Older Australian women are challenging traditional views of aging, embarking on solo road trips and travelling the country in search of adventure, personal growth and new horizons.
Equipped with a caravan, campervan, or a sturdy 4WD and a tent, these women are navigating vast landscapes, from the dusty Oodnadatta Track to the spectacular Tasmanian wilderness.
Margaret Yates, a PhD candidate from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Faculty of Health and a retired nurse, interviewed 29 women travellers to explore their motivations and experiences. The majority were over sixty and considered themselves retired.
Her research paper, Women travelling solo or with other women across Australia: A montage of narratives , with Professor Lin Perry, Emeritus Professor Jenny Onyx and Distinguished Professor Tracy Levett-Jones, was recently published in the Journal of Women and Aging.
"For many of these women, this isn't just about travel," said Yates. "It's about developing self-knowledge and self-confidence, experiencing the new and unknown, and taking control of their life and decisions, often after years of caring for others."
"The four women highlighted in the study, two in their sixties and two in their seventies, exemplify a willingness to break away from what might be expected of women in that age group and redefine what's possible," she said.
The study is part of Yates's wider PhD research examining the experiences, health and social needs of women travellers from the 'grey nomad' population. Many women, despite chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, report better wellbeing, with less stress and improved health due to the travelling lifestyle.
One of the case studies, Vivian* , in her mid-sixties, has been living on the road for nine years. She said a discovery scuba dive in Far North Queensland was the catalyst to sell her business, rent out her house and take off on adventure. "The best choice I ever made," she said.
After decades of running a small business seven days a week, she was keen for a change. "I knew it wouldn't be easy and I knew there'd be hurdles and tough times," she said. "That probably made me even more determined."
Yates said the decision to start a new life on the road takes courage and resolve, and is often made in the face of considerable opposition from friends and family, who question whether the women can manage alone.
Solo female travellers often develop informal networks at campgrounds and rest stops, sharing tips, stories, and support. The women said they generally felt very safe. They also felt a great sense of achievement, and many shared their adventures on social media.
The road isn't always smooth. Travellers can face a range of challenges, including vehicle breakdowns, intermittent communications, illnesses and injuries, and the isolation of remote areas. However, many find these obstacles empowering rather than discouraging.
"If you are in a situation where you're in the middle of nowhere and you get a flat tyre and there's nobody about, you go, well, I've got to deal with it. If I don't deal with it, I'm stuck here… I've learnt a lot about myself, my weak points and my strong points as well," said Vivian.
Yates attributes the trend to broader societal changes. Increased financial independence, improved healthcare – including telehealth options, and shifting perceptions of aging, have opened doors for women to explore unconventional lifestyles.
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted many to reassess their priorities, fuelling a desire for meaningful experiences over material possessions.
"I knew it is an amazing country and you see things in magazines, TV and travel shows but it's not until you get on the road that you will see there's so much more," said Aria, an intrepid woman in her early sixties who travels with her dog Rusty.
"When I left home the plan was only to go away for one year, but I've just fallen in love with what I am doing and years later I'm still going and still loving it."
