An Australian road trip is a dream journey for many people around the world. In recent years, local Aussies as well are turning to road trips in their own country, rather than traveling abroad. From the Great Ocean Road to tropical north Queensland to the vast and alluring outback, there is plenty to discover.
If you are about to set out on an Australian road trip, it pays to be prepared. Below, we have put together a list of essential things you’ll need to pack for your journey:
A Roadside Toolkit
The number one thing you should pack for your road trip in Australia is a roadside toolkit. The roads in general are very good, but that does not mean that there is no chance of a break down or flat tire. If it happens, you will want to be prepared.
Typically, a roadside emergency toolkit includes things like jumper cables, tools, a flashlight, shovel, tire repair kit, reflective safety vest, and a tow rope.
Of course, there might be times where you cannot fix the problem yourself. In that case, using a website that puts you in contact with local mechanics nearby is your best bet.
First Aid Kit
Like the roadside emergency toolkit, a first aid kit will come in handy in case of any minor injuries while out on the road. Australia has a reputation for danger, and while it is most often exaggerated, there are of course things that can happen as you travel around on a road trip.
From minor annoyances like mosquito bites to any cuts and scrapes you might get from a hike, having a first aid kit tucked away in your car will no doubt come in handy on your trip. At the very least, it will give you peace of mind.
Sunglasses And Sunscreen
Protecting yourself from the sun is a serious business in Australia, which is why it is essential that you pack a good pair of sunglasses and some strong sunscreen.
Whether you are behind the wheel, lazing on the beach, or trekking through the outback, there is more than likely going to be a lot of sunny days.
Tissues And Hand Sanitizer
Essential items for a road trip in any country are tissues and some hand sanitizer. There is nothing worse than spilling a drink and getting the entire car sticky for the rest of your trip. If you are doing a road trip with kids, this is very likely to happen as well.
Tissues can clean up any mess, and hand sanitizer can keep your hands clean in case you have had to clean up some mess.
A Torch
Outside of the major cities in Australia, it gets dark — very dark. If you are at a campsite during the evening, a torch (with backup batteries) will be your number one tool that you will use.
You can use it to spot wildlife in the trees and Aussie bush, use it to light your way to the loo, and keep an eye on any creepy crawlies lurking underfoot.
Reflective Sunshades
On the other end of the spectrum, Australia gets very hot during the summer. With the sun beating down on your car all day, things can get boiling hot inside, whether it is the steering wheel or your seat belt. A reflective sunshade is something that you can put in the front window when you are outside the car exploring, keeping things nice and cool for when you return.
Mobile Phone Holder
Whether you are using a GPS or not, having a mobile phone holder in the car is a great idea. Gone are the days of navigating via hard copies of maps — today, it is all about Google Maps and GPS navigation, and having your route displayed on your phone while you drive is very handy. It definitely will help when it comes to navigating to all of Australia’s top attractions.
Of course, there are rules surrounding the use of mobiles as navigation devices. It is illegal for the driver to touch it in any way (changing route, skipping a music track, etc.), so it’s all up to the passenger.
A Car Charger
With all the technology you will be using on your trip, it makes sense to take. Having a USB car charge is a cheap and infinitely useful way to keep your devices charged.
Whether you are doing a short trip along the Great Ocean Road or are tackling the entire East Coast, you will likely need to charge your devices. And Australia has a lot of long stretches of road that are perfect for giving your devices some juice before you reach your destination.
