#1 Australians drive on the left side of the road. If you are used to driving on the other side, you may need some time to get used to this change. If you prefer camping – check Camper Champ, traveling in a motorhome is one of the best ways to travel.

#2 If you plan to visit Melbourne (and you should!), even if it’s summer, pack clothes for all types of weather, from early spring showers to baking summer sun, as the weather tends to change suddenly. It’s not a coincidence that they say: “If you don’t like the weather in Melbourne, just wait for ten minutes.”

#3 Trying to drive the Great Ocean Road in a day is crazy and draining – it’s worth spending a night or two along the way to fully immerse yourself in the amazing scenery. That’s why you should consider getting an aluminum roof top tent so that you’ll have no problems when the weather is changing.

#4 If you travel over the Christmas holidays, keep in mind that two days before and after Christmas and New Year’s Eve almost no shops are open, so stock up on food. Also, check the opening hours of local restaurants if you plan to dine out.

#5 If you want to hire a kayak, surfing equipment etc., you should usually get and return it between 9 am and 5 pm. It turned out that finding a rental kayak for a sunset tour was not an easy feat. It’s also important to call up at least one week in advance, especially in the high season, as you may find everything has been pre-booked.

#6 If you want to see kangaroos, koalas, wombats and penguins parading at sunset and other exotic (at least to foreigners) animals in their natural habitat, plan a trip to Phillip Island.

Philip Island, Australia | © www.203challenges.com

#7 For a chance to see and feed possums, head to Kalimna Woods Cottages at Lake’s Entrance.

#8 If you have included the Blue Mountains National Park in your itinerary, here is a useful tip to skip the crowds: choose a trail other than the Three Sisters Walk. All trails offer the same views but the Three Sisters Walk is the most overloaded with human traffic.

Blue Mountains, Australia | ©www.203challenges.com

#9 A stop in Sydney always includes a scenic view of the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House (and of the New Year’s fireworks above them if you have planned your visit to coincide with this major celebration). The best views are from Taronga Zoo, Kurraba Point or Robertsons Point. Some people arrive at these viewpoints hours in advance to spend the whole New Year’s Eve there, but you can also arrive at the last minute and it will still be easy to find a good vantage spot.

#10 In every single AirBnB we rented, there were cockroaches, every time getting bigger and bigger. It’s a good idea to buy some anti-cockroach spray if you can’t stand the sight of a huge bug on your wall.

#11 Include a stopover at Byron Bay – a coastal town full of people from all over the world who have come here to make their dreams come true. It’s a lively and inspiring place famed for its hippy, alternative atmosphere and beaches that are perfect for surfing.

#12 Always read the signs on the beach carefully because they tell you if there are jellyfish or anything dangerous/poisonous in the water. If you see a picture-perfect beach with nobody in the water, always suspect that there may be a sign you have missed.

#13 If you are a cruise lover ready to see the Great Barrier Reef, you can book a two- or three-day sea tour in Cairns, where you actually spend the night on a ship and enjoy diving three times a day, including night diving. If you are restricted by time, you can go diving on a single-day tour, too. Although Cairns is most famous for its surfing spots, don’t miss Kuranda Rainforest Village only 25 km (15 mi) from Cairns (and don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent and plenty of water).

See also: An essential guide to exploring Australia’s Beautiful North West

The post 13 useful tips before you head on a road trip to Australia appeared first on 203Challenges.

Things To Consider Before Renting A Motorhome

Renting a motorhome should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Motorhome travel combines convenience and excitement like no other type of travel can. There are a few considerations you have to put in mind before deciding To make your motorhome rental a great success. Here are things that need to be concerned.

Type Of Motorhome

There are many different types of motorhomes, and some may be more suitable for you than others. For example, you can rent a travel trailer, which you tow behind your vehicle, but you can also rent a class A motorhome, which you drive. The djmotorhomehire.co.uk/chausson-flash-c656/ has the best motorhome and more information on the RV. To choose the right kind of motorhome for you, consider factors such as your budget, the length of the trip, the number of people coming with you, and your destination.

The Newer The Better

Let’s face it when it comes to renting something, being concerned about its lifespan is rarely a consideration. When renting a motorhome, the first thing to remember is that newer is always better. When you rent an older motorhome to save money, you will find that it costs you more in the long run.

Most rental companies offer discounts for units older than ten years, which is great if you’re aware of the risks. Older motorhomes can have problems that aren’t always obvious. You can be confident that everything in a newer motorhome is up to code, giving you the peace of mind that we all want when renting a motorhome. 

