Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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If you do become stranded, consider setting fire to a spare tyre (let the air out
first). The pall of smoke will be visible for miles.
Your Vehicle
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Have your vehicle serviced and checked before you leave.
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Load the vehicle evenly, with heavy items inside and light items on the roof rack.
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Consider carrying spare fuel in an appropriate container.
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Carry essential tools: a spare tyre (two is preferable), fan belt, radiator hose, tyre-
pressure gauge and air pump, and a shovel.
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An off-road jack might be handy, as will a snatchem strap or tow rope for quick
extraction when you're stuck (useful if there's another vehicle to pull you out).
Supplies & Equipment
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Carry plenty of water: in warm weather allow 5L per person per day and an extra
amount for the radiator, carried in several containers.
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Bring plenty of food in case of a breakdown.
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Carry a first-aid kit, maps, a torch with spare batteries, a compass, and a GPS.
Weather & Road Conditions
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Check road conditions before travelling: roads that are passable in the Dry
(March to October) can disappear beneath water during the Wet.
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Don't attempt to cross flooded bridges or causeways unless you're sure of the
depth, and of any road damage hidden underwater.
Dirt-Road Driving
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Inflate your tyres to the recommended levels for the terrain you're travelling on;
on desert sand, deflate your tyres to 20-25psi to avoid getting bogged. Don't forget
to re-inflate them when you leave the sand.
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Reduce speed on unsealed roads as braking distances increase.
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Dirt roads are often corrugated: keeping an even speed is the best approach.
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Dust on outback roads can obscure vision, so stop and wait for it to settle.
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Choose a low gear for steep inclines and the lowest gear for steep declines. Use
the brake sparingly and don't turn sideways on a hill.
