5 things you need to know before driving around Australia

Driving around Australia is a goal often mentioned on people's bucket lists of things they would like to achieve in their lifetime. The experience is usually referred to as doing the "Big Lap".
Imagine the freedom of taking off in your own car or a rented vehicle and knowing you will be going from one adventure to the next as you make your way around our vast and beautiful land.

A trip like this requires significant planning and preparation and it is helpful to consider the following 5 things before you go.

1. How long does it take to drive around Australia?

Drivinga round Australia will take around 14 Days - about 15,000km. While you can drive around Australia's mainland in around 14 days with only brief overnight stops and very little sightseeing most people recommend taking at least 3 months to really make it worthwhile. The actual journey itself on Highway 1 is around 15,000 kilometres.

2. What different climates are there?

Australia is a large continent and as such has different climate zones with the Northern parts of the country considered tropical and humid and the Southern parts cooler and drier. There is also the Wet Season to contemplate, as this often closes roads and national parks in the Northern parts of the country during November and May. Bushfires can also be a hazard, particularly in the Southern states during summer.

3. What is the best vehicle to take?

Whether you are planning on taking your own car or renting the perfect vehicle from 1300 Meteor Rentals, you will need to firstly decide what type of vehicle you need. Are you planning on going off-road, so a 4WD might be required? Or are you going to tow a caravan and require a more robust vehicle?

4. Which essential safety items are required?

A well-stocked first aid kit is essential. Also pack extra drinking water, fuel, fire extinguisher, spare tyre, oil, coolant and jumper leads. Hopefully, these items will never be required, but you will be pleased to have them if a situation arises. Ensure you have access to an up-to-date GPS, mapping apps on your phone and some back-up hard copy maps as well. It may also be a good idea to obtain a satellite phone.

5. Why is it important to plan an itinerary before driving around Australia?

There would be nothing worse than returning from your trip, only to discover there were a number of amazing sights you missed! Take the time to research the top sights you would like to see before you go. This is also a good opportunity to make sure your itinerary matches the type of vehicle you are driving. Consider whether or not there will be river crossings, sandy or mountainous regions you need to traverse.
From a safety perspective, please leave a copy of your itinerary with a family member and stay in touch regularly to let them know where you are. Also, remember to take lots of photos so you can show everyone all the wonderous sights Australia has to offer!