Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Travel Australia Podcast - Big Lap Chats By All Around Oz

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.

n this episode of Big Lap Chats, Annette sits down with Deena from Committed to Collect. A seasoned traveller who completed an unforgettable 8-month Big Lap of Australia with her young family and did it all without blowing the budget.

Deena shares her story from dusty red roads to driving with the caravan door wide open, and how that adventure sparked her new mission: helping other travellers save money using loyalty programs.

She breaks down exactly how to turn everyday spending into points (without a credit card!) and how those points can fund fuel, flights, and even whale-watching tours.

🎙️ In this episode:

• Why less is more when packing for the lap

• How to avoid rookie spending mistakes

• Clever fuel hacks using apps like BP Me and 7-Eleven Fuel Lock

• Gift card tricks that can turbocharge your points

• Why the best memories don’t come from big budgets

🎧 Listen to the extended version by joining the BLC Crew!
Unlock bonus content, exclusive Q&As, and insider-only advice at: blccrew.allaroundoz.com.au

What happens when the kids leave home and you decide not to wait for retirement? You get Rob and Ange aka the Semiretired Travellers who sold it all and hit the road to live their Big Lap dream.

In this episode of Big Lap Chats, Annette sits down with Rob and Ange as they share how they turned an empty nest into a full-time adventure. From selling their house and buying a 31-foot motorhome to picking up jobs around Australia, they prove you don’t need to wait until “one day.”

- What it’s like living and working on the road
-  Downsizing tips from people who’ve done it
-  What they wish more Lappers knew before starting
-  How to avoid expensive travel mistakes
- The 3 biggest money-saving hacks every Lapper should know

If you’ve ever wondered whether you could actually make this lifestyle work, this episode is a must-listen. Rob and Ange are the kind of real, relatable Aussie travellers who tell it like it is, with plenty of laughs along the way.

🎧 Want to hear the extended chat, including their favourite hidden free camps? Join the BLC Crew at blccrew.allaroundoz.com.au

Thinking about doing the Big Lap of Australia but feeling overwhelmed or unsure if it’s the right time? In this episode of Big Lap Chats, Annette sits down with Katrina and Cain from Hapnin Empty Nesters, a couple who turned a major heart scare into the ultimate full-time travel adventure.

They share how they hit the road in a 13-foot hybrid caravan, how they manage on a $500/week travel budget, and why communication is key when living in a tiny space. From medical challenges to favourite free camps, this is a must-listen for anyone planning long-term travel around Australia.

- Real talk about health, money and mindset
- Honest insights about van life as a couple
- Big Lap budgeting tips + off-grid setup must-haves
- Why not planning too much could save your lap
- How Cain's heart condition led to a new lease on life—and a fantasy book series

🎧 Perfect For:

• Empty nesters thinking about travelling full-time

• Couples planning their first lap

• Listeners seeking caravan lifestyle advice, budget hacks & inspiration

• Anyone who wants to hear real stories from real people on the road

🔗 Links & Resources

Full extended version + bonus content → BLC Podcast Membership
Show notes + free resources → https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/the-big-lap-australia/ 

In this episode of Big Lap Chats, we sit down with Casey and Zane from A Few Laps Around the Sun—a couple who swapped intensive care wards and plumbing jobs for full-time caravan travel around Australia.

Now three years into their journey, they share how they made the leap into vanlife, the real costs of living on the road, and how working as a nurse and a tradie helps them fund their Big Lap lifestyle. From choosing the right off-grid setup to the one mistake that could break your entire lap, this chat is packed with practical advice and hard-won wisdom.

Whether you're planning your first lap of Australia, curious about remote work and travel, or just looking for honest, real-life stories from Aussie caravanners—this episode is for you.

We chat about:

• How they transitioned from traditional jobs to full-time travel

• Budgeting tips and money-saving hacks on the road

• Caravan weight safety (and why 80% of setups are overweight!)

• Choosing the right off-grid setup for long-term travel

• Fishing, free camps, and finding secret spots across WA

• Work-life balance while travelling Australia

🔒 Want to hear the full, extended interview—including their favourite free camps and biggest myths about vanlife? Join the BLC Podcast Membership at https://blccrew.allaroundoz.com.au  and unlock exclusive bonus content.

Courtney and James from Tradies on Tour join Annette to share how they turned weekend getaways, and one big lap into over three years of full-time travel around Australia with their kids.

From budgeting tips and schooling on the road to running a mobile tradie business, this episode is packed with honest insights, laughs, and real-life advice for anyone dreaming of their own Big Lap and travelling Australia.

Download the show notes here 👉🏻 http://allaroundoz.com.au/podcast/james-and-courtney-tradies-on-tour 

Maybe One Day” to Full-Time Road Life with Vet In A Van

Tanya and Marcus had a dream—to explore Australia with their family. But when someone offered to buy their house, they stopped dreaming… and hit the road.

