Welcome To Big Lap Chats – A Podcast By All Around Oz
Tales from the Road: Real Stories, Expert Tips, Practical Hacks, and Inspiration for Your Big Lap
Planning the big lap of Australia and don’t know where to start? Listen in to some of Australia’s most experienced big lappers.
Get the answers to the most-asked questions about planning a lap of Australia and caravanning Australia from seasoned lappers and full-time travellers.
Forget the endless sponsored content and repetitive advice you see on social media.
The travel Australia podcast, Big Lap Chats, All Around Oz goes beyond the usual tips, offering authentic insights from experienced big lappers who’ve done the hard yards.
If you’re dreaming of the open road, planning your first lap, or already caravanning around Australia, we’ve got you covered with real stories, expert advice, and practical tips and hacks.
Tune in to get the inside scoop on caravanning, off-grid camping, and everything in between, all from seasoned lappers.
Most Recent Big Lap Chats Episodes
Every week, we bring you a fresh episode packed with real stories, expert tips, and practical advice from some of Australia’s most seasoned big lappers.
Discover the best places to visit, free camps, the essentials to pack, and the tips and hacks that make caravanning Australia easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re just starting to plan your lap or already on the road, tune in for all the insider knowledge you need to make your journey unforgettable!
Season Two Of Big Lap Chats
Episode 01
Welcome from Annette Jones
Welcome to Season Two of Big Lap Chats.
Annette explains their favourite Big Lap Budget Hack, designed to save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on accommodation.
If you’ve ever thought, “We’re not planners, we’ll never pull off a Big Lap with kids,” Millie and Matt from Willowroo Adventures are living proof that you absolutely can.
They hit the road full-time with their two kids, Willow and Ruben, at the end of 2024. That was the moment they officially committed to doing the Big Lap of Australia, without a rigid itinerary.
Most Big Lap plans don’t fall apart because people aren’t capable. They unravel because the foundations weren’t solid before they left.
After years of running the All Around Oz website, Facebook groups, the Big Lap Chats podcast and leading large Australian caravanning communities, I’ve seen the pattern again and again. The first 90 days on the road are where dreams either settle into a lifestyle, or start to wobble.
It might come up during a busy week when work feels relentless. Or after another weekend disappears in chores and routines. You start wondering what life might look like if things were different.
For Bek and Rob from The Larsens Adventures, that thought eventually became reality.
Fuel prices are climbing again across Australia, and it’s quickly become one of the biggest talking points in the caravanning community.
Fuel prices are one of the biggest costs of travelling Australia, so it’s no surprise many people planning a Big Lap are watching diesel prices closely.
Are people delaying their trips? Are they changing their routes? Or are most Lappers simply adjusting how they travel?
When Pete first suggested they buy a truck for their Big Lap, Katie thought it was completely over the top.
It didn’t feel realistic, it didn’t feel necessary, and it definitely didn’t feel like something their family would ever actually do.
Now they’re travelling Australia full-time with three kids, towing a caravan behind that same truck, and figuring it out as they go.
If you’re planning a family Big Lap around Australia and wondering whether you’re ready, their story will likely sound very familiar because they didn’t start with experience, they didn’t grow up caravanning, and they didn’t have a clear roadmap when they began.
This week on Big Lap Chats, I spoke with Jacqui and David from Vealy Good Travels.
They’re retired school teachers who hit the road at the end of 2022 and have spent the last few years travelling Australia, learning as they go.
Their story highlights what actually matters before you leave, and where most beginners get it wrong.
Most people think they need everything perfectly sorted before they leave on a Lap of Australia. The right van, the right gear, the perfect route, and every detail mapped out in advance. What I see instead, both in my own experience and inside our community, is that this thinking is exactly what keeps people stuck.
Travelling around Australia in a caravan gives you freedom, flexibility, and the ability to change plans whenever you want. But there are times when that freedom disappears very quickly. A cyclone will do that.
This episode of Big Lap Chats came from a real experience we had in Western Australia when a cyclone tracked down the coast and crossed near Exmouth. We were staying in Kalbarri at the time, and although we didn’t want to leave, we were told we had to.
There’s a point where a lot of people stop talking about doing a lap of Australia and start wondering what it would actually take to start full time caravanning.
Mel and Scott are a good example of what that shift looks like in real life.
They didn’t start out with a long-term plan to travel. They were both busy, fully booked in their own businesses and living a pretty settled life on the south coast of New South Wales.
Mel had a hairdressing salon, Scott ran a mechanic workshop, and both were committed months in advance.
This episode cover the Big Lap conversations couples need before you leave, whether you are travelling together or as a family.
Planning a Big Lap of Australia as a couple is exciting. You start talking about the caravan, the tow vehicle, the route, the budget, the bucket-list stops and all the places you have been dreaming about for years.
And yes, all of that matters.
But after nearly three years travelling full-time around Australia with Kev, I can tell you there are other conversations that matter just as much once you are actually living on the road. They are not always the obvious ones either.
