Why a growing number of retirees are embracing the grey nomad life

When asked what she loves the most about touring Australia's coastlines and outback in a caravan, Jeanette Evans doesn't hesitate to answer.

"The freedom," the 68-year-old, self-described grey nomad told The Senior (Explore's sister publication).

"It's just a very easy life of being able to go where we want to go."

Jeanette and her husband Phil are among a growing cohort of older Australians spending their golden years on the road.

Over 55s are leaders when it comes to caravan and camping trips in Australia, making up 59 per cent of all trips taken in 2025, according to a report from the Caravan Industry Association of Australia.

Travellers over 55 also tend to take longer trips, at an average of four days, compared to people aged 30 to 54, staying an average of 3.1 nights.

Jeanette and Phil aren't afraid of long stretches behind the wheel, and are currently six weeks into an eight-week journey from Victoria up to Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

They also recently took a three-month tour through outback Queensland, and have done multiple trips up and down the Queensland and NSW coast.

"Our plan is to be gone for winters, because of [the cold]," Jeanette said.

One of the best parts of travelling in a caravan is how simple life becomes, and how little cleaning she needs to do.

"When you first get back into the van, it's like doing a little dance to get past each other," she laughed.

"But we get into the swing of things.

"We live very comfortably and we like a simple life, so very simple meals."

She said the couple mostly dine outside among nature, and love travelling where it's warm enough to spend time outdoors.

But life on the road isn't without its hiccups. The couple experienced a brush with danger during a 2025 trip from Victoria to the beachside hamlet of Byron Bay.

As ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred bore down on the east coast, the pair found themselves caught in cyclonic winds.

They sought refuge at the local Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay, where staff locked their caravan to the ground to stop it blowing away.

"They actually chained our van down for us," Jeanette said.

But Jeanette and Phil were undeterred by the event, and continue to travel throughout Australia.

Below are some of the Evans' favourite places to stop.

Byron Bay

This far north coast beachside hamlet brings the serenity of nature with its unique, hippy history. When visiting Byron, the couple love to stay at Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay.

Mooloolaba

This coastal hotspot includes beautiful beaches and a waterside esplanade with restaurants, bars and boutiques.

Alexandra Headland

A seaside village on Queensland's Sunshine Coast which boasts stunning aqua blue beaches and pumping surf breaks. Those stopping in might even consider trying a surf lesson.

Coolangatta

This Gold Coast suburb sits on the border of Queensland and NSW, and features the stunning white sand Coolangatta Beach, and the stunning Rainbow Bay. A beautiful day trip can take you to the Gold Coast Hinterland, where you can hike at Lamington National Park, or check out the glow worm caves at Tamborine Mountain.