I think you have a problem. 

You need to get specific centrelink advice. Best to try the centrelink phone line first. If cannot get an anwer try going to a centrelink office with your question.

When you would return, you would have to wait about three years to claim for pension and it would not be for the full amount. You need to check with Centrelink. Their rules are continually changing and heaven knows what they will be in 2026. 

Youare "Travelling" for three years & maybe a few visits back to Australia.  All your assets are in Australia, you still maintain bank accounts, licenses etc.       You are NOT considered as Residing in another country because you will be on Tourist Visa Status.   You may also have TRAVEL insurance , however when you come back you can still use your Medicare card for a checkup. 

it's all about "Continuity of Association"  with your life in Australia and Domicile .   
 

Many early retirees ive dealt with have " lived"in Asia for more than 5 years at least,,then returned home & got the Pension straight up.   The only issues would be if you wanted to travel again ,  there MAY be a 2 year restriction,,but since you've been just Travelling as a Tourist & not as a resident in those countries it shouldn't affect you.    Tourist visa status is important.   

Check out the Australian Govt Services Australia website (can't cut and paste link for some reason). As long as you conform to the resident eligibility rules, your prior travel plans shouldn't be a problem. You must be resident in Australia when you apply and you have to have lived here for a certain number of years.

Once you've successfully claimed, you won't be able to take the pension with you if you travel overseas in the following two years.

You need to talk to Centrelink.

However, as your husband will not have worked in Australia for 35 years he is unlikely to receive a full pension in any case. On what you say, he may be able to receive a max 28/35 of the age pension provided he can meet all other criteria including where you have lived for the two years immediately prior to application.

I suggest you get clear advice from Centrelink because it may mean you will need more cash to live on before he can apply for the pension. You don't mention  whether your husband could be entitled to any overseas pension, but if he is, this would also reduce any potential amount from the age pension. Nor do you mention your own status which may have an influence on either your own or a joint pension.

That 2 year residence period BEFORE you get the pension allows you to travel with "portability" of the pension straight away.  The 6 week & 26 week "away" is actually loaded by Immigration when you leave,,so it's automatically adjusted.  You can advise them, but big brother will know anyway.

If someone has actually been "Residing" overseas for a lengthy period of time ...after they return a claim the pension,,they still get it straight up..BUT if they want to leave again within 2 years it will stop.

However,  Centrelink will still allow short trips away, ( how short is up to them) and that still counts into the 2 year wait...but don't expect the payts while your away.

You need to  get proper advice from Centrelink not rely on forums

You need to  get proper advice from Centrelink not rely on forums

Go to Centrelink and get the correct advice.  It’s the only way. 

There appears to be changes to the qualifying rules for the Aged Pension so as KB has said you need to talk to Australian Services about this.

If you like you can also have a look at these websites for some idea of the requirements.

www.dss.gov.au/seniors/benifits-payments/age-pension

www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/age-pension/who-can-get-it

One big change that I have noticed here is the change from 2 years residence before to an unbroken 5 years residence before you can apply and if this is correct and as you will not be returning to Australia until 2026 then you will not be eligible to claim for the age pension until 2031 which is the unbroken 5 years residence.

You really do need to check the websites of the government departments and talk to the people that work for the departments.

Things change every monday with this goverment and it is not to benifit the normal person i would wait untill you are nearer the time

Thanks for all the feedback peeps.