Midlife Crisis and Byfield Exploration - 3 Day Camping Trip 2/2 

You greatly underestimate who you are Brett. I get that this is "the crisis", just remember it is a crisis and in the middle of it is not time to make lifetime decisions. It will pass. Like another commenter said - you are on par with Malcolm Douglas, Leyland Bros - Ronny is great for those that are into gear and how they look, but you are the real deal. I don't know how you harness that, but that is who you are - and that is fantastic.

Campsite reviews, trail and track reviews, even equipment. People would watch you over Andrew SPW who comes over kinda pompous and condescending. You know more than you think you do about life out in the sticks and no one expects you to be a walking encyclopedia. Also... retirement? I'm 62 and even if I wanted to retire, I'm Zimbabwean and there's no chance of that ever happening. I honestly think you can build this channel into something much bigger because you're honest, calm and non-judgemental. A lot of viewers will take that over the brashness and noise out there. You could do tag-alongs. You proved that by doing the Outback solo. If you don't like the idea of short two-week trips, guide the foreign overlanders from overseas who're doing year-long trips. Give yourself more credit! You make excellent films. Hell, if I was gonna drive across Australia, I'd pick you as a guide over any of the others out there.

Sometimes I wish I was a millionaire so I could just hire people like yourself to do what they love. Great video mate 👍👍

I’d pay to take 4x4 and overlanding lessons from someone like you, and also for 4x4 tours in a convoy led by someone like you. So many people have capable stock 4WDs that never leave the cities and they’d probably want to tour somewhere regional/remote but only if they had a guide like you. The tour guide thing still allows you to travel around Australia and make films, but you do have to put up with people!

G'day Brett. I went thru the same thought process as yourself a few yrs back. I wasn't happy with the go to work, go home, pay the mortgage, etc, etc lifestyle that we are supposedto want... Since I was a 19yr old ( I'm a bit older now 🤣 ). Every time I headed out bush, I never wanted to return home. I have since changed my life. My mates thought I was mad. Now they look at my life with envy. So what have I done? I followed my heart. I bought a cheap 2nd hand caravan. Got myself a road train license. ( it's not exactly a hard job physically ). I stop and work for a bit when I need some cash and travel when ever I feel like it. Sometimes filming on RU-vid, sometimes not. Mainly for the purpose of documenting my travels. There is always work as a truck driver. And you would be surprised how well it pays. Longest I've worked in the past 8 yrs is 6 months a yr. Normally I work around 4 months a yr and float around travelling the rest. COVID-19 hasn't effected my travels in Australia at all. Last Dec I left FNQ and went through the NT, SA, VIC, ACT, NSW & back into QLD over a 6 months spread. Right now I'm in outback QLD and heading thru NT and into WA. I finished working the cane season about 2 weeks ago and might look at driving road trains in the mines when I get to WA in a few months.. see how energetic I feel. When I want to do trips just in the patrol. I store the caravan at a caravan park ( storing is quite cheap ) and head off into the bush. Just me and the patrol. I Think of work as a means to an end. It's all about travel for me. Never about, " I love my job". Or I want a career. Could not think of a worse life, than to live in bricks and mortar and say, gee's "I've got a wonderful career". Being a lawyer or gardener, or what ever. That's what I call existing. Might as well put me in jail. Because that's what it feels like to me. Anyway that's my 2 cents worth. Hope it helps.

Dont worry about where you think you should be. I've spent 50 years doing the right thing and I watch your adventures with envy. Focus on what brings you joy mate. I was 38 yesterday...it rolls quickly.

I think you've answered your own question about what you can do. You have so many skills already, you could do short tag along tours with maybe 2 or 3 vehicles and combine / teach your knowledge of basic off road driving ( to others not saying you're basic! ] wildlife, nature, places of interest, bush mechanics, photography, film making, map reading, how to use tech stuff etc..... There are so many people who have 4X4's but don't use them and many older people who don't understand sat navs etc, and would probably love to share your knowledge and learn stuff from us old buggers at the same time!

Sounds like you’ve lost your way a little Brett…your videos are down to earth , you don’t have or need all the fancy bits and pieces all these other channels have. You have a lot more realistic and simplistic view with your travels and adventures. Your videography is just as good and as interesting as any others just a different style, a style I LIKE AND ENJOY !!

