10 must-haves for your next Summer road trip

Sometimes the best road trips are the simple ones, where you wake up early, grab yourself a local coffee, load up the car and go. Once you’re en route, it’s all the little moments that really make things magic, from a bakery pie to an impromptu sunset swim.

With a good playlist, great company and a sensible budget, you’ll keep costs in check, the vibes high and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. The best part? Let the open road surprise you, then shape the day around what you find. Here’s our suggestions to help you do just that.

1. Don't rush the drive, break up the distance

Australia has a fondness for oversized roadside attractions that add a touch of fun to any roadtrip.

Australia is big, and long days behind the wheel can leave even the best drivers tired. Plan several breaks with a proper stretch every two hours, and book an overnight stay if you’re driving more than eight hours. On the Sydney to Byron Bay run, break things up with a night in Newcastle, Port Macquarie or Coffs Harbour, and leave time for small, quirky stops too.

Speaking of big, Australia’s “big things” are perfect for this, from a selfie at the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour or the Big Pineapple on the Sunshine Coast If you’re passing through Goulburn, look out for the Big Merino, or if you’re over in WA don’t miss the Big Prawn in Exmouth.

Tip: Break up the journey by using free rest areas along the way, many which have toilets and picnic benches. Service stations along major highways are also handy for grabbing snacks, topping up petrol, and having a proper stretch before you get back on the road.

2. Make the most of affordable or free campsites

Pitching a tent is another great way to break up a long drive. Free and low-cost campsites still make for some of the best overnight stops on a summer road trip. While free spots are harder to come by, a little research goes a long way. Look for national park campgrounds, council showgrounds, and donation-based sites. Aim for toilets, water, flat ground, and arrive before dark. Respect fire bans and take your rubbish when you leave.

Tip: Check out Free Camping Australia and Travellers Autobarn, which are among a number of reliable websites listing free campsites around the country.

3. Bookend your trip with nicer accommodation

Start and finish strong with a YHA reset. If you're driving the iconic east coast route, kick things off with a private room at YHA Sydney Harbour, complete with hot shower, comfy bed, and sunrise over the Bridge. Mix up the middle with campgrounds, caravan parks and co-living spaces to keep things affordable, then wrap at YHA Cairns Central or YHA Brisbane City with a larger private room and a drip in the pool. Track your bookings with the YHA Explorer App and you can save up to 15 per cent the more you stay.

Tip: Book popular spots early in peak season, and build in flexibility for unexpected detours.

4. Split costs and share the ride with others

Take turns at the wheel - it keeps the trip cheaper, safer, and way more fun. (Image Credit: Destination NSW)

Road trips are better and cheaper with mates. Costs drop when you share petrol, snacks, and stays. The conversations keep you alert, plus you've got a DJ and a second set of eyes to spot wildlife at dusk. Google “kangaroo hour” and you’ll see this is actually a thing. Before you go, agree on a simple roster so that everyone’s on the same page. If someone doesn’t drive, ask them to cook a group meal in a YHA kitchen or handle navigation. If starting in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, join 5 Minute Friends to make travel buddies fast. It’s a YHA initiative made to help you share the journey.

Tip: Manage group spending with a shared note or budget app like Splitwise, which lets you track things like fuel, food, stays, and activities. It keeps money issues easy and friendly.

5. Crack the cheap petrol code

Petrol usually costs more in regional areas, so fill up in bigger towns and along major highways. Don't leave it until late at night either, as many rural service stations don’t normally operate 24 hours. Heading north from Brisbane? Do a big supermarket shop and fill up near YHA Brisbane City. That way you'll be paying for cheaper petrol and have your snacks sorted out too. If you're driving south to Melbourne from Canberra, fill up before you hit the Snowy Mountains.

Tip: Use a fuel price app like Petrol Spy or Fuel Map Australia to find the cheapest servo nearby. This will also be helpful if you need to fill up quickly. Loyalty programs from Ampol and supermarket chains like Coles (Flybuys) and Woolworths often give 4c to 8c per litre off. It only takes a few minutes to join and the cents add up fast on a long trip.

6. Build your perfect playlist and podcast mix

Good tunes, good company - the perfect road-trip combo. (Image Credit: Destination NSW)

Music sets the tone. Before you head off, make a few playlists (and download them for offline) for different moods. Pick retro bangers for sing-alongs, morning chill if you’re leaving early, and high-energy tunes for the last hour before arriving at your next stop. Add some podcasts or audiobooks for the longer, straight legs of the journey, and don’t forget that everyone’s music tastes are different too.

Tip: Along some routes, you may not have great reception, so download songs and podcasts to play offline. YHA properties like YHA Cairns Central and YHA Byron Bay are among those with fast, reliable (and free) Wi-Fi that will get your playlist or podcast sorted.

7. Pack car snacks like a pro

Pack an esky with ice, or a cooler bag with frozen bottles of water to keep snacks and drinks cool on a hot summers day

Snacks are the underrated MVP of the great summer road trip. They’ll stop you from spending half your budget at the servo and keep up your energy levels, especially for long stretches. Think fresh and simple. Fruit, wraps, nuts, carrot sticks, hummus and beef jerky all travel well. Pack chocolate or lollies if you need a late afternoon sugar burst.

Tip: Also pack an esky with a bag of ice to keep drinks cold all day. Freeze a few water bottles the night before so they double as ice packs and icy cold sippers.

8. Navigation that works offline

Even with good coverage, always plan for black spots - offline maps and a paper backup keep your road trip on track (Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Australia has decent 5G, but there are black spots with little to no reception. Download offline maps, save pins for fuel stops and free campsites, and pack a paper map for true no-service zones. Before you leave, favourite key lookouts, towns, and rest stops so they are easy to find on the road. If you have accommodation booked, confirm check-in times and share your ETA before you hit patchy coverage. For YHA stays, download the YHA app ahead of time and save your bookings, check-in info, and contact details so you can access them offline.

Tip: Build your itinerary on your phone. “Star” your “must-see” stops, add quick notes, and download offline maps so everything works without reception. Drag pins into a daily order and screenshot each day’s plan as a fast backup.

9. Pack for emergencies and hunger stops

Skip the full toolbox but pack what you’ll actually need. This includes jumper leads, a tyre puncture kit, a real spare, a torch, a small first aid kit, plus sunscreen, mozzie repellent, wipes and hand sanitiser. Take reusable cups, plates and cutlery, tea towels, a picnic rug, a power bank, plus water and a few snacks. Keeping a simple “mini kitchen” means any lookout can become lunch with a view. Australia is packed with picnic spots, so make the most of them.

Tip: Sort out roadside assistance before you go. If you’re hiring a car, check this is included and save the emergency hotline in your phone. Without cover, a breakdown in the middle of nowhere will cost you a small fortune.

10. Road etiquette that keeps the mood good

The Aussie Wave (Image Credit: Our Walkabout)

Be the driver everyone wishes they were behind. Keep left, indicate early, let faster cars pass by and don’t tailgate. Never throw rubbish out the window, especially when you’re travelling at high speeds. On country roads, a quick wave to oncoming drivers is pretty standard in Australia. It's a small yet polite gesture, and feels like an unofficial handshake.

Tip: Speed limits change often. On regional highways you'll usually see 100 or 110 km/h. In towns and cities, limits drop quickly and there may be speed cameras. School zones are generally 40 km/h during the signed times, so keep an eye on the signs.

Words: Troy Nankervis