Road trip essentials: ultimate checklist for 2025

Campervan: Day For It on Camplify!

It’s easy to become overwhelmed when preparing a road trip packing list. Luckily, our travel experts at Camplify have put together the ultimate list of road trip essentials to help you prepare everything you need.

This list of 80 road trip essentials is suitable for every kind of journey, from short weekend getaways to the best road trips in Australia! Plus, to make things even easier, we’ve broken the list down into categories and seasons:

• Basic road trip essentials

• Technology

• Health and hygiene

• Cooking and camping

• Clothing and apparel

• Entertainment and fun

• Summer road trip essentials

• Winter road trip essentials

Hire a camper with tonnes of storage - use Camplify to find campervan hire in Australia !

Road trip essentials: the ultimate packing list

Basic road trip essentials

• Licence and vehicle registration

Your licence and registration are essential if you want to avoid legal trouble whilst on your road trip. At any time you could be pulled over and asked for both documents by the police. Plus, if you want to enter adult venues like pubs and clubs, your licence will likely be necessary.

What licence do I need to drive a campervan?

• Vehicle insurance information

It is essential to keep a copy of your insurance information in case you are involved in an accident. When you hire a campervan with Camplify, you get comprehensive hire insurance included at no additional cost.

• ID (for all passengers)

If you are on a road trip with kids or passengers who don’t hold a licence, it is essential that they bring some other form of identification. This might be necessary to enter some premises and can also help you get discounts on certain campsites and attractions.

• Car/van manual

The vehicle manual is a road trip essential because it has information on operating and repairing the car or van. However, when you hire a campervan with Camplify, Nationwide NRMA Roadside Assistance is included in your booking.

• Spare tyre

The most common problem on long road trips is punctured tyres. Ensure that you’ve got a properly inflated spare tyre on board. If you have hired a campervan with Camplify, you can change the tyre yourself or call upon the Nationwide NRMA Roadside Assistance included in your booking.

• Emergency roadside kit

In some countries you are legally required to place emergency signage behind your vehicle if you break down or are involved in an accident. Whilst this [rule only applies to truck drivers in Australia](http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/repealed_reg/arr210/s227.html# :~:text=AUSTRALIAN%20ROAD%20RULES%20%2D%20REG%20227,-Using%20portable%20warning&text=(2)%20If%20the%20driver%20stops,road%20users%20of%20the%20vehicle.), this is still a handy safety device to include on your road trip packing list.

• Jumper cables

Jumper cables are a road trip essential because they can help you jump-start your vehicle in case of a flat battery. Jumper cables are fairly affordable, but sometimes you might struggle to find someone who will give you a jump start. In this case, investing in a battery pack can be useful.

• Spare Money (including a backup debit card)

You never want to find yourself in a situation where you can't pay for the products or services you need. Pack a small container with spare cash and hide it somewhere in your vehicle or bag. Also, add an extra debit card to your road trip packing list in case you lose your main card.

Make your adventure amazing with our Australia road trip tips!

• Notebook, pen and pencil

Including a notebook on your road trip packing list can come in handy when you need to quickly jot down some information. Plus, if you ever get bored or want to reflect on your travels, it is great for journaling and sketching.

Technology road trip essentials

• Maps.Me app

Maps.Me is the # 1 app in the world for offline maps and a road trip essential if you plan on visiting destinations with poor mobile reception. Simply download the map to your phone and it will use GPS to provide turn-by-turn navigation, even when you’re offline. This feature also helps to save on mobile data. Available on iOS and Android.

Discover the 10 best camping apps for Australia!

• Chargers

You are going to want to charge phones and other devices whilst on your road trip. Check what kind of charging ports your vehicle has and pack cables/adapters that are suitable. Consider buying an adapter to charge multiple devices at once.

• Charging bank

A charging bank is a great backup method to charge your devices when you’re not in your vehicle. Simply slip your power bank and phone in your pocket or backpack and it will charge as you explore your destination. Perfect if you like to take a lot of photos!

• Torch (including batteries or USB charger)

Include a torch on your road trip packing list so that you don’t have to fumble around in the dark at night. Pack your torch and plenty of batteries. Alternatively, you can now purchase USB rechargeable torches.

• Hands-free mobile holder

Across Australia, it is illegal to hold and use your mobile whilst driving. Instead, place your mobile in a hands-free holder that can be stuck to your windshield or dashboard.

