So… you’re dreaming of doing the Big Lap of Australia?
Let me guess—you’ve spent hours scrolling Instagram, binge-watching YouTube, and asking questions in Facebook groups… only to feel more overwhelmed than ever.
Where do you even start?
The truth is, most people get stuck in research mode. They download all the free checklists, read all the blogs, and still feel like they’re missing something.
As someone who’s actually hit the road and is travelling full-time, here’s what I wish someone had told me when we were just starting out…
These are the first 5 steps that every Big Lap planner should do before they start packing, budgeting, or caravan shopping.
1. Start With “Why” You Want To Do The Big Lap
Before you book a thing, ask yourself: Why do you want to travel Australia and do the big lap?
Is it to spend more time as a family? Escape the 9-to-5? Tick off your bucket list?
Your “why” becomes your north star. When things get stressful (and they will!), when plans change, or when doubt creeps in, you’ll come back to this. Maybe you’re chasing sunsets and simplicity. Maybe you just want to feel alive again. Whatever your reason, knowing it deeply helps you stay motivated.
Take a few minutes to journal it. Write it somewhere visible. Talk about it with your husband, or partner and family. When your “why” is strong enough, the “how” becomes easier.
2. Get on the Same Page With Your Husband/Partner (or Travel Buddy)
This one’s huge. Travel can bring couples and families closer—or highlight every little disagreement.
Do you both want to travel the same way? Fast or slow? On-road or off-grid? Beachside or bush? What about the budget? Will one of you work on the road? What does freedom look like to each of you?
We learned this the hard way. Misaligned expectations can turn the dream into daily frustration. Take time to talk about how you each see the trip, what you’re excited about, and what worries you. It can be a game-changer.
3. Set a Firm Departure Date To Start Your Big Lap (and Stick to It!)
This is one of the most powerful things you can do.
Pick a date. Set it in stone. Circle it on the calendar. Tell your friends. Make it real.
Without a firm date, it becomes “someday”—and life will always throw reasons to delay. Birthdays, weddings, unexpected events… they’ll always be there.
When we locked in our date, everything started falling into place. It gave us momentum and purpose. We could work backwards and plan clearly: book the van service, do the paperwork, move out, etc. That date became our countdown.
Don’t wait until it “feels right.” Commit and adjust as needed. Your dream deserves a deadline.
4. Start Your Dream Destination List
This is the fun part!
Grab a map or open Google and start listing your must-visit spots. Don’t worry about the route yet—just write down the places that light you up. Think iconic Aussie locations (Uluru, Litchfield National Park, The Kimberley, Cape York, The Daintree, Great Ocean Road) and hidden gems you’ve seen pop up in your feed.
Ask your family members what’s on their list. It’s a great way to get everyone excited and involved.
Later, you’ll group these into states or regions and create a rough route—but for now, just dream. This helps shape your trip into something uniquely yours.
5. Get Your Hands on a Real Plan
Here’s the part where most people get stuck.
You don’t need another vague checklist—you need a clear, step-by-step roadmap that breaks it all down: from budgeting and caravan buying to packing, health prep, pet planning and getting your head around the lifestyle.
And that’s where most free advice falls short. People post opinions, not structured plans. You need something you can follow and tick off with confidence.
👉 That’s exactly why I created the “Planning a Lap of Australia” eBook.
It’s not a fluffy inspiration guide. It’s a practical, comprehensive blueprint written from real experience—designed to help you get on the road without second-guessing yourself.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Stress free ways to pack up your home
- The top 5 essentials you must take into account for a stress free journey
- Budget tips that actually make sense (and bonus tracking sheet)
- Gear & (bonus) packing checklists
- A 12-month timeline with monthly tasks (bonus)
- Health, pet, internet and vehicle prep advice
- And plenty more real-world wisdom we learned the hard way
Hundreds of Aussie lappers have used it to stop spinning their wheels and finally hit the road with confidence.
➡️ Grab your copy here and take the first real step toward your Big Lap dream.
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With years of experience travelling Australia in a caravan, I’m passionate about helping others embark on their own unforgettable adventures. From off-grid camping tips to expert advice on planning the ultimate big lap of Australia, I share stories, practical hacks, and inspiration to make your journey stress-free and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just starting out, join me as I explore the beauty of Australia, one road at a time!
