Must-Have Car Accessories for Aussie Road Trips in 2025

From the vast stretches of the Nullarbor to the tropical beauty of Queensland’s coasts, road tripping in Australia is an unmatched experience. But as Aussie drivers prepare for longer trips in 2025, having the right accessories can make a world of difference in safety, comfort, and convenience.

In this guide, we cover all the essential car accessories you need for a smooth road trip, whether you’re driving a rugged 4x4 through the outback or cruising in a fuel-efficient hatchback up the coast.

1. Portable Tyre Inflator & Air Compressor

A flat tyre in the middle of nowhere is a surefire way to ruin your trip. A compact tyre inflator that plugs into your 12V outlet is essential, especially when venturing into regional or remote areas.

Why You Need It:

• Emergency tyre refills

• Helps monitor pressure for fuel efficiency

• Compact and easy to store

Pro Tip: Choose a digital model with auto shut-off for extra accuracy.

2. High-Quality Dash Cam

Dash cams are no longer a luxury—they’re a must-have. For long road trips, they provide peace of mind in case of accidents or insurance claims. Some modern units even offer cloud backups and interior monitoring.

Look for:

• 4K resolution

• Wide dynamic range

• Loop recording & parking mode

• GPS tracking

Top Picks in Australia: Thinkware, BlackVue, and Garmin offer some of the best-reviewed options for 2025.

3. Roof Racks & Cargo Boxes

When boot space isn't enough, roof racks and cargo boxes come to the rescue. Great for families or campers with extra gear, they’re essential for longer trips or off-road adventures.

Best Use Cases:

• Camping gear

• Surfboards, snowboards, or bikes

• Extra luggage

Pro Tip: Go for aerodynamic designs to reduce drag and fuel consumption.

4. In-Car Fridge or Cooler

Australia’s summer heat demands a good fridge. A 12V fridge or electric cooler can keep drinks, snacks, and perishables fresh for days. Ideal for camping and long-haul drives.

Key Features to Consider:

• Dual-zone cooling (fridge & freezer)

• Energy efficiency

• Reliable insulation

Brands like Dometic and Evakool lead in this space with rugged models perfect for Aussie conditions.

5. Seat Organisers and Storage Solutions

Road trips get messy. A good organiser keeps snacks, maps, tissues, and devices in easy reach. Front seat or rear seat organisers help minimise clutter—especially for parents.

Top Benefits:

• Keeps cabin tidy

• Easy access to essentials

• Some models double as tablet holders

6. Reversing Camera (Aftermarket Kit)

If your vehicle doesn’t come with a reversing camera, 2025 is the year to upgrade. Many kits are now wireless and offer crisp video feeds.

Why It’s Essential:

• Safer parking in unfamiliar spots

• Protects from minor dings

• Great for caravan towing

7. All-in-One Emergency Roadside Kit

A basic toolkit is non-negotiable. Your kit should include:

• Jumper cables

• Torch with batteries

• First-aid supplies

• Emergency triangles

• Gloves & duct tape

Buy a pre-packaged kit or assemble your own for peace of mind.

8. Smartphone Holder with Wireless Charging

Navigation apps, hands-free calls, and music control require your phone to be easily visible and charged. A windscreen or dash-mounted holder with MagSafe/Qi wireless charging is highly recommended.

2025 Upgrades:

• Ventilation-safe magnetic mounts

• One-touch auto-locking mounts

• USB-C fast charge capabilities

9. Window Shades & Windscreen Covers

Heat reduction is vital in the Aussie summer. Window shades help keep cabin temps manageable while driving or parked.

Options Available:

• Retractable or pop-up shades

• Magnetic tint shades

• Reflective windscreen covers

10. Jump Starter Power Bank

Portable lithium jump starters are game changers. Not only can they jump your car without another vehicle, but they can charge phones and laptops in a pinch.

