Outback and remote driving

By the end of this topic you can

• You can plan a remote trip, including fuel, water and rest stops
• You can check road conditions and closures before you go
• You can overtake or be overtaken by a road train safely
• You can drive safely on unsealed roads and in dust
• You can explain what to do if your vehicle breaks down in a remote area

What you need to know and understand

• Fuel stops can be far apart and may have limited opening hours
• Mobile coverage is patchy or absent in much of remote Australia
• Road trains can be more than 50 metres long and need a long, clear road to pass
• Unsealed roads can be closed after rain, and driving on closed roads can bring heavy fines
• Wildlife and stock are most active around dawn, dusk and at night
• If you break down, stay with your vehicle; it is easier to find than a person
• Speed limits on remote highways vary by state; some Northern Territory highways have limits up to 130 km/h

Before you leave

1. Plan your route, distances and fuel stops, and check opening hours for remote roadhouses
2. Check road conditions and closures with the state road report, such as the NT Road Report, QLDTraffic or Main Roads WA
3. Have the vehicle serviced, and check tyres, the spare, coolant, oil and belts
4. Pack plenty of drinking water, food, a first aid kit, tools, a tyre repair kit and a pump
5. Carry a way to call for help without mobile coverage, such as a personal locator beacon or satellite phone
6. Tell someone your route and when you expect to arrive, and check in when you do

Road trains, dust and gravel

Road trains are long, heavy and take a great distance to stop. When one is coming towards you on a narrow road, slow down and move left, taking care not to drop wheels onto a soft edge. Expect dust and flying stones as it passes.

Only overtake a road train when you can see a long stretch of clear road, and commit fully once you start. If one is behind you, keep left and hold a steady speed so it can pass safely.

On gravel, lower your speed, as braking distances are longer and loose stones act like ball bearings. In heavy dust, slow down and turn on your headlights; if you cannot see, pull well off the road and wait.

Animals, fatigue and breakdowns

Kangaroos, cattle, camels and emus can appear suddenly, especially at dawn, dusk and night. Many remote locals avoid driving at those times. If an animal is on the road, brake firmly in a straight line rather than swerving, which can cause a rollover.

Long, straight roads cause fatigue. Rest at least every two hours, share the driving with a supervising or licensed driver and stop when you feel drowsy.

• If you break down, pull well off the road and switch on hazard lights
• Stay with your vehicle and keep in the shade
• Ration water and activate your beacon if you need emergency help
• Never walk off for help in heat unless rescue is certain to be close

Common mistakes

• Running low on fuel: fill up at every chance, even if the tank is still half full
• Not checking road reports: unsealed roads close after rain, so check before and during the trip
• Overtaking a road train without enough clear road: wait for a long straight with good visibility
• Swerving for animals: brake in a straight line instead
• Leaving the vehicle after a breakdown: stay with it so searchers can find you

Test yourself: Outback and remote driving

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Outback Driving Tips for Australia