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The Australian outback is a place well worth seeing but unless you take care, it may be the last place you ever see.
Australia's area is nearly 3 million square miles, and Australia's population of 18 million is concentrated mainly on the eastern coast. The rest of the country is sparsely populated, and there are often very long distances between settlements, even on major highways.
When driving outside cities in Australia, always take these precautions:
- Carry at least 2 litres of drinkable water for each person.
- Also carry 10 litres of water for the car. This can be drunk in case of emergency.
- Be aware that not all service stops outside cities will not have drinkable water available on tap. Some also charge for tap water as it is carted at their own expense from other places.
Travelling long distances in the Outback calls for these additional precautions:
Carry these items:
- Spare parts: fan belts, radiator hoses (top and bottom), spare tyres (preferably more than one), air cleaners, fuel and oil filters.
- Spare fuel and extra water. For drinking water, count 3 litres of water per person per day, then double it. You can never have too much water.
- An EPIRB (Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon). These cost approximately $300 from camping and fishing stores and are to be activated in case of emergency. The signal is picked up by Emergency Services and Police or SES officers will be able to locate you.
- A comprehensive first aid kit.
- A 40-channel two-way radio in your vehicle is recommended.
Also:
- Ensure you have the appropriate tools and know-how to change parts if necessary. Phones are few and far between, and the service truck doesn't usually go that far anyway.
- Be aware that most of the Australian Outback has little network coverage for mobile or cell phones. In general, the limit is 15-30km outside of towns with network coverage. Not all towns have network coverage.
- However, satellite phones can be used from anywhere, and although expensive to buy and use, you may like to consider one.
- Always check with the nearest police station to see if your intended route is passable. Flash flooding can close a road within minutes. Even some of the major highways can be affected by this. Also, many roads are routinely closed during the summer 'Wet Season' in the northern parts of Australia.
- Notify someone of your departure time and expected arrival time. When you arrive, call back to let them know you have arrived safely. If you do not call them on the expected time of arrival they can notify emergency services. If you don't have any family or friends, leave your details with police.
- If you plan to be more than a day, make sure you have food to last twice as long as your trip is intended to take, in case of breakdowns.
- If your vehicle breaks down and you cannot repair it, STAY WITH THE VEHICLE. It provides shade and water and makes it easier for emergency service planes to spot you. A vehicle is much easier to see from the air than people. Even in areas where there is little tree cover, it is extremely difficult to see people on the ground from the air.
- Be aware that many roads off the beaten track are seldom maintained or travelled. You may encounter extremely rough, dusty, rocky or sandy going. Also be aware that dusty tracks can obscure vision. Travel at appropriate speeds for the conditions.
- Watch for cattle. Many roads, including the highways, cross unfenced pastoral areas and cattle are frequently on the road. If you are travelling at night and cattle are on the road, slow down as much as possible and dip your lights from high beam to low and back again a few times. This usually startles them enough to get them moving.
- Also watch for kangaroos and wallabies. They are much quicker than cattle, and harder to see. Dipping your lights as above will also usually get them moving but be aware they can change direction extremely quickly. Just because they start to bounce one direction doesn't mean they will continue in that direction.
- ALWAYS wear seatbelts.
While driving in such remote areas as the Outback does have its dangers, if you use these common sense tips a driving trip in Outback Australia can be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable journeys you ever take!
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