Travel Australia Podcast - Big Lap Chats By All Around Oz

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/ 

In this Big Lap Chats episode of our Travel Australia Podcast, Annette sits down to discuss grief and freedom with Josh & Sianne share how a three-month caravan trip turned into three years exploring Australia with their two girls. What started with hiring a mate's caravan for a three-month getaway quickly turned into three years of full-time travel across Australia. In this candid conversation, Josh and Sianne share how they've navigated the highs and lows of big lap life from selling their home, homeschooling their daughters, and finding meaningful work on the road, to discovering some of the country's most breathtaking (and underrated) destinations. You'll hear: Why the first month of travel is often the hardest and how to ease the transition Their top tips for free camping, managing water and power, and saving money on fuel How they planned their epic stay at Ningaloo and what to expect if you're heading there What it's really like towing a van with a Y62 Patrol (including fuel consumption truths) Unforgettable bucket list moments, including shark cage diving and visiting Uluru The biggest myth about travelling Australia that needs to be busted Whether you're planning your Big Lap of Australia or already out on the road, this episode is packed with honest advice and practical tips for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. Big Lap Chats is the go-to Travel Australia Podcast for real stories from real travellers. Subscribe for more insider extended chats, planning tips, and lap-life lessons from those who've done it. https://blccrew.allaroundoz.com.au/ 

Buying a new caravan is one of the biggest and most expensive decisions you'll make when preparing for your Big Lap of Australia. And while it's exciting, it's also incredibly easy to get wrong. In this solo episode, Annette shares the essential advice every future lapper needs before choosing a van. Drawing from her experience as a full-time traveller, she explains what really matters when it comes to setup and comfort on the road. You'll learn why understanding your tow vehicle's weights is so important, what layout features make daily life easier (especially in bad weather), and how to plan for your full travel setup, not just the van. Annette also covers off-grid capability, build quality, towing confidence, and the often-overlooked extras that can add weight and cost fast. She breaks down the most common mistakes new buyers make and how to avoid them, especially if you've been swayed by shiny Instagram vans that don't match your lifestyle. Whether you're buying your first caravan or still in the early stages of planning, this episode is full of real-world advice that will help you travel smarter and make more confident decisions. Grab the show notes and extra information here https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/buying-a-new-caravan/     

If you love a good glass of wine after a day on the road, but hate the weight, waste, and breakage of glass bottles this episode is for you. Annette sits down with Kim and Mike, the creators of Greenskin Wine, a premium Australian wine packaged in lightweight, unbreakable, fully recyclable pouches. Designed for caravanners, vanlifers, boaties and campers, this clever innovation is changing how Aussies enjoy wine while travelling. We chat about: How Greenskin was born from frustration (and a love of great wine) Why wine pouches are not just goon 2.0 The huge environmental benefits over glass How long the wine lasts after opening (hint: it's weeks, not days) Delivery tricks for travellers on the move Whether you're planning your Big Lap or already on the road, this episode will have you rethinking your happy hour setup. Try Greenskin Wine: Https://greenskinwine.com – use code AAO and save 10% on your order! #BigLapChats #GreenskinWine #VanlifeAustralia #CaravanningAustralia #TravelAustralia

Not every shiny new feature is worth the price tag, but after two and a half years on the road, we've figured out which caravan upgrades truly make life easier, safer, and more comfortable. In this solo episode, I'm sharing the upgrades we'd invest in again in a heartbeat, like lithium batteries, solar setups, extra water tanks, and the small creature comforts that make a big difference on the road. If you're setting up your caravan or wondering where to spend (and where to save), this episode will help you make smart, practical choices before you hit the road.

What's stopping you from hitting the road? For most people it comes down to two things: money fears and not knowing where to start. In this solo episode, I answer two real listener questions: • How do you let go of the financial security of full-time work to travel full-time? • As a brand-new caravanner, where do you even start once you've got the van and tow vehicle? I share practical tips on budgeting (including the $1000-a-week rule of thumb), why short "shakedown trips" are so valuable, and how to ease into the lifestyle without letting fear hold you back. Plus, I've got exciting news: Version 2 of my Planning a Lap of Australia eBook is on the way with five new chapters, and I'm opening up consults so I can help you one-on-one with your own lap planning. Listen in or watch all the podcast episodes here https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcast/ 

Thinking about solo travel Australia, but not sure where to start? In this episode of Big Lap Chats, Annette sits down with solo traveller Rose Pengilly, who has spent more than 17 months exploring Australia on her own. Rose shares how she set up her motorhome for comfort and safety, her must-have non-negotiables for long-term travel, and what it's really like free camping as a woman on the road. You'll hear her best money-saving hacks, from using fuel apps to shopping smart in remote towns, plus her favourite free camps and bucket list adventures, including swimming with whale sharks and the unforgettable Horizontal Falls. If you're dreaming of a Big Lap, planning your own van life adventure, or simply curious about the realities of travelling Australia solo, this inspiring and practical conversation will give you the confidence to take the next step. Tune in and discover why the freedom of the open road is worth chasing, even if you're travelling solo.  

