Planning your Big Lap? Then you’ll need a bit of a plan!
When you speak to many people who are currently travelling Australia, or those who have done a Big Lap in the past, they’ll often tell you that your plans go out the window once you get on the road. And for good reason too. You find a place you love, you decide to take a detour or some unexpected event changes your route.
That’s the beauty of doing your Big Lap in the first place; the ultimate freedom to go wherever you want and do whatever you want, when you want!
That said, it’s good to have some sort of a plan. Even a rough itinerary of the areas you want to go to and when will help you plan your trip around Australia.
Key Reasons You Need A Big Lap Itinerary & Route Plan
A Big Lap Itinerary can help you in a number of ways. Although you don’t have to follow it to a tee, it can help you:
- Be in the right places at the right time of year. Avoiding the intense heat of the north’s summer and the blistering cold of the southern winters is something that high on most Big Lapper’s lists
- Not miss certain places. If you know what attractions and places are on your route, you’ll not bypass them and kick yourself later
- Outline your ‘can’t miss’ places.
- Find key events you want to go to on your trip.
The Week-By-Week Big Lap Itinerary & Route
This week-by-week guide has been carefully created to take into consideration weather, events and a whole host of other factors.
It’s also designed for those on a 12-month timeframe, and although we have many Big Lappers who don’t have a Big Lap timeframe, many people don’t have that luxury!
This route also shows you when you should set off based on your location. It begins in the first week of January, setting off from Melbourne, but if you live in Cairns, you might want to wait til later in the year – or just take the route whenever you like (who are we to tell you when to go!)
You might be in the heat or in the cold, or even miss some events if you do this out of sync to the itinerary below, but read through and see whether those things are dealbreakers for you so you can decide when to go for yourself.
So, while this itinerary doesn’t have you experiencing absolutely everything Australia has to offer, it does help you see as much of it as possible
Ready for the most comprehensive free Big Lap Itinerary? Let’s go…
Your Big Lap Itinerary Route Map
Week 1: Melbourne, Morninton Peninsula and Surrounds
Kick off the first week of the year in and around Melbourne.
Explore the coffee culture, cool laneways and amazing eats in Melbourne CBD. Take in some chilled Melbourne seaside vibes in St Kilda. Head down to Mornington Peninsula to check out great coastal campsites, wineries, unique attractions and cute little towns.
You can (and definitely should) head to Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs; it’s an experience unlike many others and it won’t break the bank.
If time permits, head over to Phillip Island to catch the penguin parade!
Read More:
Week 2: Ballarat, Bendigo and Goldfields
This week is all about exploring the regional towns just outside of Melbourne and taking in their rich history from the gold-rush days. Visiting the famed Sovereign Hill is high on many a vistor’s priority list but there are so many museums, galleries and historical sites to check out too.
The area is also home to some lovely little regional towns that you will want to visit. Fresh produce and town pride reign supreme here.
For something a little different, you can go Medieval at Kryal Castle. Since we’re still in school holidays (if you’re following this route by date!), it will be open. Check opening hours if you go outside of school holiday periods.
Read More:
Week 3: The Grampians
After a few weeks doing the more touristy things, it’s time to get back to nature! The Grampians is the perfect place to find epic camping spots and immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape. This area is a hiker’s dream but even if you’re not a big walker, some of the incredible places you’ll see will make you want to lace up your walking boots (or runners, at least!).
The Grampians is home to Victoria’s largest waterfall, Mackenzie Falls, and spots like Boroka Lookout, Reed Lookout and the Balconies and One Tree Hill provide the most breathtaking views.
You can also get out on the water at one of the many lakes for a spot of kayaking, swimming or waterskiing.
Not your thing? Head to the wineries!
Read More
Week 4-5: The Murray
Arguably one of the most picturesque spots in Victoria, you’ll spend the next two weeks by the mighty Murray. With so much to see and do, you’ll need that much time to explore but it also offers you some much needed downtime too.
The Murray is home of the paddleboat steamer, so make sure you take a trip down the river in one of these old monaliths! If you’re able to splurge, why not ditch your caravan for a week and play captain in a house boat?
There are some amazing riverside beaches to explore, year-round watersports and plenty of places to fish.
For the foodies, the Murray region is home to some unique riverside cellar door experiences and some absolutely incredible restaurants.
Read More:
Week 6: High Country & Gippsland
This week, you’re finishing your countryside tour before you head back out to the coast. In the High Country, you can indulge in some of the finest cool-climate wines, enjoy some epic 4WDing, hit the hills by mountain bike and see the incredible wildflowers in bloom. Or, have your very own Man From Snowy River moment and discover the area on horseback
This region is usually visited by many a traveller during the winter months as it is home to some of Australia’s best ski resorts, but visiting in the summer or autumn will still provide you with plenty to see and do. Some of the ski resorts put on summer activities.
Once you’re High Country Adventures are over, head down to Gippsland via the Great Alpine Road, one of Australia’s greatest touring routes.
When you hit the coast, either relax on one of the incredible beaches (Ninety Mile Beach is a must-visit) or explore the surrounding lakes and waterways.
For foodies, this is another area you’ll love. Explore the wine region or take the Gippsland Food and Wine Trail.
Note: this is a lot of ground to cover so you might want to trim off a couple of days from your Murray weeks!
Week 7: South Coast NSW
Week 8: Canberra
Week 9: Outback NSW
Week 10: Blue Mountains and Sydney
Week 11-12: North Coast NSW and Byron Bay
Week 13: Gold Coast & Brisbane
Week 14: Sunshine Coast
Week 15: Fraser
Week 16-17: Outback NSW
Week 18: Mackay & Whitsundays
Week 19: Townsville & Surrounds
Week 20: Cairns and Atherton Tablelands
Week 21-22: Daintree, Cooktown and Cape York
Week 23: Savannah Way
Week 24: Alice Springs via Mt Isa
Week 25: Red Centre
Week 26: Alice to Darwin
Week 27: Top End & Arnham Land
Week 28: Kununurra & Lake Argyle
Week 29: Kimberleys
Week 30: Broome & Surrounds
Week 31: Karratha
Week 32: Exmouth
Week 33: Carnarvon and Monkey Mia
Week 34: Perth & Surrounds
Week 35: Margaret River
Week 36: Esperence and Cape Le Grande
Comment (0)