Jodie's Van Life Journey
Gold Coast Campervan Hire was founded in 2021 by Jodie Cockerill, inspired by her own solo adventure around Australia. Jodie purchased a 2009 Ford Transit, which she converted into a fully equipped campervan, “Spirit,” with off-grid capabilities like a 300w solar system and a 75-litre water tank. Designed to accommodate a small family, including space for her grandkids, “Spirit” allowed Jodie to pursue her dream of a solo lap of Australia in 2018. Although she had initial doubts, her journey was transformative, proving to herself that she had the confidence and courage to take on such an adventure.
After her trip, Jodie decided to share the joy of campervanning with others by offering “Spirit” for hire in 2021, making it more affordable for families and solo travellers to experience the freedom of road trips without the hassle of ownership. In 2022 Jodie added her second van, “Mystery,” to the fleet. Then Destiny and Harmony followed in 2024.
Gold Coast Campervan Hire continues to grow. Jodie’s fleet offers a great way to explore Australia’s diverse landscapes, from surfing along the coast to venturing out west, all while enjoying the flexibility and adventure that comes with campervan travel.
Tweed Coast Living recently sat down with Jodie to gain a little more insight into her road tripping journey, which has not only led to the success of Gold Coast Campervan Hire but has also solidified her as a recognised and respected woman in business on the Tweed.
You’ve had quite an adventurous journey with “Spirit,” starting with your solo lap of Australia. What was it like preparing for such a big trip, and how did the experience shape your decision to turn “Spirit” into a rental van for others?
Preparing for my solo lap of Australia with Spirit was both exhilarating and overwhelming. I wanted to make sure I could manage the van completely on my own, so I designed everything to be done easily by a woman—whether it was setting up camp, maintaining the van, or handling everyday tasks on the road. From choosing lightweight materials to ensuring all systems were user-friendly, every detail was planned with independence in mind.
Once I hit the road, the experience was transformative. Travelling solo gave me an incredible sense of freedom and self-reliance, while Spirit became more than just a van—it was my home, my escape, and my adventure companion. Along the way, I met so many people who were curious about van life but hesitant to take the plunge themselves. That’s when the idea sparked—why not give others the chance to experience this lifestyle without the full commitment?
Turning Spirit into a rental van felt like the perfect way to share the magic of van life with others. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a long-haul road trip, I love knowing that Spirit is helping more people—especially women—explore Australia with confidence and ease.
Your story of setting out on your own is incredibly inspiring, how did the experience transform your view on confidence, independence, and what it means to live life on your own terms?
To be honest, I was super scared to start with—telling myself I was crazy for doing this and that I was going to be lonely. I think I cried from here to Gympie!
But the moment that really changed everything for me was my first stop in Rockhampton. Before I even started setting up the van, a couple parked next to me invited me over for a drink. I ended up staying for dinner with them and their friends, and they gave me so much confidence to know that I could do this on my own. They shared so many valuable tips and hints, and from that moment, I felt a shift—I wasn’t alone, and this journey was going to be something truly special.
That experience transformed my whole perspective on confidence and independence. I realised that fear and doubt are normal, but pushing through them is where the real growth happens. With every new place I explored and every challenge I faced, I gained more trust in myself. Living life on my own terms meant embracing the unknown, making my own decisions, and finding strength in my own abilities.
Most importantly, I learned that solo travel doesn’t mean being alone. The kindness of strangers, the friendships formed on the road, and the supportive van life community made me feel more connected than ever.
This journey showed me that independence isn’t about doing everything by yourself—it’s about having the confidence to step out into the world, knowing that you’re capable, resourceful, and open to whatever comes your way.
You’ve created a space for others to enjoy campervanning without the financial burden of owning a van. How do you feel your business empowers other women—whether that’s through your story or by offering opportunities for families and solo travellers?
For some reason, the universe has sent so many solo female travellers my way—women who dream of experiencing van life but may not have had the opportunity to own a van themselves.
It’s been such an incredible thing for me to be able to help them take that step, giving them the chance to experience the freedom of the road without the financial or logistical barriers of van ownership.
Through my own journey, I know how daunting it can feel to set out on your own, and I love that my business helps other women gain the confidence to do just that. Whether it’s a solo adventure, a girls’ getaway, or a family trip, I’ve designed all my vans to be easy to manage, comfortable, and welcoming—so that anyone, no matter their experience, can enjoy the magic of van life.
