Travel Australia Guide

By Jodie Sievers

The Travel Australia Guide is your trip advisor for traveling around Australia.

This comprehensive guide features 230 Aussie holiday destinations and focuses on the main attractions and points of interest each has to offer.

The authors have traveled Australia several times and reveal the inside knowledge only those that have been there and done that know. From the Australian outback of The Red Centre to the country’s best beaches in the Whitsundays, it’s all here in this travel guide.

Whether you are caravanning or backpacking Australia, you’ll find plenty of helpful information, especially when you arrive at each destination covered in the guide. The highlights of each town, city and iconic road are detailed in depth.

Read up on outback towns such as Alice Springs and Fitzroy Crossing, the big cities of Sydney and Melbourne, the iconic routes of the Great Ocean Road and Gibb River Road and four wheel drive tracks along the Cape York Peninsula and The Gulf of Carpentaria.

Refer to your guide as you approach the next destination and discover where the best lookouts are, the scenic attractions not to miss, what there is to do, the length and difficulty of national park walking trails and much more.

Refer to our comprehensive lists of thousands of caravan parks and dog boarding kennels Australia-wide. All details and addresses are included for your convenience.

Enjoy researching and planning your Aussie holiday with the help of the Travel Australia Guide and most of all enjoy your travels.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jodie Sievers
• Release date: Jul 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301632169

Jodie Sievers

Jodie Sievers graduated from Curtin University of Technology with a degree in Marketing and Public Relations. Jodie is an avid traveler and has explored the Australian continent several times. Her passion for traveling and writing found her develop an Australian travel website and use her inside knowledge and experience to produce her first book, the Travel Australia Guide. Jodie is married to husband Darren, who is her travel companion and partner of 13 years.

Book preview

Travel Australia Guide

(Your Trip Advisor)

Jodie Sievers

Smashwords Edition

© Copyright 2013 Jodie Sievers

www.travel-australia-bible.com

Photo courtesy of Tourism Australia © Copyright

Photographer – Oliver Strewe

Location – The Kimberley, Western Australia

_________________________________

Ebook cover photo courtesy of Tourism Australia © Copyright

Photographer – Stuart Owen Fox

Location – Mt Lindsay, Queensland

TABLE OF CONTENTS

About the Author

Introduction

Chapter 1 – Planning Your Trip

Plan Your Itinerary

Travel Supplies

Chapter 2 – Vehicle Choice & Preparation

Vehicle Choice

Hire Vehicle

Preparing Your Vehicle

Chapter 3 – Four-wheel Drive Tips

Chapter 4 – On The Road

Road Rules

Road Conditions

Driving Tips

Travel Distances

Chapter 5 – Travelling With Pets

Chapter 6 – Emergency Contacts & Survival Tips

Chapter 7 – Dangerous Creatures in Australia

Chapter 8 - Holiday Destinations in Western Australia

WA Caravan Parks & Dog Boarding Kennels

WA Destinations

Albany

Barn Hill

Black Diamond Collie

Bremer Bay

Broome

Bunbury

Bungle Bungles

Busselton

Cape Le Grand National Park

Cape Leveque

Cape Range National Park

Carnarvon

Cervantes

Cheyne Beach

Collie

Coral Bay

Denmark

Derby

Eighty Mile Beach

El Questro Wilderness Park

Esperance

Exmouth

Fitzgerald River National Park

Fitzroy Crossing

Geike Gorge National Park

Geraldton

Gibb River Road

Gracetown

Halls Creek

Hamelin Bay

Hopetoun

Hyden

Israelite Bay

Jurien Bay

Kalbarri

Kalbarri National Park

Kalumburu

Karijini National Park

Kennedy Range National Park

Kununurra

Lake Argyle

Lancelin

Margaret River

Millstream Chichester National Park

Mt Augustus National Park

Nullarbor (Norseman to Ceduna)

Onslow

Pardoo

Perth

Porongorup National Park

Port Denison Dongara

Port Hedland

Port Smith

Quobba

Shark Bay

Stirling Range National Park

Torndirrup National Park

Wellington National Park

William Bay National Park

Wolfe Creek Crater National Park

Wyndham

Yallingup

Chapter 9 – Holiday Destinations in the Northern Territory

NT Caravan Parks & Dog Boarding Kennels

NT Destinations

Alice Springs

Barkly Region

Daly Waters

Darwin

Douglas Daly River Region

Elsey National Park

Kakadu National Park

Katherine

Kings Canyon

Litchfield National Park

Mataranka

Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park

Pine Creek

The Gulf of Carpentaria

The Olgas (Kata Tjuta)

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Chapter 10 – Holiday Destinations in Queensland