Brett listen to your viewer’s you are one of the best on RU-vid. Glad your back.

probably late to the party but i find your videos so insightful and your ability to capture the rugged and unique australian landscapes through your lense and stories second to none

Thanks Brett ..... great to have your refreshing style back

Love your work mate. 👍👍

Love ur videos. Always inspiring. Thanks!

Amazing content as always Brett. Keep up the good work

Hello Roaming The Outback! Thank you for showing me a nice video! I really enjoyed it! That's great! Thank you for sharing! Best regards in the future!

Good to see your back great stuff an looks like your loving the top tent

Nice one Brett looks like a great spot 👍

Fantastic,I really enjoyed this 2 part trip, has been a while but you still have it, one of my most fav channels on youtube hope it not to long before we see another, cheer's and take care :)

Great job mate. Love watching your channel! Thanks

Another great video!

I agree with Benny mate. Keep up the good work.

Glad your back.

So good to see you back.

Good for you young felah,l'm at the stage of this journey where my body is starting to give up,that's fine as long as l can still drive me landy.

Good video and wonderful trip...your videos are genuine and your content is very valuable as it used to be over years.

Life will lead the way. Have spent many years hours pondering what to do when employment runs its course or duration. You have many life skills and an amazing rig and home on wheels. I have always admired your film making and documentary footage.

I’ll share the screenshot I have on my ipad Lock Screen. It reads - Travel while you’re got your health. Don’t wait until you’re too old to enjoy it. Don’t stress about the money. Just make it work however you can. No one ever wishes for more money in their last days, But experiences and memories are priceless .

Thanks for putting the map on this time, Australia is such a big place I can never quite work out where you are.

I certainly hope it improves for u brett...i loved your videos they were very well done ..u have a real flair for capturing the true camp experience on film...look forward to your next trip...and remember mate lots of little steps add up to a wonderfull journey..and your loyal subscibers will be right there with u mate.

I am about the same age and went down the buy a house road. But now it's hard to travel and see Australia. Do what feels right and have fun.

Great video Brett.. looks like an awesome weekender, don't stress about tomorrow, your videos are entertaining and informative. Everyone has their style, yours is relaxing and easy to watch. Short weekenders keep your channel ticking along while getting you out there. That's what it's about. Thanks for sharing.

There are quite a few Aussie travel channels out there! Sailing la vagabonde and Scotty's gone walkabouts come to mind straight away! I feel you are arnt giving yourself enough credit... I loved your videos a few years back and you posting videos again has re inspired me to finish my campervan so I can go and travel! Your options are unlimited my friend!

Wish you well in whatever you decide to do. Many people change career at your age. With you determination and attitude I’m sure you will succeed at whatever you put your mind to.

Hey Mate, I hear you. I'm now in my 60s and I started my channel less than a year ago after I had a life change about 4 years ago and started my own business in Comms and IT. The reason I watch your channel is because you are doing what I, and many others would love to do. Not everyone wants to, or can afford to test their vehicle to the limit just for the fun of it. Most of us just need to get away and have an experience in the outdoors and whith that in mind I'm now planning some trips to locations that I learned about from you. If I were you I wouldn't care what the younger people are doing with their videos. You are appealing to a different and somewhat greater audience. Keep doing what you love! Constantly improve what you are doing, and it may all come together. That's what I believe.

Nothing wrong with doing what your doing full time. You can make it work with Passion mate. Have to start somewhere and time will make it bigger.. Hope to catch you in the outback one day. Cheers

I just love your videos and your open and honest approach . What about doing a bit of tourism, say take a couple of folks with you, teach some camping skills, stop off at cool little towns, restaurants, then off into the bush for a night, take them to some cool scenic spots. You could get a trailer for gear. I had a friend who was in a similar position to yourself and this is what he did and made a great success of it.

You make some fantastic videos, I have enjoyed them and am happy to see you back making them. Sometimes the money isn't the most important thing...have to be happy. Anyway, cheers to you and best of wishes.

Every person around their 40s goes through the same thinking process. It is like you stop and re access you life so far which is normal. You are actually transitioning into your new season so give it time and new things will emerge. It is ok to feel at a loose end it is normal and we all go through it.

