You simply haven’t seen the best Australia has to offer if you haven’t succumbed to the ultimate East Coast road trip. This takes travellers all the way from Melbourne to Cairns, and the 4,000km trip is dotted with unforgettable sights along the way.
Apart from being an epic scenic route, it also happens to be a great fit for those who want to make the most out of their free miles in their hire car. But before putting on the ultimate road music mix and setting the GPS for Cairns, it’s important to take note of a few handy car tips to make the trip truly unforgettable.
Not All Roads Lead To The Lodge
One of the most exciting aspects of the Australian landscape is that parts of it are really built-up and modern, and within minutes, the landscape changes to a rough-and-tumble outback journey that requires drivers to focus on their surroundings a bit more intently to keep an eye out for stranded travellers and Australia’s notorious wildlife. Even if a lodge or bed & breakfast is only situated a few kilometres outside the city, there is the odd chance that you’ll need to traverse dirt roads and gravel to make it to the destination. While normal passenger cars can make the journey, you may want to hire a van or SUV for this adventure.
Pack A Few Extras
While you may have wanted to travel light, it might be prudent to take your full luggage set as all your suitcases might just be required to house the long list of extras you’ll need on the journey. Some of the things you want to pack include extra blankets and warm clothing, as the Australian evenings, especially those on the open road, are known to be particularly nippy.
It’s also important to pack extra food and beverages for the trip, as the distance between towns – and therefore shops – can be tens to hundreds of kilometres. It’s a good idea to keep some cash on hand for the campsites along the road, as they may provide charging points and refreshment opportunities for a small cost. Remember to account for the amount of luggage you need to carry when you’re booking your hire car to ensure you have ample space for everything you want to take.
Make The Most Of Good Weather
Spring and autumn are two of the best seasons to explore Australia, as the weather is moderate to warm during the day, and cool in the evenings. Summer is at its peak December through February, which means that it’s probably not the best time to spend hours a day travelling by car. If you do choose to take your road trip during the hottest season, be sure to check that your hire car has air conditioning. Summer is also frustrating for travellers who have an aversion to bugs, as mosquitoes, gnats and flies are known to be out in full capacity during these months. While there are still very hot days and bugs throughout the other seasons, they are more bearable and there is some reprieve. While summer may seem like the ideal time for watersports, Australia is known to attract sports enthusiasts throughout the year.
Australia provides epic natural scenery and quaint little towns along the East Coast that deserve a spot on the itinerary. While a 4,000 km journey by car might seem extreme, the experience is worth the drive.
