Road Trip

‘Very low crocodile risk’. Think about it and decide for yourself.

It’s like going to Cairns and considering whether to go for a swim in the ocean and potentially meeting a crocodile or not. An obstacle is not the end of the world. There are plenty of beautiful waterholes nearby. Follow your passion, turn off the doubts, take the risk. If there’s an obstacle move around, through, under or over it or eliminate it all together and just go for it.

But beware. They can get hangry.

Pit Stop. Victoria River.

At one point during my road trip, I found myself glaring outside the window of a bus. We were taking a short stop in the Victoria River region in the Northern Territory on the way to Kununurra. I barley took in the white bark of the trees, the thirsty leaves, the dust against the red dirt. This is how I pictured Australia. Red dirt and wide landscapes. I felt lost.

Victoria River Region, Northern Territory. Red dust particles as far as the eye can see.

There will be a time you will feel lost or overwhelmed. And you will question yourself and why the hell you are doing this. But I ask you – how are you ever going to find yourself if you’ve never been lost?

Pit Stop. Coral Bay.

When searching for your passion things can become blurry. I was lying on the beach in Coral Bay, sunbathing. My blue travel towel that folds up very small and dries ridiculously fast between me and the white sand, the ocean in front of me and the campground across the road behind me. I was at peace when a seagull pooped on me.

Coral Bay, Western Australia. Your mind might be foggy right now, but soon enough it will be clear. As clear as water.

Going after your passion is unpredictable, things will go wrong. A lot. Don’t let it discourage you and stay focused on what’s important. Shit happens. Eventually it will get wiped away and things will clear up again like the water in Coral Bay.

Pit Stop. Rottnest Island.

On my day trip to Rottnest Island, I was surprised by stunning coastal sections surrounded by sand-coloured cliffs, deep blue water, mint green grass and rare wildlife. I walked up the wooden steps of a lighthouse and watched seals floating on the surface of the water. Things don’t always go wrong in a bad way. Some surprises are a welcome change. Avoid lingering on the bad stuff and look out for the light in the distance.

Rottnest Island, Western Australia. There is a light at the end of the horizon. A lighthouse.

Pit Stop. Adelaide.

One of the stops on a sightseeing tour through Adelaide will be the Adelaide oval. From the Riverbank Precinct Pedestrian Bridge crossing the river Torrens you will have a great view.

Adelaide Oval, South Australia.

Playing sports nurtures teamwork skills, determination, courage and confidence. These attributes are essential in making your dream of turning your passion into a career come true. To get better and be consistent it takes practice and persistence. You don’t need to know the answer to everything. 

Pit Stop. Uluru.

Facing challenges, obstacles and doubts can be difficult, overwhelming and tiring. During those tough moments it can be helpful to go back to your roots and remember your strengths. Remind yourself why you are doing what you’re doing. If you are persistent your efforts will pay off in the end.

Uluru, Northern Territory. Cultural heritage landmark in the middle of the continent.

Pit Stop. Twelve Apostles. 

Driving along the Great Ocean Road you will eventually end up seeing the Twelve Apostles. These rock formations are a must see and consist of limestone. Due to the ocean, the waves and weather conditions their form changes over time and some have already crumbled down.

Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Victoria. Go with the tides.

Change is unavoidable and even though it often has a negative connotation change is not always a bad thing. Being open to change and adaptable is vital if you want to be successful. Unlike the Twelve Apostles you can get back up.

Pit Stop. Tasmania. 

On my road trip through Australia, I also made it to Tasmania. Sitting on the grey and white pebbles at the edge of the lake looking at Cradle Mountain is the spot where you would want to exist to feel in line with your mind and body or sing along to ‘I Made It’ (song by Tones and I from True Spirit) once you’ve reached your goal.

Cradle Mountain, Tasmania.

To reach your goal after you put your mind, heart and soul into it is one of the greatest satisfactions in life.

Pit Stop. GRAVITATE Digital. 

As part of my bachelor’s degree majoring in Creative Writing, I am interning with the marketing agency GRAVITATE Digital. GRAVITATE Digital provides many different services including social media and email marketing and the team works alongside businesses to reach their full potential. 

The team at GRAVITATE Digital is a bunch of down to earth and fun people. Even though they’d rather hit the waves or go snowboarding they work hard to support their clients.

If you have a passion or a business idea, you don’t need to know how to do everything. You can take courses, ask for advice, or reach out to someone you look up to and ask them to mentor you. 

On your way to finding and following your passion you will meet supporters and doubters, move past obstacles and feeling lost, say ‘shit happens’, see the light at the end of the tunnel, return to your roots and strengths, acknowledge change and find satisfaction. 

You Made It.