Planning a Big Lap around Australia is daunting . . .

Over the past few years skyrocketing prices have bitten deeper into our wallets and sadly the cost of driving around Australia has increased significantly, just like everything else.

From $120+ per night caravan park sites, $3.00 a litre remote fuel prices and new 4WD's and caravans often costing upwards of $100k EACH . .  without careful pre-planning and smart money saving strategies you could easily spend tens of thousands of dollars more than you need to on your Big Lap.

The good news is that there is a solution . . .

We completed our own 16 month Big Lap with our two young daughters in 2007 on a very tight budget and we've lived and breathed all things 'Big Lap' for over 20 years.

Along the way we’ve helped thousands of other adventure lovers to bring their Big Lap dream to life through our documentary series The Big Lap, other videos, articles, budgeting tools and earlier editions of The Big Lappers Guide Book (26,000+ downloads).

To help you to keep your Big Lap dream alive, 18 months ago I went back to the drawing board and completely re-wrote The Big Lappers Guide Book with a focus on showing you how to do your Big Lap even on a very tight budget.

And I've renamed the book ‘The Big Lap On A Budget’ to reflect this new focus.

This brand new edition is a complete step-by-step blueprint based on real experience, real expenses, and real lessons learned from 16 months on the road with our family and 20 years of research and conversations with other Big Lappers.

No fluff, no BS, just practical wisdom and strategies that could literally save you tens of thousands of dollars and help you avoid the mistakes that derail other travellers.

From budget planning before you leave to practical vehicle and accommodation choices, setting up for self-sufficiency, finding free and low cost camps and earning money along the way . . . we cover it all.

With my book and an adventurous mindset your dream Big Lap is a big step closer to reality.

Here's What's Inside

Planning & Preparation

The dream of travelling around Australia is exciting, but without proper planning, it can quickly become overwhelming or financially disastrous. This section helps you to organise your rough ideas into a concrete, actionable plan that accounts for the realities of extended travel.

You'll discover:

• How to turn daydreaming into a departure date with a clear action plan
• The actual distances involved and why they matter for budgeting and timing
• Whether to travel clockwise or anticlockwise (and why this decision affects your entire experience)
• Realistic timeframes for different travel styles and how to choose what works for you
• What to do with your house, belongings, and life commitments while you're gone
• The insurance coverage you actually need

Regional Guide

Australia's states and territories each offer unique landscapes, attractions, and challenges. This comprehensive regional breakdown covering Australia’s 64 individual tourism regions helps you understand what each area offers so you can prioritise based on your interests and timeframe.

You'll learn:

• What makes each region special and worth visiting
• The must-see highlights versus the overhyped tourist traps
• Seasonal considerations that affect when you should visit each region
• Budget-friendly attractions and experiences

Budgeting & Finance

Money is the biggest obstacle keeping people from doing The Big Lap, but it doesn't have to be. This section breaks down the real costs and shows you how to make your journey affordable without sacrificing the experience.

You'll discover:

• The actual cost of doing The Big Lap based on real expenses from the road
• How to create a realistic trip budget tailored to your travel style
• Proven strategies for saving money before you leave
• The "Big 3" expenses that will make or break your budget
• Why choosing less vehicle and gear often means more travel
• Practical money management systems for staying on budget while travelling

Working Your Way Around Australia

You don't need to be retired or have a massive savings account to do The Big Lap. Many travellers fund their journey as they go, and this section shows you exactly how to make that work.

You'll learn:

• How remote work arrangements can fund your entire journey
• The realities of fruit picking and seasonal work (the good and the bad)
• How work exchange programs provide free accommodation
• What it takes to succeed as a digital nomad on the road
• Strategies for running a business while travelling
• Travelling Entrepreneur business ideas to get you started 

Transportation Options

Choosing your vehicle is one of the most important decisions you'll make, and there's massive pressure to buy expensive 4WDs. This section cuts through the marketing hype to help you choose what actually suits your travel style.

You'll discover:

• Whether you really need a 4WD or if 2WD will do the job
• How to choose the right 4WD if you decide you need one
• The truth about diesel versus petrol for long-distance travel
• What "self-contained" actually means and why it matters
• Why motorcycle touring offers unique advantages for solo travellers
• How bike packing provides the ultimate budget-conscious Big Lap option

Vans, Trailers, Tents & Swags

Where you sleep at night dramatically impacts both your budget and your experience. This section explores every accommodation option from off-road caravans to simple swags, helping you choose what works for your situation.

You'll learn:

• The pros and cons of caravans for long-term travel
• Whether an off-road caravan is worth the premium price
• How hybrid caravans offer a middle ground solution
• The camper trailer option and why it's so popular
• Why you should factor in resale values when making your purchase
• The rooftop tent revolution and whether it suits your needs
• Classic tent camping and when it makes the most sense
• The Australian swag tradition and its practical advantages

Vehicle Setup & Maintenance

Once you have your rig, you need to set it up properly and keep it running reliably. This section covers the modifications that matter and the maintenance that prevents breakdowns.

You'll discover:

• How to choose the right tyres for your journey and terrain
• Managing tyre pressures for different conditions
• When suspension upgrades are necessary and when they're just nice to have
• The option of increasing your GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass)
• Safe towing practices that prevent accidents and vehicle damage
• Whether diff locks are worth the investment
• Engine modifications that actually improve performance
• The practical benefits of window tinting, improved lighting, and dual battery systems
• Essential vehicle maintenance tasks you can't afford to ignore

Off-Grid Power

Being able to generate your own power is essential for sustainable budget Big Lapping. The Good news is that you don't need to spend a fortune on a complex system. This section demystifies off-grid power and helps you choose a solution that matches your needs and budget.

