1. You Can Travel On Whatever Budget You Have
No matter what your budget, there is a travel option for you. Some can afford to eat out often. Some will need to be a little more frugal. But one thing’s for sure; everyone can afford to do a Big Lap. In fact, sometimes it can be cheaper than living at home! No rent, no bills, no worries!
That said, knowing how much you should be saving before you go and understanding how much you’ll need on the road is something that we all want to figure out.
This article will help you figure out how much you should be budgeting for your trip.
2. Australia Is Made For Travellers
Honestly, it’s true: Australia, more than so many other countries, is practically built for those wanting to travel this great land. From caravan-friendly roads to hundreds of free camp sites, the land Down Under is a traveller’s paradise. This is especially true for those who are looking to experience the outdoors, embrace a simpler, slower lifestyle and revel in its adventurous side.
3. You Need The Right Set Up For You
Motorhome? Caravan? Campertrailer? tent? Which set-up is right for you? Well, that’s a highly individual question. Everyone has the ideal set up for them and you must figure out the right solution for you.
Need a hand deciding? This article helps you understand your options.
4. There’s No Right Or Wrong Way
Clockwise or anti-clockwise? Left to right? Which way? Well there’s no right or wrong way, there’s only your way. So, you need to decide whether you want to chase the sun, get to certain events or just go with the flow.
This article will help you make some decisions on where to go, when.
5. You Can Travel With Pets
One difficult decision is whether to take your pets or not. Is it possible? Will you be restricted? Well, the simple answer is yes, you can take your furry friends when travelling Australia, but there are some things you need to know. Although many camp sites and caravan parks do allow pets, not all do. You will be restricted from visiting national parks and you won’t be able to travel to many of Australia’s beautiful islands with your pets in tow.
That said, doggy day care and kennels/catteries can make things more possible. Just make sure your furry friend has all the necessary vaccinations if you want to take this route.
This article gives you the details you need to know about travelling Australia with pets.
6. There’s a Lot Of Prep Work
Now, we won’t sugar the pill, there are a lot of things to do before you go. From prepping your car and van to sorting things out at home, it can take up to 12 months to plan your trip depending on your circumstances.
This article helps you plan your lap and includes a handy checklist too.
7. You Can Travel With Your School-Age Kids
Life on the road is becoming more and more popular with young families and so is homeschooling. There are a few different options and routes to take with this one, so if you’re thinking about taking your school-age kids on the road, here’s everything you need to know.
This guide shows you everything you need know about homeschooling as your travel Australia.
8. Technology Can Be Your Best Friend
From Facebook groups to incredible apps and everything in between, technology has fast become the best friend of many travellers making their way around Australia on their Big Lap.
This article shows you the top apps that will make life easier when you’re on the road.
9. You Won’t Use Everything You Pack
You know you can’t take everything with you on the road, but trust us, no matter how light you pack, you won’t use everything. In fact, most people won’t use 30% of the stuff they bring with them.
That said, our advice is to take it anyway! You won’t know what you’ll need and what you won’t need until you’re in the thick of it. So take what you want and be prepared to cull later!
Here’s a guide to what you should take.
10. You Will Miss Home
Even though you’ll LOVE life on the road, you’ll likely miss home too. From missing the security and normality of living in a house to being away from friends and family, it is completely natural to feel a little homesick. Just know that it doesn’t mean you should head back home, give it time and you’ll be fine. And if not, you can make a decision to head back or push forward.
11. You Can Work On The Road
Not many people can pack up and set off on a months’ or years’ long adventure without having some source of income to sustain their travels. The good news is, you can work whilst you’re on the road. If you’re a tradie, you can pick up odd jobs as you go, becoming a caretaker at a caravan park is a popular option and with so many online or remote jobs available in our modern world, making money while on the road isn’t a pipe dream.
Check out this post about how you can earn money to fund your Big Lap around Australia.
12. You Will Be Amazed By The Diverse Scenery
Ok, so you’re probably expecting to some incredible scenary, but what you actually see may just blow your mind. From beaches and the outback to lush rainforest and incredible water holes, Australia truly is a country of many landscapes.
