Road trips in Australia are a blast. You can visit all the big and small areas that lie on your route, feel the changing weather, and get a close view of the native animals. It gives you a chance to experience life to the fullest!
Unfortunately, airplane flights and crowded bus trips don’t let you do that. Everything is too scheduled and time-bound. You have no freedom and control over how you want the experience to be.
With that being said, if you want your road trip around Australia to be truly enjoyable, you need to keep a few tips in mind. Learn more about them below!
- Plan Your Trip Thoroughly
With 7,692,024 square kilometers of land, Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. This means there’s a lot of places you can see, and it’s easy to misinterpret the distances between two areas. So, make sure to plan your road trip thoroughly before leaving.
Use a map or online travel guides to research the destination. How far is it? Will there be any facilities to stop by? Are there any good spots along the route?
Consider all such questions and mark the places that you want to visit. Nothing could be worse than finding out that you missed a good tourist destination or facility on the way!
- Use A 4WD
A reliable four-wheel vehicle is a must-have in Australia. That’s mainly because most of the best places to visit are hidden in rural or remote areas, and you’ll have to drive through sandy and rocky tracks that a normal sedan can’t handle.
Besides, a 4WD has much more space, so you can easily store bulks of traveling gear and equipment. If you’re a duo, you can even take naps in the backseat.
- Get Car Insurance
The legally required third-party insurance does nothing to protect your vehicle, so make sure to get comprehensive car coverage from Rollin Insurance before heading out.
Comprehensive car insurance will provide you with financial backup for any accidents or road injuries, as well as cover damage caused by natural disasters and theft.
If you’re renting a car, ask the business whether they have insured the vehicle.
- Wear Appropriate Clothes
Australia is a land of extreme weather. Sometimes, you experience scorching heat and freezing cold on the same day. So, before you set off on your road trip, check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
We recommend travelers carry at least one pair of warm clothes and blankets on road trips. The nights can be very cold in the outback and desert regions.
- Cook Your Own Food
It’s tempting to buy food along the way, but imagine the cost of buying every meal on a long road trip. Some food stations may even charge you more than usual (just because they are the only ones providing food on the route!).
Plus, what’s the fun of buying ready-made food? If you really want to experience the wild and natural side of Australia, take camping food gear with you.
- Download Music
The majority of Australia is completely remote. There will be no signal reception available to stream music. So, if you don’t like driving for hours in silence, download the playlists on your device beforehand.
Also, pack a few fully-charged power banks to keep your devices fueled up for the trip. The charging spots on the way can get pretty busy!
- Make Use of Campgrounds
There are numerous campgrounds in Australia. Some are free, while others charge you a small fee. In any case, these places are great to stop by and spend time exploring the area.
You will find all kinds of facilities at these campgrounds. Most sites will offer you toilets, showers, and BBQ stations. If you choose a private site or a caravan park, you can expect hot showers, restaurants, electricity, and even bars.
- Carry Basic Tools
Your car breaking down in the middle of nowhere can be a nightmare. And there’s a huge possibility of that happening. Trust us, Australia has many gravel roads to puncture your tire at the most unexpected times.
So, it’s always best to carry basic tools and spare tires. If you don’t have any car knowledge to use these tools, make sure you learn simple procedures (like changing tires) from YouTube or a friend.
- Avoid Driving at Night
Australia has an abundance of kangaroos, especially in the countryside. They will casually jump on the roads and unfenced paths. And by the time you notice one, it will be too late.
Always drive in the daylight to avoid such accidents. Kangaroos are mostly active during night, dawn, and dusk, and you can learn more about avoiding kangaroos here!
- Let Someone Know
When setting off to the outback or anywhere, it’s important to let someone know about your road trip. It can be a family member, friend, relative, or anyone who’s close to you and lives in Australia.
It’s also suggested to share your whereabouts every now and then. Australia is huge and it’s easy to find yourself in survival situations. If someone knows about you, help can reach you quickly in case something goes wrong.
And that’s it, folks!
We hope these tips will help you enjoy a smooth and safe road trip in Australia. Here’s wishing you to have the best experience of your life! All the best for your journey. Happy traveling!
