A road trip around Australia is a dream for many of those who call the land home and numerous international visitors. However, there is a lot to be said about travelling around Australia by vehicle.
Australia’s land size is over 7 million km² and completing a lap takes multiple months. Therefore, it’s usually best to set aside a year to travel the entire country comfortably and enjoyably.
Also, it can be somewhat expensive to travel the land down under. However, you may be happy to work throughout your trip, and several jobs are available in remote regions.
Lastly, safety while travelling is one of the most crucial factors. Be sure to choose a safe and reliable vehicle after comprehensive research and learn road safety in rural areas.
Finally, unearth the practical information below and use it to the best of your ability to ensure your road trip around Australia is the most enjoyable it can be!
How to Travel around Australia
There are numerous ways in how to enjoy a trip around Australia.
Firstly, you need to decide on some key points; are you travelling solo or with friends/partners, how much money you own, if you want to go off-road and what type of vehicle you plan on taking.
These are just some of the most important things to consider when planning a road trip around Australia.
Types of Vehicles and Setups for an Australian Road Trip
From caravans to camper trailers and buses to motorhomes, the options are endless for transport around Australia.
Two of the most important things to consider are how many people need to fit in the vehicle and whether you plan on travelling off-road.
If you prefer to stick to the main highways and aren’t planning on heading too far off the beaten track, something like a motorhome, bus, van or caravan set-up may be best for you.
However, if you’re roaring for adventure and can’t wait to get onto the four-wheel-drive tracks, something like a Landcruiser or patrol vehicle is likely best for your road trip.
On the other hand, many solo and couple travellers use their converted campervans to tour the land down under.
Finally, decide on your needs and wants out of your vehicle. Do you want to free camp, or would you prefer to stay in caravan parks? Also, how much space do you really need?
Tip: Keeping your vehicle and tow weight low will reduce your fuel expenses; Which requires significant consideration when driving roughly 25,000km around a country.
Reasons to Travel Australia
While the reasons for a road trip around Australia may seem quite obvious to some people, others may still be unsure. Nevertheless, here is a list of a few reasons why everyone should travel around Australia at least once in their life:
- Diverse cities which are extremely multicultural
- Over 12,000 beaches
- Various National Parks and Rainforests
- Disparate landscapes
- The many natural wonders of the world including the Twelve Apostles and Great Barrier Reef
- Extensive range of music festivals and live music events
- Cultural education even in rural communities
- Friendly native wildlife
Read more: 12 Books about Australia
How much does it cost to travel Australia?
A road trip around Australia can come at a very high price, and depending on how you travel, this number can vary widely.
However, the main expenses to be aware of include fuel prices (likely your highest cost), attractions, national park fees, accommodation, food and water etc.
The average 12-month Australian road trip is likely to set you back roughly $20,000 per person. Although, keep in mind this number will reduce if you are travelling with a family as it will be around the $50,000 range.
Moreover, a typical weekly spend for a family of four is about $1000. Therefore, it is crucial to have the required funds before embarking on your journey to ensure your trip isn’t cut short.
Finally, if you’re a solo traveller, your trip will likely be more expensive as fuel and accommodation prices are up to you.
Who to Travel Australia With
Your age and current relationship or family status will usually have the largest impact on this factor.
If you’re young, you may wish to travel solo or with a friend. But, if you have a family, it’ll likely be best to experience the road trip around Australia with them.
However, travelling solo is a fantastic experience everyone should experience at least once in their life. Since you have no one else to worry about, you get to make all the decisions and visit all the places you wish.
Although, travelling in a group, with your partner or other family members creates a memorable experience.
Also, keep in mind there’s plenty of opportunities for community on the road. Be sure to check out Facebook groups or even start up a social media account like Instagram and interact with others on the same journey.
Not to mention the people who you’ll meet along the way, in places such as caravan parks, tourist attractions, local shopping areas and also hiking day trips.
Finally, ensure you bring a nice attitude and treat everyone respectively; You’re much more likely to have a better experience and attract other friendly people.
Important: If you’re a solo traveller, remember to be wise about who you choose to travel with, ensure you are around people you trust.