QLD Caravan Parks & Dog Boarding Kennels

QLD Destinations

Agnes Water

Airlie Beach

Atherton Tablelands

Bingil Bay

Brisbane

Bundaberg

Cairns

Cape York Peninsula

Cardwell

Charters Towers

Cooktown

Croydon

Daintree National Park

Fraser Island

Georgetown

Gladstone

Gold Coast

Hervey Bay

Hughenden

Ingham

Innisfail

Karumba

Kuranda

Lake Awoonga

Lake Tinaroo

Lawn Hill National Park

Longreach

Mackay

Mareeba

Mena Creek

Mission Beach

Mossman

Mt Surprise

Noosa

Normanton

Port Douglas

Rainbow Beach

Ravenshoe

Richmond

Rockhampton

Seventeen Seventy

Sunshine Coast

Thursday Island

Tin Can Bay

Townsville

Tully

Undara Volcanic National Park

Whitsundays

Winton

Yeppoon

Chapter 11 – Holiday Destinations in New South Wales

NSW Caravan Parks & Dog Boarding Kennels

NSW Destinations

Anna Bay

Ballina

Bega

Blue Mountains National Park

Bundjalung National Park

Byron Bay

Coffs Harbour

Eden

Evans Head

Hunter Valley

Kiama

Lakes Way

Mt Warning National Park

Nambucca Heads

Nelson Bay

Newcastle

Nimbin

Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

Port Macquarie

Royal National Park

Sawtell

Snowy Mountains

Stanwell Park

Sydney

Tamworth

Tathra

The Entrance

Tocumwal

Waterfall Way

Wollongong

Woolgoolga

Yamba

Yuraygir National Park

Chapter 12 – Holiday Destinations in Victoria

VIC Caravan Parks & Dog Boarding Kennels

VIC Destinations

Ballarat

Bendigo

Echuca

Eildon

Geelong

Glenrowan

Great Ocean Road

Lakes Entrance

Marysville

Melbourne

Mornington Peninsula

Phillip Island

Port Fairy

Portland

Queenscliff

The Dandenongs

The Grampians

Warburton

Warrnambool

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Yarra Ranges National Park

Chapter 13 – Holiday Destinations in Tasmania

TAS Caravan Parks & Dog Boarding Kennels

TAS Destinations

Beaconsfield

Bicheno

Burnie

Cradle Mountain

Deloraine

Devonport

Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

Penguin

Port Arthur

Queenstown

Recherche Bay

Scottsdale

Sheffield

St Helens

Strahan

Wynyard

Chapter 14 – Holiday Destinations in South Australia

SA Caravan Parks & Dog Boarding Kennels

SA Destinations

Adelaide

Beachport

Coorong National Park

Eyre Peninsula

Flinders Ranges National Park

Hahndorf

Kingston SE

Lincoln National Park

Murray Bridge

Nullarbor Plain (Ceduna to Norseman)

Penola

Port Augusta

Port Lincoln

Port Pirie

Rapid Bay

Robe

Streaky Bay

Tailem Bend

Victor Harbour

Yorke Peninsula

Chapter 15 – Holiday Destinations in the Australian Capital Territory

ACT Caravan Parks & Dog Boarding Kennels

ACT Destinations

Canberra

Chapter 16 – Camping Recipes

Chapter 17 – Thank You, Disclaimer, Copyright & Terms of Use.

Back to top – Table of Contents

About the Author

Jodie Sievers is an experienced Australian travel author and accomplished traveler. Jodie and husband Darren are avid explorers and adventurers, seeking out remote and less traveled holiday destinations within Australia as well as the ever popular locations. Jodie has documented her first hand travel knowledge to benefit you on your travels. It is the perfect travel planner and companion.

Back to top – Table of Contents

Introduction

Australia is a land of beauty and contrast, a tourist’s dream. There is so much to explore … gorges, rivers, waterfalls, canyons, valleys, mountains, rainforests, beaches, the outback … it’s all down under and it’s all right here in this travel guide.

Each chapter has a brief overview of the main attractions in each state or territory and then I delve into the many individual holiday destinations in detail.

Map courtesy of the Australian Government (Geoscience Australia)

Back to top – Table of Contents

Chapter 1 – Planning Your Trip

Before embarking on your trip there are many things to consider which can often slip our minds.

Divert your mail to relatives/friends or have a trusted neighbour collect it. Consider bills that need paying while you’re away, can the mail collector sort them out or do you need to pay in advance or organise direct debit.

Find a trustworthy house-sitter or have relatives/friends checking on your home regularly. The lawns and gardens will need tending to keep up a lived in appearance, bins should be put out occasionally, no newspapers mounting up on the front lawn.

If you have papers delivered don’t forget to cancel them for the trip period.

Check your insurance policies are up to date on home, contents, car and health. Make sure yourselves and your belongings are covered while travelling and that your home is covered while you are away for an extended period of time.

If you take any medications fill sufficient prescriptions and have extra scripts on standby. You may also consider a health check prior to leaving as medical facilities are very limited in remote areas.

Consider completing a basic first aid course in case of emergency and always carry a first aid kit and manual.

Plan Your Itinerary

Invest in a good map book and plot out your trip route, taking into account distance and time frame. Be realistic when allocating travel time, especially when trying to cover great distances. You might want to extend your stay in certain places, leave earlier in others or you may encounter unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury or vehicle trouble. If you’re travelling off-road (non-bitumen) in remote areas the road conditions will ultimately affect travel time so allocate a generous time frame. Always have at least a couple of spare days in your itinerary. You’ll find some way to enjoy them if not otherwise needed. Try not to plan too much in too little time as holidays are about enjoyment and relaxation not stress and undue haste.

