Exploring Australia’s vast wilderness alone in a caravan is no easy feat—it’s extreme, sometimes risky, but unquestionably rewarding. Hagar Reshef, a 21-year-old adventurer from Tzur Yigal, a small town in central Israel, recently wrapped up an incredible year-and-eight-month solo journey around Australia in her trusty old caravan, “Shirley.” Sharing her experiences with Ynet, Hagar gave a glimpse into life on the road.
"I feel like I’m just getting started," said Hagar, reflecting on her decision to embark on this unique journey. "I was young, fresh out of national service, and I felt like Australia was my big opportunity. I didn’t really know what to expect. I kept getting all these ‘signs’ from the universe, and once I got settled here, I realized how perfect this place is for me. I loved the idea of a vehicle as a home. In Australia, it’s really common—lots of people live in vehicles, traveling through the desert or along the coasts. I felt like this was a place where I could be independent and truly free."
Was traveling solo intimidating?
"I wasn’t scared of traveling alone—it was my dream, and I’ve been traveling solo since I was 15. But I was scared of driving such a big vehicle. I remember the first time I drove it; it was terrifying. But I decided to take the risk and try. I didn’t know how to park it or handle it at all, but once I started, I felt so free. Every place I arrived at felt like home."
Hagar didn’t just challenge stereotypes about women and vehicle maintenance—she also became a role model for independence and resilience. "I didn’t face any limitations because I’m a woman," she said. "I’ve learned how to solve problems, study, and try things out. I’ve realized that physical strength isn’t always the key. If I had issues with the vehicle, I had to learn to fix them myself. It was tough at first—I didn’t know anything about mechanics. But I discovered that I could handle it. Every problem only made me stronger. Now I know how to change a tire, maintain the engine, and clean the system."
"When I first arrived, I was afraid of loneliness. You’re alone in the desert, and you don’t know what each day will bring. Every place you reach carries that uncertainty, especially as a woman. I can’t say I don’t get scared, but I always ask myself: is the fear worth giving up the life I want to live? I don’t let fear dictate my choices. Every fear I overcome only makes me stronger."
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What’s Australian culture like?
"I think the culture here is very connected to nature. Australians are deeply tied to the land, and everything they do is linked to nature. They live by principles of environmental protection—they don’t litter, they care about their surroundings, there are always trash bins, and they always respect the environment."
What do Australians think about the war in Israel?
"They usually ask me where I’m from. When I say ‘Israel,’ many of them respond with something like, ‘Good time to be here,’ and then quickly move on to another topic." According to Hagar, Australians are very polite and avoid diving into political discussions, especially about wars.
"They don’t judge—they just don’t want to get too involved," she explained. "Of course, there are Muslim neighborhoods and protests in Melbourne, but most Australians I’ve met didn’t show much interest in the topic. They’re just too polite to get into deep political debates."
How do you fund a trip like this?
"What’s amazing about traveling in Australia compared to places like India or South America is that you can come here on a work and holiday visa. They let backpackers work and earn money while traveling, which is such a great solution. Minimum wage here is about $21 an hour, which is pretty good. That money allows me to keep traveling, work on farms, and experience simple living. It gives me the freedom and flexibility to travel and try whatever I want. While working, I meet people from all over the world and have experiences deeply connected to nature and the land—it’s just incredible."
After nearly two years in Australia, Hagar doesn’t have a set date to return to Israel. "I don’t see myself staying here forever, but I don’t have a clear answer. I just feel like this is my time here, and the journey isn’t over yet. It’s not just a physical journey—it’s an internal one too. I feel like I’ve gotten to know the world in a different way—not through vacations or hotel rooms, but through the choices I make every single day. Honestly, I learn something new every day—about the world, about myself, and about how life can be simpler when you’re not overwhelmed by information or possessions."
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