Planning your big lap before you go

A lap of Australia is on countless bucket lists — and the trips that go smoothly are almost always the ones that were planned well. You don’t need to schedule every night, but a solid framework lets you relax and enjoy the adventure.

Budget honestly

Work out a realistic weekly budget covering fuel (the biggest variable when towing), site fees, food, fun and a contingency for repairs. Building in a buffer means an unexpected tyre or service won’t derail the trip.

Get the van trip-ready

• Have the van and tow vehicle fully serviced before departure.
• Check tyres (including the spare), wheel bearings, brakes and suspension.
• Make sure your power, water and storage setup suits long stretches off-grid.
• Pack a practical toolkit, recovery gear and a well-stocked first aid kit.

Plan a flexible route

Sketch the big-picture loop and the seasons — you generally want to chase good weather, heading north for winter and south for summer. Leave room to slow down for the places you love and to wait out weather or road closures.

Sort the admin

Tidy up mail redirection, insurance, banking, medical scripts and connectivity before you leave. The less life-admin chasing you down the road, the more you can be present for the journey.