The little questions can feel weirdly huge because you don’t yet know what matters, what is personal preference, and what is worth getting proper advice on.
These are real questions that come up again and again in our caravanning and Big Lap Facebook groups. I’ve answered them in plain English so you can get back to making practical decisions that suit your own setup, budget and travel style.
That is what the Big Lap Chats podcast, this podcast episode and post is here to help with.
Travelling Australia as a family sounds pretty dreamy from the outside. The beaches, the campfires, the kids riding bikes with new mates, the freedom to choose where you wake up next.
And yes, there is plenty of that.
But as Jessie and Adam from 8 Feet Travels shared on this week’s episode of Big Lap Chats, the first few weeks on the road can also feel like complete chaos.
After selling their home in Perth, packing up their life and heading off with their kids, dog, Nissan Y62 Patrol and Wonderland caravan.
Jessie and Adam have now been travelling Australia for just over two years.
One of the questions that comes up all the time from people planning a Big Lap is, “What food to take on a Big Lap of Australia, and how much should we carry?”
It sounds like a simple question, but the answer depends on how you travel, how long you are going for, how remote you plan to be, and what sort of meals you actually eat.
We have been travelling full time for almost three years, so our caravan is our home. That means we probably carry more food, pantry items and cooking gear than someone doing a shorter 12-month lap. We are not packing for a holiday. We are living on the road.
Krisi manages the VanSafe program, a free educational resource created to help recreational vehicle owners better understand caravan weights, towing safety and their responsibilities on the road.
She is also a caravanner herself and has worked within the caravan industry for 15 years. This gives her a valuable perspective on the questions, mistakes and misunderstandings she regularly sees among new caravan owners, families and even people who have been towing for decades.
In this episode, Krisi breaks down the confusing language around caravan weights, explains why tow ball weight causes so many problems and shares what to do if your caravan begins to sway.
If you’ve ever dreamed of doing the Big Lap, this chat with Erin and Alex is a must-listen.
From grief to gratitude, their journey is packed with honesty, laughs, how Camp for a Cure transpired and the kind of inspiration every future lapper needs.
Jess Day, a former tour guide is also know as Outback Jess.
Listen in and hear how Jess turned an idea she had on a big lap to keep her and her husband sane on long drives with their kids, and turned it into a thriving business.
Liz and Simon Bailey and their two boys are in their 4th year of full-time travel.
What started out as a 12-month big lap has turned into indefinite travel. They wanted to spend more time with their kids and not wait until retirement to do all the things they love.
If you’ve ever wondered how to juggle work, homeschooling, and travel—plus run a mobile vet biz—this chat with Vet in a Van is a must-listen.
Tanya and Marcus keep it real as they share life on the road with four kids, the truth behind Insta-perfect travel, and the surprising way their lap became a lifestyle.
From weekend trips to 3.5 years on the road—Tradies on Tour share their Big Lap journey, family travel tips, and how they work while exploring Australia.
They also share how Tradies On Tour developed into a platform that helps regional businesses and tradies who travel.
Casey & Zane from a Few Laps Around the Sun share how they built a sustainable Big Lap life—balancing work, travel, and off-grid living across Australia.
From budgeting tips and finding remote work and secret camp spots, their story is packed with practical wisdom for anyone dreaming of life on the road.
Dreaming of travelling around Australia but feeling like it’s too risky or too late? Katrina and Cain—aka the Hapnin Empty Nesters—are proof that it’s never too late to chase freedom on the road.
In this Big Lap Chats episode, they reveal how a major health scare became the wake-up call they needed to start their lap.
Thinking about Travelling Around Australia but not sure if you need to wait until retirement? Rob & Ange, the Semi Retired Travellers, prove you don’t.
They share how they hit the road full-time, found work along the way, and made the Big Lap lifestyle work before retiring.
In this episode of Big Lap Chats, Annette’s joined by Sam and Wim, aka Bush and Bay, a Belgian couple now living their dream through off-grid travel in Australia.
From Brisbane to the red centre and remote WA coastlines, they’ve explored more of Australia in five years than many Aussies do in a lifetime.
Is there ever a perfect time to travel around Australia? Deb & Jez from Grab Life by the Gourlays say yes, and it’s right now.
They share how they brought their lap forward by four years, found the right caravan at the right price, and hit the road as a family of four with their pup.
What do you do when life throws you lockdowns, loss, and burnout? For Jen and Bob, the answer was simple: sell the house, buy the van, and hit the road.
What started as a way to escape the grind turned into a full-time lifestyle that’s now spanned over five years.
I’m sharing five lessons from our own travels that have saved us money, time and a few headaches.
These tips will help you start your lap with more confidence and fewer regrets, no matter if you’re towing a caravan, travelling in a motorhome or exploring in a camper trailer or tent.
Wondering what a Big Lap of Australia really costs each week?
In this episode about Big Lap budgets, Annette shares real-life spending insights from lappers across the country. Lappers who are travelling solo, as a couple, or with kids.
