Ever dreamed of trading your office space for endless horizons and your daily commute for the open road?
Remote working isn’t just a pipe dream anymore. Thousands of Australians are already doing it, combining remote work with life on the road. Whether you’re an established digital nomad or someone ready to take their career on the road, this could be your chance to see the country while keeping the income flowing.
Remote work has changed everything. More employers are cool with flexible arrangements, and staying connected from almost anywhere is easier than ever. If you’ve been thinking about the motorhome lifestyle but worried about money, this might be your answer.
Of course, you can’t just pack up and hit the road without some planning. Here’s what you need to know to make it actually work.
What Kind of Remote Work Can You Do on the Road?
Remote work gives you the freedom to earn money from anywhere you can get a decent internet connection, whether that’s a caravan park on the coast, a free camp in the bush, or parked up beside a quiet country town.
Remote jobs cover everything from freelance writing and graphic design to consulting, online tutoring, virtual assistance, customer service, digital marketing, web development, bookkeeping, and plenty more. If you’re already doing work that can be done on a computer, you might be surprised how easily it can translate to life on the road.
Many remote workers find they can mix things up, too. They might keep a part-time job while picking up some freelance work on the side, work flat out for a few months, and then take a proper break to explore.
Setting Up Your Mobile Office
Creating the Right Workspace
Working from a motorhome takes a bit of thought, but it’s not rocket science. If you’ve got a luxury motorhome with plenty of space, you can set up a proper work area with room for all your gear. Even in a small campervan, you can make it work with the right approach.
Think about what your job requires. Can you work off just a laptop, or do you need multiple screens? Are you doing video calls that need a decent backdrop? You’ll also want to consider surface space for documents or equipment. A portable laptop stand and external keyboard are worth their weight in gold for long work sessions.
Staying Connected on the Road
This is the big one. Reliable internet is essential for remote work. Caravan park WiFi might be fine for checking emails, but don’t count on it for serious work. When it comes to internet connectivity, you’ll want your own setup from day one.
We’d suggest a good mobile data plan with plenty of data, maybe a portable hotspot device, and a signal booster for when cell phone signals are weak. Coverage is an important factor, especially if you want to work from more remote locations. Do your research on coverage maps and consider having backup options from different networks.
If you’re planning to get way off the beaten track, satellite internet like Starlink is getting more popular, though it’ll cost you more upfront. Keep in mind that download speeds can vary significantly depending on your location and provider.
Choosing the Right Vehicle for Work and Travel
Your choice of motorhome or campervan will significantly impact your work-life balance on the road. The key is finding the sweet spot between your professional needs and personal comfort.
Space and Storage Considerations
If your work requires multiple devices, reference materials, or specialised equipment, you’ll likely benefit from one of our larger motorhomes with dedicated storage solutions and workspace areas. A drop down bed motorhome can be particularly practical, giving you a roomy living space during work hours that transforms into a comfortable sleeping space at night, without you needing to upgrade to a bigger vehicle.
For minimalist digital workers who only need a laptop and a good internet connection, a small motorhome or even a well-equipped campervan might be perfect. The key is to ensure you have a comfortable place to work for extended periods.
Power and Self-Sufficiency
Consider your power needs carefully. Electrical devices like laptops, phones, hotspots, and other work equipment all drain your motorhome batteries. While this doesn’t matter if you’re parked and plugged in to a powered site, you’ll quickly run into issues if you decide to go off-grid.
A solar motorhome can provide the energy independence you need to get off-grid and stay connected to your work. In addition to giving you independence, a motorhome with solar panels opens up more camping options and helps reduce accommodation costs by allowing you to break free from the mains power you need to make it through the work week.
Comfort and Facilities
Remember, this vehicle will be your home as well as your office. If the thought of leaving your workspace every time you need the bathroom sounds unappealing (especially during winter or in remote areas), look for a campervan with shower and toilet facilities. These conveniences can make a huge difference to your daily productivity and comfort.
