Buying a new caravan is one of the biggest and most expensive decisions you'll make when preparing for your Big Lap of Australia. And while it's exciting, it's also incredibly easy to get wrong.

In this solo episode, Annette shares the essential advice every future lapper needs before choosing a van. Drawing from her experience as a full-time traveller, she explains what really matters when it comes to setup and comfort on the road.

You'll learn why understanding your tow vehicle's weights is so important, what layout features make daily life easier (especially in bad weather), and how to plan for your full travel setup, not just the van. Annette also covers off-grid capability, build quality, towing confidence, and the often-overlooked extras that can add weight and cost fast.

She breaks down the most common mistakes new buyers make and how to avoid them, especially if you've been swayed by shiny Instagram vans that don't match your lifestyle.

Whether you're buying your first caravan or still in the early stages of planning, this episode is full of real-world advice that will help you travel smarter and make more confident decisions.

If you love a good glass of wine after a day on the road, but hate the weight, waste, and breakage of glass bottles this episode is for you.

Annette sits down with Kim and Mike, the creators of Greenskin Wine, a premium Australian wine packaged in lightweight, unbreakable, fully recyclable pouches.

Designed for caravanners, vanlifers, boaties and campers, this clever innovation is changing how Aussies enjoy wine while travelling.

We chat about:

• How Greenskin was born from frustration (and a love of great wine)

• Why wine pouches are not just goon 2.0

• The huge environmental benefits over glass

• How long the wine lasts after opening (hint: it's weeks, not days)

• Delivery tricks for travellers on the move

Whether you're planning your Big Lap or already on the road, this episode will have you rethinking your happy hour setup.

Try Greenskin Wine:
Https://greenskinwine.com – use code AAO and save 10% on your order!

#BigLapChats #GreenskinWine #VanlifeAustralia #CaravanningAustralia #TravelAustralia

Not every shiny new feature is worth the price tag, but after two and a half years on the road, we've figured out which caravan upgrades truly make life easier, safer, and more comfortable.

In this solo episode, I'm sharing the upgrades we'd invest in again in a heartbeat, like lithium batteries, solar setups, extra water tanks, and the small creature comforts that make a big difference on the road.

If you're setting up your caravan or wondering where to spend (and where to save), this episode will help you make smart, practical choices before you hit the road.

What's stopping you from hitting the road? For most people it comes down to two things: money fears and not knowing where to start.

In this solo episode, I answer two real listener questions:
• How do you let go of the financial security of full-time work to travel full-time?
• As a brand-new caravanner, where do you even start once you've got the van and tow vehicle?

I share practical tips on budgeting (including the $1000-a-week rule of thumb), why short "shakedown trips" are so valuable, and how to ease into the lifestyle without letting fear hold you back.

Plus, I've got exciting news: Version 2 of my Planning a Lap of Australia eBook is on the way with five new chapters, and I'm opening up consults so I can help you one-on-one with your own lap planning.

Listen in or watch all the podcast episodes here https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcast/

Thinking about solo travel Australia, but not sure where to start? In this episode of Big Lap Chats, Annette sits down with solo traveller Rose Pengilly, who has spent more than 17 months exploring Australia on her own.

Rose shares how she set up her motorhome for comfort and safety, her must-have non-negotiables for long-term travel, and what it's really like free camping as a woman on the road.

You'll hear her best money-saving hacks, from using fuel apps to shopping smart in remote towns, plus her favourite free camps and bucket list adventures, including swimming with whale sharks and the unforgettable Horizontal Falls.

If you're dreaming of a Big Lap, planning your own van life adventure, or simply curious about the realities of travelling Australia solo, this inspiring and practical conversation will give you the confidence to take the next step.

Tune in and discover why the freedom of the open road is worth chasing, even if you're travelling solo.

What would it take to leave everything behind and start again? For Karen and Vince, known as Chasing the Civellos, the answer was simple: sell the house, sell the business, and set off in a motorhome to discover what they call big lap freedom.

In this episode of Big Lap Chats, they share their raw and real story of moving from burnout and disconnection to a life of reconnection, simplicity, and slow travel.

From shedding possessions and realising how little "stuff" they really needed, to discovering the joy of free camping, working seasonal jobs, and exploring Australia at their own pace, their journey is full of practical insights and heart.

We talk about:

• Why they decided to sell everything and hit the road

• The liberation of downsizing to only the essentials

• How slow travel saves money and deepens experiences

• Favourite free camps and hidden gems along the way

• Advice for couples and grey nomads dreaming of their own lap

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to step away from the grind and embrace a simpler, more connected way of life, Karen and Vince's story will inspire you to design your own lap, your own version of big lap freedom.

Hear/watch and download the show notes for every episode here - https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcast/

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.