Driving around Australia: What vehicle makes most sense?
Whether you’re exploring the east coast, west coast or going straight through the middle, the best way to see Australia is on the open road, be it by campervan, 4WD or even the family car. That said, some vehicles are better suited to some destinations than others, and if you’re planning a road trip around Australia it’s important to consider this.
So what vehicle is the best option for you? So you don’t waste time (and money) at car rental lots, we’ve decided to run through the main vehicular options for a trip in Australia.
Station wagons
Ah the humble station wagon. While a road trip around Australia in a station wagon certainly won’t be a glamorous affair, it can be an easy, flexible option that can be ideal for some trips, especially if there’s only a couple of you in the car.
Advantages
- Cheap – Most station wagons will cost peanuts to rent, and fuel up.
- Easy – Station wagons are as easy to drive on the open road as they are in the, so if you want to stop in the big smoke you don’t have to worry about traffic.
- Flexible – If you plan to mix it up on your trip between camping, staying in hotels and
Disadvantages
- Uncomfortable – Long drives can be brutal in the wrong station wagon, and even the most cleverly fitted mattress in the back can lead to a rough night.
- Not great off-road – If you’re bush bashing, a station wagon might not be appropriate.
Campervan
If you’re going to be on the road for a while a campervan is a natural option. You’ll be more comfortable, but the trade-off comes with higher expenses and if you’re not staying in it every night you might not be getting value for money.
Advantages
- More comfortable – By its very nature a campervan is going to provide a more comfortable trip, especially if you’re planning to sleep in the vehicle every night.
- Home comforts – Campervans also provide an opportunity to drive with home comforts like a fridge, kitchen sink and gas stove which can be invaluable on the road.
- More people – Gives you the opportunity to travel comfortably with more people.
Disadvantages
- Harder to drive – Campervans can be a little unwieldly, especially for first-timers.
- Expensive – Rental and fuel costs are comparatively higher.
4WD
If you’re looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush on your Australian road trip you’d be crazy to not rent a 4WD and these can be a great option for experienced drivers.
Advantages
- Allows you to go off the beaten track – In the right hands a 4WD should be able to handle any terrain you put in front of it, giving you the opportunity to get off the beaten track.
- Comfortable – Many 4WD rentals are much more comfortable than smaller cars.
Disadvantages
- Expensive – 4WDs are generally expensive to rent and refuel.
- Difficult to drive – In the wrong hands, 4WDs can be quite difficult to drive.
Have you ever been on a road trip around Australia? What vehicle did you drive?