PLANNING YOUR VISIT
The best time to visit Kakadu National Park is during the dry season
Visiting a national park may be as simple as jumping in the car for a day-trip or as complex as packing for an extended holiday. The park itself might be your destination, or you may visit a park simply because it is near your holiday destination or you happen to be passing by. You might travel through a park to reach your destination. Whatever the reason, this section outlines some factors you may need to consider before you travel.
When to visit
Although you can enjoy Australia’s national parks all year round, the weather and the timing of school and public holidays may influence your decision of when to visit a particular park.
Weather
Visiting a national park in the south of Australia is possible year round, with spring and autumn offering mild and pleasant conditions. Most rain falls in the winter months but other seasons can be prone to occasional showers or downpours. Generally snow falls on the Australian Alps and Tasmanian Highlands in winter, but there can be freak falls and storms at any time of year, even in summer.
Northern Australia has a dry (April to November) and a wet (December to March) season. In the dry period, temperatures are milder, little or no rain falls and the countryside turns from lush green to a dusty brown. The wet season is characterised by high temperatures and oppressive humidity, with tropical storms regularly dumping large volumes of rain, and cyclones are not uncommon. The best time to visit national parks in northern and central regions is in the dry season. However, the centre of Australia is arid or semiarid and from May to September daytime temperatures are mild but can drop dramatically at night. Detailed weather information is available from the Bureau of Meteorology (www.bom.gov.au).
School and public holidays
School holidays are busy times, particularly during Easter, Christmas and New Year periods, and accommodation and campsites in or near the parks are in great demand. Tasmania has a three-term school year with holidays in June, September and December to mid-February. Australia’s mainland states each has a four-term school year and while the holiday periods do not necessarily align exactly, they do tend to overlap. The holiday periods generally are:
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Long weekends are a popular time for park visits. Check when public holidays fall in the different states to avoid crowds in holiday regions, particularly in parks that are close to capital cities.
Park entry and camping fees
Many national parks have entrance fees, which in some cases cover camping fees but not always. If you intend to visit a number of parks within a state or territory, a national parks pass can offer a substantial saving on multiple entry fees. Most states have their own parks pass system.
Camping fees are payable at many of the national park campsites in this book and are generally quite minimal. They may be collected by a caretaker or ranger or paid at the park entrance, or there may be an honesty system. In some parks, camping fees come under the guise of ‘camping permits’. At some sites camping permits can be booked and prepaid (this is essential in certain areas at busy times of the year).
New South Wales
Some national parks in New South Wales require payment of a park use fee/vehicle entry fee, which may apply to the first day only or may be payable on a per-vehicle per-day basis. Annual national park passes are available and offer substantial savings on entry fees if you plan to visit several times a year; options include one nominated national park pass or one covering all parks in the state that have an entry fee. Annual park passes do not cover park camping fees.
Victoria
Most national parks in Victoria do not have entry fees so there are no park passes in this state. Some of the more popular national park camping areas have a ballot system for peak periods.
South Australia
Many national parks in South Australia have entry fees, and camping permits are required. Parks SA offers a range of park passes, including the Multi Park Pass, the 2-month Holiday Pass, and the Desert Parks Pass. With some passes an additional camping option can be purchased.
Queensland
Camping permits are required for all campsites in Queensland’s national parks. Many of Queensland’s parks are moving to an automated system of camping permits and fees, pre-booked and paid through ParksQ on 13 7468 or via its website at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/experiences/camping
Western Australia
Entry fees apply to many parks in Western Australia. The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has a range of passes, including Day Passes, Holiday Passes and Annual Passes. These do not cover camping fees.
Northern Territory
Most parks in the Northern Territory do not have entry fees, except for Kakadu and Uluru–Kata Tjuta national parks, which are jointly managed by the traditional owners and Parks Australia. The entry fees are levied per person and are valid for up to 14 days in Kakadu and for three consecutive days in Uluru–Kata Tjuta. An Annual Individual Park Use Ticket is also available for these two parks. If you have a Northern Territory driver’s licence and registered vehicle, you can buy an Annual Territorian Pass. Other national parks in the Territory are managed by the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory (PWCNT). Camping fees apply, and permits are required for bush camping.