13. You Shouldn’t Panic If You Don’t See Anything
Australia is a HUGE country with so much to do and see. Realistically, you won’t be able to see everything during your roadtrip around the country – unless you have years on your hands! – so you shouldn’t stress about not getting to see absolutely everything. What you should do though, is map out your ‘must-sees’ and make sure you get to them. Everything else is a bonus, and you’ll likely find that things that were never on your bucket list will become your favourite places and form your most vivid memories.
14. You Need To Know Your Car and Van
When it comes to travelling Australia, your car and van will be your home, your transport and your sanctuary, so it’s important you get to know them intimately. Do you know the safety features of your car and van? Do you know their quirks? Knowing everything there is to know about your set up will not only keep you safe, it will save you time and money in the long run too.
15. You Will Meet Amazing People
You’ll soon find that travelling Australia can be as social as you want it to be. The sense of community among travellers is strong and you’ll likely come across likeminded people who could become lifelong friends. Make sure you don’t get stuck following someone else’s plans though; move on and you’ll meet new people everywhere you go!
16. You Will Meet Amazing Wildlife
You may think you’ve seen all Australia has to offer in terms of wildlife but you’ll certainly have numerous animal encounters whilst you’re travelling…whether you mean to or not!
One thing you need to consider is wildlife while you’re driving. If you’re used to driving in the city, you may not have thought about the dangers of driving at night or even dusk and dawn. In reality, certain aminals (lookin’ at you, kangaroo!) tend to jump in front of vehicles so you must be wary.
17. There Are So Many Free Things You Can Do
Australia is so fortunate to have so many free things to do for travellers. Free markets, events and activities are available in each town, you just need to find them! Usually it isn’t too hard to find free things to do in the area you’re visiting. A quick Google search or check on Facebook for events is usually all it takes.
18. You Will Learn So Much About Australian History
Australia’s rich history is prevalent wherever you travel in this great land. From the 40,000 year old Indigenous culture to the colonial occupation, you’ll learn so much on your travels. It’s a great experience for both kids and adults to learn more about where they live.
19. You Will Learn So Much About Yourself
It may sound cliché, but travelling Australia will make you learn so much about yourself. You’ll learn about your patience (particularly how much time alone you can spend with your partner and/or kids in a tin can before you crack!). You’ll learn how much your can really live without.
In fact, each and every person will learn their own lessons about themselves…and they can be extremely enlightening.
20. Life On The Road Can Be Hard
In spite of the excitement of the promise of a new, cruisy lifestyle, it’s important to note that your life on the road may not always be a walk in the park. Learning to live in a new way, fixing issues with your car and van, and coming across unexpected issues can make for some stress. But luckily, most of the time, the good absolutely outweighs the bad!
21. You Need To Sort Out The ‘Boring Stuff’ Back Home
Most of us don’t have the luxury of being able to pick up and leave for a life on the Australian road without sorting things out at home first. They’re usually boring life-admin things, but they have to be done.
Will you rent your home or sell it? Will you get your mail redirected? This article gives you an insight into the things you’ll want to sort out before you go.
22. You Will Want To See Everything
It’s only natural that you’ll want to see every inch of Australia, and before you go, that’s probably what you’ll think is going to happen. You’ll soon learn that the vastness of the country will make it impossible for you to see everything but you should lay down your priorities and make sure you see those things at the very least.
23. You Will Run Into Issues
Running into issues whilst on the road comes with the territory. Unless you are extremely lucky, you will have problems with your van, your car, and quite possibly, the people you’re travelling with. Try not to let these things stress you out when they happen. They may mean your travel stalls for a little while, but roll with the punches and you’ll be fine!
24. You Should Have An Emergency Fund
You never want to have to use the last of your money, but having an emergency fund – for the aforementioned issues – is always a good idea. From getting your car or van back on the road, to flying you back home if an urgent family issue arises, knowing you have a buffer will give you some great peace of mind.
25. Free Camping Can Be Your Best Friend
Free camping may be a foreign concept to you but you shouldn’t let that deter you from doing it. In fact, some of the most incredible campsites are the free ones, and they make travel so much more affordable too!
Here’s everything you need to know about free camping.
26. You Won’t Have Phone Service Everywhere
It may seem obvious (or it may not!!) but you’re not going to have phone service everywhere you go. Sometimes, going off the grid is exactly what you want to do, but if it’s not, you can plan in advance with a service map app. And if you really need to stay connected, a satellite phone may be something you want to look into.
