For seasoned travellers Rodnie and Bryan, retirement is the perfect time to embrace new experiences and explore the world. The Ryman Village couple have trekked through Nepal, navigated the icy landscapes of Antarctica and immersed themselves in Aboriginal culture in the heart of the Australian Outback, proving adventure knows no age limit.

“We’ll keep travelling for as long as we can,” says Rodnie.

Exploring Antarctica: A bucket-list adventure

Last January, the couple fulfilled a lifelong dream—an expedition to Antarctica. Strapping on snowshoes, they braved a blizzard to get to Shackleton’s Hut, a challenging adventure they will never forget.

“It was the trip of a lifetime - unlike anything else,” says Bryan.

Aboard the National Geographic Endurance, they spent a month journeying through vast ice-covered terrain, paddling across frigid waters in kayaks, and admiring towering glaciers from Zodiac boats. The sheer scale of the icebergs was breathtaking.

“One was so huge it took four hours to sail around,” shared Rodnie. “And we saw incredible wildlife everywhere,” added Bryan.

Seals lounged on floating ice, seabirds soared overhead, and whales surfaced within metres of their boat. One of the most unforgettable sights was a colony of 1.5 million Adélie penguins near the Ross Sea.

From the frozen south to the red centre

Not long after their Antarctic expedition, Rodnie and Bryan swapped snow for sun, setting off on a month-long adventure across Australia’s rugged landscapes. Renting a car, they explored the vast, remote regions south of Perth before flying to Darwin for a three-week Outback tour.

They journeyed through Kakadu National Park, marvelled at the spectacular rock formations in the Kimberley, and encountered crocodiles in Kununurra. But for them, the most profound experience was cultural.

“The deep understanding we gained of Aboriginal culture was incredible,” says Rodnie. “We loved it so much, we’ll go back.”

The joy of trekking: A lifelong passion

Rodnie and Bryan’s love for trekking has taken them to some of the world’s most breathtaking locations, but Nepal holds a special place in their hearts. They highly recommend the Annapurna Base Camp trek, famous for its stunning landscapes and peaceful trails.

When they committed to Ryman’s Walking for Wellness challenge, they took it to the next level—completing the distance while exploring Iceland’s dramatic volcanic terrain.

The perfect home base for a life of travel

For Rodnie and Bryan, peace of mind is essential when travelling. Since downsizing over two years ago, they’ve embraced a lock-and-leave lifestyle that allows them to explore freely, knowing their home is safe and secure.

“The feeling of total security, the companionship, and knowing that our house and belongings are safe on all levels is amazing,” says Bryan. “We never worry while we’re away.”

“It’s the best decision we ever made,” says Rodnie.

With everything taken care of at home, their next great adventures—Greenland and the Galápagos Islands—are already in the works. And for this intrepid duo, the journey is far from over.