Tasmania
Visitors to Tasmanian national parks require a national parks pass. It does not cover camping fees and/or overnight walking track fees. Passes are available from Parks and Wildlife offices, at self-registration stations at major parks, and at various other outlets.
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When visiting parks with self-payment systems, ensure that you have enough small change to cover the camping fee, as change is generally not given.
Camping in national parks
National parks are the first choice for many travellers wishing to camp. Even remote parks will often have dedicated campsites and others allow bush camping; only a small number of parks do not permit any camping at all.
Choose a camping area to suit you. Some have a good range of facilities including level campsites, toilets, showers, barbecues and picnic tables. Others are fairly basic. Many have no facilities and visitors must be self-sufficient.
No sites are powered, showers are usually cold and fuel, food and other supplies are rarely available on-site. It is not always permissible or practical to cook over an open fire so it is essential that you carry some form of portable fuel stove. Collecting firewood is prohibited in all national parks so even if a wood barbecue is available for use, you need to check that firewood is provided by the ranger or bring your own. Many camping areas have no rubbish disposal facilities so you must bag your rubbish and take it with you.
Some parks are extremely popular and a campsite booking system may be in place so check before travelling. When arriving at a national park to camp, make the ranger station your first stop.
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When planning to camp in a national park, always ring ahead for up-to-date information about the availability of drinking water and firewood, regulations relating to campfires and the use of generators, and any closures or fishing guidelines.
Tread lightly
Australia’s national parks protect some of the country’s most precious natural resources. Following a few simple guidelines will ensure that these areas of natural beauty are preserved for all to enjoy, now and in the future.
Protect the flora and fauna All plants and animals within national parks are protected. Picking wildflowers and feeding birds and animals is strictly prohibited.
Be careful with fire Use fireplaces, where provided, not an open fire. When you leave your campsite, put the fire out using water, not sand or soil. Better still, use a gas or liquid-fuel stove.
Do not collect firewood Use supplied firewood sparingly or bring your own. Do not collect firewood in the park. Even dead wood, fallen timber and leaf litter provide a habitat for animals.
Leave no rubbish Use bins where provided or take your rubbish with you when you leave. Do not burn or bury rubbish as animals will dig it up.
Be considerate People visit parks and forests to enjoy nature, not noisy radios or generators.
Camp, walk and drive softly Leave your campsite better than you found it. Stay on defined tracks.
Do not pollute waterways Do not use soap, shampoo, detergent or cleaning products of any kind in or near waterways. Wash at least 100 metres from the water’s edge.
Use toilets If toilets are not provided, bury waste at least 100 metres from tracks, campsites and watercourses, in a hole at least 15 centimetres deep. Sanitary items should not be buried, but taken away.
Take no pets Pets are not allowed in national parks.
Respect Indigenous culture Rock art and other cultural sites in parks are easily damaged yet irreplaceable. Look at, enjoy, but do not touch or damage these sites.
Look after heritage sites Enjoy exploring sites of historic significance but do not remove or disturb relics or other heritage items.
Control the spread of weeds and plant disease Mud and soil should be cleaned from car tyres, bicycle wheels and footwear before and after park visits.
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Think before you drink. Even mountain streams can be contaminated. Boil (for 5 minutes) or treat creek or lake water before drinking to avoid giardia and diarrhoea. Preferably, bring your own supply of water.
Restrictions and warnings
When visiting national parks, be sure to take heed of all signs and restrictions. Swimming may be restricted at times of algal growths in waterways and walking tracks may be closed after bushfire or for maintenance or revegetation. If in doubt, make enquiries with the rangers.
Water
Restrictions can apply to local water supplies. Never rely on water supplies at campsites for your needs. Ensure that you carry enough water for both cooking and drinking purposes.
Fire
From time to time, fire restrictions and bans are in place in parts of Australia. Always confirm fire-ban dates and restrictions with local authorities – rangers, councils, police, information centres or fire-fighting authorities – before lighting a fire. Some national parks may be closed during periods of extended dry, hot weather (and after heavy rain). Please obey any restrictions advised by authorities as these are for your safety.
Quarantine
In some regions, there are restrictions on carrying fresh fruit and vegetables across state borders. Such items may be confiscated at quarantine checkpoints. Check regulations by contacting the appropriate state organisation.
Clothing
For day trips to national parks, carry items such as swimwear, towels, spare socks, jumpers and wet weather gear in a bag that can be kept within easy reach. Sunhats and sunglasses are essential.
If you are planning to go bushwalking, check out the extremely light but very warm clothes made from high-tech synthetic fabrics available at specialist camping stores. If you are stopping overnight, always take something with long sleeves to wear around dusk when the mosquitoes arrive.
Thermal underwear is very effective in very cold areas. Travelling in the desert usually requires lightweight clothing during the day, but at night temperatures can drop dramatically, so warm woollen or fleece clothes are needed, along with a beanie and a pair of gloves.
Footwear is important, especially on extended stays in national parks. You should include a pair of lightweight casual shoes or sandals for general daily wear and a sturdier pair of shoes for walking, for when it rains or for cold weather.
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Any trip to enjoy the Australian outdoors must include sunscreen and insect repellent. Pack brands that you have used before as these products can cause skin irritations and allergic reactions.
Health and safety
Parks are wild places with hidden dangers for the unwary visitor (see also Creature hazards). Be prepared by ensuring that your vehicle has a good first-aid kit and that at least one person knows how to use the items in the kit. First-aid courses and kits are available throughout Australia from St John Ambulance organisations.
First-aid kit
PLANNING YOUR ACTIVITIES
Australia’s national parks offer a wide range of experiences and recreational opportunities from bushwalking and wildlife-watching, to more adventurous activities such as mountain-biking and rock-climbing. Take time before you go to ensure you have the right equipment, permits if necessary and that you understand any regulations involved.
Personal safety
Sun and heat exposure
Australia’s plentiful sunshine means that outdoors there is constant danger of over-exposure to the sun. Always wear suitable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and apply 30-plus sunscreen regularly.
In extremely hot conditions, a combination of inadequate clothing, tiredness and insufficient water can cause heat stroke or hyperthermia, an abnormal raising of body temperature. Hyperthermia danger signs include flushed face, skin hot to touch, rapid pulse, excessive fatigue, dizziness or irrational behaviour. To treat hyperthermia, follow these guidelines:
Extreme cold
Hypothermia, an abnormal lowering of body temperature, can occur in cold and/or wet conditions through a combination of inadequate clothing, tiredness and insufficient food. If untreated, this can result in collapse or death. Hypothermia danger signs include mottled skin, skin cold to touch, slow and shallow pulse, excessive fatigue, slurred speech and irrational behaviour. To treat hypothermia, follow these guidelines:
Bushfire
If you are caught in your vehicle in the path of an approaching fire:
Flood
Flash flooding can affect roads in some parks at any time of the year
Flash flooding may be a problem if you are driving in a steep-sided valley or along a creek after heavy rain. Check with park rangers and avoid places that may pose a risk in bad weather. Never camp in dry creek beds when there is a risk of rain.
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If the park you intend visiting is in a hot area of the continent, plan your trip to coincide with the cooler months (April to November). In hot conditions, try to avoid the outdoors between 11am and 3pm, and drink plenty of water.
Boating
There are wonderful opportunities for many kinds of boating within Australia’s national parks. You might choose to sail around the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, go whitewater rafting on the Shoalhaven River in Morton National Park, raft down a remote wilderness river in Tasmania or canoe through a gorge in the north of Western Australia. Safety and environmental regulations will apply in each case, so check with the relevant national park state office.
Bushwalking
Bushwalking is the most popular single activity in national parks. Most have a range of specially graded walking tracks that showcase the major attractions; brochures are available from park offices. Choose a walk that suits your fitness level. Overnight hikes require more skills and more equipment. Bushwalking clubs and specialty backpacking stores in the major cities are a good starting point for advice.
