Hailing from Tasmania, our newest Australian ambassadors believe that the most profound journeys begin with a simple decision to just start. Lil and Jake’s fully kitted Troopy shows their commitment to life on the road. A home on wheels that let’s them park up on beaches, alongside riverbanks and after completing ‘The Lap’ is now ready for the world!
The Call of the Open Road
Lil and Jake weren’t always full-time adventurers. They had established careers back in Tasmania. Lil as a Health and PE teacher, and Jake as a gas fitter. But the dream of completing “The Lap,” a classic Australian rite of passage, was a constant pull. With little tying them down, they made the leap, initially documenting their travels on YouTube as a way to share the experience with family and friends.
What began as a digital travelogue quickly transformed into something more. “What started as a way to document our travels on YouTube quickly turned into something we could never have imagined,” they share. That side project is now their full-time vocation, a career built on wheels that allows them to work “whenever and wherever we want.”
The Rig
Their home on the road is a meticulously crafted Toyota Land Cruiser Troop Carrier, a vehicle that speaks to their “less is more” ethos. The build is a masterclass in Australian off-road craftsmanship, centred around a Gen 2 Hercules Roof Conversion.
“This completely changed the way we travel,” they say of the conversion. “It’s given us the perfect mix of comfort and practicality… Being able to pull up anywhere, pop the roof, and be set up in minutes means we can spend more time exploring and less time setting up camp.”
The rig is entirely self-sufficient, powered by a robust iTechWorld system with solar panels and a lithium battery. It sits on Maxxis Razr tyres and Fulkrum suspension, ready for the toughest tracks. But it’s not just about capability; it’s about liveability. With a 95-litre EvaKool fridge freezer and thoughtful storage solutions, the Troopy is a compact, efficient home. “Staying organised. When you live out of a Troopy, having a place for everything makes life so much easier,” they note.
A Philosophy Forged on the Track
Speaking with Lil and Jake, what stands out is their grounded perspective. They’ve learned that the value of this lifestyle isn’t in the accumulation of things, but in the richness of experience.
“It’s completely shifted how we think about life and stuff,” they reflect. “Less really is more. We own fewer things than ever before, but we’ve never been happier. You realise you don’t need much to live a big, fulfilling life.”
This mindset fuels their content. They share the real, unfiltered moments. The breakdowns alongside the wins. Because that’s what fosters genuine connection. Yet, they are also thoughtful stewards of the landscapes they love. They balance sharing hidden gems with preserving their secrecy, believing that “the more people who fall in love with nature, the more people there are who will want to protect it.” When pressed to share just one Australian treasure, they point to the ancient, colourful gorges and swimming holes of Karijini National Park.
Their message to the community is simple and powerful: “Don’t wait. Everyone we meet says they wish they’d done it sooner. If adventure is calling, go for it now. You’ll never regret it.”
The Horizon Ahead
So, what’s next for a couple with a fully kitted Troopy and a continent already under their belt?
The world.
Their rig, now “complete and ready to ship,” is bound for a twelve-month expedition through Canada and the United States. It’s a dream years in the making, fuelled by nights spent “watching YouTubers overland through places like Moab, Utah, the Rubicon Trail, Death Valley and the Rocky Mountains.”
But beyond the iconic trails, their true north remains the same: those simple, perfect moments on the road. “Every time we pull up onto a beach, set up the Troopy, and watch Hazel running around, we know we’re exactly where we’re meant to be,” they say. “There’s no better feeling than being by the ocean with everything we need right there.”
It is in this balance between grand ambition and simple contentment that Lil and Jake’s story finds its heart. They are explorers, storytellers, and a compelling reminder that the greatest adventure is the one you decide to start.