Big Lap Chats Podcast Season One Finale: Thank You And What Comes Next

Big Lap Chats Podcast Season One Finale: 36 Episodes, One Incredible Year and What’s Coming Next

As I sit here recording the final episode of Big Lap Chats for 2025, it honestly feels a little surreal.

Season one has wrapped, the calendar year is coming to a close, and what started as a simple idea somewhere out the back of Queensland has grown into something far bigger than I ever imagined.

Big Lap Chats podcast was always meant to be about travelling Australia. But very quickly, it became about something deeper, community, reassurance, shared stories, and that collective moment when someone realises, “Maybe we actually can do this.”

The response from both listeners and guests has been incredibly humbling, and this final episode is really about pausing for a moment to say thank you.

Thirty-Six Episodes, Countless Stories

Season one delivered 36 episodes, and every single one came with its own energy, lessons, and moments that stuck with me long after the microphone was turned off.

We laughed a lot. There were a few tears along the way. And there was an enormous amount of practical, real-world information shared, the kind you only get from people who have actually done the lap, are doing it now, or learned the hard way.

The guests ranged right across the spectrum. There were meticulous planners, full-timers, seasoned lappers, families travelling with kids, couples finding their rhythm on the road, and solo travellers carving out their own version of freedom.

Each story was different, but the underlying theme was always the same: no two laps look identical, and that’s exactly how it should be.

If you’ve missed any episodes this year, the Christmas break is the perfect time to catch up.

Whether you’re parked up waiting for the silly season to pass, travelling slowly, or still at home dreaming and planning, these conversations are designed to meet you wherever you are on your journey.

How Big Lap Chats Began

Big Lap Chats was born while we were travelling through outback Queensland. Somewhere between long stretches of road and campfire conversations, the idea formed to create a space where people could hear honest, unfiltered stories about travelling Australia.

Not glossy highlight reels. Not influencer-style content designed to sell gear. Just real people, sharing what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they’d known before leaving the driveway.

From the very beginning, the goal was to build a community around the podcast, a place where listeners could connect not only with me, but with the guests and with each other.

A place where questions were welcomed, not judged, and where experience was shared generously.

A Podcast for Planners and Travellers Alike

One of the things I love most about this podcast is the mix of people listening.

Some of you are already on the road, navigating corrugations, weather windows and free camps. Others are still in the planning phase, juggling work, finances, family commitments and that constant feeling of “Are we ready yet?”

I remember that phase so clearly. Back when I was still in the nine-to-five grind, driving around southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, watching caravans pass by and wondering what it would feel like to be the one heading off instead of heading to work.

Wishing that day would come sooner.

If that’s you right now, I want you to know this: feeling overwhelmed is normal.

Planning a lap of Australia comes with a lot of decisions, and it can feel like everyone else knows more than you do. They don’t. Everyone starts somewhere, and nobody leaves feeling one hundred percent ready. You learn as you go, and you will get there.

Conversations Beyond the Podcast

Alongside the podcast, a lot of the conversations continue inside the Facebook groups, Planning a Lap of Australia Hints and Tips, and Caravanning for Newbies Australia. These groups have become incredible hubs of shared knowledge, questions, and support.

They’re also where many of the solo episodes were inspired. The hot topics, the repeated questions, the things people are worried about but don’t always say out loud, those discussions shape the content of Big Lap Chats just as much as the interviews do.

If you’re not part of those groups yet, I encourage you to join. They’re there to make the journey less confusing and a whole lot less lonely.

Thank You for Being Part of the Journey

A podcast doesn’t exist without its listeners, and I want to say a genuine thank you to every single person who has tuned in, watched on YouTube, shared an episode, sent a message, or stopped me to say hello.

Big Lap Chats works because of you. Because you listen while driving long stretches of highway. Because you play episodes while packing sheds, planning routes, or dreaming about what’s next. Because you trust these conversations enough to let them guide your decisions.

That support is never taken for granted.

Looking Ahead to Season Two

Season one may be finished, but this is very much just the beginning. Season two will kick off mid to late January, and it’s shaping up to be bigger and better.

There will be more guests, deeper conversations, and even more practical advice you can actually use.

We’ll be digging into topics that help you plan smarter, travel with more confidence, and avoid some of those costly mistakes that so many people make simply because they didn’t know any better.

I’d also love for you to be part of shaping season two.

If there’s a question you want answered, a topic you want covered, or a guest you think would be a perfect fit, reach out. You can message me on Instagram or Facebook, email gday@allaroundoz.com.au, or use the Contact Us form on the All Around Oz website or the podcast guest form.

Don’t overthink it, just say hello and let me know what you’d love to hear or who you'd like me to interview.

The Big Lap Chats Membership

For those who want to go a little deeper, Big Lap Chats also has a community option. It’s similar to Patreon and is designed for people who want more than just the public episodes.

Inside the membership, you’ll find bonus stories, uncut interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and ad-free episodes.

There’s also an interactive map that includes all the free and off-grid camps mentioned throughout season one, making it much easier to turn inspiration into actual travel plans.

Members can ask questions directly, access exclusive discounts from guests and businesses, enjoy product giveaways, and get early access to deals.

In 2026, we’ll also be introducing VIP backstage passes, giving members the chance to sit in on selected podcast recordings and be part of the conversation in real time.

It’s all about giving you clarity, confidence, and a sense that you’re not doing this alone.

A Big Update to Planning a Lap of Australia

One of the biggest milestones this year was updating Planning a Lap of Australia, the Ultimate Planning Guide for Travelling Australia by Road. The new edition has been refreshed with updated information and now includes 21 chapters, with four brand new ones added.

The book is designed to help you turn “one day” into day one. It walks you through everything you need to know before you leave the driveway, from budgets and routes to mindset and preparation.

Right now, the book also includes Trackmate GPT, an AI-powered trip planner, along with bonus checklists, budget tools, pet travel tips, and first aid kit suggestions. From the 1st of January 2026, Trackmate will become a separate product, so if you want it included, now is the time to grab it.

Wishing You a Safe and Happy Christmas

As we close out season one and 2025, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy New Year. If you’re travelling over the holidays, take it easy on the roads. It’s a busy time of year, and slowing down can make all the difference.

If you’re parked up waiting for the silly season to pass, I hope you’ve found a great spot. And if you’re still in the planning phase, enjoy the process. Look after each other, take your time, and remember why you’re doing this in the first place.

I’ll see you in 2026. I can’t wait for what’s ahead!