What would it take to leave everything behind and start again? For Karen and Vince, known as Chasing the Civellos, the answer was simple: sell the house, sell the business, and set off in a motorhome to discover what they call big lap freedom. In this episode of Big Lap Chats, they share their raw and real story of moving from burnout and disconnection to a life of reconnection, simplicity, and slow travel. From shedding possessions and realising how little "stuff" they really needed, to discovering the joy of free camping, working seasonal jobs, and exploring Australia at their own pace, their journey is full of practical insights and heart. We talk about: Why they decided to sell everything and hit the road The liberation of downsizing to only the essentials How slow travel saves money and deepens experiences Favourite free camps and hidden gems along the way Advice for couples and grey nomads dreaming of their own lap If you've ever wondered what it would be like to step away from the grind and embrace a simpler, more connected way of life, Karen and Vince's story will inspire you to design your own lap, your own version of big lap freedom. Hear/watch and download the show notes for every episode here - https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcast/ 

In this episode of Big Lap Chats, I sit down with Shania and Kade from Escape the Everyday, a young couple who made the bold decision to sell their home and take on full-time travel around Australia. They share the emotional rollercoaster of leaving behind stability, how they juggle work on the road (a nurse and a diesel mechanic—very handy combo!), and what really surprised them about life as they travel Australia. From managing a reactive dog to dealing with a lost caravan wheel just hourss after a service, they don't hold back. You'll hear honest reflections about what it's really like out there, the reality of busy destinations like Ningaloo, how they find hidden gems, and the maintenance tips that could save your rig (and your wallet). If you're weighing up whether to sell or rent your house, worried about money, or just craving real talk from real travellers, this episode is a must-listen. Want the extended version with their favourite free camps and bonus tips? Join the BLC Crew for exclusive content at blccrew.allaroundoz.com.au

After the heartbreaking loss of their daughter, Rachel and Darren made a life-changing decision to pack up their lives, leave their high-stress jobs, and travel Australia full-time. In this emotional episode of Big Lap Chats, they share how their lap became a journey of healing, reconnection, and rediscovery. We talk about: The grief that changed everything Their 2017 Coromal caravan setup and Starlink Mini connection Travelling with their dog Archie Budget tips for staying under $1,000 a week Stunning free camps most travellers miss How they planned their lap around healing, not just sightseeing If you're wondering whether now is the "right time" to travel, this episode is for you.  

One of the toughest decisions before setting off on your Big Lap is whether to sell your home or rent it out. In this solo episode, I explore the pros and cons of both options, from the freedom of selling to the safety net of renting. I also share some of our own experiences with tenants, property managers, and the realities of juggling house ownership while on the road. By the end, you'll have a clear framework to help you decide what's best for your situation, so this decision doesn't hold you back from starting your adventure. Download the show notes, see all the episodes and learn more about the BLC Crew at https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcast/ 

In this episode of Big Lap Chats, we dive into one of the most asked questions in our community: How much does a Big Lap of Australia really cost each week? Annette breaks down real-life spending from Aussie travellers across the country—from budget-conscious solo lappers to families making the most of every experience. Hear what people are actually spending on fuel, food, accommodation, activities and more, and why your travel style matters more than you think. If you're planning a lap and feeling unsure about your budget, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical advice to help you prepare with confidence. What more from Big Lap Chats? Head over to the BLCCrew for extended episodes, ad-free content, exclusive discounts and much more!

