Road Tripping the Australian Way: Love your Van

Australia is a seriously vast country. At its widest going east to west it is almost 4000 kilometres (2485 miles). North to south is similarly huge, at 3860 kilometres long. So whether you’re heading across Steep Point to Cape Byron or from Cape York down to South East Cape, all this space makes for a nation that offers seriously good road trips.

However, Australia’s a diverse country with everything from urban cities and stunning coastlines to the rugged bush and remote outback. Although you need some serious kit if you’re heading to the most isolated locations, many of us get by travelling through a variety of small and large towns and cities. However, you choose to travel, love your caravan because of the freedom it offers to make your own way up, down, across and around this ‘sunburnt country.’ However, no longer do we scour ‘for sale’ ads at the local store to buy accessories for caravans or completely new vehicles. Today it’s easily done online, no matter the location. Here’s our pick of current favourites to satisfy your wanderlust:

Solar Parts

Australia has sun. Lots of it. Even winter in Melbourne will still provide enough rays to be useful for many devices. Whether it’s a dedicated solar panel on your caravan’s roof, solar blanket, solar fridge fan or amp regulator to charge your batteries, there are an array of solar capable goodies that are worth taking on your trip.

Awnings and Annexes

On the topic of sun…. it’s pretty harsh here. So even if you’re the tanning type, the midday sun can be enough to have even the most sun-loving traveller seek out some shade, or face a beet red complexion the next day. Retractable shade is great for camping, sun protection and also rain protection. Bonus points for a zippered, flyscreen option to keep the mosquitoes at bay. Find one that is UV resistant and waterproof and is sturdy enough to withstand breezes.

Safety Must Haves

In the event that your caravan is temporarily out of action, there’s a few more essentials to keep at hand to ensure you’re back on the road quickly. Don’t just have spare tyres stashed away, check you have the means to install them: for example, you’ll want a hydraulic (or similar) jack to assist in changing any flats, unless you have Superman on board. Towing equipment is also handy if you really can’t get your vehicle sorted with the equipment you have. 

If going remote: satellite phones to call for assistance when normal phones are out or range and back up fuel and supplies of food and water. UHF CB radios are also useful, especially when travelling in a convoy. In a dire situation, a transpiration bag to help you gather water can save your life. If heading to urban centres: truck GPS so you can be alerted if the height of your rig will not quite make it under some of the older low hanging bridges or narrow roads. Happy caravanning!

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