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Gregory Lamothe
gregory@detournz.comI travelled around Australia in a van for over a year. The country has no secrets for me! I’ll be delighted to help you plan your trip here.
Gregory Lamothe
gregory@detournz.comExperience:
Over 15 years of experience in the Australian tourism industry.
Recommendation::
"The West Coast of Australia remains my favourite — it’s a truly unique region."
"I come from a small village, Mont-St-Guibert, located about 40 km from Brussels in Belgium."
When did you arrive in Oceania?"I have been living in Oceania since 2008, after spending two years travelling through Australia and New Zealand."
What was your first impression of Australia?"Actually, on my very first night in Sydney, I met my girlfriend — who is now my wife and the mother of our two children. So yes, I immediately thought that Australia was a pretty amazing place!"
What do you miss most about France?"Definitely my family. That’s the hardest part of living so far away, even though I try to visit as often as possible, and my mother has already come to visit several times."
Three things that are often underestimated in Australia?Distances: We know Australia is big, but it’s even bigger than you might imagine. Plan extra time for driving and make frequent stops — it’s a great opportunity to discover some incredible places.
Asian influence: The Asian community is very present in the major cities, and its cultural influence is significant. You’ll find fantastic Asian restaurants offering authentic dishes you rarely see back home.
Western Australia: This region is far less touristy than the East Coast, but in my opinion, it’s where you’ll discover the true, wild, and authentic Australia.
What’s your favourite activity in Australia?"I’ve been lucky enough to experience a wide variety of activities across Australia, but visiting the crocodiles has left a lasting impression. Seeing such a prehistoric animal in its natural habitat is truly awe-inspiring."
What’s your favourite region in Australia?"I know I’m repeating myself, but the area between the Northern Territory and Western Australia is simply breathtaking. I highly recommend taking a 4WD adventure through the Kimberley — it’s stunning. Further south, you can also explore a coral reef just a few steps from the beach, much less touristy and far more accessible than its famous counterpart. On top of that, the locals are incredibly welcoming — I wholeheartedly recommend visiting this region."
Virginie Piquera
voyages@detournz.comI lived in Australia for about 3 years and did a lot of road trips across the country—east coast, west coast, from north to south—by van or car. I'd be happy to share my experience to help you plan your future trip to Australia.
Virginie Piquera
voyages@detournz.comExperience:
Ten years of experience in tourism in Australia, after spending a few years living there, between Perth and Sydney.
Recommendation::
Discovering the Red Centre is a unique, unforgettable experience, set in a wild and awe-inspiring natural landscape.
I'm originally from Lisses, a small town in Essonne, just a few kilometers south of Paris.
Ten years ago. I spent three years traveling around Australia, then Fiji, before finally settling down in Auckland, New Zealand.
Sun! Sun! Sun! A laid-back lifestyle, just as you'd imagine. I arrived with my backpack in Perth, in Western Australia, and found life there particularly pleasant. I found Australians to be welcoming and truly very kind. The wildlife is incredible, and the landscapes are breathtaking.
And did I mention the sun? 🙂
Now that I have my little family in New Zealand, my (extended) family is definitely what I miss the most. Cheese comes in a close second 😃
- Western Australia! A gem! A jewel of Australia, often overlooked in favor of the more popular East Coast, which is also beautiful.
The West is wild, raw, and majestic.
- The flies! In summer, don’t underestimate the flies and be sure to bring a head net. Not very glamorous, but definitely useful!
- The very (very) long distances. Trust us when we advise taking more time for certain journeys — you don’t always realize how far things are, but the distances are huge! There are three time zones in Australia, which gives you an idea of the country's size.
Hard to pick just one:
- Snorkeling to see the incredible coral of the Great Barrier Reef and the fascinating marine life — turtles, rays, and colorful fish. It’s absolutely stunning.
- Skydiving at Mission Beach — the view was breathtaking, and the beach landing was unforgettable.
- Taking road trips through the vast and majestic nature.
I am torn between the West Coast and the Red Centre, where the famous Uluru rock is — an emblem of Australia and the heart of Aboriginal culture.
Western Australia is vast — you drive for long distances in absolute peace, between red land and crystal-clear waters bordered by white sand. The contrast is striking.
The Red Centre is raw, unique, historic, isolated — the desert landscapes of red lands stretching as far as the eye can see are fascinating. It feels like the edge of the world, right in the heart of this wide land down under!
Stephane Courtine
stephane@detournz.comAustralia is a place full of amazing surprises — no matter the season! Whether you're spending a few days in Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane, or heading off on a longer campervan road trip, there’s always something incredible to experience.
Stephane Courtine
stephane@detournz.com- Campervan experience in Australia
I’ve travelled across Australia several times with my family in vans and motorhomes, so I’m here to help you plan your trip and avoid any bumps along the way!
Recommendation::
Stick with campervans for the East Coast, and go for more self-contained motorhomes if you’re heading into the Outback or along the wild West Coast.
I was born in Caen, in Normandy, but I grew up in a little village near Montpellier, in the south of France. I’ve even kept my southern accent — and I’m proud of it!
When did you arrive in Oceania?I landed here in 2007! It was right in the middle of the global financial crisis — finding a job back then was like searching for a needle in a haystack!
What was your first impression of Australia?I arrived in spring... and it rained non-stop for five days! Honestly, I thought I’d ended up back in Normandy. But once the skies cleared, I discovered the beautiful beaches and the relaxed Aussie lifestyle — and I never looked back.
What do you miss most about France?Family and friends, of course — but right behind them is the food! Good wine, cheese, charcuterie, regional dishes, pastries... Shall I keep going? And let’s not forget how easy it is to get around in France!
Three underrated things about Australia?The distances: Everything looks close on a map... but trust me, plan for double the time you think you’ll need!
