Planning a Big Lap of Australia can feel exciting, until you sit down to "plan it" and suddenly feel completely overwhelmed.

In this solo episode of Big Lap Chats, Annette breaks down the difference between planning and preparing and why most travellers are focusing on the wrong things before they leave.

If you've been asking:
– How long should we go for?
– When should we leave?
– Which way do we head first?
– How much money do we really need?
– Are we overthinking campsites?

This episode will help you cut through the noise.

You'll learn:
• The two core decisions that unlock clarity
• Why your departure month matters more than your first destination
• How your rig setup shapes your entire Big Lap
• The biggest preparation traps to avoid
• Why flexibility beats a rigid 12-month itinerary

Annette also shares real stories from life on the road, including why your first week should look very different to what you're imagining.

If you're serious about planning a Big Lap of Australia, this episode will give you structure before you touch a campsite booking.

And if you want uncut versions, free camp suggestions and more join the BLC Crew here https://blccrew.allaroundoz.com.au/

In this episode of Big Lap Chats, Annette sits down with Millie & Matt from Willow Road Adventures, who have just completed their first lap of Australia with their two young kids, Willow and Ruben.

They share how long work hours and missing the kids' early years pushed them to leave, what it's really like to live in a van full-time, and why not having a strict timeline has been the best decision they've made.

From Port Lincoln to the Ningaloo, Kununurra, Darwin and the Gibb, they've learned to travel slower, follow the weather and say yes to opportunities as they appear.

We cover:
• The moment they realised work was costing them family time
• Living in a caravan full-time and working their way around Australia
• How they ended up with eight weeks at Ningaloo without booking months ahead
• Travelling in shoulder and off-seasons to avoid crowds
• Safety in outback towns vs media hype
• Their top money-saving habits on the road
• Why a lap of Australia is not one long holiday
• The importance of knowing your own rig, including the story of friends who did a full lap in a brand new 79 series and never had their fuel filter changed, despite dealer servicing

If you're planning a Big Lap with kids or already on the road and feeling the pressure to "do it all," this conversation is a reassuring reminder that you don't need to be a master planner to live this lifestyle.

Read about and connect with Millie & Matt here: https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/big-lap-with-kids/

For more support, behind-the-scenes chats and practical planning help, join the Big Lap Chats Crew: https://blccrew.allaroundoz.com.au/

Discover how we saved over $1,300 during the busiest time of the year by house sitting instead of staying in caravan parks. In this episode, Annette shares the full story of spending Christmas on an organic farm near Margaret River, caring for 100 chickens and a loveable Labradoodle named Diesel.

Learn how house sitting can be a game-changer for your Big Lap, especially during peak season when caravan parks are packed and expensive. Annette covers everything from how they got started with house sitting, what their daily responsibilities looked like, the unexpected benefits beyond just saving money, and even what went wrong on Christmas Day.

Whether you're planning your first lap or you're already on the road, this episode reveals a budget hack that could extend your travel time and give you a break from van life without breaking the bank.

In This Episode:

• How a chance opportunity in Kalamunda introduced them to house sitting
• What it's really like house sitting on an organic farm
• The exact amount saved by avoiding caravan parks over Christmas
• How to get started with house sitting platforms
• Success tips and red flags to watch for
• What to do when things go wrong (like losing power on Christmas Day)
• Whether house sitting is right for your Big Lap journey

Mentioned in This Episode:

• House sitting platforms and membership costs
• Margaret River and the Perth Hills region
• Tips for building a strong house sitting profile
• How to use house sitting as a base for exploring regions

Perfect for: Big Lap travellers, budget-conscious caravanners, anyone looking to extend their travel time, and those curious about alternatives to caravan parks during peak season.

Connect with All Around Oz:

• Website: https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcast
• Facebook Groups: Caravanning for Newbies | Planning a Lap of Australia Hints and Tips

This is the final episode of Season One of the All Around Oz - Travel Australia Big Lap Chats Podcast and the last episode for 2025.

In this short wrap-up episode, Annette reflects on an incredible first season of the podcast, sharing gratitude for the guests, listeners and community that have grown around Big Lap Chats.

