Travel Australia Podcast - Big Lap Chats By All Around Oz

Annette Jones
  • 4.0 (9)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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!

  1. Big Lap With Kids – Millie & Matt from Willow Road Adventures

    1 DAY AGO

    Big Lap With Kids – Millie & Matt from Willow Road Adventures

    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/

    40 min
  2. Big Lap Budget Hack: How House Sitting Saved Us $1,300 Over Christmas

    4 FEB

    Big Lap Budget Hack: How House Sitting Saved Us $1,300 Over Christmas

    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

    17 min
  3. Big Lap Chats Signs Off for 2025: Season One Reflections and What's Next

    18/12/2025

    Big Lap Chats Signs Off for 2025: Season One Reflections and What's Next

    *]: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.

    9 min
  4. Lee & Daz's Hard-Earned Lessons from Full Time Travel

    10/12/2025

    Lee & Daz's Hard-Earned Lessons from Full Time Travel

    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.

    37 min
  5. Caravanning with Kids: One Family's Honest Take on Full-Time Travel in Australia

    03/12/2025

    Caravanning with Kids: One Family's Honest Take on Full-Time Travel in Australia

    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/

    31 min
  6. Lee & Daz from Our Salty Life: Lessons from Ningaloo and the Power of Saying Yes

    19/11/2025

    Lee & Daz from Our Salty Life: Lessons from Ningaloo and the Power of Saying Yes

    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/

    29 min
  7. Your Complete Guide to Buying a Secondhand Caravan in Australia: 12 Essential Checks Before You Buy

    12/11/2025

    Your Complete Guide to Buying a Secondhand Caravan in Australia: 12 Essential Checks Before You Buy

    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/

    14 min
  8. Family Travel Australia: How Exploring with the Chillies Balance Homeschooling, Budgets & Big Lap Adventures

    05/11/2025

    Family Travel Australia: How Exploring with the Chillies Balance Homeschooling, Budgets & Big Lap Adventures

    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/

    32 min
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4
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

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!

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