One of the most frustrating things about doing the Big Lap – no matter how slowly you take it – is there are always places you wished you had stayed longer, or little detours you later wished you’d taken.
The answer – as most veterans already know – is just to do it all again! Robert and Kathy Down set off on their first major trip in 2011 and, by the time they returned four fun-filled years later, they knew that they had not even come close to seeing all they wanted to see.
While a map marked with the couple’s wanderings looked pretty comprehensive, deep down the Downs knew there was a lot more still to do. Fast forward to February 2021.
“With Covid-19 apparently under control we decided to retrace our earlier trip, but spend less time in some places and more in others that we skipped previously,” said Robert. “When travelling, Kathy and I never set an agenda … if we like the town we end up in in, we stay a few days and, if there was lots to see and do, we stay a week.”
However, the couple soon discovered that the travel landscape had changed since their first trip.
“Kathy and I noticed right from the outset that there were altogether more vans on the road,” said Robert. “We discovered lots of these were younger families holidaying in neighbouring states, as well as more mature travellers whom have decided to see more of their own country now that overseas travel is no longer an option.”
Back in 2011, Robert said they were surprised if they saw more 20 rigs similar to theirs (4×4 with large van, or motorhome/ converted bus). Now, they say they lose count of similar rigs before morning tea!
“We also found that once on the highway north from Adelaide the campgrounds and caravan parks were filling up in the early afternoon,” he said. “Now, if you wanted to get a reasonable campsite you’d need to stop around 2pm, whereas you used to be able to drive until 4pm or 4.30pm.”
In a major change to their previous modus operandi, the pair reluctantly decided they had to book some sites ahead.
“Kathy and I were a little sad at losing our spontaneity and having to plan ahead up north, but we’re going to slow down our southward trek now and stop wherever we can find a reasonable site, or booking ahead occasionally when nearing larger tourist towns,” said Robert. “With no definite time line or schedule to stick to we can be a little more spontaneous on our way home.”
For all the differences that Robert and Kathy have found on their Big Lap reloaded, one thing about life on the road hasn’t changed.
They still absolutely love it.
I haven’t been able to do the lap and until borders stay open, between states, never will. Bought the van brand new, picked up in November 2019. March 2020, into lockdown. A few months later, NSW could get into Queensland so off to do the Dinosaur Trail. Closures made us decide upon farm management ever since.
So far as I am concerned, the Big Lap seems confined to your home state and even then not that much.
It’s a waste of time buying a personal RV, caravan, motorhome etc. Hire instead.