Sydney couple Tony and Gaebrielle Derham, parents of fur babies Luna and Bella, set off in early July for a six-month expedition north, with fishing, diving and new experiences all on the itinerary. “It’s not just the destination,” says Tony. “We enjoy the journey – we can take our dogs, enjoy the outdoors, and there’s the challenge of planning the trip and the camaraderie among our friends we travel with.

“There’s really nothing like being on the water,” he rhapsodises. “We can pack up, jump on board with our husky and staffy, who enjoy being on the boat, even with the big seas and a rolling, rough segment we’ve just been through. We just took them to the beach for a walk, and now they’re sleeping.

“At the moment, we’re around Mackay, cruising with our friends Mark and Diane Schultz in their Maritimo M52 One Moor, along with their dog Skippa, part way through a six-month voyage that will take us to December.”