Van Life Across Australia: Lessons in Confidence, Connection, and Crocodiles
When COVID hit, relationship coach Tzara Attwater made a bold decision that would change the trajectory of her life. Armed with just a jigsaw, some YouTube tutorials, and a vision, she converted a Toyota Hiace van into a mobile home and embarked on a two-and-a-half-year journey circumnavigating Australia. Her epic adventure wasn’t just about escaping lockdowns; it was a profound journey of self-discovery and rebuilding after heartbreak.
Photos Courtesy of Tzara Attwater
Tzara’s story begins with transformation—both of her van and herself. After a devastating end to a ten-year relationship where she walked in on her partner with a friend, she spent years healing and developing the tools that would eventually help others through similar situations. This personal trauma became the foundation for her work as a relationship development coach, specializing in helping people with anxious attachment styles find security and confidence in their connections with others.
The van conversion itself became a metaphor for rebuilding her life. Working with exhibition designers who had lost business during the pandemic, Tzara created innovative solutions for van living, including an outside-accessible sink designed to accommodate her 5’11” frame. Every detail was thoughtfully planned to support her independent lifestyle on the road. She describes packing up her home and moving into the van as “nerve-wracking,” a leap of faith that required tremendous courage.
Across Australia’s vast landscapes, Tzara encountered breathtaking natural wonders and dangerous wildlife. One of her most harrowing experiences happened when she unknowingly swam for days in crocodile-infested waters in the Northern Territories before other travelers alerted her to the danger. In another heart-stopping incident, she slipped and fell two and a half meters into a gorge, breaking her tibia and fibula. The seven-hour rescue operation involved stretcher-bearers navigating around death adder snakes before she was airlifted to Perth by the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Throughout her journey, Tzara continued coaching clients online, helping them navigate relationship challenges while she tackled physical and emotional challenges of her own. The adventure reinforced her core philosophy: “Our heartbeats are the greatest currency we have. What we choose to share our heartbeats on is what is of the greatest value.” This perspective was shaped by losing her mother at eight years old, an experience that instilled in her a deep appreciation for life’s brevity and the importance of creating meaningful experiences.
Her work as a relationship coach took on new dimensions through her solo travels. She developed resources for couples and singles alike, creating two ebooks featuring photographs from her Australian adventure: one offering 52 weekly creative date ideas for couples, and another suggesting 52 ways to meet someone in real life without dating apps. These practical tools reflect her belief that healthy relationships start with a healthy relationship to oneself. 
Tzara’s journey came full circle when she reconnected with a childhood friend she hadn’t seen in over 40 years, who happened to live in Perth and provided crucial support after her accident. This serendipitous connection underscored her belief in the importance of human kindness and resilience.
Now settling in Brisbane after completing her circumnavigation of Australia, Tzara continues to help clients transform their relationships by first transforming how they relate to themselves. Her story demonstrates that sometimes the path to healing and growth requires us to embrace adventure, test our limits, and trust ourselves—whether that means building a van, facing fears, or learning to love again after heartbreak.
