Road Conditions in Australia.

Roads all around Australia vary from first class, all weather, sealed roads, to unsealed
4x4 adventure routes. The great news for tourists is that many of the major of places
of interest, are accessible via sealed roads. Of course you may have a problem getting
from one to the next, so check out where you are going and how to get there.

To access the Bureau Recorded Messages Services for information regarding the weather, which affects roads, and driving conditions, Australia wide

National Weather Service: 1800 155 344
Tropical Cyclone Warnings (NT, QLD & WA): 1800 155 355
Metropolitan/Marine/Country & Capital City Temperature Service: 1900 155 366
NSW 1300 131 122
Northern Territory Road report - for recorded information: 1800 246 199 or Website
NT website and try the link to "recent updates" on the left side of their page.
Vic 03 9883 8111
Qld 07 3219 0900
Northern SA 1300 361 033
WA 1800 013 314

For WA this site has lots of information but in essences it says:
To check current road conditions click here or call Main Roads Western Australia 138 138. This number is available 24 hours a day, Seven days a week and can also be contacted to report road hazards

Or call the local councils White Pages for Shire Roads, or ask other travellers or roadhouse operators, who may have more up to date information (see 3rd picture on the right for an example of this)

Also download a Conversion Chart for Km to Miles or back again (for instructions on the bottom of Budgeting page, if you need them)

Our hot and dry conditions also create a bush fire risk. For helpful Bush fire safety information click here.
The best advice on any road condition is:

assess the situation
ask experienced locals for advice
take your time
avoid potential hazards

Speed limits vary across the States; however the maximum limit is 110 kilometres per hour. It is an offence to travel above the speed limit. Towing a Caravan and the speed is usually lower, so be sure you know what it is.

General Safety Tips about driving unfamiliar Roads and in adverse conditions

Safety on Unsealed Roads - Important safety tips to remember when you travel on unsealed roads:

Reduce speed as traction often decreases and braking distances increase.

Beware of hidden dangers such as dust-filled holes, as well as soft and sloping edges.

Take care on Outback tracks when overtaking as stones can be thrown up, and dust obscures vision – dangers may be hidden.

To avoid sliding, slow right down before making a turn.

The condition of unsealed roads varies according to the weather, usage, and how often they are graded. Unsealed roads can be excellent just after grading, but poor before the next grading. It is important to check road conditions before travelling.

Watch out for animals on the road, the most dangerous times are at night, dusk and dawn. Kangaroos travel in groups and there is often a trailing one after the main group

If you are driving a 4x4, it is recommended you engage 4x4 when travelling on unsealed roads. These vehicles have a high centre of gravity and control can be affected by strong winds. If driving an automatic two wheel drive vehicle you may need to engage in a lower gear e.g. 3rd or 2nd if travelling up or down hills.

Road conditions
To check on road conditions, closures and restrictions ask at the nearest tourism association, Parks and Wildlife office or where you are staying, as they are more likely to know the local conditions much better than any official reports.

Road Rules

Seat Belts - By law, the wearing of a seatbelt by everyone in the vehicle is mandatory in Australia if seat belts are fitted to the vehicle. Fines are imposed on those who don’t wear them, and it is the driver who is responsible for ensuring that all passengers ‘Belt Up’.

Drinking and Driving - Australia has a 0.05 per cent blood alcohol limit for drivers holding open class licences. Contact the Police in the State in which you are travelling on limits applying to other classes of licence.

International Drivers - Remember that in Australia vehicles are right hand drive and we travel on the left hand side of the road. Before driving, check your licence is valid.

Dangers

Fatigue - Driving long distances especially in higher temperatures, can and will cause fatigue – one of the most common causes of serious accidents! STOP and REST at least every two hours.

Speed - Speed limits vary from State to State. In the Northern Territory there is no speed limit on the open roads but the best advice is to continue to drive at a reasonable speed that allows you to stop safely. Road conditions should be taken into account, and adjust speed accordingly.

Stock and Wildlife - Sealed and unsealed roads may be unfenced, so beware of wandering stock and wildlife. These can include sheep, cattle, kangaroos and in Central Australia, the odd camel. Dawn, dusk and night driving are the times best avoided.

Road Trains - These trucks can be up to three trailers (50 metres) long. Always give them plenty of room, and if overtaking them, allow at least 1km of clear road ahead.

Floods - Do not attempt to cross flooded bridges or causeways unless you are absolutely sure of the depth, and any road damage. Most flash floods recede within 24 hours.

Dust - Dust on Outback roads can obscure your vision. Do not take risks. Stop and wait for it to settle.

Lost or broken down: Do not leave your vehicle under any circumstances - a missing vehicle is easier to locate than missing people. Economise on water if you are not on a main road. If you intend to leave the main roads, let somebody know your estimated time of arrival at your destination. If you absolutely must leave the vehicle, leave information at the vehicle, about your intended route, how many are travelling, and what the conditions are. E.g. do you have water, is someone sick or injured, which direction are you going, when did you leave etc.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Truck Parking Bays and Emergency Breaking Ramps. Do not park in truck parking bays. These bays are provided exclusively for the use of trucks and road trains to allow drivers to park their rigs safely while taking rest breaks. They need room to manoeuvre their trailers and often need to run noisy refrigeration units. Rest areas are provided for your regular fatigue breaks and there are camping and caravan park facilities for overnight stops. Never park at or near an emergency braking ramp provided on some hills. You never know when they will be needed, so never block them.

Dogs & Cats - Visitors travelling with pets should note that dogs and cats cannot be taken into National Parks under any circumstances.

Aboriginal Land and Sites If you are planning to travel through Aboriginal Land other than on designated highways, you must obtain a permit. Those travelling on an organised tour will have their permit organised for them. It is the right of Traditional Owners to refuse any entry permits.

There are a number of places or objects that hold special significance for Aboriginal people. Visitors are welcome, but respect should be shown for these sites. Some are protected by law, and there are penalties for trespassing.

Permit applications and general enquiries must be directed in writing to the relevant Aboriginal Land Council in each state.

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