The Big Lap

Australia, the smallest continent has the most diverse topography and relief from the rest of the world. It is a land for the adventure paramours. It offers among other excitements, an epic road trip. This road trip circumnavigates the entire country and covers approximately 15,000 km; linking the coastal cities all around the country.

This trip isn’t for those in a hurry, it’s a journey that needs time (at least 3-6 months). This trip connects lush rainforests to sun-bleached popular beaches and thriving busy towns to sleepy and remote outback waterholes. Driving along Highway One, one can visit Perth, Esperance Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, and Port Hedland. Taking detours, the scenic beauty of Kakadu, Uluru and Alice Springs, Mount Kosciuszko (Highest mountain range in Australia) and The Great Barrier Reef should not be missed.

Driving in a 4WD is a definite plus on this tremendously demanding trip. Driving between April to September (dry season – wet season roads can be closed) between Broome and Cairns is advisable. The best way to enjoy this trip is to be in a van or camper as the road takes you from highways to fire trials. As you bump along to reach campsites or find a wayside scenery appealing, the stress is always to have a trusty set of wheels. A 4WD with low range, high clearance, a snorkel, and long-range fuel tank will let you explore any track. If you have a camper, then the chosen vehicle should be capable of towing a fully loaded R.V. (A diesel 4WD gives a greater towing torque and fuel economy). Petrol may not be available in the way-out of Aboriginal communities. Another must is to practice maneuvering the camper or caravan as the terrain can vary (sand, mud, corrugation), and controlling a skid can test the most skilled drivers too.

Whether you choose a comfortable motorhome, a minivan, or an SUV there are some essentials that are worth acquiring and installing. Water supply of at least 20 liters in a Jerry Can or as a conduit carrier mounted on the roof of the car is very important. A kitchen and a portable BBQ is luxurious, but a butane burner and a few pots and pans can also be sufficient. It is imperative to carry tools like car jacks, wrenches, hammers besides a mint condition spare tyre plus oil and coolant, etc… to make this epic road trip a smooth and enjoyable journey. 

Sleeping at the caravan parks which are plenty along the Highway One is a prudent option as they invariably have the facilities for shower, laundry, and kitchen. Even National Parks are an interesting choice plus most of them are freeee!!!

 The big lap has several must-see sights including the big cities that you drive through. Sometimes just being on the road (the famous Great Ocean Road from Torquay to Allanford in Victoria) is mesmerizing. The stunning coastline, sunburnt cliffs, shipwrecks, the famous Twelve Apostles (now only 8 remain) and the rainforest jostle to enthrall.

Another detour worth undertaking is from Cairns to the gateway to the Barrier Reef ending at Australia’s northernmost tip, Cape York. This lap is full of adventure as it involves taking the red dirt trail, crossing croc infested rivers, ancient rock art and the meeting of two World Heritage Sites (the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest)

The Coral Coast along the Western Australian coastline via Cervantes, Monkey Mia and Carnarvon gets you to the meeting point of the turquoise Indian ocean and the rugged Australian outback. The Kalbarri National Park, The Pinnacles desert, World Heritage, Shark Bay (where it’s possible to swim with dolphin’s, manta ray and the whale sharks) leaves you luxuriated in the lap of mother nature.

The legendary Pacific Coast from Sydney to Brisbane (900 km) has a host of surfing beaches, charming seaside towns, and National Parks. A slight detour leads to a complete change in the scenery with incredible restaurants, boutiques cheese and wine and chocolate producers in the Newcastle to Hunter Valley region.

Going on a journey that lets you do what you want when you want, how you want, and where you want – this is the epitome of freedom. There are no time constraints (don’t undertake if you do) you could take 6 months to a year to enjoy the wonders of this road trip covering the arid desert and lush rainforest So plan, plan, plan and budget carefully before undertaking it.