Australia 2001
Trip reports:
Into the outback part 1 - The Strzelecki Track
Into the outback part 2 - Across the Nullarbor
Into the outback part 3 - The Gibb River Road (coming soon...)
Into the outback part 4 - The Gulf Track (coming soon...)
During the winter of 2001 we travelled through Australia, a journey of over 30.000 km. We visited New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, The Northern Territory and Queensland. The emphasis of the trip was on WA and NT. We used a Toyota Landcruiser, which enabled us to go off the beaten track. Our journey led us through many remote areas, and some special precautions were taken (see advice below for travelling in remote areas). Click here to read the report of our first leg from Brisbane to Adelaide.
When you travel in remote areas, you have to bear in mind that in the event of a car breakdown or accident, you may be days away from civilisation. A few hours in a 4WD, could be a number of days on foot!
Here are some recommendations from the Australian government (which apply worldwide):
- carry adequate fuel, water, food, current road maps, two spare tyres
- two jacks, shovel, first aid kit and tow rope
- drink water at regular intervals to avoid dehydration
- travel at speeds appropriate to road conditions
- avoid night driving when wildlife and livestock may be active
- in the event of breakdown - NEVER LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE
- do not camp in waterways - flash floods may occur without warning
- avoid wet weather driving - roads can become dangerous and impassable
- keep friends or relatives informed of your outback travel itinerary
- a set of hand tools (spanners, screw drivers, pliers, etc.), ty-raps and tank tape
- recovery gear: snatch strap with large D-shackles, hand winch with tree protector
- spare radiator hoses and fan belts
- tyre pressure gauge and 12V air compressor
- two spare tyre tubes and tyre repair kit (including a bead breaker!)
- small compass
- satellite phone (check the coverage for a specific area)
- emergency radio beacon (EPIRB or PLB) monitored by Cospas-Sarsat (EPIRBs can be obtained from Sartech Engineering Ltd.)
- Garmin GPS receiver with 12V car adaptor (and additional spare batteries!)
AIRWAYS:
Services to all major destinations in Australia.
Sartech Engineering, specialists in
search-and-rescue terchnology.
Satellite
phone services with 100% worldwide coverage.
The best address in Western Australia for your photo equipment. Delivery Australia wide.
Explor Oz Comprehensive 4WD trip notes.
South Australia road conditions.
Western Australia road conditions.
Northern Territory road conditions.
Queensland road conditions.