The great Australian dream of hitting the open road with a caravan in tow is an adventure many of us over 60s either relish or aspire to. The freedom to explore the scenic routes of our vast country, with all the comforts of home following along on wheels, is an enticing prospect. However, as one caravanning family recently discovered, this dream can come with unexpected hazards, particularly when dealing with the fierce Australian sun.


This family of four, who have made a lifestyle out of sharing their epic travels around Australia, encountered a 'wild' moment that served as a stark reminder of the power of our sun. While enjoying the rugged beauty of the outback in Western Australia, they experienced near 40C heat that almost led to disaster.


The family had set up camp and placed a black flooring mat outside their caravan's door, a common practice among caravanners to keep the interior clean and to provide a comfortable outdoor living space. But the intense sunlight reflecting off their caravan door concentrated onto a small portion of the mat, causing it to begin smoldering. 'Just when we thought we had seen it all,' the couple shared in a video posted online, 'We had no idea that light could actually do this!'


In the video, the mother explains how her partner, Doug, noticed a burnt hole in the mat, realizing it was caused by a beam of light acting like a magnifying glass. The family was fortunate to have spotted the burning mat before leaving for the day, averting what could have been a catastrophic fire. 'Thank God we had noticed it before we went out for the day, or we could have come back to a burnt-down caravan,' they wrote.

Their video has since gone viral, with over 70,000 views across various social media platforms, and has sparked a conversation about the dangers of reflective surfaces in extreme heat. Many Aussies have described the incident as 'insane' and 'pretty wild,' with some sharing their own experiences of similar close calls. One person even mentioned how their mother's couch caught fire from the sun reflecting off a mirror inside their house.

This incident is a stark reminder that, while rare, the conditions in the Australian summer can create the 'perfect storm' for such a fire to occur. NSW firefighter Adam Dewberry has previously highlighted the importance of being aware of these dangers, especially on hot days with low humidity.


For our adventurous members who enjoy caravanning and camping, this story is a cautionary tale. It's essential to be vigilant about where you place items around your caravan and to consider the angle of the sun. Investing in heat reduction film, as one social media user suggested, or simply being mindful of reflective surfaces could save you from a similar scare.

The caravanning community is a resourceful bunch, often sharing hacks and tips to make life on the road smoother. From budget-friendly off-grid washing machines to the best Kmart products for extended trips, there's a wealth of knowledge to be tapped into. This family, who sold their house to travel full-time, is part of a growing legion of Aussies documenting their journey and offering insights into the costs and realities of life on the road.
So, dear members, let this story be a reminder to always be prepared and aware of your surroundings. And if you have any tips or experiences of your own to share, we'd love to hear them in the comments below. Your advice could very well save someone else from a 'scary' brush with danger. Stay safe out there, and happy travels!