🚐 Six weeks later, they were off—right before COVID hit. Years later, they’re still travelling full-time with four kids (including one born on the road!), homeschooling, working remotely, and loving the lifestyle they built from scratch.

In this episode:
✔️ What it really takes to transition from house life to road life
✔️ Working from the road as a vet & tech expert (yes, even from a tent!)
✔️ How to survive the tough first months of travel
✔️ Smart money-saving tips every Lapper should know
✔️ Why Instagram doesn’t show the real story—and why that’s okay
✔️ Vet-approved pet travel tips to keep your furry mates safe on the road

🎧 Listen now on Big Lap Chats—where real travellers share the truth about life on the road.

💥 Want bonus content, uncut episodes, and exclusive interviews?
Join the BLC Crew Membership—your shortcut to confident, stress-free Big Lap planning.

👉 Tap here to listen & join the crew → https://blccrew.allaroundoz.com.au/ 

From 12 Months to Forever—Why Liz & Simon Never Stopped Their Big Lap

What happens when a planned 12-month Big Lap turns into 4+ years of full-time travel? Liz & Simon from The Lifestyle Pioneers share how their dream became a lifestyle—remote adventures, School of the Air, and all.

🧭 Before the road: Liz was teaching, Simon was deep in construction. Life was busy, but something was missing. “We didn’t want to wait until retirement,” Liz says. So they packed up with their two boys—and never looked back.

🌄 Off-grid lovers: From vast deserts to empty bush camps, they’ve embraced Australia’s rugged beauty in ways few ever do. “Some places, you won’t see another soul for days,” Simon shares.

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Raising kids on the move: With homeschooling, remote meetups, and organic connections with other travelling families, they’ve built a rhythm on the road that works.

✨ Whether you’re dreaming of your own lap or already planning, this episode is a goldmine of real talk—not influencer hype. It’s the raw, honest insight that only comes from living it day in, day out.

🎧 Listen now on Big Lap Chats—where the real conversations happen.

🔒 Want even more? Behind-the-scenes stories, exclusive episodes, and unfiltered advice are waiting inside the BLC Crew Membership. Don’t hit the road with regrets—travel with insider confidence. https://blccrew.allaroundoz.com.au/ 

Ever dreamt of exploring every corner of Australia in a 4WD bus? That’s exactly what Chris and Bec from Salt and Charcoal have been doing for the last five years.

In this episode of Big Lap Chats, they’re sharing the wild, wonderful, and occasionally frustrating realities of full-time travel.

From FIFO life and social work to launching a travel brand and shipping their beloved bus across the country, Chris and Bec prove you don’t need a perfect setup to get started—you just need to start.

🚍 In this episode:

• Why they ditched “normal life” to chase adventure
• How they turned a rooftop tent into a 4WD bus home
• The chaos of shipping their rig across Australia (spoiler: it took 3 months)
• The truth about breakdowns, bush mechanics, and backup plans
• Money-saving hacks for the Big Lap (free camps, public showers & bulk buys)
• The work/life rhythm that keeps their travels sustainable
• Why flexibility is the secret to stress-free exploring

This episode is packed with real talk, unexpected lessons, and encouragement for anyone feeling stuck in planning mode.

Chris and Bec are proof that the Big Lap dream is totally doable—and worth it.

🎙️ Hit play for their full story here 👉🏻 https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/chris-bec-salt-and-charcoal-big-lap-australia

In this episode of Big Lap Chats, Annette sits down with Jess Day—better known as Outback Jess—a former tour guide turned family travel expert and creator of the much-loved Spotto Books.

Jess has explored some of Australia’s most remote and iconic destinations, from the Outback to the Kimberley, and now shares the road with her partner Gary and their two kids. With a background in education and a deep love for adventure, she’s redefined what “learning on the road” really looks like.

Inside this episode:

• How Jess blended education and adventure into "road schooling"
• The truth about family travel (yes, you can pack less!)
• Her money-saving hacks for food, camps, and gear
• The story behind Spotto Books—keeping kids engaged on the road
• Tips for finding hidden free camps without relying on social media
• The power of letting go of “perfection” and embracing the journey

Whether you’re travelling with kids or just love hearing about resourceful, down-to-earth adventurers, Jess’s story is full of wisdom and inspiration.

Hit play to hear how one Aussie mum turned a road trip into a lifestyle—and a business that’s helping thousands of families explore more meaningfully.

Download the full transcript and show notes here  👉🏻 https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/jess-day-outback-jess-spotto-books

From Grief to the Big Lap: Erin and Alex From Now or Never and Camp for a Cure's Life-Changing Adventure

In this heartfelt episode, Alex and Erin share how a gift from Erin’s mum sparked a complete lifestyle shift—from working long hours and battling anxiety to hitting the road full-time with their kids.

