Australia is a dream destination of all road trippers. From it’s amazing outback to its scenic coastal roads, there are so many things to see and discover, so don’t waste a moment and set off on the open road. But, before you start your engine, here are a few Aussie road trip tips to keep in mind.
Distances are huge
If you look at the map, everything seems close, but in reality, the distance between Brisbane and Cairns is 2000 kilometers. Darwin to Perth is an amazing 4500 kilometers! Make sure to schedule well, not push it too much with driving and set plenty of time aside for breaks and excursions. And it’s best to choose a different route than Darwin to Cairns—it’s 4000 kilometers long with nothing much to see in between.
Roads are tricky
Highways are scares in Australia, especially on the East Coast which is connected with mostly one-lane roads. So forget great speeds and settle on sensible 65 to 80 km/hrs. West Coast around Margaret River and Perth and Northern Territory will provide you with a little more speed, but you should still take your time.
Save your petrol
Gas in Australia is cheaper than in Europe and you can sometimes get a liter for anywhere between $1 and $1.35. But, the situation is a little different in the outback. With only a few gas stations on your trip, you can also expect higher prices. So if you decide to road trip in the outback, make sure to stock up on fuel and mark petrol stations on the map.
Watch out for wildlife
Watching Aussie wildlife is one of the favorite summer activities for locals, but they never enjoy animals on the road. Kangaroos, wombats and koalas are plentiful and they love the road, especially during the night. So don’t risk anything and park your car once it starts getting dark. For some reasons, kangaroos are attracted to car lights and sometimes even jump out on the road on purpose!
Protect your car
If you want to return in the same car you left in, you need to keep your car protected during your trip. Australian weather is relentless, so you might want to turn to car covers that will provide all the protection from heat and debris. If you keep your car parked at the side of a busy road, a car cover will keep your vehicle clean and protected from little stones and blasting sand.
Pay for roadside assistance
You will need to thoroughly prepare your car for your Aussie road trip, but if something happens after all the inspection, you might want to have a plan B. If your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, you’ll be glad you have roadside assistance. A number of providers are willing to cover you no matter where in Australia you get stuck. If you’re planning to travel the continent for a longer time, purchase a yearly plan that’s often cheaper than a single call-out. If you’re traveling in a rental, check whether you have roadside assistance included in the plan.
Preload your maps
Some parts of Australia have poor or no reception, so you will lose the ability to access GPS routes. Luckily, most GPS apps allow you to preload certain areas of the map, so you can use your navigation even without signal. Download a wide area around your destination while you have access to a stable connection, and you will get to enjoy accurate directions no matter where you are.
Avoid speeding
This might seem obvious, but if you’re from the States or Europe, pay special attention. Any world traveler will tell you that Aussie police is relentless and very happy to pull you over for any sort of driving offence. There are also countless hidden speed cameras scattered all over. In other countries, you get dozens of warnings that you’re reaching a speed camera, but Australians just hide one in a bush and wait for you to get caught. The fines are also super high, so expect to pay about $100 for the cheapest offense and more than $2000 for the most expensive one.
If you keep these tips in mind, you will be ready for whatever Australia throws your way. Your Aussie road trip will be a magical experience you’ll be happy to repeat.
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