Road Trip Checklist
Everything you need before hitting the open road
Documents & Admin
0/7Vehicle Check
0/10Safety & Emergency
0/8Navigation & Electronics
0/5Comfort & Packing
0/9Your progress is saved in your browser. Come back anytime to pick up where you left off.
← Back to all checklistsA successful Australian road trip starts well before you turn the key. Whether you're driving the Great Ocean Road, crossing the Nullarbor, or exploring the NSW coast, proper preparation means fewer surprises and more time enjoying the journey. This checklist covers everything from mechanical basics to comfort essentials, so you can hit the road with confidence.
Documents & Admin
Before you leave, make sure your licence, registration, and insurance are all current. If you're crossing state borders, check whether you need separate national park passes — most states sell them online for less than the gate price. Print or save your roadside assistance number and accommodation confirmations offline, because mobile reception disappears faster than you'd expect outside capital cities.
Vehicle Check
A basic vehicle inspection takes twenty minutes and can save you hours on the roadside. Check your oil, coolant, tyre pressures (including the spare), and top up your windscreen washer fluid. If your tyres are getting low on tread or your wipers are streaking, sort them now — not at the first servo in the middle of nowhere.
Safety & Emergency
Australian roads can be remote, and breakdowns happen. A first aid kit, jumper cables or a portable jump starter, and a tyre repair kit are essentials. A fire extinguisher is a smart addition, especially in summer. Pack a high-vis vest and a warning triangle or LED beacon for roadside stops — visibility matters on highways with 110km/h speed limits.
Navigation & Electronics
Download offline maps before you leave — Google Maps, Hema, or WikiCamps all offer offline options. Mobile coverage drops out across large stretches of regional Australia, so a physical road atlas is worth throwing in. Keep your phone charged with a car charger and carry a portable power bank as backup.
Comfort & Packing
The difference between a good road trip and a great one is often the small comforts. Fill your water bottles, stock the esky with ice, and pack snacks you actually want to eat. Sunscreen and sunnies live in the car permanently. Don't forget rubbish bags — keeping the car clean makes long days behind the wheel far more pleasant.