Ah, the humble Aussie road trip.
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of hitting the open road with your mates, with the windows down, a killer playlist pumping through your sound system, and the promise of adventure ahead.
New South Wales is arguably the best state in Australia for a road trip, given that it is packed with world-class beaches, beautiful national parks, thriving cities and charming country towns.
Wherever you go, it doesn’t matter if you are planning a weekend escape or a longer exploration, you’ll want to make the most of your journey.
However, if you are a young traveller who is new to road-tripping, you might not know what to expect. Ensuring you’re prepared for the trip to come is just as important as planning out what your final destination may be. With this in mind, below are some tips that will help guide you through a road trip with your mates, your family or your own solo adventure.
Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Road Trip
Now, it might seem obvious, but finding a reliable vehicle is the first step in planning out your NSW road trip.
If you don’t own a car, renting one is a great option, although car hire companies often hit young drivers with additional young driver fees if they are under the age of 25.
The good news is that with a bit of research, you can find companies that are more accommodating to younger drivers. A great option is car rental under 25 with Redspot, as they offer options tailored to young drivers. However, you should check out what other companies do similarly.
When selecting a car, don’t just pick the cheapest one. Instead, you should weigh up considerations like fuel efficiency, how comfortable the vehicle is, and what storage space it has – especially if you want to take bulky items like surfboards or bikes with you.
As a general rule, a small hatchback is perfect for city breaks, while a larger SUV is ideal if you plan to venture into more rural areas or camp along the way. If you’re travelling with mates, splitting the cost of a rental can make it much more affordable and can mean you can share the driving.
Planning Your Route and Stops
While the essence of a road trip might be to hit the open road and see where the day and your mood take you, it is very wise to plane your route. Hidden landmarks and local watering holes lay in wait for those who do a little more research into their NSW holiday.
Regardless of whether you’re heading north to Byron Bay, south to Jervis Bay, or inland to the Blue Mountains, it’s worthwhile researching your stops in advance. Good ways to do this are to read travel blogs and watch vlogs that highlight must-see spots in the area you are travelling around.
Plan out a rough itinerary and use Google Maps, Waze or apps like Roadtrippers to chart out your journey. Make sure you factor in driving times, fuel stops, and rest breaks into the equation. You don’t want to be up a creek without a paddle in a time of need.
Budgeting for Your Trip
If you are worried about the cost of a road trip, well, the truth is they can be as cheap or expensive as you want them to be. Either way, you’ll still need to budget for them.
Expenses like fuel, accommodation, food, and entry fees to various attractions can add up. So, you will want to plan for them accordingly.
A good way to save money is by camping or staying in budget motels, as they are generally cheaper than hotels. If you’re looking to save a few coins on petrol, consider using apps like FuelCheck NSW to find the most affordable petrol stations along your route.
If you’re road-tripping on a shoestring, supermarkets and local bakeries are great sources of affordable food. If you’re planning on camping, pack a portable stove for your hearty, warm meals and save on dining out where you can.
Stay Safe on the Road
Long drives can be tiring, especially if you are not used to them, which is why it is advisable to take regular breaks every two to three hours to stretch your legs and refresh your mind.
If possible, sharing the driving with a mate can take a huge burden off you. Additionally, try to avoid driving just before sunrise and after sunset in rural areas, as this is when wildlife such as kangaroos and wallabies are most active on roads.
Before you set off, make sure you have roadside assistance through an organisation like NRMA and good car insurance. It is also important to carry extra food and water with you, as well as a first-aid kit and an emergency power bank for your phone.
While NSW roads are generally in good condition, get into the practice of checking for road closures or weather conditions before you head off anywhere, especially if you’re planning to go to the mountains or remote areas.
Where to go
You probably know this already, but NSW is packed with plenty of stunning destinations you can visit. If you already have destinations you want to go to, you may well have an itinerary drawn up.
However, if you have room for manoeuvre and want some inspiration, here are some places you should check out:
- Byron Bay: Known for its beaches, laid-back vibe, and Cape Byron Lighthouse.
- Jervis Bay: Famous for its white sandy beaches and dolphin-spotting tours.
- Blue Mountains: Home to the Three Sisters, Wentworth Falls, and epic hiking trails.
- Coffs Harbour: Visit the Big Banana and relax on beautiful beaches.
- Kangaroo Valley: A scenic spot for kayaking, camping, and exploring charming villages.
- Mudgee: Perfect for wine lovers, with plenty of cellar doors and farm-to-table restaurants.
- Broken Hill: A remote Outback town with stunning desert landscapes and unique history.
- Bowral: Beautiful country town famous for its association with Don Bradman and the International Cricket Hall of Fame