Here’s what you need to know about phone service whilst travelling Australia by road.
27. It’s Possible To Have Internet On The Road
Many of us can’t live without the internet these days and when you’re on the road, you’ll probably want to stay connected (even if you tell yourself you won’t!). Luckily, there are several solutions that you can choose.
Check out your Big Lap internet solutions here.
28. It May Take A While To Figure It Out
Don’t expect to hit the road and fall right into a new life without any hiccups. Living your new nomadic lifestyle may well come with an adjustment period as you get used to your new living arrangements, schedule and way of life. Just know that this is totally fine and normal…although it may not feel that way at the time!
29. Instagram Will Make You Feel Like You’ve Already Met People
Instagram is a great way to meet other people. Following the adventures of others will not only give you inspiration for your own travels, it will make you feel like you’ve already met people when you bump into them on the road – and trust us, you will bump into them! What’s more, it will help you make friends as you’ll have an instant ice-breaker.
Here are our favourite accounts to follow right now!
30. You Need A Mix Of Warm & Cool Clothes
It’s easy to think you’ll chase the Sun year round and live in your shorts, but before you send all your knitwear to Vinnies, know that you will experience colder climates, even if you’re not planning to!
31. Sometimes It Won’t Feel Like A Holiday
You may not realize until you’re on the road, but your Big Lap of the Map may not always feel like a holiday. Many of you will take off on an adventure with a rough timeline but don’t expect it to be sunshine and mimosas all day, everyday. You’re still living life. You’ll still have off days. There is still boring, not holiday stuff to do! But if you think of your adventure as a way of life, rather than a holiday, it’ll help you take the good with the, well, slightly less good!
32. You’ll Probably Drink A Little More Than You Ever Have!
Travelling Australia is highly social (if you want it to be, that is). So, drinking more is par for the course. You may well get into the routine of having your afternoon beer or wine or sitting under the stars with new friends til late.
33. You’ll Learn To Make Do, In A Good Way!
You can’t have all your worldly possessions while on the road but you’ll learn to make do with what you have. And whilst that may seem like a somewhat daunting prospect, you likely won’t mind going without or improvising.
34. Healthy Living Can Be Challenging
Eating well and exercising may seem like it will be easy whilst travelling Australia, but it can sometimes be a challenge. Depending on where you’re going, there may be periods where fresh fruits and veggies are not in ready supply, especially if you’re going off the grid for a little while. And exercise? Well, it is possible, but your motivation may not be there. After all, sitting by your van with a cold beverage at the end of a hot day is much more appealing than going for a jog, isn’t it!?
35. Homeschooling Isn’t An Easy Task
If you decide to travel Australia with your school-aged children, you’ll probably be looking into homeschooling. Whilst it is entirely possible and so many families do it, you need to be prepared for the hard job at hand. Between finding time and being diligent about reporting, schooling your kids is no easy task!
Here’s your guide to homeschooling when travelling Australia.
36. You’ll Be Surprised By The Kindness Of Strangers
There is nothing better than the sense of community among travelling families and you can guarantee you’ll rarely feel alone when you’re on the road. This is especially true when you’re in a bit of strife during your trip. From kind neighbours who help you back into your spot to other caravanners who stop to help you with car troubles, Australia is full of people just like you, looking out for one another.
37. You’ll Get Used To Not Having Much Privacy
Let’s face it, a life on the road means little privacy. Sure, you have the sanctuary of your van, trailer or tent but your life will be largely outdoors, and the friendly people mentioned in the point above will often stop for a chat…sometimes when you least want it!
38. You’ll Realize Australia Is Much More Than Beaches
Us Aussies are known for our beachy lifestyle, but you’ll quickly learn that there is so much more to this great country than sun, sea and sand. In fact, that’s just the start. Outback dinosaur trails, lush rainforests, deep swimming holes, epic waterfalls, historic buildings and much more await!
39. You’ll Spend More Time Than You Think In Your Swimmers
A good pair of swimmers or swimming costume is essential. Australia is a water-lover’s dream and you’ll find yourself taking a dip at every opportunity. Most caravan parks have pools too. Even when you’re not heading to the beach, you may just find yourself wearing your swimmers around the campsite for comfort!
