Australia is home to a diverse array of biomes and microclimates, making it an excellent starting point for many eager travelers to embark on a road-tripping adventure.
But with its sheer biodiversity comes a lot of ground to cover. At nearly 3 million square miles, this country is too vast for even the most economical car to cover on a single full tank of gas.
Exploring this country, or even snippets of it through regional pockets, can be an entire challenge in itself. It’s not something you can do on a whim or without a structured plan. This is the case even if you have your own vehicle to bring you everywhere along the journey.
With remote destinations, long stretches of roads, and shifting weather, there are many external factors to consider when planning a successful, smooth road trip in Australia.
If you’re on the lookout for ways to plan the perfect road trip, then you’re in the right place. This article will give you some ways to plan your next long Australian road trip with safety and fun in the forefront. Let’s get started!
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Disclosure: Contributed post.
1. Choose The Right Vehicle
The vehicle you choose can make a massive difference in the quality of your road trip.
A standard Sedan can most certainly get you to places, but if you’re a party of four or more people, or if you’re driving thru mountain roads or dirt tracks, then you most certainly need a vehicle that’s more fitting for the job, like a 4×4 or SUV.
The right vehicle doesn’t only concern itself with size; other factors like fuel economy, weather-resistant gear, and interior comfort are also necessary considerations to make when driving out.
A fuel-efficient vehicle can be especially important to consider, as a good car can cut down on petrol expenses and help you enjoy a smoother drive with fewer stops at service stations. This is especially useful if you’re traveling thru rural country roads with limited pit stops.
That said, if you don’t have your own personal car, you may have to lease one or finance a car for ownership. Thankfully, there are many options for reliable car finance in Australia, so you can browse around and pick the one that best suits you.
In any case, choosing the right vehicle will set the tone of the entire drive. So be sure to be aware of the specifications of each vehicle and pick one that fits the terrain you’re driving thru and the number of people you plan to have within the space.
2. Perform a Car Inspection
Here’s how to perform an inspection to ensure that your car is in working order:
- Check the tyres for pressure and tread depth.
- Inspect braking performance.
- Check engine oil, coolants, and brake fluid.
- Test the battery to ensure operationality.
- Check the brake lights and headlights.
- Inspect the exterior for body damage.
- Check the windscreen and wipers.
- Test the A/C to assess cooling capabilities.
- Check seatbelt security.
- Inspect the dashboard to ensure readings are normal.
- Check the steering and suspension.
- Test the doors, windows, and child locks if necessary.
- Check if there are car tools like usable spares, jacks, and emergency equipment.
By performing an all-around inspection, you can rest easy. You then know that your car is fully prepared to take on the long road trip that you’re itching to embark on.
The sooner you can get this done, the better, as this allows you to focus on the logistics and the things you’ll need to bring along with you instead of worrying about the car acting up during the trip.
It’s not only important to select a suitable car to get you from place to place in your road trip itinerary. It’s also equally vital to pick one that’s in good working condition. And to assess this, a thorough inspection must be conducted.
3. Plan The Route and Stops
Before you hit the road, have a rough idea of the places you plan to visit along the way.
Australia’s most popular road trip routes can stretch for as long as a few hundred—if not thousands—of kilometers. And in some road trip route segments, towns and service stations are few and far between.
If you want to optimize the trip and ensure you don’t get stranded, then consider planning out your pit stops in advance. You can use navigation apps like Google Maps to plan a route . These apps include places like restaurants, landmarks, and accommodation sites you plan to visit. You could also use your chosen navigation app to bookmark spots you plan to stop at.
Another pro tip related to planning ahead is to download an offline version of the route you’re planning to drive thru. The download or a physical map allow you to still be able to navigate places along your route even if there’s limited reception or coverage in the area. No conncetion is not unlikely if you’re traveling in remote outskirts.
By being proactive about your route ahead of time, you’ll spend less time navigating during the trip itself . Instead, you can dedicate more time to enjoying and living in the present moment on your adventure.
4. Pack Emergency Supplies
Australia’s long and remote roads can go on for hours and hours. Even with ample preparation, it’s not unlikely for things to go wrong during the drive. Whether that’s a flat tyre, a road closure, or a sudden mechanical breakdown.
In such events, having no contingency equipment to restore your car can turn your adventure sour. As such, to prepare for these events (no matter how unlikely they are to happen), it’s ideal to have some basic equipment to ensure that emergencies won’t leave you in a complete state of despair.
Some equipment and supplies to have in your vehicle include drinking water, a first-aid kit, a power bank, and some non-perishable snacks. You should also bring along car tools like a spare tyre, a jack, a satellite phone, and a flashlight to ensure that you can maintain your vehicle’s operational power and outside contact if you run into mechanical trouble.
By having these items in your car, you’ll have the items to ensure a successful drive as well as peace of mind knowing that you have invaluable access to first-aid assistance in case things go awry during the trip.
5. Practice Responsible Driving Etiquette
When driving thru rural roads, it’s important to be aware of the driving laws and regulations within the region you’re driving thru. Your driving habits directly affect your safety and the safety of others on the road, so be sure to be conscious and mindful when driving at all times.
One simple way to become a responsible driver is to stay patient and give other motorists enough space. Avoid aggressive overtaking and speeding just because you want to get to your next destination more quickly—this can increase your odds of getting into an accident.
It’s also important to take regular breaks during the drive. Avoid driving for hours at a time, as this can decrease focus and make you more tired and groggy. Take turns behind the wheel if you’re traveling with other licensed individuals. This, in turn, could make you less prone to accidents during your long journey.
We hope that this article will help you plan your next road trip better. All the best in traveling around the country down under!
Featured photo source: depositphotos.com
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