In terms of epic journeys, you’re not going to get much bigger than road tripping around Australia. This huge landmass has more differing landscapes and areas of natural beauty than perhaps anywhere else in the world, from stunning beaches, lush rainforests, the red centre, Uluru, and massive cosmopolitan cities, all with a laid-back vibe and rich culture to explore.
Of course, with any journey of this site, you need to know a little about what you’re getting yourself into before you embark on it, so luckily for you, here are ten tips to get you started.
Check your licence –
Licence requirements differ the world over depending on where your licence was originally issued. Head online to the official website to get up to date, reliable information on what you need. Remember to always keep your licence and passport on you whilst travelling too.
Travel insurance –
I shouldn’t have to remind you that you should never attempt to travel without adequate travel insurance, right? Find your policy, declare any pre-existing medical conditions, and take it with you!
Familiarise yourself with road rules –
Obviously, rules differ from state to state slightly, but heading online and doing some research will arm you with the best information. Remember that you must drive on the left.
Look at routes before you go –
There are countless set routes to allow you to see the best of the country, and obviously, these concentrate on a certain area or span over several. It’s your choice where you go, but following a route will show you the highlights without you having to do it yourself. You might think you want to stick to the stunning coastal areas, but don’t miss the mysterious and iconic inland areas, such as the Outback and Red Centre.
Plan when you go –
Because of the size of Australia, you need to check out weather conditions when you are planning to visit. The northern part of the country during summer can be very wet, however, the rest of the country is dry and baking. Remember that summer in Australiais December to February, and during this time the central part of the country can be searingly hot.
Don’t rush
Make sure you give yourself enough time to explore the areas you’re visiting. It’s important to try and get a taste of the culture, rather than just checking out the scenery, especially if you’re visiting Uluru, as most people do.
Be vehicle savvy
Make sure you choose a vehicle that is up to scratch and right for the terrain you’re going to be driving through. It’s not all perfect tarmacked roads, and during the wet season in the north, it’s possible for roads to become flooded or washed away completely.
Book campsites/hotels in advance
Campsites can get very busy, so it’s important to book these ahead of time. The same can be said for hotels, and you can do this online, saving time.
Make sure you have a map
It’s a good idea to download a country-wide map to your GPS system, as well as having a paper version in case of any technical problems.
This is one adventure of a lifetime, so make sure you plan it properly to grab every last second out of your time exploring this beautiful country.
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