Embarking on the Big Lap around Australia is a dream adventure for many travelers. This epic journey offers the opportunity to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, from pristine beaches to rugged outback terrain. To help you plan your adventure, we’ve mapped out the best routes for your Big Lap, ensuring you don’t miss any iconic stops along the way.

Starting Your Journey: Which Direction to Take?

The first decision when planning your Big Lap is whether to travel clockwise or counterclockwise. This choice often depends on seasonal weather patterns and prevailing winds:

Clockwise: Ideal if you’re starting in the south during summer, allowing you to follow warmer weather north as the year progresses.
Counterclockwise: Perfect for those starting in the north during winter, taking advantage of cooler temperatures as you head south.
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Best Times to Travel: Seasonal Insights

To make the most of your journey, it’s essential to consider the best times to visit various regions, taking into account factors like weather, wildlife migrations, and seasonal attractions:

September to November (Spring) and March to May (Autumn): These shoulder seasons provide pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more reasonable accommodation prices. It’s an ideal time to explore many parts of Australia.

Regional Considerations

Tropical North (e.g., Cairns, Darwin): Best visited from March to September, avoiding the wet season’s heavy rains and potential cyclones.
Red Centre (e.g., Uluru, Alice Springs): Ideal between March and November, offering milder temperatures for exploring iconic landmarks.
West Coast (e.g., Ningaloo Reef, Karijini National Park): April to October is the best time to avoid the wet season in the north and enjoy cooler weather.

Wildlife and Natural Events

Whale Watching: Humpback whales migrate along the coast from June to November, providing excellent viewing opportunities.
Wildflower Season: Western Australia boasts a stunning wildflower display from August to October, with over 12,000 species blooming.
Whale Sharks: Swim with these gentle giants near Exmouth from March to July.
Turtle Nesting and Hatching: Experience this natural wonder in Queensland during the summer months.

Avoiding Pests

Flies: In the outback and some coastal areas, flies can be particularly bothersome during the warmer months. Traveling during the cooler seasons can help minimize this nuisance.

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Must-Take Routes and Highlights

1. The East Coast: Queensland and New South Wales

Highlights: Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays, Fraser Island, Sydney’s iconic landmarks.
Recommended Route: Brisbane to Cairns, with stops in the Sunshine Coast, Airlie Beach, and Port Douglas.
Best Time to Travel: April to October for sunny weather and minimal rain.

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2. The Red Centre: Northern Territory

Highlights: Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, and Alice Springs.
Recommended Route: Stuart Highway from Darwin to Alice Springs, extending to Uluru.
Best Time to Travel: May to September for cooler, more comfortable temperatures.

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3. The West Coast: Western Australia

Highlights: Ningaloo Reef, Karijini National Park, Broome’s Cable Beach, and Perth.
Recommended Route: Perth to Broome, with stops in Exmouth and Coral Bay.
Best Time to Travel: April to October to avoid the wet season in the north.

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4. The South Coast: South Australia and Victoria

Highlights: Great Ocean Road, Barossa Valley, Kangaroo Island, and Melbourne.
Recommended Route: Adelaide to Melbourne, including the Great Ocean Road.
Best Time to Travel: November to April for mild weather and beautiful coastlines.

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5. Tasmania

Highlights: Cradle Mountain, Wineglass Bay, and Hobart.
Recommended Route: A loop around the island, starting and ending in Hobart.
Best Time to Travel: December to March for summer conditions and accessible roads.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

Plan for Fuel Stops: Remote areas may have limited access to fuel, so plan your stops carefully.
Stay Connected: Equip your vehicle with internet solutions like Starlink or mobile hotspots to stay connected, even in remote locations.
Flexible Itinerary: Allow room for spontaneous detours and extended stays at places you love.
Weather Awareness: Keep an eye on weather forecasts to avoid extreme conditions.

Final Thoughts

The Big Lap is an adventure of a lifetime, offering endless opportunities to explore Australia’s natural beauty, vibrant cities, and remote wonders. By following these routes, planning according to seasons, and considering seasonal highlights like wildflowers and wildlife migrations, you’ll be set for an unforgettable journey.

Ready to hit the road? Start planning your Big Lap today and experience the best of Australia! Submit our inquiry form for personalized travel assistance or explore exciting group packages or cruises with companies like Virgin Voyages.

Best Routes for Your Big Lap: Explore Australia’s Iconic Roadways