You'd be an excellent tag-along bloke.Very easy going,knowledgable enough ,and great to watch.I don't watch anyone else,can't stand infomercials I'd definitely do a tag along with you. I do understand though,i'm in my mid 40s' and have encountered a chronic health condition which inhibits my ability to work.I can still work,it won't kill me but it's bloody painful. Nothing is ever easy it seems

hey man great vid gotta agree with benny you realy do underestimate yourself love your vids and really do think you doing a flora and fauna videos would be awesome hope you know that your videos really do inspire us and others cant wait for the next one

Hey Brett, your content is great! I really like to see the places you visit, the added history brings the place alive! Travel is about the things you see, not how “gnarly” the track is.

Life will keep serving up different flavours. Honesty with ourselves comes with age and I reckon you'll do alright 👍

Its funny I'm feeling the same (37) and watching you just get off your ass and getting out there makes me feel like I'm missing things as well ;) But look at where you are, what your experiencing up there, its pretty magical, thanks for sharing it. The question about happiness is a difficult one, because if you had a house you wouldn't travel as much potentially, and you may find yourself hating it or stuck feeling.

Hi Brett, My family has just discovered your channel and we absolutely love it. We’ve watched a lot of 4WD/nature shows and yours is our favourite. The content, your presentation and filming are excellent and we appreciate your passion and sincerity. We wish you all the best and can’t wait to see your next adventure. Thank you for sharing them.

Your knowledge of plants in the bush sounds fascinating… maybe dedicated videos and training courses…. Keep at it because your journeys are great. You’ve taught me more about the bush than all the Aussie 4wd channels…

We can relate to everything you're saying. The same worries and wonders go through our heads. For us, the path forward is many irons in the fire. You can do this. Consistency on YT is important, but it takes so long to become enough that part time work of several kinds may help you to keep going. I could rattle on what we do, but it may or may not be helpful. Feel free to ask away. We're doing it and keeping it going. Keep at it mate and you'll continue to grow YT/Patreon. Stay true to yourself, your style of videos and creating what you want to create. Cheers, Tim

Brett you make amazing content . you can see the way the youtube algorithm works ..you coulds split this video into 3 parts . more videos more traffic more chances for you to keep creating

TAG'A'LONG'TOURS! Big MONEY!

Great to hear someone keeping it real mate. I think many who have hit your stage can relate to what you have shared here. Great to see people encourage and share their thoughts and advice. If you are willing there will always be something worthwhile for you to do and learn. I think your niche is good with the vids (as others have mentioned) and best not to be swayed by what others are doing. when you stick to what you are into it shows out and works. Besides work/making a living you could definitley continue to 'scale' what you are doing and it will organically grow.. You never know what (or who) is around the corner mate, if you did it would be pretty bloody boring anyway.

Mate, I really do miss your stories so I hope you get back, if that's how journey goes. 🙂

Hi Brett great to see you out and about again, hope all works out well for you in what you decide to do, im on the ROAMING THE OUT BACK ADVENTURE TOURS. ban wagon, small groups of people that just want to see some new places in this awesome country, tag along tour. Don't under estimate your skills mate, you make great honest and interesting videos with none of the bias crap and BS that some other blokes put out. Hope I catch you on the tracks some day mate. Book me in !😀👍

overloading school / guide , bush trips , expedition tours , bush mechanic school , .... im sure you will put something together I felt the same when I hit 40, and asked myself the same questions, the truth is thats life too short to worry about these things, loosing both my parents close together really put life into perspective ... all the best mate ..

I think you would make a great expedition planner and leader

The "mid life crisis" is so over-rated, when you get through it and make a decision which way you want to go next, you just get on with it. I really miss the travelling to remote areas and some of the places you have been, but don't regret having made a change. When you look back you just have to remember the decision/s you made back then were the ones that made the most sense at the time, so no regrets. Love what you bring.

