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White line fever

The Great Aussie Road Trip AKA The Big Lap
The best surf trip in the world ? Maybe.
It’s got the lot – beauty , adventure , variety and the sort of waves that the majority of the world can only dream about.
So what’s stopping you ? Get yourself a vehicle and start driving . It can be that uncomplicated. No need for passports or visas . No up front expense such as an airfare . Just get in your car , drive till you run out of money , do a little work to top up the bank balance then it’s back on the road.
Here’s what you’ll want to take with you when you choose to take that journey of a lifetime :

A Plan – The plan may only extend as far as filling up with fuel and turning the key and that is often the best way to go. But if you want to maximise your wave quality and enjoyment of each area then I’d recommmend an anti clockwise route. Timing as follows : 
August /September – North West WA
October / November – South West WA
December – Great Southern WA
January / February – SA
March – Tasmania
April / may – East coast
June/ July – Top end

Transport – Of course you’ll need a vehicle . But many people fall into the trap of overestimating the type of vehicle they’ll need. If a car will get you to the next town then it will do. It doesn’t have to be a 4wd with diff locks and max trax. It doesn’t have to be shiny or fast or the envy of your mates. As long as it goes OK then it’ll suffice. I’ve seen too many people succumb to inertia and stay at home after wasting time, money and energy waiting / saving for the ultimate touring vehicle. You’ll see the same sights from a $1500 Corolla as you will a Volkswagon Transporter worth $70,000. 

Curiosity -Sounds obvious , right ? After all, if you’re on your way then you’re set. Not quite . Too many people get white line fever when they hit the road and turn every day into a challenge to make nominal targets on the map by a certain time or date. 
You’re on holidays and you might only be there once. Kick Back , chill and enjoy the journey …all of it, not just your hand picked happy places. Turn off the side roads. You never know what you’ll find. Just because a road is marked as the Old Telegraph Station , doesn’t mean that there won’t be pumping waves nearby !

Shelter – Accomodation in Australia is fucking expensive. And it’s an expense you don’t need to expose yourself to .A car that you can sleep in is a bonus , but a small dome tent or a swag will more than suffice. Take side roads just before dark and set up a little free camp , light a fire and enjoy the remoteness. In the morning you’ll be surrounded by nature and you’ll feel energised . And the money you save on accomodation can always buy a goon bag to help send you on your way to a good nights sleep. 
Worth indulging in a nice place every now and again as some accomodation is exclusive to an area or too nice to pass up. Though after free camping for a while you will feel violated paying for a place to sleep no matter how flash.

Music – Its a big country with a lot of extended road hours between places. You will need lots of good music with a lot of variety to suit the changing landscape.

Marijuana – See above. Not essential , but highly recommended . Can change the colour of your day when you’re staring at 10 hours of dead straight road.

Fishing rod – Free food , great fun and an excuse to explore the coast. 

Universal tap handle – Australia’s local councils and our national parks have decided in their infinite wisdom to deny travellers water by removing the handles to all public taps. BYO tap handle to sake that thirst and stick it to the man.

Sense of humour- Things will go wrong. That is a guarantee. React well. Don’t be the guy at the remote servo fighting with his missus because the parts required to repair their car will take 3 days to arrive. Don’t whine about the heat / flies / onshore winds. Go with the flow and have a laugh. Break out the mull and the goon bag if that’s what it takes to get back into the pursuit of happiness.

A Smile – Lets face it . Not everyone you meet is going to be a long lost best mate. Humour people their eccentricities. Often the best experiences are gifted by locals willing to show you their home towns hidden gems. A smile and a friendly attitude is your passport to good times.

Water and fuel – Australia is large and oftentimes you’ll be a long way from help. Take twice as much fuel and four times as much water as you think you’ll need.

A headlamp – Best piece of camping equipment of the last couple of decades.

Basic medical and tool kits – Sometimes there’s no option but to fix things yourself. It may be yourself that needs fixing. Be prepared.

Varied quiver of boards – Of course one board will do. But for best results you’ll want a groveller , a shorty and a proper gun. These should cover most situations. 

Someone to share the memories with – Solo travel is awesome and will probably lead to the most unexpected detours. But it’s always nice to have someone to paddle out with at an empty , secret reef that’s at the top end of your abilities and shared adventures are memories set in gold.

And that’s it. That’s all you need. 
Now go !!