• Headphones or Earphones (including Charger)

You’re not always going to want to listen to whatever your travel companions are listening to. A good set of headphones or earphones are road trip essentials so that you can enjoy your audiobooks, podcasts, music and movies.

• Camera (including Charger)

A camera is essential for capturing all of your awesome road trip memories. Think about investing in a charging cable that you can use in your vehicle (if you don’t have one already).

Health and hygiene road trip essentials

• First aid kit

On your journey, it is almost inevitable that you will get a few scratches and bruises along the way. This is why a first aid kit should be included on every road trip packing list and comes included with every Camplify hire.

• Sunblock and mosquito repellent

When travelling in a sun-soaked country like Australia, you’re going to want to wear sunblock every day (even inside your vehicle). Mosquito repellent is also a lifesaver on summer nights.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

No one likes a furry mouth. Keep up your oral hygiene on your road trip and be sure to pack your toothbrush and enough toothpaste for the entire journey.

• Swiss army knife (including tweezers and scissors)

A swiss army knife is a road trip essential because its array of tools can be used in all sorts of different situations. In particular, the tweezers are great for removing splinters and scissors can be used to cut bandages.

Buy everything you need at one of the best camping stores in Australia!

• Toilet roll

You never know whether the next bathroom that you stop at on your road trip will have toilet paper. Pack a few toilet rolls as backup. They can also come in handy if you need tissues or have to clean up a mess in the vehicle.

• Zip-Lock bags

During your road trip, there will be plenty of small things that you will want to keep together. For example, zip-lock bags can come in handy if you want to keep your medicines together or keep your toilet roll dry.

• Body wipes

Include body wipes or wet wipes on your road trip packing list. These come in handy if you find yourself in a messy emergency or want to quickly refresh (instead of showering).

• Sanitizer

Always have a bottle of sanitiser easily accessible during your road trip. Try to make a habit of sanitising your hands after returning to your vehicle, so that you can kill harmful bacteria on your hands without washing them in the sink.

Cooking and camping road trip essentials

• Large water bottle

It’s not always going to be possible on your road trip to stop at a service station and pick up a bottle of water. Instead, it is more environmentally friendly and convenient to pack a reusable water bottle that you can refill each morning.

• Firelighters

It can be a struggle sometimes trying to get the BBQ or fire going at your campsite. Including firelights on your road trip packing list will make this nightly task a whole lot easier and help you to get a good burn going.

• Waterproof matches or lighters

Pack plenty of waterproof matches or a few lighters before you depart on your road trip. You are bound to lose them along the way. It’s no fun getting to your campsite at night and not having the tools you need to get a warm toasty fire going.

• Newspaper

Be sure to carry a few old papers in the back of your vehicle. Nothing gets a campfire roaring like some stuffed newspaper. They also come in handy for covering your table when cooking.

• Camping lantern (including batteries or charger)

If you don’t want to always be relying on a torch, it’s essential that you pack a camping lantern. Camping lanterns are much more effective at lighting the entire campsite. Just don’t forget to also pack batteries and/or a charger.

• Spare batteries

You can never have enough batteries. Pack plenty of spare batteries for your road trip, because you’ll never know when you need them. It might be worth investing in a large pack from your local hardware store.

• Camping stove or portable BBQ (including fuel canisters)

A camping stove is a road trip essential if you want to cook hot meals. If you don’t have a stove in your campervan, pack a portable camping stove. Just don’t forget to also pack a full liquid fuel canister and store it securely in the back of your vehicle.

• P ots and pans

Make sure to pack all the essential pots and pans that you’ll need to cook meals on your road trip. It is best if you invest in some small pot and pan sets that are specifically designed for travel because they take up less space in your vehicle.

• Utensils and cutlery

There are a few utensils and pieces of cutlery that are essential for cooking and eating. Before you leave for your road trip, be sure to pack knives, forks, spoons, spatulas, ladles and tongs.

• Plates and bowls

Pack a small number of plates and bowls to eat out of during your road trip. Don’t pack too many, however, as they will only take up space in your vehicle. Place a piece of paper towel between each plate or bowl to prevent rattling whilst driving.

• Mugs

When you’re travelling and camping, you don’t need fancy glasses and cups. Include one mug per person on your road trip packing list. Perfect for morning coffees and evening mixers at the campsite.

