THE FIRST BIG LAP.
Doing the big lap and sixteen months of tent living did not come about after a snap decision. When we returned from a Euro trip, we committed ourselves to saving and getting the things needed for an epic big lap around Australia.
Adam recalls hesitating many times about buying a case of beer because it would affect our savings schedule. We moved back in with my (Mia’s) parents. Adam worked massive hours every week. I had a full time job which was Monday to Friday and a small business, working nights and weekends.
We didn’t own a 4WD and had inexpensive camping gear. It took us two years to save enough money to travel and not have to work on our big lap.
OUR GEAR.
We purchased a brand new Holden Rodeo 4×4 Dual Cab Diesel in manual. We then fitted out the Rodeo with an ARB bullbar, Carryboy canopy, BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tyres and a CB Radio. Adam custom made the side steps and sliders.
We departed in August 2005 with our upgraded gear – an eight man tent, a Coleman 2 burner stove, two stretchers, two Black Wolf sleeping bags, two chairs, one table and one large Tropical Box esky.
After three months we decided we needed a fridge. The Tropical Box was heavy, it needed constant attention and we doubted it would perform well in the warmer climate up north. A massive hole had to be burnt in the budget and we splurged our cash on a Waeco. This also meant a dual battery system needed to be installed in the ute.
Overall, we ended up going through three tents. The first one was too big and did not have taped seams! Condensation and rain came straight through all the seams. It needed a tarp over the top EVERY. SINGLE. TIME!
The second tent was an Oztrail, with taped seams and a simpler design which made it far easier to set up and pack down. We became quite efficient and would be set up within 15 minutes with all our necessities in their place. We encountered a massive hail storm in the Gold Coast hinterland and it was ripped to pieces. With less than a month to go, we bought a tiny three man tent to get us home.
BIG LAP HIGHLIGHTS
Tasmania
We both agree that Tasmania is a ‘must do’ state of Australia. It is like a tropical island paradise without the heat and with cold ocean water. The west coast is battered by the wind and there is some really epic 4wding tracks. The East coast is peaceful and serene, filled with amazing snorkelling opportunities. Then there is the food. So fresh and full of flavour.
The ground was our friend in Tasmania for five weeks. Although we were on the island in February, it was cold at times and it snowed at Mount Wellington the day we visited it. Therefore, we learnt it was too cold to use the stretchers. The air flow from underneath was chilling our bones at night, so we made the decision to sleep on the ground and didn’t want to spend the money to buy a mattress. Sleeping on the ground without a mattress was not fun and we purchased a self inflating foam mattress once we arrived back on the mainland.
Cape York, Queensland
When you conjure up images of travelling around Australia and really going on an adventure, Cape York is unmissable. Cape York is where you’ll find the “tip of the top”.
There’s something really special about venturing along the Old Telegraph Track to stake your claim of having made it. To do the the track you’ll need a capable 4×4, otherwise you can get to the top on a graded road. Pack plenty of food and supplies, however you will still be able to purchase your supplies in the region at a premium price.
Be prepared to see loads of feral animals. You will no doubt see feral pigs and the destruction they leave.
Cape York is an adventure best planned for the dry season. The level of difficulty with the water crossings will depend largely on how much rain the region has had. The water crossings are further complicated by the fact there are salt water crocodiles which makes it virtually impossible to walk the crossing first to check depth and the line to take.You will also need to be responsible with alcohol and respect the rules in place to protect the health of others.
Kimberleys, Western Australia
When you are doing the big lap, nothing will prepare you for the isolation, the raw beauty and wilderness of this region. You will sit under the stars at night and come to know that we are simply a speck in the universe and by day you will explore the many waterfalls and gorges.
Gibb River Road is freakn amazing and one of the reasons why we HAD to have an off road van.
One of our regrets and reasons why we are lapping again is to visit El Questro Station, which we skipped the first time around because our digital camera had run out of space on the memory card.
The Kimberley region reminds us all that we are a part of an ancient land and that only a small percentage of people make the journey to witness just how spectacular it is.
We will leave for a second Big Lap of Oz in 2018.
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