Travel Australia Podcast - Big Lap Chats By All Around Oz
Published by Annette Jones
Places & Travel
Society & Culture
The travel Australia podcast Big Lap Chats by All Around Oz, goes beyond the usual tips, offering authentic insights from experienced big lappers who've done the hard yards travelling Australia. The Big Lap Chats Podcast is an inspiring and informative show hosted by Annette Jones, a seasoned caravanner, adventurer, and the voice behind All Around Oz. Aimed at both newbies and experienced travellers, caravanners and campers alike, the podcast dives deep into the world of caravanning, camping, and the unique lifestyle of doing a big lap around Australia. Each episode features Annette interviewing Australia's most passionate big lappers, campers, and travel experts, creating a vibrant tapestry of real stories, practical advice, and relatable insights for anyone dreaming of the open road. If you're dreaming of the a great Australian road trip, planning your first big lap of australia, or already caravanning around Australia, we've got you covered with real stories, expert advice, and practical tips and hacks, plus a few laughs along the way. Tune in to get the inside scoop on caravanning, off-grid camping, and everything in between, all from seasoned lappers. Want more from each episode? Join the BLC+ Crew and get; - Extended episodes - Private podcast feed - Private community group - Premium Ad-Free Content - Exclusive Discounts & Special Offers - Campfire chats with Annette and special guests - Access the interactive free camp and travel map - Community Support from other caravanners and campers who share your passion for life on the road Thank you for your support, we appreciate you! We love to connect with you across our socials Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @allaroundoz and via our website https://allaroundoz.com.au Come and say G'day, we'd love to meet you!
Wondering what food you should take on your Big Lap of Australia, and how much you really need to carry? In this episode of Big Lap Chats , Annette shares how she packs the caravan pantry, fridge and freezer after almost three years travelling full time around Australia. We cover pantry staples, fridge baskets, freezer meals, vacuum sealing, fresh produce, remote road food planning, and what to stock up on before heading into places like the Gibb River Road, Cape York, the Tanami Track or other remote parts of Australia. This episode is not about packing your van like you will never see a supermarket again. It is about knowing how you cook, how remote you are going, what food matters to you, and how to avoid overpacking or running short. Topics covered include: What pantry staples to carry in your caravan How to pack food for remote road trips What to stock up on before leaving major towns How to organise your caravan fridge and pantry Why fridge baskets and pantry containers help What to freeze before going off-grid How to think about meal planning without overplanning What hard-to-find favourites you should carry with you If you are planning a Big Lap, heading off-grid, or wondering what food to pack for caravan travel around Australia, this episode will help you think through what you really need.
In this episode of Big Lap Chats, I'm joined by Jessie and Adam from 8 Feet Travels, a family originally from Perth who have been travelling Australia with kids for just over two years. What started as a planned 12-month lap has turned into a much bigger adventure, with caravan shows, remote work, caravan park jobs and a few clever decisions helping them stay on the road longer. We talk about the honest reality of travelling Australia with kids, including why the first six weeks can feel so hard, how children adjust to living in a small space, what roadschooling looks like, and why families need to give themselves time to settle into life on the road. Jessie and Adam also share practical advice for families preparing for a lap of Australia, including practising reversing, improving communication while towing, doing a towing course if you're new to it, sleeping in the van before you leave, meal planning for remote travel, preparing for places like the Gibb River Road and Cape York, and the gear they now wouldn't travel without. We also touch on finding great places to stay, travelling with a dog, working with brands on the road, and what they've learned from two years of full-time caravan travel around Australia. Listen to the full episode for the campsite chat, favourite places and the stories behind the spots Jessie and Adam would happily return to.
Caravan Facebook groups can turn one simple question into a full-blown debate, and when you're new to caravanning or planning your first Big Lap, it can be hard to know what actually matters. In this solo episode, I answer 10 real questions from our caravanning and Big Lap communities in plain English. We cover free camp etiquette, towing with full or empty water tanks, whether half-full tanks can cause sway, caravan bedding, towing mirrors, toilet cassette storage, bikes, insurance, travelling with dogs and more. This episode is for the Lappers who are trying to make smart decisions without turning every little question into a three-week research project. If you have a question you'd like answered in a future episode, message me on socials at All Around Oz or contact me here.
