We spent three quiet, memorable months farm sitting in regional Victoria, caring for four alpacas—and it turned out to be one of those experiences that stays with you long after you’ve moved on.

It was winter, proper winter, with crisp mornings that fogged your breath and paddocks dusted in frost. We loved it. There’s something deeply satisfying about rugging up in layers, pulling on beanies and coats, and stepping out into the cold knowing there’s important work to do.

Each day began and ended the same way: feeding the alpacas morning and night. They quickly learned the routine and would amble over as soon as they saw us, curious, dignified, and quietly expectant. Hay needed changing regularly, water troughs topped up, and everything checked over to make sure they were comfortable and safe.

One of the alpacas was elderly and needed a little extra care. She had to wear her own coat to help keep her warm through the colder nights, and checking that it was sitting properly became part of our daily ritual. There was something quite special about that simple act—making sure she was snug before the temperature dropped again.

Winter farm life has a slower rhythm, and that suited us perfectly. The days were simple, purposeful, and grounding. Feeding, refilling water, changing hay, mowing, and taking a moment to just stand in the paddock, watching alpacas chew contentedly while the cold air bit at our noses.

Those three months reminded us that comfort doesn’t always come from warmth. Sometimes it comes from routine, responsibility, and the quiet joy of caring for animals who depend on you—especially when you’re all braving winter together.

What a year 2025 turned out to be for us on the road! It was a year filled with extreme heat, big decisions, surgery and recovery, exciting new towns, house and farm-sits, footy moments, and plenty of unforgettable memories. Here’s our wrap-up of a year that challenged us, changed us, and ultimately reminded us how lucky we are to live this travelling life.

🔥 We kicked off 2025 in Western Australia—in the middle of a scorching heatwave. Temperatures soared to 45°C, and hotter in our caravan in Muchea (just north of Perth). It felt like living inside a toaster. We did our best, but the heat was unrelenting!

🐾 Saying Goodbye to Our Beautiful Winston – February brought one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to make. Our much-loved dog, Winston, had car anxiety and it grew so much worse, and after consulting with a veterinary professional, we knew our travelling lifestyle just wasn’t right for him. With heavy hearts, we rehomed him.

We miss him terribly, but knowing he has a loving, stable home where he is thriving brings us so much comfort. We will always be grateful for the joy he brought to our travels.

🌏 March: Our Ninth Nullarbor Crossing

In March, we packed up and made our ninth trek across the Nullarbor back into South Australia. By now, we know the road well—but the Nullarbor never loses its magic.

👀 Surgery Success & SA Adventures

The next few months were dedicated to Jude’s cataract surgery—both eyes—and the results were fantastic. With sight refreshed and spirits high, we enjoyed a house sit in Victor Harbor, caught up with friends, and spent time exploring The Coorong and the Murray Mouth, areas rich in beauty and birdlife.

A stay in Tailem Bend gave us front-row excitement at The Bend Motorsport Park, where the adrenaline and roar of engines topped off an already vibrant autumn. We also visited Narrung, where we saw the church featured on the Australian $50 note—a quirky and uniquely Aussie moment.

🏡 Winter in Adelaide & A Scare in June

Another housesit took us into Adelaide, where we cared for the gorgeous Poppy dog—an absolute delight.

But June delivered an unexpected challenge when Ray became seriously ill with a perforated appendix and a nasty infection. Thankfully, after a rough stretch, he recovered well enough for us to continue with our winter plans.

🦙 Victoria Farmsit: Alpacas, Cold Nights & Coat Shenanigans

We headed to Victoria for a three-month farmsit, leaving our caravan at a friend’s place. Our job? Caring for four alpacas, including an elderly girl who needed her coat on during the icy winter. Of course, she had other ideas.
There was a constant back-and-forth: we’d put the coat on… she’d pull it off. Repeat. She kept us on our toes and made us laugh through the frosty mornings and evenings.

After six weeks we collected our caravan and brought it back down to Victoria, ready for more adventures.

🏉 Bucket List Moments: AFL at the G & Marvel

While in Victoria, we ticked off some major bucket list items—watching AFL at both the MCG and Marvel Stadium. The highlight?
Seeing our team, Fremantle Dockers, defeat Collingwood by one point. The atmosphere was electric and the celebration unforgettable!

🌋 Spring in Mount Gambier

We then made our way back to South Australia for a four-week housesit in Mount Gambier, caring for the adorable Daisy dog.

Between puppy cuddles we explored the region, visiting: Umpherston Sinkhole, Mount Schank, where we climbed the extinct volcanic crater, and of course the dazzling Blue Lake, which never fails to impress. The landscapes were breathtaking, and the slower pace gave us time to unwind after a busy few months.

🐈 Finishing the Year in Adelaide

We wrapped up 2025 with another house sit in Adelaide, this time caring for Annabelle the cat—a sweet and serene companion to end the year with.

✨ Looking Back, and Moving Forward

2025 tested us, surprised us, and blessed us. From the heat of WA to the cool winds of Victoria, from house sits to farmsits, from surgeries to sporting thrills, it was a year of resilience and gratitude.

Through it all, we kept doing what we love—exploring Australia, caring for wonderful animals, discovering new places, and living life to the fullest.

Here’s to a healthy, happy, and adventure-filled 2026!
Thanks for following along with Smiffs Travel Oz—your support means the world to us. ❤️