Travelling Tips

The Matilda Highway and all coastal access highways are sealed but, as you may wish to explore further, it may be necessary to use unsealed roads to get to off-road destinations. Here are a few useful tips.

Animals
If you see stock or wild animals near the road, slow down - they have a habit of crossing in front of you!

Heavy Vehicles
When meeting large vehicles on narrow roads, slow right down and move off to the left. In wet conditions the verges tend to be soft and/or slippery, so when pulling off to the left you should always keep your right wheels on the bitumen and keep moving slowly to avoid getting bogged.

Station Properties
Many roads cross station properties and have gates across them. The rule of the Outback is to leave gates in the same way that you find them, ie. if the gate is closed when you get there, close it again after you drive through or, if the gate is open when you arrive, leave it open.

Be Prepared
On major highways fuel stops are rarely more than 200 kilometres apart so it should not be necessary to carry spare fuel. However, you should always carry water and a first-aid kit and ensure that your spare tyre is at the correct pressure.

Remote Areas
Always check road and weather conditions before travelling into remote areas. Advise the police or some other responsible person of your intended itinerary and report back on your arrival. Ensure that your vehicle is mechanically sound and carry ample water and spares such as tyres, radiator hoses and fanbelts, together with a good tool-kit.

Two-way radios or satellite phones are recommended as normal mobile phones do not work in remote areas. Spare fuel should be carried outside the passenger compartment and always gauge your requirements - overladen vehicles invariably get into trouble. If you break down, stay with the vehicle until help arrives.

Road Conditions
For current road reports please contact the RACQ on 1300 130 595 or visit http://www.racq.com.au/. As road conditions cannot be accurately predicted please contact RACQ close to the time of your journey.

Weather Conditions
Outback summers are hot but much less humid than on the coast and more bearable. Most facilities and transport are airconditioned. Storms and heavy rains can occur during summer and minor flooding can cause some towns to become cut off for a few days, but this is all part of the adventure of the Outback. The most temperate weather occurs between the beginning of April and the end of October. Wearing a broad brimmed hat and sunscreen is recommended for all seasons.

Litter
Help us keep the Outback clean for future visitors by properly disposing of your rubbish.

Memories
Burke and Wills, Leichardt, Landsborough and other early explorers of this region carved their initials in trees to show where they had been. Please use a camera rather than a knife to record your visit to Queensland's Outback!

Fires
Most roads run through private property or national parks and open fires should not be lit at the side of the road. If you need a fire use the proper fire places found at most roadside rest areas.

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