ABOUT US

AS THEY SAY: YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE and WHEN YOU DO IT RIGHT

ONCE IS ENOUGH

22 years on the road (2004-2026) Total 661000 KM

We are a Dutch couple who moved to Australia 45 years ago and have been dreaming of traveling the world in an off-road vehicle. Between 1982 and 2004, we covered approximately 440,000 km throughout Australia, We love the deserts, remote places, beautiful scenery, bush camping, and campfires. After many years of discussing the possibility of a world trip, we decided to semi-retire and start our global journey.

Between 2004 and August 2026, we traveled 661000 km,

2004-2020

We have travelled a long way — and not always through the easy parts of the world. These were not always holidays.

At times they were enormous logistical gambles — thousands of kilometres from home, crossing borders, deserts, mountains and some of the most politically complicated regions on Earth.

Our overland journey began in Australia and took us across Africa, from East to West and North to South, before continuing the Middle East. the sub-continent — India–Nepal–Pakistan–Iran and into Mongolia (via Russia). From Mongolia we pushed south and east through China, Tibet and South-East Asia, eventually reaching Singapore .

In 2016, we shipped our vehicle to South America and began another extraordinary overland chapter. We travelled through Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay, French Guyana, Guyana, Suriname, Peru, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands and Colombia. In fact, we covered every country in South America except Paraguay and Venezuela.

At the time of our travel Sudan was engulfed in war. (still is) Afghanistan remains an extraordinarily dangerous proposition. Ethiopia has experienced devastating internal conflict during and after our visit. Zimbabwe has its own political and economic difficulties. Across the Middle East, instability, conflict and rapidly changing borders can turn an apparently straightforward journey into a logistical nightmare, but it is all part of overlanding.

Pakistan, Iran and Myanmar presented their own serious challenges, while Venezuela borders where closed during our attempted entry from North West Brazil. Tibet is subject to intense political sensitivities and restrictions, and even countries that were once considered relatively straightforward crossings can suddenly become complicated by political tensions, border closures or security concerns. Ecuador, too, experienced trouble and lucky for us we were just at the border with Peru at the time. Despite some of the issues mentioned above we met incredibly generous people and driven roads that most travellers will never experience, and have seen extraordinary landscapes

But we have also learned an important lesson:Adventure and recklessness are not the same thing. There is a fine line between an epic expedition and putting ourselves, and your vehicle into a situation from which there may be no easy way out.

2020-2026

Some journeys are planned. Others simply unfold. Ours has taken us across continents, through ever-changing landscapes, across countless borders and into places we once only dreamed of seeing. But more than the kilometres travelled, it is the experiences, challenges, unexpected turns and freedom of the open road that have made this journey so extraordinary.

In 2020, our adventure took an unexpected turn as the world changed dramatically with the arrival of COVID. While borders were closing and international travel was coming to a standstill, we were incredibly fortunate to be able to keep moving. We shipped from Colombia and continued north through Central America, embracing the opportunity to travel while we could.

Travelling during those extraordinary times brought a whole new meaning to adventure. Plans could change overnight, borders could close without warning and nothing could be taken for granted. Yet somehow, the road remained open for us — and we feel incredibly lucky that it did.After navigating those uncertain years, we eventually crossed from Mexico into the United States in 2023, beginning another spectacular chapter of our overland journey. We explored the vast and diverse Western USA, where endless highways, rugged landscapes and wide-open spaces reminded us exactly why we chose this life on the road.

Then came 2024. We continued across the Central USA , following the legendary Route 66 a road steeped in history, adventure and the spirit of exploration. From there, we crossed back into Northern Mexico, proving once again that for us, the journey is never about taking the shortest route. It’s about seeing where the road leads.

Eventually, the compass pointed north again, leading us towards Florida & the Eastern USA. Another border crossed. Another horizon reached. Another collection of memories added to a journey that has already taken us further than we ever imagined.

In 2025, we travelled through the Eastern USA before crossing into Canada, driving from east to west before leaving our vehicle on Vancouver Island. Perhaps we had deliberately left the easy part until last. After tackling some of the world’s more challenging roads and remote corners, the USA and Canada gave us a spectacular final playground.

Then, in February 2026, we headed north from Vancouver Island into Alaska and the remote expanses of Northern Canada. From there, we returned to the USA and Baltimore, where we finally said goodbye to our vehicle as it began its voyage to Australia. for another 5 years around Australia journey

What started as a simple five-year plan has grown into 22 years on the road, taking us through 144 countries and across some of the most extraordinary places on Earth. And now, in 2026, we close this incredible chapter—22 years, 144 countries and one very long drive around the world.

Most of all, we realise just how fortunate we have been.We didn’t simply travel through these countries — we lived the journey.And after all those kilometres, countless adventures and memories that will stay with us forever, there is still one thing we know for certain…

The road is still calling.

2027-2032

Australia is in the planning

Robert Van den Hoven

Born on June 24, 1955, in Arnhem, the Netherlands, Robert has lived in Holland, the Caribbean, and Australia. From 1974 to 1977, he served as a Royal Dutch Marine, based in South America. In 1977, he married Clary Lingeman, and in 1981 the couple relocated to Australia.

Since moving to Australia, Robert and Clary have lived in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and for the past 38 years in the small boutique tourist village of Palm Cove, just north of Cairns. Robert has spent most of his working life self-employed in the hospitality industry. After arriving in Australia, he initially held executive positions with Nestlé, Sara Lee, and Sinclair Halvorsen, before becoming self-employed and working across food manufacturing, wholesale, import, and export, as well as owning and operating two bars and restaurants.

For 20 years, Robert and Clary owned and operated Après Beach Bar & Grill in Palm Cove, which they sold in early 2018. Robert’s interests include traveling, bush camping, swimming, and music.

Together, they made significant contributions to the local hospitality scene in Far North Queensland and were actively involved in numerous volunteer roles and community events.

Clary Van Den Hoven

Profile Picture Clary

Clary was born on October 28, 1956, in Dieren, the Netherlands. She lived and worked in both Holland and Australia, beginning her professional life as a teacher in the Netherlands. In 1981, she migrated to Australia with her husband, Robert.

Due to Robert’s frequent interstate moves, Clary held a variety of roles across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. While Robert built his career in the import/export, hospitality, and wholesale industries, Clary later pursued her own entrepreneurial path, purchasing and opening the Après Beach Bar & Grill in Palm Cove, North Queensland.

After Robert sold his other business interests, he focused his efforts on supporting Clary in the operation of Après Beach Bar & Grill in Cairns and Palm Cove. Together, they contributed to the local hospitality scene in Far North Queensland.

Clary enjoys traveling, bush camping, swimming, reading, and gardening, and values an active, outdoor lifestyle.