The Great Aussie Retirement Plan - the Wide Open Road
When imagining retirement, many people picture beachside villas in Spain or long lunches in the Tuscan hills. But for many Australians, the dream is closer to home, and a lot dustier. In North America, many retirees take to the highways in motorhomes, travelling coast to coast through Canada, the US and Mexico. In Europe, campervans wind through the French countryside or hug Portugal’s rugged coastline. Even the Brits, especially when they’ve had enough of grey skies, hitch up and head south for warmer days and simpler living. And in Australia? Well, it’s called ‘doing the Big Lap’, and while it’s uniquely Aussie in landscape and wildlife, the spirit is something retirees everywhere will recognise — freedom, discovery, and a desire to trade square footage for wide-open spaces. The Big Lap is a uniquely Australian rite of passage that resonates with retirees everywhere who crave adventure, simplicity, and a connection to nature (even if nature occasionally kills you).
The freedom of the open road and this lifestyle aren’t about ticking off tourist attractions. It’s about waking up with no fixed agenda, chasing blue skies, and finding joy in the little things; a quiet bush camp, a secluded beach, or the smell of freshly baked damper (translation – basic loaf of bread) wafting from the neighbour’s camp kitchen. With a capable four-wheel drive and a comfortable caravan (camper trailer, motorhome, or van —plenty of options), the entire country becomes your backyard. Rainforests, deserts, coastlines, and outback pubs are all within reach.
When considering your rig, it’s not about the brand; it’s about the setup. You’ll often hear talk of ‘bulletproof’ vehicles and caravans with every creature comfort, but the reality? The best setup is the one that suits you. Some go all-in with off-road rigs that can tackle the corrugated Gibb River Road without breaking a sweat. Others prefer a lighter setup built for bitumen and beachside holiday parks. Some embrace minimalism, travelling light in converted vans or Utes (translation – ‘pickup’) with rooftop tents. What matters most is reliability, comfort, and capability. There is no need to break the bank; ensure your gear matches your travel style and destination.
It’s not just a journey, it’s a lifestyle - many retirees hit the road full-time, circling the country over months or even years. Others do it in stages, parking the van for the summer and heading north when winter bites. Along the way, a nomadic community forms. Caravan parks become mini neighbourhoods. Campfires become gathering points. Grey nomads trade travel tips, tools, recipes and tales, often over barista coffee and a homemade biscuit (“cookie”) or two. It’s a lifestyle that brings back a sense of wonder, spontaneity, and connection.
Not all glamour - meaning the wildlife, of course. It’s not all sunsets and serenity. This is Australia, after all. Flies? Oh yes, especially in the outback. You’ll quickly learn the art of the ‘Aussie wave’, a constant swatting motion while pretending you’re not losing your mind. Snakes? They’re out there, especially in warmer months. Always check your boots for spiders and never assume a stick is just a stick. Crocodiles? In the north, it’s not just a sign, it’s a serious warning. No swimming unless the locals say it’s safe. Stingers and sharks? Coastal living comes with marine hazards, especially in tropical Queensland. Lycra stinger suits might not be fashionable, but they could save your life. There’s a healthy dose of danger in the Aussie wild, but with common sense and respect for nature, most encounters remain good stories to tell later.
This lifestyle isn’t just for Aussies; while the Big Lap is uniquely Australian, the spirit is universal. Across the world, retirees are embracing life on the move: RV’ing through North America’s national parks. Vanning along the coasts of Portugal and Spain or exploring New Zealand’s back roads in motorhomes. Wherever you are, the theme is the same: freedom, curiosity, and a desire to live simply but fully.
Is the road calling you? Do you love the idea of waking up somewhere new every week? Can you live with a little less space and a lot more adventure? Are you happy to trade convenience for campfires and starry skies? If so, the road might be where you belong, at least for a while. Retirement doesn’t have to mean staying in one place. Whether you’re sailing foreign seas, wandering ancient cities or zigzagging across your own country in a dusty 4WD (SUV or 4x4), it’s all about movement, discovery, and living on your own terms. And sometimes, the best journey starts right in your backyard, with a map, a full tank of fuel (gas, diesel or petrol), plenty of water and no place to be. For some, the allure of the open road never fades. The lifestyle promises endless exploration, a deeper connection with nature, and the thrill of discovering new places and faces. Retirement is the perfect time to embrace this sense of adventure and trade daily routines for the unpredictable beauty of the road less travelled. Safe travels!