More than just renting out a van, I feel like I’m sharing a lifestyle and a mindset—one that says, “Yes, you can do this.”
Seeing women take their first solo road trip, fall in love with the open road, and gain confidence along the way has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. It’s about more than just travel; it’s about empowerment, independence and the joy of discovering just how capable you really are.
Australia is such a beautiful country to explore, and you’ve given people the chance to experience it in a unique way through your campervans. What feedback have you received from customers, and what stories or experiences stand out to you the most?
One of the things that stands out the most from customer feedback is the feeling of getting back to nature and escaping the hustle and bustle.
People love the simplicity and freedom that van life brings—waking up to the sound of the ocean, watching the sunset from a remote campsite, and just slowing down to enjoy the moment.
One story that really stuck with me was a customer who rented Mystery to attend a women’s wellness and yoga retreat.
After the retreat, she set off on a three-week solo adventure along the East Coast, completely falling in love with van life. She enjoyed it so much that she ended up buying her own van so she could take even more trips—including ones with her grandkids! It was amazing to see how that first experience gave her the confidence to embrace the lifestyle fully.
That’s what I love most about offering my van to others—it gives people the chance to try van life without the commitment of owning a van. Whether it’s a weekend escape or a longer road trip, I love hearing how it helps people reconnect with nature, find their independence, and create unforgettable memories along the way.
The Tweed Coast is known for its beaches, but there’s so much more to explore. How do you recommend people use your vans to really experience the hidden gems of the region and beyond?
The Tweed Coast is an incredible destination, and while its beaches are stunning, there’s so much more to explore beyond the shoreline.
One of the best ways to experience the hidden gems of the region is by taking your time and venturing into the national parks, waterfalls and charming hinterland towns—all easily accessible with one of our campervans.
For those planning their trip, we have plenty of blogs on our website filled with inspiration and itineraries to help map out the perfect adventure. Even within just a few hours’ drive, there are so many wonderful places to visit. The Tweed Valley offers breathtaking rainforest walks, and the nearby waterfalls in Nightcap and Border Ranges National Parks provide a peaceful escape into nature.
If you love the idea of camping under the stars, the region has some incredible national park campgrounds, where you can wake up surrounded by nature and enjoy the tranquillity of the bush. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer road trip, our vans give you the freedom to explore the Tweed Coast and beyond at your own pace, discovering the beauty of this region in a truly unique way.
Looking ahead, do you have any exciting plans or new features you’re planning to add to your vans or services to make the experience even better for your customers?
Yes! We’re always looking for ways to make the van life experience even better for our customers, and one of the most exciting new services we’re now offering is One-Way Hires.
This option has been incredibly popular, especially for international and interstate travellers who want to explore more of Australia without having to loop back to their starting point.
A huge benefit of this service is that we also offer return-to-Tweed trips. Customers can join our database, and whenever we need a van brought back to the Tweed Coast after a One-Way Hire, they can do so for just one dollar per day plus insurance—making it an unbeatable deal for road trip lovers.
Right now, our one-way destinations include Melbourne, Sydney, Airlie Beach and Cairns, opening up even more opportunities for epic east coast adventures. Whether it’s a scenic coastal drive or an inland escape, we’re excited to give travellers more flexibility and affordability in experiencing van life.
If you could offer one piece of advice to other women who are considering starting their own businesses, especially in the travel or outdoor adventure sectors, what would it be?
My biggest piece of advice for other women looking to start their own business is to believe in yourself and offer a service that truly comes from the heart.
When your business is built on something you’re passionate about, it shines through in everything you do, and your customers will feel that authenticity. If you focus on creating the best possible experience for them, success will naturally follow.
At the same time, it’s important to be financially savvy and do your homework. The travel industry has seasonal highs and lows, so budgeting carefully and planning for those fluctuations is key to staying sustainable in the long run. Be smart with your finances, know your costs inside out and always keep an eye on ways to adapt and grow.
Most of all, don’t be afraid to take the leap. Running your own business is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding—especially when you see how your service helps others create amazing experiences and lifelong memories.
To book your next adventure please visit
www.goldcoastcampervanhire.com.au or call 0416 273 792.
Follow @goldcoastcampervanhire on social for all the fun and exciting van life adventures!
