Roadhouses

If you're travelling across Australia by road, chances are you've stopped at a roadhouse community or motel for fuel, a bite to eat, or even a comfortable bed for the night. A roadhouse serves multiple functions in the Australian outback and on intercity highways. They often include a:

• Garage and auto-repair station
• Petrol station
• Licensed Restaurant (cafe style)
• Motel accommodation

Whether you are camper, motorist, cyclist or trucker, here are some things to think about before you end up selecting a roadhouse just because it's 'there':

• Find roadhouses using a locator website such as Start Local which lists all roadhouses in a given state or territory. On your trip route, chart the roadhouses along the way or a short distance from your destination.
• Read up on the roadhouse and any special attractions near it or extra services offered by it. For example, depending on location, roadhouses may specialize in offering various locally-flavoured services such as hot air balloon rides, whale watching trips or souvenir shops. Or they may simply be known for their good food, warm hospitality and clean environs. You'll be better off if you get to know the place and its offerings via its website. Of course, some roadhouses are known for being the only place to stop within 300kms and they often have their own unique 'charm' as well!
• It can be a good idea to call up the roadhouse to inquire about any special services; some take bookings in advance, some function only during peak season and some may have restrictions such as pet allowance and caravan-parking. If possible, try and talk directly with the owner or manager and inquire personally about vacancies, costs and services offered.
• As always, referrals (both personal and website reviews) are a good source for independently verifying the quality of a roadhouse. Take a minute to go through the roadhouse referrals here on Start Local to find one that meets your budget and must-have accommodation criteria.