Wonderland RV
Share this post
For many of us caravan-loving travellers, there’s one journey that calls louder than any other: the Big Lap Australia. Circling the entire continent, it’s the dream journey that links turquoise coastlines, red desert heartlands, tropical rainforests and rugged mountain ranges, all in one continuous loop.
Doing the Big Lap is a rite of passage for families and adventurous spirits alike, offering the freedom to explore Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes at your own pace. And what better way to tackle this bucket-list journey than in a luxury caravan, one that’s purpose-built for your family and the journey?
With that in mind, let’s get into the fun stuff and uncover how you can plan, prepare and experience a Big Lap adventure that you’ll never forget.
The Big Lap follows Highway 1 as it snakes around Australia’s mainland coast. The world’s longest national highway stretches over 14,500 kilometres, connecting nearly every mainland state and territory (and even Tasmania if you hop on the ferry).
Taking anywhere from six months to two years or more, the Big Lap is all about the journey and the adventures along the way. And when your home rolls with you, there’s no rush to speed it up
When planning your first Big Lap, timing is everything. Australia experiences cold snaps down south during winter and cyclones up north during summer, so you’ll want to factor this in when creating your plan. Also consider school holidays and other peak tourist periods when visiting the country’s most popular destinations if you want to avoid the crowds. Handy apps like WikiCamps, Fuel Map Australia and Hema Maps become invaluable on the road to help you plan fuel stops.
Outside of considering the weather, the budget is your other main consideration. Fuel, food, caravan park fees, activities and car or caravan maintenance can add up quickly when doing a lap of the whole country, and it’s vital you plan for these expenses to help avoid unexpected issues.
For those hoping to do the Big Lap with kids, many families choose to homeschool along the way, blending lessons with real-life experiences. Downtime activities like fishing, bike riding and beach days all become part of the learning.
No matter who you’re travelling with, preparation is everything. Take Casey & Zane from fewlapsaroundthesun, for example. Before setting off in their Wonderland Amaroo, they shared some critical planning tips:
‘We made sure the car was up for the job. Suspension and GVM upgrades, a heavy-duty clutch, a snorkel for river crossings — all essential. We also had our entire setup weighed fully loaded. Over 80% of setups are overweight, so it’s worth doing before you roll out. It keeps you legal and safe.’
Their advice in a nutshell? Never underestimate preparation. It’s not just about the caravan. Your entire setup, including the tow vehicle, should be dialled in to handle everything from corrugated tracks to coastal highways.
While staying in hotels along the way can make the Big Lap easier, a caravan offers unrivalled flexibility to truly make the experience your own. You can chase the sun today, and linger in a peaceful outback gorge tomorrow. Your caravan becomes your rolling home, with your own bed, bathroom and kitchen always within reach.
Plus, compared to hotels, caravanning can be more cost-effective in the long run, allowing you to spend more on experiences rather than accommodation.
And when your caravan is a Wonderland RV, that sense of freedom to roam extends even further! These vans are designed to get off the beaten track without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. This means you can take the road less travelled and still come home to luxury at the end of each day!
Your choice of caravan is crucial to a successful Big Lap. With Wonderland RV, you can count on a caravan that’s engineered for Australia’s toughest conditions, combining robust off-road performance with the flexibility to create a space that perfectly suits your lifestyle.
And this raises an important question: off-road or semi-off-road? The answer here depends on your route. If you’re planning to venture deep into remote tracks, an off-road model is your best bet.
Key features to look for include heavy-duty suspension, solar setups, large water tanks and ample storage. Families often opt for bunk layouts to give kids their own space.
Casey and Zane, for instance, chose their Wonderland Amaroo after years of experimenting with different setups:
‘When travelling Australia became full time for us, more comfort and space became our goal. Our 18’6” Amaroo off-road van ‘Alice’ gave us the best of both worlds: comfort and capability to get off the beaten track.
We loved being able to customise everything — the electrical system, compost toilet, our L-shaped lounge. It feels like home and makes us smile every time we step inside.’
The Amaroo is designed to support long off-grid adventures, with features like a 3000W inverter, 1000W solar and 400aH lithium battery system. And that upgraded compost toilet? As Casey & Zane put it, a true “game changer” that makes life on the road simpler and far more pleasant.
Choosing where to stop is one of the most exciting parts of the Big Lap. Beyond the iconic sights lie hidden gems waiting to be uncovered, each one adding a chapter to your adventures and making the journey uniquely yours.
Here are some unmissable highlights to help guide your route:
And if you’re after more hidden gems? Casey & Zane’s list says it all:
‘14 Mile (Warroora Station), South Lefroy and Winderabandi on the Ningaloo, James Price Point, Buddhas overnighter in Karijini, and a cheeky extra: Gibb River Road free camp in the Kimberleys!’
Their favourite spots remind us that while big-name icons are incredible, the true magic often lies in those off-grid hideaways where you wake up to the sound of waves or a red dirt sunrise all to yourself.
Australia’s Big Lap is a story waiting to be written, full of unexpected detours, hidden gems and memorable moments shared around a campfire.
In a Wonderland RV, every kilometre feels comfortable. Every night feels safe. And you still have your own personal sanctuary.
Purpose-built for Australia’s toughest tracks and designed to feel like your very own home on wheels, a Wonderland caravan gives you the freedom to travel exactly the way you want. So go on, turn the Big Lap into the greatest chapter of your life. The road is calling, and your Wonderland is ready to take you there!
Share this post
