Off the Beaten Track With The Lifestyle Pioneers: A Big Lap Adventure

The idea of a "Big Lap" around Australia is a dream for many, but for Liz and Simon of The Lifestyle Pioneers, that dream turned into an indefinite adventure. What started as a planned 12-month big lap evolved into a full-time lifestyle, spanning over four years (and counting!).

From Career Life to Life on the Road

Before they hit the road, Liz was a schoolteacher, and Simon was deep in the construction industry, juggling roles from landscaping to project management. Their life was busy, their schedules packed, and their desire for something different grew stronger.

“We wanted to spend more time with our kids and not wait until retirement to do all the things we love—hiking, snowboarding, diving,” Liz shared. “So, we decided to do it now while we’re young and able.”

Embracing Remote and Off-Grid Travel

Unlike many lappers who stick to the well-worn highways, Liz and Simon thrive in the remote and rugged landscapes of Australia’s outback.

“We love getting off the beaten track. Some of the places we’ve been, you can go days without seeing another person,” Simon said. “It makes you realise just how vast and beautiful this country is.”

Navigating Family Life on the Road

Raising two young boys while traveling full-time brings its own set of challenges. “Our boys, Harrison and James, are doing School of the Air through a distance education program. It’s a balance—while we love being remote, the kids need social time, and so do we,” Liz explained.

To make it work, they actively seek out other travelling families and plan meet-ups along their journey. “It happens organically. You just bump into people along the way,” Simon added.

The Secret to Long-Term Travel Success

One of the biggest pieces of advice from the Lifestyle Pioneers? Flexibility.

“Having a plan is great, but being able to change it is even better,” Simon emphasised. “You’ll find places that aren’t as great as expected, and others that blow you away. If you can stay longer, stay longer.”

Liz added another crucial element: rest days.

“You can’t be on the go all the time. You need days where you do absolutely nothing—let the kids play Lego, relax, and reset.”

Money-Saving Hacks for the Big Lap

For those worried about budget, the couple shared their top three tips:

1. Free Camping – Using apps like WikiCamps to find the best free spots.
2. Fuel Planning – Maximising discounts and fueling up strategically.
3. Buy As You Go – “You don’t need to have everything before you leave. Buy what you actually need as you go.”

The Reality of Social Media and Travel

Surprisingly, Liz and Simon didn’t even have an Instagram account before they started travelling. Now, they share their journey through YouTube and social media—but they emphasise that most people travelling aren’t influencers.

“There’s this myth that everyone on the road is doing social media, but that’s just because those are the people you see. The truth is, thousands of people are out there living this lifestyle, working remotely, or picking up jobs along the way.”

The Biggest Lessons from Life on the Road

When asked about the most overlooked aspects of Big Lap planning, they stressed the importance of campground etiquette and community.

“Go and say hi to your neighbours! Most people are happy to have a chat, share tips, and make connections,” Simon said. “Don’t let small annoyances get to you—if someone’s driving too fast in camp, just have a friendly word with them.”

Planning Your Own Big Lap?

Liz and Simon’s biggest piece of advice? Just start.

“You don’t need to have it all figured out before you go,” Liz said. “The first 12 weeks will be a learning curve, but you’ll find your rhythm. Just check in with each other, be patient, and enjoy the journey.”

For more tips and real-life insights from the road, follow The Lifestyle Pioneers - links are below.