What's the right way to do the Big Lap - clockwise or anti-clockwise?

So you've decided to tick the drive around Australia off your travel bucket list - congratulations. But before starting your engine, it's important to consider which direction to take, because the choice between driving clockwise or anticlockwise on your Big Lap can have an impact on the trip of a lifetime..

As Australians drive on the left, an anticlockwise direction can shave around 20 metres off the 14,500-kilometre journey thanks to driving on the "inside" of the road.

But perhaps you'll be more motivated by the dream of enjoying summer conditions for the entirety of the trip.

"Whether you drive clockwise or anticlockwise really should depend on your starting point and the time of year," says Steve Baile, founder of Expedition Australia and producer of The Big Lap film series.

"The basic rule is that if it's winter when you start, it's best to head north and if it's summer, head south. That way you're chasing the sunshine the whole way."

Some Big Lappers float a theory that travelling anticlockwise is better at minimising tailwinds, making it the superior choice regarding fuel efficiency - especially when towing a caravan.

"It's a popular theory but it really won't make that much difference," says Baile. "A lot of people doing the Big Lap are keen to minimise their costs, but I'd argue it's more important to really enjoy your time. I'd be guided by the seasons instead."

Currently documenting their Big Lap on social media at 8 Feet Making Memories, Sarah and Craig Borg have found their off-grid set-up, with their camp entirely powered by battery, makes them more reliant on the sun. It also helps them to minimise costs while they travel Australia in a clockwise direction, having departed from the Queensland city of Mackay in November. "If we had taken the route across the top of Australia, we would have run into their wet season and also very hot weather," says Sarah.

"With free camping the seasons play a big part, and you can run into trouble if it's raining. So you need to follow the sun but hopefully not too much sun!"

As Baile explains, the north of Australia is best explored in the dry season from April to September, when travellers will be able to drive between Cairns and Broome relatively easily. Little rainfall means roads are more likely to remain open, while lower humidity and milder temperatures make it more comfortable. "That also makes it a good time to visit Uluru, because driving a lap around Australia certainly deserves a few detours," he says. "But if extremely cold night-time weather is going to be a problem, avoid the Red Centre between June and August and leave it for the shoulder seasons instead."