13. Don’t Buy a Cheap 2nd Hand Car Without a Mechanical Inspection
There’s a big market for secondhand vehicles passed between budget travelers on extended stays in Oz. It’s one of the more economical ways to traverse the country/continent. It’s not hard to find a cheap set of wheels in your starting point and then sell it before you leave, minus a reasonable amount for wear and tear. Just be aware that wear and tear in Australia can be significant, especially if the previous owners have logged a lot of miles down harsh roads. Some of these fleeting owners aren’t the best at vehicle maintenance. Be careful of unscrupulous sellers who clock the odometer to make it look like it’s gone fewer miles than it has. Always get a thorough mechanical inspection before purchasing a car. The last thing you want is to breakdown along a deserted outback track.
14. Don’t Forget a Hat, Sunscreen and Mozzie Spray
Sunscreen is a must in the harsh Aussie sun. We’ve all heard stories about the ozone hole and the melanoma rates there. Slip on a shirt, slop on the sunscreen and slap on a hat has become a mantra in Australia, and tourists would be wise to follow suit. Add “spray” to that list, as you’ll want to protect yourself with insect repellant if you’re going into the bush or spending any time outdoors down under. Those Aussie mozzies can be relentless, and there are some mosquito-borne illnesses such as Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus to be mindful of. Try to find a formula that repels sandflies, no-see-ums, horseflies and other pests too, or you might just resort to wearing one of those stereotypical cork hats to ward off these annoying critters.
