Driving Around Australia: 8 Road Trip Tips for A Safe And Comfortable Drive
Australia is quite a large country and evidently, there is so much to see whether you are exploring the east coast or the west coast. You also have the option to traverse the country by going through the middle. There’s no doubt that the beauty of Australia lies in its unique culture, vast beaches, unforgettable landscapes, and its spectacular and iconic outback. And one of the ways to fully experience its grandeur is to get into your wheels and start planning your next road trip adventure.
Whether you are already used to taking long drives or a beginner and want to take the challenge, it’s important to plan your road trip carefully. Moreover, if you are new to Australia or just taking a vacation, there are essential factors that need to be considered. On that account, read on to learn the important road trip guidelines.
1. Always Carry With You A Spare Key Of Your Vehicle
Knowing that you bring a spare key with you gives you relief and peace of mind, especially when you are travelling for long drives. Because you are constantly on the road for most of the day, it is easy to misplace or drop your keys while you stop for gas or food. This situation can easily turn your adventure into a complete disaster because, instead of enjoying your road trip, you are now stressed and frustrated about not gaining access to your car.
Moreover, this can be dangerous when you are travelling at night or in a location where there is no or limited access to assistance. Hence, it is always wise to keep a spare key in your bag, phone case or wallet. In cases where you have no access to your spare key, you can easily look up for a local locksmith to create a new key for you.
2. Do Your Research For A Local Locksmith Service And Road Assistance
Driving around Australia gives a lot of thrill because of its natural wonders. However, you must always be ready for some road problems that might come your way. For instance, the locks of your doors have become damaged, or your car locking mechanism has become dysfunctional. Either way, you need the assistance of a mobile locksmith to rescue you in such a tight situation. This will not be a problem because Australia has country-wide access to locksmith professionals. If you are driving in NSW, you can easily look up Keyside Locksmith Services to help you and get you back on the road.
Likewise, road assistance is a lifesaver when it comes to unexpected car breakdowns. Having to experience this in the middle of nowhere can be daunting and terrifying. Hence, it is wise to sign up for road assistance in case of emergency.
3. Download Offline Map Directions
While the internet makes it easy to look up map directions online, receptions might not be always as stable as you would like to be. There will be areas where there is no or limited reception and this will highly interfere with your adventure. Hence, it wise to download map directions or offline GPS so that you will completely reach your destination.
4. Avoid Driving During The Night
Driving at night can be tempting for a lot of reasons including wanting to reach your destination quickly. However, it can be very dangerous. A lot of wild animals, as well as farmed animals, wander off across the road, and before you know it, they are already in front of your vehicle. This is intensified when you drive at night where there is limited light.
Furthermore, animals like kangaroos, attracted to light, tend to be so big that they can cause extreme damage to your vehicle- In addition, kangaroos and other nocturnal animals are very much active at night or during sunrise. It is best to be alert for animal crossing signs so that you can reduce your speed beforehand.
5. Carry The Right Tools and Supplies
Carrying the right tools and supplies are necessary to make your driving very comfortable and convenient. Never travel without emergency essential kits, food and water. It is also recommended that you also carry with you tools such as satellite phones and a torch to help you in an emergency situation.
If you are planning to drive across the outback, you have to carry with you a lot of water because the temperature might reach 50 degrees.
6. Check Weather And Road Conditions Ahead Of Time
Australia is known to experience bushfires, thus, before heading out, it is best to regularly check for road conditions. Furthermore, Australia is also known to have extreme weather, which could easily change anytime. You could be caught in between flooding or bush fires.
To avoid this and to make your road trip safe and worth it, you can access the details on each of the states’ websites. Knowing the climate in advance will help you prevent accidents. Be mindful to get important information such as road closures, warnings, and necessary vehicle requirements.
7. Choose The Vehicle That Suits Your Driving Skills
Fortunately, it does not take a 4WD to drive across Australia, however, for extra safety precaution, it is wise to invest in one. For roads less travelled, you need a 4wd to access these hidden spots.
Some roads in Australia are sandy and corrugated gravel, and this can’t be traversed by normal cars. However, to make your road trip comfortable, you can choose the type of vehicle that really suits your needs.
8. Invest In Solar Power Setup
Carrying a solar power apparatus as well as back up batteries are just as important. With these supplies, you will never worry about running out of batteries or not having to charge your gadgets. Being in the wild can be comfortable if you have enough power supply to charge your cameras, laptop and phones and marvel at the wonders of Australia.
Driving across the beautiful landscapes of Australia and experiencing its iconic landmarks, and hidden gem attractions are all worth it. As long as you are prepared, follow the road rules and have contingency plans, your road trip is one that is unforgettable.