Bloody good to see you again. You’ve got the support from me with your video making and content, your style is informative and relaxing. As you’ve said, yes they’re are lots of younger people making RU-vid videos, but 90% would be of BS content. Keep plodding along, see how you go, maybe do shorter films of local, closer regions. You’ll be terribly missed if you pulled the pin. Try a new style of 4x4 self drive tours, you’d be surprised at the amount of people who are keen to pay for guidance on off road trails. Keep up with your fantastic work 😎

Sometimes you have to loose your self to find who you really are brother

An honest video....but honest doesn't make it these days.....in any space you can't dabble..you have to be fully into it and committed...good luck

Great video Brett, have been enjoying your adventures for years and we are all somewhat restricted in some way at the moment. RU-vid itself has changed in many ways since we both started as you know. Views are more difficult and the algorithm doesn’t favour us as you suggest with all the flashy ‘ADHD’ filmmaking styles as you put it. And yet I keep going back and watching Les Hiddins and the Leylands and Malcolm Douglas and Jack Absalom because that style of documentary is timeless and what inspired all us travelling Aussies. I do appreciate the sheer time and effort that kind of quality requires and it is evident in all your film work. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve watched your Googs track vid, for example. We will get to CQ early next year and do some collaborative videos mate. I’m planning already 👍 Cheers. Warren.

1) Every body makes it. 2) "Not all who wander are lost" - JRR Tolkein 3) The most important thing is good health.

Keep thinking Brett,hopefully you can find an ideal opportunity for yourself before you reach my age,and still don't know.I just keep working,in this environment at the moment I'm grateful for employment,even though I don't enjoy it.Best wishes🙂

It does get quite lonely at times on one & nobody else in sight As i have been there also start talking to myself its good to start driving to a different location to break boring times.

Brett you make excellent videos. Sincerity! that is what I am seeing of you from your videos. I have always enjoyed your videos. Traveller RU-vidr is not really cutting market in Australia I noticed that. I'm not an Aussie but have lived in Australia and travel the outback here and there. If I could suggest something, you have lots of bushcraft experience, maybe videos about universal camping-travelers tips in general would catch eyes worldwide? Anyway, thanks for the entertainment you have provided me. One feedback if you allow, unless a person has lived in Australia, the wording used in your titles are not necessarily the words universally used on RU-vid by camping travelers, thus could be the reason your videos not being picked by the mysterious YT algorithm.

Loving having ya channel back active, I too have a channel, love the extended clips, not the a,d,d style as you put it. You should go the nomad style and slower paced and do 1 vid per week. Your channel will grow you are niche. Great Job! Don't get down on yaself. Legend

Hi You could become a land surveyor, this job is always in different places, I'm doing it for about 5 years now and I'm pretty happy about the non-stop adventure that's coming with this job. UAV pilots who do areal surveys have fun as well. Good luck with any way you choose)

On these short trips you might be able to document the campsites and NP you visit, showing what they are like "like this is a video of campsites 1-10 at blah NP", could be a paid service? Overland bound in the states started a community around that, a local version would be cool. I'd love to view places before booking them for camping, or just get an idea of what to expect.

Mate so glad you got to have a think about things and ponder at 5 rocks I am of similar age and that place does the same to me every time I go there Do yourself a favour and go there again with a clear head you might find some clarification:)

Love your work mate ...travel guyed .take people on camp tours ?

It would be interesting to see you turn the defender in the a full time living arrangement. Just an idea.

Hey mate, when I was a kid I used to watch Les Hiddins, The Bush Tucker Man. I loved his Perentie and the places he used to go. In fact I still watch his episodes even now. He is a source of inspiration and influenced my life dramatically. Have you considered something like bush tucker? It would enable travel but with a reason beyond film-making ...also, the kids of today need a new Bush Tucker Man ;) (Just some 'food' for thought)

Mate what a video. Love your honesty and reflection. In terms of film-making I think you do more on nature than the other channels I’ve seen. Think David Attenborough in Australia plus Defender porn and home-grown overlanding. Ronny Dahl has a superb channel, his angle is really making the most of Aus with his mates, it’s all about having a laugh and adventures with his mates. Poor ASPW doesn’t have any mates, he seems perpetually disappointed with Australia and was probably at his peak with his Africa videos, superb stuff but he seems lost these days and all the expensive vehicle builds don’t really make up for the empty space where his passion for the landscapes used to be. Ironically expensive vehicle builds are pretty inaccessible to most of us and “home made” overland vehicle builds such as your own are actually far more interesting because they are do-able for the average person. If I were you I would look more at Grizzly ‘n’ Bear who are currently in Aus (and have a GORGEOUS Defender) and manage to squeeze every last bit of joy out of everywhere they go - great channel. But you definitely come across as more nature-oriented and I think that could be your niche. Been watching your stuff for many years and it feels like you are maybe only just getting into your stride. The younger generation is passionate about nature and the planet as it’s their future, they have skin in the game. So I’d go for that audience if I were you. That’s my tuppence worth anyway, as we say here in Blighty.

