Tips For Travelling in the Outback

Tips For Travelling in the Outback
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=David_G._Wills]David G. Wills

Before you go on a road trip through the Outback it is important that you know what to expect and that you make sure you are fully prepared. You can travel for hundreds of kilometres without seeing a service station or accommodation, so you need to be prepared for any emergency.

Be prepared

It's important to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to make it to your destination, that way, in the unlikely event that something does go wrong, search and rescue will know where to start looking. Make sure that when you get to where you are going that you call and let this person know you have made it safely. If you forget you could cause an unnecessary amount of panic. Check that your car has plenty of fuel and oil, and it is a good idea to have it serviced. Don't leave without at least two spare tyres and any other spare parts. A tow rope, jack and a tool kit are a good idea and you will need plenty of spare fuel, oil and brake fluid, allowing for several hundred more kilometres of travel that you are actually planning on doing.

Supplies

When heading into the outback you must take adequate water, enough to last everyone several days if you do break down. You can last a few weeks without food if need be but only three days without water. Take plenty of food, preferably non perishable items. Pack warm clothes, even if it is hot during the day it can get extremely cold at night in the outback. Take matches, a torch, extra batteries and a first aid kit. Your mobile phone may not get reception once you are out in the middle of nowhere, so a CB radio can be a good idea.

Survival tips

If you do happen to break down do not leave your car or the main road. It is likely that someone will come along fairly soon but do not take any chances. It is much easier for rescuers to spot a car than a single person wandering in the outback, plus your car will give you shelter from the sun. When driving watch out for potholes and soft edges, and keep an eye out for livestock on the road. Often you will be driving through private property and hitting an animal can cause significant damage to your vehicle and even cause an accident. Careful when driving in the wet too, as off-road tracks can become slippery and you can also get bogged.

Other tips

If your trip is going to take a few days make sure you leave camp sites tidy and take any rubbish with you. Be careful with camp fires and check you have put them out completely before you leave. As you will find that you often travel through private property you may have to stop and open a few gates. Always make sure you leave a gate as you found it, whether it is open or closed, and always stay on designated roads.

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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-For-Travelling-in-the-Outback&id=6047705] Tips For Travelling in the Outback