If you are taking your pet on the trip make sure your itinerary is pet friendly, remembering most National Parks in Australia do not allow pets. Research pet friendly accommodation and nearby kennels or pet-sitting services if you plan to visit places your pet cannot.

Dog Boarding Kennels are available for easy downloading in PDF format on our webite. The files are virus free and make a handy reference guide for pet owners.

Travel Supplies

Diary/Journal

Every traveller needs a good diary to keep record of their trip. There are many lists and notes to make such as where you’ve been, daily mileage, fuel consumption, camp sites, expenses, contacts, the list goes on.

Bedding

Invest in a comfortable mattress, especially if you’re going to be on the road for a long period.

Ensure you have a suitable doona or sleeping bag in case of cold nights and of course don’t forget your pillows.

Foodstuff

Pack a variety of non-perishable foods such as canned foods, pastas, rice, cereals, flour, long life milk, recipe bases, condiments and herbs/spices. A plastic tub with a secure lid is the perfect pantry box.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are great to have but be realistic and carry only what can be used before it goes bad. Also don’t overstock if you are heading interstate as there are border check points where all fruit and vegetables are confiscated and your vehicle has the right to be searched. The fines are hefty for non-compliance.

Cryovac meats (airtight sealed plastic) last for weeks and are suitable for travelling in remote areas and if you don’t have a freezer. Ask your local butcher to package your meat selections this way for a small fee. Try to choose bone-free items though to avoid piercing the plastic wrapping. If taking chicken try and use first as it doesn’t last as long as the red meats.

Cooking Equipment

Your gas stove and bottle will be well used on your trip so pack them somewhere easily accessible. A heavy duty frying pan, saucepan and billycan will suffice for stovetop cooking. If you enjoy a good camp fire a cast iron camp oven is a good alternative slow cooking device. Also a jaffle iron comes in handy for quick and easy meals over a flame.

Camping Items

Kitchen – Cutlery, utensils, plates, bowls, cups, mugs, freezer bags, glad wrap, alfoil, plastic containers.

Lighting – Torches, spare batteries, gas lamp, spare mantles, flouro light connectable to 12volt.

Cleaning – Dust pan and broom, washing up tub, sponge and liquid, tea towels, paper towel, rubbish bags, toilet paper.

Laundry – Detergent, pegs, clothes bag, rope line, $1 coins for machine.

Outdoors – Table, chairs, insect repellant, mosquito coils, shovel, axe.

Power – Extension cord, power board, battery chargers, 12 volt converter, generator

Personal – Light & warm clothing, walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, bathers, towels, backpack, toiletries, medications, first aid kit, camera, laptop, fishing gear.

Rubbish Disposal

One of the worst things you can do while travelling is leave rubbish lying around. Invest in a roll of large garbage bags and a couple of those cheap red/white stripe zip-up bags from the $2 shop, they are perfect for storing tied up bags of rubbish. Strap them to your roof rack or even between the bull-bar and bonnet until you find a rubbish disposal area in remote regions where bins aren’t always supplied.

Refrigeration

Some sort of cooling system will be required to keep your food and beverages cold in the harsh Australian summer. A portable car fridge is ideal to refrigerate your perishable food supplies, accompanied by an esky/cooler box for your drinks. If you are taking a fridge it is advisable to have a dual battery system fitted in your vehicle with an isolator switch. This will reserve enough power in the main battery to start your vehicle if your accessories are using too much power, normally occurring when the vehicle is stationary for an extended period. If you are taking only an esky store your food in airtight plastic containers to avoid water spoilage. You might find ice will be unobtainable at times during your travels so for longer lasting cooling buy block ice as opposed to crushed.

Communication

Mobile phone reception is limited while exploring the outback so do yourself a favour and purchase a phone card to use in public phone booths. These days most people also travel with a laptop and wireless internet coverage, there are plenty of mobile phone companies offering great deals for mobile broadband which works in most major towns and cities. Other forms of communication to consider are a CB radio for communication with other vehicles and an EPIRB safety beacon which can be activated in an emergency.

Money

Cash out services aren’t always readily available in remote areas so carry a reserve of cash for camping fees, park permits, washing machines and vehicle breakdown (money talks when you need help). Small notes and gold coins are required at national parks where you often self-register and pay at an unmanned entry station and washing machines generally take $1 coins x3 or 4 per load.

Water

Carrying plenty of water is essential, particularly in the outback where clean drinking water isn’t always available. 20 litre water containers are available at camping stores and come in very handy.

Fuel

Nobody wants to run out of fuel in remote areas, so if your vehicle doesn’t have dual fuel tanks it is a good idea to know roughly how many km’s your car can drive on a full tank, top up when you can and carry a spare fuel container in case of emergency.

Navigation

It is handy to have a GPS guiding the way however some outback tracks are not recognized on the global positioning system so make sure you invest in a good map book. This is essential to plot your route and determine distances. A good road atlas (Australia Caravan and Motorhome Atlas) combined with the free camps book (Camps Australia Wide) is a good start.

