Safety tips for travel in the Australian outback

The Australian outback is undoubtedly a breathtaking place to visit, but it is also very isolated and houses some of the world’s most poisonous snake and spider varieties.

Weather in the Australian outback can be quite harsh. Summer days can hit 40 degrees Celsius or 104 degrees Fahrenheit and Heavy rains can also occur at this time. It is recommended that you travel between April and October for more temperate fine weather.

Please read through the following tips to help you stay safe on your journey:

VEHICLE AND ROAD TRAVEL TIPS

-Plan your journey from detailed maps- sometimes it can be a few hundred kilometres drive between fuel and facilities points.

-It is the law to wear your seatbelt in Australia

-Vehicles are right hand drive and driven on the left side of the road.

-Watch out for animals that could run across the road. The native wildlife tends to be most active at dawn and dusk so it is best to avoid driving at these times if possible.

-If you are driving and come across a gate leave it in the same way as you found it. If it was closed close it behind you, if it was open, leave it open.

-Beware of driver fatigue- take rest breaks every 2 hours.

-Do not leave your vehicle if you get lost or broken down as it provides shelter and is easier to find.

-Follow the advice of warning signs and park and wildlife officers-they close or restrict roads for safety reasons. For current road reports please contact the RACQ on 1300 130 595 or visit http://www.racq.com.au/.

Most tourist destinations can be reached by travelling on sealed roads, if you choose to travel on an unsealed road please take into account the following advice:

-Do not overload a roof rack as it will increase your chance of a rollover

-Drive cautiously- do not speed and break early as traction is reduced on sandy and dusty surfaces. Beware dangers that may be hidden by dust such as dust holes. Slow right down when you go around a corner so that the vehicle doesn’t slide then spin out of control.