This blog is inspired by my podcast Travel with Us a While and the conversation I enjoyed with my guest Penny Smith.
Penny shared a few of her adventures done with her Toyota Avalon called Bluey. Bluey has taken her twice around Australia and travelled more than 600,000 kilometres! Penny has kindly allowed me to create this blog using some of her amazing images taken during her travels.
The Art of Photography on the Road
As a keen photographer, Penny has seen how digital photography has changed the way we capture memories. No longer limited to rolls of film, she’s able to snap wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and spontaneous moments along the way.
Her photography is not just about documenting the journey—it’s about seeing the world differently, finding beauty in both the vast and the small details of nature.
Inspired by a Family of Travellers
Penny’s passion for travel began early, influenced by her parents’ adventurous spirit. Their stories lit a spark that encouraged her to look beyond her own backyard and seek out new destinations and experiences.
Traveling with loved ones has always been important to her. Whether it’s with a partner or family, she believes shared journeys enhance the joy of exploration.
Travel Tips and Lessons Learned
Over the years, Penny has gathered a wealth of practical travel wisdom:
- Start early – Morning departures give you more time for exploration.
- Prepare well – Road trips, especially in remote areas, require careful planning, supplies, and an Esky full of water.
- Travel off-season – Not only is it quieter, but accommodation options are often better and more affordable.
- Expect the unexpected – From thrilling wildlife encounters to surprising detours, adventure comes with a healthy dose of unpredictability.
Australia’s Natural Wonders
Penny’s adventures have taken her far and wide, but Western Australia’s coastline stands out as a must-see destination. From rugged cliffs to turquoise waters, it offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.
She also has a soft spot for Phillip Island, where she hopes to take her partner, one day, adding another chapter to their shared story of exploration.
More than Travel
Beyond the journeys themselves, Penny finds joy in the quieter moments—reading during downtime, connecting with nature, and even thinking about sustainable living through gardening. These small, grounding practices bring balance to the adventure.
Final Thoughts
The Great Ocean Road is often referred to as the “world’s largest war memorial” because it was constructed by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 to honour their comrades who died in World War I. This 243-kilometer (151-mile) scenic coastal road in Victoria, Australia, stands as a lasting testament to the courage, endurance, and sacrifice of the soldiers who built it.
Our conversation reminded me that travel is more than just ticking places off a list—it’s about experiences, connections, and the stories we carry home. For Penny, photography is the lens through which she captures and shares those stories, encouraging others to look closer, go further, and embrace the wonder of the journey.
So whether you’re planning a road trip, dreaming of new adventures, or simply finding joy in your own backyard, may Penny’s story inspire you to see the world with fresh eyes.
Would you like to share your travel story with me?
Let me know in the comments.