Planning a Big Lap of Australia as a couple is not just about choosing the caravan, setting a budget and mapping out the route. Once you are on the road, you are also making decisions together every day, managing money, dealing with stress, sharing a small space and working out how to keep enjoying the trip when things do not go quite to plan. In this solo episode of Big Lap Chats, I talk through the conversations couples should have before they leave, including why you both want to travel, how fast you want to move, who takes on which jobs, how you will handle money, how you will give each other space, and what to do if one person starts feeling overwhelmed. These are practical, real-life conversations that can make a big difference to how your Big Lap feels once you are actually living it. For help preparing for your own trip, grab my Planning a Lap of Australia guide here
What are the first 30 days on a Big Lap of Australia really like? In this solo episode, I'm breaking down what actually happens once you leave home and hit the road. That first month can feel very different to what you expected, even after months of planning. Everything takes longer, the days can feel more tiring, and it's easy to start questioning your decisions. This episode walks through why that happens, what's normal, and how to adjust your pace so you don't burn out early. I also share what we did in our first month, what I'd change if I was starting again, and the common mistakes I see from other travellers during those early weeks. If you're planning a lap of Australia or getting close to departure, this will help you go in with the right expectations and settle into the lifestyle much faster.
What does it actually look like when you stop planning and start travelling? In this episode, I'm joined by Mel from Neighbours to Nomads. Mel and her partner Scott sold everything, shut down their businesses, and set off to travel Australia full-time. We talk through how that decision came about, what their first six months really looked like, and the biggest lessons they've learnt since being on the road. This is a practical, honest conversation about what changes once you leave, including how quickly travel can turn into a race if you're not careful, why slowing down is harder than it sounds, and how long it actually takes to explore Australia properly. We also cover setup decisions, making money on the road, and how they've handled the unexpected along the way. If you're planning your own lap, this episode will give you a clearer picture of what to expect and what matters most once you're out there.
What would you do if you were told to leave your campsite because of a cyclone? In this episode, Annette shares a real experience from Kalbarri in Western Australia, where a fast-moving cyclone forced travellers to make quick decisions under pressure. This is not just a story. It's a practical look at cyclone safety for caravanners, including what to consider when leaving, how to assess your options, and why blindly following advice may not always be the safest choice. Annette breaks down what they got right, what went wrong, and what they would do again, covering fuel challenges, navigation issues, route decisions, and the importance of staying flexible when plans change quickly. If you're travelling Australia or planning a Big Lap, this episode will help you think through how to handle severe weather events before you're in one.
In this episode, Annette chats with Jacqui and Dave from Really Good Travels, retired school teachers who set off at the end of 2022 and have since spent years exploring Australia in their caravan. After travelling across multiple states, including remote parts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, they share what they've learned along the way and what they would do differently if they were starting again. This episode focuses on the common mistakes many travellers make before leaving, including overpacking, misunderstanding weight limits, underestimating power and water requirements, and trying to create the perfect plan before hitting the road. It's a practical, honest conversation that highlights what actually matters when planning a Lap of Australia and why flexibility often leads to the best experiences. If you're preparing for your own trip, Annette's planning guide will help you get organised before you leave and avoid the most common mistakes. Find out more here: https://allaroundoz.com.au/the-big-lap-book
Katie and Pete from Sanders Meanders share their journey of travelling Australia full-time as a family of five with no caravanning experience before they left. What started as a dream quickly turned into a steep learning curve, from choosing the right setup to understanding weights, budgeting, and schooling on the road. In this episode, they talk about how they made the decision to leave, what they learned in their first six months, and how they've adapted to life travelling with kids. They also share their approach to finding great camps, managing costs, and handling the unexpected challenges that come with a Big Lap. If you're planning a family Big Lap Australia, this episode will give you a clear and honest look at what to expect.
