Planning the Big Lap: When to Go & Which Way Around Australia
Dreaming of doing the Big Lap around Australia? You’re not alone, and you’re definitely in for the adventure of a lifetime. But before you hitch up and hit the highway, there’s one question every traveller faces:
“When’s the best time to go, and which way should we go?”
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But with a bit of seasonal planning, you can avoid cyclones, heatwaves, and holiday chaos, and make the most of Australia’s incredible weather and landscapes as you go.
Timing is Everything
Australia is a land of extremes. Wet season up north, snow down south, scorching summers, and mild winters, and those change depending on where you are. So instead of letting your calendar boss you around, let the weather guide your route. Trust us, it’ll make your Big Lap experience smoother, safer, and way more enjoyable.
Clockwise vs Anticlockwise – Which Way Should You Go?
Clockwise
Route: NSW → VIC → SA → WA → NT → QLD
Best Start Time: October-November
Why it works:
- Kick off with a coastal summer through NSW and Victoria
- Tackle the Nullarbor and WA’s South West before the peak heat
- Arrive in Northern WA and NT just in time for the start of the dry season
- Return down the QLD coast in spring, avoiding summer storms
Best for:
✅ Travellers starting in southern states
✅ A beachy start and tropical finish
✅ Those wanting to follow the weather and avoid crowds
Anticlockwise
Route: QLD → NT → WA → SA → VIC → NSW
Best Start Time: April-May
Why it works:
- Head north from QLD as the dry season begins
- Cross the Top End and Kimberley in the ideal months
- Explore southern WA and SA during milder spring conditions
- Finish with a cooler summer in the southern states
Best for:
✅ First-time lap travellers
✅ Anyone starting in QLD or NSW
✅ A fuel-efficient, weather-friendly loop
Sample 12-Month Big Lap (Clockwise)
Here’s a rough guide to what a year on the road might look like if you head clockwise:
| Month | Region | Why You’ll Love It |
| Oct-Nov | NSW / VIC | Spring blooms, Great Ocean Road, high country hikes, beachy warm-ups |
| Dec-Jan | SA / Nullarbor | Coastal magic without peak summer heat inland, seafood festivals, fewer crowds |
| Feb-Mar | WA South West / Coral Coast | Wild beaches, whale sharks, dolphins, and beautiful early autumn weather |
| Apr | North West WA / Pilbara | Gorges, 4WD routes, milder temps before the dry season fully sets in |
| May-June | Kimberley / NT | Dry season in full swing – waterfalls, national parks, perfect 4WD and exploring weather |
| July | Kakadu / Darwin / Top End | Peak dry season – sunny days, cool nights, cultural experiences galore |
| Aug | Outback QLD | Warm days and starry skies, red dirt roads and iconic outback towns |
| Sept | QLD Coast (Capricorn to Whitsundays) | Shoulder season perfection, island hopping, reef adventures |
| Oct | SE QLD / Northern NSW | Mild temps, national parks, hinterland drives, whale watching on the coast |
Final Thoughts From the Road
The best journeys aren’t about ticking off stops – they’re about timing it right, embracing the adventure, and doing it your way.
Whether you’re heading clockwise for coastal summers and tropical winters, or anticlockwise to chase the dry season across the top, one thing’s certain: Australia is made for slow, scenic travel.
Want More Help Planning Your Big Lap?
We’ve poured everything we’ve learned from over 190,000 kilometres on the road into our best-selling resource:
The Travel Australia Guide eBook – The Ultimate Road Trip Ready Guide
This jam-packed guide includes:
✔️ Route ideas and seasonal tips
✔️ Packing lists and gear checklists
✔️ Budgeting tools and fuel-saving advice
✔️ Safety, setup, towing, and free camping know-how
✔️ Plus, honest advice from full-time travellers (that’s us!)
Whether you’re in the dreaming, planning, or packing phase – this is the guide we wish we had when we started.
Ready to hit the road?
Start your Big Lap with confidence, a solid plan, and a whole lot of feel-good adventure. We’ll see you out there!
FAQs: Big Lap Australia
Q: How long does it take to do the Big Lap around Australia?
A: It really depends on your pace. Most travellers take between 6 to 12 months, but some stretch it out over several years. Others do it in shorter stints over time. The key is to go at your own speed and enjoy the journey.
Q: What’s the best direction to travel the Big Lap?
A: If you’re starting in NSW, VIC or SA, travelling clockwise (through WA, NT, then QLD) is ideal if you’re leaving around October-November.
If you’re starting in QLD or northern NSW, going anticlockwise works best if you’re leaving in April-May, so you can time your arrival in the Top End and Kimberley with the dry season.
Q: When is the best time to start the Big Lap?
A: The two most popular times to begin are:
- April-May for an anticlockwise route starting in QLD or NSW
- October-November for a clockwise route starting in VIC, SA, or southern NSW
These windows allow you to follow the best weather across Australia, avoiding the wet season up north and scorching temps down south.
Q: Do I have to do the Big Lap all in one go?
A: Not at all! Many families break it into sections, doing a few months each year. Whether it’s a full lap or just a part, it’s still your adventure – and every kilometre counts.
