Due to its immense size, driving around Australia should never be underestimated. If you are a traveller hoping to tackle the remote and dry outback, it is vital to take the necessary precautions and conduct the required planning to navigate it safely and successfully.
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Renting a car in Australia
Like other commonwealth countries, in Australia you will be required to drive on the left side of the road. If you are visiting from the UK, this will prove no problem but if you are more used to right hand driving, this may cause some confusion in the beginning. The switch is usually fairly easy to adjust to though.
To rent a car, you will need a valid driver’s licence from your home country and you will have the choice between automatic and manual vehicles. Companies such as Thrifty, Sixt, Hertz, Budget and Enterprise can be found at most major airports across the country.
Like any other car rental, it is vital to read the fine print, as rules will vary between companies, and you may be limited to how far you can drive and the areas you are allowed to drive in. If you plan to do any type of off-road driving, it is best to opt for a 4WD car.
Driving rules in remote Australia
When driving in the outback, there are two main rules that will potentially save your life in these remote regions: Always let people know where you are going to be and when you expect to arrive at your destination and always stay with your vehicle should you break down.
Furthermore, ensuring you have a packed travel bag, including a range of essential basics, will further assist you should anything go wrong. The list includes detailed and up-to-date maps of the area, a compass, matches and fire-lighter blocks, a sufficient water supply with an emergency surplus, enough food for each person for at least two days, appropriate clothing for the hot daytime temperatures and the frigid night time air, a fully stocked travel first-aid kit, a complete toolset including a jack and two spare tyres, a satellite radio to stay updated on weather conditions, a satellite phone and a loud whistle.
Outback driving tips
Before setting off, it is vital to perform a few of your own assessments on your car, ensuring you are well prepared for whatever the outback may throw at you. It is a vast and unpredictable place and can pose several challenges to those unfamiliar with the terrain. Being properly prepared is the best way to ensure you have an enjoyable and safe experience.
Tyres
When renting your car, enquire about the loan of a tyre pressure gauge, which you can use each morning to assess the condition of your tyres while driving through the hot terrain. The heat in the outback will cause the pressure to increase, which could lead to your tyres bursting if it becomes too high.
Furthermore, you may find it more beneficial to deflate your tyres somewhat when crossing sandhills or tackling sandy tracks, as it will increase the surface area of the tire and improve traction.
Road conditions
As much as possible, try to maintain a straight course rather than attempting to dodge every pothole you may encounter. Driving in sandy areas is very hazardous at the best of times, so learning how to negotiate sand will greatly improve your driving experience.
One of the biggest hazards you can encounter on roads in the outback is overtaking other vehicles or road trains. Visibility is often poor and the possibility of a stone hitting your windscreen is very high. Wait until the dust has settled, or pull over to the side of the road should you be caught in a dust storm. Some road trains can be up to 50m long and travel at around 90 km/h. Take this into consideration when attempting an overtake manoeuvre.
Weather
The weather in the outback can be harsh and unpredictable. Dust storms, rainstorms and intense heat are relatively standard and can become extremely dangerous to those who are unprepared to handle them.
Road conditions change almost daily, making it essential to check the weather forecast and current conditions with locals, a tourist information centre, the local police department, or workers at a petrol station.
Fuel
When driving on rough terrain, it is not uncommon to have fuel pipe problems. To ensure you are not left stranded in a remote or dangerous location, it is strongly recommended to take one or two extra 20-litre metal jerry cans with you, along with a funnel that can be used to minimise spillage when filling the tank.
Never carry spare fuel in a plastic jerry can because the heat and rough environment can cause the plastic to melt or crack. Don’t store your metal jerry cans on a roof rack or inside your vehicle. Instead, mount them on the back of your car or a trailer.
Additional basics
Alongside the aforementioned driving tips, there are further precautions one can take to ensure a safe journey. They include driving at reduced speeds on unsealed roads, taking note of petrol stations along the route, taking frequent breaks to change drivers, obeying road closure signs and sticking to main roads, not exceeding 8 to 10 hours of driving per day, and never driving after dark.
