Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth and Coral Bay - Western Australia's Coral Coast


 

ROAD WISE DRIVING TIPS

( Reproduced with the permission of Road Wise )

Come Well Prepared - The Australian Outback is a vast area with limited facilities. This means that travellers need to
plan their trip. Some of the things you need to remember include :

• 4-5 litres of water per person per day
(preferably in at least two containers).		 • A detailed recent road map ( it is a good idea
to keep track of your mileage so you always
know where you are).
• Ensure your vehicle is in good mechanical
running order and that you have a collection
of spare parts and tools (you may be able
to find a bush mechanic, but not the right
parts). Make sure your tyres are suitable for
unsealed roads and that you have at least
two spares.

• Check on road conditions with local Shires or
Main Roads , especially in wet weather.

• Remember to take regular breaks from
driving to keep refreshed and admire the
sights.
• Always notify someone of your travel plans
and of any changes you make to your
itinerary. When your journey’s over let your
travel buddy (be it police, car hire firm or
friends) know.		 • If your vehicle breaks down or cannot be
driven such when bogged then always stay
with the vehicle, (during searches a vehicle
is easier to spot from the air than a person
under a tree).

Road Conditions - Unsealed roads can change condition quickly without warning. Dust can obscure other vehicles, so slowing down on dirt roads is the safest option and you get to see more. If you are tempted to leave your seat belt off
then DON’T. Accidents do happen on outback roads and you are much better off “Belted Up”. Make sure your passengers wear their seat belts too.

If floodwaters cover the road, then only attempt the crossing if you absolutely must and you have first checked that it is safe to do so. Every year travellers lose their vehicles and/or lives to misadventure, making unsafe crossings of flooded roads. If checking depths and water speed before attempting to drive across then always use a safety line.

Outback Pedestrians - Nearly 50% of vehicle crashes reported to police in outback Western Australia are vehicle versus animals. Even a minor collision with an animal can disable your vehicle and necessitate expensive repairs. Kangaroos are prevalent, especially in the early mornings and evenings. Emus are unpredictable and often have a mate following close behind. Cattle like to camp on roads of a night and are hard to see. It is best to travel of a day and slow down in
populated areas. Other animals you may see that may be hazardous to motorists include wild goats, camels and large eagles feeding on road kill.

The Neighbours - Always stay on gazetted roads unless you have personal permission from pastoralists to wander. Leave gates as you find them. Avoid lighting fires. Do not camp on water points as you may find yourself visited by a large, thirsty and angry bull. Worse still you may frighten the stock off watering. When stopped, always have your dogs on a lead. Remember baits are laid for wild and stray dogs. No dogs at all are allowed in any of our National Parks. Take all your rubbish with you. And remember the pastoral stations are people’s homes and places of business, so please respect
their privacy and commitment to the pastoral industry.

Outback people are notoriously friendly and helpful, but travelling motorists in their backyard must aim to be as self sufficient as possible. For further information or to order a copy of a free outback road safety survival guide in the outback please contact RoadWise on 9213 2066.

Exmouth - Ningaloo Reef - Geraldton - Kalbarri - Monkey Mia - Carnarvon - Perth

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
   
 
     
    Updated: April 12, 2005  
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All Rights Reserved.