Back to top – Table of Contents

Chapter 2 - Vehicle Choice & Preparation

Vehicle Choice

Vehicle choice and preparation are both very important considerations when travelling long distances and particularly if you plan to venture into the rugged Australian outback.

A two-wheel drive vehicle (sedan or similar) will be sufficient if you intend to stick to the main highways and bitumen roads, for example Highway 1 which follows mainly the coast and connects all Australian mainland capital cities.

A four-wheel drive vehicle will be essential if you plan to drive on beaches, unsealed roads (non-bitumen) or attempt more challenging tracks in the outback.

Our vehicle of choice has always been the Toyota Landcruiser Troop Carrier. Its off-road performance is outstanding, has great towing capacity and the high clearance which is required in the remote areas we love to travel. The Troopy can handle some serious four-wheel driving and ours has seen the likes of the Old Telegraph Track on the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, the Gibb River Road in the Western Australian Kimberley Region and plenty more around the country.

If you intend to explore the outback and are in the market for a four-wheel drive then we highly recommend a powerful diesel vehicle with high clearance, long range fuel tanks, dual batteries, snorkel, bullbar, winch and a UHF radio. Of course what you choose will depend on your budget and preferences. There is a good selection of high performance four-wheel drives available these days. Do adequate research before making a final decision on the right vehicle for you.

If you’re travelling from overseas then you have the option of hiring or buying suitable transport to meet your travelling needs.

Hire Vehicle

If you choose to hire a vehicle then shop around for a good deal and discuss your plans with the hire car company. Take into consideration the kilometre allowance and insurance excess reduction costs. Be sure to study the rental conditions and driving restrictions prior to making a commitment as some companies do not allow their vehicles in certain areas due to road conditions. There are numerous reputable companies located Australia wide to choose from.

Avis

Budget

Europcar

Hertz

Thrifty

Apollo

Britz Australia

Maui

Wicked Campers

Australian 4wd Hire

Preparing Your Vehicle

Those of you travelling in a two-wheel drive vehicle will no doubt be driving on the main roads so your vehicle preparation won’t be as in depth as the four-wheel drivers but still important all the same.

Ensure the vehicle is serviced up to date.

Check tyre tread and pressure.

Check oil and water levels.

Carry spare tyre & jack.

Four-wheel drive enthusiasts have much to prepare before heading off on holidays, particularly when travelling off-road and in outback areas.

Mechanically

Have your mechanic fully service and safety check your vehicle with a fine tooth comb. If you’re embarking on a big trip, particularly in remote areas it needs to be in A1 condition. Breaking down in the outback is costly and potentially dangerous.

Check tyre tread and pressure. It pays to have a good quality set of tyres, particularly when travelling off-road. You should at least invest in All Terrains as they tend to have better tread and harder side walls.

Perform routine oil changes.

Change air and fuel filters.

Inspect your vehicle regularly when travelling. Keep an eye on things such as the suspension and springs, steering arms and look for oil leaks. We can’t emphasize enough to get to know your four-wheel drive.

It is very important to carry adequate tools, spare parts and recovery gear when travelling off-road.

Equipment & Accessories to Consider

Stretch strap

Shovel

Winch

Tree trunk protector

D-shackles

Snatch block

Gloves

Spare belts and hoses (radiator & fuel)

Spare air and fuel filters

Spare wheel bearings

Assorted bolts, nuts, washers, screws & split pins

Centre bolts (to spring pack if fitted)

Spare tyres x 2 (outback travelling)

Tyre plug repair kit

Engine oil & gear oil

Tool box with variety of tools (1/2 drive socket set, 8mm-19mm combination spanners, good hammer, chisel, hacksaw, wheel bearing socket, snap ring pliers, regular pliers, side cutters, screws, Phillips head screwdriver, 8 & 12" shifters)

Fuses

Air compressor, tyre deflators and pressure gauge

Jack & wheel brace (a kangaroo jack is also handy)

Vehicle manual

Fencing wire (3mm electrical wire)

Clear silastic (gasket sealant)

Fuseable link, wire terminal connections (variety of 3mm), crimpers

12 volt test lamp, volt meter

Grease gun, rags, duct tape

Axe

Radiator stop leak

Back to top – Table of Contents

Chapter 3 - Four-wheel Drive Tips

Four-wheel driving is one of Australia’s great passions. We use these vehicles to travel on a variety of surfaces and gradients and in remote locations where the conventional two-wheel drives have no hope. Four-wheel driving is a lot of fun, but should be taken seriously, particularly when venturing off the beaten track, tackling challenging and unpredictable conditions. A good understanding of your 4WD’s operations and mechanics, driving procedures, vehicle recovery and spare parts and equipment is a must.

Operations

Understanding 4WD gears and in what conditions they are appropriate is essential. When driving on normal hard surface roads the 4WD gearstick should be in H2.

When engaging in 4WD, remember to lock the hubs in if your vehicle is a free-wheel hub model.

