Important Travel Tips

Plan Thoroughly

Wildlife and Cattle Crossing 

Research the areas you want to visit, and print a detailed itinerary with key destinations, distances, and estimated travel times. Share your travel plans with someone reliable and set regular check-in times to ensure your safety.

Be cautious of wildlife, honk your car horn in bursts of two quick honks at a time if you see wildlife crossing or about to cross. Keep an eye out for snakes if you are walking or cycling around. Cattle farmers may take some time moving vast amounts of cattle across the road, be patient and enjoy the spectacle of outback Australia's cattle droving.

Check the Weather

Permits and Permissions

The Bureau of Meteorology in Australia has a weather app called "BOM Weather" you can download from the App store. Listen to broadcasts on local radio stations if you are out of range.

Check if you need permits for specific areas or activities, such as camping, fishing or hunting, fossicking and obtain them in advance, most can be purchased or register online, but best to check beforehand.

Carry Sufficient Water

Respect Indigenous Lands

Always have an ample supply of water, especially in remote areas with limited access to freshwater sources.

If traveling through Aboriginal lands, respect local customs. Read and follow signage instructions.

Fuel / Charge Up

Travel with a Companion

Keep your vehicle's fuel tank full and carry extra fuel containers when traveling through remote areas with limited fuel stations. When travelling by Electric Vehicle, print an EV charging stations map (Google) and make allowances for charging time when estimating your times of arrival at destinations.

It's safer to travel with a companion, especially in remote areas where help may be far away if needed.

Car Maintenance

Respect the Environment

Ensure your vehicle is in excellent working condition before setting off. It's also wise to have a basic knowledge of vehicle repairs. Carry a spare tyre, tyre repair kit and car jack.

Take your rubbish with you and dispose of it responsibly.

Communication

Watch for Road Trains

000 is the number to call in Australia for emergencies. Check your smart phone specifications for Emergency SOS availability. iPhone 15 has capability to SOS via satellite and send text messages to emergency services. Consider travelling with a satellite phone for extended rural travel.

Be aware of and yield to massive road trains (long haul trucks) often encountered on Outback highways. Sometimes you can get stuck behind one or more consecutive road trains, being patient and safety conscious are essential when encountering this and your travel timings may be interrupted. You need clear visibility for a long straight stretch of road to overtake, so you may not get a chance to overtake until they pull over or turn off.

Navigation Tools

Check Road Conditions

Carry paper maps, a GPS device, or a reliable navigation app with offline maps to help you navigate the vast and often unmarked terrain.

Keep an eye on road condition updates: qldtraffic.qld.gov.au for up-to-date road closures, road works, 4WD only roads, etc. If there has been heavy rain, do not pull over onto the side of the road unless you can clearly see it is tarred or cemented. Be careful pulling over in extremely dry conditions, you may get sand bogged.

Emergency Supplies

Be Kind

Pack a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, tools, spare tyres, and any other emergency supplies you might need. Stock up on non-perishable food items, camping gear, fuel and other supplies before leaving populated areas.

Engage with locals and fellow travellers and be ready to offer or ask for help if needed. Rural Australia has a strong sense of community and you will surely make some friends along the way.