From lush, rolling mountains to pristine beaches, Australia offers some of the most stunning scenery in the world. The best way to explore Australia is to jump in the car and hit the open road. If you’re planning a road trip, here are some tips for a safe and memorable trip.
Always follow government guidelines and plan ahead as access to some attractions may be restricted.
Safety first
Before you head off, check your car tyres, including the spare (tread and air pressure), engine oil, brakes, coolant, water levels and battery.
Pack an emergency kit for your road trip, including a first aid kit, jumper cables, a jack, a poncho or umbrella, hazard triangle and flashlight in case you break down.
Music playlist
The radio might not be an option, so unless you enjoy listening to static, we recommend you compile a playlist before your journey. You can also try the Spotify collaborative feature to make the ultimate road trip playlist.
To help make your drive more memorable, we’ve come up with our very own road trip playlist – check out it here.
Take a break
It may be tempting to drive for hours without taking a break so you can reach your destination more quickly, but driving for long distances has been known to cause driver fatigue. You should stop and take a break for at least 15 minutes every two hours.
Check out the links below to find a rest stop in your state.
If you’re travelling in the country where service stations are few and far between, plan your breaks to ensure you can fill up on fuel, snacks, water and stretch your legs. Consider downloading the handy Fuel Map app – a crowd-sourced database of petrol stations around Australia.
Consider one of these cars for your next road trip
Mitsubishi Outlander ZL LS MY21
Auto SUV Petrol AWD
Subaru Forester S5 2.5i
MY21
Auto SUV Petrol FWD
Mazda CX-9 TC Touring
MY21
Auto SUV Petrol FWD
Sharing is caring
If possible, share the drive with someone. Ensure all drivers are well rested before you start your journey and have a plan for when you need to make a rest stop to re-energise, stretch your legs and switch drivers.
If you’re sharing the drive, make sure all drivers are covered under your car insurance policy.
Snacks and drinks
There may be limited servos and cafes along the way, so stock up on plenty of water and snacks, like chips, crackers, biscuits, nuts, dried fruit, popcorn and veggie sticks with hummus.
Tip: Don’t have a heavy meal before you get behind the wheel, as this could make you drowsy.
Choose the safest route
The shortest route may not necessarily be the safest and if there are roadworks, it won’t be that quick either!
Do a bit of research about the route you’re going to take, so you have an idea of the hazards you might encounter along the way. Narrow roads, dirt roads, potholes, roadworks and heavy truck traffic can all affect how quickly and safely you reach your final destination.
Give yourself extra time to account for any unexpected hold-ups along the way due to accidents and/or higher holiday traffic. Check out the live traffic website in your state to find out if there are any traffic incidents or delays.
Stay entertained
Long car rides can be a struggle, especially when you have young kids. Keep your passengers entertained with tunes, podcasts and audiobooks. Road trip games are also another great way to pass the time.
Watch out for the wildlife
Stay alert at all times when driving and try to avoid travelling during dusk and dawn, if possible, as animals are generally more active during these times.
Consider one of these cars for your next road trip
VW Tiguan 110TSI Comfortline Allspace MY20
Auto SUV Petrol FWD
Mitsubishi Pajero NX GLX MY21
Auto SUV Diesel 4X4
Nissan X-TRAIL T32 ST-L
MY20
Auto SUV Petrol FWD
Need some inspiration for your next road trip?
Aussies love a good road trip. Whether it’s heading to the beach or camping with the family, now is a great time to explore your own backyard. Check out some of the most sensational road trips in Australia here.