40. You’ll Need A Good Pair Of Shoes
As well as being a watery paradise, Australia is a great place to explore on foot. Beachfront esplanades, rainforest treks and outback hikes are usually the best ways to get off the beaten track and experience the most amazing scenery.
Here’s a guide to Australia’s best walks.
41. You Need To Think About Where You Want To Take Your Van
When you’re choosing your van, you really need to think about where you’ll be taking it. Will you be pulling it to campsites only? Do you want to take it off-road? If you make these considerations prior to purchasing, you won’t come across issues when you’re in the thick of it.
42. Planning For Busy Periods Is Important
As much as you may want to throw caution to the wind and go wherever you want, whenever you want, some element of planning is wise, especially during busy periods such as Christmas and Easter. Many caravan parks have a minimum booking duration for busy periods and they get booked up, fast! So make sure you plan ahead for these times.
And it’s not just your accommodation you need to think about. The cost of other things can fluctuate throughout the year too. Some people get a shock, for example, when they book the Spirit of Tasmania crossing last minute.
43. There Are Hundreds Of Incredible Events To Go To
Australia is lucky to have hundreds of events taking place each year, and it’s worth knowing what’s going on so you can plan to be in the vicinity of events that tickle your fancy. The best thing is that so many events are free so you don’t need to spend a penny to have a good time.
Here’s a guide to the events worth travelling for.
44. You Can Splurge Or Save
With everything in life, there’s a high and a low price point when it comes to buying your equipment for travelling. Some things you really need to buy the best quality. Other things you can afford to go with a cheaper alternative.
This guide will help you figure out which is which.
45. You Need To Have An Emergency Plan
Now, this is a little different to having an emergency fund. Your emergency plan is all about what you’re going to do if a negative situation happens. Do your children know what to do if they get lost? Do you know what to do if you get caught in a cyclone or bushfires? Although getting yourself into a tricky situation is not inevitable, having a plan that ensures everyone is on the same page in terms of dealing with it is vital.
46. You Need To Think About Your Safety Equipment
From caravan brakes to gas kill switches, you need to make sure your set up is safe (and you know how to use all of the relevant safety features) before you head off. You’ll hear many a story about how brakes, especially, have saved people when coming down a steeper than expected hill!
47. You Should Get The Right Insurance & Break-Down Cover
When considering your insurance and break-down cover, make sure you have gotten the best one for your travels. Not all insurance companies will cover you Australia-wide nor will they pick you up when you’re stranded in the middle of the Outback. So, do your research and get the right cover for you!
48. You’ll Want To Document Your Journey
Whether it’s your own private photo album or your every move put out there on Facebook, you will want to document your journey in some way. So, make sure you invest in some equipment that will help you capture these moments; upgrade your camera, consider buying a drone and set up your Instagram account or blog before you go.
49. Caravan Life May Be Challenging At First
Going from a home to a confined space with your significant other, or your whole family, may be a little challenging at first. Between getting used to being in close proximity to each other every minute of the day and dealing with the lack of space, caravan life can take some getting used to. But hang in there, it will feel like normal soon enough.
50. You Can Get Your Morning Coffee Fix
Coffee is engrained into our culture so you may be a little worried that you won’t be able to take your coffee machine on the road with you! Luckily, this issue has a number of solutions. The Handpresso is incredible for this and there are many other solutions such as the humble cafetière and solar-powered milk frothers.
51. Cleaning Is Quick But Frequent
You can’t avoid it. Your van will get dirty, quick! No matter how clean you try to keep it, dirty footprints in particular will become something you feel like you’re cleaning up on a daily basis. Luckily though, cleaning is quick and easy. A simple sweep and mop here and there doesn’t take long at all!
52. You Will Actually Use A Lot Of Camping Hacks
If you’re anything like us, you’ve seen a lot of ‘life hacks’ in your time, and although you’ve thought them to be nifty ideas, you’ve never really done much with them. Trust us, that will change on your Big Lap. You will actually use clever little hacks you see online and they will make your life SO MUCH easier.
53. You Don’t Need To Stress About Doing Something Every Day
It’s very easy to fall into the trap of thinking that your days have to be filled with activities to be worthwhile. But rest days are just as important as your activity days. So, don’t be worried if you just want to do nothing and chill all day.
