Travel Australia Podcast - Big Lap Chats By All Around Oz

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...

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 th...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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 lett...

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...

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...

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 he...

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 t...

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...

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 ho...

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...

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 to...

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.

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 tr...

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...

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 dest...

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 i...

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...

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 a...

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...

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 pr...

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...

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, t...

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:

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:

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 ca...

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:

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:

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: