Travel Tips

Plan your trip	Road Conditions	Unsealed Roads
Fuel	Maps	Safety Checks
Speed Limits	Don't Drink and Drive!	Stock and Wildlife
Survival in the Outback	Crocodiles	National Parks
Sun Protection	Mosquitos	Fishing Regulations
Cyclones	Customs Watch	Mobile Phones
Interstate Quarantine	Prospecting Regulations	Boating Regulations
Water Supplies

Drive to stay alive - Plan your trip: Most of us who live and work in large cities are not used to driving long distances without a break. Fatigue is an ever-present danger for people driving in the country, and has proven to be one of the major causes of serious road accidents. Please take note of the following suggestions which will make your holiday in the North of Western Australia safer and more enjoyable.

Make sure you have a good night's sleep before you drive long distances.
Don't just fuel your car up before setting out - fuel yourself up too! Have a decent breakfast before leaving...you'll be much more alert.
Avoid all alcohol and any medication which may make you drowsy if you're planning to drive.
Take regular breaks-preferably stop every two hours.
Share the driving.
Try and restrict your driving to the daytime.
Make use of the "free coffee" offer which many leading roadhouses make available to drivers.

Road Conditions: Most major tourist destinations in the North of Western Australia are readily accessible by well maintained sealed roads. However, if you're planning to venture off main highways and roads, and especially if you are planning to use unsealed roads, remember that their condition can be dramatically deteriorated by adverse weather, and recent use by other vehicles. Consequently you should first obtain an up-to-date road condition report from local authorities before setting out. Main Roads Western Australia has a Statewide Road Condition Report Service available. Phone 1800 013 314 ...it's a free call!

Unsealed Roads: Many unsealed roads in the north are only accessible by 4WD...don't get stranded! Watch your speed. Unsealed road surfaces are unpredictable and can be dangerously slippery. Slow down...it takes a lot longer to stop your car on an unsealed surface and with the ever present dangers of hidden bends, and wandering livestock and wild animals crossing our roads , to ignore this warning could be very foolish...and expensive.

Fuel: It is common to drive hundreds of kilometres between towns, once forcing motorists to carry extra fuel to enable them to reach their destinations. These days however, remote service stations, or roadhouses are located every 200 - 300 kilometres on the major highways, and their services are excellent, with many providing restaurant and takeaway food facilities, showers and restrooms, and overnight accommodation, as well as fuel and mechanical services. If you're planning to drive long distances, plan your fuel stops first. Some may have restricted opening hours and limited credit card facilities, so be sure to check first before commencing or continuing your journey.

Maps: Scale maps are available from the offices of the Department of Land Administration, RAC of WA, most service stations, roadhouses and all tourist bureaus.

Safety Checks: Before heading into the north, have your car checked for mechanical faults, and make sure your tyres, suspension and brakes are safe. There are many qualified and well equipped mechanics and motor parts retailers at your service in the North, but we recommend that you are carrying the following spares and essential tools before commencing your journey; a jack, spare tyre, a tyre repair kit, radiator hoses and clamps, fan belt and fuel filter, as well as extra engine oil and water for your radiator. Due to the arid nature of the terrain fresh water is not available at some of the roadhouses so please carry spare drinking water as well.

Speed Limits: Speed limits throughout the north vary from 60kph in built up areas to 110kph on the highways (unless a sign indicates a lower speed is required). Speed limits also vary for vehicles towing trailers and caravans so please watch for the road signs. Speed cameras operate throughout Western Australia and penalties for speeding include fines, demerit points and possible licence suspension.

Don't Drink and Drive! In Western Australia driving with a blood alcohol level over .05 (or if you are a probationary driver 0.02) is an offence, and penalties are severe, including heavy fines and licence suspension. Mobile alcohol testing stations, or "Booze Buses" arewidely used in Western Australia, and all police vehicles are now equipped to conduct random breath tests.

Stock and Wildlife: Be careful when driving at night, sunrise and sunset ... wild animals and livestock often wander across our roads, so for your safety...and theirs ...drive carefully and be prepared!

Survival in the Outback: If you're planning a trip into the outback, remember, it is your responsibility to be properly prepared for emergencies.

Tell the local police of your intended route and how long you expect to take to complete your journey. Don't deviate from your intended route unless you can advise someone of your changes.
Carry adequate supplies of food and water, and appropriate clothing.
Ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound for the trip, and equipped with a map of the area, a shovel, an axe, a complete spare wheel, tow rope, some sort of signal device such as flares or a mirror and essential spares as specified in our "Safety Checks" section.
Medical services may not be readily available in the area you're planning to visit so it is essential you carry a medical kit in your vehicle together with adequate supplies of insect repellent and sunscreen.
Try and take some sort of communication equipment with you, such as a Radphone (radio telephone), or a high Frequency transceiver. With either of these you can always contact the Royal Flying Doctor Service in case of an emergency.
Another monitoring device highly regarded by authorities in case of an emergency is an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacon), a self contained unit that transmits an internationally recognised signal on emergency frequencies. These frequencies are monitored by the COSPAS/SARSAT satellite system, as well as commercial and military aircraft, and the signal it emits enables them to pinpoint your exact location.
If you get lost, or suffer a breakdown, DON'T LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE! Use your communication equipment to get help, ration your food and water, and wait for assistance. If necessary you can shelter from the heat of the day by lying under the car.
If you can, park your vehicle in the open so it can be seen from the air.
If you see a plane or helicopter use your flares or mirror to attract their attention.

