Dangers
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Fatigue - Driving long distances can cause fatigue – one of the most common causes of serious accidents! STOP and REST at least every two hours.
- Speed - Speed limits vary from State to State. In the Northern Territory there is no speed limit on the open roads but the best advice is to continue to drive at a reasonable speed that allows you to stop safely.
- Stock and Wildlife - Sealed and unsealed roads may be unfenced, so beware of wandering stock and wildlife. These can include sheep, cattle, kangaroos and in Central Australia, the odd camel. Dawn, dusk and night driving are the times best avoided.
- Road Trains - These trucks can be up to three trailers (50 metres) long. Always give them plenty of room and if overtaking, allow at least 1km of clear road ahead.
- Floods - Do not attempt to cross flooded bridges or causeways unless you are absolutely sure of the depth and any road damage. Most flash floods recede within 24 hours.
- Dust - Dust on Outback roads can obscure your vision. Do not take risks. Stop and wait for it to settle.
- Lost or broken down - Do not leave your vehicle under any circumstances - a missing vehicle is easier to locate than missing people. Economise on water if you are not on a main road. If you intend to leave the main roads, let somebody know of your estimated time of arrival at your destination.
General Information
Truck Parking Bays
Do not park in truck parking bays. These bays are provided exclusively for the use of trucks and road trains to allow drivers to park their rigs safely while taking rest breaks. They need room to manoeuvre their trailers and often need to run noisy refrigeration units. Rest areas are provided for your regular fatigue breaks and there are camping and caravan park facilities for overnight stops.
Dogs & Cats
Visitors travelling with pets should note that dogs and cats cannot be taken into National Parks.
Aboriginal Land and Sites
If you are planning to travel through Aboriginal Land other than on designated highways, you must obtain a permit. Those travelling on an organised tour will have their permit organised for them. It is the right of Traditional Owners to refuse any entry permits.
There are a number of places or objects that hold special significance for Aboriginal people. Visitors are welcome but respect should be shown for these sites. Some are protected by law and there are penalties for trespassing.
Permit applications and general enquiries must be directed in writing to the relevant Land Council in each state.
Checklist
The following check list indicates what we feel you should have in the car at all times:
- Maps of the area - as detailed as possible particularly if you plan to go off the major roads
- A compass
- Matches or a lighter and fire-lighter blocks
- Water (see section on "Water")
- Food enough for each person for two days
- Clothes - two changes, one for the heat, one for when it becomes cold. When travelling in outback areas temperature extremes can be experienced within one day. Evenings can be very cool after a warm day so in addition to packing a shady hat, long sleeved shirts and comfortable walking shoes or boots, it is a good idea to take a sweater for the nights.
- A first aid kit with bandages, plasters, an antiseptic cream, sunblock cream, a broad spectrum antibiotic, insect repellent, a pain reliever a booklet on first aid and anything else you feel you may need.
- Tools - a complete set, especially a jack and check that all are in working order. The main towns are well equipped with motor mechanics and parts retailers but this is not always the case in remote areas, so be prepared. If going off the main roads, take an extra jack with a large base to stop it sinking in the sand or mud, preferably two spare tyres correctly inflated, engine oil, axe, shovel, globes, fanbelt, fuses, coil, condenser, radiator hoses, tow rope, distributor points and one or two big flashlights.
- Radio - one that can pick up at least one station, so you'll get those all important weather reports.
- Two-way HF Radio - When in the remote Outback it's important to carry a 2-way HF radio with Flying Doctor and Telstra frequencies. Mobile phone signal coverage is very limited.
- Extra fuel - Carrying extra fuel in jerrycans is not usually necessary except in the remote Outback when towns are a long distance apart. Most towns have fuel facilities, so simply plan ahead, keep your tank topped up as you go and check at each stop for where the next stop will be on your journey.