Offering stunning starry nights, rocky mountains, distinct cultural experiences, and beautiful red roads stretching as far the eye can see, the Australian outback is an incredibly unique and charming place undoubtedly with your visit.
However, the chances of encountering long distances, high temperatures, and unforgiving terrains in this area are quite high, which is why proper preparations are key for an enjoyable adventure. To that end, if you’ve planned a daring road trip throughout the Australian outback, here are some of the most important travel tips to consider:
Choose the right vehicle
From the Nullarbor highway to the Adelaide-Darwin and the Alice Springs-Uluru road, there are a number of enjoyable road trips throughout the Australian outback you could easily do in a regular passenger car or a campervan. These can all be wonderful options if more relaxed and carefree travel is your preference.
However, if your road trip ideas tend to include more adventure, a classic 2WD simply won’t be enough. In case you plan on exploring some of the most popular and exciting dirt roads in the outback, such as those that go through Lake Eyre, Birdsville, and the Gibb River Road, it might be a better idea to hire or buy a 4WD to ensure the most pleasant experience both on and off the highways.
Prepare your car for the road
Regardless of the type of vehicle you have chosen for your outback adventure, preparing it well before heading off on your road trip is incredibly important, as getting stranded on a dirt road without a mobile signal to call for help is not an uncommon occurrence.
To that end, aim to do a thorough checkup of your vehicle before hitting the road, whether you are renting one or using your own. Start by checking the tyre tread and pressure, to reduce the chances of accidents on the road. If you need new, high-quality tyres for your outback adventure, you can find the best offers here. Other aspects such as the breaks, suspension and steering systems should all be optimal, for the smoothest ride.
Know where to refuel
If you are driving through towns or down the larger highways, roadhouses and petrol stations can be found at quite regular intervals. However, they tend to only operate from 9 am to 5 pm, and might even be closed entirely on weekends in more remote areas.
In case you plan on driving down some of the more distant dirt roads, keep in mind that diesel is usually more common in these areas than petrol. A number of Aboriginal communities will also sell Opal fuel, which will be good for use in any car normally running on unleaded. Regardless, it would still be wise to drive with an additional fuel container in the outback, just to be safe.
Learn to drive in the outback
With little traffic and welcoming country towns perfect for relaxation, driving throughout the outback can often be quite easy and dress-free. However, some highways in the outback could be quite narrow, and there is also a chance you might encounter long vehicles in the area (road trains). In these cases, you need to be quite careful, and ensure there’s more than enough space for overtaking.
As animals like kangaroos can be quite difficult to spot during the night, it’s also recommended to avoid driving at this time. If you’re driving down some of the more remote and amazing Aussie trails, ensure that the weather is suitable and dry, as wet dirt roads might leave you stranded.
Prepare well for the road
Apart from preparing your vehicle, you should also adequately prepare yourself for your outback adventure. Start by bringing plenty of snacks and water to last throughout the entire trip, and don’t forget to pack an emergency and first aid kit to stay on the safe side.
As mobile coverage is quite unreliable in the outback, you might want to rely on physical maps or satellite navigation for directions, or even hire a satellite phone to stay connected. If you’re not travelling in a campervan, bringing tents and some bedding is also advised, as spending the night in one of the outback camping areas can be quite an adventure on its own.
Wrapping up
The Australian outback is one of the most beautiful and fascinating places in the world, but it is also a harsh and unforgiving area of nature, which is why advanced planning and proper preparations are necessary for the most pleasant and enjoyable adventure.