Many national parks require walkers to complete a bushwalker registration form providing details of any planned hikes, especially overnight. Never rely on mobile phones for communication; they are usually out of range. In hot weather (all year in northern Australia), avoid walking during the middle of the day. In southern mountainous, alpine and subalpine areas, always seek weather advice before walking – disorienting low cloud, snow and freezing conditions can occur at any time of the year.
When bushwalking always:
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Get into the habit of taking a backpack of essential items when bushwalking, even on short walks. You may decide to walk further than planned!
Cycling and mountain-biking
Mountain-biking and cycling are increasingly popular. The pleasure and exhilaration of cycling in natural areas has resulted in people of all ages taking to their bikes for day and overnight trips. Check restrictions beforehand as many national parks do not allow bikes at all and those that do often confine them to public roads and tracks, with cycling on walking trails prohibited. In some places, such as Kosciuszko National Park, you can hire mountain bikes.
Fishing
Strict guidelines apply when fishing within national parks. If fishing is allowed, check regulations regarding the target species, size and bag limits, seasonal and other closures, and methods of fishing. Each state has its own regulations and a recreational fishing licence may be required. In some national parks, fishing is prohibited or is restricted to particular areas. National park boundaries usually extend only to the high water mark, so it is legal to fish from the beach even if the park is not open to fishing. However, some national parks are surrounded by marine parks, where fishing is prohibited. Marine park zoning restrictions must be observed.
Rock-fishing
Rock-fishing can be hazardous, and anglers need to take some basic steps to ensure their own safety.
Marine parks and reserves
Australia has a large number of reserves protecting coastal areas. The reserves range from tiny conservation zones that protect activity in a single bay, beach or estuary, to vast marine parks such as those protecting the Great Barrier Reef and the Ningaloo Reef. In most cases, normal recreational activities are permitted. However, there may be specific restrictions in some zones relating to certain types of fishing equipment or protecting threatened or rare species. In a small number of places around Australia, fishing is banned; in others, there are laws limiting access to the waterfront. Check with national park authorities in each state before visiting these areas.
Horse riding
Generally, horse riding is not allowed in national parks, due mainly to the damage horses cause to trails and vegetation. However, exceptions include the Australian Alps national parks, Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula National Park, Sydney’s Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Adelaide’s Belair National Park and Perth’s John Forrest National Park. Queensland does not allow horse riding in its national parks.
Park regulations vary between states. Permits are often required; some parks, such as Alpine National Park, have self-registration systems. Riders should ensure they are familiar with park regulations.
Rock-climbing and abseiling
Abseiling at Kalbarri National Park
Within Australia’s national parks are some of the most exciting, challenging places for rock-climbing and abseiling. Well-known climbing spots include Mount Buff alo, the Grampians and Mount Arapiles in Victoria; the Blue Mountains in New South Wales; and Wilpena Pound in South Australia. You need to check if permits and restrictions apply.
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Many accidents involving 4WDs happen in national parks and on beaches. Normal road rules apply to beach driving. Be very careful when approaching walkers and sunbakers as the noise of the surf makes it almost impossible for them to hear approaching vehicles.
Scenic touring
In many larger parks, vehicle-based touring is a pleasant and easy way to enjoy what the parks have to offer. Whether you are travelling in a 2WD or 4WD, follow these tips for driving safety.
Safe towing
Towing a caravan or camper is not just a matter of hooking up and heading off. Specialist driving skills are needed and national regulations for weight limits must be observed. If you have not towed a caravan before, you should get some practice in reversing and overtaking before leaving home. Seek some professional advice before you travel.
Scuba diving and snorkelling
Australia’s marine parks and the coastal waters of its national parks provide extraordinary opportunities for diving and snorkelling. Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef and Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef attract divers from around the world, as do the nation’s many diving trails, such as the Investigator Strait Maritime Heritage Trail off the coast of Innes National Park in South Australia. However, in some places a marine park permit to dive or snorkel is required; check before you go. In Australia, the minimum requirement for a recreational diver is a current, open water scuba diving certificate issued by a recognised, accredited diving organisation.
