Embarking on a big trip around Australia is an exciting adventure, but it’s important to prioritise safety and be prepared for potential emergencies along the way. We all know that unfortunate situations occur and when travelling in remote locations help or emergency services are few and far between. I know… safety can be the boring part of travel, but it is the most important! By following some essential safety guidelines and being proactive in your emergency preparedness, you can ensure the safest trip possible – or at least feel a little less anxious about being in remote locations. 

We want to share some of our tips for keeping safe while travelling in remote locations, but please be aware that these are only our tips from our experience and what we have learnt so far. It is essential to support this information with your own research and to seek safety and emergency advice and training from equipped professionals. We may have missed some considerations, so please feel free to leave them in the comments on this blog post – we would love to hear them!

1. Vehicle Safety

• Keep your vehicle in top condition by maintaining the vehicle manufacturer’s servicing requirements. 
• Check tyre pressures (appropriate for the travel conditions), fluid levels, and general inspection of fittings and accessories regularly, even more so when travelling on rough and corrugated roads.
• Carry essential items such as a spare tyre, tyre jack, jumper cables, flashlight, tool kit, a basic first aid kit and a snake bite kit. You will also want to carry an EPIRB (Emergencies Positing-Indicating Radio Becon) that you can activate if you are in a life-threatening situation and require emergency assistance.
• Consider obtaining a reputable roadside assistance policy to ensure prompt help in case of vehicle breakdowns.
• Always carry some basic supplies with you. If you head out for a day trip, weather conditions or car issues may leave you stranded for a number of hours (hopefully not days). It is essential that you always carry sufficient water and food with you. Depending on the climate or if you are stranded at night time, you may need a way to make light or fire, so always carry a reliable way to start a fire.

2. Route Planning and Navigation

• Plan your route in advance and research road conditions, weather conditions, and potential hazards. Use reliable maps, GPS devices, or navigation apps to plot your route.
• Prior to departure, check local road authority websites or apps for any road closures, diversions, or alerts that may affect your planned route.
• Carry a reliable communication device, such as a mobile phone, satellite phone, or UHF radio, to stay connected in areas with limited or no network coverage.

3. Campsite Safety

• Use camping apps, like Wiki Camps to choose a suitable campsite for your camping setup. 
• Lock your vehicle and caravan when unattended and store valuables out of sight. We also suggest having a coupling lock or wheel lock alarm (with cable) system on your caravan to stop your caravan being stolen.
• Follow local fire regulations and restrictions. Use designated fire pits and ensure fires are fully extinguished before leaving.
• Keep an in-service date fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it. Most new caravans are fitted with a fire extinguisher.
• Familiarise yourself with local wildlife and their behaviour. Respect their habitats, maintain a safe distance, and store food securely to avoid attracting animals. Ensure you don’t leave any food or rubbish accessible to wildlife outside. You may get unwanted visitors in the middle of the night, we are speaking from experience on that one.

4. Weather and Natural Hazards

• Stay updated on weather conditions for the regions you plan to visit. Be prepared for extreme temperatures, storms, or strong winds depending on the season and location.
• Understand the bushfire risk in your area and be aware of any fire warnings or fire bans. Follow official advice and have an evacuation plan if necessary.
• Be cautious of heavy rain and potential flash floods, especially in desert or arid regions. The road conditions can become undrivable very quickly. Avoid crossing fast-moving flooded roads or camping in low-lying areas.
• Always have a plan in mind for different scenarios, particularly what roles each might play at the time of an emergency. It is best to talk through scenarios with those you are travelling with before you experience them to ensure there is some plan before the emergency happens.

5. Emergency Preparedness

• Pack a comprehensive first aid kit with essential supplies for minor injuries and medical emergencies.
• Familiarise yourself with basic first aid procedures. 
• Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. if it doesn’t feel right, move to the next campsite. When camping in remote areas, you can inform someone of your plans and expected return date.
• Ensure you have appropriate insurance that covers vehicle breakdowns, and other unexpected incidents.

6. Water and Food Safety

• Carry sufficient drinking water and consider water purification methods for emergencies. Be cautious of untreated water sources in remote areas.
• Properly store and handle food to prevent contamination and minimise the risk of foodborne illnesses. Keep perishable foods refrigerated when possible.

We hope you found some value in our safety considerations for your trip. We would love to hear about your experiences and learnings of how to stay safe when travelling in remote Australia. Comment below and travel safely!