JoelTravelling Australia can be somewhat daunting – it’s such a big place and there is so much to see. Here we want to share some hot tips, tricks and some advice to help you on your travels.
This list will continue to grow! If you have any additions or top tips you want to share, let us know in the comments, and we’ll add it in to the next part.
If you would prefer to see the list written out, we’ll put it here as well.
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five
- Patience. It’ll take time to adjust to a change in lifestyle.
- Have a very good but very flexible plan – there’s times you’ll need Plan B, C, D and E
- Have no regrets. Have no would-a, should-a, could-a’s!
- Pack light. You’ll be surprised at what you don’t need.
- Expect the unexpected. Every turn and every corner is going to be new.
- Get off the beaten path. Don’t be a regular tourist all the time, our country is huge, explore the gems.
- Don’t neglect maintaining your vehicle. Your life can depend on it, plus your budget.
- Get vehicle/contents insurance. Accidents happen!
- Get road side assistance. One claim can pay for itself.
- Talk to locals. Get the inside gossip and tips, plus you’ll make new friends.
- Talk to fellow travellers. Share stories, advice and experiences, it’s one big community.
- Support small business. Tough times for small business, sometimes all it takes is an ice cream or a cold beer at a pub.
- Try local food. Experience local ingredients and different styles of food and drink.
- Carry cash. Once you get away from the big smoke, cash talks!
- Have plenty of gold coins for the laundry.
- Have a good day bag. Do day trips and have a good system for carrying your gear.
- Get used to walking. So many amazing places require a walk or hike to see. Get out and smell the roses.
- Eat well. Don’t get lazy and don’t skimp on a proper diet.
- Sleep well. Driving and exploring is exhausting, ensure you’re bright eyed and bushy tailed each day.
- Use the opportunity to cut back on alcohol
- Have a hobby. You won’t be exploring 24/7, so learn something new and you’ll be less tempted to waste time.
- Travel is education. Soak it all in and proactively learn from your travels.
- Record your trip. Photos, social media or a journal – memories for you and to share with friends and family.
- Don’t judge how others travel. Whether your in a tent or gigantic caravan, everyone’s enjoying it the way they can.
- Don’t be afraid to pitch a tent. Some walk-in only camps are amazing.
- Always have drinking water. If you break down or go remote, first thing you’ll need is water.
- Always have backup food. For the same reason as water.
- Buy a comfortable mattress or sleeping mat. A good nights sleep makes all the difference.
- Be a frugal shopper. Look for specials and good deals. Fruit markets and local shops.
- Let friends and family know what you’re doing. For your safety and for keeping relationships.
- Take the opportunity to travel with others. Perhaps organise a week or a couple of days to travel with other people.
- Join FB and social groups. Facebook and other forums have dedicated groups of those who are travelling, sharing advice and asking for recommendations.
- Leave Google reviews. Leave honest feedback, good and constructive to the places you go. Other travellers will benefit.
- Use campings apps/books. There’s an abundance of information here.
- Backup photos and information. Get online storage.
- Be prepared for when you don’t have signal. No problems for some, but if you need to be contacted or need to work, reception and signal are important.
- Join a good phone network provider. We won’t mention names… but it’s pretty important.
- Don’t be afraid of missing an occasional shower if circumstances arise. Just keep the deodorant on!
- Don’t sleep in too much. Getting up and going early is a pivotal part of a productive day.
- Make sure your mail is sorted. Redirect or have it sent to someone you know.
- Plan vehicle servicing ahead of time. Contact a mechanic two weeks out and book your vehicle in.
- Treat yourself. No need to convince anyone there! Enjoy a cold beer at a rustic pub or enjoy a locally made ice cream.
- Keep momentos. Whether it’s a fridge magnet, or photo, key ring or anything, keep the occasional souvenir for memories sake (practical souvenirs are best).
- Get out of your comfort zone. Have adventures and try something new.
- Actively pursue personal growth. Travel is part of your education, let your experiences be your teacher.
- Test your sleeping/living set up before you go. This will iron out the wrinkles and refine the process.
- Invest in a overnight hiking/camping set up. You find some amazing hikes around Australia and some beautiful campsites, have the gear. Also good for emergency accommodation.
- Buy a camera. Phone cameras are pretty good these days, but a proper camera will capture those special moments even better.
- Get health check ups. Chances are you might be out in the sun a bit more while travelling. Get checked for melanomas etc
- Take breathers! Check yourself into an occasional Air BnB or Hotel and press the reset button.
- Enjoy the small things. Embrace anything you do or see no matter how small or unglamorous it might be.
- Don’t rush the drive. You’ll be surprised at what you might see if your not in a mad dash for your next place.
- Don’t rush the trip. If you’ve only got a week, or only a month, be content on seeing less but enjoying it more.