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Fins can cause damage to corals. If you are an inexperienced diver or snorkeller, try to practise away from living coral. Do not rest or stand on coral. If you must stand up, make sure it is on sand.
Skiing and cross-country skiing
Many of Australia’s best skiing and cross-country skiing opportunities can be enjoyed in the Australian Alps national parks. Tasmania also has some good skiing and snow camping opportunities. Kosciuszko National Park contains major ski resorts and some of the best cross-country skiing areas in the world, on the Main Range and Jugungal Wilderness Area.
Swimming and surfing
With an array of sparkling freshwater lakes, boulderstrewn creeks, tranquil reef lagoons and pounding surf beaches, national parks and marine parks provide plenty of opportunity for great swimming and surfing. However, wherever water is concerned, care must be taken. Freshwater creeks have hidden dangers such as submerged logs and rocks and unexpectedly strong currents, especially after rain. Always ask local advice about currents and underwater snags. Never dive or jump into any waterhole. People have been permanently and seriously injured from diving into water that was too shallow. Stay away from waterfalls; the edges may be slippery.
Most beaches in and near national and marine parks are unpatrolled; in these instances, swimmers and surfers are responsible for their own safety. Rips and currents can be very dangerous, especially for inexperienced swimmers and people unused to surf. Even strong swimmers can get into trouble.
Wildlife-watching
National parks give travellers extraordinary opportunities to observe birds and wildlife in their natural habitat. Here are some hints for better wildlife-watching:
Birdwatching and bushwalking are the most popular activities in Australia’s national parks
PLANNING OUTBACK TRAVEL
The Australian outback is a place of great adventure, but it can be dangerous. Set aside time for forward planning. Before travelling, visitors should check national park websites or contact offices for information on camping (bookings may be necessary), road conditions, permits and any special warnings. Work out the best time to travel (see When to visit), get good maps and make sure you are well equipped.
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In Aboriginal communities that are ‘dry’, or alcohol-free, it is an offence to drink or distribute alcohol. In some cases, you may be permitted to pass through the community with unopened alcohol in your car (out of view); if in doubt, contact the nearest police station.
Aboriginal lands
Public roads traverse many areas of Aboriginal land, which outback travellers may need to travel on to reach a national park. Aboriginal land is privately owned and Aboriginal communities, like other landowners, can grant or refuse entry. When travelling through Aboriginal lands in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Queensland, a travel permit may be required. Generally permits must be arranged up to four weeks prior to travel, but in some cases a permit can be obtained on arrival at the community. To protect the privacy of the Aboriginal communities, visitors travelling through Aboriginal land should not venture more than 50 metres from the roadside.
Staying safe
Travellers to outback regions must be self-sufficient. In order to stay safe, it is advisable to consider some or all of the following:
Kalbarri National Park is a popular outback travel destination
Navigational aids
Detailed maps and a good compass are a necessity when travelling to remote areas. In addition, travellers should consider investing in Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. The initial set-up costs may be quite high, but the benefits for travellers to remote locations are enormous.
Communication equipment
It is imperative, particularly for emergencies, that you carry the right communication system when travelling in remote areas. Do not rely on your mobile phone; coverage is limited. The main options are:
Outback driving hazards
Outback driving is very different from city or town driving and it is worth taking a specialist-driving course or at least becoming familiar with the type of terrain and conditions you might encounter. Specialist 4WD instruction is also recommended. Here are some of the difficulties you might encounter on outback roads.
Road trains Allow at least a kilometre of clear road to pass a road train. To negotiate an oncoming road train, pull over until it passes. Never expect a road train to give way to you.
Wildlife and livestock Watch for wildlife and stock on the roads, especially early in the morning, at dusk and at night. Ideally, avoid driving at these times; observe speed limits and warning signs. Many outback drivers fit bullbars to protect their vehicles.
