Planning a road trip in Australia? Here’s what to do

From essential pre-departure prep, to what to take on a road trip, to tried and tested tips for long distance driving, we'll help you create a truly memorable vacation on the open road.

Before you hit the road

Prepare yourself

Start your planning by considering what to take on a roadtrip. Think long and hard about the needs of the people you’ll be road tripping with, including yourself. There are stretches of road you can drive through for hours – days, even – without seeing any signs of life. Make sure you have:

• non-perishable food
• water - have enough to spare two to three litres per person per day
• a well-stocked first-aid kit
• sick bags for carsick passengers
• insect repellent
• tissues, wet wipes, and hand sanitiser
• rubbish bags
• blankets
• toilet paper
• a satellite phone, if you're going off the grid, and
• a map in case your gadgets – GPS or phones – have a meltdown. The good thing about paper maps is that they don’t run out of batteries.

Prepare your car

Get your car serviced before you do any long distance driving. Invest in those repairs you’ve been putting off – those potential issues could put extra strain on your vehicle over a long journey.

For example, a small windscreen crack might not seem like a big deal now. But if you’re going to be on the road for hours, it may quickly get out of hand, especially if you’re going to be on the road for hours.

In general, before going on a long-distance trip, you should:

• check (and top up, if needed) your engine oil, coolant, and windscreen washer fluid
• see if your tyres are looking a little tired and replace them before the trip. Always carry a spare tyre and a puncture repair kit, and
• take your car to a professional to make any necessary repairs.
  

Consider your car insurance coverage before a road trip

Make sure your insurance coverage still meets your needs. If you’re sharing the load on the road, you might want to update the listed drivers on your to your policy.

You may also consider adding optional covers to your policy such as:

• Windscreen and Window Glass cover
• hire car after an event for unlimited days, or
• AAMI Roadside Assist.

The above is just to name a few and are only available if you have an AAMI Comprehensive Car Insurance policy. These optional covers come with limits, exclusions, and conditions. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before purchasing any of the insurance covers discussed in this article. And while you’re at it, it’s never a bad idea to check your policy details are up to date and still reflect your circumstances.

Compare AAMI Car Insurance

Don’t forget your compulsory insurance

It’s also never a bad idea to check that your compulsory policies are sorted before you leave. These can include: 

• CTP in SA
• Motor Accident Injuries (MAI) Insurance in the ACT, and
• Green Slip in NSW.

Learn the road rules

Different areas of Australia may have different road rules. It never hurts to brush up on the rules of the road:

• ACT
• NSW
• NT
• Qld
• SA
• Tas
• Vic

Always keep an eye on road signs and observe the speed limit. Also, check for interstate quarantine restrictions, so you don’t get caught out.

On the road

Know the conditions

If you’re going to be driving through unfamiliar terrain, chances are you’ll encounter challenging road and weather conditions. Stay on top of things and check the weather conditions. Allow buffer time within your itinerary to account for unexpected stops or delays. In the event of extreme weather conditions, follow the advice of local authorities.

Watch out for wildlife

Many of Australia’s wildlife, including kangaroos and koalas, are most active at dusk, so take extra care if you drive at night. If you do hit an animal, call the local wildlife rescue group for assistance - they should be able to tell you what to do next.

Take breaks and rest while doing long distance driving

While it may be tempting to cram as much driving in as possible, you run the risk of driver fatigue. Have a proper break or switch drivers every two hours, at least. Even for those who aren’t driving, getting out of the car and stretching can do wonders for everyone.

Read more:

• 17 things to put in your car emergency kit 
• Why you should avoid hard braking
• A first-timers' guide to caravanning