One of the best parts about running Dundee Beach Bush Camp is meeting people who are exploring Australia in their own unique way. Every now and then, a vehicle rolls down our bush tracks that makes you stop and take a second look.
This week, that was a Tiny Home on a Hilux! A homemade one at that!
Arriving at camp towing a jet ski, Michael Drake’s custom-built Toyota Hilux immediately caught our attention. Instead of a traditional slide-on camper or caravan, Michael has designed and built a handcrafted tiny home that sits neatly on the back of his ute, creating a practical and impressive home on wheels.
We see plenty of incredible touring setups at the Bush Camp, from off-road caravans to rooftop tents and camper trailers. But there was something different about this one. Knowing it had been designed and built by Michael himself made it even more impressive. It’s the kind of project that sparks curiosity and gets people talking.
One feature we particularly liked was the electric bike mounted on the back of the camper. It’s an easy way to head into town, explore the local area or enjoy the surroundings without needing to move the ute. We are so keen to get one for our travels and are seeing them on peoples set ups more and more. Combined with the jet ski, it’s a setup that’s clearly built for adventure.
Travelling Australia isn’t just about where you go… it’s also about how you choose to travel. Every custom build tells a story, reflecting the creativity, skills and lifestyle of the person behind it. Seeing unique setups like this reminds us that there are so many different ways to experience this incredible country.
Whether you’re travelling with a caravan, camper trailer, rooftop tent or your own handcrafted camper, one thing they all have in common is the freedom to discover places like Dundee Beach.
Before Michael arrived, I’d actually come across him on TikTok while watching his houseboat renovation videos. It was fascinating to see someone take on such an ambitious project, and then later I watched him design and build this incredible camper for his Hilux.
What I didn’t realise until he arrived at the Bush Camp was just how many people knew who he was.
It was great to see younger campers recognise him straight away. Their faces lit up as they realised the person they’d been following online had just rolled into camp. Watching those interactions made me realise that Michael is doing more than simply sharing his travels—he’s inspiring people to think differently about what’s possible.
Whether it’s renovating a houseboat, building a camper from scratch or choosing to explore Australia in a unique way, projects like these encourage others to back themselves and have a go. Once you see someone else create something extraordinary, it suddenly feels a little more achievable yourself.
That’s one of the reasons we wanted to share Michael’s story. Not because of the camper alone, but because creativity, craftsmanship and the courage to try something different deserve to be celebrated.
If you’d like to see more of Michael’s build and follow his travels around Australia, be sure to check out his YouTube and social media channels.
Thanks for stopping by, Michael. It was great to see your Tiny Home on a Hilux roll into camp, and we wish you safe travels as you continue your Australian adventure.
If you’re travelling with a unique setup of your own, we’d love to welcome you to Dundee Beach Bush Camp. One of our favourite parts of campground life is meeting creative people and seeing the many different ways they choose to explore Australia.