The language: Even if you speak good English, the Aussie accent can be tough to crack at first. Good luck!
The wildlife: It’s not just kangaroos and koalas — you might spot camels, platypuses, giant bats, wombats, and so many more fascinating creatures.
What’s your favourite activity in Australia?I love hopping on my bike and exploring new trails. Tasmania is an absolute dream for mountain biking — stunning landscapes, a bit of history to soak up, and incredible local food and wine to enjoy along the way.
Your favourite region/city in Australia?I have a real soft spot for Melbourne. It’s such a lively, welcoming city with so much to do — beautiful architecture, great cafés, bars, and restaurants everywhere. It’s full of energy and good vibes!
Ariane Keys
ariane@detournz.comI've lived in several foreign countries (Canada, Italy), but I moved to New Zealand 14 years ago. Over these past 14 years, I've taken several trips to Australia — a fascinating country that I absolutely love and continue to explore.
Ariane Keys
ariane@detournz.comExperience
I've lived in several foreign countries (Canada, Italy), but I moved to New Zealand 14 years ago. Over these past 14 years, I've taken several trips to Australia — a fascinating country that I absolutely love and continue to explore.
Recommendation:
I particularly love Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road. For families, I highly recommend the Sunshine Coast, north of Brisbane, where the weather is beautiful all year round.
I'm originally from Montpellier.
When did you move to Oceania?I lived in New Caledonia for a year over 20 years ago. I returned to Oceania 14 years ago and settled in New Zealand, where I now live with my partner and our three children.
What was your first impression when you discovered Australia?My first impression was of a vast, stunning country with cool, relaxed people.
What do you miss the most about France?Of course, I miss my family the most — but also croissants, a good baguette, and some delicious goat cheese.
Name three underrated things about Australia.Depending on the region, you can enjoy sunshine pretty much all year round. There’s an endless number of stunning beaches to discover. And Australians have an incredible passion for food — the culinary diversity is amazing. Honestly, I've had meals in Italian restaurants in Melbourne that were just as good as what I ate when I lived in Italy.
What's your favorite activity in Australia?I particularly love hiking. Australia has so many incredible national parks and fantastic hikes in every state.
What's your favorite city or region in Australia?I'd say Melbourne and Sydney are amazing for shopping, restaurants, and urban culture. Around Brisbane (Sunshine and Gold Coast), it’s perfect for beach activities, snorkeling, and big theme parks for kids. The zoo there is also fantastic.
Jeremy Fafra
jeremy@detournz.com"I’ve done lots of road trips, both short and long, all along the East Coast and in Tasmania."
Jeremy Fafra
jeremy@detournz.comExperience
A passionate explorer of Australia through numerous van trips (solo, as a couple...) and motorhome adventures with family, with a special love for Tasmania.
Recommendation:
"After exploring so many different parts of Australia, Tasmania remains my peaceful haven — an island with raw, authentic beauty that’s an absolute must-see."
"I'm from a small village called Richelle, near Visé, in the Liège region of Belgium."
When did you move to Oceania?"I’ve discovered Australia through many trips over the years."
What was your first impression when you discovered Australia?"My first experience of Australia was shaped by the vastness of the landscapes and the unique light. Discovering the local wildlife, so different from what I was used to, was also a striking moment."
Name three underrated things about Australia."When it comes to often overlooked aspects of Australia:
- The diversity of landscapes goes far beyond beaches and the Outback — there are rainforests, mountain ranges, and so much more.
- Aboriginal culture, with its deep history and traditions, is incredibly rich and often underestimated.
- The food and wine scene is far more sophisticated than people realize, with amazing local produce and incredible culinary creativity."
"Without a doubt, swimming at the Great Barrier Reef. The beauty and diversity of the marine life there are absolutely breathtaking."
What's your favorite city or region in Australia?"My favorite would definitely be Tasmania, for its unspoiled natural landscapes, and Hobart for its unique charm and atmosphere."
Gregoire Sieuw
gregoire@detournz.comHaving traveled extensively around the world, Australia remains my favorite destination. I go back several times a year to discover new regions.
Gregoire Sieuw
gregoire@detournz.comExperience
"I often go on van trips with my partner across Australia, which feels like a real change of scenery compared to New Zealand, where we live."
Recommendation:
"If you’re visiting Sydney, make sure to stay at least three days to fully enjoy this amazing city. Leave your vehicle behind — public transportation is very easy to use."
"I'm originally from the small town of Comines-Warneton in Belgium, right on the French border — that's where all my family comes from!"
When did you move to Oceania?"I've been living in New Zealand for ten years now. During that time, I've crossed the Tasman Sea several times to visit Australia, either for city breaks or to explore its stunning nature by van."
What was your first impression when you discovered Australia?"The light! An endless sky so vast it seems to swallow the land, incredibly intense colors, and an immediate feeling of space and absolute freedom."
What do you miss most about Belgium?"Without a doubt, my family — and like most expats will tell you, the amazing food!"
Name three underrated things about Australia."The wine — often underestimated, especially by the French. It’s not better or worse than French wine; it’s just different, and definitely worth trying. The deserted beaches of Western Australia — still largely overlooked, mostly because of the geographical distance, as it takes several hours to fly there from the more popular East Coast.
The Grampians — often overshadowed by the Great Ocean Road, but absolutely stunning for hiking and discovering Aboriginal culture."
What's your favorite activity in Australia?"Snorkeling around Ningaloo Reef, where you can swim with whale sharks — without the crowds!"
What's your favorite city or region in Australia?"I have to admit, I have a real soft spot for Sydney. I love this city! Its architecture is beautiful, public transport is super easy to use, and there are so many vibrant, charming neighborhoods to explore. Of course, Australia has so much more to offer beyond Sydney, but it’s definitely my favorite city!"
