When Michael and Emma Ferris went in search of adventure on the open roads of Europe, they laid eyes on an old Ford Transit van, and that's when everything changed.
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Some saw a beat-up old van, but they saw potential.
After hard work and creativity, their van was converted into a stylish home for two.
"It was a half-built camper, it was really the cheapest you could get but when we sold it we made a profit, so we were really chuffed."
They loved the experience so much they decided to build another one, which extended their trip by an extra year.
"We loved the freedom, you just wake up and never know where you're going to go," Ms Ferris said.
The couple had soon attracted attention from buyers across the UK and they realised there was fierce demand for bespoke campervans.
They brought the idea back to Mr Ferris' home town of Mudgee in NSW's Central West, where they have grown their business, Roaming Wild Campers, ever since.
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It takes Michael and Emma Ferris roughly two months to fit out a van, often both working seven days a week. After international travel was closed they suddenly found themselves booked out with work for the remainder of 2021.
"It has gone nuts, because people can only travel locally. We have so many people looking to do high-end trips around Australia," Mr Ferris said.
"But there comes a point where it becomes a job, and not a passion. So we want to avoid that and try to keep it small and enjoyable rather than it feeling like a job."
From 'boho' to Scandinavian, lithium systems, induction heaters and hidden toilets, the couple have tackled a range of challenging designs but it's all part of the fun.
"We get on so well working together, we have such a laugh. We love being creative and everyday is completely different, I wouldn't be able to do an office job," Ms Ferris said.
Each camper van is tailored to reflect the needs and personality of the owner, it's not dissimilar to building a house.
"We start with that initial consult and then we go back and forth like you would for any sort of consignment job and try to work out what they want," Mr Ferris said.
"We get to use a whole range of materials and that's why building these vans is so appealing, because it's essentially building a home just on a very small scale."
The camper vans may be small but they are packed with luxury amenities, most are built with a full shower and toilet setup, water filter systems, solar and lithium power and air conditioning.
Although they already have their hands full, the couple have recently bought a 1950s era Sydney school bus which they plan to give the Roaming Wild Campers treatment, once they have some spare time.
More information on Roaming Wild Campers can be found at their website.