Dive into this episode to hear what it costs to travel Australia right now.
One of the biggest questions you’ll face when planning a lap of Australia is whether to sell your home or rent it out while you’re on the road.
It’s not a simple financial decision. It’s about freedom, security, and peace of mind. For many lappers, this choice alone keeps them stuck in planning mode far longer than they’d like.
Thinking of working and full time travel around Australia?
In this episode of Big Lap Chats, Shaina and Kade, the couple behind Escape the Everyday share how they made the life-changing decision to leave behind suburbia.
They swapped it for a Silverado, a 22-foot caravan, and an open-ended adventure around Australia.
Join us and listen in or watch how to ditch the 9-5 and travel Australia instead.
For most people it comes down to two things: money fears and not knowing where to start.
In this solo episode, I answer two real listener questions: • How do you let go of the financial security of full-time work to travel full-time? • As a brand-new caravanner, where do you even start once you’ve got the van and tow vehicle?
When you first buy a caravan, whether brand new or second-hand, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement (and the shiny accessories).
But not every add-on is worth the money. After more than two years of travelling full-time around Australia, we’ve learned exactly which upgrades truly make life on the road easier, safer, and far more comfortable.
Kim and Mike, the creators of Greenskin Wine a game-changing wine made for caravanners, campers and boaties join me this week.
Tired of lugging around heavy, breakable bottles, this clever couple developed a premium wine pouch that’s lightweight, unbreakable, and fully recyclable.
You’ll love hearing how Greenskin Wine blends sustainability, convenience, and seriously good wine. It’s a smart solution for vanlife and a great excuse to pour a glass by the campfire.
Thinking about buying a caravan for your Big Lap of Australia?
Whether you’re just starting out or deep in research mode, this could be one of the biggest investments you make before hitting the road.
And spoiler alert: it’s about a lot more than Instagram-worthy interiors and glossy brochures.
I share the real-world advice you need to hear before signing on the dotted line. After living full-time on the road for almost two and half years, we’ve learned a thing or two. Especially about what works, what doesn’t, and what can seriously derail your travel dreams.
In 2021, after the heartbreaking loss of Josh’s dad to cancer, the couple had a moment of clarity that many of us only come to when life forces us to stop and reassess. Their youngest was just four months old.
Life was hectic. The grind was relentless. And suddenly, the urgency to live more intentionally became impossible to ignore.
“We realised how quickly things can change,” Sianne shared. “That grief was our wake-up call.
Thinking about buying a secondhand caravan for your Big Lap?
Before you hand over your money, you need to hear this.
In this episode, I’m walking you through the complete inspection process for buying a used caravan in Australia.
Whether you’re buying from a dealer or privately, these 12 essential checks will help you avoid costly mistakes and find the perfect van for your family adventure or retirement dream.
Lee and Daz from Our Salty Life, know The Ningaloo like the back of their hands.
They’ve spent months there over the past two years, and they shared the kind of honest, practical advice you simply can’t get from glossy travel brochures.
This is the real story of Ningaloo camping, complete with booking system frustrations, road condition realities, and the insider tips that’ll help you have an incredible experience instead of a stressful one.
Tara and Jeremy had been dreaming of a Big Lap for years. Like so many others, their love of camping gradually grew into something more.
The short weekends never felt long enough, and the urge to turn a few nights into a full-time lifestyle couldn’t be ignored.
Once their youngest was old enough, they locked in a departure date and made it happen, no selling the house, no dramatic exits, just a well-thought-out plan and a readiness to embrace the unknown.
What happens when everything goes to plan with full time travel, until it doesn’t?
Lee and Daz from Our Salty Life, their Big Lap of Australia has been filled with epic adventures, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and plenty of campfire chats.
But it’s also been marked by mechanical meltdowns, unexpected medical needs, and those classic “we didn’t see that coming” moments.
In this episode of Big Lap Chats, I caught up with Lee and Daz (again) to talk through the highs, the heartbreaks, and the very real tips they wish more travellers knew before hitting the road.
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.
It’s your shortcut to smarter, stress-free travel with insider tips, unfiltered campfire chats, and bonus episodes packed with practical advice that could save you thousands.
You’ll get direct access to Annette and a private community that actually “gets it”, no judgment, no fluff, just real answers from real lappers.
And if you are already on the road? These episodes are the perfect companion for long stretches of highway. Turn up the volume, zone out on the scenery, and get entertained and educated as the kilometres fly by.
Whether you’re still in planning mode or halfway around Oz wondering if you’ve missed something, the BLC Crew+ brings you clarity, confidence, and connection.
No more doom-scrolling Facebook groups or second-guessing your decisions. This is where the real stories live and the insider knowledge that doesn’t make it to Instagram.
If you’re ready to ditch the overwhelm, feel supported, and laugh along the way, it’s time to join. Don’t let boredom, FOMO, or costly mistakes be part of your lap. Tap that join button and let’s get you road-trip ready with smarter planning and better playlists.
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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}
