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:

• Why they ditched “normal life” to chase adventure
• How they turned a rooftop tent into a 4WD bus home
• The chaos of shipping their rig across Australia (spoiler: it took 3 months)
• The truth about breakdowns, bush mechanics, and backup plans
• Money-saving hacks for the Big Lap (free camps, public showers & bulk buys)
• The work/life rhythm that keeps their travels sustainable
• Why flexibility is the secret to stress-free exploring

This episode is packed with real talk, unexpected lessons, and encouragement for anyone feeling stuck in planning mode.

Chris and Bec are proof that the Big Lap dream is totally doable—and worth it.

🎙️ Hit play for their full story here 👉🏻 https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/chris-bec-salt-and-charcoal-big-lap-australia

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:

• How Jess blended education and adventure into "road schooling"
• The truth about family travel (yes, you can pack less!)
• Her money-saving hacks for food, camps, and gear
• The story behind Spotto Books—keeping kids engaged on the road
• Tips for finding hidden free camps without relying on social media
• The power of letting go of “perfection” and embracing the journey

Whether you’re travelling with kids or just love hearing about resourceful, down-to-earth adventurers, Jess’s story is full of wisdom and inspiration.

Hit play to hear how one Aussie mum turned a road trip into a lifestyle—and a business that’s helping thousands of families explore more meaningfully.

Download the full transcript and show notes here 👉🏻 https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/jess-day-outback-jess-spotto-books

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 cancer research.

Whether you’re in the planning phase of your big lap or already travelling Australia, this episode is full of real talk, practical tips, and powerful moments that’ll remind you why the Big Lap is about so much more than just seeing the sights.

You can download the full transcript and show notes here 👉🏻

https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/from-grief-to-gratitude-how-one-familys-big-lap-changed-everything/