The sheer, wide-open space, the epic views and abundance of wildlife make an outback roadtrip one heck of an experience, but before you set off, you should be aware that this journey is unlike any other drive you have experienced.
The distances between destinations are long, you drive for hours without seeing another person or petrol station (and sometimes even corners in the road). And animals may look cute, but they can be a dangerous, sometimes deadly, obstacle on the road. So here are five tips for outback road safety.
1. Prepare your car for an outback drive or holiday
Even if your car or campervan is a rental, you should make sure you perform some simple vehicle maintenance checks before and during the journey.
• Check your tyres and inflate them to the required level if needed.
• Locate the dipstick and check the oil level.
• Make sure you have a spare tyre with you.
• Check if there is a toolkit.
• Make sure you have a campervan or car user-manual.
2. In the event of a breakdown in the outback…
Don’t try to walk to get help, as you will probably be walking for a very long time in the heat which is dangerous. You might have to wait for a few or even a day for someone to pass by, but it’s the safest thing to do. It’s a good idea to carry a white bed sheet, or anything that can be used to attract attention should you need it.
3. Rules for fuel, food and water when driving in the outback
Plan ahead and stock up on food before you head off. There are remote service stations in the outback where you will be able to buy some provisions, but remember that they may have restricted opening hours and limited ATM facilities. There will also be country motel restaurants and roadhouses if you are in need of a cold drink or hot meal, but be aware that they will cost more than what you would pay in the city.
You should bring enough water – 4 to 5 litres per person, per day. And ensure you carry sufficient food supplies should you break down. Consider stocking up on cereal bars, nut and seeds (avoid salty foods that could accelerate dehydration).
When to fill up? Never underestimate how far away the next petrol station might be – if you are running low, then take a stop and fill up.
4. What road conditions can you expect in the outback?
Road conditions in the outback can change suddenly and you may find yourself suddenly on an unsealed road (gravel track or field). If you have hired a campervan or car from a main city, such as Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, then you may find that driving on unsealed roads voids your insurance – leaving you liable for the total cost of any damage.
If you are travelling around Western Australia, you should be aware of the heavy rains and flash flooding that can occur. If you do find yourself at a flooded crossing, do not attempt to drive through if the water if it is too deep or fast flowing – and don’t wade into a fast-flowing river to find out.
5. Watch our for the wildlife in the outback
It’s not uncommon to come across wildlife in the outback; kangaroos, cows and other animals on the roads, particularly at dawn, dusk and at night.
Avoid driving at night, and ask your passenger to stay alert, scan the road ahead and tell you to slow down if they see anything.
Kangaroos have a habit of changing direction suddenly, so if you can’t stop in time, it is sometimes safer to hit the animal than to swerve into oncoming traffic or risk losing control of your vehicle.
Feast your way through Sun Country on the Murray – a beautiful and bountiful region in northern Victoria with gourmet delights galore.
Nestled on the lands of the Yorta Yorta People along the mighty Murray River, Sun Country is a truly extraordinary place. The northern Victorian enclave is a tapestry of meandering waterways, ancient forests, sandy beaches, enchanting country towns and an easy way of life.
Beyond its landscapes and bucolic charm, Sun Country on the Murray is a culinary paradise: think farm-fresh produce, family-run wineries and no shortage of places to feast.
If you’re a serious foodie or simply epicurious, here’s your ultimate guide to a gourmand Murray River getaway.
The Murray Farm Gate Trail
The self-guided Murray Gate Farm Trail lets you sample the area’s best produce while immersing yourself in the lush Goulburn and Murray Valleys. The trail has something to suit every palate and pace, but there are a few notable highlights.
1. Rich Glen
Stock up at Rich Glen. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)
Rich Glen is renowned for its award-winning olive oils. Everything is grown and created on the family farm in Yarrawonga, the results of which you can visit at Rich Glen Provedore – a treasure trove of gourmet foods, including that signature olive oil. Or explore Rich Glen Skin & Beauty, which stocks lush handmade skincare and wellness products.
2. How Now Dairy
A charming micro-farm producing ethical dairy, How Now Dairy , lets its baby calves remain with their mothers and its cows roam on rolling pesticide-free pastures. Try a selection of cheeses that do good and taste good, including a fantastic punchy blue, and velvety milk with a thick, creamy top.
3. Cactus Country
Stop into Cactus Country. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)
Cactus Country is a 12-acre stretch of desert-like garden containing cacti of all shapes, sizes and colours. Naturally, it makes the most of its bounty at the on-site bar and restaurant, with a cactus-infused dessert menu alongside a vibrant line-up of Mexican snacks and mains.
