Navigating the Aussie Outback: Choosing the Best Route for Your Big Lap of Australia

Today, we're spilling our secrets on the best way to plan your lap around Australia. Whether you're debating clockwise or anti-clockwise or even the lesser-known figure 8, we've got the inside scoop. So, buckle up and let's dive into the ideal route for your Australian adventure!

Best Route to Travel Australia: Decoding the Aussie Figure 8

Many road trippers face the dilemma of which direction to tackle Australia during their "BIG LAP." With so much to see and experience, finding the perfect route becomes a strategic game. We're here to break it down for you.

Timing is Everything: Navigating the Seasons

Our journey kicked off in June 2022 from Perth, and being winter down under, we had a clear path north. The key is to understand the seasons, especially in the northern regions of Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Queensland.

For the top end, you want to be there from May to September, steering clear of extreme weather, crocs, and closed swimming holes. But here's the kicker – it's a short window, and you've got to plan accordingly.

Want to see more of our adventures? Click here to head over to our YOUTUBE

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Want to see more of our adventures? Click here to head over to our YOUTUBE ---

Cracking the Code: The Figure 8 Strategy

Rather than committing to a full circle around Oz in a limited time, we opted for a figure 8. Why? Well, it gave us the flexibility to spend more than 12 months on the road. Starting from Perth, we ventured up to WA and NT, then descended down the middle.

By September, we found ourselves in Alice Springs, just in time to avoid the uncomfortable humidity up north. The figure 8 allowed us to time our journey, hitting the warmer southern parts as we headed south. It's all about adapting your route to the changing seasons.

Seasonal Highlights: Coastal Cruises and Outback Adventures

We planned our route based on the seasons, aiming for the coast during summer and the outback when the temperatures cooled down. Tasmania, with its unpredictable weather, was a delightful surprise in December and January, offering both beach days and unexpected snowfall.

Heading back into Victoria, we embraced warmer months for high country explorations. The key is to chase the good weather and avoid extremes, all while considering local festivals and events.

Australia's Clockwise vs. Anti-Clockwise Debate

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. It boils down to your preferences, starting point, and the time you have. Clockwise or anti-clockwise, both have their merits. Some decide to miss the red centre on a lap, while choose to explore the middle and miss some coastal regions.

In Summary: The Ultimate Road Trip Planning Guide

Australia's diverse climate demands strategic planning. Draw an imaginary line across the map from Coral Bay to Bundaberg – north of that bend, aim for May to September; south, target September to April. It's the ebb and flow of the seasons, each offering its unique charm.

So, whether you're gearing up for a clockwise coastal cruise or an anti-clockwise outback adventure, plan smart, stay flexible, and savor every moment of your big lap around Australia.

WANT TO SEE MORE OF OUR ADVENTURES? HEAD TO OUR YOUTUBE HERE! And follow our adventure!

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