Outback SA Travel & Driving Tips
South Australia
Care
should be taken when
venturing off the
beaten track in the
outback, especially
when conditions are
extreme.
Always carry enough
fuel, water and provisions
for several days -
be prepared to look
after yourself. Distances
between towns are
often large - check
carefully a good map
before leaving.
On unsealed roads,
corrugations may make
the going uncomfortable
if not dangerous and
sometimes an even
speed is the best
way to obtain reasonable
comfort and minimise
danger.
Water can damage roads
quickly. If you encounter
rain, it's best to
wait until the next
day or until the road
is dry before going
on. If you come across
water covering the
road, drive carefully
and gauge the depth
with a stick before
you proceed. Extreme
care should be taken
at river or creek
crossings.
Dust can also be a
hazard and it's best
to pull off the road
when you encounter
excessive dust from
a passing vehicle.
Watch out for stock
and native animals
crossing the road,
even on sealed roads,
especially between
sunset and sunrise.
Birds of prey feeding
on carcasses at dawn
have been the cause
of many accidents.
At all times it pays
to match your speed
to the conditions,
and err on the side
of caution.
Avoid the Strzelecki
and Birdsville Tracks
during the summer
as conditions are
likely to be at their
worst - temperatures
will be high, road
conditions at their
worst and water in
poor supply.
Travellers should
be aware of the extreme
heat and isolated
nature of travelling
on outback roads.
Please take special
note of the following
recommendations and
check the Hotline
number for road conditions
before commencing
your journey. Northern
Area Road Condition
hotline (08) 811633
When you travel into
the outback, you're
in one of Australia's
most sensitive environments.
Here are some basic
do's and don'ts -
- Notify
a friend or relative
of your travel arrangements.
Advise dates, times
and the intended
route. Contact the
relevant party upon
arrival .
- Don't use soap or
detergents except
in areas where toilets
and showers are
provided - otherwise
they pollute.
- Protect water supplies
and do not interfere
with stock watering
points. Water is
more valuable than
property.
- Do not leave the
main road. In case
of accident or breakdown,
stay with your vehicle.
- Respect gates, private
roads and private
property. Always
close a gate you
pass through.
- When travelling
in national or conservation
parks, consult the
ranger before setting
off both to find
out the best locations
and to determine
the local conditions.
Carry your own power
source and strictly
observe fire regulations.
- Do not tamper with
road or Property
signage.
- Travellers who may
wish to camp in
a national or conservation
park or regional
reserve will require
a Desert Parks Pass
or an overnight
Camping permit.
Telephone (08) 8204
1910
- Leave the area as
you found it - take
your rubbish with
you. Don't interfere
with or frighten
stock. Don't bring
pets, as these are
banned in most areas.
- Respect
Aboriginal land
and culture. Don't
touch paintings
or carvings, relics,
sites or historical
monuments or buildings.
- It is highly recommended
that you install
an H.F radio transmitter
in your vehicle
before attempting
outback travel.
- Take extreme care
when wandering around
opal diggings.
Photo courtesy SATC
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South Australian Region
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