Some travellers collect postcards.
Some collect fridge magnets.
And some — like Jen Shipston — collect moments, often accompanied by the unmistakable sound of bagpipes echoing across paddocks, coastlines and quiet back roads.
In this episode of Travel With Us A While, I sat down with Jen to talk about life on the road, raising adventurous kids, travelling on a shoestring, and following a long-held love affair with Tasmania — one that’s about to turn into a brand-new chapter of life.
For Jen, travel was never really about luxury or ticking boxes. It was about stepping away from the relentless busy, busy, busy of everyday life and reconnecting — with nature, with her kids, and with herself. Growing up in a small Queensland town, travel wasn’t part of her childhood. A beach an hour and a half away was about as far as she ventured. So when she became a mum, she was determined her kids would see more of the world.
And they did.
Travelling on a shoestring – with a plan
With three kids, two dogs, a modest Ford Territory and a $3,000 pop-top camper, Jen and her partner took on a full lap of Australia — armed with little more than $10,000, six months, and a belief that done is better than perfect. Teenagers were given stretcher tents for their own space, free camps became home for days at a time, and caravan parks were treasured for one glorious reason: hot showers.
Along the way, Jen set herself a personal challenge — to play her bagpipes every day. Often, that meant driving away from camp, finding a quiet field or old road, and practising while the kids and dogs tagged along. Sometimes, it meant playing in iconic places as a tribute to her nephew Morgan, whose love of music remains woven into every note she plays.
Bagpipes, as we agreed, are very much a love-or-hate affair. But Jen found that when people stumbled across her playing in nature, curiosity usually won out — and what began as nerves often ended with quiet appreciation.
Tasmania has long been part of Jen’s story too. Over multiple visits, she hiked the Overland Track, tackled the Three Capes Track (even with her nine-year-old daughter in tow), snorkelled its chilly waters, and slowly fell under its spell. Five years of scrolling realestate.com.au later, that dream is finally becoming reality — a small cottage, a creek, a campground, and the chance to welcome travellers instead of always being one.
It’s a story about simple setups, big dreams, resilient kids, and choosing a life that feels right — even when it’s messy, cold, noisy, or comes with bagpipes.
And honestly? That’s the kind of travel I’ll always champion.
Listen to her full story on the podcast:
