Australia, with its vast landscapes and diverse attractions, is a dream destination for family road trips. There’s something truly magical about exploring the country’s beauty from the comfort of your vehicle. To make these journeys even more enjoyable and memorable, investing in the right car gadgets is essential. These technological wonders can transform long hours on the road into exciting adventures for the whole family.
1. High-Definition Rear Seat Entertainment Systems
High-definition rear-seat entertainment systems have become a must-have for Australian families, transforming long car journeys from stressful ordeals into enjoyable experiences. These systems typically consist of one or more screens mounted on the back of the front seats, offering a range of entertainment options.
Features:
Modern rear-seat entertainment systems boast impressive features:
- High-Definition Screens: Delivering crystal-clear picture quality for movies, TV shows, and games.
- Multiple Inputs: Supporting various devices like gaming consoles, smartphones, and tablets.
- Wireless Connectivity: Enabling easy content streaming from compatible devices.
- Built-in Apps: Offering access to streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and more.
- Headphone Jacks: Allowing individual audio control for passengers.
- Remote Control: For easy operation from the rear seats.
Benefits:
- Reduced Boredom: Keeps children occupied during long journeys, preventing restlessness and tantrums.
- Educational Content: Many systems allow parents to choose educational programs and movies.
- Improved Family Time: Shared viewing experiences can create bonding moments.
- Quiet Car Environment: Helps reduce noise levels and distractions for the driver.
Places to Buy:
High-definition rear-seat entertainment systems are widely available in Australia. Here are some popular places to purchase:
- Car Dealerships: Many car dealerships offer these systems as optional extras or as part of specific vehicle packages.
- Electronics Retailers: Stores like JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, and The Good Guys often carry a range of options.
- Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon Australia, eBay, and specialised car accessory stores offer a vast selection.
- Car Accessory Stores: Local car accessory shops can provide expert advice and installation services.
Note: When purchasing, consider factors like screen size, desired features, compatibility with your vehicle, and budget. Professional installation is often recommended to ensure optimal performance and safety.
2. Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots
A portable Wi-Fi hotspot is a device that creates a Wi-Fi network using a cellular data connection. It allows multiple devices to connect to the internet simultaneously, even when there is no traditional Wi-Fi available.
Features:
Portable Wi-Fi hotspots, often called mobile hotspots, are compact devices that provide internet connectivity on the go. They work by using a cellular network to create a Wi-Fi network that multiple devices can connect to. Key features include:
- Compact size: Easily fits in your pocket or bag.
- Battery powered: Provides hours of usage without needing to be plugged in.
- Multiple device connections: Allows several devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) to connect simultaneously.
- Data plans: Requires a data plan from a mobile carrier for internet access.
- 4G or 5G connectivity: Offers fast internet speeds.
- Additional features: Some models may include GPS, power bank capabilities, and more.
Benefits for Staying Connected on the Go:
- Stay connected anywhere: Access the internet in remote areas or places with limited Wi-Fi.
- Multiple device support: Connect all your family’s devices to one hotspot.
- Cost-effective: Can be cheaper than using individual data plans for multiple devices.
- Emergency backup: Provides internet access in case of home internet outages.
- Business use: Ideal for remote work or on-the-go business needs.
Places to Buy:
- Mobile carriers: Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone offer their own branded hotspots and data plans.
- Electronics retailers: JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, and The Good Guys often carry a range of hotspots.
- Online retailers: Amazon Australia, eBay, and other online stores offer a wide selection.
3. Smart Dash Cams
A smart dash cam is a video recording device installed on a car’s windshield. It continuously records the road ahead and often includes additional features like GPS tracking, G-sensor, Wi-Fi connectivity, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Features:
Smart dash cams are video recording devices installed on a vehicle’s windshield. They continuously record footage of the road ahead. Advanced models offer additional features like:
- High-resolution video: Captures clear footage, day and night.
- GPS tracking: Records location, speed, and route.
- G-sensor: Automatically saves footage in case of an accident.
- Wi-Fi connectivity: Allows for easy video transfer and app control.
- Parking mode: Continues recording while the car is parked.
- Voice control: Enables hands-free operation.
- ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems): Features like lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and driver fatigue monitoring.
Benefits for Safety and Security
- Accident evidence: Provides video proof in case of a collision.
- Insurance claims: Can help support insurance claims.
- Road safety: Features like lane departure warning and forward collision warning can help prevent accidents.
- Theft deterrent: Acts as a visual deterrent for potential thieves.
- Monitoring driving behaviour: This can help improve driving habits.
Places to Buy
- Electronics retailers: JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, and The Good Guys often carry a range of dash cams.
- Car accessory stores: Specialised car accessory shops offer a wide selection and installation services.
- Online retailers: Amazon Australia, eBay, and other online stores have various options.
4. In-Car Voice Assistants
An in-car voice assistant is a technology that allows drivers to interact with their vehicle’s systems using voice commands. It typically uses speech recognition to understand and respond to requests, enabling hands-free control of various car functions and access to information and services.
Features
- Voice recognition: Accurate understanding of spoken commands.
- Integration with car systems: Control audio, climate, navigation, and phone functions.
- Smartphone connectivity: Access to contacts, messages, and apps.
- Cloud-based services: Real-time information, traffic updates, and point of interest searches.
- Natural language processing: Understanding complex commands and requests.
Benefits for Hands-Free Control and Convenience
- Improved safety: Reduces distractions by allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
- Enhanced convenience: Easily control car functions and access information without taking your hands off the steering wheel.
- Streamlined experience: Simplifies tasks like making calls, playing music, and getting directions.
- Access to information: Provides real-time updates on weather, traffic, and news.
Places to Buy
- New car purchases: Many modern cars come with built-in voice assistants.
- Aftermarket installation: Specialised car audio shops can install aftermarket systems.
- Smartphone integration: Use your phone’s voice assistant with car connectivity features.
5. Car Seat Organisers with Tablet Holders
A car seat organiser is a storage accessory designed to be attached to the back of a car seat. It typically includes pockets, pouches, and compartments for storing various items, such as toys, snacks, drinks, and other essentials. Many models also feature a tablet holder for children’s entertainment.
Features
- Storage compartments: Pockets, pouches, and holders for toys, snacks, drinks, and other essentials.
- Tablet holder: Securely holds a tablet for entertainment.
- Adjustable straps: Securely attach to the car seat.
- Waterproof material: Easy to clean and wipe down.
- Additional features: Some models may include insulated compartments, cup holders, or toy organisers.
Benefits for Organisation and Entertainment
- Clutter-free car: Keeps car seats tidy and organised.
- Convenient storage: Easily access toys, snacks, and other items.
- Entertainment on the go: Provides a dedicated space for tablets.
- Hands-free entertainment: Allows children to enjoy movies, games, or educational content.
- Improved car journeys: This creates a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for both children and parents.
Places to Buy
- Baby and children’s stores: Stores specialising in baby and child products often carry a wide range of car seat organisers.
- Department stores: Many department stores offer car seat organisers as part of their baby and child product selection.
- Online retailers: Websites like Amazon, eBay, and specialised baby gear stores offer a variety of options.
- Car accessory stores: Some car accessory stores may carry car seat organisers.
6. Portable DVD Players
Portable DVD players are compact devices with built-in screens that can play DVDs, CDs, and sometimes even USB drives or SD cards. They typically feature a screen size ranging from 7 to 12 inches, a rechargeable battery, headphone jacks, and a remote control. Some models may also include additional features like game consoles, TV tuners, or digital media playback.
Benefits:
- Consistent entertainment: Offers a reliable source of entertainment, especially in areas with poor or no internet connectivity.
- Offline content: Allows you to enjoy movies, TV shows, and music without relying on a data connection.
- Child-friendly: Provides a dedicated entertainment device for children, protecting their screen time and preventing distractions.
- Portability: Can be used in cars, on planes, or during camping trips.
Places to Buy:
- Electronics retailers: JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys
- Online retailers: Amazon Australia, eBay, Kogan
- Department stores: Myer, David Jones
- Car accessory stores: Reputable car accessory stores
7. Multi-Port USB Car Chargers
Multi-port USB car chargers are devices that plug into your car’s cigarette lighter socket and provide multiple USB ports for charging electronic devices. They typically come with different USB port configurations, including standard USB-A, USB-C, and sometimes even Quick Charge technology for faster charging.
Benefits for Keeping All Devices Charged:
- Multiple device charging: Allows you to charge multiple devices simultaneously, such as smartphones, tablets, GPS devices, and more.
- Convenient charging: Provides a dedicated charging solution for your car, eliminating the need for multiple single-port chargers.
- Fast charging: Some models offer fast charging capabilities to quickly replenish your devices’ batteries.
- Compact design: Most car chargers have a compact and portable design, making them easy to carry and use.
Places to Buy:
- Electronics retailers: JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys
- Car accessory stores: Reputable car accessory stores
- Online retailers: Amazon Australia, eBay, Kogan
- Petrol stations: Some petrol stations offer a selection of car accessories.