Don’t think to much just enjoy nothing works out how you plan just remember not matter what we all do nobody gets out alive enjoy

I believe you would make an excellent off-road scout/tour guide. You could guide a few vehicles to areas providing food and equipment as well as recovery if needed. I do my off-roading in the US so flying there and being able to rent a fully adventure capable vehicle with a second vehicle as a guide would be worth paying for.

Wow, where does one start? You don't believe in yourself, is the negative. Now for the positives: You have a tremendous body of work on YT which is probably better and more "real" than most YT channels and up there with the two you mention. Differing subject matter but just as good for content. Wildlife/remote documentary style content is a HUGE business so that negative you mentioned is out. You have a good eye for photography as well. Need I say more. Keep up the great work, very enjoyable.

Love your videos! My 2 cents as a 66-year-old in the USA is to (1) have some sort of home base, even if just a garage and sleeping/cooking area; (2) try to have passive income streams (for me it has been book writing and publishing); and (3) if you are working at something, make sure you are passionate about it. Frankly, it is hard for me to imagine you working in an office! Wish you all the best.

Hey Brett, you’re one of my favourite RU-vid channels for Australian touring content. Really enjoy how you speak and present your videos. I’m the type of viewer that plays your videos and just listens to them more than actually watching. I often play your RU-vid videos while doing things around the house and especially on my travels out of town through the speakers. I find your content helps inspire my imagination of your trips but also trips I plan to do myself. I’d definitely think utilising your existing content and producing just audio for use on Spotify would be unreal. You’re a great story teller, I think producing audio content for listeners like myself would be a great way to expand your reach and also maybe something new to inspire yourself to make new audio content? Maybe you could try producing a short series retelling your adventures as a podcast and use audio from your videos to help with the realism. “Roaming The Outback Podcast” definitely has a great ring to it mate, I’d be keen to listen to 5mins - 60mins episodes on Spotify. It’s what I do already but with your RU-vid playing… something to think about. Cheers, Shae

Mate, try the Aus solo Graham Cahill thing, short trips, nothing hectic documenting and videoing different trips. You appear interesting and knowledgable on camera. I'll be keeping an eye out.

Mate just keep doing what your doing and do it your way, you have your own style so don't feel like you have to do what other channels do. You have over 25,000 followers so that's saying something! Maybe just try get a video out weekly if possible. Tyler Thompson has a couple of interesting videos explaining how RU-vid works with the income etc, mentions how you just have to consistently upload content.

Brett, I am 63 years old now, an I am glad to say that your videos I do look forward to with delight, they are just so raw an that is what makes them so good 👍 work wise I was a truckie it was a hard job but I have a great wife an 5 kids done the job for 32years that an a deck hand on prawn boats out of QUEENSLAND have a look at that kind of work, I think that it maybe your way of life as well, Stay safe an remember that alot of us love your life style and the old black dog can be a real bitch.

57 and still searching. Spent most of my life on the move.

Don't stress it. I'm certain that touring around Oz will be back on early in the new year 2022. You pondered on some interesting points - I reckon do a semi nomad thing - do all the harder touring/exploring now while you have your health, fitness and strength. Office work....who are you trying to kid? Hahahahaha :-) You would go troppo after a while - if anything, look for work in garden centres/wholesalers or camping themed retail outlets - maybe even four wheel drive centres. Personally I think you'd be an asset for a 4 wheel drive place. You need casual work - save half for traveling and half for a house down the track - real estate in small country towns is do-able and without knowing you personally, I think that would be more up your alley than in the 'burbs. I 100% agree with Brown Moyondizvo - keep traveling and keep vlogging. If it wasn't for covid, your channel would have way more subs than at the moment - it takes time but in 5 years the money you might make from youtube could cover your travel expenses. Some channels explode and others are a slow burn but if you stick at it, it will happen and I think you have good content. I don't own a 4 wheel drive and never have - and I can't see myself ever going where you go BUT I really enjoy it that you do and I get to see these places through you and I, like many of your viewers appreciate that.

