How to Plan Out a Road Trip: Step-by-Step Guide
Thereâs nothing quite like hitting the open road in Australia, whether youâre chasing coastal sunrises along the Great Ocean Road or heading inland for a true-blue Outback adventure. But before you throw your bags in the boot and crank up the playlist, itâs essential to plan out a road trip that runs smoothly from start to finish.
Taking the time to map out your route, lock in your pit stops, and prep your gear can make all the difference between a stressful drive and a relaxed, memorable journey. In this guide, weâll walk you through everything you need to know to organise your trip like a seasoned traveller, from setting your budget to packing smart and staying safe on the road.
How to Plan out a Road Trip?
As with any outdoor recreation, some planning goes a long way if you want your road trip to go smoothly and be genuinely enjoyable. From choosing where youâre going to booking and packing, follow the steps below to plan your road trip with ease:
Step 1: Choose Your Destination and Route
Start with the big picture: where do you want to go? Whether itâs a classic coastal drive like the Great Ocean Road, a rugged Outback adventure to Uluru, a loop through Tassieâs national parks, or a well-loved Sydney to Melbourne road trip, your destination will shape everything else about your journey.
Once youâve chosen where youâre heading, map out your main route. For example, if youâre doing the Sydney to Melbourne road trip, you could take the inland Hume Highway for speed, or the scenic coastal route through Jervis Bay, Lakes Entrance and Wilsons Promontory for a more leisurely experience. Whichever way you go, consider how much time you have â are you squeezing in a long weekend or making a full week of it?
Use tools like Google Maps or travel planner apps to estimate driving times and distances. Keep in mind that in Australia, distances can be vast, and some areas might have limited fuel stops or patchy reception, so donât just rely on the shortest path.
Step 2: Map Out Your Stops
Break your journey into manageable sections by planning where youâll stop along the way. This is where your adventure really starts to take shape â especially if youâre building something like a summer motorhome culinary journey roadmap. Think about all those regional flavours, local farmersâ markets, roadside bakeries, and country pubs that turn a good road trip into a great one. You can also try asking AI to âPlan my road tripâŚâ for a bit of inspiration.
Mark down rest stops, fuel stations, scenic detours, and local attractions. If youâre travelling with kids or pets, regular breaks will make the journey more comfortable for everyone. Donât forget to allow time for spontaneous stops too â thatâs part of the joy of road-tripping.
Step 3: Book Accommodation in Advance
If youâre travelling during school holidays, long weekends, or peak season, booking your accommodation ahead of time is a smart move. Regional areas, national parks, and popular coastal towns can fill up fast, and prices can jump at the last minute.
Depending on your travel style, you might go for a mix of hotels, motels, caravan parks, or free camping spots (just make sure itâs legal and safe). Apps like WikiCamps or Airbnb can help you find options that suit your budget and vibe. Booking ahead also gives you peace of mind â no scrambling to find a place after a long day on the road.
Step 4: Set Your Budget
Setting a budget helps you stay in control of your spending â and lets you splurge where it really counts (like that amazing seafood lunch or a winery stop). When you plan out a road trip, think about both fixed and flexible costs.
Start with fuel, accommodation, food, and entry fees for attractions or national parks. Then factor in extras like toll roads, snacks, activities, and a buffer for unexpected expenses â because letâs face it, things donât always go exactly to plan.
A little budgeting up front means fewer financial surprises along the way â and more freedom to enjoy the ride.
Step 5: Get Your Vehicle Road-Trip Ready
Before you head off, make sure your vehicle is up to the task, especially if youâre covering long distances or heading into remote areas. No one wants to be stranded on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere.
A quick visit to your mechanic for a service or safety check is well worth the investment. Ask them to check things like oil and coolant levels, tyre pressure and tread, brakes, lights, battery, and your spare tyre.
