Travelling in Regional or Remote Australia

When planning to travel by road, either for a short day trip or long travel adventure in regional or outback Australia, we recommend you consider a few things to help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable driving journey.

Everyone is faced with potential situations that may arise and could cause changes to their travel plans. If you take some simple precautions you can be well prepared to tackle the situation and help to not cause problems for your holiday.

Some safety tips include:

• Ensure the safety of your vehicle.

• Make sure your window washer bottle is at full capacity. Outback conditions may cause your windscreen to require more regular cleaning.

• Check your spare tyre is in good condition and you have the necessary equipment to change it should it be needed.

• Take extra water both for drinking and for other means such as washing hands or for needs of the vehicle such as topping up the windscreen washer bottle.

• Pack sun smart gear such as hats, sunglasses and a long shirt or umbrella. A situation may arise where you need to be outside of the car for long periods, such as changing a car tyre. An umbrella can be handy in the situation of rain or helping to provide someone shelter from the sun.

• Ensure you have a first aid kit. If your vehicle does have one, make sure it is up-to-date with the essentials. Some items may have already been used or they may have a used by date so replacements are required. If you don't have a first aid kit, you can create your own by compiling items you know are important and placing them in a plastic container, a toiletry bag, or another secure travel accessory. Make sure you name it accordingly so people know what it is should it be required urgently.

• Tell someone of your travel plans. 'Certain areas may lack mobile phone reception so you may be unable to get in contact with anyone should you need assistance. Inform staff at your holiday accommodation your intended plans and proposed return time. While it may seem unnecessary it can be vital in specific situations. If you are travelling from your home, then tell a relative, friend or neighbour your plans.

• Know your vehicle and its fuel capacity. Regional and remote locations have fuel stations sparsely located. Know your location and what is available. Determine your car?s fuel capacity and have a rough estimation of how any kilometres you can achieve from a full tank. This way, you can gauge your travel distance and determine how many times you will need to refuel. If hiring a car, make sure you consider where you are travelling and the fuel capacity of the vehicle you plan to hire.

Everyone that drives a vehicle can come into situations. How it affects your travel plans will depend on how well you are prepared. Some planning can make all the difference.

We hope that these have been some helpful tips for you. Safe driving!