mate, I've been in the same place as you albeit a few years older. At some point we do need to figure out the end game, but, it's also worth getting out and doing things when you still can instead of when you are old and broken. It's a tough decision to make, and only you can make it yourself. You'll need to figure out whats real important to you. You're lucky enough to have a wonderful country to tour around in. I dont know how the trades work down there, but here I kinda comprmised. I travel around 6-7 months a year working 12 hour shifts 6-7 days a week, and then I get the rest of the time off. it allows me to go out for months and do whatever, but then social life is destroyed once you head back on the road for work. Not a great trade for growing a household or relationship. Anyhow, I hope you figure it out. You've always been a inspiration for me to get out and travel. I love your cinematography, keep it up!

We are coming into a new world - ask what are your passions? What are you good at? What do people need that you can help them with? Are you good with your hands? I have watched many of your video's, You have a talent, You are a loner ( like me), there is an advantage with that.. I enjoyed listening to your talk, many here think the same as you... Have you thought about station work?

being a full time nomad with the ability to document one's journey on youtube would be totally awesome.. but how to fund that.. i've no idea. by the way, that sanger looked delicious. i enjoy your casual content. good luck.

Exclusive accompanied tours or "training tours" seem a good bet ?

*Tag-along-tours* seems (on first glance) to be an excellent direction/opportunity, your delivery on local features, bush tucker and legends is captivating, why not combine your passion for the great outdoors with the opportunity to showcase the remote areas to novices?

Your travel videos are excellent. Forget about those creative youngsters who make films for, well, youngsters. Whatever you decide, do something you are passionate about. Whilst I don't know the market there, there must be something in outdoor tourism you can do. The fact that you have created a successful RU-vid channel will distinguish you from the average job applicant. Good luck with whatever you decide on.

Hey Brett, did your 3 day get-away help recharge the batteries? Watching both of your Byfield videos was so relaxing and informative, next best thing to being there myself. Thanks

Tag along could be a goer

You should check out field days, he is in Western Australia and makes some fun videos like yours.

You're an excellent film maker Brett, have you thought about hiring yourself out for other peoples travels where you tag along and film? You'll get to combine your talent as a film/documentary maker and travel. Win win situation. ATB Jason.

Set up a commercial operation doing tours of the outback, once you're up & running you can employ other guides to lead expeditions as well, so you're not doing it all yourself, and you can assume the role of Director. If there are some skills gaps you're uneasy about (can't think what they are, as yr a very practical fella from these films who can turn your hand to almost anything on these expeditions you make personally) - then get on with it & fill them. Stop procrastinating. One of Oz's key tourist assets is its interior territory, & there's a large market of people willing to pay good money for led expeditions to see it, & you can make a worthwhile career from it. Once the outfit is up and running other commercial ops will come along, like film companies hiring you to help them work out there, etc. 40 isn't old by any means, & you still have a lot of life left before you, but it's time to make your run & commit to something, & not wool-gather about it, as the sun's Westerly of you now.

Hey mate. Should do a update video. On how you are traveling and any changes you have made.

Remember mate, if you are still keen on the tag along trips or tours I'm happy to give you a hand and come along on the first trip to help out.

Your knowledge of the bush and Australia should be shared. Have you thought about tag along tours? Tourists pay big dollars for an Aussie outback experience. I've worked in an industry where I've seen tourists that come here and pay massive money for a short stay in the bush. I wish you well

Hey Brett buy a house still cheap ones around like Kingaroy nice town get a good home for around $200.000 That’s your security and when paid off you can travel when you want don’t need to work 40 hours.

Thought about swinging a detector mate ? That's something that has a strong interest on YT.

Had a thought, why not get your ticket to drive the big rigs. Road Trains. You know the roads and its not a desk job and will get out of the cities :) Any ways, stay safe, stay sane and wait this out. It too will pass.

What about a job as a 4WD tour guide/overland instructor for how to setup a vehicle for extended travel?

Just do what you can now, you never know what tomorrow might bring, as for me 55 and I'm quitting my job and driving round the world for 5 years.

56 and still figuring it out, don’t stop now. Have you considered touring in a van?