Australian Road Trips – The Pros and Cons

by Shannon van de Laar

Whether you grew up in Australia, you have visited once, or you just love the idea of seeing the country, chances are you have mentioned driving around Australia once or twice. 

However this can be a daunting experience, considering approximately 35% of the country is desert. In some parts of Australia, you can drive for hours and hours and not see another car! But if you plan well, and ensure you are prepared, a road trip in Australia will be like no other vacation. 

So if you are still undecided about taking a road trip in Australia, we have put together some Pro’s and Con’s for you to consider. 

Pros of road trips in Australia. 

Ever changing landscape

There are some road trips that offer a little bit of city, desert, and beach in one day. In some states, you may be able to add a wine region to that list also. Offering something for everyone, these types of routes show the diversity of Australia and why so many people go there from all over the world. Planning a road trip that offers ever changing scenery is perfect for those who don’t have a lot of time to embark on a longer journey. 

The people you meet

Australians aren’t all like Crocodile Dundee or Steve Irwin. But they are a friendly bunch, especially in the more remote areas. Driving around Australia you will meet some local characters who will love having a “chinwag” (a chat if you are unfamiliar with Aussie lingo), many who will offer a recommendation or two of what to see, where to go and who can help you along the way. 

close up shot of a koala on a tree branch
Photo by Robert Stokoe on Pexels.com

Nature and wildlife

Even in the outback, you will see some spectacular nature and wildlife. And even if you don’t see it in the wild there are so many national parks and wildlife conservatories around the country to learn about the flora and fauna that makes Australia so special. 

Cons of road trips in Australia

You have to plan ahead

In the more remote areas of Australia, you will have no choice but to plan where you stay, and stick to a driving schedule to make sure you get there before nightfall. In some areas, driving during and after dusk can become quite dangerous due to animals and roadtrains. For some people, too much planning and having to stick to something so strict can be quite stressful and won’t feel like much of a vacation.  

yellow and black road sign
Photo by Richard Pantling on Pexels.com

Boredom

While there is plenty to see, there will be large stretches of road that will all look the same. Not only can this be boring to look at as a passenger but it can be quite tiresome for the driver. Pack plenty of snacks and water, for the car ride to ensure you get to your destination hydrated and alert. And make sure you have plenty of car games or downloads for the drive duration. 

The price of petrol

The price of petrol is affecting everyone around the world, whether you travel or not; road or air. This cost is a huge con when it comes to road trips, especially in Australia when the outback petrol stations often charge more as they are so remote. 

Final Thoughts

Like all holidays, there will always be reasons to go or not to go. But one thing is for sure an Australian road trip, no matter where you drive, is a vacation like nothing else you will ever do.  

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12 comments

Mick August 26, 2022 - 11:20 am

Sounds too cool to be true I hope get to do lot’s more

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Shannon van de Laar August 26, 2022 - 12:26 pm

We will be once we are back home (for those reading this, this is my son)

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Sabrina Petric August 31, 2022 - 2:46 pm

Great article, we are considering it for our Honeymoon!

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Shannon van de Laar September 1, 2022 - 4:39 am

There is so much to see in Australia, I hope you make it a long honeymoon. Please just ask if you have any questions about anything.

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Amy August 31, 2022 - 3:14 pm

I’d love to drive around Australia and have a chinwag with the locals! Especially if those locals are koalas! Ha!

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Shannon van de Laar September 1, 2022 - 4:38 am

And kangaroos! And in some parts, wombats! We saw wombats everywhere in Cradle Mountain Tasmania.

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Kyra August 31, 2022 - 3:16 pm

Good to know how diverse the landscape is! Still dying to go to Australia – I think the road trip pros outweigh the cons!

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Shannon van de Laar September 1, 2022 - 4:38 am

I have only just scratched the surface here with this article. There are a few more great suggestions I am going to share over the next few weeks to!

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At Lifestyle Crossroads September 1, 2022 - 10:56 am

I have never been to Australia, but an Australian Road Trip is definitely on my bucket list!!! Thanks for the helpful tips.

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Shannon van de Laar September 1, 2022 - 2:05 pm

Anytime. I feel like I have hardly seen much of my own country, as there is so much to do.

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JJ Jordan September 1, 2022 - 8:08 pm

I would love to do this but the sheer size of the country and all the desert makes it a little daunting!

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Shannon van de Laar September 4, 2022 - 7:04 am

When planned well, it can be less daunting. We also have a train that runs from Adelaide to Darwin, which although expensive, gives you a wonderful outback experience. And don’t forget, the beauty of Australia is that you can break it up into lots of mini holidays. You never have to do everything at once.

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