Escaping the Daily Grind
Most of us have felt the Sunday night blues, wishing we could ditch the 9-5 grind for something more exciting. For Queensland lawyer Mia Licciardello, 28, and her partner Brody Robinson, 29, an electrician, that feeling was all too familiar.
"I was always stressed and not fulfilled. I thought there must be more to life," Mia shared. Brody faced back-breaking work as an electrician, often on roofs or in ceilings, leaving him exhausted.
Instead of accepting their fate, they made a bold move that transformed their lives into what feels like a constant holiday.
The Journey Begins
It all started with a short campervan trip from Airlie Beach to Byron Bay. What began as a brief escape sparked a major lifestyle change. By 2022, they were living full-time in a self-fitted van, embarking on a lap around Australia.
Four and a half years later, they haven't looked back. "We love the freedom. There's no waking up with a feeling of dread about the day ahead like we used to have," Mia explained.
Making It Work Financially
To sustain their nomadic lifestyle, Mia and Brody have tapped into various income streams. They've taken on hospitality work and built a successful social media presence on Instagram (@driving.with.sunnie), where they share road trip tips and inspire others to pursue similar adventures.
Discovering Australia's Hidden Gems
With years of travel experience, they've uncovered secret swimming holes, breathtaking sunrise spots, and lesser-known national parks.
Karijini National Park in northwest Western Australia stands out as a favorite. "It's the middle of nowhere and it's spectacular with free camps, hikes, and gorges," Mia said.
Other highlights include Dunsborough near Margaret River for its incredible beaches and Wilsons Promontory National Park near Melbourne for its wildlife and surf beaches.
One unforgettable experience was sleeping on the Great Barrier Reef through Adrenaline Adventures. "It was so quiet sleeping under the stars and watching the sunrise over the reef," Mia recalled.
The Realities of Life on the Road
While the highs are incredible, Mia admits there are challenges. Limited access to showers, van breakdowns that leave them temporarily homeless, and the confined living space can test their adaptability.
"We've learnt not to stay in the van if we are having a little fight. You have to walk it off," she laughed.
What's Next
With no plans to return to traditional careers, Mia and Brody aim to upgrade to a larger four-wheel-drive setup and continue exploring. "There's no settling down for us yet," Mia said, adding that they believe raising kids on the road could be an amazing experience.
Breaking the Routine
According to Adrenaline Adventure's research, 68% of Australians experience "groundhog weekends", with 73% opting for familiar activities over new experiences. Mia encourages others to break this cycle by starting small—whether it's parasailing, canyoning, or trying a new hike.
"Trying something new and having an adventure doesn't have to be extreme, but it could spark something like our little adventure did for us," she said.
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