Australia may not be as big as the other continents, but having a size smaller than your average continent does have its perks: you can drive around it within a month. Now, a single trip may not be enough to go and visit every city, but it is enough to see a lot of Australia that you would have otherwise overstepped.
But before you set off in what could be the longest road trip of your life, are you prepared? If you’re planning to make stops and enjoy the sights and sounds of some of the cities, you have to make sure you’re well equipped for the ride.
Prepare for your trip
It takes a total of 14 days to drive around Australia if you take Highway 1, given if you’re not going to stop anywhere for too long. But if you really want to get the first-hand experience on what life is like in each city and state you’ll be visiting, then you’re going to be a nomad for the next 10 months or so, depending on how long you stay in each city. And with that, preparation is key.
- Get your vehicle checked. This is an essential step to any road trip, big or small. Check your car or have your car sent to the shop to make sure that nothing is broken, and what needs to be replaced is replaced. Doing this can really help save you a lot of trouble on the long run. If you’re taking a caravan, don’t forget to have all the appliances and the mechanism and the electric wiring checked to make sure that there are no cracks or leaks that can spell disaster. Another option is to rent a car with us for your holiday. This way, you know that the vehicle has been kept in shape and ready to go.
- Tools. These tools are not limited to just the ones you keep in the trunk of your car. You need communication tools like your cell phone so you can communicate with your family and roadside assistance in case of an emergency. Navigation tools like a GPS and an updated physical map are also important because you can’t always rely on technology to bail you out of sticky situations. You have to know how to read a real-life map.
- Camping Equipment. If you’re not looking to lug a caravan on your trip and aren’t really keen to sleeping in your car or renting out a room, then it’s best to pack some reliable camping equipment. Find a sturdy tent, a sleeping bag, a long-lasting flashlight, cooking tools and ingredients, and of course, some foldable chairs and tables so you don’t have to sit on the ground all the time.
- First Aid Kit. Accidents can happen at any given moment, and when you’re on the road help can’t get to you right away. This is why it’s always best to keep a first aid kit handy. Keep it stocked with dressing bandages, band-aids, antiseptics, cold medicine, and some aspirin and Ibuprofen for mild pains. Preventing bacteria and germs from spreading is always the best course of action instead of trying to contain a situation that could have been prevented.
- Have Fun. Of course, don’t forget to have fun on your trip. And the best way to have fun is to make sure that you have nothing to worry about except for when you arrive at your stops.
Drive and Stay Safe
Drive safe and choose your camping spots carefully to ensure that you have fun and have no trouble with wildlife or strangers. Enjoy your trip around Australia and don’t forget to take lots of photos to show your friends and family when you get back.
Win a Free Road Trip!
Want to go on this epic ride but don’t have the car to do it? Now’s your chance to see Australia without shelling out the dollars!
Get a free road trip on us by simply voting for your favourite Australian road trip on our website. The prize is a paid holiday for two worth $4000, and it could be you and a loved one! Vote by clicking the link above.