Fuel prices are climbing across Australia, and it's one of the biggest concerns right now for anyone planning a Big Lap. In this episode, I break down what's actually happening on the ground, not headlines or speculation, but real feedback from the All Around Oz community. After running polls across our groups with over 235,000 members, I share: Whether Lappers are delaying their trips or still going How travellers are adjusting their plans right now Real fuel prices being reported around Australia What rising diesel costs could mean for your Big Lap budget The difference between fuel price fear vs fuel availability concerns You'll also hear what Kev and I are doing right now as we head north in WA, and whether it's changing our own plans for the Gibb River Road this year. If you're 6–12 months out from your Big Lap or already on the road, this episode will help you understand what's really happening and how to adapt without overreacting.
Bek and Rob from The Larsens Adventures have been travelling Australia with their two young boys for nearly two years. In this episode of Big Lap Chats, they share the story behind their decision to leave Brisbane and start travelling full-time as a family. After a life-changing experience that shifted their priorities, they decided to stop waiting for "one day" and spend more time together while their kids were still young. Along the way, they've learned some valuable lessons about life on the road, including the importance of travelling slower, packing lighter and understanding caravan weights before leaving home. Bek and Rob talk openly about the challenges of travelling with children, the rising costs of caravan parks, and how they manage daily life in a caravan. They also share their favourite places around Australia, including Uluru, Esperance and the Gibb River Road, and explain how talking to locals has helped them discover some incredible hidden spots. In this episode: • Travelling Australia with kids • The biggest mistakes they made early in their Big Lap • Budget realities of full-time caravan travel • Free camping vs caravan parks • Lessons learned from nearly two years on the road If you're planning a lap of Australia, this episode offers honest insight into what life on the road can really look like. Want extended ad-free, behind-the-scenes episodes? The BLC Crew is your insider pass to travel smarter, save money, and enjoy your big lap with confidence. Learn more 👉🏻 https://blccrew.allaroundoz.com.au/
Why do so many big laps fall apart in the first 90 days? It's rarely about capability. It's usually about foundations. In this solo episode of Big Lap Chats, Annette talks about what really happens in the first three months on the road, the lifestyle shift, travel fatigue, van confidence, decision overwhelm and the pressure to "see it all." If you're 6–12 months away from leaving, or you've just started your lap around Australia, this episode will help you slow down, make clearer decisions and avoid the most common early mistakes. Inside this episode: • Why the first 90 days are about adjustment, not distance • The mistake of moving too fast, too soon • How long do driving days quietly create fatigue • Why understanding your van matters more than kilometres travelled • The power of making clear travel decisions before you leave Big laps don't reward urgency. They reward preparation. For more planning support, head to: https://allaroundoz.com.au Join the communities: Planning a Lap of Australia – Hints and Tips Caravanning for Newbies Australia
They had a house deposit saved on the Gold Coast. Corporate jobs. Brisbane commutes. The "next step" all mapped out. Instead, they chose to travel Australia. In this episode of Big Lap Chats, I chat with Abby and Gus from Sunburnt Tracks about why they skipped buying property and hit the road in a Hilux canopy setup with a rooftop tent and tinny. We cover: How they replaced a mortgage plan with a big lap of Australia Negotiating remote work on the road Fishing their way around the Top End Croc-country boat launches (yes, that story) Corrugations, breakages and reality checks Why East Arnhem Land left such a mark What they'd change if they started again This is an honest conversation about freedom, pressure, money, and choosing your own version of success in Australia. If you're dreaming about a lap but feeling stuck in the "should we buy a house first?" stage, this episode is for you. 🎧 Subscribe and follow Big Lap Chats so you don't miss future episodes.
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
*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:b5068053-8320-452c-a589-f85b9d7a88de-4" data-testid= "conversation-turn-10" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> 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/
