While we may enjoy our perfect city life, we do need a vacation away from our traffic-laden towns Known for the open desserts, mountains and scenery, the outback region is something we wouldn't want you to miss. And so, we at Drive mate have curated the perfect itinerary that ticks off all the elements of a gallivanting road trip. During the past few years, Australia has expanded its travel options, but road trips in the outback seem to top the list of travellers who wish to explore the countryside. Australia offers many scenic views as you traverse the outback, so a well-planned guide is needed before you start travelling.
Choosing the right car for a safe adventure
We cannot emphasise more how important it is to choose the right vehicle for your trip. A campervan or SUV is an ideal choice as they can accommodate your luggage and essentials and are also very comfortable to travel in. If you consider the types of vehicles to travel, there are multiple options which you can choose from. Car rental in Australia is pretty straightforward. However, we recommend using a certified car provider like Drive mate. Drive mate aims to reduce carbon footprint as the cars provided are sourced from individual car owners. No new vehicles are purchased, and the ones already in use are available for hire. Drive mate cars are safe, reliable and easy to access.
Pack These Essentials For Your Outback Trip
Once you select from several options, you need to finalise what to carry along with you on the trip. We recommend you make a list as you don't want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere with the essentials needed to survive the heat waves. Oh yes, did we tell you that this area can get pretty dry and sandy during the day, but the temperatures do drop drastically when it's dark?
Coming to the list of necessities when it comes to packing is limited but make sure you have them to avoid any mishap.
You will need a bit of backpacking gear like a toolkit, a torch, a compass and a map.
Do not forget that roads can get quite bumpy, so clothing that keeps you comfortable throughout is necessary.
Water is available at the petrol stations but still, make sure you carry a storage tank that lasts at least a day. Try to avoid tap water if salty to stay void of dehydration.
You never know when you might lose the network, so we recommend getting a satellite phone for emergency communication.
A handy radio will be an excellent add-on to keep you updated and entertained throughout the journey.
A first aid kit is, again, the most important addition. The kit should contain medicines, bandages, Oral rehydration solutions (ORS), an antiseptic cream, broad-spectrum antibiotic, insect repellent and a few paracetamols.
You might sometimes face fuel problems on rough terrain, so a spare can of fuel is helpful. A 20-litre metal jerry can be mounted on the back of your car to help you in remote areas.
Before you embark on the journey, you should study the weather as it can be pretty harsh in the outback, and you wouldn't want to risk that. Talk to a few locals, tourist information centres and even police stations.
Epic Outback Trips You Can't-Miss
The outback is enormous, and you can choose from multiple places like Kakadu in the NORTHERN TERRITORY and the Red Centre Way from Alice Springs to Uluru. The Savannah Way stretches from Cairns in North Queensland, extends to the top of Australia, and then further up to Broome in Western Australia. Savannah is full of low ranges, woodlands and great watercourses with pandanus palms on the sides.
The Nullarbor Plain consists of a vast limestone plain that lies across Australia's bottom. You will travel on the Eyre highway following the cliffs of The Great Australian Bight. The road in Nullarbor is quite tarred and acts as the main link between east and west Australia. You, however, might feel isolated once you turn off the Nullabor.
However, if you wish to have the experience of a lifetime, we recommend the Darling River Run. It starts at Bourke, following the Darling River on the NSW border. This trip traverses Darling, the third longest river in Australia, and is full of surprises.
Now that you have everything needed, you can start the trip but thoroughly check the car to ensure everything is up. Drive mate comes to play here as they aid you with all the checks and ensure your vehicle is free of complications. The insurance covers vehicle damage due to accident, fire or storm, or malicious damage and theft of the vehicle, which gives you a seamless experience. The outback is hilly terrain with a few rough and tricky roads. When choosing a car, you must keep these things in mind and ensure that you select the vehicle maintaining these things in mind. Make sure to deflate the tyres when crossing sandhills and sandy tracks. Check the tyre pressure every morning before setting off your pressure gauge. To handle the soft ground, lower your tyre pressure to 15 psi and re-inflate your tyres once you encounter harder ground. A 12v compressor can be pretty helpful for such tasks.
Opt For a Car with proper specifications
Now that you have everything needed, you can start the trip but thoroughly check the car to ensure everything is up. Drive mate comes to play here as they aid you with all the checks and ensure your vehicle is free of complications. The insurance covers vehicle damage due to accident, fire or storm, or malicious damage and theft of the vehicle, which gives you a seamless experience. The outback is hilly terrain with a few rough and tricky roads. When choosing a car, you must keep these things in mind and ensure that you select the vehicle maintaining these things in mind. Make sure to deflate the tyres when crossing sandhills and sandy tracks. Check the tyre pressure every morning before setting off your pressure gauge. To handle the soft ground, lower your tyre pressure to 15 psi and re-inflate your tyres once you encounter harder ground. A 12v compressor can be pretty helpful for such tasks.
Safety Tips for a Secure Outback Adventure
After deciding on the entire trip plan, you can now start the journey but make sure you inform your family and friends about your plans. Try to keep your car at a safe speed as unsealed roads can change quickly, and avoid driving on closed gravel roads. If you see a herd of cattle, always slow down your car and let them pass. While venturing off the main road, try to see if it's wet, as the vehicle may get stuck sometimes.
Embark On An Adventure You Won't Ever Forget With Drive mate
If you rent a car in Sydney, Drive mate has many advantages. Like you don't have to worry about the condition of the vehicle that you will be driving. Not only this, but with other rentals, you do not get insured for you and the car, but with Drive mate, all the trips are comprehensively insured for up to $40 million.
The best part about Drive mate is that they provide 24/7 roadside assistance throughout your journey. They have teamed up with local service providers so that you can rely upon them for quick help. So now that you know all the dos and Don'ts, I am sure you will be even more excited to descend on this exciting journey.
Also read -
Surf's Up: Discovering the Best Waves in Australia
Australia's Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip Destinations
