Stop Stalling and Start Living Your Dream Lap of Australia

Have you ever thought about doing a dream lap of Australia, but something is holding you back?

Maybe it’s the fear of leaving the security of full-time work, or maybe it’s just not knowing where to start with your van and setup. If that sounds like you, let me reassure you: you are not alone.

In this post, I’m answering two real questions from listeners who are in exactly that spot. We’ll cover money worries, that feeling of being overwhelmed, and most importantly, how you can move forward so you can stop stalling and start living your dream, your dream of travelling Australia.

The Fear of Leaving Financial Security Behind

One listener recently shared their story with me. They had just returned from a month-long trip from Melbourne through the Flinders Ranges, up to Uluru and Darwin, down to Coober Pedy and home. They absolutely loved it and came back dreaming of a full lap. But, like so many others, they were worried about giving up the financial security of full-time work.

This is one of the most common questions I hear, and it’s a valid one. The good news is you don’t have to leap into a full lap cold turkey. There are plenty of ways to ease into it, such as:

• House sitting: A great way to take a break from caravan life (and often comes with a few furry friends to care for).

• Part-time or seasonal work: Many travellers pick up jobs along the way when their bank account needs a little boost.

• Working on the road: Increasingly, couples and families are taking their jobs with them and working remotely while travelling.

What About the Budget For A Dream Lap Of Australia?

A good rule of thumb for a couple on the road is to budget around $1000 a week. Some weeks you’ll spend more, some weeks less, depending on where you’re travelling and what experiences you want to tick off.

I’ve seen people do the lap on a shoestring with just a car and tent, and others who prefer a top-of-the-line van with every mod con. The important thing is this: set a budget that works for you. Adjust it along the way as you figure out what matters most.

The key takeaway? Don’t let the fear of money steal the dream before you even start.

A good rule of thumb for a couple on the road is to budget around $1000 a week. Some weeks you’ll spend more, some weeks less, depending on where you’re travelling and what experiences you want to tick off.

I’ve seen people do the lap on a shoestring with just a car and tent, and others who prefer a top-of-the-line van with every mod con. The important thing is this: set a budget that works for you. Adjust it along the way as you figure out what matters most.

The key takeaway? Don’t let the fear of money steal the dream before you even start.

“Where Do We Even Start?”

The second big question I received was from a couple in their late 50s. They’ve finally bought their caravan and tow vehicle after years of researching, but now they’re asking: what do we do next?

First off, it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed. There is a mountain of information out there, and it’s easy to get stuck in research mode. When Kev and I started, our only “experience” was a very old van he’d had years before (you can see it here). We learned the same way you will: by doing.

Three Simple Steps to Get Started

• Do a shakedown trip: Take your van somewhere close to home for a weekend. Practice setting up, towing, and packing. You’ll learn a lot without being too far away if something goes wrong.

• Start small: Plan a few short trips before heading off on a big lap. Even a two-week getaway will teach you so much.

• Use checklists and guides: Don’t reinvent the wheel. There are plenty of caravan and camping checklists (I’ve got some for you here) that will help you feel prepared.

If you’re brand new to caravanning, I recommend starting in a caravan park. You’ll have power and water on hand, and other travellers nearby are usually more than happy to lend advice. Once you’ve got your bearings, you can experiment with free camping and off-grid setups.

Remember: you don’t need to know everything before you start. You’ll learn along the way, and the caravanning community is one of the most supportive out there.

The Big Fear Behind Both Questions

Whether it’s money or overwhelm, both of these questions really come back to the same fear: What if I can’t do this?

My answer is simple: yes, you can. Thousands of couples and families have started exactly where you are, nervous, excited, and not quite sure if they were ready. And every one of them found their rhythm on the road.

The first step isn’t about having all the answers. It’s simply about deciding what you’ll do next. The rest will unfold as you go.

Exciting News

Before I wrap up, two quick updates:

• I’m currently updating my Planning a Lap of Australia eBook to include five brand new chapters. If you’ve already got a copy, keep an eye out for a little gift from me when Version 2 is released.

• I’m also opening up consult appointments, so if you’d like to chat with me one-on-one and get your questions answered directly, I’d love to help.

Wherever you’re starting from, remember this: you don’t need to have it all figured out before you leave on your dream lap of Australia. You just need to take the first step, because the road will teach you the rest.