10 tips for a comfortable road trip in Australia

27 Sep 2023

7 mins read

Written by Team Instarem

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Looking to travel to Australia? Now’s your chance! Not only is it a beautiful country, but it’s also very affordable to travel there now. One of the best ways to see Australia is by road trip.

In this blog post, we will give you 10 tips on how to make your road trip more comfortable and enjoyable.

Driving in Australia

If you’re planning on driving in Australia, there’s one important thing you need to know – Australians drive on the left side of two-way roads. That might not seem like a big deal, but if you’re used to driving on the right-hand side, it can be a little confusing (to say the least).

So, before you get behind the wheel, make sure to ask your passengers to remind you which side of the road to drive on.

When renting a car in Australia, there are a few requirements you’ll need to meet. Firstly, you’ll need a valid driver’s license from your home country. You’ll also need a credit card for security deposit purposes, and finally, make sure you have your passport handy as it will be required for identification purposes.

And touch wood…There’s nothing quite like being stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire.

It’s always best to be prepared for such an eventuality by ensuring you have a spare tire that has air, and you know how to change your tire.

Fuel your car

And while you’re at it, don’t forget to fill up your tank. After all, the last thing you want is to run out of petrol in the middle of nowhere. Get a fluid petrol can and keep it in the trunk just in case you need it.

Alternatively, download Fuel Map Australia for all your petrol needs. You can use the app to map out the cheapest route so that you don’t have to worry about running out of gas or spending too much money on fuel.

Stock up on food and water

Any seasoned road tripper knows that one of the most important things to bring on a journey is a good supply of food and water. After all, there’s nothing worse than being stuck in the middle of nowhere with no convenient way to get a meal or a drink. So before you hit the open road, be sure to stock up on snacks and drinks to keep you going.

And if you’re ever in a bind and need to find the nearest grocery store, simply use RoadTrippers. With RoadTrippers, you can easily find the nearest grocery store to your location.

Download Emergency+ app

In an emergency, every second counts. But what if you don’t know your exact location? That’s where the Emergency+ app comes in. Developed by Australia’s emergency services, this free app uses your phone’s GPS capability and a function called ‘what3words’ to pinpoint your location down to a 3m square area.

So whether you’re in the middle of a remote wilderness or just in your backyard, the app will help you make the right call to the right service.

Finding campsites and accommodations

There’s nothing quite like pitching a tent under the stars and getting back to nature. But if you’re not prepared, it can be a nightmare.

Thankfully, there’s an app for that. WikiCamps Australia is essential for any driver considering camping out in the great outdoors. It contains a database of campgrounds, caravan parks, backpacker hostels, points of interest, dump stations, visitor information centers, water taps, toilets, showers, and more.

So whether you’re looking for a place to park your vehicle overnight or just wanting to find some beautiful stargazing spots, this app will come in handy.

Toilet breaks

Let’s face it, we’ve all been there before. You’re out and about, minding your own business when suddenly you get the urge. You start to feel a little anxious, looking around for a sign of relief. But there’s nowhere to be found. You start to panic. Will you make it?

The answer is now in the palm of your hand, literally. With the National Public Toilet app, you can find the nearest public toilet to your current location with the click of a button. No more feeling relieved when you finally spot a toilet after searching aimlessly for one. Now you can plan your toilet break in advance, giving you the peace of mind, you need to go about your day.

Find your way with Google Map or Waze

Australia is a big country- there are no two ways about it. And, as we all know, getting lost in a big country can be very easy to do. That’s why it’s always a good idea to download apps like Google Maps or Waze before heading off on your travels.

Not only will these apps help you to navigate your way around unfamiliar territory, but they’ll also provide you with real-time traffic updates to ensure that you don’t end up going the wrong way. So, if you’re planning on driving through Australia anytime soon, be sure to download one of these apps first- it could save you a lot of time (and hassle) in the long run!

Be aware of the wildlife

You’re driving through the Australian outback, and you see a kangaroo bounding across the road. You stop to take a picture, and as you get out of your car, you see a huge spider crawling up the door. You jump back in, close the door quickly, and start driving again. But then you see more spiders, and snakes, and even a few crocodiles! What’s going on?

It’s simple: you’re in Australia and dealing with the local wildlife is just part of life here. But don’t worry, there are ways to protect yourself from all the bugs and critters.

Bug nets are one of the most popular methods. These can be placed over your doors and windows to keep pests out while still allowing fresh air to circulate.

Mobile network

Mobile network service is the lifeblood of any smartphone user. But when you’re on the go, finding a reliable signal can be a challenge.

Which is why it is important to buy a mobile network service that has good coverage in rural areas. Travel routers are also a great option for long car rides. They provide a stronger signal and can be used to connect multiple devices at once. So next time you hit the road, be sure to buy a mobile network service with good coverage.

Bring a travel adapter

Trust me, you don’t want to be stuck in Australia with a dead phone. After all, your phone is your main source of truth! From finding your way around to buying groceries, you rely on your phone for everything.

Be sure to bring a travel adapter! The electrical sockets in Australia are different, so you’ll need an adapter to charge your devices. You can find travel adapters at most electronics stores.

Before you go…

Don’t forget to pay your way with Instarem’s amaze card**

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If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of travel websites and blogs that can give you ideas for the perfect Australian road trip. With these ten tips in mind, you’re sure to have a comfortable and enjoyable road trip through Australia. So what are you waiting for?

*TnCs apply

** amaze is only available in Singapore

*Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with products or vendors mentioned.