54. You Need To Plan For Dump Points
Planning dump points is one of the less glamourous, albeit necessary, parts of your trip. If you’re staying at caravan parks, this isn’t really an issue but if you’re free camping then you’ll need to find dump points frequently. The website www.dumppoints.com will help you find dump points along your route.
55. You’ll Learn All About Rationing
From water to food and everything in between, your life during your Australian road trip will teach you all about rationing. You’ll get to know just how long your water will last. You’ll know how much you can fit in your fridge. You’ll become an expert on planning how long you can be off-grid before you need to charge up. At first, it might be something you feel like you’re constantly having to think about, but in time, it will become second nature.
56. You’ll Become Frugal With Space
When you’re travelling, space becomes a luxury, so you’ll do everything you can to give yourself as much room as possible. Bulky groceries? No thanks! New piece of equipment? Hmmm… how much does that weigh?!
57. You Need To Think About Power
The power in your van is very different to the power you have at home. When you’re staying at a caravan park, you shouldn’t have too many issues with power, but when you’re on the road or off the grid, you’ll be at the mercy of your 12v appliances. You likely won’t be able to use your airconditioning or microwave. Solar and inverter systems are great options to give you a little extra boost when you’re out bush.
58. It’s Important To Use A Facebook Brains Trust!
Facebook may just be your secret weapon when you’re travelling. There are some amazing groups out there (check out Aussie Big Lappers and Planning a Lap of Australia) where you’ll find thousands of people just like you who are such a valuable source of knowledge. It’s also a great idea to join a group specifically related to your car type or van type, that way you can troubleshoot your issues.
59. You’ll Want To Eat Everything
Australia’s local produce is as rich and diverse as its culture. From the wineries in the southern states to the bush tucker in the north, you’ll find yourself wanting to eat absolutely everything. And why not, we say!!
60. You Can’t Take Fuel Stops For Granted
When you’re in and out of towns and cities, you rarely think about where your next fuel stop will be, but in the more remote areas of the country, it’s not such a commodity and is definitely something you have to think about a little more. Luckily, there are a few apps and resources out there that will help you plan to make it to the next destination.
If you’re really going remote, a long range fuel tank and/or jerry cans may be something to consider.
61. It’s A Good Idea To Start A Tradition
Whether you collect stubby coolers from each roadhouse or take a small shell from each beach you visit, having a little tradition on your travels can add a new level of fun and help you keep your memories alive for years to come.
62. Cooking Outside Will Become The Norm
Even if you’ve got the best kitchen inside your caravan, you will find yourself cooking outside, a lot! So, our advice is to invest in a good BBQ and outdoor kitchen set up. It can be as simple as a table and a plastic outdoor kitchen box or as elaborate as a purpose-built slide out. We’ve seen people convert the storage compartment of their van into an outdoor kitchen, complete with sink.
63. You Should Absolutely Buy Local Produce
Where you can, try to support the locals. After all, they are the people who are making it possible for you to travel the country in the first place! So, go to local markets or opt for the small shops rather than the big conglomerates.
64. Going The Extra Mile (Literally) Is Usually Worth It
If you’re umming and ahhing about whether or not to take the extra time to visit a certain place, just say yes! Usually, it’s worth it and you’ll end up having experiences you wouldn’t have had otherwise (even if that experience is how you drove all the way to find nothing at the end!!).
65. Red Dust Will Be Your Enemy
If you’re travelling through the Outback – which you probably will at some point – you’ll likely encounter dirt roads. And if you do, oh boy, be prepared! From getting your car and van covered, to having it seep into your van, there really is no escaping it. That said, there are some tricks to keeping it out, namely checking where it can get in and covering these points where possible.
66. Social Media Isn’t All It Appears!
You’ll undoubtedly have been longingly looking through Instagram in advance of your trip, dreaming of a perfect adventure filled with only amazing scenery, breathtaking day-trips and endless fun. But, as with all social media, it doesn’t always depict reality. So before you go comparing your trip to others, stop and think!
67. You’ll Be Pushed Outside Of Your Comfort Zone
Whether it’s experiencing your first long-drop roadside toilet or hiking to the top of the biggest hill you’ve ever seen, your lap around Australia will sometimes send you into a spin. But embrace it, go with the flow and push the limits. You won’t regret it!
