A trip to the land Down Under can be pricy, but you can cut costs while you’re there by combining your transport and accommodation.
Renting a campervan or motorhome gives your vacation all the freedom of the open road, with more luxury than you might expect.
As the name suggests, motorhomes are luxuriously large and quite plush. They feature kitchen facilities, comfortable beds for sleeping, and in many cases, even bathrooms. However, they typically only have two-wheel drive. This makes them inappropriate for off-road driving, so consider your route carefully before booking your vehicle. They’re ideal for an easy trip down The Great Ocean Road, but they won’t allow you to explore the rugged beauty of the Australian Outback.
For that you’ll need a campervan, with either four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). 4WDs are the most powerful option, but they’re also the most expensive to hire. You can take an AWD vehicle to most places a 4WD will go, so unless you’re tackling some really challenging terrain they’ll likely suit your purposes. Both kinds of vehicles will come equipped with beds and a kitchenette, so you can pull off the road to make lunch or stop for a nap.
See Australia's Outback by road
Traveling off road is very different to ordinary driving, so it’s smart to take a few safety precautions. If you’ve never driven off-road before, completing a driving course before you leave can help you learn what to expect, and how to handle all kinds of conditions.
Where possible, travel with friends in a convoy. Roads in many parts of Australia can be lonely, so it’s comforting to know you can jump into another vehicle to travel to the next town if yours breaks down. Your campervan should also be fully stocked with safety equipment including a snatch strap and shovel for vehicle recovery, an emergency beacon, and a satellite phone. And remember to always check the weather and conditions of the road ahead before you set off.
Road trips don’t offer the same level of luxury as a resort stay, but they’re a great way to cut vacation costs while seeing the real Australia.
