Should I Rent A Car Or Van To Travel The Outback?
Driving through the Outback is regarded by many travellers as the ultimate Australian adventure, but doing it the right way is essential for a fun, safe journey. As wild and thrilling as it may be, an Outback road trip is not the sort of thing you do on a whim. It requires lots of planning, and all of the right equipment and supplies.
One of the most important things you can do for a hassle-free, comfortable, and fun Outback journey is make sure you’re renting the right sort of vehicle. But is it better to hire out a car or a van? In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors you need to consider, and help you make the best decision for your Outback adventure.
Renting a car in the Outback
Renting a car to drive through the Outback is totally doable, though opting for a 4WD is essential to get through those rough terrains. There are a few perks to opting for a car over a van for your Outback road trip:
Easier to drive: Generally speaking, cars are easier to drive and handle than vans. This is particularly convenient on the Outback’s infamous roads. That being said, driving through the Outback is a task for well-versed drivers. So, if you’re nervous on the road, it might be best to let someone else take the wheel.
Cheaper to rent: In most cases, renting a car will be cheaper than renting a van - particularly if you’re travelling as a smaller group who might not necessarily need all the space that a van offers. If you want to keep your costs to a minimum, this could be a big deciding factor.
Renting a van in the Outback
Renting a van is one of the most popular ways to travel through the Aussie Outback. More specifically, a 4WD camper van. Not only does a camper van offer more space and comfort, but it lets drivers take all sorts of useful amenities with them, making the breathtaking journey through the Outback all the easier. These are some of the top advantages to renting a van for your Outback tour:
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Comfort: The fact of the matter is, if you’re driving through the Outback, you certainly won’t get it done in just one day. Once night falls, you’ll need somewhere to sleep. Cozying up in a bed sounds a lot more comfortable and secure than trying to get your forty winks in the back seat of your car or a sleeping bag. Plus, the storage space that a van offers means you can bring all sorts of essentials with you on your road trip.
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Protection and safety: A camper van will offer better protection from the harsh elements of the Outback. In the Red Centre, the summers are sweltering and the winters are freezing, so being prepared for the intense weather conditions is essential to your comfort and safety. Plus, extra storage space means that you and your co-adventurers can carry any emergency supplies you might need, from recovery gear and spare tyres to first aid kits and extra drinking water.
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Flexibility: One of the biggest perks of renting a van in general is the flexibility and self-sufficiency it brings. For a journey through the Australian Outback, these are invaluable qualities. Without a second thought, you can quickly set up camp for the night, make use of your own power supply and water tanks, and nourish yourself with food storage and cooking facilities - without even having to consider where the nearest public amenities might be. One of the quirks of travelling the Outback is that there are large portions of the journey where you may be ‘off-grid’ or out of signal, so being self-sufficient and flexible is a huge plus.
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Economical: The idea of renting out a van for a road trip might be financially daunting, but the truth is, relying on a camper van is actually cost-effective and could save you quite a bit of money. For one thing, more modern vans designed to be more fuel-efficient to help you make the most of your gas money. Plus, your van is both your vehicle and your accommodation, so there’ll be no money wasted on hotels, motels, or hostels along the way!
Vans vs Cars Conclusion
Ultimately, the right choice of vehicle comes down to your personal travel needs, but more well-seasoned travellers would lean towards renting a van for their Outback road trip - and would recommend that you do the same. For your general health and safety, and for the vast, open spaces that the Outback is famous for, a van makes the most sense to make sure your adventure goes off without a hitch. All in all, the most important thing is that the vehicle you decide to rent is a 4WD so that you can get through unsealed, unstable surfaces, and rocky or slippy terrains in a solid, durable vehicle.
What do I need to rent a 4WD?
Rental companies will require a few documents from you before you can rent a 4WD for your Aussie road trip. Before you book your vehicle, make sure you have the following:
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A full, valid Australian or International driver’s licence. In some cases you must have held it for more than 12 consecutive months.
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A second form of ID such as a passport or a Medicare Card
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A security deposit via a credit card
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If you are between ages 21 and 25, expect to pay a young driver surcharge.
It’s also worth noting that certain car rental companies do not allow their 4WD vehicles to be driven off-road. Make sure you double check with your provider and let them know that you plan on driving through the Outback to avoid any possible fines.
Tips for driving through the Outback
Once you’ve secured your 4WD rental, it’s important to be fully prepared for your Outback drive. Here are some of our top tips for staying safe and sound when driving through the bush.
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Plan your route in advance: Take note of which roads are safe and in good condition, which routes are ‘unsealed’, and where you’ll find fuel stops and camping reserves along the way. Before you leave, share your itinerary and planned route with someone else so your journey is being tracked.
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Secure any permits and passes you may need: Certain roads within the Outback require transit permits to drive down. When you’re planning your route, take note of any roads that run through national parks and traditional lands. You can acquire transit permits through the Central Land Council or the Ngaanyatjarra Council in advance of your journey.
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Double check your vehicle’s condition: It is essential that you test your vehicle’s oil, coolant, fuel levels, and tyre pressure before you set off into the Outback. Be sure that you’re also carrying any tools you might need for a breakdown and at least one spare tyre. Keep making regular checks throughout your road trip, too.
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Communication is key: There will be patches of road in the Outback with zero mobile coverage. In case of an emergency, it’s useful to have a satellite phone so you can contact relevant authorities. It’s also worth keeping note of local emergency contact numbers..
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Avoid driving at night: As soon as the sun sets, find somewhere to pull in and rest foro the night. Lots of nocturnal animals live in the Outback, and the chances of a wildlife collision increase between dusk and dawn. Reduced visibility at nightfall also means that you won’t be able to judge the safety of the road ahead, making potholes, dust, and debris a much bigger risk.
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Carry supplies in your vehicle: As well as tools and spare tyres, it’s essential to carry extra supplies with you in your vehicle. That includes non-perishable foods, a decent supply of drinking water, a first-aid kit, and physical maps for when your GPS inevitably loses signal.
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Know what to do in an emergency: If there is an emergency on the road, it’s important to be aware of some key Outback safety tips. For example, it’s vital that you do not stray from your vehicle and ideally stay inside the car. To signal for help, turn on your hazard lights and use reflective materials or flares to draw attention to you and your crew. If your mobile phone is out of signal, use your satellite phone to contact emergency services. However, by following the above safety measures, you’ll be able to avoid any sort of emergency scenario in the Outback.
4WD Tours in the Outback
If there’s any part of you that feels a little bit uneasy about renting your own vehicle to travel through the Outback in, that’s completely fine. You can still have your Outback adventure! For better peace of mind, we recommend booking a pre-organised four-wheel driving tour complete with an experienced guide and a set itinerary.
4WD Outback Tours
Why not take a look through some of our 4WD Tour options for the ultimate Outback experience?
If you want to know more about travelling through the Outback, contact our team of travel experts today!