Crocodiles: The Kimberley is home to two species of crocodile, the Johnson or freshwater crocodile and the Estuarine or saltwater crocodile. While the freshwater are shy of humans and considered to be relatively harmless the salties have no fear and are extremely dangerous. Warning signs have been erected at most spots where crocodiles pose a threat to humans but as a rule of thumb treat all tidal rivers, creeks and bays north of the De Grey River with extreme caution. Crocodile attacks have killed or seriously injured people right across the north of Australia. Be "Crocodile Wise" Get local advice first. Check with the local authorities (Police, CALM or Fisheries offices) before swimming, fishing, boating or camping near tidal rivers, creeks, bays and mangrove shores. Be alert. When you arrive, check the banks of the river for telltale signs of crocodiles…sliding marks, clawprints etc. and always keep a lookout for crocodiles. In general they'll be well aware of your presence long before your aware of theirs. Crocodiles often wait for their prey to come to the waters edge and can attack at amazing speed. So don't clean fish or prepare food at the waters edge, and when fishing stand back a few metres from the bank. Get rid of your fish waste and food scraps away from the area and if you're on a boat don't lean over the edge or dangle your hands in the water. Keep all pets out of the water and away from the waters edge…They're croc magnets!

National Parks: The North of Western Australia boasts many spectacular National Parks, all of which are managed by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM). Under their management the parks are maintained for all to enjoy. Facilities available vary from park to park, so if you're intending to explore or camp in any of them contact the local CALM office first to discuss your plans and seek the rangers advice. Ask also for information on the National Park Guidelines for visitors, and information on the many walk trails, scenic routes and natural attractions in the parks you're interested in. You'll find the rangers very helpful. Please take note of the following points before entering National Parks:

Most roads through National Parks are unsealed and may not be accessible to conventional vehicles. Check with the CALM district office or phone the Main Roads Statewide Road Condition Report Service on 1800 013 314.
Access to some areas may involve crossing station property. As a matter of courtesy you should alert station managers of your intended visit and leave all gates as you find them.
Prepare your vehicle mechanically and carry adequate provisions.
Pets and firearms are not permitted.
Entry fees and camping fees apply. See the CALM district office for details.
Light fires only in fireplaces provided. Ground fires are not permitted and it is a very serious offence to light fires illegally. Ask the CALM district office for details.
Keep to roads indicated on park maps. Normal road rules apply.
Look out for warning signs in the parks. While the gorges are spectacular they can also be very hazardous and accidents have occurred. Take care around gorge rims, at lookouts and while on walk trails.

Mosquitos: Mosquitos and "midges" or sandflies are prevalent in various areas of the north and their bites can cause allergic reactions in some people. Mosquitos are also carriers of Ross River Virus and Australian Encephalitis. Protect yourself by applying mosquito repellents and covering up exposed areas such as arms and legs.

Sun Protection: High temperatures are common throughout the north and the sun can be very intense. Without adequate protection severe sunburn, sunstroke and possibly skin cancers can result. Always apply sunscreen before venturing out in the sun and again after swimming. Avoid direct sunlight as much as possible and cover up with a shady hat, shirt and sunglasses. Keep out of the sun in the middle of the day and guard children from over exposure.

Fishing Regulations: The fishing in the north is amongst the best in the world, with many prize game and table fish prevalent along our coastline and in our rivers. Unfortunately, in recent times, some of our most popular fishing locations have shown evidence of overfishing thus putting some of our resident species at risk. To conserve fish breeding stocks, size and bag limits have been introduced by Fisheries WA. These are currently under review so you should contact the district fisheries office for up-to-date information on the relevant regulations pertaining to the area you wish to fish before "wetting the line". Remember Fish for the Future.

Firearms Regulations: In Western Australia all firearms and people wishing to possess firearms are subject to strict controls. Detailed information is available from any WA Police Station but in brief: All firearms must be licensed and anyone wishing to carry or use a firearm in WA must first obtain a permit. Hunting and shooting is prohibited in all National Parks and reserves. It is illegal to use a firearm on private property unless you are licensed and have prior written permission from the property owner.

Prospecting Regulations: There are certain rules and regulations governing prospecting in Western Australia. Detailed information can be obtained from the Department of Minerals and energy office in the area you wish to search. There are substantial penalties for unauthorised mining.

Boating Regulations: Private recreational boating in western Australia is controlled by Transport - Marine Division and you can obtain detailed information from any of their offices regarding all regulations pertaining to the use, speed limits, safety requirements and outfitting of boats in WA.

Interstate Quarantine: Due to our geographical isolation Western Australia is free of many pests, weeds and diseases found elsewhere in Australia. To protect our agriculture, horticulture and the environment restrictions apply to the entry of fresh fruit and vegetables, plants, seeds, honey, second hand fruit and vegetable containers, used agriculture equipment and livestock. These must be declared on arrival in Western Australia. Interstate quarantine checkpoints are situated in Kununurra, Eucla, domestic airports and the rail terminal in Perth. Random checks also occur on the Laverton-Warburton Road, Tanamai Track and Duncan Highway. Substantial penalties apply to the illegal introduction of agricultural and horticultural items into Western Australia. For further information contact the Western Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service on +61 8 9311 5333.

Customs Watch: Australia's remote northern coastline attracts people involved in activities such as drug smuggling, illegal immigration or the poaching of Australia's wildlife. You can help stop these crimes. Report any unusual or suspicious activities to the Customs Watch 24 hour free phone line 1800 06 1800.

Cyclones: Most cyclones in the north occur between November and March and certain precautions should be taken to avoid putting yourselves and your property in danger. If you are planning a trip into the north in this period contact the State Emergency Service in the area you are staying, they will provide you with all necessary cyclone information.

Mobile Phones: Mobile telephones do not operate in all areas of Western Australia. for more information contact your service provider.

Water Supplies: Available roadside water supplies are limited north of Northampton so travellers are advised to carry sufficient water when travelling in the Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley regions.