Introduction
Road trips are about the open road, good company, and the perfect soundtrack. Whether you’re cruising the Great Ocean Road, crossing the Nullarbor, or exploring tropical North Queensland, the right radio stations — and the right tech — can turn every kilometre into a memory. This guide covers the best Australian radio stations for different moods and regions, reception tips, app alternatives, safety considerations (UHF), and how to pair radio choices with your TrendRentals vehicle.
Find great rental options for your road trip at TrendRentals.
Best stations by mood and milemarker
1. Classic singalongs and pop hits
Nova, KIIS, Smooth FM, and the commercial FM networks deliver upbeat pop, throwbacks and easy listening that work brilliantly for long stretches of highway when you want radio DJs, contests and familiar hits. If you’re driving between major cities (e.g., Sydney–Melbourne or Brisbane–Gold Coast), tune to the local frequency for continuous music and high production value. These stations are perfect for daytime cruising and keeping energy levels high.
Interlink tip: if your trip includes city pickups or drop-offs, check TrendRentals’ city vehicle options to match your group size and music needs at TrendRentals — City Hire.
2. Independent and alternative — for the exploratory traveller
triple j (and Double J) is an Australian institution for new music, indie discoveries, and road-trip playlists that spotlight fresh tracks and local artists. For younger travellers or anyone hunting new sounds, triple j’s regular road-trip playlists and special programming are a gold mine.
3. Classic rock & adult contemporary vibes
Triple M and GOLD stations bring rock anthems, classic hits and specialist shows that suit sunset drives and coastal routes. For long two-lane roads with friends in tow, turn these up when you want to sing loudly and unapologetically.
4. News, talk and deep-dive shows
ABC Local Radio, ABC Radio National, and major talk AM stations (2GB, 3AW, etc.) are ideal for early-morning departures, serious road-trip planning or catching local news along your route — especially useful if you’re crossing states and need weather or traffic updates.
5. Specialty & regional programming
Regional and community stations often broadcast local guides, free-camp notices and market days — invaluable when you’re off the beaten track. When heading into regional Australia, consider tuning into ABC Local or community stations unique to that shire or town.
Best stations by region
- Coastal NSW & Victoria: Smooth FM, Nova, KIIS and Triple M for music. Local ABC stations for regional news.
- Queensland (Tropical & Sunshine Coast): Mix of commercial FM networks plus ABC Local for weather and cyclone updates during season.
- WA & Nullarbor routes: Commercial FM in cities; once you hit the Nullarbor, national networks (ABC, triple j) and digital/online options become crucial.
- Outback & regional stretches: ABC Local Radio and triple j have the best national reach; keep a UHF and satellite-capable device if you will be well off-grid.
Reception & tech tips (so your playlist doesn’t drop out)
- Bookmark station apps: Download the ABC Listen app and station-specific apps (triple j, Nova, Smooth) so you can stream when FM fades. Many stations maintain strong streaming presences and curated playlists.
- Use DAB+ where available: Digital radio (DAB+) is in major capitals and provides additional stations and higher quality audio.
- Carry offline playlists: For absolute dead zones (long outback legs), create offline playlists via Spotify/Apple Music or download station podcasts ahead of time.
- Consider a UHF radio for convoys and safety: UHF channel 40 is commonly used by truck drivers for road safety; Channel 10 and 18 have convoy/park uses. Always check local guidelines and community channels before relying on them.
Road-trip playlists & podcasts worth queuing
- Curated road-trip mixes from triple j and Double J
- Long-form interviews and storytelling on ABC RN
- Local food and travel podcasts for regions you’ll pass through — great while you’re refuelling or eating roadside
Safety first: radio for emergencies and convoys
If you’re taking remote roads, pair your audio choices with radios that aid communication. A UHF radio is standard for 4WD convoys and some outback routes — and knowing the commonly used channels (e.g., Channel 40 for highway safety chatter) helps if you need to communicate with truckies or other travellers. Always ensure someone in your party has charged phones, a satellite emergency beacon if you’ll be off-grid, and up-to-date route information.
How to integrate with your TrendRentals vehicle
From compact cars to 4WDs, TrendRentals has options that pair well with different audio needs. If you want premium sound for long coastal runs, choose vehicles with upgraded audio packages. For rugged outback drives, prioritize reliable 4WDs and fit a vehicle-mounted UHF or bring a handheld. Browse TrendRentals’ rental categories and book the right car for your road soundtrack at TrendRentals Vehicle Options.