How to Prepare for an Outback Driving Holiday

With so much amazing countryside to explore, choosing to take a driving holiday within Australia is a fun and often cheaper option than heading overseas. There are so many beautiful natural wonders to discover within a few hours drive of each of our main cities, and it is important to support our local tourism industry and businesses.
According to News.com.au, Tourism Queensland is trying to increase the number of Australian tourists staying in the country, hoping that Australians will recognise the great travel adventures in their own country.
Once you have decided where you want to go, you then are faced with a big challenge — what are you going to pack? When planning on driving for hours, the last thing you want is to be squished between suitcases, fishing rods and Eskies. It is important to plan your trip in advance to make sure your holiday is as fun and carefree as possible.

Before You Leave

Make sure you inform family and friends of where you are planning on going and for how long you expect to be away. Make sure your car has recently been serviced, and it is important that you have sufficient car insurance in case of an accident. Many insurance companies offer good deals that will give you peace of mind when driving on country roads without breaking the bank.

Do Your Research

Before you leave home, research into where you are going. There are hundreds of websites and blogs that offer great ideas on interesting activities , beautiful areas to discover and fabulous food to try. Learning about your destination to get more out of your holiday is possible if you do your homework.

What to Pack

It is good idea to pack your car light if you plan on being in your car for a good portion of the trip. If you need any extra items, you will most likely be able to find a shop on the road. Overloading your car can result in excess wear on your car tires, limited visibility of the road and can be dangerous in the event of an accident.
If necessary or possible, strap extra items to the roof racks and make sure they are well-secured and do not add too much extra weight to your vehicle. If you are planning on travelling in remote areas, make sure to have extra water and food in case of an emergency.

Travelling With Children

Family holidays can be great fun, but the car trip can be stressful for both parents and kids. Make sure you have plenty of entertainment for your children for long drives and try getting them interested in the countryside — family games like "eye spy" or a list of things to spot through the window can keep kids entertained for hours.
By being organised and planning your trip in advance, you are guaranteed to have an exciting and adventurous holiday on our great Australian roads.

Guest post by Kate Myers