The Wandering Westons’ Chevy Tow Vehicle
The tour begins with the family’s Chevy, which Jamie is quick to point out technically belongs to Alice—even if he handles most of the upgrades and maintenance.
Although the vehicle was already well equipped when they purchased it, they have added several personal touches to make it better suited to their travels.
The Chevy’s setup includes:
- 20-inch Fuel Catalyst wheels
- 35-inch tyres
- Off-Road Industries side steps
- Banks exhaust and performance upgrades
- Factory GM roll bar
- Additional UHF communications
A straightforward auxiliary lithium battery system in the rear powers their fridge, helping ensure the drinks remain cold wherever they stop.
A Retreat Designed Around Their Family
From the outside, their Retreat carries the unmistakable presence of an off-road touring caravan. Look more closely, however, and the personalisation begins to stand out.
Jamie and Alice added custom decals to make the van their own, along with generous front and rear storage solutions.
The exterior setup includes:
- Slide-out Ziggy barbecue
- Spare-wheel storage
- Jerry-can holders
- Wood box
- Storage for poles and less frequently used equipment
A rear clothesline has also proven invaluable during extended family trips.
Their son now prefers sleeping outside the caravan on a stretcher, giving him his own camping space—and giving Jamie and Alice a break from his snoring.
The Campsite Bar and Famous Slushies
One feature Jamie was not willing to compromise on was the exterior bar.
The bar carries their favourite spirits, barbecue seasonings and everything required to entertain around the campsite. Jamie prefers experimenting with different rubs rather than following strict recipes, using whatever tastes best on the day.
The Wandering Westons have also developed a reputation for their campsite slushies. When they pull into camp, friends and fellow travellers know exactly where to visit when it is time for a cold drink.
Serious Off-Grid Power
Their Retreat currently runs 600Ah of custom lithium battery capacity supported by 840 watts of rooftop solar.
That system gives the family the freedom to spend more time away from powered caravan parks and traditional camping infrastructure.
They’re already planning the next upgrade: four additional solar panels to further increase their off-grid capability.
The caravan also features heavy-duty suspension and upgraded wheels and tyres, giving it the strength and stability required for remote Australian travel.
A Bold Green-and-Gold Interior
When selecting the interior, Jamie and Alice wanted something brighter and more distinctive than their previous caravan.
After considering several different colour palettes, they chose bold green cabinetry complemented by gold trims and tapware. Black sinks complete the look and provide contrast throughout the caravan.
The same green, gold and black theme flows through the kitchen, living area and ensuite, giving the interior a consistent identity that is unmistakably theirs.
A Kitchen Built for Family Travel
The kitchen layout was one of Alice’s non-negotiables.
Its generous bench space allows the family to prepare meals without constantly getting in each other’s way. The positioning also means they can use the kitchen, sit around the table and enjoy the television without disrupting the living area.
The kitchen includes:
- Large 276-litre fridge
- Full-size oven
The additional refrigerator capacity makes it easier to stock up before travelling remotely, while the full-size oven allows them to prepare proper family meals wherever they are camping.
An Incredibly Spacious Club Lounge
The large club lounge provides plenty of room for the entire family to sit together, share meals or relax at the end of the day.
When the table is lowered, the lounge converts into a queen-size day bed, creating additional space for relaxing or accommodating guests.
This flexibility helps the interior work equally well as a practical living area and a comfortable place to unwind.
The Oversized Ensuite
The ensuite was Jamie’s major non-negotiable when planning the caravan.
At its centre is a generous 900mm shower, providing considerably more room than many standard caravan bathrooms.
The layout still leaves space for a washing machine beneath the benchtop, overhead storage and all the practical features required for longer trips.
The green cabinetry, gold tapware and black fittings continue into the ensuite, maintaining the caravan’s distinctive interior design.
A Comfortable and Practical Bedroom
The bedroom is deliberately simple and functional, with a comfortable caravan-size bed, wardrobes, overhead cupboards and generous under-bed storage.
Jamie and Alice don’t spend much time in the bedroom while travelling, so their priority was creating a comfortable space that offered enough storage without sacrificing room elsewhere in the caravan.
A Caravan That Is Completely Their Own
What makes the Wandering Westons’ Retreat special isn’t one individual feature. It’s the way every detail works together.
From the off-grid power and exterior storage to the large kitchen, oversized ensuite and bold interior finishes, this caravan has been designed specifically around their family and how they travel.
It is practical, capable, distinctive and completely their own.
Follow Jamie & Alice’s Adventures
Follow Jamie and Alice’s adventures on social media at @WanderingWestonsOz.
Ready to create a caravan designed around your adventures? Explore the Retreat Caravans range and discover the perfect caravan for your next journey.