They open up about what they thought they needed to travel (spoiler: not the air fryer or kids’ kayaks!), how the Big Lap changed their family dynamic, and why they created Camp for a Cure, an annual event raising thousands for cancer research.

Whether you’re in the planning phase of your big lap or already travelling Australia, this episode is full of real talk, practical tips, and powerful moments that’ll remind you why the Big Lap is about so much more than just seeing the sights.

You can download the full transcript and show notes here 👉🏻

https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/from-grief-to-gratitude-how-one-familys-big-lap-changed-everything/ 

From Burnout to Big Lap Bliss: Sarah & Keelan’s Journey of Letting Go and Hitting the Road

What started as a one-year escape from the daily grind turned into a life-changing, multi-year adventure for Sarah and Keelan, the duo behind Sarah and Keelan Travels.

In this episode of Big Lap Chats, they share how they swapped teaching and trades for life on the road—and all the highs, lows, and lessons they’ve picked up along the way.

Inside this episode:

• Their big pivot from Europe to Australia (thanks, COVID)
• How they upgraded from a hybrid camper to an Urban Caravans Extreme
• Smart money-saving tips: from bulk meat buys to savvy free camping
• The truth about van life—yes, there are bad days in a tin can!
• Their solar + water setup for 4 weeks off-grid
• Why a “second lap list” might be your new best friend
• Keelan’s electrical hacks that have saved travellers $$$

You’ll also hear their candid take on the emotional side of full-time travel—how living small has brought them closer, and why chasing freedom is worth more than any mortgage or car upgrade.

Whether you’re dreaming or planning a lap of Australia, or already lapping—it’s a refreshing, real conversation you don’t want to miss. 

You can download the full transcript and show notes here  👉🏻 https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/sarah-and-keelan-travels

In this episode of Big Lap Chats, Annette catches up with full-time travellers Vicki and Glenn Bryant from Happy Campers Australia, who’ve been on the road since 2018—and have no plans of stopping.

What began as a one-year getaway turned into a six-year (and counting) lifestyle change after Glenn’s health scare made them rethink what really matters. From mental health and finances to van setups and travel tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone dreaming of the Big Lap.

Inside the episode:

• Why they left it all behind—and how they made it work
• Their clever mortgage-based funding strategy
• Top money-saving tips (free camping fans, take note!)
• How they maintain harmony in tight spaces
• Honest insights about “doing the lap” vs. really exploring Australia
• Their reliable rig setup and why they’re loyal to Kokoda
• Tips on how to set a departure date and actually stick to it

Vicki and Glenn don’t sugar-coat the lifestyle—but they do show just how rewarding it can be when you commit to the journey.

Whether you’re still planning or already on the road, you’ll find plenty of motivation and practical advice in this heartfelt chat.

You can download the full transcript and show notes here  👉🏻 https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/living-the-dream-with-happy-campers-australia

Welcome to Big Lap Chats by all Around Oz – the ultimate podcast for caravanners, campers, and anyone dreaming of planning a big lap of Australia.

Hosted by Annette Jones from All Around Oz, this podcast is your one-stop destination for expert advice, practical tips, and inspiring stories to help you plan and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.

Each week, Annette chats with seasoned Lappers who are on the road or have a wealth of experience and information from their own Big Laps. Plus industry experts from the caravanning and camping industries.

In this opening episode, Annette shares her passion for exploring Australia by road, and discusses what you can expect from the podcast.

Whether you’re planning your first big lap or already travelling, this podcast is packed with insider tips on must-visit destinations, hidden gems, and how to make the most of your time on the road.

Join us as we kick off a journey of chatting with expert for insights, real-life stories from fellow big lappers, and actionable advice to make your caravanning and camping experience unforgettable. Don’t miss this first episode of Big Lap Chats – your ultimate guide to travelling Australia.

https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/big-lap-chats-podcast-introduction/ 

In our very first episode of Big Lap Chats, we’re kicking things off with Mel and Brenden Chambers—long-time travellers and former owners of All Around Oz.

Currently calling in from Horsham in Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region, Mel and Brenden share how they’ve built a lifestyle that blends work and adventure. From seasonal grain work to hidden camp gems and real talk about life on the road, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone dreaming of their own Big Lap.

👉 You’ll learn:

• How they balance travel and work (without burning out)
• Tips for choosing the right vehicle and saving money on the road
• Favourite free camps and the apps they rely on
• What full-time travel really looks like (beyond the Instagram version)
• Advice for new Lappers—especially if you’re short on time

If you’ve ever wondered whether full-time travel is possible without a huge budget or influencer following, Mel and Brenden are living proof that it is—with the right mindset and a little flexibility.

🎙️ Ready to hear the real stories from the road? Press play—and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

You can download the full transcript and show notes here https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/travelling-and-working-around-australia