Push the clutch pedal, stop vehicle movement or slow down to 5km/hr and shift the 4WD gearstick to either H4 or L4, depending on which type of traction is required. Traction is the friction between the tyres and the ground.

H4 is required when four-wheel drive is needed but not maximum torque (low gearing). Use H4 on firm beaches, rocky bottom creek crossings, when traction is required for climbing average gradients and when the vehicle’s back wheels are sinking or slipping.

L4 is required when driving on soft boggy surfaces and climbing steep gradients where slippage is possible and more torque and traction is needed. Use L4 on soft beaches, muddy tracks, soft bottom creek crossings, slippery surfaces and steep inclines.

Free-wheel hub models remember to free the hubs when changing back to two-wheel drive. Driving for too long with the hubs locked in and in 2WD is not good for your vehicle.

Mechanics

Breakdowns and mechanical problems are always a possibility when travelling and there is no worse place to be stuck with no mechanical knowledge then the outback. Always carry your vehicle’s repair manual and a variety of spare parts for common problems which can occur driving off-road. If you’re not very mechanically minded take the time to learn some basics before embarking on your trip.

Learning skills such as changing belts and hoses, air and fuel filters, suspension and wheel bearing repairs is a good start. Ensure you carry adequate tools and spare parts when travelling in remote areas. If your vehicle is really stuck do not leave your vehicle, sit tight and wait for help.

Tyre Pressure

When driving on the rough roads of the outback, wet boggy tracks or on soft sandy beaches the tyre pressure of your vehicle needs to be considered. Rough roads with sharp rocks and shale can spike hard tyres easily so when travelling on these roads it’s sensible to deflate your tyres to about 28 psi (pounds per square inch) to allow a bit off give. Wet boggy tracks will require tyre pressure of 28 psi or lower. Soft sandy beaches and dunes can require anything as low as 10 psi, depending on the softness of the sand and the weight of your vehicle. When driving on soft sand deflate the tyres to 16-18 psi. You can always deflate them a bit more if required. If you get bogged the first thing you should do is deflate your tyres further, this will help immensely. Do not accelerate and dig yourself deeper. Always consider tyre pressure first. Carrying a set of tyre deflators, a pressure gauge and a good air compressor is essential.

Vehicle Recovery

If you manage to get bogged stop accelerating and get out and assess the situation. You may be able to recover the vehicle yourself by deflating the tyres as low as 10 psi if required, clearing the boggy sand from around the wheels with a shovel, engaging 4WD and accelerating slowly keeping momentum through first and second gears.

If you are unsuccessful the easiest alternative is a snatch strap or tow rope. Secure the strap with D-shackles to the attachment on the chassis of your vehicle and the reese hitch or chassis of the vehicle towing. Tow in as straight a line as possible accelerating together.

An electric winch is a third option if your vehicle or another 4WD at hand is fitted with one. Winches are a great accessory for four-wheel drive enthusiasts and could prove to be a good investment in a boggy situation. If you are on your own and have a winch it’ll need an anchor point. If there are no strong trees within reach you’ll need to create your own anchor which can be done by digging a large pit about 2 foot deep and undercutting the side of the pit closest to the vehicle by a further trench 20cm or so to impart backspin and minimize bounce. Insert a large strong log or spare tyre in the trench and attach the winch to this anchor at the closest point to the full depth of the trench. Bury the anchor and attempt to winch yourself out of trouble.

Recovery Gear

Air compressor

Snatch strap or tow rope

Snatch block & tree trunk protector

D-shackles

Shovel

Winch

Gloves

If all else fails and your vehicle recovery is unsuccessful, remember to always stay with your vehicle. Do not wander off in the outback attempting to find help as more likely help will find you. This has been proven time and time again in remote Australia.

If you are travelling to very remote areas you may want to consider purchasing an EPIRB (Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon). This device could potentially save your life in an emergency. When activated a signal is sent to emergency services via satellite and help is on its way to your location. The beacon is pricey, however a good investment for your safety when heading into remote and unknown territory.

Creek Crossings

Creek crossings are an exciting part of four-wheel driving, but require caution, sensibility and strategy. It is always a good idea to stop and investigate creeks first, particularly bigger creeks with more depth and poor visibility. Walking the creek first is recommended so you know the depth, you can find the shallowest route and feel the firmness and for any obstacles such as rocks or logs. Walking creekbeds in crocodile country is of course at your own risk. If in doubt wait for another vehicle to cross and take note of their route or query the driver as they may have local knowledge.

Some creeks are a piece of cake and others can be challenging, especially for less experienced four-wheel drivers. Creeks can be fast flowing and if your driving technique and strategy for crossing the creek aren’t down pat you could find yourself in some trouble. Vehicles stopping altogether in the middle of a flowing creek should not attempt to restart the engine as it will fill with water and drown the engine. Vehicles slowing down too much will find it hard to regain the momentum to get going again and could end up being dragged by the current.

Creeks with depth over the vehicle’s axel require a snorkel on your 4WD or a tarpoline secured firmly across the front of your vehicle to protect the radiator from water entering and flooding the engine.

So before crossing the creek, check the depth, think about the route you are going to take and go over it in your mind. Ensure the hubs are locked in place, engage 4WD in L4 for better traction and keep momentum constant as you cross the creek.

