Travel Australia Podcast - Big Lap Chats By All Around Oz

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