Sometimes the road calls quietly…
and sometimes it gives you a firm nudge.
When I first stumbled across Gaye Dandridge — better known as Nana on the Road — on Facebook, I knew straight away she was my kind of traveller. Shoestring savvy, full-time on the move, and happily proving that you don’t need a fortune to live a rich travelling life.
In this episode of Travel With Us A While, Gaye shares the deeply personal story that set her wheels in motion — and how she continues to travel Australia with courage, creativity, and her faithful cat Fred.
Pull up a camp chair… this one’s a beauty.
When Loss Becomes a Compass
Gaye’s journey began with heartbreak.
After losing her father in 2016 and her mother in 2018, she found herself reflecting on the dreams they never quite fulfilled — especially their wish to cross the Nullarbor.
“They travelled all over Australia… but they never made it across the Nullarbor,” she told me.
Rather than waiting for “someday,” Gaye made a bold decision in 2019:
- She quit her job
- Packed up
- Took her parents’ ashes with her
- And hit the road
One day, when she finally crosses the Nullarbor, she’ll honour their dream in the most meaningful way.
Honestly… I had goosebumps.
Travelling on a Shoestring (Yes, It’s Possible!)
One of the things I love most about Gaye’s story is how refreshingly real it is.
No trust fund.
No lottery win.
Just smart choices and a willingness to live simply.
For her first two years, Gaye travelled on savings by:
- Using free camps
- Avoiding takeaway splurges
- Living within a tight budget
- Embracing a minimalist lifestyle
And when the savings needed topping up?
She did what many nomads do — she picked up work along the way.
From Pub Newbie to Outback Insider
In a twist she never expected, Gaye took a job at a country pub — despite rarely setting foot in one before.
Within 24 hours of applying… she was hired.
And it turned out to be one of the best decisions she made.
Working in small-town pubs gave her:
- Instant local connections
- Insider travel tips
- Access to hidden places tourists never see
- Free or low-cost accommodation
As we both agreed during our chat — if you want the real secrets of a place, talk to the locals.
They know everything. 😉
Tasmania: Love at First Sight (With a Chill)
Gaye spent nine weeks exploring Tasmania — and like many of us, she fell hard for the Apple Isle.
Her highlights included:
✨ Free camping across the state
✨ Watching penguins waddle ashore at night
✨ Exploring Stanley and the Nut
✨ Walking at Cradle Mountain
✨ Wandering the Bay of Fires
✨ Crossing the Cataract Gorge suspension bridge (despite a fear of heights!)
Her verdict?
“Tasmania is my favourite state… I’d live there if they could move it to Queensland!”
I think many of us can relate to that chilly confession. 😄
Wildlife, Walks and Wonderful Surprises
Life on the road isn’t always predictable.
Gaye has:
- Nearly stepped on a tiger snake (heart starter!)
- Camped solo in the outback
- Cooked up her first Tasmanian scallops
- Hiked to the southern edge of Tasmania
- And free camped in places where she saw only one other person in two weeks
That’s the magic of slow travel — the moments you could never plan.
A Scary Health Detour
In late 2023, Gaye faced something many travellers quietly fear.
Her eyesight began to fail.
She was diagnosed with holes in her macula and needed surgery — a frightening prospect for someone whose life revolves around the road.
“I thought I could lose a limb… but not my sight.”
Thankfully, with specialist care and some cleverly prescribed driving glasses, she was able to continue travelling — though the experience gave her an even deeper appreciation for the freedom she has.
Outback Adventures and Red Dirt Joy
More recently, Gaye has been exploring South Australia’s vast interior, including:
- Maralinga atomic test site
- The Flinders Ranges
- Oodnadatta Track
- Farina’s famous seasonal bakery
- Birdsville and the iconic Bash
Her happy place?
Red dirt.
Big skies.
And wide open nothingness.
“I got there and there was nobody… that’s my type of scenery.”
Now that’s a true outback soul.
Why We Love Nana on the Road
What makes Gaye so inspiring isn’t just where she goes.
It’s how she goes.
She proves that:
- You don’t need big money
- You don’t need perfect health
- You don’t need fancy gear
You just need the decision to begin.
And maybe… a good WikiCamps subscription. 😉
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
If you love real, honest, practical road stories — this episode is absolutely for you.