You'll learn:

• The pros and cons of vehicle-mounted battery systems
• How portable power stations have changed the game for budget travellers
• When built-in battery systems make sense for your setup
• Solar panel options
• How to build an effective off-grid power system on a tight budget

Gear Management

The temptation to overpack is real, but too much gear makes travel stressful and expensive. This section teaches you the art of travelling light while still having everything you need.

You'll discover:

• The "Travel Lite" philosophy and why less really is more
• How the 80% packing rule prevents overpacking
• A comprehensive road trip packing list covering genuine essentials
• Smart gear storage solutions that maximise limited space
• How to resist the gear acquisition trap that drains your budget

Boats & Bikes

Push bikes and boats can dramatically enhance your Big Lap experience, but they also add complexity and cost. This section helps you decide what's worth bringing along.

You'll learn:

• The pros and cons of taking your tinny (small aluminium boat)
• The extra gear you need (& weights) for your boat
• Practical advice on transporting and using boats during your journey (storage, collapsible trailers)
• Other watercraft options like kayaks and stand-up paddle boards

Your Camp Kitchen

Eating well on the road doesn't require expensive equipment or complicated systems. This section covers everything you need to prepare satisfying meals at camp without breaking your budget.

You'll discover:

• How to choose the right camping fridge/freezer for your needs
• Camp cooking options from simple to sophisticated
• Food storage strategies
• Practical meal planning that saves money and reduces stress
• How to balance nutrition, taste, and budget while travelling

Water Storage & Management

Clean water is essential, but carrying and managing it efficiently requires some knowledge. This section covers everything from storage to filtration to staying self-sufficient.

You'll learn:

• How much water storage you really need
• Water filtration options that keep you safe in remote areas
• Shower systems, water heaters, and toilet solutions for different setups
• How to keep your tanks clean
• Grey water management

Technology & Communications

Staying connected on the road is increasingly important, whether for work, safety, or keeping in touch with loved ones. This section navigates the options without pushing you toward expensive solutions you don't need.

You'll discover:

• How to maximise your mobile phone coverage across Australia
• Realistic internet access options for remote work and entertainment
• The options for satellite phones and communicators
• UHF radio for traveller communication
• How to balance connectivity with the goal of disconnecting from daily life

Navigation

This section covers navigation tools including dedicated GPS units, smartphone or tablet apps and traditional maps, helping you choose what works for your comfort level and budget.

You'll learn:

• Where smartphone and tablet GPS apps fit into your navigation plan
• Are dedicated in-vehicle navigation units worth considering?
• Options for handheld GPS units
• Printed maps that cover the whole country
• A practical navigation strategy that combines multiple tools
• Where to find reliable road condition reports before you travel remote routes

Where To Stay: Free & Paid

In recent years accommodation costs at caravan parks have skyrocketed with the potential to completely destroy your budget. This section reveals where to stay, how to find great spots, and when it's worth paying for facilities.

You'll discover:

• How to use caravan and holiday parks strategically without wasting money
• Showgrounds as a budget alternative to caravan parks 
• National park camping and why it's often the best value
• State forests and reserves as free camping alternatives
• Tips for roadside rest stop camping
• Proven methods for finding great places to stay wherever you are
• How house sitting can provide free accommodation in major cities

Health, Hygiene & Safety

The outback can be unforgiving, and minor problems can escalate quickly when you're remote. This comprehensive safety section prepares you for the realities of travelling in Australia's challenging environments.

You'll learn:

• How to maintain personal hygiene in basic camping conditions
• Essential outback safety principles that could save your life
• Safe driving practices for long distances, dirt roads, and wildlife hazards
• How to handle encounters with Australia's dangerous wildlife
• Diseases to be aware of
• Strategies for dealing with extreme weather conditions
• Why gum trees are called "widowmakers”

Travelling With Kids

Doing The Big Lap with your kids is the ultimate family adventure, but it also adds complexity. This section addresses the unique challenges and rewards of family travel around Australia.

You'll discover:

• How to prepare your kids mentally and practically for extended travel
• Safety considerations specific to travelling with children
• Proven strategies for keeping kids entertained and involved in the journey
• Tips for surviving big driving days with kids in the vehicle
• Practical homeschooling approaches that work on the road
• Balancing adult adventure goals with children's needs

Travelling With Dogs

Your dog is part of your family, but bringing them along requires planning and consideration. Many places in Australia are not dog friendly. This section covers the realities of travelling with canine companions.

You'll learn:

• Essential tips for traveling safely and happily with dogs
• Which destinations welcome dogs and which don't
• How to manage your dog's needs in different climates and environments
• What to do with your dog when you want to do tours and visit National Parks

Download ‘The Big Lap On A Budget’ and Start Planning! 

For less than the cost of a handful of snacks at an outback roadhouse, you'll have the complete step-by-step blueprint based on real experience and real lessons learned from 20 years of living and breathing 'The Big Lap'.

  SAVE $20 - USE CODE LAUNCH20 AT CHECKOUT  

100% Risk Free

Buy 'The Big Lap On A Budget', read it cover to cover and if you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, contact us within 30 days for a full refund.