From their quiet life in Ferny Creek to the wide open roads of the Australian outback, Etelka and Ulrich Hofer are embracing retirement with a twist, travelling across the country with their Cavoodle, Button, and Bengal cross cat, Sox, in a Crusader Musketeer Warrior Xcountry caravan.
The couple, both in their late 60s, set off on their dream trip from Victoria to Uluru after two years of planning. For Ms Hofer, this lifestyle was always in her blood.
“I have always wanted to travel Australia in a caravan and experience the nomadic lifestyle as a tourist,” Ms Hofer said.
“Tragically, my mother passed away when I was two and a half. We travelled with our father full time until we started school. He was an owner-driver, carting goods from Adelaide to the East Coast, across to Perth and regional WA. During school holidays, we were on the road with him, but he never had the luxury of stopping to be a tourist.”
“I believe I developed my love of travelling from that nomadic upbringing.”
When it came time to choose their new home on wheels, the couple took their time to find the right fit.
“We spent two years researching the type of caravan that would suit us best,” she said.
“We decided on the Crusader Musketeer Warrior Xcountry. The layout of the van allows us to easily accommodate the cat’s needs, kitty litter in the ensuite, the cafe table turns into a bed area for both animals. Though to be honest, the cat sleeps wherever she wants.”
Mr Hofer’s retirement provided the perfect opportunity to turn their travel plans into reality.
“It’s been a two-year plan to travel around Australia, once I was retired,” he said.
While Button the Cavoodle has been part of the family for over six years, Sox the cat came into their lives unexpectedly.
“The cat was an accident when somebody dumped a seven-week-old kitten in our yard,” Mr Hofer said.
“She was infested with paralysis ticks. We didn’t have the heart to put her down. We had her treated, neutered, and she recovered fully.”
“Our son in Melbourne is allergic to cats and couldn’t look after her while we travelled. So now, we are travelling with a cat and a dog.”
Travelling with pets comes with its own set of challenges, especially around Australia’s national parks.
“We need to stay outside National Parks and find a dog sitter, as the cat is fine in the caravan with air-conditioning when required,” Ms Hofer said.
“Yulara was an unexpected challenge as cats are not allowed. We had to reschedule our itinerary and drop Sox off at a cat accommodation for two weeks in Alice Springs while we explored Yulara and Kings Canyon. She was very happy when we were reunited.”
“Beware, Read the fine print for terms and conditions of caravan parks regarding pets.”
Despite the planning, the effort has been worth it. The couple say the slower lifestyle has brought them closer to Australia’s culture and people.
“Touring and seeing the vast countryside, and interacting with people we meet, enriches our life experiences,” Mr Hofer said.
“Staff at Aboriginal cultural centres are exceptional at educating visitors about their religion, law, dreamtime, and sharing their unique knowledge and culture,” Ms Hofer said.
“They patiently explain their interpretation of artwork. I feel we are never too old to learn. Being retired, we now have the time to listen and embrace the culture this lifestyle offers.”
The couple have gone to great lengths to keep Button and Sox comfortable and safe.
“Domestic animals should be fully vaccinated, wormed, and protected against ticks and heartworm,” Ms Hofer said.
“I discussed our travel plans with our vet to make sure they were ready for the journey. I even completed a dog grooming course to care for Button on the road.”
Sox needed a bit more training before she could handle caravan life.
“I trained her to travel in a backpack, ride in the car for extended periods, and use a harness and lead,” she said.
“She’s smart, she figured out how to back out of strap harnesses. I had to find one that was escape-proof.”
“Cream treats, Churu, were the key to encouraging her. We took four trips over six months to train her. Patience, consistency and routine were key.”
Now, Sox and Button enjoy their daily 4pm walks together, often in shaded areas where Sox feels safe to explore.
“She loves her walks and her backpack rides to cafes. At night, she’ll sit at the window watching the stars or early sunrise. She’s got a hexagonal enclosure with a lead so she can wander outside safely,” the couple said.
“In the car, she travels next to Button, both in harnessed carriers. Button sits in her elevated bucket seat, watching the countryside roll by. They’re quite the pair, when Button barks, Sox growls, both warning us of ‘intruders’”
And yes – Button now has her own camping chair, after stealing theirs one too many times.
Looking back, the couple are glad they took the time to prepare and adjust.
“My advice is to know your animal and your own willingness or limitations,” Ms Hofer said.
“Not every cat will take to this lifestyle, but Sox has adapted beautifully. She has more freedom and variety now than she ever had at home.”