Mastering Work-Life Balance on the Road
Establishing Routines
The biggest challenge is keeping work time separate from adventure time. You need some routine, but it doesn’t have to be rigid.
Maybe start each day with coffee and a sunrise, or a quick walk around camp. Set work hours and try to stick to them, keeping in mind any time zone differences if you’re working with clients or colleagues in other states. It helps keep things from getting chaotic when every day is different.
Making Time for Adventure
The whole point of working on the road is to experience more of what Australia has to offer. Build exploration time into your schedule, whether that’s dedicating weekends to sightseeing, taking longer lunch breaks to visit local attractions, or staying in locations for extended periods to really get to know an area.
We recommend staying in each location for at least a week when possible. This gives you time to establish a routine, explore properly, and avoid the exhaustion that comes from constantly moving. Some of the best discoveries happen when you slow down and let a place reveal itself to you.
Managing Isolation and Connection
Working remotely while travelling sounds great, but it can also feel isolating, especially if you’re used to office social interactions. Make an effort to connect with local communities and other travellers and maintain relationships back home through regular video calls.
Consider co-working spaces in larger towns, attend local events, or simply strike up conversations at the local café or pub. The van life community is incredibly welcoming, and you’ll find that other travellers are often eager to share tips, stories, and companionship.
The Economic Impact of Working Travellers
What many people don’t realise is how significantly working travellers contribute to Australia’s economy, especially in regional areas. At any given time, there are tens of thousands of motorhomes and campervans traversing the country, and each one represents not just tourism dollars, but income earners who can afford to spend more and stay longer.
Remote workers often have more flexibility to explore off the beaten track and stay in places for weeks or months rather than just a few days. This means more money flowing into small towns through fuel, groceries, accommodation, maintenance, dining out, and local experiences. When you can work from anywhere, you’re more likely to discover and support those hidden gems that other tourists might miss, all while embracing the nomadic lifestyle.
Working remotely while travelling lets you live your dream. Plus, your spending helps keep small towns thriving across Australia.
Tips for Success on the Road
Start Small and Build Confidence
If remote work or van life is new to you, don’t try to master both at once. Take a few short trips first to test your setup before committing to anything longer. You’ll figure out what works and what doesn’t while you’re still close to home.
Invest in Quality Equipment
Your technology is your lifeline. Invest in reliable, durable equipment and always have backups for the important items: a spare laptop charger, extra battery packs, and backup internet options. If your work involves transferring large files, make sure your setup can handle the demands.
When things go wrong (and they will), you’ll be glad you prepared.
Stay Flexible and Patient
Not every day will go to plan. Weather, mechanical problems, poor internet, and other challenges will throw you curveballs. Build buffer time into deadlines, keep your clients or employer in the loop about your situation, and remember that problem-solving is part of the adventure. Being prepared helps avoid any stressful situation that might otherwise derail your productivity.
Plan Your Finances
Working while travelling requires careful financial planning. Factor in vehicle maintenance, fuel costs, accommodation, and the reality that your income might fluctuate, especially if you’re doing contract or freelance work. Having an emergency fund provides peace of mind and flexibility when work slows down or the unexpected happens.
Ready to Give It a Go?
Remote work has changed the game completely. You can literally wake up somewhere new every few weeks if you want to. No more sitting in traffic or staring at the same office walls.
Australia’s a massive place with incredible variety. Working from the road means you get to see parts of it most people never do, and you’ve got the time to really explore instead of rushing through on a two-week holiday.
We’ve met plenty of people who thought they needed everything perfect before they could start. The truth is, you learn as you go. Your first setup won’t be your last setup, and that’s perfectly fine. The hardest part is usually just getting started. Once you’re out there, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
If you’re thinking about taking the plunge, browse our motorhomes and campervans to find something that suits how you want to travel. Whether you want something compact and easy to handle or prefer more space to spread out, we’ve got options to suit different needs.
