How to Find Travel Mates for the Kimberley While Touring Australia
Travelling the Kimberley? Learn how to safely connect with fellow caravan and 4WD travellers heading the same way using VanLife Connect.
The Situation
Emma and Dave have been on the road for six months.
They left Victoria in autumn and have slowly made their way across South Australia and into Western Australia. Along the way they’ve met dozens of fellow travellers through camp kitchen chats, shared sunset drinks and stories swapped over campfires.
And then — everyone rolls on. They always say, “Maybe we’ll cross paths again.” But rarely do.
Now they are camped just outside Broome, preparing for the Kimberley stretch. The Gibb River Road has been on their bucket list for years.
They are confident travellers. Well set up. Well prepared. Still, they know this leg is different. Long distances, rough roads, river crossings and patchy mobile coverage. They would feel better knowing who else is around them. Not strangers from a Facebook group. Not random posts lost in a feed. But real people they’ve already met on the road.
The Problem Before Travel Mates
Before using Travel Mates, staying connected meant:
• Exchanging phone numbers
• Trying to remember names
• Searching social media
• Hoping to bump into each other again
Most of the time, contact faded. They might pass each other on the highway without even knowing. The lifestyle was social — but fragmented.
Discovering Travel Mates
When Emma and Dave check in at their campground near Broome, they open the VanLife Connect app. They tap into Travel Mates
A clean map appears. It shows familiar faces — not random profiles, but people they’ve already met along the road.
The couple from Exmouth, the solo traveller they helped near Esperance, the family they shared a sunset with in Coral Bay. They’re all nearby.
Because Travel Mates keeps road connections alive — even after everyone rolls on.
The Outcome
By the time they reach El Questro, they’ve shared campfires again, built deeper friendships, travelled more confidently and reduced risk without losing freedom.
And when everyone eventually rolls in different directions, the connections don’t disappear. If paths cross again weeks later, they’ll know. Because Travel Mates keeps the road community connected — across distance and time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Travel Mates in VanLife Connect?
Travel Mates is a map-based connection feature designed for caravan and RV travellers.
It allows you to see familiar travellers nearby, reconnect with people you’ve met on the road, and stay connected as you continue travelling — even when you’re kilometres apart.
It is not a booking system and not a public noticeboard. It is a private connection layer built for life on the road.
How does Travel Mates work?
When you check in at a campground, Travel Mates:
• Displays travellers who are nearby
• Shows people you’ve previously connected with
• Allows mutual in-app messaging
• Lets you see who is around you — if they choose to be visible
You remain in control at all times.
Can everyone see my location?
No. You are always in control of your visibility.
Travel Mates only shows your presence when you choose to be visible. You can:
• Turn visibility on or off at any time
• Control who can see you
• Disconnect from other travellers
• Disable location sharing completely
Your exact campsite position or precise coordinates are not publicly displayed.
Location sharing is designed to show general proximity — such as being in the same campground or nearby area — not your exact spot.
VanLife Connect protects your privacy through:
• Opt-in location services
• In-app visibility controls
• Secure account authentication
• Block and report features
• Community moderation and monitoring
You can also disable background location access anytime through your device settings.
Travel independently. Share only what you’re comfortable sharing.
Do I need to share my phone number?
No. All communication happens securely inside the VanLife Connect app. You can chat privately without revealing your phone number, email address or social media details.
VanLife Connect protects your privacy through:
• In-app messaging only — no public contact details
• Profile visibility controls
• Block and report features
• Community moderation and safety monitoring
• Secure account authentication
Your personal contact details remain private unless you choose to share them.
You stay connected — without exposing your private information.
Is Travel Mates only for convoys?
No. Travel Mates can be used for:
• Meeting for a sunset or happy hour
• Sharing local tips
• Planning to leave camp at the same time
• Forming loose travel groups
• Staying connected across different routes
It works for short meetups or long-haul companionship.
Can I disconnect from someone?
Yes. You can:
• Remove connections
• Mute chats
• Block users
• Go invisible
• Disable Travel Mates completely
You are never locked into any connection.
Is Travel Mates free to use?
Yes. Travel Mates is completely free for all VanLife Connect users.
There are no subscription fees or connection charges.
Is Travel Mates safe?
Travel Mates is designed with:
• Mutual visibility controls
• In-app messaging
• Profile transparency
• Block and report features
• Community moderation
As with all travel, use common sense and meet in public areas first.
Travel Mates enhances connection — it does not remove personal responsibility.
What if I just want to travel independently?
That’s exactly the point. Travel Mates allows you to travel independently but never feel isolated.
Stay connected when you want to — and disappear when you don’t.
VanLife Connect is launching soon
We’re currently in development. Join the waitlist to be notified when the app is ready.
Public launch planned for May