From Grief to Gratitude: How One Family’s Big Lap Changed Everything

Imagine a big lap journey starting from being gifted a tent… and it changing the entire trajectory of your life.

That’s exactly what happened to Erin and Alex from Now or Never and Camp For A Cure.

They weren’t “camping people.” Two young kids, full-time jobs, barely keeping up with day-to-day life. But when Erin’s mum—who was battling cancer—bought them a tent and later a caravan, she planted a seed that would grow into a full-blown lap around Australia.

And when she passed, they decided to honour her memory by chasing more time, more freedom, and more connection.

And so, they hit the road.

“We were living week to week…”

Before the lap, life was a blur. Work consumed their time, stress built up, and the kids were growing up fast—too fast. “I’d leave before sunrise, get home after dark. A kiss goodnight was all I’d get with the kids,” Aaron shared.

Mental health struggles were also part of the picture. “I used to have panic attacks regularly. I was barely functioning. But now? I feel like myself again.”

The lap didn’t just change their scenery. It changed their entire life.

Lessons From The Big Lap

Their 14-month lap was filled with stunning coastlines, spontaneous detours, and plenty of realisations—including a big one:

“You don’t need the perfect setup to get started. Just start.”

Their original van was brand new, but after the lap, they sold it and renovated a much older model instead—lovingly dubbed Bertha. They realised gear didn’t make the journey—it was about the memories made with what you have.

From the air fryer they never used to the kids’ kayaks that were fun for all of two minutes, they learned (like most seasoned lappers) that less really is more.

“You all sit around the same campfire at the end of the day. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a swag or a $100k van.”

Hidden Gems and Budget Tips

While they’re self-proclaimed “not the best budgeters” (hello, craft beer lovers 🍻), they shared some of their top money-saving tips:

• Free & low-cost camping: Especially in South Australia and heading to Cape York, where $10 bush camps are as good as anything you’ll pay $60+ a night for.

• A solid off-grid setup: Good batteries = less reliance on caravan parks.

• Being flexible with plans: Some of their best stops weren’t even on the original itinerary.

Camp for a Cure: Turning Pain into Purpose

After losing both Erin’s mum and Alex’s dad to cancer within 18 months, their travels took on a deeper meaning. They created Camp for a Cure—a now-annual event that blends live music, good vibes, and camping, all to raise money for cancer research.

Last year? Over 550 people attended. This year, on the long weekend in Queensland on the 2nd and 3rd May 2025 they’re expecting more than 850 campers. They are already on track to raise well over $10,000 for Love Your Sister, with Erin even shaving her head alongside founder Sam Johnson.

“Our story isn’t unique. Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way. We just wanted to do something to make a little difference.”

Real Talk for Aspiring Lappers

When asked what they wish more people knew before starting the lap, they didn’t hold back:

• Be realistic about your budget. “$1000 a week doesn’t cut it anymore, especially for families.”

• Don’t overthink your setup. “You’ll ditch half of it anyway.”

• Pick a date and commit. “There’s no perfect time. Life happens—you’ll never feel 100% ready.”

And most importantly?

“Just do it. You won’t regret the memories you make—but you might regret waiting too long.”

Ready to Take the Leap?

If you're dreaming of your own Big Lap but feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone. That’s why we created the Big Lap Chats Podcast—a space packed with insider advice and interviews.

It’s where real travellers like Erin and Alex share the stuff that doesn’t make it onto Instagram—the raw truths, the funny fails, and the practical wins that can save you stress and money.