Preparing for an outback road trip

The Australian outback offers rugged beauty, vast landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. But before you hit the road for the trip of a lifetime, prepare yourself and your vehicle.

Prepare yourself

Some stretches of road are incredibly isolated, so bringing the right supplies to stay safe is crucial.

Basic safety items

Pack essential safety items like:

• a first-aid kit
• a blanket, in case of a breakdown (it does get cold in the outback at night), and
• a satellite phone if you’re venturing off the grid.

Also, bring plenty of water and non-perishable snacks to keep you going between stops.

Prepare your car

Your car is your most important travel companion on a road trip. So, ensure it’s outback-ready and reduce the risk of breakdowns.

Fluids

Check that your car has enough fluids for the journey. Ensure the following are topped up:

• Engine oil.
• Radiator coolant.
• Brake fluid.
• Power steering fluid.
• Windscreen washer fluid.

Keeping an eye on these fluids will help avoid mechanical issues during your trip.

Lights

It’s important to ensure all your vehicle’s lights are working properly, especially when driving in remote areas where visibility can be poor.

Check your vehicle’s external lights, including:

• headlights
• brake lights
• park lights
• fog lights
• indicators, and
• hazard lights.

Other things to prepare

• Get your car serviced before you head off.
• Check the condition of your windscreen, mirrors, and wipers.
• Ensure the handbrake works well.
• Check that all seatbelts are in good condition.
• Pack a spare wheel and jack in your boot for emergencies.

Prepare your tyres

If your tyres have seen better days (or it’s been a while between services), it’s probably time to replace them. Worn-out treads make it harder for your car to keep a firm grip on roads and gravel tracks.

Before you leave, ensure your tyres are in top condition.

• Check the tread depth and tyre pressure.
• Inspect for any damage or sharp objects that could cause slow leaks.
• Keep a spare tyre and puncture repair kit on hand in case of emergencies.

Prepare your road trip supplies

Once your car is good to go, prepare some supplies for the journey itself.

• We can’t say this enough: bring lots of water.
• Pack non-perishable food like freeze-dried fruits, canned goods, and energy bars.
• Consider packing clothing for extreme weather conditions, from heat to freezing cold.

Prepare to take regular breaks

Long road trips can be tiring, and fatigue is a serious hazard. In Victoria, 20% of all road crashes involve driver fatigue. In Queensland, the number is even higher; 20%-30% of all death and severe injury relates to driver sleepiness.¹

It’s recommended to stop at least every two hours to rest and stretch your legs. This will help you stay alert and avoid dangerous driving fatigue.

Prepare to get handy

You may encounter breakdowns or other issues on the road, so it’s important to be prepared for minor repairs.

• Learn or refresh your knowledge on how to change a tyre and jumpstart your car.
• Pack basic tools like spanners, screwdrivers, and pliers.
• Carry spare parts such as fan belts, radiator hoses, and duct tape.

Prepare to call roadside assist

Of course, even with the right prep, things can still go wrong — you might pop a tyre or lock your keys in the car.

Do your future self a favour and take out AAMI Roadside Assist with your AAMI Comprehensive Car Insurance. This optional extra provides 24/7 roadside callouts, so you know we’ll have your back, whether you need help with flat tyres or batteries, emergency fuel, or lost keys.

If we can’t mobilise your car roadside, we’ll tow it to the nearest accredited repairer. If there’s no accredited repairer within 20kms we’ll tow the vehicle to the nearest accredited repairer up to 100kms from the breakdown location.

Terms and conditions for coverage apply.

Get Roadside Assist

Prepare your car insurance cover

Before you start your big adventure, check that your car insurance is up to date and can cover you for the duration of your trip. If you're planning to drive in remote areas or go off-road, make sure your policy includes coverage for those scenarios.

It’s also never a bad idea to check that compulsory policies, like CTP in SA, Motor Accident Injuries (MAI) Insurance in the ACT and Green Slip in NSW, are sorted before you head out.

Having the right cover may help you relax, enjoy the scenery and spend less time worrying about worst-case scenarios.

Explore AAMI Car Insurance

Read more:

• 17 things to put in your car emergency kit 
• When to call roadside assist
• Why you should avoid hard braking

¹ National Road Safety Strategy - Fatigue