Going on a road trip is not only one of the most exciting ways to see your country and its wonders, it’s now one of the safest ways to travel. While you might not be able to go abroad because of the pandemic, you can definitely embark on your own local adventure that will take you through the sights and the natural gems, preferably away from the crowds. If you’re fortunate enough to live in Australia, this road trip delivers an unforgettable adventure. For those in other parts of the world, keep these road trip tips on your list of future travel plans.
Of course, when we’re talking about the Land Down Under, there are many unforgettable scenic drives you can embark on. While many talk about the popular Brisbane-Sydney-Melbourne drive south, you should keep your eyes pointed north towards Cairns.
This scenic road trip takes you along the most beautiful coastal sights and spots, but you have to prepare for such a long drive. These road trip tips help ensure you organize an unforgettable Brisbane-Cairns road trip for you and your loved ones.
Adhering to COVID-19 Regulations
First things first, understand that you’re embarking on a trip through populated areas. Adhering to COVID-prevention measures keeps yourself and others safe at all times. Even though the current COVID-19 situation in Australia is stable and cases are diminishing throughout the country, it’s still important to exercise caution and stay alert.
To that end, it’s important that you plan your trip around safety and prevention. Bring enough masks for everyone as well as hand sanitizers and car disinfectants for your trip so that you can disinfect regularly. To minimize the risk of infection, make sure to avoid peak traffic hours and schedule your itinerary so as to avoid the crowds at your destinations. Practice social distancing, wear masks and stick to regular hygiene.
Choose the Best Time for the Adventure
Australia enjoys temperate climates throughout the year, but some months can push the local climate to the extreme. Typically, you’d want to visit the Far North Queensland area during the dry season, because the tropical climate brings massive rainfall and cyclones during the wet season. This is important if you want to avoid environmental hazards on your trip, as well as closed-off roads and entire towns due to flooding.
With that in mind, be sure to organize your trip somewhere between May and October to avoid the wet season that runs from November to April. That said, you can also take on this road trip during the shoulder months like November or March, but it is imperative that you follow the weather forecast and prepare accordingly.
Use the Right Vehicle for the Trip
The drive to Cairns from Brisbane is exciting and full of sightseeing opportunities and interesting stops, but it’s also a long and tiring one. If you’re not accustomed to driving long distances, you’ll want to prepare mentally and physically, but also get a vehicle that is better suited for this type of road trip – particularly if you’re planning on making detours into nature.
You can easily find affordable car hire in Brisbane that offers a variety of vehicles to suit your needs, the number of passengers, as well as the technical aspects that would allow you to traverse all terrain types. Most importantly, though, you’re renting a car to ensure that you have a reliable, mechanic-approved vehicle that is new and comes with a guarantee of safety and quality. For such a long trip, it is essential to have the right car that can overcome any challenge on the road.
Mark All Stops and Points of Interest
No matter how much you want to throw caution to the wind and just take off on your road trip, it’s smart to be prepared. First of all, creating a detailed itinerary will allow you to see and do everything on this scenic drive, and plan for points of interest that might be a bit out of your way but are still worth the visit.
You’ll need to plan for these detours so that you don’t waste any time, plan for gas stops, rest stops, lunch breaks, and everything in between. Use Google Maps to inspect all points of interest and attractions on the road to Cairns, and create a custom map for your road trip, marking every stop along the way.
Stock Up on the Essentials
Last but not least, be sure to make a checklist for all the essential gear you need for this trip. Remember, the drive to Cairns is pretty long, so you need to stock up on snacks, drinks, and food in general. Bring enough light layers, sanitary and hygiene products, as well as your essential tech.
Don’t leave on your trip without smartphones, chargers, a DSLR camera, and a portable charger just in case. If you’re making any detours into nature, then make sure to bring your outdoor gear and clothes. Don’t forget your first-aid kit and a spare tire to get yourself out of a bind if need be.
Wrapping up
The drive from Brisbane to Cairns is one of the most rewarding experienced you can get this year, but you need to be prepared for the adventure ahead. Use these tips to organize an unforgettable road trip that you and your loved ones will never forget.