68. You’ll Be Able To Embrace Your Inner Adrenaline Junkie
If you are an adrenaline junkie, your Australian road trip will give you plenty of opportunity to embrace your wild side. From bungee jumping and ziplining in the rainforest in Tropical North Queensland to swimming with Whale Sharks in WA, there’s always an adventure waiting to set your heart racing!
69. You Need To Be Aware Of Your Weights
You can’t just fill your van to the brim and expect everything to be fine! Surprise! You actually have to make sure that your car and van are not carrying too much weight. Each set up will have its own unique limit so make sure you find out what these are. Not only will you make your rig unsafe if you don’t adhere to these limits, your insurance will be invalid should anything happen.
70. Don’t Assume All Roads Are Fit For Your Rig!
It’s really important you understand the limitations of your rig in terms of roads and terrain too. If your van is not made for off-roading, don’t go off-roading. It may sound simple but you’d be surprised how many people just go exactly where their GPS tells them without considering whether they can actually get there!
71. Life Goes On
Even though you’re away from home, there will still be the inevitable bit of life admin that you’ll need to do. Obviously, things are different for each person but don’t assume that you’ll be able to abandon all of your responsibilities during your trip!
72. You’ll Need A Bit Of ‘Me’ Time
Sometimes living in such close proximity to your partner or whoever you’re travelling with can take its toll. Just know that it’s totally normal to want to have some time out, so make sure you schedule some time for yourself. It can be as simple as going for a pedicure or heading for a walk on your own.
73. You’ll Re-evaluate Your Priorities
Living a more simple, stress-free life can have a profound effect on how you see your life and it may just make you re-evaluate how you want to live when you do eventually get home.
74. You’ll Learn To Deal With Corrugation
Oh corrugation! While corrugated roads may not be the most pleasant things to drive on, they will become something that you get used to and learn to live with. The main thing to know is that you should never underestimate the difficulty of driving on these roads. Make sure you take your time, even though you’re anxious to get to the next stop!
75. It’s Not All Sunshine & Rainbows
Both in a literal and figurative sense! There will be days that you want to pack it all in and head home. Usually, the good days outweigh the bad, so stick it out and you’ll hopefully weather the storm.
76. You’ll Need To Think About The Heat/Cold
Talking about whether, you need to think about where you want to be and when to either stay in the heat or experience the cooler climates. While you may think summer in the middle of the Northern Territory is great idea but if you’re not used to 40+ degree days, it may not be the best call!
77. Fishing May Become Your New Hobby
It is just so easy to grab your rod and cast a line. Whether it’s in the ocean, a little creek or a lake, you’ll come across so many spots to catch your supper. But be warned, there are rules and restrictions in some places so make sure you check before you bait-up!
78. You’ll Wear Things More Than You Normally Would…
When it comes to laundry, it can be a bit of a pain when you’re on the road. Gone are the days where you’ll wear a t-shirt for a few hours and throw it in the machine. Just as you’ll be frugal with space, you’ll also change your perspective on how many consecutive days you can wear something before you consider it dirty!
79. The Flies May Drive You Crazy!
In certain parts of the country, the flies are unavoidable and can be an absolute nuisance. Unfortunately, you’ve just gotta learn to live with it! There are solutions such as fly net hats and bug catchers that you can put outside your van but at some point or another, you will curse these winged beast during your Big Lap!
80. You’ll Understand The Many Travel Misconceptions
Before you start out, you’ll have a picture in your mind of what travelling Australia is like but within a few weeks, you’ll quickly work out that many of your assumptions may be without merit or completely untrue! And quite often, these revelations make for pleasant surprises and a sense of achievement that you’re becoming a real traveller!
81. It’s Not For Everyone…
It’s a simple fact that life on the road is not for everyone, and there’s no shame in that. Once you’ve given it time and you’re not enjoying yourself, head home and settle back into a more grounded lifestyle. Your time on the road won’t have been a wasted one, so never be disheartened that ‘you couldn’t do it’, rather reflect on your experience fondly.
82. It Might Just Be The BEST Thing You’ve Ever Done
That said, you might just wonder how you ever lived any other way! For some, their on-the-road lifestyles suit them down to a tee and they make moves to travel indefinitely!
