Easter in Australia is one of the busiest times of the year to hit the road. Families pack up for coastal getaways, friends head inland for camping adventures, and highways from Sydney to Brisbane to Melbourne get crowded with holiday traffic.
It’s a time of sunshine, chocolate eggs, and four-day weekends—but also long drives, unpredictable weather, and roads filled with fellow travellers. To make sure your Easter break is memorable for the right reasons, here are Redspot Car Rentals’ top Easter driving tips.
1. Car Preparation: Start With the Basics
Nothing ruins a holiday faster than car trouble. Whether you’re driving your own vehicle or picking up a rental car, make sure it’s ready for the journey.
If you’re driving your own car:
-
Service check: Book a service before you travel. This ensures oil and filters are changed, tyres are safe, and brakes and brake lights are in good condition.
-
Tyres: Check tread depth, tyre pressure, and make sure you have a roadworthy spare.
-
Fluids: Check coolant, brake fluid, and windscreen washer levels.
-
Battery: Long weekends often mean long drives—avoid the flat battery drama by checking it’s charged.
If you’re hiring a car:
-
Choose the right vehicle for your trip—whether that’s a compact hatch for city breaks or an SUV for family road trips.
-
Inspect the car at pickup. Check for existing damage, ensure the fuel tank is full, and confirm all features (wipers, indicators, lights) are working.
-
Ask about support. Redspot’s Executive Cover gives you the highest level of protection, including:
-
$0 damage liability
-
Unlimited kilometres
- Unlimited drivers
So you can hit the road without stressing about hidden costs.
-
2. Plan Your Route (But Stay Flexible)
Easter traffic can be unpredictable. Planning ahead saves stress and ensures you don’t waste precious holiday time stuck in gridlock.
-
Map your route: Decide whether you want the fastest path (highways and expressways) or the scenic detour (coastal drives, national parks).
-
Plan fuel stops: In regional areas, petrol stations can be far apart and close early on holidays—know where you’ll top up.
-
Check travel times: Allow extra for traffic. A two-hour trip on Google Maps can easily become four hours on Easter Saturday.
-
Have a Plan B: Road closures, accidents, or bushfire warnings can change your plans quickly. Always have an alternative route in mind.
3. Use GPS (the Smart Way)
Nothing spoils a trip faster than getting lost when you’re already running late for the Easter lunch.
-
Program ahead: Enter your destination coordinates before you leave, so you’re not distracted on the road.
-
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: All Redspot vehicles are equipped with smartphone connectivity. Simply plug in your device to access real-time navigation via apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps—plus live traffic updates.
-
Download maps: If you’re heading somewhere rural with patchy reception, download offline maps in advance.
With CarPlay and Android Auto, you’ll enjoy not just navigation, but also hands-free calls, messaging, and music—all while keeping your focus on the road.
4. Expect the Unexpected
Road trips are fun, but they don’t always go to plan. Easter traffic, long distances, and unpredictable weather mean it’s best to prepare for surprises.
-
Breakdowns: Does your provider include roadside assistance? Redspot offers a Premium Roadside Assistance package for extra peace of mind.
-
Accidents: Double-check your car rental insurance. Redspot’s Damage Cover Options can dramatically reduce your liability in case of an accident.
-
Chargers: Pack car phone chargers or portable power banks—you’ll need them in an emergency.
-
First aid kit: Ensure it’s stocked and you know how to use it.
-
Snacks and water: If you get stuck in traffic or delays, having food and water keeps everyone comfortable.
5. Keep Everyone Entertained
Long weekends often mean long drives. Avoid “Are we there yet?” by planning entertainment in advance.
-
Playlists: Create a road trip soundtrack and belt out your favourites.
-
Podcasts & audiobooks: Great for adults who want something more immersive.
-
Kids’ entertainment: iPads, handheld consoles, or downloaded movies can be lifesavers.
-
Chargers & adapters: Make sure your car has USB outlets, or bring an adaptor for multiple devices.
6. Safety First: Stop, Revive, Survive
The Easter long weekend is one of the busiest times on Australian roads, and sadly, it’s also one of the most dangerous. Fatigue and impatience are major causes of accidents.
-
Rest breaks: Stop every two hours to stretch, switch drivers, or grab a coffee.
-
Share the driving: With Redspot, unlimited drivers are included in the Executive Package—take turns to stay fresh.
-
Don’t rush: Your destination will still be there if you arrive 30 minutes later. Better safe than sorry.
-
Stay alert: Watch for wildlife, especially kangaroos at dawn and dusk.
7. Easter Road Trip Destinations to Consider
If you’re not sure where to head this Easter, here are a few popular Aussie drives worth adding to your list:
-
Sydney to Hunter Valley: Perfect for wine lovers—around 2.5 hours.
-
Brisbane to Sunshine Coast: Beaches, hinterland, and family-friendly attractions—just 90 minutes.
-
Melbourne to Great Ocean Road: Iconic coastal scenery—allow at least 2 days.
-
Adelaide to Barossa Valley: Wineries, fine dining, and rolling hills—just over an hour away.
-
Perth to Margaret River: Surf beaches and gourmet food—about 3 hours.
Redspot has airport locations in all these cities, making it easy to start your adventure as soon as you land.
8. Easter Packing Checklist
Before you leave, make sure you’ve got the essentials packed for a smooth trip:
-
Sunglasses & sunscreen (the Aussie sun is no joke)
-
Hats and light clothing for day trips
-
Warm layers for cooler evenings
-
Reusable water bottles
-
Picnic gear for roadside stops
-
Car snacks and rubbish bags
-
Chargers, adapters, and a power bank
-
Travel games for the kids
-
Insurance documents and booking confirmations
Final Word: Easter Driving Made Easy with Redspot
The Easter long weekend is the perfect chance to escape the city, explore Australia, and spend time with friends and family. But busy roads, fatigue, and unexpected issues can turn fun into frustration if you’re not prepared.
Follow these Easter driving tips and you’ll keep your trip safe, smooth, and stress-free.
At Redspot Car Rentals, we make holiday driving easier with:
-
On-airport convenience
-
Modern, reliable vehicles
-
Optional full protection packages
-
Premium roadside assistance
-
Unlimited kilometres
So you can focus on what really matters—enjoying the journey.