• Collapsible travel mug

If you like to slowly sip on your morning brew, pack a travel mug that fits in the cup holder. Each morning, you can fill it with coffee before hitting the road. When you’re done, simply rinse it out and collapse it so that it is out of the way.

• Thermos

A thermos is great for keeping your hot drinks and soups warm whilst travelling on the road. Prepare your soup before leaving camp in the morning and then enjoy it at a scenic picnic spot at lunch.

• Food and Snacks

No road trip packing list is complete without having a stack of snacks on board. Pack things like energy bars, fruit and nuts if you are looking for a healthy and filling option. A few sweets will also help you get through long drives.

• Plastic bags (shopping and garbage bags)

Keep a bunch of plastic bags inside your campervan so that they can be used as garbage bags or shopping bags throughout your road trip.

Clothing and apparel road trip essentials

• Underwear (7+ pairs)

Be sure to pack plenty of clean underwear (7+ pairs), because it may be weeks at a time before you get the opportunity to visit a laundry.

• Jeans or trousers (1x pair)

You probably only need to take 1x pair of jeans or trousers for when you visit a restaurant or bar during your road trip. They are unlikely to get too dirty and won’t need to be washed too often.

• Comfortable shorts, pants or skirts (2x pairs)

Most of your road trip will be spent in a comfortable pair of shorts or a skirt. Include at least 2 pairs on your road trip packing list, as these are more likely to get dirty quickly.

• Nice shirt (x1)

A nice shirt goes well with your jeans or trousers when you are dining out or going to a bar. Again, it likely won’t get too dirty and can probably be worn once or twice before a wash.

• Casual tees or shirts (x5)

Again, most of your road trip will be spent in comfortable t-shirts or shirts. Take at least 5 pairs that you can get dirty.

• Athletic shoes (1x pair)

You’re going to be doing a lot of walking on your road trip. Make sure to take at least 1x pair of comfortable walking shoes for when you're sightseeing.

• Flip-flops or slides for the shower (1x pair)

Pack a pair of flip flops, slides or Crocs that you can wear in the campground shower block and bathroom. When you’re done, simply leave them outside your vehicle to dry.

• Socks (7x pairs)

A comfortable pair of socks can be your best friend on a long road trip. Pack at least 7x pairs (one for each day of the week), as it may be weeks between washes.

• Rainproof jacket or poncho (x1)

There are bound to be a few rainy days during your road trip. It’s essential to pack at least 1 rain jacket or poncho to get you through any miserable weather.

• Jumper, jacket or sweater (x1)

You’re also likely to run into a bit of cold weather somewhere along your road trip. Pack at least 1x jumper, jacket or sweater to keep you warm on cold nights or frosty mornings.

• Wallet or handbag

Many people forget to pack these road trip essentials before setting off. Take a wallet that is easy to carry around in your pocket, so that it doesn’t weigh you down. Alternatively, you could take a bum bag to strap around your waist for safekeeping.

• Backpack

You will need a backpack or a daypack when checking out sights and attractions on your road trip. Fill it with important items such as water, sunscreen and your camera.

• Sunglasses and reading glasses

Try to pack a good pair of polarised sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. If you need reading glasses, make sure they’re packed in the glove compartment before departing on your road trip.

• Lip balm

Be sure to include lip balm for your road trip packing list so that your lips don't dry out and crack in the heat or the cold.

• Pillows and blankets

If you’re going to be camping on your road trip, bring your favourite pillow and blanket to snuggle up into. Pillows also make it more comfortable for passengers who want to sleep whilst travelling.

• Towels

You are going to need a towel to dry off after showering or swimming. Be sure to pack at least one or two towels per person, as it may be weeks at a time before you visit a laundry.

Entertainment road trip essentials

• Music and podcast playlist

Keep yourself entertained during your road trip by listening to music and podcasts. Put together an awesome playlist that all your passengers will enjoy or throw on a podcast that will get the conversation flowing.

Discover more fun things to do on a road trip!

• Playing cards

Every road trip packing list should include a standard pack of playing cards. This is the most convenient, easiest and most fun way to kill time at the campground. If you don’t like standard card games, consider something different like Cards Against Humanity!

• A ball

Who doesn’t love a good kickaround? Be sure to pack a soccer ball or football as another way to kill time when you’re at your campsite or the beach.

A ball is a must if you're braving one of our boys trip travel ideas!

• Gaming console (including charger)

Portable gaming consoles are the easiest way to keep kids and teenagers entertained on long road trips. But if you don’t want to invest in a console, you can always download a few games on your smartphone.

