Planning a Big Lap around Australia means your car becomes more than just transport: it is your lifeline, your mobile command centre, and your ticket to freedom. The right gear can make the difference between a smooth adventure and a stressful nightmare.

From essential safety equipment that could save your life in the remote outback to comfort accessories that make those long driving days more bearable, we have rounded up everything you need to kit out your vehicle for extended travel around Australia. This guide covers the full spectrum: must have safety gear, navigation tools, power solutions, recovery equipment, and those clever accessories that experienced Big Lappers swear by.

Essential Safety Equipment

Safety gear is not optional on a Big Lap. Australia’s vast distances and remote areas mean you need to be self sufficient when things go wrong.

Must Have

GME TX6165 5 Watt UHF CB Handheld Radio Pack

~$349

80 channel UHF handheld with 5 watt output, emergency features, and crystal clear reception for truck driver channels and emergency services.

Check price at Anaconda →

Premium

GME MT605G 406MHz GNSS EPIRB Emergency Beacon

~$450

Satellite emergency beacon that alerts rescue services to your exact location anywhere in Australia. Essential for remote travel.

Check price at Anaconda →

Every Big Lap vehicle should carry a comprehensive first aid kit designed for remote travel. The SURVIVAL Vehicle First Aid Kit~$185 includes everything from basic bandages to emergency medications, with clear instructions for non medical people.

Camec 1kg Fire Extinguisher with Bracket
~$65

Compact ABE rated extinguisher that handles electrical, fuel, and common fires. Comes with a mounting bracket so it stays secure and within reach.

Check price at Caravan RV Camping →

Do not overlook basic safety items like warning triangles, high vis vests, and a quality torch. The Ledlenser H7R Signature 1200 Lumen Rechargeable Headlamp~$55 keeps your hands free for roadside repairs or setting up camp after dark, with IP67 waterproofing and a rechargeable battery.

Navigation & Communication

Mobile coverage disappears quickly once you leave major highways, making reliable navigation and communication equipment crucial for Big Lap safety and convenience.

WiTi All in One Bundle: Anti Theft, Brake Controller & GPS
~$849

Combines GPS tracking, brake controller, and anti theft protection in a single unit. A smart solution for caravan towers who want multiple functions without multiple devices cluttering the cab.

Check price at Caravan RV Camping →

While smartphone apps like Gaia GPS are excellent, they rely on mobile coverage and battery life. A dedicated GPS unit provides backup navigation when your phone fails or loses signal. The Hema HX 2+ GPS Navigator~$695 comes preloaded with detailed Australian maps including 4WD tracks, campsites, and fuel stops.

Essential

Telstra Pre Paid 4GX Wi Fi Plus 2 Bullbar Mount Mobile Antenna Booster

~$199

Amplifies weak mobile signals with a bullbar mounted antenna to extend coverage further into remote areas. Designed specifically for the Telstra network.

Check price at Strike →

Professional

Iridium 9575 Extreme Satellite Phone with Free Prepaid SIM

~$1,495

True global coverage satellite phone for the most remote areas. Expensive but provides voice calls anywhere on the planet.

Check price at Amazon →

A good UHF radio connects you to truck drivers who provide real time road conditions, weather updates, and local knowledge. Many caravan parks and tourist areas monitor channel 8 or 40 for traveller information.

Power & Charging Solutions

Modern Big Lap travel means staying connected, and that requires reliable power for phones, tablets, cameras, and other devices.

Mid Range

BLUETTI AC70 Portable Power Station

~$699

Lithium power station with 768Wh capacity and multiple AC and DC outlets. Charges via solar, 12V, or mains power. Good all rounder for most travellers.

Check price at Amazon →

Compact

iTechworld PS800 Portable Lithium Power Station 800W

~$499

800W output with 40Ah lithium capacity. Multiple charging ports and solar input. Compact enough for the cab, capable enough for camp.

Check price at iTechworld →

KickAss KickCharge 2400 Lithium Power Station
~$1,299

2400W output and 160Ah at 12.8V makes this the heavy hitter for full time travellers. Handles high draw appliances, runs AC devices, and charges multiple devices simultaneously. For those who need serious off grid capability.

Check price at KickAss →

Solar blankets keep batteries topped up during extended stops. The Renogy 200W Solar Blanket~$495 folds away easily and provides meaningful charging power for your portable power station or auxiliary system.

Recovery Equipment

Getting stuck is part of Big Lap life, whether it is sand, mud, or just a poor reversing decision. The right recovery gear gets you moving again without waiting hours for help.

ARB Essentials Recovery Kit Series II
~$289

A complete recovery kit including snatch strap, shackles, tree trunk protector, and storage bag. Everything you need for vehicle to vehicle recovery in a single purchase.