Donât forget the basics either â top up your windscreen washer fluid, pack jumper cables, and double-check your rego and roadside assistance are current. If youâre planning to tow a caravan or trailer, give that a once-over too.
Step 6: Download Maps and Entertainment
Reception can be patchy once youâre outside major cities and towns, so itâs a good idea to download offline maps ahead of time. Google Maps lets you save routes for offline use, and apps like Maps.me or Hema Maps are handy for 4WD and regional travel.
While youâre at it, stock up on entertainment to keep everyone happy during the drive, especially on those longer stretches between towns. Download your playlists, podcasts, audiobooks, or movies while youâve got Wi-Fi. If youâve got kids on board, games or activity books can be a lifesaver.
Step 7: Prepare Snacks and Meals
Good food can turn a long drive into a much more enjoyable experience â and save you money along the way. Pack a mix of fresh and non-perishable snacks: think fruit, trail mix, muesli bars, crackers, and the classic road trip staple â lollies. A small esky or cooler bag is great for keeping things fresh on the go.
For longer trips, prep a few simple meals in advance, especially if youâll be camping or staying somewhere with limited dining options. And donât forget a reusable water bottle or two â hydration is key, especially when youâre travelling through warmer parts of the country.
Step 8: Plan for Emergencies
While road trips are usually all about fun and freedom, itâs smart to be ready for the unexpected. Put together a basic emergency kit with essentials like a first-aid kit, torch, phone charger, power bank or portable power station, jumper leads, and a few basic tools. A paper map or printed itinerary is a good backup just in case your phone battery dies or reception drops out.
Make sure someone knows your general route and travel dates, especially if youâre heading into more remote areas. Check the weather forecast, bushfire alerts, and road conditions before you leave â and keep an eye on them during the trip. A bit of prep now can make a huge difference if things go off track.
What Essentials Should You Pack for the Journey?
Once your route is sorted and your vehicleâs ready to roll, itâs time to think about what to pack. What you bring will depend a little on where youâre going and how long youâre away, but there are a few travel essentials that should always make the list. Hereâs a handy breakdown:
Everyday Travel Essentials
Reusable water bottles â One per person, plus a few extras for longer drives or remote areas.
Snacks and food â Non-perishable items, fresh fruit, pre-made meals, and a cooler bag or esky.
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Comfort items â Travel pillows, light blankets, and a hoodie or jumper for cooler nights.
Refillable coffee cups and cutlery â Great for eco-conscious stops and spontaneous picnics.
Vehicle and Safety Gear
Spare tyre, jack, and tools â Make sure theyâre in good working condition.
First aid kit â Include any personal medications.
Torch or headlamp
Emergency supplies â Mumper leads, tyre pressure gauge, duct tape, and basic tools.
Hygiene and Cleaning
Hand sanitiser and wipes â Always handy for pit stops.
Rubbish bags â Keep the car tidy and minimise your impact at campsites or parks.
Toiletries kit â Toothbrush, deodorant, and other basics, even if youâre not camping.
Important Documents and Extras
Driverâs licence â Plus vehicle rego and insurance details.
Printed itinerary â Including accommodation bookings and emergency contacts.
Cash and cards â Some regional areas might not have tap-and-go or mobile signal.
Portable Power
Of course, youâll have your car USBadapter and phone charger ready, but letâs be honest â that might not cut it. Navigation, music streaming, podcasts, and everyoneâs devices competing for charge? Power drains quickly on the road, especially if youâre travelling with a group. And if youâre planning to head off-grid or simply want peace of mind in case of an emergency, having a reliable backup power source can be a real game-changer.
Thatâs where a portable power solution like the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station steps in â giving you the freedom to power your essentials, stay connected, and travel worry-free. With a 1024Wh capacity (expandable to 2048Wh or 3040Wh with add-on batteries), the DELTA 2 is perfect for road trips where you want reliable power for all your gear.
