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Road Trip & Travel Tips
The Ultimate Aussie Motel Road-Trip Packing List
19 August 2025

Planning a motorway dash up the Bruce, a long haul across the Nullarbor, or a week bouncing between coastal motels? What you pack can make or break the trip. Motels are brilliantly convenient—easy parking, comfy beds, kettle at the ready—but a few smart extras will keep you comfy, connected, and road-ready across Australia’s wild distances and changeable climates.

Before you roll

  • Bookings & IDs: Motel confirmations (email/app screenshots), driver’s licence, roadside assistance membership.
  • Payments: Physical card + digital wallet (some small towns may have patchy EFTPOS).
  • Maps: Download offline maps for your route; coverage can drop in regional and outback areas.
  • Itinerary back-ups: Save directions, check-in instructions and door codes in your phone notes/screenshots.
  • Domestic travel insurance (optional): Can cover cancellations, rental car excess and belongings—handy for longer trips.

Motel room essentials (the comfort upgrade kit)

  • Multi-USB charger / power board (with surge protection) + cables for all devices.
  • Sleep set: Earplugs, eye mask, lightweight pyjamas—great across varying climates and for roadside stops.
  • Hydration: Refillable water bottles (insulated is gold in summer).
  • Snacks: Long-life milk, muesli bars, fruit, microwave rice/cups—ideal if you’re rolling in late.
  • Mini laundry kit: Travel detergent sheets, a few pegs, stain stick (many motels have laundries or clotheslines).
  • Bathroom bits: Your preferred toiletries, SPF 50+ sunscreen, deodorant, lip balm, moisturiser, razor.
  • Entertainment: A book/tablet. Optional: short HDMI cable to plug your device into the TV for streaming (check with reception first).
  • Comfort: Lightweight throw or scarf (outback AC can be enthusiastic).
  • Security: Small cable lock for bags or pram if you’re on ground level.

Car & road-trip kit

  • Roadside assistance: Membership current + contact number saved in your phone.
  • Tyre & fluids check: Pressure gauge, spare tyre/jack, coolant, screen-wash, a pair of work gloves.
  • Safety: First-aid kit, hi-vis triangle or light, torch/headlamp.
  • Sun/bug defence: Wide-brim hat, sunnies, SPF 50+, insect repellent, after-sun gel.
  • Cooler: Soft esky/cool bag for drinks and groceries between towns.
  • Waste: Small bin bags; leave no trace at lookouts and rest stops.
  • Kids & pets: Window shade, car organiser, favourite toy/blanket; pet seatbelt/hammock where allowed.

Tech & power

  • Power bank (big capacity for remote days).
  • 12V car charger with multiple ports.
  • Spare charging leads (USB-C, Lightning, micro-USB).
  • Dash cam (optional) for long-haul driving and car-park incidents.
  • Headphones/tablet for wind-down time.
  • Apps to preload: Offline maps, fuel prices, bushfire/alerts for your state, weather, your motel booking app, and music/podcasts.

Clothing: pack to the postcode

Australia swings from tropical to alpine, so layer smart:

  • Hot/humid (Top End, FNQ, summer): Breathable shirts, quick-dry shorts, swimmers, thongs and enclosed walking shoes.
  • Outback & inland: Light, long-sleeve sun shirts, wide-brim hat, neck buff, sturdy shoes.
  • Coastal breezes: Light layers + a windbreaker for evenings.
  • Cooler climates / High country: Base layer, fleece, packable puffer, beanie.
  • Always: Socks that can handle a spontaneous bush track, and something neat for a pub bistro.

Health & first-aid (keep it simple)

  • Plasters/band-aids, antiseptic wipes, blister care.
  • Pain relief, antihistamines, any prescriptions (plus repeats).
  • Tweezers, small scissors, hydrocortisone cream for bites, electrolyte sachets.
  • Any personal medical info stored in your phone ICE contact.

Trip-type add-ons

Beach motel

  • Microfibre towels, swimmers, reef-safe sunscreen, mesh beach bag, hat, zinc, fold-up chairs.
  • Wet bag for salty togs; baby powder helps shake off sand.

Outback detour / long remote legs

  • Extra water (at least 3–4L per person in the vehicle), physical paper map, fly nets, spare snacks.
  • Tell someone your route and ETA; refuel whenever you can.

City break

  • Small daypack or cross-body, compact umbrella/rain jacket, reusable coffee cup, Opal/Myki/Go Card etc.
  • Parking plan—some CBD motels use off-site or limited parking.

Cooler-climate stays

  • Warm PJs, slippers or cosy socks, thermals, compact hot-water bottle (luxury!).

Money-savers & space-savers

  • Freeze a first-night meal (if you’ve got a kitchenette or microwave).
  • Refill & reuse: Water bottles, coffee cups, cutlery set.
  • Share bulky items: Travel iron/steamer, beach shade, camp chairs.
  • Shop local: Grab fresh produce from regional bakeries and markets—great value, supports the town.
  • Laundry on the go: Wash smalls nightly; pack fewer outfits.

Family add-ons

  • Backseat organiser, colouring kit or audiobooks, spare outfits in a grab bag, baby wipes, portable night-light, child thermometer and any kids’ meds.

Accessibility & comfort tips

  • Call the motel ahead for ground-floor rooms, step-free access or walk-in showers.
  • Ask about microwave/fridge access if not listed.
  • Sensitive sleeper? Request a quiet room away from the highway or stairs.

Quick “keys-in-the-ignition” checklist

  • Bookings saved offline
  • Licence/insurance/roadside assistance
  • Offline maps downloaded
  • Chargers + power bank
  • First-aid + prescriptions
  • Sunscreen/hat/repellent
  • Water + snacks
  • Multi-USB charger/power board
  • HDMI cable (optional)
  • Reusable coffee cup & bottles.

Ready to roll?

Search thousands of stays built for road-trippers and motel lovers. Plan it. Book it. Enjoy it.

👉 Book your next stay at BookAMotel.com.au.