5 essential outback road safety tips

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.

The Northern Territory is made for road trips, and this one hits all the highlights.

Craggy mountain ranges, inviting waterholes, ochre soil: the landscape of the Northern Territory is asking to be explored by road and foot. There are many iconic road trips to choose from here, but none so all-encompassing than the roughly 3000 kilometres of sealed road that make up Explorer’s Way.

Spend 14 days (or more, to really make the most of it) driving this route from Adelaide, hitting the NT near the small settlement of Kulgera before later finishing in Darwin. Along the way, you’ll find nearly all the territory’s most iconic sights.

Discover some of the top highlights that make Explorer’s Way one of Australia’s most incredible road trips.

1. Alice Springs

echidna at Alice Springs Desert Park — See the locals at Alice Springs Desert Park. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

Recently hitting the big screen again with the story of The Kanagroo Sanctuary , there’s a lot to surprise you in Alice Springs.

Three distinct desert habitats – desert rivers, sand country and woodland – are recreated over 1300 hectares at Alice Springs Desert Park . Time your visit for a presentation or a free bird show.

Later, turn your attention to the skies above, taking a dive into local astronomy at Earth Sanctuary . You’ll find a range of experiences, from a 90-minute toe-dip into the stars through to an overnight adventure.

Alice Springs packs a surprising punch with its tasty dining options, including pub grub and unique brews at Alice Springs Brewing Co , tapas and pizza at Epilogue Lounge and tasty cafe fare at the quirky Page 27 .

2. Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park

woman standing at Ormiston Gorge — Dive into Ormiston Gorge. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom and Jesso)

Beginning 15 minutes from Alice Springs and stretching across 161 kilometres, Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is packed with striking ancient landscapes and inviting water holes.

Visit Standley Chasm – traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning ‘Gap of Water’ – to take in its bold red and orange hues, and to observe the diverse bird species, lizards and wallabies that call it home.

Cool off in one of several picturesque natural swimming holes, like Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.

3. Uluru & Kata Tjuta

three women looking at Kata Tjuta at sunset — Explore Kata Tjuta. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

Visiting the Cultural Heart of Australia is something everybody should experience. There are so many side trips in the Red Centre you could easily spend a week here, but to get the most out of a short time, park the car then get out on foot.

Take the 10-kilometre Base Walk around the entirety of Uluru or join a free, ranger-guided Mala Walk along part of the base, learning about Tjukurpa (creation stories) and geology as you go.

For a change of pace, wait until nightfall and wander through the iconic Field of Light display by celebrated artist Bruce Munro, or see the Wintjiri Wiru lightshow that shares the ancient Mala story using drones, lasers and projections.

4. Tennant Creek

pson looking at Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) northern territory — See the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)

Tennant Creek was Australia’s third-largest gold mining town in the 1930s, and visitors can discover that history at Battery Hill Mining Centre – and even try their own hand at gold fossicking.

For a completely different side of history, pop into Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre , which preserves and shares Warumungu culture through art, performance, a museum and more.

Just outside town, find the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). A site integral to important stories held by the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Warlpiri and Alyawarra peoples, the boulders appear to almost have dropped out of the sky and seemingly continue to defy gravity.

5. Mataranka

aerial of people swimming in bitter springs northern territory — Dive into Bitter Springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Ben Savage)

A town made famous by the novel We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn (and a movie of the same name), Mataranka is also known for its sandy-bottomed thermal pool, Bitter Springs , within Elsey National Park. Follow a 500-metre loop track around these spring-fed pools that stay a toasty 34°C year-round, before choosing your favourite spot to dive into. Enjoy the local birdlife while you relax.

Elsewhere in the park, find historical sites, several scenic walks and Roper River, which is perfect for boating and fishing.

6. Nitmiluk National Park

Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise — Join a sunset cruise with Nabilil Dreaming. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Lachlan Gardiner)

Nitmiluk National Park is sandstone country, with 13 stunning gorges and plenty of waterfalls waiting to be explored.

One of the most beautiful spots can be found along the 62-kilometre Jatbula Trail, a five-to-six day bushwalk that follows an ancient Jawoyn songline from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). Numbers are restricted and book out quickly, so be sure to plan well ahead. Not up for the hike? Drive right up to the falls and enjoy a dip without the challenge.

Elsewhere, explore Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Paddle a kayak through the river running through the canyon, or save your energy on a Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise , discovering the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people while enjoying a candlelit dinner as the cliffs around you shift colour and glow with the changing daylight.

Continue your cultural journey at local art centres like Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Art & Culture Centre or Mimi Aboriginal Art & Craft .

7. Litchfield National Park

cathedral termite mounds in Litchfield national park — Be awed by giant cathedral termite mounds. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)

Just over an hour’s drive from Darwin lies the beautiful Litchfield National Park. It’s famous for stunning waterfalls and swimming holes, including Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Tjaynera Falls.

Here you’ll also find hundreds of giant – and magnetic – cathedral termite mounds that are truly a sight to see. Ageing up to 100 years old, you won’t find mounds like these outside the northern parts of Australia. Stroll along the accessible boardwalk to see them up close.

8. Darwin

darwin street art — Darwin art is streets ahead. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Mark Fitzpatrick)

This list wouldn’t be complete without the territory’s capital city: Darwin. Situate yourself upon arrival with a stroll through the main streets, admiring the many art murals by local, interstate and international artists. They’re all remnants of the annual Darwin Street Art Festival , one of Australia’s longest running street art festivals.

Stop to recharge along Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct , an area of delectable restaurants, public swimming pools and free events. And, of course, it would be wrong to leave the city without enjoying a bowl of laksa at Mindil Beach Sunset Market as the sun goes down.

Learn more and start planning your Explorer’s Way road trip at northernterritory.com/drive.

5 outback road safety tips that could save your life