You can charge or run just about anything â from phones, tablets, and lights to a mini fridge or even a coffee machine â thanks to its 1800W output (boosted up to 2400W with X-Boost tech).
It fully charges in just 80 minutes via AC or up to 1100W via DC, and you can even manage and monitor it from your phone using the EcoFlow app (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). Plus, its LiFePO4 battery gives you years of use with over 3000 charge cycles.
Pair it with the EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger. While youâre driving, you can use it to charge your EcoFlow DELTA 2 up to 8x faster than a standard 12V socket, topping up 1kWh in just 1.3 hours.It acts as a 3-in-1 device: alternator charger, battery maintainer, and jump starter. With GaN technology for safe charging, built-in protection features, and easy installation, itâs a game-changer for longer trips or remote adventures.
Safety Tips for a Smooth Road Trip
Road trips are all about freedom and fun â but staying safe on the road is just as important as knowing where youâre headed. Here are some simple but important safety tips to keep your journey smooth and stress-free:
Rest Before You Drive
Long drives can sneak up on you. Even if youâre feeling fine when you hit the road, fatigue can set in fast â especially on straight highways or during early morning starts. Make sure youâre well rested before you leave, and plan regular breaks (every two hours is a good rule of thumb). Swap drivers if you can, and donât push through if youâre tired â itâs not worth the risk.
Check the Weather and Road Conditions
Before you head off, take a few minutes to check weather forecasts and any relevant road alerts. In Australia, conditions can change quickly â from flash floods in the north to bushfires down south â and some remote roads may close without much notice. Sites like the Bureau of Meteorology or state-based transport departments are great resources to check ahead of time.
Drive to the Conditions
If the roadâs wet, unsealed, or visibility is poor, ease off the accelerator and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Be extra cautious at dawn and dusk, especially in regional or bush areas where wildlife is more active. Hitting a kangaroo is more than a nuisance â it can seriously damage your car and your trip.
Donât Rely on Phone Signal
Reception can drop out quickly once youâre outside metro areas, so donât rely on your phone for everything. Download maps ahead of time, carry a paper backup, and let someone know your general route and arrival times â especially if youâre heading somewhere remote or solo.
Keep Essentials Within Reach
Have your first aid kit, snacks, water, and phone charger somewhere easy to grab â not buried under a pile of bags in the boot. If you break down or need to pull over suddenly, having the basics at your fingertips can make a big difference.
Conclusion
Planning might not sound as exciting as the trip itself, but itâs the key to making your getaway unforgettable for all the right reasons. When you plan out a road trip thoroughly â with the right gear, a realistic itinerary, and safety top of mind â you give yourself the freedom to enjoy the adventure without any nasty surprises. Whether youâre road tripping from Sydney to Byron, doing a loop around Tassie, or venturing across the Nullarbor, preparation ensures you can focus on the good stuff: the scenic views, quirky roadside attractions, and moments youâll be talking about for years to come.
FAQs
Can I plan my road trip on Google Maps?
Yes. Google Maps is a great tool for planning your trip. You can set multiple stops, estimate driving times, and even see traffic predictions. Just make sure to download your maps offline before heading into areas with limited signal.
What is the best road trip planner in Australia?
One of the best road trip planners in Australia is Roadtrippers â itâs easy to use and great for mapping your route, finding attractions, and estimating travel times. Other top picks include Google Maps for reliable navigation, WikiCamps for camping and accommodation spots, and Hema Maps if youâre heading off-road or into remote areas. Each app has its strengths, so the best one depends on your travel style and where youâre going.
What is the most beautiful road trip in Australia?
Itâs hard to pick just one, but the Great Ocean Road in Victoria is often considered the most beautiful road trip in Australia. Stretching along the southern coast, it offers stunning ocean views, lush rainforests, and iconic stops like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Other top contenders include the Pacific Coast Drive from Sydney to Byron Bay, Tasmaniaâs East Coast, and WAâs Coral Coast from Perth to Exmouth.