Retired Rathmines Pharmacist's Revolutionary Kettle BBQ Transforms Travel Cooking
After five decades in pharmacy and countless camping trips across Australia, retired Rathmines pharmacist Damian Smith has turned his passion for adventure into a groundbreaking innovation. Tired of hauling cumbersome BBQs and gas bottles, he has designed what he calls "the world's smallest kettle BBQ", a product set to redefine how Australians cook both at home and on the road.
The Daymo Adventure-Q Kettle Cooker is an all-in-one cooking system that combines compact design with remarkable versatility. Lightweight and easy to carry, it fits seamlessly into any travel setup while offering the functionality to fry, bake, boil, steam, roast, and BBQ. Compatible with electric, gas, or induction heat sources, it addresses the common frustrations of traditional camping cookware.
"One of the biggest burdens of caravanning is dealing with your BBQ," Damian explained. "It's heavy, hard to store and clean, not to mention lugging around that gas bottle. But I love how a BBQ cooks, the flavour, the versatility. I just couldn't find any lighter options, so I designed my own."
A Family Journey from Pharmacy to Product Innovation
Damian's transition from pharmacist to product innovator began in 2020, inspired by a lifetime of outdoor experiences and a desire to enhance travel adventures. "After working in pharmacies for so many years, I just couldn't turn my mind off," he said. "I come from a long line of bushmen, and I've camped and travelled with my family all around Australia. I began creating products to help people not just adventure, but adventure better."
This philosophy led to the development of the Adventure-Q, a testament to Australian ingenuity. Born from real-world travel experience, the product underwent thousands of hours of research, custom design, and rigorous testing. It is part of Daymo's broader mission to create innovative accessories for camping, caravanning, and outdoor adventures, which also includes the popular Bush Kettle—a clever camping essential that boils water over an open flame in minutes.
Daymo operates as a family business, with Damian collaborating closely with his wife Lyn, granddaughter Hayley, grandson-in-law Wilson, and daughter-in-law Aom. Together, they bring these innovative travel solutions to market, blending personal passion with practical expertise.
Showcasing Innovation at the Newcastle Caravan Lifestyle Expo
Damian and his dedicated team are excited to showcase their range of products at this year's Newcastle Caravan Lifestyle Expo, where they will be located at site 401. The expo provides an excellent opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to see the Adventure-Q Kettle Cooker in action and explore Daymo's complete lineup of travel and adventure accessories.
The Adventure-Q Kettle Cooker and other Daymo products are now available for purchase. Customers can visit the Daymo showroom at Unit 6/21 Karoonda Close, Rathmines, to experience the range firsthand or shop online with convenient click-and-collect options. This innovation promises to make travel cooking more efficient, enjoyable, and accessible for adventurers across Australia.