A road trip is an adventure most people dream of and a frequent bucket list item, but it need not be just a thing of dreams. With some research, you can plan a fantastic trip around one of the world’s most beautiful countries. Australia has a lot to offer, from the wilds of the Outback to the glorious sandy beaches, and the flexibility you have if you go in a motorhome, makes it one of the best ways to see the country. There are loads of advantages to travelling in a motorhome, you have more time to spend at the locations you love, and if you don’t like somewhere, you just pack up and leave. I have put together this guide to help you with our top tips when travelling around Australia in a motorhome.
Should I rent or buy?
If you are new to the world of motorhome travel, you may wonder whether it is worth buying or just renting one for your trip. Of course, there are pros and cons to both, which I have noted below to help you make the right decision for you.
Buying a motorhome:
Pros
- It is yours for life
- No maximum mileage worries
- No restrictions on taking pets with you
Cons
- Upfront cost
- Ongoing maintenance expenses
Renting a motorhome:
Pros
- Great for shorter or one-time trips
- Fewer expenses like insurance, storage, maintenance
Cons
- More restrictions on things like mileage
- Less flexibility to just pack up and go
If you are still undecided, consider renting one to test it out before you take the leap to ownership.
Parking up
There are plenty of campsites, RV resorts and holiday grounds all across Australia, and as you might think, they all vary in price depending on the services available. So it is always best to plan your route and where to stay in advance to ensure you don’t get caught out.
If you fancy a few nights in one of the bigger cities like Sydney, I recommend parking somewhere safe and treating yourself to a hotel. Basing yourself in a city and taking day trips is excellent. You can find monthly parking in Sydney where you can leave your motorhome safe if you are planning to stay for at least a month and it is more secure for lower prices too.
Bring an emergency kit
An emergency kit is one of the most important things you can bring with you. An emergency kit can save lives, so knowing what should go into it is essential.
First aid kit: You should always keep a first aid kit on hand because accidents happen, and they can be serious. Suppose you were injured while camping or on the road; having the necessary items in your car might make all the difference between life and death.
Some things to include in this kit are:
- Bandages
- Gauze pads
- Pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen (for swelling)
- Antibiotic cream or ointment (for cuts)
- Antiseptic wipes (to clean wounds)
- Scissors for cutting clothing off if needed or splints for broken bones
Roadside emergency kit: Another crucial kit is one in case of mechanical or roadside emergencies. It is also worth signing up for a Roadside assistance plan to quickly get you back on the road.
Some things to include in your kit are:
- Neon vest
- Jump cables
- Hazard triangle
- Tire inflator
- Tool kit
What documents do I need to drive in Australia?
You can drive in Australia using your existing drivers’ license for up to 3 months. After that, you must have your passport, driver’s license or international driving permit, and relevant insurance. You must apply for an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English. If your licence is lost or stolen, it will be replaced for free if you need one urgently.
Some important things to remember when driving in Australia are:
- Drive on the left side of the road
- Always wear your seatbelt
- Speed limits on Highways are 100km or 110km
- Speed limits in residential areas are 60km
Australia has toll roads
Toll roads are a standard part of the Australian road network, and it’s essential to know how they work. Toll road operators are usually well-signposted, but because they can vary from state to state, it’s best to check where toll roads are located before you go.
If you’re travelling with an e-tag and using a credit card for payment, it is as simple as driving through! Most toll roads in Australia have sensors that detect your e-tag at each barrier or point where you enter or exit the road.
If there is another car or truck behind yours or there isn’t enough space between barriers for two vehicles, ensure that your vehicle is fitted with an e-tag device before proceeding through any toll booths. Otherwise, they won’t be able to read your tag properly and may charge incorrectly or not at all!
No need to rush
One of the best things about travelling through Australia in a motorhome is that you can take your time. You don’t have to rush from place to place, so prioritise enjoying yourself and being present rather than trying to see everything.
This might not come naturally at first if you’re anything like me. Having spent my whole life with a packed itinerary of activities waiting for my next move, I thought taking longer breaks between destinations was foreign. However, there is no need for haste—you have all the time in the world! You’re free to go where ever you want and stay as long or short as suits your fancy. It can be liberating knowing there are no worries about missing out on something cool because it’s already over, being late.
It’s essential, not just when driving; if something isn’t working out quite how expected or hoped for, then feel free to change course and find somewhere else where everything will work better!
Conclusion
When travelling around Australia, you will be exposed to all sorts of different cultures and people. So, it’s vital that you have the right mindset when you’re exploring the country. The key is to keep an open mind because Australia has some of the most amazing landscapes on earth. I hope this guide has helped you confidently plan your bucket list trip; for more information on planning a motorhome trip, you can find this helpful guide here.
Guest post by: Emily Dick
Proof read by: Teboho
