From ICU to Off-Grid: Casey & Zane’s Big Lap Life

In this week's episode, we talk about the big lap life to travel Australia.

What do a nurse, a plumber, and three years on the road have in common? A whole lot of courage, flexibility, and cracking campfire stories. In this week’s Big Lap Chats, we’re joined by Casey and Zane—aka A Few Laps Around the Sun—who’ve turned their dream of travelling Australia into a full-time lifestyle.

Tuning in from a roadside stop near Port Hedland on their way to Broome, these two shared the highs, the hard lessons, and the golden nuggets that can only come from living the lap life long-term.

From Lockdown to Big Lap Life

For Casey and Zane, the spark to hit the road ignited post-COVID lockdowns. But this wasn’t a whim—it was a plan a decade in the making. “We always knew we wanted to travel Australia,” they said. “The lockdowns just reminded us that life’s too short to keep waiting for the ‘perfect time.’”

In October 2022, they hit the road with a mix of excitement and nerves—and haven’t looked back since.

Zane brings third-generation lapper blood (yes, his great-grandparents did the Big Lap), while Casey jumped into the lifestyle fresh, but full of enthusiasm. Together, they’ve crafted a work-travel rhythm that funds their adventures while still allowing for freedom.

Work, Travel, Repeat: The Real Big Lap Life Rhythm

Casey and Zane are far from holiday-makers. They’re working lappers—stopping for stints of employment, then setting off for months at a time. Zane's a tradie, Casey’s a nurse, but they’ve both taken on all sorts of gigs on the road—from station work to bar shifts to maintenance roles.

The beauty? "You really get to know a place when you live and work in it,” Casey shared. “The locals tell you about the hidden gems. It’s a totally different experience than just passing through.”

Their flexible mindset—willing to try new roles and step outside their comfort zone—has opened doors and deepened their skills. And as Casey says, “It’s made me a better nurse. I’ve worked in emergency, rural, and remote settings I never would have back home.”

Their Rig: The Apartment on Wheels

They recently upgraded to a new setup that they describe as “our little apartment on wheels”—an 18’6 Wonderland Amaru caravan towed by a single cab LandCruiser with a tinny on top.

It’s a fully off-grid rig, complete with solar, lithium, and a coffee machine that must work every morning.

Their number one tip when it comes to rigs? “Everyone’s setup evolves. You have to hit the road before you know what actually works for you.”

Mistakes That Could Derail Your Big Lap

Zane didn’t hesitate when asked about the most overlooked detail that can make or break your trip: weights.

“Your car and caravan weights need to be right,” he said. “Being overweight can void your insurance. It’s not just a legal thing—it’s a safety issue.”

They’re now big advocates for getting your setup weighed by a mobile scale operator before you leave home. “80% of people are overweight and don’t realise it,” Casey added.

Money-Saving Hacks Travelling Australia

1. Use fuel apps – They check fuel prices before every drive.
2. Shop the specials – Bargain hunting is a sport for these two.
3. Catch your dinner – Fishing and crabbing has saved them a ton on meat.

They also swear by cooking smart: “One chicken fillet, heaps of veg, and rice. Stretch it out. Zane might hate it,” Casey laughs, “but it saves heaps!”

Finding Hidden Gems

While Instagram and YouTube offer inspiration, Casey and Zane rely on local advice, Google satellite views, and just plain exploring. “Unhitch, go for a drive, take the track less travelled. That’s where the magic is.”

Real Talk on What the Lap Actually Teaches You

Perhaps the most touching part of the chat was how honest they were about how van life has changed them.

“It’s not just a trip,” Casey said. “It teaches you patience, flexibility, and how to slow down. At first we felt guilty sitting with our morning coffee for hours. But now? We embrace it.”

They also talked about how their relationships—both with each other and themselves—have grown. “You don’t come back the same,” Zane added. “You see the world and yourself differently.”

Their Best Advice for Aspiring Lappers?

You don’t need everything figured out before you go. “You don’t need the flashiest gear or a huge savings account,” they said. “Just enough to get going—and the rest will work itself out.”

Final Takeaway: You Grow on the Road

Van life isn’t always easy. But it’s worth it.

From ICU wards and building sites to remote beaches and outback roads, Casey and Zane are proof that with a bit of flexibility and a lot of heart, you can shape a life that feels more like freedom and less like routine.

“We wouldn’t change a thing. This is the life we dreamed of—and now we’re living it.”