The Lap Archives: A Family’s Adventure Across Australia

Meet Kayla, Joel, and their daughter Layne - the adventurous family behind The Lap Archives. What started as a shared passion for the outdoors and exploring Australia’s rugged landscapes has transformed into a full-time journey across the country. With their trusty Toyota LandCruiser and Vacationer Roughrider caravan, they’ve made the open road their home. In this interview, they share their story, travels, and the joy of discovering hidden gems along the way.

How It All Began

Kayla and Joel’s story began on Daydream Island in the Whitsundays, where they met while living and working. Their days off were spent camping and exploring the island’s 4WD tracks, sparking a shared passion for the outdoors. When their daughter, Layne, was born, they knew they wanted to share these experiences with her. However, after Joel returned to work and missed precious moments with his new family, the couple realised that the traditional lifestyle wasn’t for them.

"We sold our newly built house, flew over to Perth, bought our caravan, and set off on the most amazing adventure. We have not looked back since," says Kayla. Layne was the inspiration that pushed them to make the dream of full-time travel a reality.

The Perfect Ride and Home on Wheels

When it came time to choose a vehicle and caravan, Joel’s LandCruiser 76 series was an easy pick. "It was a dream car for him growing up," says Kayla. Not only did Joel feel confident in the car’s towing capacity, but it also had the battle scars from previous camping trips, meaning they could push it further on tight, off-road tracks without hesitation.

As for their home on wheels, the couple sought out the Vacationer Roughrider 19'9 caravan, a perfect match for their off-grid needs. "It’s the perfect size for manoeuvring down the roughest, tightest off-road tracks and gives us the capability of being completely off-grid for an extended period," explains Joel.

Embracing the Adventure

For this family, the journey is all about embracing the adventure. They prefer spontaneity over rigid plans. "We save a lot of must-see spots on Instagram and Wiki Camps, but apart from that, we don’t plan in advance," says Kayla. Instead, they enjoy discovering hidden gems along the way and spending extra time at places they love.

"We’d love to eventually camp in the snow, but that’s a long way down the line," Kayla adds with a smile.

A Day in the Life on the Road

On the road, no two days are the same for this family. One day might involve chilling at camp, swimming, or fishing, while the next could lead them on a thrilling 4WD track, crossing deep riverbeds to find secluded waterfalls. Of course, there are also the less glamorous moments, like cleaning red dirt out of the van or dealing with breakdowns - but the adventures far outweigh these challenges.

Kayla shared, "One day we could be chilling at camp, trying to catch some fish, and the next, we could be crossing through a river on an amazing 4WD track. We love the spontaneity and not having to rush to see everything."

Discovering Hidden Gems

Kayla loves researching new places to visit, especially waterholes, waterfalls, and spring-fed creeks. "Exploring nature’s wonders bring us immense joy and fulfillment," she says. The family relies on resources like Wiki Camps and Hip Camps to find campsites, but Kayla also turns to Instagram for recommendations. "The travelling community is such a good resource," she says. "We’ve made so many friends who share their favourite spots with us."

Favourite Activities and Family Bonding

While Joel is passionate about all things water-related - surfing, fishing, and spearfishing - Kayla enjoys capturing family memories through photography and videography. "It’s so special to watch our own little home movies," she says, referring to their YouTube videos. "We get teary-eyed watching them and seeing how much Layne has grown."

The Smelly Balls Connection

Joel and Kayla discovered Smelly Balls on Instagram, and they quickly fell in love with the eco-friendly concept of reusable car air fresheners. "We really appreciate how Smelly Balls offer a sustainable alternative to disposable products. Plus, you can control the scent level, which is a big win for us," Kayla shared.

They love the Coconut Lime fragrance, which brings a touch of tropical relaxation to their travels. "The scent reminds us of sipping Pina Coladas by the beach, and the Sunglo colourway adds a bit of fun to our gear!"

Adventure Highlights

One of the family’s most memorable experiences was in Kalbarri, WA. What started as a short stay at Lucky Bay turned into a 10-day adventure, full of stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking hikes in the nearby Kalbarri National Park.

Joel reflected, "We were blown away by the beauty of the place — the white sand beaches, the turquoise waters, and the rugged national park. We loved it so much, we didn’t want to leave!"

Joel also recommends Harry’s Hole in the Kimberleys for adventure seekers, a secluded spot accessible only by a special key, making it the perfect private getaway. "The water crossing is known for being a car swallower, but it’s totally worth the risk for the beauty that awaits."

Campfire Meals and Road Trip Snacks

As for campfire meals, this family has a soft spot for slow-cooked camp oven beef brisket. "The tender meat falls apart with each bite," says Kayla. For a sweet treat, they indulge in golden syrup dumplings - but only every now and then, as the sugar content is extremely indulgent.

Travel Tips for Families

For families considering life on the road, Kayla and Joel’s advice is simple: "Avoid overanalysing your setup. You don’t need all the gadgets and gizmos that Facebook groups and Instagram reels make you think you do. Start with the essentials, and if you need something along the way, you can always have it delivered."

They also recommend exploring lesser-known destinations and taking time to wander off the beaten path. "Embrace spontaneity, and make time for both exploration and relaxation."

Navigating Life on the Road with a Toddler

Travelling with a young child comes with its challenges, but Kayla and Joel embrace the mess and chaos that comes with it. "We let Layne jump in puddles and roll around in the mud," says Kayla. "The mess is worth it when we see the joy on her face."

They also keep travel days short - aiming for no more than four hours in the car - so Layne can rest during the journey. "It’s about finding balance," says Kayla. "We’ve learned to prioritise rest and relaxation as much as adventure."

Overcoming Challenges

One key lesson they’ve learned on their travels is that it’s impossible to see everything. "It’s important to prioritise the places that matter most to you and allow yourself time to relax," says Joel. "Don’t feel pressured to be constantly on the go."

What’s Next for The Lap Archives

With baby number two on the way, the family plans to slow down their travels until the baby arrives. "We’ve been on the road for almost 12 months and have only gotten halfway around Australia," Kayla shares. Post-baby, they’re excited to explore colder climates and even try camping in the snow.

Their journey is far from over, and The Lap Archives continues to inspire fellow travellers with its spirit of adventure and the joy of embracing the open road.

Want a glimpse into one of their adventures? Go Check out their Website, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.