In 2016, driven by a father’s love for his daughter, a Toyota Hiace van underwent a transformation that would forever change our lives. Though knowing carpentry, and both being very handy, we scoured the internet for months, crafting a design that would become our blueprint for adventure.
Our first build for my daughter was a Toyota Hiace van, (an old courier van) which was the test module for future builds. She traveled to Australia in this van for approximately a year.
Our creation became more than a vehicle; it was a vessel of experiences, carrying our daughter across the vast landscapes of Australia. The van, a testament to our determination, bore witness to countless sunsets and sunrises.
Two years later, as our daughter sought a bigger canvas for her adventures, a 21-seater Toyota Coaster became the next challenge.
A jeweler by trade, and a carpenter by passion, my skills evolved to conquer this new frontier. The result was a unique masterpiece, showcased on Instagram under @brisathebus.
Taking the newly built bus on its maiden voyage, my partner and I embarked on a month-long journey along the Great Ocean Road of Southern Australia. Something she said she would never, ever do. Our love for the mobile lifestyle was solidified, inspiring us to build yet another vehicle of our own. It was Covid time and there was nothing else to do but build a motorhome.
This time, we stumbled upon a retired tour bus in Longreach, Queensland. It carried the history of a cattle ranching family, evident in the original exterior wrap. With a three-month timeline, I was no stranger to the process of adapting the design to fit the evolving needs of an older couple who wanted a bit of luxury.
The new Coaster is equipped with all the comforts of a modern home. You can see more photos on Instagram @freshiethebus.
Solar power, lithium batteries, water tanks, Wi-Fi, television and more. We transformed the bus into a self-sustaining haven. The rear bathroom, complete with an ensuite for the wife, added a touch of luxury that set this design apart.
The #freshiethebus. This is the back of the bus looking forward to the bathroom area.
Our travels have spanned the expanse of Australia, often disappearing for up to three months at a time. The latest expedition took us from Sydney to Cape Tribulation and back, weaving through the diverse landscapes that make Australia so captivating.
As retirement looms on the horizon for myself, and my partner, we contemplate a new chapter. We are drawn to the allure of a four-wheel-drive Hilux pickup with a slide-on camper, or perhaps a fifth wheel, enabling us to explore rugged terrains and hidden camping spots.
We now travel with our trailer, tailor-made to fit our moped motorcycles or odds and ends, and our kayak. We don’t leave home without a thing to make our journeys exciting and adventurous but with a bit of luxury thrown in.
Our story is one of transformation, of a couple finding their true calling on the open road. With each build, we have crafted not just vehicles, but the very essence of our adventures.
Our journey is a testament to the power of love, passion, and the boundless possibilities that come from taking that first bold step.
I always say, “If you try, you might fail, but if you don’t try, you’ll never succeed. You will enrich your life immeasurably if you approach it with a sense of wonder and discovery, and always challenge yourself to try new things.”
