How to prepare for a school holiday road trip post-lockdown
Australians are expected to hit the road and go interstate or explore where they live. But there are some crucial steps you must take before driving off.
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Australians are on the move again just in time for the July school holidays. As we come out of lockdown, many state tourist bodies are encouraging people to explore their home state with an old fashioned road trip.
But road safety officials say it’s important to take some additional steps to prepare yourself and your car after an extended period off the road. Here are a few essential boxes to tick before hitting the open road.
PREPARE THE CAR
If the car has been gathering dust in the garage for several months, you’ll need to carry out some important checks before heading off. Check oil and water levels, wiper fluid, tyres and batteries.
The RACQ’s Lucinda Ross says tyres deflate if left idle for too long. While you’re checking the pressures, take a close look at the tread depth.
Tyres play a critical part in the performance of your car, as they are your only point of contact with the road.
Bald tyres are extremely dangerous as they mean less control and longer stopping distances. Don’t neglect your spare tyre either and if you are heading for the snow, pack your chains.
Batteries can suffer from being left unused for too long as well. The RACQ has replaced more than 24,000 in the past six weeks alone.
PREPARE THE DRIVER
While it may be tempting to hit the road at 3am to beat the anticipated holiday rush, it’s safer to stick to your usual sleep routine and get a proper night’s rest before heading off.
The NSW Centre for Road Safety says driver fatigue is one of the three big killers on the road and being awake for about 17 hours has a similar effect on performance as a blood-alcohol content of 0.05. The advice is to stop every few hours to rest and stretch your legs and if possible share the driving load.
Commander of the NSW Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, is urging all road users to take personal responsibility and stay alert over the upcoming school holiday period.
“We’re asking you to manage your trip, slow down, take regular breaks, avoid distractions, and ensure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seatbelt.
“It is much more important to arrive safely, than not to arrive at all,” he says.
And remember to keep your hands off mobile phone. Taking your eyes off the road to check your mobile phone could cost you a huge fine and potentially your life. Data from Victoria’s Transport Accident Commission (TAC) says you will travel more than 55 metres when you take your eyes off the road for just two seconds at highway speeds.
If you struggle to keep your hands off your phone try the “Do Not Disturb While Driving” mode which blocks all incoming calls, texts and social media alerts. It will also send those who call or text you a message telling them you are driving and will reply when you stop.
Another worthwhile tip is to remember your road etiquette. Stay left unless overtaking and don’t tailgate.
Drivers hogging the right hand lane are a major cause of frustration on the road, leading some motorists to undertake risky manoeuvres. They also slow down the flow of traffic, making everyone’s trip longer. You will be fined if the police catch you.
Having said that, two wrongs don’t make a right and it’s incredibly dangerous to tailgate a lane hog. Take a deep breath and remember you have your loved ones in the car.
PREPARE THE ROUTE
Being on the road during the busy holiday period is stressful enough, so plan your route to ensure you don’t get caught out.
The stress of getting lost or missing freeway exits can cause some motorists to take unnecessary risks.
Allow extra time for traffic and make sure you have factored in regular rest stops so you arrive at your destination safely and on time. You’re going on holidays, not rushing to work.
Make sure you have some healthy snacks for the road. Chips, greasy hamburgers and sugary snacks will give you a temporary boost but could leave you crashing later on.
Make sure the iPads are charged and stocked with entertainment options for the kids in the back seat — bored kids can quickly become an unwelcome distraction.
If you are going off-road prepare for all types of road conditions.
PREPARE FOR TOWING
If you are hauling a caravan or trailer make sure you know your towing limits, including your towball limit, gross vehicle mass and payload. It’s best to get it professionally weighed before you set off.
Pack the caravan or trailer carefully, placing the bulk of the weight low and in the middle. Don’t forget to check the payload and GVM numbers for your vehicle. You’d be surprised how many dual-cab utes have little room for luggage once the caravan is hitched and there’s a full load of passengers aboard.
It’s important to remember that towing will affect your car’s performance, including braking distances and stability at speed. Drive more slowly, look well ahead for danger and be gentle with your driving inputs.
Finally, schedule in more breaks than you usually would. Towing is more stressful and tiring than normal driving.
PICK OF THE ROAD TRIPS
With international borders closed, there’s never been a better time for a road trip in your own backyard. Here are some options for getting to know Australia over the coming months.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Head south from Perth towards the scenic coastal town of Busselton — the trip should take about two and a half hours — and from there, take the Caves Road to the surf beaches of Dunsborough and Yallingup. The road twists its way through jarrah forests, vineyards and quaint farms. Follow the coast for another half an hour from Yallingup and you’ll hit the famous Margaret River wine region.
NSW
There are some spectacular drives near Sydney — most notably the Sea Cliff Bridge to the south and the old Pacific Highway to the north — but there are some great roads over the Blue Mountains near Bathurst. Once you’re over the mountains turn left before Lithgow and follow Magpie Hollow Road past Lake Lyell and on to Tarana. When you reach Bathurst, take the 6km journey around Mount Panorama before heading south out of the town along Lagoon Rd to the Chifley Dam.
QUEENSLAND
The twisting roads of the Gold Coast’s hinterland rainforest are a great place to spend a day. Depending on the border situation, you can start off in NSW on the Tweed Valley Way near Murwillumbah and head for Nerang and Queensland’s Numinbah Valley, winding past the Hinze Dam. Rosin’s Lookout has breathtaking views of the coast, while another 40 minutes along the road is the trendy town of Tamborine Mountain, a great lunch stop before you begin the descent into Surfers.
TASMANIA
There are so many fantastic roads in Tasmania it’s hard to pick just one, but the trip from Strahan to Stanley is a standout. It’s not for the faint-hearted — the wilderness road is unsealed in places — but there are plenty of rewards for the adventurous. The Pieman River ferry crossing is a highlight and the Corinna pub is a great spot for lunch.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
The drive from Adelaide to the historic river port of Goolwa, at the mouth of the Murray River, is one not to miss. Heading down the Fleurieu Peninsula through the McLaren Vale wine area, you should reach Goolwa in a little more than an hour. Grab some fish and chips on the wharf before heading back to Adelaide via Mount Barker. On the way stop at one of the lookouts to view Adelaide from the hills.
VICTORIA
Think Victorian road trips and most people think the Great Ocean Road but the Black Spur, which runs between the tourist towns of Healesville and Marysville, is one of Australia’s great strips of tarmac. Healesville is in the middle of the Yarra Valley wine region, about an hour and a half northeast of Melbourne. The road to Marysville winds through the heart of an ancient rainforest with towering mountain ash trees — the perfect place to unwind.
Originally published as How to prepare for a school holiday road trip post-lockdown