Going on a solo road trip is an exciting way to explore Australia, with the freedom to explore this beautiful country and its tens of thousands of kilometres worth of scenic roadways at your own pace.
While Australia is relatively safe for solo travellers, there are still safety considerations and preparations you should make before setting off on your solo trip around this sunburnt country. It’s not enough to just pack responsibly for your great Aussie road trip – you also need to make sure your vehicle is up to the journey and that you have all the necessary first aid and other safety essentials on-hand on the off chance you do find yourself stranded on a country highway with a vehicle breakdown.
Keep reading to learn essential safety tips for solo road tripping in Australia, from planning your route, to preparing your vehicle and staying safe once you’re on the road.
First, make sure you’re covered
As you plan your itinerary, consider taking out domestic travel insurance for the duration of your trip, with 24/7 availability for claims so that you’re covered regardless of the time in case emergency strikes. If you’re planning on renting a car for your trip, you should also consider if rental car excess cover is worth the investment as part of your travel insurance.
Then there’s your actual car insurance. Your travel insurance or rental car insurance may include some kind of comprehensive cover, but if you’re planning on taking your own vehicle along for this journey, then it’s imperative you check in with your insurance provider to make sure your car insurance (and any additional roadside assistance) cover is up-to-date.
If you don’t have Australia-wide roadside assistance, then be sure to also put together a list of emergency services and key roadside assistance contacts for each location you’ll be visiting. Always keep a physical and digital copy of this list on you, as well as storing a physical copy in your vehicle, so that you can refer to it when needed and with or without a charged phone.
Plan and share your itinerary
In the words of Benjamin Franklin (and Taylor Swift), “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail,” so put together a solid itinerary and prepare yourself by researching your preferred route and its associated road conditions. During the planning phase, make sure your route lines up with your driving experience and capabilities too. It can be tempting to push yourself, but unless you’re a seasoned solo traveller and your vehicle is cleared for off-road or gravel road drives, it’s best to stick to the ‘beaten path’.
You’ll also want to know where to stop when you need fuel and/or rest, and which parts of your itinerary will leave you with limited phone reception. Once your itinerary is complete, share it with close friends and family. You might also want to use a location-sharing app, so that your loved ones will have real-time updates on your progress and can sound the alarm if the worst happens.
Prepare your vehicle of choice
Next, prepare your vehicle for your trip. Give your car a thorough clean, inside and out, and get your car professionally serviced by a reputable mechanic shortly before you leave to make sure it’s in a safe, roadworthy condition for your trip. Check the tire pressure, fluid levels and battery health, ensuring each is in optimal shape before you leave. If you need to replace any lights or windscreen wiper inserts, get it done early.
Prepare an emergency kit as well that you can keep in the boot of your vehicle. Include items like jump cables, a spare tire, a jack, a spare battery (or two), tools (including a torch with spare batteries), non-perishable food, a hi-vis vest, a reflective triangle, a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a warm blanket for cool nights and make sure all components are in good condition.
Stay safe on the road
Once you’re ready to hit the road, there are several things you should keep in mind for optimal safety as you solo travel. First, know your limits: choose a comfortable driving pace. Avoid fatigue by taking regular breaks and incorporating regular rest stops and overnight stays into your travel plan.
Next, stay connected – keep your phone fully charged as much as possible. Carry portable batteries and a car charger for times between rest stops or overnight stays. If you’ll be travelling in remote areas, invest in a satellite phone/communicator to ensure you can reach out for assistance or social interaction if you ever need it. Familiarise yourself with emergency numbers and roadside assistance details, using the list you prepared earlier.
Keep your valuables hidden or secured in the vehicle when not in use. Lock your car when you leave it and always keep your keys safely on you. Trust your instincts in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar people – if it doesn’t feel right, safely extract yourself and find somewhere else to go.
Lastly, be mindful of the weather and road conditions. If it’s too dangerous to drive, it’s much better to stay an extra night at your overnight rest stop than to try and push through in hazardous conditions. Watch out for wildlife and environmental hazards as you drive and keep an eye out for bushfire alerts when travelling in hot, fire-prone areas.
Stay stress-free on your solo Aussie road trip with these tips
In summary, there are several key considerations for safety as a solo road tripper in Australia. First, consider getting domestic travel insurance and having both a physical and digital list of key emergency contacts. When planning your itinerary, make sure it aligns with your capabilities and share a copy with your loved ones. Prepare your vehicle before you leave by getting it serviced, giving it a good clean and packing an emergency kit. Stay safe on the road by knowing your limits, staying connected, keeping your valuables and keys safe, trusting your instincts and being mindful of the weather and road conditions as you go.
