Top 9 Tips for Planning a Road Trip Through the Australian Outback
If you’re itching to experience some of the most magical sights and interesting animals in the world, it’s a good thing you choose Australian Outback for your next road trip. However, this is a very unforgiving environment, especially for beginners, so you need to have some tricks up your sleeve in order to have a fun and safe trip. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.
Plan Ahead
When planning a road trip through the Australian Outback, it is important to plan ahead so you don’t miss out on seeing the best sites Australia has to offer. A great way to do this is to read online travel blogs as these are constantly updated and so usually have the most relevant information. If you’re not sure where to start, Visiting Australia has you covered for all your travel planning needs and more.
Learn about basics
Don’t even think about starting your Outback adventure without the following skills: driving a 4WD vehicle, changing a tire, reading a map, starting a fire, pitching a tent. Outback is a pretty isolated space and you usually won’t find anyone to do those things for you. If you don’t want to learn about these things, it’s best to book an organized tour.
Choose the right time
If you’re coming from abroad and are wondering why your flight and accommodation in Australia is so expensive, check the date. If your trip coincides with Aussie school holidays, expect much higher prices. If you can, try to book another date that will bring you various monetary benefits. And remember that states can have different holiday times!
Dress appropriately
You might be thinking: “Well, I’m going to Australia, so I only need flip flops and t-shirts.” While the Australian Outback does get pretty hot very quickly (temperatures reaching 40C or 104F), once the sun sets, you’re going to feel the cold. So, make sure to check both daily and nightly temperatures and bring some warm clothing. Layers are your best friend, so keep that in mind.
Know where you’re going
Don’t expect reception in the Outback, so relying on Google Maps is not a good idea. Instead, download some offline maps or rent out a pro GPS package. And if you want to have a real old-school adventure, grab a map and compass.
Bring some extra cash and supplies
Sometimes, you just have to drive another hour or get another night of rest, so having some extra supplies and coin can be a very smart decision. Make sure to bring cash, though, since you might run into small shops that don’t take cards. And always pack more water than you might need—this can make a difference between life and death.
Bring plenty of entertainment
While Australian Outback offers some of the best sights in the world, certain parts of your road trip can get pretty boring pretty fast. So, load your flash drive with music, audio books and podcasts and come up with some fun car games to keep you all entertained.
Don’t forget to prepare your vehicle thoroughly
Some terrain can be navigated with a good sedan, but as soon as you get off the beaten track, you’ll need some sturdier wheels. So, don’t hesitate to take a 4WD vehicle that can handle gravel, dirt tracks and muddy creeks. However, make sure to come prepared for various maintenance issues that can take you by surprise. It’s best to grab a few essential spare 4×4 parts from a trusted supplier and keep them in your car. Things like fuses, fluids, hoses and rope will always come in handy. If you have quality parts and some tools in your trunk, you’ll be able to avert most disasters that can leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Preparing your vehicle’s interiors is just as important as protecting its exteriors and having the essential equipment and tools for a road trip. The Outback can get dusty and muddy. And if you’re going to step out of your vehicle and hop back in, you could spread the dust and mud in your ride. Better equip your vehicle with tailor-made floor mats to protect your vehicle interiors from stains and other elements.
The good thing about custom-fit floor mats is that they are created to fit the shape of your vehicle’s floor snugly. Every curve and corner is fully protected and covered by the mat, and the mat won’t easily slip or get out of place when you hop in and out of your car. The floor mat will keep your vehicle fresh, clean, and pristine no matter where your adventure takes you.
Give yourself plenty of time
Most overseas travelers don’t understand just how big Australia and its Outback are. For instance, the popular Adelaide to Alice Springs road trip is 2000 kilometers long which is like driving from Istanbul to Berlin. So, a three-day road trip won’t get you far at all! Expect to take more than half a day just to drive from one destination to another. The best formula is to add one day of travel for every destination you’re planning to visit and include one day at the destination itself. Keep your itinerary realistic and take your time to see everything AND get plenty of rest. Also, remember that floods and bushfires can close roads, making your trip even longer.
Know a few unwritten rules
The Outback runs on some different rules than the rest of the world. For example, large caravans are expected to allow smaller vehicles to pass them. Drive slowly after rain and watch out for closed roads (there are expensive fines if you break the law). Also, stay on the lookout for animals. If you hit a kangaroo or a cow, you can total your vehicle and even cause injury to passengers.
All in all, if you’re brave enough to tackle Aussie Outback, you will be rewarded with some dramatic scenery and unforgettable sights. So, plan well, do your homework and you’ll have one of the biggest adventures of your life.
By Mike Johnston