If the idea of circling Australia by road has ever appealed to your sense of adventure, you are by no means alone. The big lap is booming, with families, couples and solo explorers trading routine and the daily grind for the freedom of the open road, red dirt and coastal horizons.
And for anyone dreaming of making it a reality, BIG4 Holiday Parks has just launched The BIG Aussie Review, a nationwide competition offering one lucky Aussie family or couple the trip of a lifetime. The winner will receive a Ford Ranger and Crusader caravan to keep, an entire year of BIG4 stays, Ampol fuel, food and much more. It is the kind of life-changing prize that turns dreaming into doing.
To help inspire your own journey, BIG4 spoke to three groups who have already taken on significant laps of the country. From practical planning to favourite locations, hidden gems and on the road hacks, here is what they learned along the way.
For many, the big lap is a mix of adventure and timing. Kate Claringbold, who travelled around Australia with her partner and their ten-year-old twins, said it had always been a family bucket list dream. ‘There was something special about leaving our house in the car and coming home again months later, having completed the full circle.’
For Robyn Lee and Andrew Hagley, who travelled with their two-year-old son, the trip was about quality family time. ‘We decided it would be a good opportunity to travel with him and spend time together as a family,’ they said.
For Amber and Nick Tierney, known as Great Aussie Escapes, their big lap stemmed from the pandemic when a single night away in a borrowed swag sparked a love for the outdoors. After a five month half lap in 2023, they’re now saving and preparing for a full lap that could last one to three years, starting this year. ‘We wanted to explore our own backyard and make the most of travel before our daughter starts school,’ they said.
Every group agreed on one essential truth: you do not need to plan everything. In fact, flexibility can make the experience richer.
Kate’s family planned their overall direction, equipment and timing but kept day to day decisions loose. ‘Day to day itinerary planning, for example, where we’d stay and exactly what we’d see, was pretty loose and often decided as we went,’ she said.
Robyn and Andrew planned almost entirely as they went, which suited their slow, flexible approach.
Whereas Amber and Nick planned their first half lap in detail which made them realise they prefer a more spontaneous rhythm for their upcoming trip. ‘We will book ahead for public holidays or long weekends, but other than the Ningaloo which you have to book in advance, we will be playing it by ear,’ they said.
Australia’s many climates can make or break a big lap, so season awareness matters.
Kate’s family left Melbourne in summer, headed clockwise, and returned in winter, a timing they said worked beautifully. ‘We had very few rainy or cold days throughout the trip, which we think made a huge difference to how relaxed and enjoyable the experience was.’
Amber and Nick are this time aiming for the classic pattern of travelling north in winter and south in summer. ‘Although we did do the southwest in winter 2023 and we now plan go back there in warmer weather.’
Robyn and Andrew did not strictly follow seasons but made sure to move on when any rain set in.
Western Australia dominated when it came to highlights for the big lappers. And with the plethora of unforgettable spots to check out in the state it’s not hard to see why. Kate’s family singled out Denmark, Yallingup, Monkey Mia, Karijini, Coral Bay, Exmouth, Ningaloo Reef and Broome. ‘These were definite highlights, each for very different reasons, but all unforgettable.’
Robyn and Andrew loved Darwin, Broome, Karijini, Ningaloo Reef, Kalbarri and the entire southwest of WA.
Amber and Nick also enjoyed WA, rating both its coastal and outback regions and were especially drawn to the Pilbara and Kimberley. They were particularly struck by South Australia, which they described as Australia’s most underrated state. ‘It’s stunning! From the beach to the outback there is a huge variety,’ they insisted.
BIG4’s over 300 parks featured often in the positive experiences shared by the three groups.
Kate and her family highlighted BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort as a standout, describing it as a holiday within their holiday. ‘The water park was incredible, the kids’ activities were really well organised, and the park itself was immaculately maintained,’ they recalled glowingly.
Robyn and Andrew found BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut Resort a favourite during their travels.
Amber and Nick said they’re excited to stay at more BIG4s on their next lap. ‘We are looking forward to exploring more BIG4s along the East Coast.’
Several locations, including some lesser-known, came up as must-see destinations:
These spots were said to be memorable, not just for scenery, but for the sense of discovery and connection with other travellers.
A few practical tools came up repeatedly: fuel price apps, roadside stalls for fresh produce and a BIG4 Perks+ membership to save on consistent, family-friendly accommodation.
Financial and planning tips
Daily living hacks
Mindset advice
Kate recommended planning for imperfect days. ‘Assume things will break, plans will change and someone will be tired or grumpy most days,’ she warned.
Amber and Nick learned the value of slowing down. ‘You can feel lazy going from full time work to travelling but this is the time to slow down and enjoy where you are.’
Expected challenges
The big lappers warned to be prepared for any and all of the following:
Now feeling inspired to tackle a big lap of your own? BIG4 Holiday Parks is offering an incredible opportunity to make it happen. The BIG Aussie Review invites people to upload a one-minute video reviewing anything they love, from surf breaks to potato cakes.
One lucky couple or family (up to four) will receive a Ford Ranger Tremor, a Crusader Lifechanger Bunkie caravan (both to keep!), 365 nights of BIG4 stays, Ampol Amplify Premium Fuel for their journey, $10,000 in gear from Dometic plus including and a weekly food allowance.
Plus, up to $8,000 in content creation equipment, allowing the winner to spend a year exploring Australia and sharing reviews as they go.
Enter now at: https://www.big4.com.au/the-big-aussie-review
Whether you are travelling for six months or several years, the travellers BIG4 spoke with all said the same thing: you will see Australia in a completely new way.
Amber and Nick urged people to just do it. ‘Set a date and make it happen. Invest in the important things like a safe, comfortable place to sleep and make sure your vehicle is good to go.’
With the right balance of planning and spontaneity, and an openness to adventure, the big lap might become one of the most memorable experiences of you and your family’s life.
Recent Post:
Categories:
Tags:
Key Industry Partners
