Travel Australia Podcast - Big Lap Chats By All Around Oz

Annette Jones
  • 4.1 (10)
  • 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. Cyclone Safety for Caravanners: What We Got Right (and Wrong)

    3 DAYS AGO

    Cyclone Safety for Caravanners: What We Got Right (and Wrong)

    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.

    26 min
  2. Big Lap Mistakes to Avoid: What We'd Do Differently Travelling Australia

    1 APR

    Big Lap Mistakes to Avoid: What We'd Do Differently Travelling Australia

    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

    38 min
  3. Family Big Lap Australia: From Beginners to Full-Time Travel with Kids

    25 MAR

    Family Big Lap Australia: From Beginners to Full-Time Travel with Kids

    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.

    47 min

  4. 18 MAR

    Rising Fuel Prices: Are Lappers Changing Their Plans?

    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.

    16 min
  5. Travelling Australia With Kids: Lessons From Two Years on the Road

    11 MAR

    Travelling Australia With Kids: Lessons From Two Years on the Road

    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/

    43 min
  6. Why Big Laps Fall Apart in the First 90 Days

    4 MAR

    Why Big Laps Fall Apart in the First 90 Days

    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

    12 min
  7. Gold Coast Couple Travel Australia Instead of Buying a House

    25 FEB

    Gold Coast Couple Travel Australia Instead of Buying a House

    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.

    33 min
  8. Planning a Big Lap of Australia: What to Prepare Before You Leave

    18 FEB

    Planning a Big Lap of Australia: What to Prepare Before You Leave

    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/

    22 min
See All (47)

4.1
out of 5
10 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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