Australia is home to some epic road trips. Some span the country, while others are in your own backyard. But no matter whether you’re going near or far, there’s no denying the benefit of a little preparation and planning. Here’s our ultimate to-do list for your next great Aussie drive.
1. Download some maps
Mobile service covers less than a quarter of Oz, and outside of our major cities coverage can be patchy at best. Download some maps or keep hard copies in your glovebox so you’re never left wondering “Should we have taken that last turn 80km back?”
Insider tip: Wotif.com has some awesome recommended road-trip itineraries with maps, ready to go! How easy is that?
2. Pack some ziplock bags
Always — I repeat, always — travel with a ziplock bag or three. They can be used for that random collection of gravel from the side of the road that apparently must be taken home (parents, you know what I’m talking about), or for lolly wrappers and other rubbish. And they really come into their own when you’re doing 110km down a road with nowhere to pull over and a little voice from the back says, “I feel sick.”
3. Check the car before
Check your car’s oil and water before you hit the road, but also check your tyre pressure is correct for a loaded car — which can be several PSI different from your day-to-day city driving. And don’t test Murphy’s Law. Check your spare is inflated and that you have everything you need to change it in the middle of nowhere. Because you know that’s exactly where you’re going to need it.
4. Don’t sleep in
At least not on your first day. Pack the car as much as you can the night before and hit the road before everyone else does (and before your travel companions get tired and need an afternoon nap 😉).
5. Music can make or break a road trip
Trust me on this. A fellow traveller once told me how one of their favourite CDs got stuck in their car player while they were crossing the Nullarbor Plain. Five days later they were no longer a fan. Download your music – preferably to different phones or devices. Don’t rely on your mobile coverage (see point #1) and certainly don’t rely on local radio.
Insider tip: Pick a playlist the whole family will love. I’ve heard the Wotif Ultimate Aussie kids travel playlist is pretty great… 😉
6. Know your audience
As per the previous point, consider all passengers when planning music, as well as driving distances and rest stops. Neither the kids nor your parents are going to take long hours of driving without a wee stop or three. Even if they all went before you left home as you requested.
7. Plan to be spontaneous
Okay, I know that seems like an oxymoron but hear me out. So much of the fun with road tripping comes from the things you find along the way. The Big Thing you take a selfie with, the yummy doughnut van you discover, or the random off-road track you’ve just got to check out. After all, a road trip is about the journey, not just the destination, so give yourself time to stop and enjoy.
8. Pack some easy dinners
Eating out is part of the fun of travelling, but it’s great to have other options – especially if you have special dietary needs or if the kiddos are going through a fussy stage. The solution? Invest in a good esky or even a car fridge and fill it with whatever you need to prepare an easy, tasty dinner at your stay. You’ll thank me even more for this tip if you’re travelling with teenagers who are always hungry, very keen to remind you of this fact as often as possible, and have already eaten the entire packet of Minties and party-sized bag of Twisties you bought at the last stop. You’ll have dinner in front of them in minutes!
9. Expect the unexpected
No road trip is complete without a few little mishaps and dramas. One traveller told me how they once had all three of their children get car sick at the same time, making so much mess they had to use clothing from their suitcase to mop up. Yikes! But this is the stuff memories (and great holiday stories!) are made of. So try to embrace it… or at least have a laugh. And maybe bring a spare towel 😉
PLAN YOUR NEXT GETAWAYHeads up! Due to COVID-19, government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change. We strongly recommend that all travellers seek further information about destinations and attractions before scheduling trips or making bookings, take extra care and follow all rules.