Four-wheel driving is a fantastic hobby, sport, lifestyle, holidaying experience, however you want to class it. The best advice we can give, particularly when travelling in remote areas, is know your vehicle, carry adequate spare parts, equipment and recovery gear, check your vehicle regularly and last but not least stop, get out and investigate the unpredictable situations before you drive on in head first.

Back to top – Table of Contents

Chapter 4 – On The Road

Road Rules

Keep Left & Give Way to the Right

Motorists must keep left at all times in Australia, unless overtaking (passing) another vehicle. We give way to the right at all uncontrolled intersections and roundabouts. Sign-posts and traffic lights at intersections may control traffic alternatively as required.

International drivers driving on the left for the first time will no doubt take a while to get used to it. I can’t imagine changing to the right hand side in many of your countries. Please be careful and take it slowly and it’ll be as easy as riding a bike in no time.

The Australia –wide road rules are practically the same, although there may be a few exceptions, which are generally signposted anyway. For example, some eastern states allow turning left at a red traffic light signal, only if sign posted. Also some have tram lines in the centre of the road in cities and the trams have right of way. You’ll get used to it, just remember to keep left and give way to the right most importantly!

Speed Limits

Speed limits vary, as they do in every country so keep an eye out for the signs. They are white with black numbers and a red circle around them. Sometimes yellow and black signs can give you a suggested speed when approaching bends in the road or similar when you should slow down. In general residential driving is 50-60km per hour and highways are 100-110km per hour. In the Northern Territory the speed limit can reach 130km per hour on the open road, which is quite fast, so don’t feel the need to travel the speed limit there! The motto in Australia is reduce 5 and save lives (kilometers per hour that is). The slower you go the safer you are, especially in the case of an accident.

You will require a valid driver’s licence from your country of origin and must have it on your person when driving at all times. Another form of identification is an International Driving Permit (IDP) which presents your drivers licence in several different languages, serves as additional identification which is very handy when travelling overseas and permits you to drive without foregoing more driving tests in foreign countries. Take note that many car rental companies require an IDP to rent a vehicle. For further information, contact your local motor vehicle department or find plenty of information at the RACV website.

Drink Driving

Drinking alcohol and driving in Australia is a big NO. Hefty penalties and fines apply. The blood alcohol limit when tested by Police is 0.05%, which means you can barely manage one or two standard drinks and you might be over the limit and will lose your drivers licence and be fined. Anyone drinking excessive amounts of alcohol prior to driving will lose their licence and even face time in police lockup and very costly fines.

Safe & Happy Travels

To all of the tourists out there planning to or currently travelling our roads, please take it easy and follow the road rules. A few extra kilometres gained by speeding or unsafe driving, is not worth your lives, or the lives of others. You are on holidays after all. Slow down, be cautious and enjoy your travels.

Road Conditions

Road Conditions can change very quickly and drastically in wet weather conditions in remote Australia. Unsealed (gravel or dirt) roads that haven’t been graded for a while or don’t receive much upkeep, particularly in the outback, can have dips, potholes and corrugations which involve very bumpy driving. Slow down and take it easy on these roads for your own safety.

Avoid driving on dirt tracks in remote areas when the weather conditions are wet or the forecast is to become wet. In some cases, sandy tracks can turn to mud and leave you stuck for days until the rain stops and the track dries out.

One of our experiences which comes to mind is whilst fishing on the Keep River near Kununurra in Western Australia. The weather was fine when we arrived, but a few days later the rain set in and the track turned to mud and slush. We made the decision to pack up camp promptly and attempt to get back to civilization along the wet 4WD track. After a lot of slipping and sliding we made it out (50km later), however the state of our vehicle proved just how bad a track can become after plenty of rainfall.

If you are travelling in the outback or remote areas with non-bitumen roads, be aware that there are contacts you can call prior to travelling the dirt roads you are unsure of. If in doubt contact the closest Visitor Centre, Royal Automobile Club or Department of Environment & Conservation in the area. They generally have all the answers or can find out for you (scroll down for helpful Government department contacts).

Northern Australia’s fishing and four-wheel driving adventure tracks are subject to weather and road conditions in the summer months, or wet season when the rains are common (November to February).

You’ll find roads are closed when they are waterlogged and unsafe. Don’t ignore the signs and attempt to drive them, even in a four-wheel drive, as they are closed for a reason. They are not safe and generally impassable. The best time to travel in the north is during our winter months, the dry season, (May to September) when the skies are mostly clear and the weather is warm and mild.

Also take note that roads in the north are not the only ones subject to change. The south has plenty of remote fishing and camping tracks too. The track to Israelite Bay in Western Australia is a classic example of a dirt track with the potential to become muddy and impassable. Always do your homework before hand. Help and advice is just a phone call away.

