Kangaroo in a caravan: Jervis Bay roo gets friendly with campers | Photos
SAY what you like about New South Wales, but the locals sure are friendly.
Justin and Bec Lorrimer were camping with their kids near Jervis Bay, on the state’s south coast, when a kangaroo hopped inside the caravan.
“Uh-oh!” one of their kids said in the background.
“How are we going to get her out?” asked Justin.
“I don’t know,” said Bec.
The roo took its time saying hello, reluctantly agreeing to leave when slices of apple were offered as a sweetener. However, she returned soon after with her mates in tow.
It’s just another day in the life of the Lorrimers, who have spent the past 10 months travelling around Australia. They sold their house, and hit the road with their four-year-old son Jack, two-year-old son Billy, and 17-month-old daughter Charli.
“It’s been the most amazing experience for them, they thrive on it,” Bec told news.com.au. “They don’t know any different, but every day is an adventure. They just love it.”
They started in Newcastle, and went north to Cooktown, over to Mt Isa and up towards Darwin. They explored the Kimberley before heading down the Western Australia coast and across the Nullarbor Plain.
“It’s been about 35,000 kilometres so far,” said Bec.
“The WA coast is just spectacular, between Broome and Shark Bay is really beautiful. The Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation are amazing as well. When we find beautiful spots, we hang out for a week or two.”
So far, they’re travelling off their savings, but they’re starting to attract interest from a range of different brands, as well as a growing following on social media.
“We have more than 6000 followers on Facebook, and we only started the page in February. I think we had 100 page likes just yesterday. It’s really gaining momentum,” Bec said.
When they started their grand adventure, Charli was just six months old, and parenting on the road has meant a few ups and downs.
“The first month was the hardest, it’s that whole adjustment period,” said Bec.
“The kids were learning to sleep in triple bunks, right on top of each other. We had new boundaries, and new rules. It was pretty hard, so much so that we nearly turned back.
“Now we’re in full swing. I was a stay-at-home mum, and it’s great having another set of hands with things like bath time. We’ve had our share of barneys, but it’s definitely made our marriage stronger. We’re really close.
“We’ve had our share of negativity, but for the most part everyone has been really supportive. We’re parenting on the road, no different to being at home.”
Justin is a qualified heavy duty mechanic, and Bec is a nurse. On their blog, they said they’ve always wanted to travel around Australia, and they realise the importance of getting outdoors and spending quality time as a family.
They wrote they wanted a change from the daily grind, and seized the opportunity before they got locked into a routine of school, sport, work and other commitments.
“Plenty of people want to do it, it’s just a matter of taking the plunge and finding the time and the budget.”
Follow their adventures on Trip in a Van or on Facebook.
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