Wide open road

Published: 6 December 2022
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woman leaning on a car reading a map

The beauty of a road trip is the chance to focus on the journey, rather than the destination.

There’s something special about jumping in your car and leaving it all behind, and it’s no wonder so many songs have been written about road trips.

But driving is a carbon-intensive form of travel, and a sustainable road trip is so much more than just bringing your reusable water bottle or coffee cup along with you.

We’ve mapped out some tips to help you reduce your impact while you’re out on the road.

Time for a tune up

No matter the car you drive, there are a few simple steps you can take to improve your fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Before you head off, pump your tyres up and check your oil level to maximise your mileage.

Flat tyres can increase your drag on the road, adding to the fuel you burn, and your car will have to work harder to push old, thicker oil through the engine, so these simple steps will make a difference.

Try these useful vehicle checks to conduct before a long trip.

Switch up your style

Drivers use more fuel when they brake suddenly and accelerate quickly, so be conscious of driving as smoothly as possible to save fuel and minimise emissions.

Always maintain a good distance from the car in front to prevent abrupt braking and then needing to accelerate back up to full speed.

Driving at high speeds can also increase fuel consumption and emissions. For example, according to a study by Monash University, at 120km/h your car uses 50% more fuel than when travelling at 88km/h, so sticking to the speed limit will save fuel while keeping you from getting a ticket.

See more ways to reduce fuel consumption.

Travel light

When packing for a road trip, it can be tempting to throw everything but the kitchen sink in the boot because you don’t have airline baggage fees to worry about.

But weighing down your car will burn more fuel. So be smart with your packing, and only bring the essentials.

Eco itineraries

The charm of road trips often lies in living spontaneously, but you can save time and fuel by planning ahead.

By mapping out your route, you’ll avoid getting lost and having to backtrack. You can also ensure you’re taking the shortest route possible, so you’ll have more time to take breaks along the journey and enjoy yourself when you get to your destination.

And rather than travelling across the country, make it a priority to explore your own backyard first and uncover some gems that are closer to home. Visit Victoria has dozens of itinerary options whether you’re looking for stunning landscapes, historic towns or fabulous food and wine.

Once you’ve nailed down your route, you could also take the opportunity to research the towns you’re visiting and make a point of supporting any local green businesses.

Consider your mode

Do you have to travel by car? Leave the road rage and servo stops behind and plan an itinerary where part or all of your travelling can be done by train or bus. Visit V/Line to see what’s possible.

If you’re feeling active, you could also consider travelling with your bike and cycling between certain stops. Or test your endurance and pedal the whole way. Visit Victoria has some ideas to get you started.