So, we packed up a rental caravan, loaded in all the baby gear, and hit the road for our first-ever caravan adventure. Five days, two stops, and a whole lot of lessons later, we’re back with a clearer idea of whether this lifestyle is right for us.

If you prefer watching, then check out my video here.  

The Route: Where We Went

Our trip took us on a five-day road trip through North Queensland. We started in Townsville, spent a night there, then made our way to Paronella Park, where we stayed for two nights. Paronella Park had been on our list for a while, with its unique history and lush surroundings, and it didn’t disappoint. We even got to feed turtles, which was a highlight.

From there, we drove to Crystal Creek for another two nights. The scenery was beautiful, and we soaked in the fresh air before heading home. Originally, we had planned to continue up to Port Douglas, but we made a last-minute decision to slow down and spend more time at the campgrounds instead. That turned out to be the best choice.

The Caravan Setup: What Worked and What Didn’t

Renting the caravan was a straightforward process. It had everything we needed—kitchen, beds, even a shower and toilet. But once we were on the road, we started noticing little things that made us reconsider whether this setup would work for us long-term.

Regulating the air conditioning was a bit tricky. The table setup felt cramped, and we had a small issue with the toilet seizing up—something we later learned is a common caravan problem. These weren’t dealbreakers, but they were definitely things we’d consider if we were looking to buy or rent again.

Traveling With a Baby: Slower, but More Intentional

Taking a newborn on a road trip changes everything. We planned our driving times around nap schedules, made extra stops for feeds and stretches, and learned to be flexible. But honestly, that slower pace ended up being a good thing.

One of the biggest appeals of caravanning is embracing a more intentional way of living—taking things slow, enjoying the moment, and not rushing from place to place. Traveling with a baby forced us to do exactly that.

Exploring Paronella Park

Paronella Park was like stepping into another world. Built in the 1930s, it was once a grand estate with a ballroom, lush gardens, and waterfalls. Walking through the ruins, I couldn’t help but imagine what it must have been like back in its prime—guests arriving in elegant dresses, music playing under the stars.

The flood markers on the stairs were a stark reminder of how much history is hidden beneath the surface. It made me think about how many places hold stories we never get to hear.

Crystal Creek: A Beautiful Spot With a Few Surprises

Crystal Creek was stunning. The water was crystal clear, the surroundings were peaceful, and it felt like the perfect place to unwind. Our baby loved the water, which was a win, and the natural white noise at night actually helped her sleep better than we expected.

The only downside? March flies. Lots of them. They made certain parts of the day less relaxing, but overall, it was still one of the best stops on the trip.

Daily Life on the Road

Even though we were traveling, we stuck to a routine. Mornings were all about coffee, breakfast, and baby duties. Afternoons were for exploring, and evenings were all about winding down early to avoid the midgies.

One thing I really appreciated was how little we actually needed. Traveling with just the essentials made things so much simpler. It was a good reminder that life doesn’t have to be cluttered to be enjoyable.

The Challenges We Faced

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The caravan awning gave us a bit of trouble. The heat made it hard to get the temperature just right inside. Pumping while traveling required extra planning. But each of these little challenges taught us something—about flexibility, patience, and making do with what we had.

Would We Do It Again?

Absolutely. But next time, I’d plan for cooler weather, try a different caravan layout, and stretch the trip a little longer to avoid feeling like we were always on the road. Canceling Port Douglas to slow down was the best decision we made, and next time, I’d be even more intentional about taking our time.

This trip confirmed something I’ve been thinking about for a while—experiences matter more than things. Spending time in nature, making memories, and simplifying life felt good. We’re still figuring out what kind of travel works best for us, but one thing’s for sure—this was just the beginning.