Remote travel in Australia is mostly about distance. Towns, fuel and help can be a long way apart, so the preparation you do at home matters more than the gear you buy on the way. This guide walks through what government and industry sources commonly recommend, in the order you would do it.
1. Start with the vehicle, not the accessories
The Australian Government's travel-safety guidance says your vehicle should be in good working order and recently serviced. ARB's travellers' checklist goes further and suggests having a competent mechanic inspect the suspension, steering linkages, wheel bearings and cooling system before a remote trip.
It also suggests knowing how to find and replace the basics (radiator hoses, fan belts and fuses) and how to engage four-wheel drive, including free-wheeling hubs if your vehicle has them. If you do not know how to do these things, learning them in your driveway is far easier than on a corrugated track.
2. Tyres and spare parts
Tyres deserve particular attention on unsealed and remote roads. Typical lists include:
- A full-size spare tyre (some remote-work guidance from WorkSafe WA calls for at least two spare wheels with tyres)
- Tyre repair plugs and a plugging tool, tyre levers and patches
- A 12V air compressor and a tyre pressure gauge
- A jack, a wheel brace and a base plate for soft ground
- Spare belts, a length of radiator hose, a fuel filter and spare fuses
- A small tool kit, with a larger one for more remote trips
Only carry what you know how to use, and keep weight down. Avoid unnecessary load; an overloaded vehicle can affect handling and braking and may be more prone to mechanical problems.
3. Water, food and fuel
If you leave the major highways, government guidance is to take extra water, food, fuel and tyres. There is no single volume of water that suits every trip, because it depends on the season, the number of people and how long help might take. Many travellers decide their quantity by planning for delays rather than for the best case. Before you leave, note where fuel is available on your route and the distances between stops.
4. Communications and your plan
Mobile coverage is patchy or absent in many remote areas. Depending on the trip, consider a satellite phone, UHF/HF radio, GPS tracker, PLB (personal locator beacon) or EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon). Also carry current maps, and a GPS if possible.
Whatever you carry, make sure everyone in the vehicle knows how to use it. Tell a relative or friend your itinerary, and consider notifying local police if you are leaving major roads. Agree on check-in times and tell them if the plan changes.
5. The camp
A remote camp should be simple and reliable. Common items on checklists include a complete first aid kit with a current first aid manual, a fire extinguisher and fire blanket of a suitable size, and a way to keep water clean and covered. Lighting and power deserve their own thought, so we have covered them separately in What to look for in camp lighting and power.
6. If something goes wrong
Both the Australian Government and WorkSafe WA give the same core advice: if you break down, stay with your vehicle. It provides shade and protection from the heat, and it is easier for searchers to find a vehicle than a person. Rescue can take several days even when your approximate location is known, so stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary exertion and use your supplies carefully while waiting for help.
This guide is general information, not professional or safety advice. Conditions change, so check current road conditions, weather and local rules before you travel.
Sources and further reading
- Australian Government, Department of Infrastructure: Travel Safely Australia (note: older publication, so check current state road agency advice)
- ARB: Getting started: travellers' checklist
- WorkSafe Western Australia: Travelling in remote locations
- Western Australia Police Force: Outback travel, bushwalking and prospecting