Driving Tips

Preparing to go

• Carry adequate supplies of fuel, food and water in case you get stranded. Ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound and roadworthy and that you are carrying appropriate spare parts – including a strong jack and two spare tyres.
• Notify a responsible person of your itinerary, intended route, stop overs and estimates of arrival times and dates. Contact them when you get to each nominates stopover.
• We recommend you carry a satellite phone, EPIRB and a UHF radio. Normal mobile phones do not work in most SA outback areas away from sealed roads.
• Check the conditions of Outback roads and weather forecasts before leaving towns.

Travelling

• Drive your vehicle at reduced speeds on unsealed roads. Dust will limit your visibility; take care when overtaking, especially road trains.
• Take frequent rest breaks and change drivers regularly.
• Obey road closure signs
• If you break down do not leave your vehicle.
• Use only recognised Public Access Tracks and designated camping areas. Seek prior approval from landowners on private tracks.
• Remember that Public Access Routes are located in very remote areas. On many Outback tracks traffic is very sparse, particularly in the summer months.
• Up-to-date road conditions can be checked via the Far Northern and Western road conditions hotline – 1300 361 033 or call Desert Parks information line on 1800 816 078.