Helpful Contacts – Weather Conditions

Bureau of Meteorology – 1300 659 218 local call

Helpful Contacts – Road Conditions

Western Australia - 1800 013 314 free call

Northern Territory - 1800 246 199 free call

Queensland - 1300130595 local call

New South Wales - 1300131122 local call

Victoria - 131170 local call

South Australia - 1300 361 033 local call

Driving Tips

Well we've covered keep left and our general road rules, as well as road conditions in remote areas and how they can change quickly after heavy rain periods. Now there are a few more driving tips you need to know when travelling in Australia's outback region and along the many highways and roads between towns and cities.

Drive with your seat belt on at all times

Do not drink alcohol and drive - you can still get caught in the outback

Drive with your headlights on to be more visible to other drivers

Have regular stops to avoid becoming tired

Avoid remote dirt tracks in wet weather conditions

Close any gates you pass through to keep the livestock in

Avoid native animals on the road, particularly at dusk and dawn (Kangaroos are the worst)

Be aware of livestock on the roads - cattle roam freely in the outback here

Look out for large trucks or road trains with several carriages in tow

Animals & Livestock

Australia is well-known for the high amount of animal deaths occurring on our roads. The countryside and the outback are the worst. Be cautious of wildlife, most commonly kangaroos and particularly at the times of dusk and dawn when they are most prolific. You may also come across rabbits, emus and smaller furry animals but the kangaroos are by far the worst and can do some serious damage to your vehicle and yourselves if you are travelling too fast. Try and avoid travelling at dusk and dawn in the outback if you can for safety reasons.

Also look out for our precious lizards. We have many varieties here and they like to warm themselves on the road during the day, most commonly in the outback. They can be quite slow or stand still so please slow down and try to avoid hitting them. They are harmless and we love them here.

Livestock is another big thing to look out for in the outback. Cows can be anywhere and everywhere as you travel along many roads which are part of station property. There are no fences and the animals are often on the road or at the road edges. Slow right down and be very cautious. They can be very unpredictable and run either way. There are grids on the road which prevent the cattle leaving the station boundaries and in remote areas you’ll find gates along many tracks which you must leave as you found them, which is almost always closed.

Road Trains & Oversize Vehicles

We have some enormous trucks travelling on the roads in Australia, on the outbound highways and in the outback. Long trucks with up to 2 or 3 carriages (trailers) attached to the main vehicle are called road trains here. Do not attempt to overtake these vehicles unless you are on a long straight road and can see well into the distance. If you have a UHF radio in your vehicle truck drivers in Australia use Channel 40, so you can switch to channel 40 and ask the truckie in front if all is clear and safe to overtake. Most are very helpful and happy to oblige.

We also have over-size vehicles following pilot vehicles here (generally a leading vehicle with flashing orange lights and a large oversize vehicle ahead sign on the roof). Sometimes they are led by a police car which indicates the vehicle behind is massively oversized and you probably have to pull off the road to allow it to get past. The police officer or pilot vehicle driver in the leading vehicle will indicate by pointing sideways which means pull over. If they are using their hand with an up and down motion this means slow down. Do exactly as they suggest and avoid a potential accident.

We hope these driving tips come in handy when you visit and travel Australia. Please stay safe on the road.

Travel Distances

Travel distances in Australia might come as a surprise for international visitors. Our island continent may look smaller in comparison to others on the world map, however, the distance from one side to the other, in terms of East and West, is about 4000 kilometres. This would take at least 4 days of solid 12 hour driving daily with basically no time to stop for sightseeing, whilst getting from point A to B (for example, Sydney to Perth).

How Long Does it Take?

When planning your road trip, bear in mind that there is a lot of ground to cover and time is always of the essence when you want to appreciate as much as possible on your travels. The lap around Australia, sticking to the main highway (Highway 1) is about 20,000 kilometres in distance and that’s not including all the side roads you might want to explore along the coast or venturing inland to other points of interest.

So how long does it take to travel around Australia by road you wonder? Well how long is a piece of string? (as the old saying goes).There is no particular answer. There are so many factors to take into consideration, such as your budget, length of stay in the country or local holiday duration, how much you want to see and your most focused places of interest.

We have done the lap around Australia twice, the second trip we visited Tasmania for two weeks and we always travelled at our own pace and stayed at particular places for extended periods, including travelling up to the tip of the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. It took nearly 12 months both times and the first time we worked along the way for a few months.The lap can definitely be done in a lot less time.

Overseas Visitors

It is so hard to estimate how long you need to see this beautiful country, but if you have your 1 year Australia Visa and want to make the most of your time here, base your travel plans on the full 12 months, picking up work here and there if you need to or as your Visa specifies (some Visas require working in Australia for certain amounts of time).

Australia Road Maps

Apart from the reliable Australia maps published by Hema, there is also the online Google Travel Distances Gadget. Just type in your point A and B (to and from destinations) and get directions and travel distances. It is a fantastic free tool to utilize when planning to and travelling around Australia, or even worldwide, when you have internet connection available.

On average you could travel a couple of hundred kilometres a day in popular sightseeing regions and in the outback you could do more (much more if there is nothing of interest to you). We honestly and genuinely suggest purchasing a good map book and using it to plan and drive your way around Australia. Work out the travel distances before hand or as you go and the human navigator in your vehicle can have fun (or stress) plotting your course of travel…or getting you lost…as sometimes can be the case. There are plenty of kilometres/miles to travel here in Australia.

