Around the cities the only problem you’ll face is inept signposting, but interstate main roads – even Highway 1, which circles the country – aren’t always great, and some of the minor routes are awful.
Conditions, especially on unsealed roads, are unpredictable and some roads can be impassable after a storm, so always seek reliable advice (from the local police or a roadhouse) before starting out. Make it clear what sort of vehicle you’re driving and remember that their idea of a “good” or “bad” road may be radically different from yours. Some “4WD only” tracks might be navigable in lesser transport with a skilled driver – high ground clearance, rather than four driven wheels, is often the crucial factor.
Rain and floods – particularly in the tropics and central Australia – can close roads to all vehicles within minutes, so driving through remote regions in the wet season will be prone to delays.
Several remote and unsealed roads through central Australia (the Sandover and Plenty highways, the Oodnadatta, Birdsville and Tanami tracks, and others) are theoretically open to all vehicles, but unless you’re well equipped with a tough car, don’t attempt a crossing during the summer, when extreme temperatures place extra strain on both driver and vehicle.
On poor roads and dirt tracks, the rules are to keep your speed down to a maximum of 80kph, stick to the best section and never assume that the road is free from potholes, eroded cattle grids, sand, rocks or oncoming traffic. Long corrugated stretches are a major bugbear and can literally shake the vehicle apart – check radiators and fuel tanks for cracks afterwards; reducing tyre pressures slightly softens the ride but can cause the tyres to overheat at high speeds, making them more prone to punctures. Windscreens are often shattered by flying stones from passing traffic, so slow down and pull over to the left. Fine “bulldust” fills potholes, obscures hazards and invades the car. Dirt tracks are often deeply rutted, and exposed tree roots can burst tyres if you drive over them too fast.
At all times carry plenty of drinking water, fuel and food, and tell someone reliable your timetable, route and destination, so that a rescue can be organized if you don’t report in. Carry a detailed, recent map and don’t count on finding regular signposts. In the event of a breakdown in the Outback, always stay with your vehicle: it’s visible to potential rescuers and you can use it for shade; in any case, you risk finding it stripped when you return with a tow truck if you’re stranded on an isolated road. As a last resort, burn a tyre – the black smoke will be distinctive from the average bushfire.
Equiping your car
Again, if the car is old, establish its engine oil consumption early on; a car can carry on for thousands of kilometres guzzling oil at an alarming rate, and if the level drops too much the engine is ruined. If you’re confident, get a Gregory’s workshop manual for your vehicle; even if you’re not, carry these spares anyway – someone who knows how to use them might stop. Whatever else, always carry jerrycans with enough water and fuel to get you to the next garage after a mishap. For ordinary cars, the cheapest place to buy spares is at a supermarket – head for the racks of any branch of K-Mart or Coles.
Before you set off, check battery terminals for corrosion, and the battery for charge – buy a new one if necessary; don’t risk money on a secondhand item. Carry two spare tyres; off-road drivers in remote regions should add to the list a puncture repair kit, bead breaker and tubes – and know how to use them. Keeping tyres at the correct pressure and having a wheel balance/alignment will cut down wear. Change the oil and filter, clean or replace the air filter and check the radiator for coolant/antifreeze.
4-wheel driving
In addition to the many “how to” manuals easily found in bookshops, try and get a copy of Off Road Sense produced by Dunlop (Dunlop Tyres, PO Box 100, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207). This illustrated booklet clearly spells out the practicalities of off-road driving without confusing the beginner with technical jargon.
If you’re planning a long off-road tour, Explore Australia by Four-Wheel Drive (Viking) will suit recreational drivers. In remote areas you may want to rent a two-way HF radio tuned to the Royal Flying Doctor Service – contact the state motoring association or National Parks and Wildlife Service for details. The following basic hints should help.
- Be aware of your limitations, and those of your vehicle.
- Know how to operate everything – including how to change a tyre – before you need it.
- Always cross rivers and very sandy or muddy sections on foot first.
- Don’t persevere if you’re stuck – avoid wheel spin and reverse out.
- Reducing tyre pressure by up to seventy percent dramatically increases traction in mud or sand, but risks punctures and causes over-heating at higher road speeds.
- If stuck, clear all the wheels with a shovel, create a shallow ramp (again, for all wheels), engage four-wheel-drive and lower tyre pressures if necessary, and drive out in low-range second or third gear.
- Keep to tracks – avoid unnecessary damage to the environment.
- Driving on beaches can be great fun, but treacherous – observe other vehicles’ tracks and be aware of tidal patterns.
Traveling Tips for traveling in the Outback
On unsealed roads, corrugations may make the going uncomfortable if not dangerous and sometimes an even speed is the best way to obtain reasonable comfort and minimise danger. Water can damage roads quickly. If you encounter rain, it's best to wait until the next day or until the road is dry before going on. If you come across water covering the road, drive carefully and gauge the depth with a stick before you proceed. Extreme care should be taken at river or creek crossings.
Dust can also be a hazard and it's best to pull off the road when you encounter excessive dust from a passing vehicle.
Watch out for stock and native animals crossing the road, even on sealed roads, especially between sunset and sunrise. Birds of prey feeding on carcasses at dawn have been the cause of many accidents. At all times it pays to match your speed to the conditions, and err on the side of caution.
Avoid the Strzelecki Track and Birdsville Track during the summer as conditions are likely to be at their worst - temperatures will be high, road conditions at their worst and water in poor supply.
Travellers should be aware of the extreme heat and isolated nature of travelling on outback roads. Please take special note of the following recommendations and check the Hotline number for road conditions before commencing your journey. Northern Area Road Condition hotline (08) 811633
When you travel into the outback, you're in one of Australia's most sensitive environments. Here are some basic do's and don'ts -
- Notify a friend or relative of your travel arrangements. Advise dates, times and the intended route. Contact the relevant party upon arrival .
- Don't use soap or detergents except in areas where toilets and showers are provided - otherwise they pollute.
- Protect water supplies and do not interfere with stock watering points. Water is more valuable than property.
- Do not leave the main road. In case of accident or breakdown, stay with your vehicle.
- Respect gates, private roads and private property. Always close a gate you pass through.
- When travelling in national or conservation parks, consult the ranger before setting off both to find out the best locations and to determine the local conditions. Carry your own power source and strictly observe fire regulations.
- Do not tamper with road or Property signage.
- Travellers who may wish to camp in a national or conservation park or regional reserve will require a Desert Parks Pass or an overnight Camping permit. Telephone (08) 8204 1910
- Leave the area as you found it - take your rubbish with you. Don't interfere with or frighten stock. Don't bring pets, as these are banned in most areas.
- Respect Aboriginal land and culture. Don't touch paintings or carvings, relics, sites or historical monuments or buildings.
- It is highly recommended that you install an H.F radio transmitter in your vehicle before attempting outback travel.
- Take extreme care when wandering around opal diggings.
For more information on driving in the Outback, go to the Selfdrives section or:
- Australian Driving Rules
- Outback Driving
- Remote 4wd Tracks
- Road Conditions (Updated Reports)