Australia is a huge landmass, and the best way to see and experience this unique country is on an overland trip in a suitable vehicle. You might be planning a 3-week stay in the Outback, or perhaps you want to drive up the West Coast to experience Brisbane and the Great Barrier Reef. Whatever your route, we offer a guide to planning an overland expedition Down Under.
Make good use of the Internet
The World Wide Web hosts all the information you need:
- Search for routes
- Book accommodation online
- Research sightseeing attractions
- Order spare parts and accessories
- Check for amenities and Internet coverage
Making good use of the web takes care of the above, and that doesn’t leave much to do in terms of planning.
Vehicle maintenance
The ideal vehicle would be a campervan, 4WD truck with a camping trailer or an RV; you need your accommodation combined with your transportation if you want to enjoy the freedom and independence that remote Australia offers. If you need Sydney suspension, spares or upgrades, Google is your best friend and can find you a local supplier. Have the vehicle thoroughly inspected and serviced prior to departure, and bank on the next service in 2-3,000 miles.
Water storage
Drinkable water is obviously essential, and if you are planning to drive through remote areas, make sure you have more than enough water. You can order durable 5l water containers from the online supplier, depending on the type of vehicle.
GPS service
You can subscribe to a national GPS network, so you will never get lost and if you are looking to disappear into the wilderness, make sure you have a GPS network connection. Check also for cellphone coverage, which might not be available in parts of the NT.
Solar energy
We now have the solar tech to use solar blankets that draw energy from the sun, and with lithium-ion batteries, you can store essential energy to give you energy independence for as long as you wish. Every overland adventurer would have a quality solar energy system on their rig, which guarantees you power wherever you happen to be. If you are a Range Rover owner, here is an informative article on used vehicle prices.
Emergency situations
If you are heading into a remote region, you could contact a close friend or family member and inform them in advance of your plans and your expected return date. In the event they do not hear from you, they will know to contact the emergency services. It is always wise to do this, as you never know what might happen when you are in the wilderness.
Create lists
When planning what to pack for an overland adventure, you should create lists and tick off items as and when they are acquired. A good first aid kit is a must, with everything you might need to deal with a personal injury or illness, while you also need a comprehensive tool kit that enables you to carry out emergency repairs. Make sure you download all wiring diagrams and other tech data you might need, which you should store on your laptop.
To summarise, travelling overland in Australia demands a certain level of planning and preparation, and with everything you could possibly need safely stored on your vehicle, you should have a trouble-free experience. Don’t forget to take your camera and capture some stunning images and video to keep as a memory of your unique experience.