Look For:

• Compact size

• USB-C fast charging ports

• Built-in flashlight or emergency beacon

11. GPS Navigation Device (Standalone or Offline Maps)

While Google Maps is great, some remote areas in Australia lack coverage. A dedicated GPS unit or offline map app like Hema or Sygic is highly recommended.

Ideal For:

• Off-road driving

• National parks

• Low-signal areas

12. All-Weather Floor Mats & Boot Liners

Protect your interior from mud, sand, spills, and crumbs. Custom-fit mats are easy to clean and durable, especially important for off-roaders and pet owners.

Materials to Consider:

• Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)

• Rubber-based mats

• Waterproof neoprene boot liners

13. Rear Seat Entertainment Systems

Keeping passengers—especially kids—entertained is key to a peaceful drive. Headrest screens, tablets, or roof-mounted players are increasingly common.

Tip: Pair with wireless headphones for a quiet cabin.

14. UHF Radio (for Off-Road or Remote Trips)

In places with no mobile coverage, UHF radios are still the gold standard for communication.

Channel Uses:

• Truckie chatter (Channel 40)

• Emergency comms

• Group convoy coordination

15. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

A TPMS gives real-time updates on tyre pressure and temperature. This is especially useful on long drives or towing trips where tyre wear increases.

Features to Consider:

• Bluetooth or dedicated display

• Solar-powered options

• Alarm notifications

16. Portable Toilet or Privacy Tent (For Remote Travel)

If you’re venturing off-grid, a portable toilet and privacy shelter can be invaluable. Especially useful on long stretches between rest stops in WA, NT, and QLD.

17. Fuel Canisters and Water Storage

Some stretches of Australian roads are fuel- and water-scarce. Carrying extra petrol or diesel (safely in approved containers) and ample drinking water is a survival essential.

Consider:

• Rotopax or Scepter fuel containers

• 10L or 20L water drums

• Collapsible jerry cans for easy packing

18. Portable Inverter for Electronics

A DC to AC inverter lets you plug in laptops, camera batteries, and other small appliances. It’s handy for digital nomads and adventure photographers.

Watts Needed:

• 150–300W for small devices

• 1000W+ for appliances like kettles or coffee makers

19. Reusable Coffee Cups & Spill-Proof Mugs

Because no Aussie road trip is complete without coffee. Reusable mugs with spill-proof lids prevent mess while being environmentally conscious.

20. Car Sun Visors with Storage

Sun visors that double as document holders or sunglass pockets are great for storing:

• Vehicle rego papers

• National park permits

• Emergency contacts

21. Foldable Picnic Table & Chairs

Perfect for scenic stops and outback lunch breaks. Many kits are compact and quick to set up—great for impromptu meal breaks or camp cooking.

22. Multi-Port Car Charger

In a car full of people and devices, one USB port won’t cut it. Go for:

• 4-port fast chargers (USB-A and USB-C)

• Overheat and surge protection

• PD support for faster charging

23. Cleaning Wipes & Rubbish Bags

Always have a cleaning kit on hand. Include:

• Microfibre cloths

• Glass wipes

• Dashboard wipes

• Small bin liners

A clean cabin keeps morale high!

24. Reflective Safety Vest

Especially for roadside repairs or breakdowns at night. Some states even recommend keeping one in the glovebox.

25. Navigation Apps with Traffic & Weather Integration

Before departure, download apps like:

• Waze (real-time traffic)

• BOM Weather (forecast & radar)

• FuelMap Australia (live fuel prices)

• WikiCamps (campgrounds and rest areas)

Final Thoughts: Planning Your 2025 Aussie Road Trip Like a Pro

The perfect road trip isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the journey. In 2025, the best road trips combine adventure with smart preparation. With Australia’s rugged terrain and vast distances, having the right car accessories is more than convenience—it’s about safety, efficiency, and enjoyment.

Whether you're driving a high-end EV or a trusty 4x4, these must-have accessories will elevate your next adventure and make every kilometre more comfortable and secure.

So before you pack your bags, give your car the gear it deserves.

Happy travels!