Big Lap With No Regrets: How Hapnin Empty Nesters Took the Leap Into Full-Time Travel
Hapnin Empty Nesters
Dreaming of travelling Australia but worried it’s too risky, too late, or just too hard? Katrina and Cain—better known as Hapnin Empty Nesters—prove that hitting the road full-time can be the best decision you ever make.
In this episode of Big Lap Chats, they share how a life-altering heart scare pushed them to finally take on the Big Lap of Australia, and how living in a tiny hybrid van has given them the biggest freedom of their lives.
Whether you're planning your first lap, downsizing after the kids move out, or already on the road, their story is packed with advice that’s honest, practical, and full of heart.
Why They Hit the Road: From Heart Scare to Big Lap
Katrina always dreamed of a full-time lap, but Cain wasn’t so sure—until his heart condition took a serious turn. After a transplant assessment in Brisbane, the couple made a decision that many only dream of: hit the road now, not “one day.”
“I realised I was just surviving, not living. We didn’t want to have regrets.”
With their kids moved out and no more excuses, they hit the road in July 2022 in a 13-foot MDC hybrid caravan, pulled by a 76 Series LandCruiser.
Their Big Lap Setup: Small Van, Big Lifestyle
Their compact hybrid van might be half the size of most caravans, but it’s home. It’s fully off-grid ready, has a king-size bed, shower and toilet, and just enough space to relax when needed. But the secret?
“We live outside. That’s where the real freedom is.”
Their 76 Series LandCruiser was chosen for its reliability and simplicity—ideal for long-haul travel around Australia’s rougher tracks.
The Truth About Full-Time Caravan Life in Australia
Let’s bust a myth: not every day on the Big Lap is sunshine and serenity.
From budget constraints to chronic fatigue and unpredictable weather, Katrina and Cain have seen it all. But they’ve also formed lifelong friendships, found epic free camps, and raised money for cancer research along the way.
“We don’t book ahead anymore. Being flexible has made the trip so much better.”
Big Lap Budgeting Tips: How They Travel Australia on $500 a Week
Trying to figure out how much it costs to travel Australia full-time? Here are Cain and Katrina’s top budgeting tips for lappers:
Set up your rig for off-grid travel – You’ll save thousands in caravan park fees.
Travel slow – Staying longer in one place means less fuel and more rest.
Pay yourself a weekly travel budget – They started at $1,000/week but found they can comfortably live on $500/week.
They also save money by hand-washing clothes, avoiding tourist traps, and rarely eating out—choosing nature and local gems over paid attractions.
Travelling as a Couple in a Caravan: Tips for a Stronger Relationship
Sharing a 13ft hybrid van means there’s no room to avoid tension. Katrina and Cain say communication is the most underrated travel skill.
“If something’s bothering you, talk it out early. There’s nowhere to hide in a tiny space.”
They’ve found balance between Cain’s passion for writing (he’s on his third dark fantasy novel!) and Katrina’s love of filming YouTube content. Give and take is key.
Big Lap Planning Mistakes to Avoid (And What Really Matters)
What do most lappers get wrong? According to Hapnin Empty Nesters:
Over-planning: Flexibility is your best friend.
Rushing: You’ll burn out and miss hidden gems.
Ignoring your relationship: You need to work as a team, not just travel companions.
“You don’t have to see it all at once. The best trips are the ones where you slow down and really experience Australia.”
How to Find the Best Free Camps in Australia
Want to discover under-the-radar camping spots around Australia? Katrina and Cain rely on WikiCamps, word of mouth, and the wisdom of fellow travellers. Some of their favourite finds were free, scenic, and unexpectedly quiet.
Cain has turned their slower travel pace into creative fuel, writing his dark fantasy book series City of Stone, available on Amazon. He’s now working on book three, with help from Katrina’s aunt (a retired editor!) and a whole lot of road inspiration.
Final Advice for Aspiring Lappers
What’s their one piece of advice for anyone dreaming of doing the lap?
“Don’t wait until it’s too late. You don’t need the flashiest rig—you just need a plan and the courage to go.”
Want Even More Real Talk, Resources and Road-Wisdom?
The BLC Podcast Membership is your behind-the-scenes pass to:
Extended episodes
Exclusive content and bloopers
Interactive travel map with free camps
Access to a supportive community who get what you’re doing
Katrina and Cain are the adventurous, fun-loving duo behind Hapnin Empty Nesters.
They are full-time travellers who’ve spent the past three years caravanning around Australia. Formerly a teacher and an electrician, they swapped the classroom and the toolkit for the open road and a camera in hand.
After Cain’s heart condition nearly led to a transplant, they made the life-changing decision to hit the road while they could—and haven’t looked back since.
Their journey is filled with heart, humour, and a healthy dose of chaos. Along the way, Cain even managed to write and publish his first novel. Their honest, relatable take on travel continues to inspire fellow empty nesters and anyone dreaming of a life less ordinary.
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All Around Oz acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work. {SOURCE}
