Planning an Australian road trip is not as easy as other countries. It is a huge mass of land with four time zones, varying weather and big open landscapes. There are many things to consider, especially if you plan to travel with children. Here is a list of the tips that will help you prepare for an exciting driving holiday through the adventurous and exciting Aussie land.
Tips for a Road Trip through Australia
Calculate the distance between destinations and do not assume all facilities will be on hand if needed. Australia is a big country and it is not unusual to travel from one destination to another without seeing a soul along the way.
Plan ahead and take maps with you. Also stock up on essential items like water and carry a spare container of petrol. If there is more than one driver, agree to take turns and remember to drive on the left.
Be careful about driving in the outback and if you plan on going off road, enquire with the local police first. They can give expert advice and it is always helpful to let them know where you are going in case something happens. If your car does happen to break down in remote areas, it is tempting to wander off however the police will find you much faster if you stay with your car.
Before you begin your road trip, remember to check the weather. Australia is famous for its dry and wet seasons and you could be caught up in a storm during the wet season that might endanger you and your passengers.
Be on the lookout for wildlife. In Australia, there are many different species of wild animals and the most common one to cause problems when driving is the red kangaroo, which often hop out onto roads. If you hit one of these, the damage sustained to your vehicle can be substantial
Road Trips through Aboriginal land in Australia
In Australia, there are certain sections of land that fall under the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act 1972. To enter these areas, you need a permit as they are classed as belonging to aboriginal people and are protected to preserve culture and way of life.
The permits are free of charge and you only need one permit per car. Once you have the permit, you can enter however do not assume that you can freely wander about. These are functioning communities and it is requested that you introduce yourself first. Also, remember to obey the rules of the community and do not assume that you can take aboriginal artifacts or items out of the area. You can apply for the permit on the official website here.
Further Reading
It is possible to pick up a car in one destination and drop it off in another.
This post is a brief outline on taking a road trip in Australia. Read this article to find more driving tips for the country and also our hints and tips for the major destinations.