Roadconditions

When planning a trip to the Outback it's important to know on what kind of road you will go. On this site I describe different types of road conditions to give you an idea but remember that the road conditions change very often.

1. Sealed Roads

There are some sealed roads in the Outback Australia, mostly highways and major roads. Travelling on these roads normally causes no problems, but they can be hazardous too: Driving on sealed roads can make tiered. So have a rest frequently. Avoid night driving. Animals are more active at night and can jump in front of you car suddenly. This roads are used by road-trains frequently, be careful when you need to overtake them.

2. Gravel Road

Many roads in the Outback Australia are gravel roads. Although they are graded regularly, the conditions change very often, depending on the weather. It can be possible to drive on them with a normal car, but using a 4 WD is much more comfortable,

 

3. Track

Driving on a track can mean everything: deep sand, stone, bulldust, mud... .Tracks are suitable for 4WD only and you should be experiencend in drinving a 4WD-car.

After rain a track may be closed for days or weeks. If you get stucked here, be prepared to be totally self-sufficient, because traffic is very rare.

 

Before heading to the Outback, check the roadconditions. You will find them at roadhouses and police stations. Roadconditions are published also in the internet:

 

© Jörg-Jost Michaelis. Last Updated: 16.04.02

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