The Size Of The Motorhome

Motorhomes are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. You must choose between a detachable trailer and an all-in-one motorhome in terms of size. The advantage of driving a motorhome is that your bed, kitchen, bathroom, and living area are all included inside the car. Passengers motorhome can also take advantage of the comfort of the couches, beds, and tables while on the road.

There are three different types of motorhomes:

• Class A RVs are huge, bus-shaped vehicles that can be challenging to drive on your first ride.
• Class Bs are smaller vans that are also known as sleeping vans or campervans.
• Detachable travel trailers allow you to leave it at your campground or park and drive your smaller vehicle.

Understand How Motorhome Works

Whether this is your first time driving an RV or not, you must spend time learning how motorhomes operate. This involves familiarizing yourself with the vehicle’s features so that if anything goes wrong, you’ll be able to repair it. To avoid blowing your RV’s main breaker, for example, you should at least know how many amps it can take.

Furthermore, it is recommended that you test drive the vehicle before embarking on your journey to ensure that you are comfortable driving it. Similarly, practice parking the motorhome because it can be difficult, mainly if you are a novice.

Work With Your Budget

Although taking a motorhome road trip can be a cost-effective way to see a lot of nature, it’s always a good idea to assess your financial situation. Luxury, car size, destinations, and gas mileage all factor into how much money you can set aside. RV experts will help you get the most bang for your buck if you come in with a good figure or range.

How Many People Are Coming?

One of the most important things to consider when deciding whether or not renting a motorhome is worthwhile is the number of people traveling with you. The larger the motorhome you need, the more people you’ll be towing. The larger the motorhome, the more it will cost.

If you’ve decided on the best motorhome model for your group size, you can start looking at prices and comparing them to hotels to see if they’re comparable.

Traveling in a motorhome is a thrilling and one-of-a-kind adventure. Road trips are full of twists and turns and are still a lot of fun. If you’ve never traveled in a motorhome before, you should do so as soon as possible. There’s nothing like visiting the country while having all of your creature comforts with you.

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Challenge #1: Catch a free live music act

Brisbane city hosts City Sounds, a free music program where you can catch performances from a diverse range of talented local bands and musicians throughout the week in Queen Street Mall and a range of other locations, including everything from folk and blues artists through to jazz and electro acts. 

Challenge #2: Grab a sky-high cocktail 

Hit up one of Brisbane’s impressive rooftop cocktail bars where you can take in the glittering lights and views of the CBD while indulging in a tasty creation concocted by one of Brisbane’s many mixologists.

Challenge #3: Hit up one of Brissy’s markets

From the Brisbane City Markets to the South Bank Young Designers Markets, Suitcase Rummage, the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Markets, The Collective Markets or the many local farmer’s markets, there’s no shortage of options to choose from.

Challenge #4: Indulge in some Asian street food 

Like the idea of a matcha soft-serve or some Japanese barbeque? Head to the Elizabeth Street FudoDori Asian food laneway to sample a unique and tasty range of Asian flavours.

Challenge #5: Book in for a helicopter pub crawl

A pub crawl is always a fun experience, but have you ever done it by helicopter? You can do it while in Brisbane through Pterodactyl Helicopters, where you’ll be able to take in the sights of Brisbane from up above while making a few stops along the way for a bevvy or two.

Challenge #6: Go kayaking in the city at twilight 

What could be nicer than heading out for a relaxed paddle along the Brisbane River as the sun goes down? Watch the city make the transition from day to night with from your illuminated kayak while basking in the lights and reflections of the surrounding buildings. You can book through Riverlife kayak adventures.

Challenge #7: Take a dive with Manta Rays

If you’re in Brissy during summer, pay a visit to the famed Manta Brommie dive site near North Stradbroke Island where you can get up close and personal with manta rays, as well as plenty of other marine life including leopard and guitar sharks, turtles and octopus.

Challenge #8: Enjoy a drink beneath Story Bridge

Story Bridge is a major landmark in Brisbane so it’s only fitting that every visitor to the city should pay it a visit—but the best way to do it would have to be while sipping on a cold drink at the overwater bar at Howard Smith Wharves where you can also take in the view of the bridge, river and CBD.

Challenge #9: Wander through the Brisbane Quarter

If you don’t mind a little glitz and glamour, take a stroll through the Brisbane Quarter which is home to a range of premium restaurants, bars and retailers where you can get a taste of the high life.

Challenge #10: Explore Brisbane’s surrounds

No visit to Brisbane is complete without venturing out of the city itself, so why not find a motorhome hire company in Brisbane and head out on the road for a few days. With plenty of nearby destinations and attractions to explore including the Glasshouse Mountains, Lake Wivenhoe, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and Lamington National Park, it will be an adventure that’s hard to forget!

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