4. The Olde Creamery
The Olde Creamery is a local icon, a former hobby farm that has flourished into a thriving purveyor of flowers and foods. The elderflower cordial and bramble gin and tonic jam are must-tries, and make for tasty mementoes of your trip.
Wineries, breweries and distilleries
The region’s sunny climate and rich soils make it a prime place for viticulture. If wine isn’t your thing, you’ll also find boutique breweries and distilleries producing top-notch beers and spirits.
1. Squires Winery
Pop in for a tasting. (Image: Visit Victoria)
With its idyllic positioning on the Ovens River, Squires Winery is a lovely setting for a long, leisurely lunch or tasting. Enjoy a riverside sip of prosecco, rosé or cab sauv, complemented by seasonal bites and a backdrop of towering gum trees.
2. Cape Horn Vineyard
Cape Horn is one of the region’s most established vineyards. Its sparkling durif/shiraz is a crowd favourite and well worth trying on your foodie tour, especially if it’s served with one of the winery’s delicious wood-fired pizzas.
3. Byramine Homestead & Brewery
Enjoy a tipple at this historic homestead.
A top pick among beer, cider and history enthusiasts, Byramine serves a rotation of brews made on-site in the historic homestead. Wander through the venue and learn about its colonial past before sitting down to a freshly made Ploughman’s and cold local ale.
4. Monichino Wines
Monichino is a slice of la dolce vita in northern Victoria, producing classic Italian varietals like pinot grigio and aromatica. Drop by for a tasting at the cellar door (open weekends or by appointment) and explore everything from crisp whites to robust fortified wines, or pack a picnic and savour your glass in the picturesque gardens.
5. Corowa Distilling Co
Sit down to a hearty lunch. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Corowa Distilling Co crafts an incredible variety of single-malt and blended whiskies, and is a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike. Stop in for a tasting flight in the whisky room, or a hearty breakfast or lunch paired with a wee dram.
Farm-to-table dining
If you’ve got the time to linger over a gourmet spread, Sun Country on the Murray has an abundance of outstanding restaurants and cafes.
1. O’Reilly’s Food and Wine
O’Reilly’s feels much like stepping into a good friend’s home, albeit with a refined twist. The menu changes weekly and rotates through a selection of comforting yet elevated dishes – think lamb cottage pie, French-style moussaka, a perennially popular open steak sandwich and cakes that change flavours weekly.
2. Stock and Barrel
Soak in views of Lake Mulwala. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Tucked inside The Sebel Yarrawonga hotel, overlooking sparkling Lake Mulwala, Stock and Barrel does pub classics with a Sun Country spin. Order a perfectly seared steak and triple-cooked potatoes alongside a freshly poured pint, or try a regional highlight: local produce features abundantly across Stock and Barrel’s dishes.
3. The Bend
With spacious decks and panoramic views of the Murray, The Bend is ideal for a sun-soaked long lunch. Order a round of moreish share plates (like baja fish tacos and a warm-from-the-oven brioche loaf stuffed with cream cheese and herbs) or a signature cocktail and indulgent main – we can’t go past the slow-braised wagyu brisket.
4. Blacksmith Provedore
Taste Blacksmith Provedore’s delicious pizzas. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)
If you’re after a slick yet relaxed dining destination, head to Blacksmith Provedore . Perched right next to Lake Mulwala, the venue is airy and elegant, with a minimalist-chic design. The pizzas are seriously good too, made with 72-hour fermented dough and toppings sourced from Italy’s finest producers.
5. Broken Willow
As soon as you enter Broken Willow ’s front doors, you’re greeted with genuine hospitality and a classic bistro menu that has something for everyone: succulent grilled meats, parmas and schnitzels, juicy burgers, and international dishes ranging from weekly curry and stir-fry specials to zippy banh mi.
While you’re there
Discover plenty to do between meals. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)
Got a few hours to spare? Make the most of your trip by exploring the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of your riverside surroundings.
Barmah National Park is a sanctuary of walks through majestic river red gums and serene wetlands. Here, a seat on board a Kingfisher River Cruise offers a different Murray experience, letting you see the vast river from the perspective of the Yorta Yorta peoples.
If you’re a watersport enthusiast, Lake Mulwala in Yarrawonga is a favourite for canoeing, cruising, fishing, kayaking and water skiing. While the silo murals at Katamatite, St James, Tungamah and more recently Waaia are essential stops in Victoria’s famed Silo Art Trail .
In Cobram Barooga, make sure to visit Thompson’s Beach, the largest inland beach in the southern hemisphere. Nearby, the Bullanginya Dreaming project is an award-winning 1.8km immersive art experience that immerses you in light and sound to tell a rich story of country, culture and connection.