- Share advice with others. Don’t be a know it all, but be willing to share tips and secrets to help others benefit.
- Mark a map with your must sees. You don’t want to forget or miss the places that are special to you.
- Have a good Power bank. There will be times you won’t have power or need an emergency charge.
- Have a basic vehicle recovery kit. A given for 4WD vehicles, but everyone should be ready to get their vehicle out of a sticky situation.
- If you have kids, give them unforgettable experiences. It’ll go a long way toward their education and practical life experience.
- Know your vehicle weights. Make sure you are legal and you are safe.
- Be informed of road conditions. Some roads are easily affected by weather and certain seasons, get official advice if unsure.
- Continue to reorganise to find the perfect system. You’ll eventually find the perfect place for everything with some trial and error.
- Enjoy the fire pit. Sometimes communal ones or if legal and safe, have your own and enjoy the calm that it brings.
- Swim whenever you can. Take advantage of safe swimming areas – it’s highly therapeutic.
- If set up for off grid, know how the system works. Things go wrong, so with some basic knowledge, you can get yourself out of trouble.
- Familiarise everyone you’re travelling with on basic vehicle maintenance and changing tires.
- Be mindful of neighbours. When you’re camping, remember that people usually camp to escape the stresses and noise of city/work life.
- Ask for itinerary advice. Chances are there’s thousands who’ve done the same trips, find out tips and tricks before you go.
- If you’re travelling solo, be extra safe. It’s a pretty secure country, but especially on your own don’t take it for granted – there will always be opportunists.
- Practice setting up and packing up. You’ll eliminate a lot of stress if you got this down to a good system.
- If you’re travelling with a partner/spouse, use the opportunity to talk more and get to know each other in a deeper way.
- If travelling with others, be aware of everyone’s needs. Some need more rest than others or have particular needs.
- Don’t just do it for the “gram”. If you’re going somewhere just for a Instagram photo, you’ll be missing out on the real experience.
- Have an understanding of where your money goes. If relying on savings, it’s all red figures – so be aware of where it’s going.
- Have extra fuel. Whether it’s a long range tank or containers, be prepared for some long drives between places.
- Know Australia’s weather. North will be hot in summer and the south will be cold in winter.
- Know the condition of your spare tire. Ensure it’s always ready to replace a puncture or blow out and be safe to drive on.
- Use plastic bowls, plates and cups if you haven’t got a secure place for china and glass.
- Have good quality shoes. You’ll find you’ll be doing more walking, break them in before you leave.
- Have back up hard copy maps. Chances are you won’t need it, but the time that you do – you’ll really need it!
- Visit information centres. There’s a wealth of knowledge and generally the people who work there have insider knowledge.
- Have a first aid kit. Always have this handy and even a mini one for when you’re walking out and about.
- Do a first aid course. This could be a literal life saver.
- Invest in a good water bottle. Chances are you’ll use it everyday, and if you hike a lot, get a purifying bottle.
- Respect locals. No one likes an annoying or arrogant tourist.
- Know what to expect at indigenous communities. Sometimes you need permission to pass through and some a ‘dry’ towns with no alcohol – research ahead of time.
- Leave only footprints. Take your rubbish and leave the place better than you found it.
- Don’t just make friends with people of your own age group or demographic. Everyone has a story to tell.
- Remember to treat wild animals as they are – wild.
- Keep an eye on the weather, but don’t let a bit of cloud or drizzle deter you.
- If you’re going to tow a vehicle, practice before you leave. You’ll be surprised at how tight some camp sites can get.
- Take time often to enjoy the sunrise and sunset.
- Don’t forgot to have technology free time.
- Be water wise. Water is precious, so even if it’s free showers, keep it short
- Be savvy with tours and activities. Always look for budget friendly options that can achieve a similar result.
- Have easy to cook recipes. Some days you’ll be looking for something easy.
- Take a book! Or to save space, take a device and read saved books.
- Keep your devices charged. It’s always a safe bet to have a full battery when you’re out and about.
- If you have a drone, be mindful of where you fly it
- Don’t be worried if you miss something, you’ll find future opportunities to travel.
- Ensure any gas and electric components of your car are safe.
- Always carry a fire extinguisher. You could never know when this could save lives or possessions.
- Battery items can be lifesaver. Battery beard trimmers for the men.
- If you have the means to store a push bike. Riding around town is a great way to see places.
- If you don’t need it, don’t be afraid to throw it, sell it or give it away.
Thank you Joel- these are great tips! Perfect for anyone planning a big road trip.
No worries Mandy, hopefully they help you on your adventures!
Excellent information, thank you very much!
Thanks for the feedback Daniela, safe travels!
Amazing! Just the idea of travelling terrifies me, no knowing where to start. These tips &tricks will become a essential guide to look at when planning a journey. Thank you!
Thanks Anawis – hope your travels treat you well!