Explorer Lizzie left the comfort of the East Coast to explore the mysteries of the rugged far North West. It’s left her with more than a few learnings.

 

I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners (past, present, and emerging) of all the lands I’ve been on, I have always felt honoured to be able to live, work, and explore on Aboriginal Land.

 

My life has changed so much since moving from the Gold Coast when I was 21, and I credit it to the blood, sweat, laughs, tears, and beers that have been a part of my career in Western Australia’s Kimberley. I’m now about to embark on a new journey, so I want to share some of the lessons I learnt from my time in the far North West.

 

Moonrise over the Cockburn Ranges

1. How to Be Resilient

Living in places where you’re often the only person around requires you to become resilient. Resilient to weather extremes, road closures, car breakdowns, schedule changes, and most importantly, life changes.

Not everything will go to plan but eventually, you’ll become comfortable with your ability to not only cope but thrive in a constantly changing environment.

2. I Don’t Need as Much as I Thought

Moving to WA from the Gold Coast, I really struggled to pack everything into my 65L hiking pack. Once I settled in, I realised how little I actually needed to feel comfortable in a space.

 

You don’t need much to enjoy all this

 

I’ve lived in dongas several times, which may seem daunting to many, but eventually you make the little space your own and realise that life isn’t about stuff – it’s about getting outside and experiencing the world in all its chaotic glory.

Read more: How To Pack A Backpack Like A Boss

3. How to Manage Car Troubles in the Outback

Before you move out bush, please become familiar with the basics of car maintenance! I promise, knowing how to change a tyre will help you or someone else at some point in your adventures.

If your time in the Kimberley or Outback is anything like mine, you’ll run into car troubles. Be prepared, and keep your car maintained, but also accept that these things happen to all of us.

You’ll get a flat tyre, or bogged, things will get scratched or, as pictured below, your radiator might crack and leave you stranded on the Gibb River Road, so always travel with friends where possible. (Thanks for the tow, Todd!)

Read more: What Happens When You Break Down in the Middle of the Desert?

 

Car troubles on the Gibb River Road

4. You Meet the Best People in the Most Obscure Places

If there’s one reason you should do a stint in a remote area, it’s because there are so many other people just like you out there too. Some of the most open-minded, loving, and wholesome people I’ve met have been working or travelling through these far-off places.

 

Grateful for new mates

 

We’ve shared amazing moments, like epic sunrises and mind-blowing hikes, and also been through stressful moments, like dealing with injuries in the bush or problem solving those pesky car troubles… The point is, I guarantee you’ll meet people in these places that you’ll want in your life forever and who share your same love for exploration.

Read more: Kind Strangers Are What Make a Trip Truly Unforgettable

5. There’ll Be a Couple of Wrong Decisions but MOST of Them Will Be Right

Hand on my heart, I’ve definitely been in situations where I’ve thought, ‘Maybe this wasn’t my smartest move’. Whether that be taking a job that doesn’t turn out as expected or taking the wrong dirt track and getting bogged, things may not always work out as planned. That’s life though, and wrong decisions are what we learn from.

From weird jobs, I’ve created connections that’ve led me to new opportunities, and from getting bogged, I’ve found gorgeous waterfalls. Embrace the spontaneity that comes with remote living. Things don’t always go to plan, but it’s part of the beauty and chaos of spending time somewhere like the Kimberley.

Read more: What is Type 2 Fun? A Guide to the Fun Scale

 

Cheers to being resilient!

6. You Start Liking Country Music, Entirely Against Your Will

I hate to break it to you, but Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood is an absolute banger to blast in a car full of your friends after a big day of adventures. Unsurprisingly, country music really suits the… country, so don’t be surprised when you start singing your own rendition of Tennessee Whiskey unironically on your way home from work.

 

Nothing like a good waterfall to get Islands in the Stream stuck in your head

7. Work Life Balance

When you work somewhere like the Kimberley, wilderness is on your doorstep. Wild swimming after work? You got it. A speedy hike to catch the sunrise before your shift? Consider it done. Don’t even get me started on days off, spent overnight hiking or big days in the boat trying to catch an elusive Barramundi in the sweltering heat.

 

Best looking office

 

Living in the Kimberley taught me to balance working hard for my money with spending my days off out of service, camping on a gorgeous beach or in a remote gorge, and how to appreciate my surroundings and make the most of living somewhere that other people day-dream about visiting.

Featured Event

Belangoloopy – Paddy Pallin Intro Rogain

  • Start Date: Jun 15, 2025
  • Venue: Belanglo State Forest

Come enjoy a classic 6 hour Paddy Pallin rogaine that is only a short drive from Sydney or Canberra! We’ll be using our navigation skills to explore stunning native forest. There will be plenty of route options for all ages,...

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Belangoloopy – Paddy Pallin Intro Rogain, NSW Rogaining

8. Endless Opportunities Are out There, You Just Need Put Yourself out There

Many employers appreciate when people have worked in remote areas, as it often demonstrates your ability to work independently, with limited resources, in areas that may offer less than ideal conditions (I’ve been at work in Port Hedland when it’s hit 48ºC more than once).

Not only this, but you may be given opportunities in these remote areas that you wouldn’t get in others. The only reason I began a career in bushfire management is because I was given the opportunity to join in these activities purely because I was there and keen to give it a go.

There are so many opportunities for work, volunteering and adventure out there, but they require you to have a bit of confidence in yourself and put your hand up for things that might be out of your comfort zone. Which is where lesson one comes in as a bit of resilience can get you a long way.

 

One of the first bushfires I ever got to help manage

See More of Wild, Wild Western Australia

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