There’s no doubt about it, the Australian outback is absolutely stunning. From sprawling cattle stations to rugged mountain ranges, lush green waterholes and fiery sunsets, Australia offers adventure at every turn.
However, the landscape can also be very unforgiving if you are unprepared. So here are our top tips for outback driving safety!
Watch out for wildlife
The beauty of the Australian outback is the abundance of wildlife you’ll see. From kangaroos to wallabies, emus, koalas, snakes, cattle, and more. If you spot wildlife on your outback adventure, it’s important to slow down, even if the animal is not heading in your direction. Many animals have a terrible habit of turning around at the last second, darting across the road and straight under your wheels.
If you come across a kangaroo sitting in the middle of the road, don’t swerve to avoid it because this may cause your vehicle to roll. Just stop and be patient. It’s all part of the ‘outback experience’. Perhaps beep your horn, and the roo will hop away.
Road conditions
Many of the roads in outback Australia are unsealed gravel or dirt roads. As a result, a significant amount of rain or stormy weather will cause washouts, bog holes, and bad corrugations. Our advice? It’s important to drive slowly, turn on your headlights when visibility is poor, and be cautious of sharp rocks, dust, and slippery mud patches.
The rattling will also be hard on your car and your body, so take frequent breaks and think about your shock absorbers — they’re pretty hard to come by in the middle of nowhere!
Clean your radiator regularly
Locusts and other insects can also be a big problem up north, especially in the dry season. If you don’t keep a close eye on your engine’s temperature and clean the squashed insects off your car regularly, you will likely clog up your radiator and fry your engine.
Take extra water with you
The Australian outback is a beautiful place, but it can also be very unforgiving if you’re not prepared. Always carry plenty of extra water with you and take care when travelling through remote areas. Temperatures in the Australian outback can reach over 40°C in the summer!
We also recommend packing extra fuel, an emergency kit, spare tyres, tools, long life food, sunscreen, a map, a compass, cool protective clothing, and a satellite phone (you can hire these from places like Explore OZ and Satellite Hire). Oh, and don’t forget a roll of toilet paper!
In case of an emergency
Danger is plentiful in the Australian outback, from snake bites to spider bites, heat exhaustion, dehydration, flat tyres, and major car accidents. If an accident does occur while you’re travelling, it’s important to stay calm, call for help, and remain with your vehicle. Conserve your food, water, and energy.
Before leaving, we recommend completing a basic first aid and CPR course (the Australian Red Cross offers some excellent ones, as does St John Ambulance Australia). You should learn how to apply pressure to a snake bite, treat an open wound, and appropriately monitor an injured person for an extended period of time.
It’s also a smart idea to keep a record of phone numbers in your vehicle for the Australian flying doctor, local vehicle repair companies, towing companies, emergency services, and national park rangers.
Door to Door Car Carrying
If all else fails and the outback seems like far too much work for you, then Door to Door Car Carrying is an excellent solution! When you add up the costs of driving across the outback, the dangers involved, and the time and energy required, car carrying simply makes sense. We offer on-site pickup and delivery to your door. As well as transportation services for caravans, boats, and non-running cars.
Are you looking to transport your car interstate? Contact Door to Door Car Carrying today!
