When traveling through the Australian countryside, such as when you tour the Darling Downs in Queensland or head west from Sydney in New South Wales, or travel away from the main highways anywhere in Australia, it's best to keep a few travel tips in mind.
- Know where you're going and follow your map. Have a feel for directions and know which towns are on the north, south, east and west of you and how far they are.
- Remember petrol service stations (gas stations) are few and far between on relatively deserted roads, so top up your fuel when the gauge shows you've got less than half a tank or when you know you need to travel long distances between towns.
- It's best to book ahead for accommodation, and inform them of your estmated time of arrival, particularly when you think you'll arrive after nightfall.
- Bring sandwiches, snacks and drinks with you for when you feel peckish but are far from roadside diners or snackbars.
- Country restaurants close early, so plan for early dinners. Otherwise, you could go hungry without even a small takeaway bar open at night.
- On the road, drive slowly and keep close to the edge of your road when encountering large trucks.
- Watch out for animals crossing the road. But when you have a choice of hitting an animal or running into a tree, you might prefer to hit the animal.
- Be sure your motor vehicle is roadworthy. You don't want to suffer a breakdown anywhere back o' Bourke, ie, away from civilisation.
- In case of emergencies and you can use your phone, dial 000. If you're unable to use a telephone, you may want to sit tight (rather than walk in unfamiliar territory and get lost) and wait for help to arrive. Use your best judgment.
