Going bush? Four safety tips for remote driving in Australia

So you have stocked up on your 4×4 accessories, the tanks are full, the kids and dog are in the back and the road is calling! Wait! Have you actually been out bush before? Remote driving isn’t the same as just going down a dirt track on the local farm, you need particular skills and knowledge before putting the pedal to the metal.

1. What are the risks? The weather is always something that you need to pay close attention to when heading out bush, because you need to avoid the wet season that can flood creeks and turn dust to mud in the blink of an eye. Bushfires are also another problem you don’t want to discover halfway between one place and another, so always check the expected weather conditions for the road ahead. Also be aware that kangaroos, camels, cattle and goodness knows what will wander all over the roads, so make sure you have a bulbar and drive with care.
2. Stock up! Always take more food, water and fuel than you think you will need, because there aren’t many supermarkets in remote locations. One of the 4WD accessories that is invaluable out bush is a fridge and freezer combo to keep all your perishables nice and fresh. You can fit these onto a slider in the back and keep everyone and the dog very happy on the road! Remember, it’s always best to plan ahead and know where you can stock up along the route, as the last thing you want is to run out of something vital in the middle of nowhere.
3. How good are your 4WD skills? If you really don’t have much experience out bush, it might be best to sign up for a 4WD course before you head off on your trip. Driving in remote locations is completely different to driving on nice flat tarmac roads, so any money you pay for a training course won’t be wasted.
4. River crossings? This is why you need to take a 4WD course before you leave, because river crossings are dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. Always check the depth before attempting to cross, leave your windows open and spray your electrical components with a water repellent. Don’t cross at night and allow your brakes to dry out before moving on.

Stock up on your 4×4 accessories at Dunn & Watson before you leave!