Australia's outback is vast. Our remote wilderness areas have few towns and facilities, often with large distances between them, so be aware and plan your trip.

When planning each day of travel spend some time to calculate how long it will take to drive between destinations. Be realistic about how far you can drive in a day.

Inform family and friends or the local police of your travel plans. The local police can also provide helpful advice on facilities and road conditions.

Always carry a current road map.

Make sure your vehicle is in good working order and has been serviced recently.

Use a four-wheel drive vehicle on unsealed roads in remote areas. Take extra care when driving these vehicles. For example, drive at reduced speeds on unsealed roads.

Always carry a spare tyre, tools and water. If travelling to remote areas off major highways take extra food, water, fuel and tyres. Do not overload your vehicle and never carry spare
fuel inside an enclosed vehicle.

If you have trouble with your vehicle, don't leave your vehicle because it will provide you with shade and protection from the heat. Wait for help to come to you.

Hire appropriate emergency communication equipment, such as a satellite phone or an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons device (EPIRB). .

Obey road closure signs and stay on recognised routes. .

Fires in desert and bush areas can spread very quickly. If required, be prepared to evacuate
the area immediately.

Australian wildlife and livestock often graze on the roadside and can stray onto the road.
Be very careful when driving at sunrise, sunset and at night, when animals are most
active. If an animal crosses in front of you brake gently - do not swerve wildly to avoid it.

During daylight hours always drive with your headlights on low beam, as outback conditions can make it difficult to see oncoming vehicles.

In an emergency, telephone 000