Check price at ARB →

Recovery boards work wonders in sand and mud. The MAXTRAX MK II Recovery Boards in Gunmetal Grey~$385 are the gold standard: lightweight, grippy, and virtually indestructible. Two boards handle most passenger vehicle recoveries.

Essential

Dune 4WD Air Compressor 160 LPM

~$125

High flow 12V compressor for tyre pressure adjustments. 160 litres per minute means quick inflation after deflating for beach or sand driving.

Check price at Anaconda →

Heavy Duty

Mean Mother Snatch Block 8T

~$165

8 tonne rated pulley that doubles winch pulling power and redirects recovery angles. Essential for complex recovery situations.

Check price at Mean Mother →

A quality shovel for digging out wheels is easy to overlook until you need one. The OZtrail Folding Shovel~$45 stores compactly but handles serious digging when needed.

Maintenance & Tools

Basic tools let you handle minor repairs without hunting for mechanics in small towns. Smart tool selection covers common issues without overloading your vehicle.

Kincrome Automotive Tool Kit 3/8″ Drive, 120 Piece
~$199

Comprehensive metric and imperial socket set with ratchets, screwdrivers, and pliers. Covers most automotive repair needs in a compact case.

Check price at Supercheap Auto →

Carry fluids for top ups and minor emergencies: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. The 20L Vehicle Spill Kit~$25 handles accidents cleanly and keeps things tidy under the bonnet.

Essential

Dune 4WD Premium Tyre Repair Kit

~$35

Plugs and tools for temporary tyre repairs. Gets you to the nearest town when a spare is not enough.

Check price at Anaconda →

Convenient

Ryobi 18V ONE+ 3 Speed Half Inch Impact Wrench

~$159

Makes wheel changes quick and easy. Particularly valuable for caravan owners who change wheels regularly.

Check price at Bunnings →

Electrical issues plague travellers more than mechanical ones. The KickAss Precision Digital Clamp Multimeter~$29 helps diagnose battery, charging, and wiring problems. Pack electrical tape, cable ties, and spare fuses for quick fixes.

Comfort & Convenience

Long driving days become more bearable with comfort accessories that reduce fatigue. Small investments in driver comfort pay big dividends over thousands of kilometres.

EvaKool DU250 DZ Down Under Dual Zone Fridge Freezer 50L
$1,159

Dual zone fridge freezer with 50L capacity, running efficiently off 12V. Keeps drinks cold and food frozen during long drives between towns. The dual zone design lets you run different temperatures in each compartment.

Check price at Snowys →

Seat comfort matters enormously on 8 hour driving days. The MSA Sheepskin Air Lumbar Support~$79 reduces back strain on long stretches.

Summer Essential

Milenco Universal Internal Thermal Blind

~$45

Silver thermal blind that blocks heat and UV from the windscreen. Keeps the cabin cool during outback stops and provides privacy when parked up.

Check price at Caravan RV Camping →

Long Distance

KickAss Portable Vacuum Cleaner

~$89

Compact portable vacuum for cars, tents, and camp. Essential for keeping sand and dirt under control on long trips.

Check price at Snowys →

Travelling with kids? The Navigator Quick Fix Seat Buddy$39.95 attaches to the back of a front seat to give younger passengers their own organised space for books, tablets, and snacks. For families with dogs, the Navigator Dog Seat Buddy$99.99 keeps your pet comfortable and secure in the back seat. The UGreen Car Headrest Tablet Mount mounts to the headrest and keeps tablets at eye level without anyone holding them.

Storage & Organisation

Proper storage systems keep essential gear accessible while preventing damage during travel. Good organisation means finding what you need quickly without unpacking half your vehicle.

Dune 4WD 900mm Series II Sliding Top Drawer
~$895

Heavy duty sliding drawer with a hinged top that provides a flat work surface. Maximises cargo space and keeps tools, recovery gear, and supplies secure and easily accessible.

Check price at Anaconda →

Roof storage expands capacity but requires secure mounting and weatherproof containers. The Yakima Easytrip 470L Cargo Box in Textured Black~$749 provides 470 litres of protected storage for bulky, lightweight items like bedding and clothing.

Versatile

Dune 4WD Desert Sand 150L Storage Box

~$49

Large capacity storage box with secure lid. Perfect for organising tools, spare parts, and camping gear by category.

Check price at Anaconda →

Compact

OZtrail Caravan Trio Storage Bag Kit

~$25

Three bag set in different sizes for cables, chargers, first aid supplies, and small items. Designed for caravan and camp organisation.

Check price at OZtrail →

Cargo barriers prevent loose items becoming projectiles during sudden stops or accidents. The ARB Cargo Barrier~$385 fits specific vehicle models and provides peace of mind when carrying heavy gear. Cargo nets, bungee cords, and ratchet straps in various sizes keep everything secure during rough road sections.