Since early this year, Tourism Australia has launched the “Holiday Here This Year” campaign to call on Aussies to book their next trip domestically. As Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison has said, “With the peak summer travel period just around the corner, it is crucial that we continue to remind people of all the incredible destinations and tourism experiences that are right on their doorstep waiting to be explored.”
Since it was launched to support the bushfire-hit tourism sector, the campaign is now focusing on encouraging Aussies to travel domestically now with coronavirus restrictions slowly easing around the country (save for Victoria).
“Our goal is to try and get Australians travelling differently by using the Holiday Here This Year campaign platform to urge them to start ticking off their holiday bucket list or heading interstate for a trip of a lifetime, and in turn provide a much-needed boost especially to those areas most affected by the bushfires and COVID-19,” Harrison added.
Although international borders remain closed for the foreseeable future, interstate travel is available for many areas in Australia. With the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time to plan for a holiday. What better way to get to know Australia and all its beauty than to hop on your car for your road trip?
The big question is, how does one proceed to embark on the New Australian Road Trip while making sure they’re complying with regulations and practicing safety protocols?
Be up-to-speed on the most current government advisories, alerts, and restrictions.
First and foremost, we know these are not normal times. We can’t just hop into a plane and pick a destination at the last minute. Some regulations and procedures cannot be ignored so make sure you’re up to speed. Read the news and visit government websites. If you want to be extra sure about it, call their hotlines for more specific information, or to get local advice.
If you have any friends or family in your destination, you can also hit them up and see how it’s going there.
Plan your budget and route. Coordinate this with your companion/s, if you’ll be having any.
Next, like any trip, it’s best to plan your budget and route after considering the government advisories and guidance. And with the open roads, stunning scenery, and rich wildlife, it can be hard to choose where exactly you would go.
What would you like your itinerary to look like? Since summer is right around the corner, the beaches of Tasmania and South Australia seem like very irresistible destinations. Or if you’re more into an East Coast road trip, a drive to the Blue Mountains from Sydney could be the way to go. Or if you’re coming from Melbourne, you can do the Melbourne to Perth drive across the Nullarbor Plain. It’s very easy to look up what the ideal destination is for you, and the amazing treats you can find along the way.
Wherever you decide to go, consider your budget. Allot money for the following (depending on how long you would be doing your trip for): transport costs like car/campervan rentals and gas, accommodation costs if you’ll be staying in hostels, hotels, campsites, or Airbnbs, food and drinks, activities, phone and internet, and an emergency fund.
And of course, you should decide whether this would be a solo trip or if you’re having a companion or companions. Weigh the pros and cons, like the affordability and security that would come with travel buddies, or the freedom and self-discovery that comes with a solo trip, then go with whatever floats your boat.
Make sure you have the right vehicle — and accessories — for your road trip.
If you’re sure where you’re headed and what your itinerary looks like, then it’s time to think about what type of vehicle you’ll be bringing with you. It is a road trip and the vehicle will be what’ll take you from point A to point B so it’s important you have the right one, in excellent condition for a road trip, and all the equipment needed to keep it running.
If you’re using your own car, make sure it can survive the possibility of having to face the elements. A 4WD would be your best bet, but if you’re camping around, then may rent a campervan or a caravan.
Of course, have it fitted with accessories that will ensure your safety and security. Get a GPS tracker with at least 4G capabilities not just to keep your loved ones informed of where you are in real-time, but it can also alert you of possible theft and crime. Also, avoid having a flat or a dead battery in the middle of nowhere by always having a tyre pressure monitoring system and car battery charger and jump starter with you.
And to make sure you don’t miss anything, document your amazing road trip with an amazing dash cam.
Pack all your essentials.
What are the road trip non-negotiables? Important documentation like your identification, driver's license, and insurance should also be kept in a secure yet accessible area. Don’t forget your cash and cards which should always be on your person. And depending on your activities and destination, don’t forget your toiletries and change of clothes.
Road trips mean long stretches of road, so if you don’t want to get bored, download your audiobooks, podcasts, and playlists in advance. Ensure that you have your gadgets and they’re all fully charged, plus a spare battery charger at hand just in case. If you’ll be documenting your trip, a great sports action camera is an excellent choice so you can bring it everywhere.
If you’re going to remote and isolated areas, it’s a good idea to have a satellite phone with you. And lastly, make sure you have a first aid kit, extra water, extra petrol, and your snacks and food.
