Due to its vast size and diversity, road trips around Australia are hard to beat, especially if you're ready to cover long distances. A road trip is the best way to explore Australia, whether it's a weekend getaway to the famous Great Ocean Road or a longer adventure around the country. Australia's spectacular beaches, coastlines, waterfall-drenched rainforests, mountains, and the striking orange outback make road trips truly exciting. Few countries offer such contrasting scenery in one place!

Even if you're experienced with road trips, there are some essentials and tips specific to Australia that you should know before starting your adventure, irrespective of the vehicle you drive.

How to prepare your vehicle for the trip?

Here’s an essential car maintenance checklist or pre-trip inspection checklist before you head for a road trip:

1. Tyre pressures: Ensure your tyres have at least the cold inflation pressure recommended by the manufacturer. This means checking them when they are not warm because warm air expands. If you must check them when warm, follow the guide to add the right amount of extra air.

You can usually find the recommended pressure on a plate on the door pillar, a sticker inside the fuel flap, or in the vehicle’s manual. If you’re carrying a heavy load (e.g., 3+ people with luggage), add 3-4 psi more. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre, too.

2. Tyre tread depth: The legal minimum tread depth is 1.5mm, but performance in wet weather drops below 3mm, making driving dangerous in heavy rain. Replace tyres once they get below 3mm.

3. Emergency kit: To drive on regular roads, you need a torch, a reflective triangle, and a jack. A hi-vis jacket and first aid kit are also recommended. For older cars, bring some tools if you know how to use them.

If you’re going into remote areas, bring more gear, including:

• 20 litres of emergency water plus 4 litres per person per day
• Personal locator beacon
• Food
• Spare fan belts, hoses, and fuses
• Tow rope
• Shovel
• GPS and/or maps
• Compass
• Toilet paper
• Lighter

4. Check fluids: Ensure oil, windscreen washer, and brake fluid levels are good.

5. Check lights: Make sure all lights are working.

6. Check the tyres and ensure everything is secure and roadworthy.

7. Ensure your vehicle’s battery is on the spot. If not, you can get your car battery replaced through Melbourne battery experts. 

Essential gear and documents to take on a road trip

These items are non-negotiable for a long drive. Ensure you have them:

Car manual: Even with regular vehicle maintenance, something can go wrong. You'll need your car manual to troubleshoot issues like malfunctioning lights or windshield wipers.
Spare tyres: Check your tyres before you go and bring at least one spare tyre for your vehicle and caravan (if you're towing one).
Roadside emergency kit: This could save you if you get a flat tyre, have an accident, or lose your way.

Your kit should include:

• Rescue knife or Swiss Army knife
• Two light sticks or bright flashlights with spare batteries
• Tyre pressure gauge
• Warning triangle
• Whistle
• Window breaker
• Battery booster cables
• Mini duct tape
• Permanent markers
• Emergency blanket
• Jumper cables
• Heavy-duty work gloves
• Basic toolkit
• Fire extinguisher
• Umbrella
• Waterproof poncho, reflective vest, or jacket

Essentials for personal comfort
Here’s a list of some passenger comfort essentials:

Snacks: Bring healthy food, especially for the driver. Ensure they are easy to reach. A cooler can help, especially one that plugs into your car’s lighter socket, but it will use more fuel.
Pen and notepad
Plastic bags: For rubbish.
Tissues and wet wipes
Devices: Bring smartphones and other devices with chargers (e.g., a charger plugs into the lighter socket if your car doesn’t have USB connections).
Entertainment for kids: Toys and puzzles.
Reading material: Books and magazines.
Music and podcasts: Download them if you are going to an area without internet access.
Pillows
Cash: Useful for purchases from roadside stalls, parking money, etc.
Printed instructions: Directions to your destinations and stopping points.
Binoculars and a camera
Drinks: Water is best. Any non-alcoholic drink is fine.
Multi-purpose knife: Such as a Swiss Army knife, plus cutlery and plastic plates.
Car sickness pills: Important if you’re driving on winding roads.

Health and Hygiene Road Trip Essentials

Here’s a checklist:

First aid kit: You may get scratches and bruises on your trip. That's why a first aid kit is necessary for every road trip.
Sunblock and mosquito repellent: In sunny places like Australia, you should wear sunblock daily, even inside your vehicle. Mosquito repellent is also essential for summer nights.
Toothbrush and toothpaste: Maintain your oral hygiene by packing your toothbrush and enough toothpaste for the whole trip.
Swiss Army knife: A Swiss army knife is essential for its many tools. The tweezers are great for removing splinters and the scissors can cut bandages.
Toilet roll: Pack a few rolls as a backup. They can also serve as tissues or clean up vehicle messes.
Zip-lock bags: These are useful for keeping small items together, such as medicines or drying your toilet roll.
Body wipes: Include body wipes or wet wipes for messy emergencies or a quick refresh instead of a shower.
Sanitiser: Keep a sanitiser bottle handy and use it regularly, especially after returning to your vehicle, to kill harmful bacteria without washing your hands.

Cooking Essentials

Here’s a checklist:

Large water bottle: It's not always possible to stop for water on your road trip. Bring a reusable water bottle that you can refill each morning; it's better for the environment and more convenient for you as well.
Firelighters: Starting a BBQ or campfire can be tricky. Firelighters make getting a good fire going at your campsite much easier.
Waterproof matches or lighters: Bring plenty of waterproof matches or several lighters. You might lose some along the way, and you'll need them to start a fire at night.
Newspaper: Carry a few old newspapers. They are great for starting campfires and can also be used to cover tables when cooking.
Camping lantern (including batteries or charger): A camping lantern is essential for lighting up the whole campsite. Don't forget to pack extra batteries or a charger.
Spare batteries: Always pack plenty of spare batteries. They'll come in handy for various devices, so consider buying a large pack.
Camping stove or portable BBQ (including fuel canisters): A camping stove is essential for cooking hot meals. If your campervan doesn't have one, bring a portable stove and a secure full-fuel canister.
Pots and pans: Bring the essential pots and pans for cooking. Compact sets designed for travel are best as they take up less space.
Utensils and cutlery: Pack essential utensils and cutlery for cooking and eating, including knives, forks, spoons, spatulas, ladles, and tongs.
Plates and bowls: Pack a small number of plates and bowls for eating. Use paper towels between them to prevent rattling while driving.
Mugs: Bring one mug per person for morning coffee and evening drinks at the campsite.
Collapsible travel mug: Pack a collapsible travel mug for morning coffee on the go that fits in your cup holder. Rinse and collapse it when done.
Thermos: A thermos keeps drinks and soups warm. Fill it with soup in the morning for a warm lunch later.
Food and snacks: For long drives, pack snacks like energy bars, fruit, nuts, and some sweets.
Plastic bags (Shopping and garbage bags): Keep several plastic bags for garbage or shopping during your road trip.

Safe travels!

Preparing for an Australian road trip involves ensuring your vehicle has all essential items for safety, comfort and convenience. From checking tyre pressures and fluid levels as per automobile maintenance checklist to packing a comprehensive first aid kit and emergency supplies, every detail counts. Equip your car with sunblock, mosquito repellent and various tools and kitchenware to handle any situation on the road. Proper planning and packing will help you enjoy a smooth and enjoyable journey through Australia’s diverse landscapes. 

However, you should also adhere to your manufacturer’s manual while you prepare your vehicle for the road trip. For example, if you own a BMW, it’s best to take your vehicle to BMW service experts in Melbourne.