Venice Beach, California + Bondi Beach and Byron Bay, Australia.
Coffee shops and cafes are more than just the coffee for me. The vibe and ambience is just as important and the coffee beans. I love being able to sit outside and chat with friends, or work on my laptop, or sit and read a book - and let time disappear for a few hours. So, I’ve pulled together five of my favorite cafes and coffee shops in the Northern Rivers area of Australia.
If you’ve ever been to a place like Venice Beach or Palm Springs, you’ll easily notice how stylish homes are. We’ve perfected a unique style of luxe, yet laid-back with a touch of modern vibes. It’s a style that inspires rooms all over the world, so when we stumbled across this room in Byron Bay at the Barefoot Bay Villa we instantly felt at home.
The Farm at Byron Bay is a hub of micro businesses all working towards a common mission to Grow, Feed, Educate. Whether you are after a coffee, some fresh produce or flowers or just to walk around and meet the farm animals - there is something for everyone. I personally love ordering food from their cafe, bringing a blanket and having a picnic under a tree on their big grassy lawn.
I’ve always been an avid traveler - it’s a love that has developed over the last fifteen year from working and traveling with ABC’s “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette”. While we were on hiatus from filming, between seasons, I would often jump on a plane and travel somewhere new (mostly because I didn’t ever get much adventure time when I’d traveling for work). So, at the beginning of 2020, I decided to travel to Australia. Little did I know back then that COVID19 would happen and I’d end up being stranded in Paradise (haha!).
I met Jason (and his adorable Boston Terrier, Sophia) on a beautiful Saturday morning in Byron Bay, Australia. After being a fan, and following his work for many months, I was excited for the opportunity to meet IRL for coffee and talk all things design and career. After chatting for an hour and joking about making our own podcast one day, I knew Jason was someone that you all needed to meet too.
We have a treat for you today! This #vanlife share is sure to make you smile and fill you will vanlife #goals. Marte and her husband, Jed, purchased their bus (Lloyd) two and a half years ago and took 18 months to renovate it into their dream home-on-wheels. They sold everything and hit the road with their two children, Ellida and Embla, and now spend their days making memories that will last forever.
Meet Chelsea, a fellow digital nomad who is doing BIG things in the digital world. We have always been big fans of being able to work and still travel the world, so when we met Chelsea, we knew we wanted to share her story with you all. She’s Canadian born but now living her dream life in Byron Bay, Australia.. tiny home and all.
Meet Brett, another traveller I met while exploring this year. Brett was on a road trip up the east coast of Australia when our paths crossed. I was instantly intrigued by his beautiful vintage van and so impressed when I heard he restored it himself.
When I first moved to Australia, I took a few months to drive around and explore the country. Along the way, I met so many amazing people - some who lived permanently in their vans - and some who utilize their little home on wheels for road trips and extended holidays. Regardless, all these people had one thing in common: a passion for adventure.
When you travel solo you open yourself up to connecting with other travellers. Often fellow solo-adventurers will be drawn to one another like magnets. In only a matter of weeks, I have met a plethora of people from all over the world, many of whom I will stay in contact with. Adventuring proves to be a domino effect, from one undertaking sparks another. With the connections I have made there is a now a whole new box of adventures waiting to happen in far-off places