Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Outback Driving
If you really want to see remote outback Queensland, you need to be prepared for harsh weather and to tackle dirt roads
in unpredictable states of repair: a 4WD is the way to go. The
RACQ
( 13 19 05;
www.racq.com.au
) can advise on
preparation, supplies, maps and track notes, and runs a 24-hour telephone service with a pre-recorded reports on road
conditions throughout the state (dial
1300 130 595). Local police are your best bet once you're on the road.
»
Apart from being stocked with spare parts and tyres, plenty of water (5L per person per day and extra for the radiator)
and a basic knowledge of outback driving (such as deflating tyres to get through deep sand), an extra safety precaution
is to carry a high-frequency (HF) radio transceiver or satellite phone to contact Royal Flying Doctor Service bases, a
Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and/or an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB).
»
It's wise not to attempt tough outback tracks during the heat of summer (November to March) when the dust can be
severe and water scarce, making a breakdown more dangerous. Travel during the Wet (November to April) in the north
may be hindered by flooding and impassable mud.
»
There are still many unsealed roads in Queensland where the official recommendation is that you report to the police
before you leave, and again when you arrive at your destination. If not the police, tell friends, family and/or your car-
hire company what you're up to.
»
If you do run into trouble in the back of beyond, always stay with your car. It's easier to spot a car than a human being
from the air, and you wouldn't be able to carry a heavy load of water very far anyway. Police suggest that you carry two
spare tyres (for added safety) and, if stranded, set fire to one of them (let the air out first) - the pall of smoke will be
seen for miles.
Hitching
Hitching is never entirely safe in any country in the world, and we don't recommend it. Travellers who decide to hitch
should understand that they are taking a small but potentially serious risk. People who do choose to hitch will be safer if
they travel in pairs and let someone know where they are planning to go.
Local Transport
Bus, Train & Ferry
Brisbane has a comprehensive public transport networks with buses, trains and river ferries, run by
Translink
(
13
12 30;
www.translink.com.au
)
, with services extending to the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and parts of the Darling
Downs.
Larger cities such as Toowoomba, Mt Isa, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns all have local
bus services. There are also local bus services throughout the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
Taxi
Brisbane, Cairns and the Gold Coast have plenty of taxis, but outside of these centres taxi numbers diminish. Taxi fares
vary throughout the state, but shouldn't differ much from those in Brisbane, where a 5km cross-town jaunt costs about
$25.
