We bought a Winnebago

It was sleeping on diesel and the mice on our tent during our Nullarbor road trip that convinced Craig and I that we were ready to buy a caravan. We'd been looking for years, but hadn't found the right one. Just as our trip was ending, we heard rumors that Winnebago Industries were bringing their American-made campers to Australia. Under cloak and dagger, Albury-Wodonga RV World welcomed us into their workshop where we saw one of the first Minnies imported into Australia.

As I stepped in, my shoulders immediately relaxed – the Minnie, a 2106 model, instantly felt like home. Unlike the clinical white and sterile caravans sold by many dealers here, the Winnebago felt comfy like an apartment. I knew I'd be right at home writing blog posts from the cushy couch nestled in the slideout. We put down a deposit in February and agreed that we'd take delivery in June. Earlier this week on a soggy, wet day; we did just that. 


It's the first (and likely only) home that Craig and I will own. With its stainless steel appliances, giant fridge and comfy ensuite; it's nicer than many apartments that I've rented. Inspired by a line from Minnie the Moocher, my friend Andrea quite appropriately dubbed it The Whale. It is the perfect moniker – the curves, the light grey exterior and its very big heart. In the coming months, I may put together a website just for her, but the meantime you can track our caravan adventures with the tag lifeinthewhale right here at Badskirt.

 To shake out the bugs, Craig and I are touring the Murray Valley region this week. In the next few posts, I'll show you some of the gems we're visiting.

Break out the bubbly, we're first time home owners.



This is part 1 of our Murray Valley caravan adventure. In part 2, we visit Echuca.