Sand and mud Soft sand and mud should be negotiated in a 4WD at reasonable speed and in a high gear. Examine the road surface first. Do not enter deep mud without establishing the depth. Deep sand requires low tyre pressure – about 15 to 18 psi.
Creeks Always stop to gauge the depth; if the water might rise above the wheels, consider another route. If you must cross, wrap the front of the radiator area with a groundsheet. Drive through slowly in low-range first gear or high-range second gear. A snorkel attachment will help avoid damage to the vehicle.
Bulldust Keep a good distance from other cars. Drive at a slow, steady pace to avoid stirring up large plumes of dust that can choke your air filter. Wind up your windows and turn up your air-conditioning.
Corrugations Slow down and take it easy with corrugations, particularly around corners. Lowering the tyre pressure will help.
Getting bogged The fastest and easiest way out is to use a snatch strap. If this does not work, you will need a hand-powered or electric winch. These methods can require some expertise. Drivers should consider taking a vehicle-recovery course ahead of travelling (available through 4WD clubs).
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The topographic maps produced by the government organisation Geoscience Australia are highly recommended for outback travelling. You can purchase maps at good map shops or direct on 1800 800 173 or www.ga.gov.au
Creature hazards
One of the attractions of visiting Australia’s national parks is to see native animals in their natural environment. However, wild animals can be dangerous. Stay well back from kangaroos, emus, snakes, cassowaries, crocodiles, wild pigs and dingoes. Many of Australia’s most deadly creatures are found in our oceans, rivers and streams. Always check conditions with locals before entering the water, particularly in remote areas.
Snakes
Ninety per cent of snakebites in Australia are at the ankle or below, so keep an eye out when walking. Wear thick socks and a good strong set of boots (above ankle are best), particularly in dense undergrowth. Avoid putting your hands in cracks and crevices.
Snakebite treatment
Follow these guidelines:
Spiders
Australia’s two most dangerous spiders are the funnelweb and the redback. Funnel-webs are found on the east coast and redbacks are found in all states. Treat as for snakebite, with a pressure bandage. Seek medical aid and, if possible, take the spider for identification.
Ticks
Ticks can be dangerous if not removed, as they can cause paralysis, breathing failure, even death. Using tweezers, pull gently and with steady pressure; do not jerk or twist the tick. If you are unable to remove the tick, seek medical attention urgently.
Leeches
Leeches are common throughout Australia in rivers and other waters, as well as tropical rainforest.
Leeches are easily removed by applying salt, Vegemite or heat (such as the flame from a match); do not try to pull them off.
Sharks
National park beaches are not patrolled, so take sensible precautions to avoid possible shark attack by getting local advice before you swim, avoiding discoloured water and never swimming at dawn, dusk or night-time.
Crocodiles
There are two types of crocodile in northern Australia: the mammal-eating estuarine, or saltwater crocodile, and the less dangerous freshwater species. Despite their name, saltwater crocodiles can be found in both salt and fresh water. They live in tidal sections of rivers and creeks but can be found up to 10 kilometres or more inland from the coast, as well as up to 100 kilometres out to sea. They have a wider snout than the freshwater crocodiles, and can grow to over 6 metres. Freshwater crocodiles are much smaller and are not such a threat, but they can still be aggressive if disturbed when mating or guarding their young. They are found in tropical rivers and stream-fed pools. Bothvarieties are well camouflaged, making them difficult to spot. Note that crocodiles are a protected species and it is an offence to harm them in any way.
Be crocodile-wise and follow these guidelines:
Marine stingers
Marine stingers, including the potentially deadly box jellyfish, inhabit ocean waters in northern Australia. The most dangerous time of the year for stingers is from October to May, when it is not safe to swim in the ocean. Observe signs and heed local warnings. In case of a sting, seek immediate medical aid. Douse the sting in vinegar. Ice packs can be applied to relieve pain but do not rub or try to remove the tentacles. CPR may be required – a severe attack can slow down or stop breathing or cause heart failure.
Blue-ringed octopus
These small creatures are common on shallow coral reefs and in rock pools around Australia. Definitely do not touch; the bite can cause paralysis. There is no known antidote to their bite. Seek medical advice immediately if bitten.
