Top 10 Big Lap Mistakes to Avoid

A lap around Australia is a dream adventure for many caravanners, but a little planning can make the difference between a memorable trip and a stressful one. Here are the top 10 big lap mistakes caravanners commonly make - and how to avoid them.

1. Trying to See Too Much Many first time lappers try to pack too many destinations into their itinerary. Australia is huge, and constantly rushing from place to place can quickly become exhausting and not enjoyable. Allow plenty of time to explore and experience each destination.

2. Underestimating Travel Distances A 500km day might sound easy on paper, but when towing a caravan, dealing with roadworks, trucks, road trains, traffic jams, rest stops and sightseeing opportunities, it can be a long day. Plan realistic driving distances, especially if travelling with children, and leave room for unexpected delays.

3. Travelling at the Wrong Time of Year One of the biggest mistakes is arriving in northern Australia during the Wet Season. Heavy rains & storms occur frequently, roads can be closed for days, a pictureque free-camps beside rivers disappear under water. Plan your route to follow seasons and do your research into weather in the areas you are going.

4. Overloading the Caravan Many caravanners discover too late that they are carrying far more weight then their caravan's legal limit. Weigh your caravan and tow vehicle just before departure and regularly review what you are carrying.

5. Not Booking Popular Destinations Early There are certain destinations that can book out months in advance during their peak season (e.g. Broome). Research all your destinations and if they fall into this category - book early. Research school and public holiday dates in each area/state as these are peak periods. If you don't like booking ahead, have a backup plan if you are unable to secure accommodation on arrival.

6. Ignoring Vehicle Maintenance Small mechanical issues can become major problems in remote areas. Ensure your vehicle and caravan are fully serviced before departure and stick to a regular maintenance schedule throughout the trip. Like accommodation, providers that do servicing can book out months in advance, so consider booking ahead.

7. Failing to Budget Property Fuel, caravan parks, attractions, vehicle maintenance, groceries and unexpected repairs all add up. Consider how your family wants to operate on the road and draw up a budget with a contingency fund to cover surprises. Don't just copy other family's budgets as one family may free camp, use 25L of fuel a day (travel slow), never eat out, and do mainly free activities while another may need caravan parks, use 250L of fuel a day, stop to buy coffee & lunch at each roadhouse, and prefer activities like scenic helicopter flights and boat trips up gorges. Every family travels differently, so budget for the way you want to travel.

8. Not Researching Road Conditions Many iconic Australian routes include unsealed sections, corrugations, seasonal closures, floodways, long stretches between fuel stops, or roadworks. Always research whether roads are suitable for your equipment in advance and check road conditions the day of travel - particularly in remote regions. We have heard so many horror stories of caravanners blindly following navigation apps like Google Maps and being sent on minor dirt roads or under bridges lower than their caravan. If you are a first time lapper, stick to major highways where help is more available if something goes wrong.

9. Forgetting Why You Are Doing The Lap Some caravanners become so focused on ticking destinations off or posting smiling social media photos/reels that they miss the joy of the journey itself. Try not to stress, spend extra days in places you love, rmake time for your family, and enjoy the freedom & flexibility that caravan travel offers.

10. Be Flexible The most successful lappers have a well-research plan but remain flexible enough to adapt to weather, road conditions, recommendations from fellow travellers, and unexpected discoveries.

Remember, a caravan lap of Australia isn't a race, the goal isn't to see everything (we've been lapping 30 years and are still discovering new things)! Instead, enjoy your travels and create unforgettable memories along the way.