Australia's Golden Outback 2023 Holiday Planner

Some driving tips: AWD or 4WD? Many SUV’s are constant AWD, which doesn’t make them 4WD. When you are on gravel, engage 4WD to ensure better road handling and stability. Make sure you switch back to either 2WD or AWD before you are back on the bitumen otherwise you can do serious damage to your vehicle. It’s a popular myth that you need to drive as fast as possible to get a smooth ride where there are corrugations. This is NOT TRUE. Driving fast over corrugations limits the contact your vehicle has with the ground, resulting in less control and the possibility of a serious accident. (P.E.T.R.O.L) PETROL – fill up with the fuel type for your vehicle. ELECTRICITY – check battery condition and fluid levels. TYRES – Check tyre pressure, look for bulges, tread damage etc. RADIATOR – Check the coolant level via the overflow reservoir and the washer bottle level. OIL – Use the dip stick to check engine oil levels. LIGHTS – Check headlights, indicators etc. Daily Vehicle Check

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for the Best Outback Experience Travel Tips

If this is your first rodeo on the outback roads then read our top tips for a safe and seamless journey.

Australia’s Golden Outback is rugged and beautiful, full of vast stretches of dry plains. Exploring it is a true adventure, warranting considered preparation. Here are a few top tips from the experts at Western 4W Driver to get you started. 1. Make sure you get your vehicle serviced before you depart to avoid costly surprises. 2. Share your plans . Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. 3. Australia’s Outback can be hot! Carry two to four litres of water per person, per day between destinations. 4. If you breakdown or get stuck, stay with your vehicle . It is easier to find a vehicle than it is a person. Stick your bonnet up to signal you’ve broken down. 5. Check current road conditions prior to departure. Visit travelmap. mainroads.wa.gov.au/Home/Map. 6. Mobile reception is extremely limited in many areas. For the best connectivity use Telstra . 7. To find electric vehicle charging stations, visit plugshare.com

Here’s a handy checklist of important items to carry on your journey: ✔ A first aid kit . ✔ A good quality, 12-volt air compressor . You will need it if you want to drive on sand or corrugated roads (when pumping tyres back up, check how hot the compressor is getting and maybe let it cool down a little between tyres). ✔ Stay on track . Invest in a quality GPS and carry a paper map road book as back up. Don’t rely on Google Maps. You will have limited mobile signal and many tracks and backroads are not shown. We recommend getting your hands on a HEMA HX-2, great for on and off-road navigation. ✔ Bring cash with a range of notes and change. Don’t rely on internet being available to run eftpos and your Apple iPay as you travel. ✔ If you brought it with you, take it with you . Rubbish bins can be scarce or not emptied very often so get yourself a dirty gear bag to hang off your spare wheel and put your rubbish (and any you find) in it. Empty it when you come into town.

DO YOU LIKE TO EXPLORE?

Western 4W Driver magazine will get you and your family discovering exciting and interesting places off the beaten track in Australia’s Golden Outback and the rest of WA. Western 4W Driver is THE magazine for all 4WD enthusiasts whether you are a new or seasoned 4W driver.

Subscribe today at western4wdriver.com.au

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