Travel Distance Chart for Capital Cities in Australia

Distances between cities are measured in kilometres (km) as per Australian road maps.

Back to top – Table of Contents

Chapter 5 – Travelling With Pets

Travelling with pets is becoming increasingly popular in Australia. Many of us can’t bear to leave our beloved pets behind while we go off and have all the fun. Travelling with pets can be as easy or as difficult as you make it. You know your pet better than anyone and you know their limits as far as behaviour, noise and what they can cope with.

If your pet is generally well behaved and enjoys time in the car, as most do, then there are ways around the non-pet friendly areas and if you love your pet and want him with you you’ll do your best to work around it.

National Parks are the obvious hurdle as most don’t allow domestic animals. We’ve found if we want to visit a certain park then there is generally some sort of kennel or pet sitter within reasonable distance. You may just have to backtrack to collect your pet afterwards. We've used many boarding kennels and veterinary clinics on our travels which specifically cater for people travelling with pets. It's nice to know registered and reputable kennels are taking care of your pet while you are visiting areas they cannot.

Outside national parks your pet should be welcome in many places to walk and explore the sights with you, just remember to take your doggy doo bags. There are also many pet friendly caravan parks around the country and if we all show some consideration and pick up after our pets they'll continue to welcome us and our pets.

When travelling with pets, be aware that there are poisonous baits used to kill feral animals in bush land and on stations. Keep your pet close by and on a lead at all times. If he consumes some suspect meat in the bush induce vomiting immediately and make tracks to the nearest vet. If you do the right thing and keep your pet in check this should not happen as baits are generally set further in to the scrub and not close to camping areas or walking trails.

Consult your vet prior to leaving and pack a first aid kit for your pet to take travelling, we always take one just in case. Obtain prescription medications prior to leaving and make sure the annual vaccinations are up to date including the C5 shot. Your pet will not be allowed to stay at a kennel without it and you are required to produce the vaccination certificate as proof.

Pet Basic First Aid Kit

Frontline – Controls fleas and ticks (apply monthly to prevent fleas and ticks and fortnightly in Paralysis Tick country).

All Wormer – Controls Roundworm, Hookworm, Whipworm and Tapeworm (administer every 3 months)

Tick Collar – Helps deter Paralysis Ticks

Antibiotic tablets – Skin infections, wounds and allergic reactions

Cortisone tablets – Itchy skin and bites

Neocort Cream – Ear infections, skin rashes, bites and grazes

Panadol – Bruised muscles and broken legs, ½ tablet every 8 hours (available at Chemist)

Polarimine – Insect bites and allergies, 1 tablet every 12 hours (available at Chemist)

Ipecacuanha Syrup – Induces vomiting for post bait ingestion (available at Chemist)

Bandages and splint (wooden ruler) – Wounds and broken limbs

Yes apparently our pets can take some human medications such as Panadol and Polarimine. Take note that the suggested dosage is different for our smaller furry friends. On a couple of occasions Polarimine has worked wonders, curing our dog of hives after finding his way into the cake tin.

If you are travelling along the east coast (even 100km inland) make sure you invest in a Paralysis Tick collar from your local vet, apply Frontline fortnightly and check your pet regularly for ticks while travelling in the area. These deadly ticks are surprisingly toxic for their size. Check all areas of your pet, including inside the ears, under the tail and between toes. You never know where these ticks will attach themselves. Run your hands along your pet’s coat and if you feel the slightest bump check it out for your own sake and most importantly for your beloved pets. A tip to get the tick off is to cover it in Vasaline so it can’t breathe and will detach itself from your pet. Then you can kill it knowing all of the tick has been removed from your pet.

Holiday destinations are unfamiliar territory for your pet so ensure he has sufficient identification in case he goes wandering. Secure his council registration tag and also an ID tag to his collar including your mobile number, a friend’s contact number who knows your itinerary, home address and even your car’s make, model and registration number. Collars and tags can come loose so consider having your pet micro-chipped, which is a quick and easy injection beneath their coat and a permanent form of identification.

Travelling with pets is so much fun and they enjoy it just as much as we do, with all those new and exciting places. If you take the rules into consideration as well as your pet’s general well being it’ll be a fantastic holiday for all.

Back to top – Table of Contents

Chapter 6 – Emergency Contacts & Survival Tips

In case of emergency while holidaying in Australia always dial triple zero (000) for Police, Fire or Ambulance. If you do not have mobile phone reception dial 112 and your call will be connected to emergency services. The operator will then direct your call to the emergency department you require assistance from.

If you’re venturing into the outback and your vehicle breaks down, do not leave the vehicle. Remain calm and try and be patient. Use as little energy as possible, stay in the shade and ration food and water supplies. Help will find its way to you, do not go looking for it yourself as this could get you lost and potentially prove fatal.

If you are travelling to very remote areas you may want to consider purchasing an EPIRB (Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon). This device could potentially save your life in an emergency. When activated a signal is sent to emergency services via satellite and help is on its way to your location. The beacon