With 36 episodes recorded, the podcast has covered real-life Big Lap advice, honest guest stories, planning reassurance and practical insights for anyone dreaming of travelling Australia by road.

Whether you're already on the road, quietly waiting out the silly season, or still in the planning phase, wondering if you'll ever feel ready, this episode is a reminder that you're not alone and that feeling overwhelmed before a Big Lap is completely normal.

Annette also shares what's coming in Season Two, how listeners can get involved with future topics and guests, and a quick update on the Big Lap Chats membership and the newly updated Planning a Lap of Australia guide.

If you've missed any episodes this year, the Christmas break is the perfect time to go back and listen.

Wishing you a safe, relaxed Christmas and New Year, and wherever you are on your Big Lap journey, enjoy the road ahead. Season Two kicks off in January 2026.

In this episode of Big Lap Chats, Lee & Daz from Our Salty Life share the raw reality of full time travel around Australia.

From mechanical breakdowns and medical emergencies to premium insurance tips and money-saving hacks, this honest chat dives into what it really takes to live life on the road.

If you're dreaming of the Big Lap or already travelling Australia, don't miss this entertaining, unfiltered look at what happens when plans fall apart and how to bounce back smarter.

Tara and Jeremy from 4 Plus Paws join me to share their story of full-time travel across Australia with their two young kids and dog.

From budgeting mishaps to unforgettable experiences, they offer real talk on caravanning with kids, what it's really like, and how they've made it work.

You'll learn:

• How to handle schooling on the road

• What they didn't expect (and how they adapted)

• Why they'd do it all again in a heartbeat

Subscribe and follow for more interviews with real Aussie travellers sharing real advice on living the Big Lap life.

Grab the show notes here 👉🏻 https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/caravanning-with-kids/

When Lee and Daz lost loved ones too soon, they made a promise to stop waiting and start living. What began as a five-month trip in a Kombi many years ago has become their full-time adventure around Australia, and they're doing it with purpose, joy, and plenty of salt water.

In this episode, they share their story of early retirement, life on the Ningaloo Reef, and why they believe the best time to chase your dream is now. We talk booking tips, ghost campers, off-grid living, and the real realities of travelling full-time.

Whether you're planning your lap or already on the road, this episode is packed with practical tips and a powerful reminder to say yes more often.

In this episode:

• How losing loved ones inspired them to hit the road early

• What makes Ningaloo their happy place

• How to navigate the tricky WA booking system

• Why travelling with a boat changed everything

• The power of saying yes to new experiences

Listen now and get inspired to plan your own salty adventure.

Grab the show notes and extra information https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/ningaloo-camping-tips/

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.

What You'll Learn:

• The critical difference between must-haves and nice-to-haves (and how to match them to your budget) • Dealer vs private sale: which is right for you and what to watch out for • Complete interior inspection checklist including water damage, appliances, and those notoriously uncomfortable caravan mattresses • Exterior red flags you can't afford to miss: tyres, chassis rust, batteries, water tanks, and more • Why understanding weights and towing capacity could save your life (and your licence) • The truth about "near new, hardly used" caravans (spoiler: they can be worse than well-used ones) • When it's worth paying for a professional caravan inspector • How to test everything on site before you commit • Documentation you must ask for and verify • When to trust your gut and walk away

I've also created a free downloadable checklist you can take with you when inspecting any secondhand caravan. You'll find it here - https://allaroundoz.com.au/buying-a-second-hand-caravan/

Whether you're a family planning to homeschool on the road or empty nesters ready to reclaim your freedom and explore this beautiful country, this episode will give you the confidence to choose the right caravan for your Big Lap adventure.

Join Our Community:

If you have questions about buying a caravan or planning your lap, come join thousands of other Aussie travellers in our free Facebook groups. Search for "Planning a Lap of Australia Hints and Tips" or "Caravanning for Newbies Australia."

Love the show? Please leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. It helps other families and grey nomads find these free resources when they're planning their own Australian adventure.

Subscribe to Big Lap Chats for weekly episodes covering everything you need to know about planning and enjoying your lap of Australia.

Grab the show notes here: https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/buying-a-second-hand-caravan-australia-essential-checks-before-you-buy/