Thinking about doing the Big Lap of Australia to travel Australia in a caravan? In this episode of Big Lap Chats, I share 5 crucial lessons I wish I knew before hitting the road full-time in our caravan. These tips come from over two years of travelling around Australia. Helping you save money, travel slower, avoid rookie mistakes, and get the most out of your adventure. You'll learn: • Why your caravan or camper setup will evolve (and why that's okay) • How slowing your travel pace can improve your trip and budget • What to budget for beyond the basics (including unexpected costs) • Why flexibility in your plans leads to the best adventures • How community and connection make your lap even better Whether you're towing a caravan, travelling in a motorhome, or exploring in a camper trailer, these insider tips will give you the confidence to start your Big Lap prepared and excited. Listen to more Big Lap Chats episodes and download show notes: https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcast

After lockdown and personal loss, Jen and Bob decided it was time to stop waiting and start living. They sold their home, bought a van, and hit the road full-time—with no set plan and no end date. In this episode, they share how they turned uncertainty into freedom, what life really looks like as full-time travellers, and the places that stole their hearts along the way. You'll hear: Why they chose to travel long-term How they make it work financially and emotionally Their favourite lesser-known Aussie towns What they've learned from five years on the road If you've ever dreamed of packing up and chasing your Big Lap dream, this conversation will inspire you to start, ready or not. Join the BLC Crew community, get early access, ad-free epsiodes here for less than a couple of cofees at a servo 👉🏻 https://biglapchats.supercast.com/ 

This week on Big Lap Chats, I'm joined by Tara from Dreamer RV—who shares how a desire for more family time sparked a bold decision to hit the road, and how that journey unexpectedly led to launching a thriving caravan bedding business. Tara's Big Lap story is packed with relatable moments, from the chaos of packing up with young kids to navigating life (and business) from a caravan. We chat about the juggle of working remotely, what it's really like living full-time in close quarters, and the surprising lessons they've learned along the way. You'll also hear how Dreamer RV was born from a simple frustration shared by thousands of travellers and how Tara grew it into a successful Aussie product that's helping Lappers everywhere sleep better on the road. If you've ever wondered what it takes to travel long-term as a family, run a business from the van, or make the leap into big lap life travelling australia, this one's for you. And listen in to the end, Tara's offering a special discount for Big Lap Chats listeners!  

Is there ever a perfect time to travel around Australia? Deb & Jez from Grab Life by the Gourlays say yes—and it's right now. In this episode, they share how they brought their lap forward by four years, found the right caravan at the right price, and hit the road as a family of four (plus their pup) for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. What You'll Learn: Why now is the Best Time to Do the Big Lap How to save thousands with caravan travel hacks Real talk on homeschooling while travelling What setup really works for a family Honest advice on toilets, tech, and tantrums Why WA stole their hearts, and where to go next Plus, hear their top tips on budgeting, route planning, solo time, and avoiding common mistakes that could break your Big Lap before it even begins. Whether you're in the dreaming, planning or halfway-there phase, this episode is packed with relatable, practical tips for anyone considering full-time travel around Australia. 👉 Join the BLC Crew for bonus episodes, exclusive free camp recommendations, and inside access to real travellers like Deb & Jez.  🎟️ https://blccrew.allaroundoz.com.au

This week's episode is a little different—no guest, just Annette, answering the same Big Lap questions she usually asks others. You'll get real, honest insights about planning, budgeting, finding hidden gems, and staying sane on the road. 👉 Topics covered include: Why setting a departure date is more powerful than you think Our approach to free camping, fuel stops, and trip planning The myth of Instagram-perfect travel days Tips that actually save you money (and stress) How I stay productive while travelling full-time 📍Recorded in Outback, WA – because the road doesn't stop for podcasting! 🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Want more? Join the Big Lap Chats Membership to get exclusive content, bonus episodes, and direct access to Annette and the crew. 🔗 Join the BLCCrew 💬 Want to be interviewed or nominate someone? Let us know here!

Sam and Wim from Bush and Bay join Annette to share their full-time off-grid travel journey across Australia. From ditching van life to discovering their ideal 4WD + camper setup, this episode is packed with honest insights into what really works on the Big Lap of Australia. They talk Starlink, water tanks, wild weather, and the myth of the "perfect setup." Plus, you'll hear what not to do when planning your route, and why slowing down might be the smartest travel move you make. 💬 Want the full, extended episode (including their top secret favourite destination)? 👉 Join the BLC Podcast Membership here: https://allaroundoz.com.au/blc-crew 

Confused about caravan towing weights? In this must-listen episode of Big Lap Chats, Annette chats with Brennan Raymakers from Know My Tow to demystify GVM, GCM, ATM, tow ball weights, axle loads, and more. If you're planning a Big Lap of Australia, this episode is essential for understanding how to tow legally and safely. Plus, discover how Know My Tow's free and premium calculators can help you avoid fines, insurance issues, and costly mistakes. Perfect for new and seasoned caravanners alike. 🔗 Bonus: Save 25% off Know My Tow with our exclusive coupon—link in the show notes.