Caravanning With Kids: Why One Year on the Road Still Isn’t Enough

From spreadsheets and suburban routines to whale sharks and wildflowers, Tara and Jeremy’s story is one of planning, pivoting, and falling completely in love with life on the road.

Their family of four, plus Rocky the dog, left Geelong in January with one goal: explore Australia. Almost a year later, they're still going, with no regrets, a few surprises, and a growing desire to make travel a permanent part of life.

From “One Day” to “Let’s Just Do It”

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.

“You get to the end of a camping trip and think, I don’t want it to be over. So why not just… keep going?”

Reality Check: Budgeting, Burnout, and the Beauty of Balance

They budgeted $1,000 a week. But real life on the road? It’s closer to $1,500.

That’s not unusual, and it’s a reality check every lapper needs to hear. With accommodation, fuel, activities and food, it all adds up. But instead of letting it stop them, they pivoted. They got clear on what mattered, adjusted expectations, and found a rhythm.

They also learned that the dream of “doing nothing” wears thin after a while. As much as they love the freedom, both admit they miss working a little, not a full return to nine-to-five, but enough to feel purposeful. And that’s opened the door to a whole new approach to travel: work a little, roam a lot.

Setups, Upgrades and Expo Temptations

Tara and Jeremy travel in an Easy Trail Parks 15 hybrid caravan towed by a Mitsubishi Triton. It’s compact, off-grid capable, and so far solid.

But like every lapper, they’ve got a wandering eye.

“We went to the Brisbane Caravan Expo and suddenly the flashy new vans started looking pretty tempting…”

They’re not looking to upgrade out of necessity, but out of curiosity. It’s a reminder to anyone prepping for a lap: your setup doesn’t have to be forever. Start with what works, and if you love the lifestyle, you’ll figure out what you need next.

Big Ticket Wins: Whale Sharks, Fraser Island & Family Time

When it comes to unforgettable experiences, this family has ticked off a few big ones. Tara swam with whale sharks in Exmouth with their eldest son, Ollie an experience they both call a lifelong memory. Jeremy’s highlight? Driving Fraser Island and soaking up the reef.

But for them, the real bucket-list item is the lap itself.

“Doing a lap of Australia is a massive goal in itself. Everything else is a bonus.”

It’s a mindset shift more people need to embrace. Yes, the headline moments are incredible, but the magic is in the day-to-day, the freedom, the family time, and the unexpected connections.

What They Wish More People Knew

1. You’re never really ready.
They spent years planning, with whiteboards and maps on the wall. But even then, the journey didn’t fully click until they were on the road. So if you're waiting for the “perfect” time to leave, it doesn’t exist. Start planning, but don’t get stuck in it.

2. Budget blowouts happen.
Plan conservatively and leave room to move. For them, spending more hasn’t ruined the trip it just meant smarter choices and re-aligning priorities.

3. Kids learn more than you think.
While they started off thinking road-schooling needed to look like classroom worksheets, they’ve realised that life on the road is the education. Museums, lookouts, local history, wildlife, there’s learning in every stop, and Ollie even keeps a travel journal to document it all.

“He might not be doing maths every day, but he’s soaking in so much more than we ever expected.”

4. Productivity looks different.
They're not working in the traditional sense, but they’ve developed routines that keep the family feeling grounded. The night before each travel day, they chat about what they’d like to do the next day. A little planning goes a long way when you're on the move.

The Truth About Time on the Road

One myth they bust quickly? That lap life is slow-paced.

In reality, it’s full.

You’re always somewhere new, exploring something different. Even the “rest days” often involve washing, refuelling, planning, and moving again. Add in social media updates, occasional brand collaborations, and keeping kids entertained, and it’s easy to see why rest sometimes takes a backseat.

“It’s busier than we thought. But it’s a good busy. It’s our busy.”

What They’ve Learned About Themselves

One of the unexpected joys of their journey has been the simplicity that comes with it. Leaving behind clutter, physical and mental, has given them space to reflect.

They’ve let go of a lot: stuff they didn’t need, routines that no longer served them, and expectations that don’t match road life. They’ve discovered a new version of themselves. One that’s a little more relaxed, a little less image-conscious, and a whole lot more connected to what matters.

And they’ve built confidence, both in their kids and in themselves.

From reversing into tight spots to fixing little van issues, every challenge on the road has taught them something new. Their advice? Learn to be a bit handy, stay calm, and don’t rush.

“Go slow. Don’t push your car or your setup. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

Final Thoughts: Just Take the Plunge

Tara’s parting words are a message for every would-be lapper:

“If you’re thinking about it do it. It won’t be perfect, but it will be worth it.”

The truth is, you’ll never feel 100% ready. But with planning, patience, and a willingness to adapt, your Big Lap could be everything you’ve dreamed of and more.

And for anyone who’s ever said, “I only camp under five stars,” Tara has a message for you too:

“You're missing out.”