G’day, mate! So you’re dreaming of hitting the road and exploring the wide brown land Down Under? Bonza choice! A road trip around Australia or even just a couple of towns away is a ripper adventure that’ll have you spinning yarns for years to come.

But before you chuck your swag in the back of the ute and head off into the never-never, let’s have a chinwag about planning your epic Aussie odyssey.

Planning your outback road trip

We’ve been there, done that, and got the stubby holder to prove it. Well little bit of it at least. Exaggeration makes the story better doesn’t it?

When we first started plotting our own great Aussie road trips, we found ourselves up the proverbial creek without a paddle. Information was scattered like roos in the outback, and getting straight answers was tougher than opening a tinnie with your teeth.

The joy of planning

That’s why we decided to give fellow travellers a fair go. We know you’re as keen as mustard to explore every nook and cranny of this sunburnt country, and you’re probably champing at the bit to soak up every bit of info you can get your mitts on. If you’re anything like us, the prep work gets you more excited than a dingo with a snag.

For many, the anticipation of the trip is almost as grouse as the journey itself. Almost. There’s something magical about poring over maps, dreaming up routes, and imagining yourself cruising down the Great Ocean Road or tackling the red dust of the Gibb River Road. It’s like Christmas Eve for grown-ups, but instead of presents under the tree, you’ve got the promise of endless horizons and unforgettable experiences waiting for you.

Finding the Balance

But here’s the thing, cobber: don’t get too carried away with the planning. Sure, it’s important to have a rough idea of where you’re headed and what you want to see. You don’t want to end up like a shag on a rock, after all. But remember, some of the best moments on an Aussie road trip are the ones you never saw coming.

Maybe you’ll stumble upon a tiny country pub with the best chicken parma this side of the black stump. Or perhaps you’ll meet a colourful local who tells you about a secret swimming hole that’s not in any guidebook. These unplanned gems are often the moments that’ll stick with you long after you’ve hung up your Akubra.

Let the road guide you

So while it’s good to have a framework for your trip, leave plenty of wiggle room for spontaneity. Don’t plan every single day down to the minute like you’re organising a military operation. Half the fun of a road trip is the freedom to change course on a whim, to follow that intriguing dirt road just to see where it leads, or to spend an extra day in that charming little coastal town because the vibe was just too good to leave.
Remember, you can’t possibly plan for every contingency. And honestly, you wouldn’t want to. It’s the unexpected challenges and surprises that’ll make your trip a true adventure. Maybe you’ll have to change a tyre in the middle of nowhere, or perhaps you’ll end up sharing a campfire with a group of grey nomads who have more stories than the Library of Alexandria.

So go ahead and plan, dream, and get excited. But don’t wait until every ‘i’ is dotted and every ‘t’ is crossed before you set off. Australia’s waiting for you, mate, with all its beauty, quirks, and endless possibilities. The open road is calling, and it’s time to answer. So grab your thongs, slap on some sunscreen, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

Looking for some inspiration … check out our Instagram or Facebook pages for some ripper destinations.

You’ll be right mate!

Updated: 01/07/2024