Planning Your Trip to Australia?
Every great Aussie trip starts with the right setup. We’ve teamed up with partners we trust to help you get behind the wheel and stay protected on the road.
The wrong vehicle can turn an epic adventure into a logistical headache. Whether you’re hugging the coastline or heading deep into the red dirt, these are the rentals we trust to get you there and back safely.
Motorhomes
They are the best choice for families or groups who want “home comforts” on the road such as a bathroom and kitchen. These thrive on trips like the Southern Reach, but be prepared, they aren’t economic and can be a handful to drive in coastal winds.
Campervans
Campervans are the perfect middle ground, small enough to park in a beach-side spot but tall enough to stand up in. Ideal for driving along the East Coast where you want to wake up by the ocean without needing a massive motorhome.
SUVs / Sedans
If you are sticking to sealed routes like the Great Ocean Road or the Black Spur, a modern SUV is the smartest choice. You get significantly better fuel economy, modern interiors, and a much smoother ride on the winding mountain passes.
4×4 Off-Roaders
These are high-clearance rigs equipped with heavy-duty tires and snorkels. Unlike standard cars, these thrive on unsealed tracks like the Barry Way. If your bucket list includes off-road tracks or desert crossings, this is the way to do it.
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Travel Insurance
Both domestic and international travel insurance policies often contain cover for hire car excess. If you’re travelling overseas, travel insurance is essential, so if you already have good rental car excess cover in your travel insurance policy, you may not need to shell out for additional cover.
Cover-More is a popular pick for tourists who want a single plan for everything. Their travel insurance includes rental car excess cover alongside medical and luggage protection. This means you don’t have to pay for expensive waivers at the rental desk. It’s a reliable way to stay safe while keeping your travel costs down.
Why Choose Cover-More?
– High excess cover limits (up to $10,000 on top-tier plans).
– Includes 24/7 global emergency medical and travel assistance.
– Covers a variety of vehicles, including campervans and 4WDs.
1Cover offers simple and affordable protection for tourists. Their travel insurance plans let you add rental car excess cover easily, so you are reimbursed if the car is damaged. It is a great choice for travelers who want clear, easy-to-read policies. You get both health protection and car hire peace of mind in one budget-friendly package.
Why Choose 1Cover?
– ‘Outstanding Value’ award-winner for international travel cover.
– Simple add-on options to customise your rental excess limit.
– Fast, award-winning claims service for travellers on the go.
Southern Cross is a great choice for tourists looking for straightforward, award-winning value. Their comprehensive plans include rental vehicle excess as a standard benefit, ensuring you aren’t left out of pocket if your hire car is damaged or stolen. They are well-known for their clear policy wording and highly-rated customer service, making the claims process stress-free for travelers.
Why Choose Southern Cross?
– Recognised by Canstar and Mozo for outstanding value.
– One of the highest standard car excess limits available ($10k)
– Global emergency assistance available any time, day or night.
Content Kit
Australia is spectacular, but it’s unforgiving. You need more than just a camera to capture the magic, you need the right tools to stay powered, connected, and safe when the signal drops to zero. These are the most important parts of our kit we use to keep the cameras running and the wheels turning.
TripMate Insights
Your ‘digital co-pilot’ for discovering Australia beyond the generic tourist stops. This guide is packed with driver-specific insights, including the best times for photo ops, hidden niche attractions, and local secrets tailored for every route on and off our site. It’s the essential tool for turning a standard drive into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Why TripMate Insights?
– Hand-picked, scenic routes that escape the generic tourist trails.
– Precise GPS coordinates for secret lookouts hidden from the crowds.
– Discover our vault of ‘off-the-map’ routes not shared on the website.
WikiCamps Australia
The ultimate ‘bible’ for anyone driving in Australia. This crowdsourced app works entirely offline, critical for our massive ‘no-signal’ zones. It lists over 60,000 campsites, rest areas, public toilets, and petrol stations with real-time traveler reviews. Whether you need a place to sleep or just the nearest bathroom, WikiCamps ensures you’re never truly lost.
Why WikiCamps?
– Find campsites, pet-friendly stays, or even the nearest hot shower.
– View authentic traveller photos and reviews to avoid nasty surprises.
– Stay on budget with user-reported site fees for campgrounds.
Google Maps
If used correctly, Google Maps is the gold standard for navigating car trips. Australia has massive dead zones where 4G/5G doesn’t exist. Before you start your trip, search for your destination, tap ‘Download Offline Map’ and save the entire region to your phone. This ensures your GPS keeps working perfectly even when you’re deep in the outback with zero bars.
Why Google Maps?
– Get real-time traffic updates to save time on busy coastal highways.
– Download specific regions to maintain GPS even in no-signal zones.
– View accurate ETA’s that adjust automatically based on current conditions.
Action Camera
An action camera is your all-in-one adventure tool. Use it to record stabilised, quality footage of your drives, or unclip it to snap high-res photos and 4K video on hikes, at the beach, or underwater. Rugged and waterproof, these cameras are built to follow you from the driver’s seat to the summit and everywhere in between.
At TripMate, we use the GoPro Hero 13 Black to record our daytime drives and the DJI Osmo Action 6 for evening and night drives.
Why Action Cameras?
– Capture smooth, pro-quality footage of your scenic travels.
– Record hours of footage without draining your phone’s power or storage.
– Unclip it to use while hiking, swimming, or exploring off-road trails.
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This content is for general information only and reflects conditions at the time of recording. It is not driving or safety advice.