Best Time to Travel Australia
A table including the best time to visit these states. For the most part, the Southern regions of Australia are best to visit during the warmer months which are October to March, whereas the Northern regions of Australia are best to visit during the cooler months such as April to October.
| States of Australia | Best Time of Year to Visit |
| Queensland | June to October |
| Northern Territory | May to October |
| New South Wales | September to November |
| Victoria | January to April |
| South Australia | September to November |
| Tasmania | December to February |
| Western Australia | September to February |
Decide your route
The route of your trip may be what makes or breaks this Australian road trip. Be sure to use the table above to decide the best way to travel around Australia according to your current or starting location.
Besides, no set route is the perfect way to visit Australia as everyone’s interests and needs are different. However, pick some of the larger attractions you wish to visit while planning the route.
For example, if Uluru is at the top of your list, you need to find the best and safest way to get through the centre of Australia. It’s typically best to come from a Northerly or Southerly direction such as Adelaide.
Finally, try to follow the warmer months to ensure beach visits and outdoor activities have the best weather.
Read more: 10 Best Travel Apps Australia
Australian Road Trip Necessities
Many essential items need to be taken with you on a trip around Australia. From self-care to safety measures, there are many things you need to think about before embarking on your big lap.
Firstly, insect repellent and sunscreen are absolute essentials. Since mosquitos are black flies are everywhere in Australia, you wouldn’t want them to ruin your trip. Also, the Australian sun is extremely harsh, and skin cancer poses a major risk to many Aussies; Be sure to take a broad-spectrum sunscreen with you.
Continue reading the list of a few other essentials for a road trip:
- First aid kit
- Torch or lighting equipment
- GPS and offline maps
- Battery pack
- Sunglasses
- Spare toilet paper and toiletries
- Extra supply of water and food
- Long-distance communicators
Read more: Travel Advice in Australia: 10 Things You Should Know
Safety on the Road
Please be aware that a road trip around Australia is not to be taken lightly. This road trip will usually last multiple months and requires driving through some extremely desolate areas.
Firstly, animals, specifically kangaroos and wallabies, feed at sunrise and sunset. Therefore, it’s likely they’ll jump on the road while you’re driving. To avoid an accident, if it’s safe to do so, reduce your speed during these times, take extra caution and ultimately, avoid driving during these hours. Also, do not swerve if you see an animal on the road, as this may end in a catastrophe.
Secondly, ensure your petrol tank is full when passing through towns as you may not get another chance to refill for hundreds or even thousands of kilometres. Moreover, stock up on extra supplies such as food and water in case of an emergency. Also, the Wikicamps app is ideal for finding the nearest petrol station.
Thirdly, ensure you know how to check engine oil, coolant, tyre pressure and how to change a tyre. These simple yet significant knowledge factors will assure your safety while driving through remote regions.
Moreover, outback driving etiquette is crucial for safety on the road. Typically it’s best to pull over when you see a truck or road train approaching you. This ensures both parties are safe and means you avoid rocks hitting your windscreen.
Importantly, if you are tired while driving, don’t hesitate to pull over. Driver fatigue is extremely dangerous and a 15-minute powernap could change your life. Otherwise, if you’re too tired to continue driving, just call it quits as it’s best to be safe than sorry.
Finally, turn your high beams on when driving through remote areas but turn them off while approaching other vehicles. We don’t want to blind other drivers and potentially cause an accident.
Tip: Do some research on outback driving safety to ensure your trip through the red centre is completed safely.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, Australia is a magnificent country and is open for everyone of all races, cultures and backgrounds to enjoy. Therefore, making it one of the best places to travel in the world.
However, creating and planning a road trip itinerary for a lap of Australia is a daunting task, and it pays to be prepared. Although, a road trip around Australia will create that memorable trip-of-a-lifetime experience.
Finally, if you are in the early (or final) stages of planning your road trip, congratulations! I hope your journey is incredible and you enjoy exploring the land down under.
How do you plan on travelling around Australia? Is there anything else you believe needs to be added to this post?
Use the official Australia tourism website for details on places to visit
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