Stonefish
Stonefish are found in the tropics, usually around shallow coral and rocks or camouflaged in mud and sand. Stonefish venom can be lethal. Avoid contact by wearing sturdy sandshoes around the water; do not turn rocks over or pick up coral. Seek medical advice immediately if stung.
Giant stinging trees and nettles
The giant stinging tree is a rainforest species distinguished by its large, heart-shaped leaves. Brushing against these leaves will inflict painful stings that may last for weeks. There’s no known cure, so avoid these trees. Another plant to avoid in the rainforest is the stinging nettle, common along bush tracks in moist areas. Again, brushing against the leaves will leave you with a stinging pain that will linger for a while.
Outback survival
Even the best-prepared traveller can miss a turn and lose sight of the track. Getting bogged is common, as is mechanical failure. Walkers can wander off the track, or suffer illness or injury. In these circumstances, stay calm, take stock of the situation and employ the following safety procedures.
Stay with your vehicle A vehicle is easier to spot than a person; your vehicle will also provide shelter and access to supplies.
Get attention If you have communication equipment on board, use it to alert authorities. Try to provide clear directions. Remember that an EPIRB should only be activated in a life-threatening situation. If you hear another vehicle or a plane, use your car mirrors, or any large shiny object that reflects the sun, to attract attention to yourself.
Wait for help If the weather is cold, rug up in the warmest, driest clothes you have and use materials such as newspaper, plastic bags, car mats and seat covers as insulation. During the day, protect yourself against over-exposure to the sun. Rig up a shelter next to the vehicle. Avoid drinking alcohol and coffee; both speed up the process of dehydration.
Find water Adults can survive a couple of weeks without food, but water is essential, especially in hot conditions. If you have prepared well, you should have a reasonable supply. If you start to run low, there are other ways to collect water.
Food Consume your perishables first; leave tinned or preserved food until last. Be wary of eating unidentified plants; many native plants are toxic.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND BREAKDOWNS
To fully enjoy four-wheel driving you must be prepared in case of a breakdown
National parks can often be a long way from a mechanic or fuel supplies. To have the best and safest trip possible, you have to be prepared. Before you go, consider whether your vehicle and equipment are suitable for the type of trip you have in mind. Check your vehicle insurance, and know who to contact if you need help.
Vehicle insurance and roadside assistance
No matter how far your destination, you should make sure your vehicle insurance covers the activities you have planned and the areas in which you intend to travel. This is particularly important if off-road travel is involved or if you are hiring a car. Remember to carry copies of all insurance policies with you. Many new motor vehicles are sold with a manufacturer’s warranty that includes roadside assistance in the event of a breakdown. Check your roadside breakdown policy and the level of assistance for which you are covered. Some policies may not cover specific locations, types of terrain or types of vehicle.
Motoring organisations
Whether you have a new vehicle warranty or not, you are strongly advised to become a member of your state-based motoring organisation. For a small annual fee, these organisations provide breakdown assistance packages that cover you Australia-wide. All organisations offer reciprocal membership to members from other states. Different levels of membership are offered; if you are planning to put your vehicle to the test by going outback, make sure you go for top-level cover. Motoring organisations also have one or more shopfront branches in their state that offer travel advice and sell maps, guides and car accessories.
Spares, tools and recovery equipment
If you intend to travel to very remote national parks, consider taking a basic course in car mechanics, and carry a range of tools and spares. What you take will depend on your vehicle and where you are going.
Basic tools and spares
If the park you intend visiting requires off-road driving, you will need to carry equipment for the recovery of bogged vehicles. If you are unfamiliar with recovery techniques, then consider taking a course offered by one of the 4WD clubs.
Basic equipment for vehicle recovery
Fuel is another item that must be considered when travelling to remote national parks. With no fuel available once inside the park, it is essential that travellers carry sufficient fuel for the return journey, bearing in mind that fuel consumption will be higher than usual when towing a trailer or caravan, or when there are rough road conditions.