Northern Territory Driving Holiday

Due to the fact that 85% of the Northern Territory’s most visited spots are accessible by sealed, all weather roads, and 85% of attractions in the NT are accessible by conventional (2 wheel drive) vehicles, campervans and caravans are familiar sight, with caravan parks plentiful and well equipped. Some attractions are only accessible by 4 wheel drive vehicles, and in some locations, seasonal conditions restrict access.

Fuel and food stops along these roads are no more than every 200 - 300km. Unless you particularly want to go off the beaten track, a fantastic Northern Territory driving holiday visiting all the best sites can be enjoyed in a standard family car with normal provisions and safety supplies.

Dangers

Dangers on the road include everything from kangaroos to cattle and roadtrains.

• Roadtrains are Prime Movers (trucks, lorries etc.) with three trailers hitched behind. The maximum length of these phenomenon is 50 metres!! Always give roadtrains plenty of room, and if overtaking, allow at least 1km of clear road ahead.
• Fatigue is a serious danger. Pull off the road and rest after a few hours driving.
• Floods Do not attempt to cross flooded bridges or causeways unless sure of the depth and any road damage. Most flash floods usually recede within 24 hours.
• 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 in any circumstances, a missing vehicle is easier to locate than missing people. Economise on water if you are on a less well used road.

4WD & Outback Driving

Part of the attraction of the Northern Territory to many people is the ability to visit many natural and unspoilt locations, with normally very few other people, if any. It also affords the chance to utilise a 4 wheel drive (4WD) vehicle (either their own, or rented) to gain access to these remoter places, as well as try out their off-road driving skills.

Whilst most attractions are available to all vehicle, the Northern Territory government sees the value of keeping a number of its attractions available only to 4WD vehicles. The reason is two fold; it helps reduce the impact of visitation of an area and it gives visitors the chance to experience our great outdoors, following in the footsteps of some of Australia’s greatest explorers - some which passed through just over one hundred years ago.

Information about these tracks and roads are available from quite a number of different sources, Including, the Conservation Commission of the NT, local Regional Tourist Associations the Automobile Association of the NT (AANT), the Department of Transport & Works, or Police Stations in the area.

Important! When travelling “off the beaten track”, you should advise the nearest police station of the number of passengers travelling, your proposed route, estimated time of arrival, and advise on arrival. Prepare your vehicle for the long distances and ensure you have all the basic equipment: jack, spare tyres, fan belt, radiator hoses and a tow rope. Plan ahead for fuel stops. You may need to carry fuel. Carry a map of the area, especially if travelling off the main roads. Always carry water (20 litres minimum).