• eReader or iPad (including charger)

Packing an eReader or iPad is another great way to pass time whilst in the car or at your campsite. You can load a stack of books and travel guides on the device before you leave. You’ll be amazed at how much you learn during your road trip!

• Books

If you don’t want to invest in an eReader or iPad, you can always take a few books to read whilst on your travels. The best part about these road trip essentials is that you can swap them with your fellow road trippers when you’re done.

• Board Games

Pack a few board games if you’d like to spend some fun time with your family and friends at the campground. You can even buy magnetic board games so that the passengers in the back seat can play whilst travelling.

Play these fun camping games with family and friends!

Winter road trip essentials

• Ice scraper

An ice scraper is the fastest way to clear your windshield and windows from ice in the winter months. Don’t pour hot water on the window, as this could cause it to crack.

Read our full list of winter camping essentials!

• Snow chains

When travelling through alpine regions in Australia during winter, you are often required to carry snow chains in your vehicle. If you are planning an alpine vacation, stay safe by including snow chains on your road trip packing list.

• Snow shovel

If you think there is a chance that your vehicle could be snowed in, be sure to pack a snow shovel. It is best if the shovel is collapsible so that it takes up less space in your vehicle.

• Antifreeze

Antifreeze is a liquid that you pour into your engine's coolant reservoir. It prevents the radiator from freezing or overheating and is a road trip essential in colder climates. If you don’t know how to add antifreeze to your vehicle, see your manual or visit a mechanic.

• Thermal underwear

A layer of thermal underwear can make your whole road trip much more pleasant, particularly in the coldest climates. Check the weather conditions of your destination and think about investing in some thermals.

• Gloves

If you are road-tripping through a cold or snowy country, definitely pack gloves to keep your hands warm. This is particularly important if you ever have to leave the vehicle and fit snow chains or shovel snow.

Discover the best winter road trip destinations around Australia!

• Beanie or balaclava

Important for keeping your head warm on cold road trips. Best if you pack one that is woollen and more resistant to wet weather such as snow and rain.

• Warm socks

Just like your gloves, you are going to want to include a warm pair of socks on your road trip packing list. The thicker the better. Woollen is normally a good choice for wet weather.

• Boots

It can be extremely difficult to walk on icy paths and roads. Normal shoes do not provide enough grip to give you stable footing. Instead, pack a pair of boots or gumboots that have plenty of grip for icy conditions.

• Extra blankets

You have likely already packed pillows and blankets for your road trip. But packing extra blankets will help to make sure that you stay warm in the winter months.

Summer road trip essentials

Campervan example: Coco on Camplify!

• UV window shade

You can put up UV window shades to prevent the interior of your car from becoming overly hot when parked in the sun.

See our list of the most important outback camping essentials!

Flip flops

In the hot summer months, you’re going to want to allow your feet to breathe a bit. Pack a pair of good flip flops that you can wear day-in and day-out on your road trip. Your feet will thank you for it.

• Beach towel

Besides your bathing towel, also include a beach towel on your road trip packing list. That way, it doesn’t matter if it gets sandy or salty.

• Car coolant

In hot climates, engines are more likely to overheat. Make sure that you carry a bottle of coolant for your vehicle or at least make sure that the coolant levels are sufficient before you leave.

• Esky or portable cooler

If you have hired a campervan, it likely already has a fridge and/or freezer. If not, put an esky or a portable cooler in the back of your vehicle for storing your cold beverages during your road trip. It also doubles as storage when empty!

• Extra water bottles

One large bottle of water might not suffice on hot summer days. If you’re going to be road-tripping through remote areas of Australia in the summer months, consider taking a few extra bottles of water just in case.

• Hat or cap

Protect your head from the sun during the harsh summer months. Pack a hat or a cap to keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face during your road trip.

• Swimwear (and a plastic bag)

Your list of summer road trip essentials isn’t complete without a pair of swimmers. And don’t forget to take a plastic bag that you can put your wet clothes in afterwards. This prevents your vehicle from getting soaked and smelly.

Hire a campervan with storage for all your road trip essentials

Campervan example: Tawny on Camplify!

Need a cool and comfy set of wheels with storage for all your road trip essentials?

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By hiring with Camplify, you are also helping local families who share their van on our platform and supporting many local companies across Australia in addition to ours. So we are very grateful to you.

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