83. You’ll Become Extremely Organised
When you have minimal space, you have to use it wisely and organisation will become an obsession. Leaving things out in common areas quickly means your space will look cluttered and you’ll likely find yourself becoming a little more OCD than normal.
84. Your Handy/DIY Skills Will Be Tested
Being on the road will certainly push your DIY and troubleshooting skills to the limit. From figuring out what’s wrong with the power in your van to quickly coming up with a quick solution that will get you back on the road, a little creativity, knowledge and a well-stocked toolkit can go a long way. This is where your Facebook brain’s trust will come in handy too!
85. You May Be Restricted In Where You Can Go
Depending upon your set-up, your car, your van, your pets, you may be restricted in where you can or can’t go. With pets, national parks and certain caravan parks may be out of the question. Without the right rig, you may not be able to travel down certain roads or get to certain free camps.
The thing to realize here is that you just need to choose the best set up and situation for you. You will have to compromise sometimes during your trip but don’t make your decision on your set-up based on the few restrictions you may encounter, unless they’re the things that are on your Big Lap bucket list.
86. You’ll Want To Invest In A Decent Camp Chair
You will use your camp chair EVERY. SINGLE. DAY! So make sure you invest in a good one. One thing that many people miss while on the road is somewhere comfortable to sit, so you will want to test a variety of chairs to make sure you’re picking one that you can use long-term.
Many people also take 2 chairs each; easy, lightweight ones for taking on day trips and more bulky, comfy ones for camp.
87. You Don’t Have To Rough It
If you’re the type who shudders at the thought of wild camping, going to the toilet in the bushes and not showering for days, you don’t need to worry. Your Big Lap can be as luxurious or as wild as you want it to be.
Not only can you buy a van with a beautiful en suite and even washing machine, there are so many amazing caravan parks with incredible facilities that mean you don’t have to jump in a lake every time you want to wash your hair!
88. You Need To Make It Your Own
Unfortunately, in spite of all the tips, tricks and advice you get from others, your Australian road trip is entirely your own. No-one else can tell you the best places to go, the type of set up you should have or the equipment you need. Sure, you can get the basics and start there, but be prepare to work it out yourself, because that will make your Big Lap the best Big Lap you could have done.
89. You’ll Become Waste Conscious
Whether you’re free camping or in a caravan park, you will become much more conscious about the waste that you’re producing. Single use plastics, wrappers and a whole host of household waste items will plague you if you’re not careful and you’ll start to find ways to reduce and/or recycle.
90. You’ll Get Wise To Tourist Traps
While Australia is not really known for scamming tourists in the sinister way that you’ll see in some other countries, there are certain things you’ll pay for that you’ll immediately recognise as tourist traps and completely not worth the money. It’s fine, don’t worry, we’ve all been there, but you’ll soon become accustomed to what they look like and therefore you’ll easily be able to avoid them.
91. 12v Appliances Will Excite You!
The joy when you spot a new 12v appliance is real! Well, at least for us it is! 12v fan? Yes please! 12v hand-vac? I must have it!
92. There Will Be Places You Don’t Want To Leave
You will get stuck in certain places because you just can’t bare to leave them. While it’s fine to stay somewhere an extra few days, it’s important to not get hung up on places when there’s a whole country to explore. This will usually happen pretty soon into your trip, so be prepared and move on!
93. There Will Be Places You Can’t Wait To Leave!
On the flip side, there are places that you won’t be able to wait to get out of! Unless it’s during a busy season, it’s always best to book 1 or 2 nights first so you don’t waste your money!
94. It Is Safer Than You Think… But Don’t Get Complacent
You’ll quickly learn that travelling Australia is really safe. There’s rarely any crime within the community but it’s really important not to get complacent. Lock up your valuables and exercise the same caution you would if you were at home.
95. Knowing First Aid Is An Advantage
Sometimes you’ll be in a remote location, and if issues relating to your health or the health of a family member deteriorates, it is important that someone in your party knows basic first aid. You should also have a well-stocked first aid kit.
Although snake bites are extremely rare, knowing how to respond in these situations could be the difference between life and death.
96. Just Go For It!
What are you waiting for! You’ll never know if you love it if you don’t just do it. You’ll never make the jump if you’re constantly worried about the ‘perfect time’ to go. So just do it! And do it soon!
