Queensland Holidays - Safety Information - Road Safety

Road rules play a key part in a safe drive holiday. Take a look at the road rules in Queensland.

Queensland is a large state, approximately seven times the size of Victoria or the United Kingdom. Driving distances are great. Beware of driver fatigue. When planning a long drive get a good nights sleep before the trip, share the driving with your companions and stop for a rest at least every two hours.

• Ensure your vehicle is in good working order and has been serviced recently.
• In country areas road conditions can vary from bitumen surfaces to gravel and dirt. Be careful of potholes, soft road edges, narrow bridges and dusty roads. Be careful of crossing over a road covered in water - cross slowly only if the road surface is firm, and stay in the middle of the road.
• Always seek local advice about road conditions. Contact the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ), local police or the park ranger.
• In an Emergency, phone 000 for police, fire or ambulance.
• Travel with other vehicles to remote places and let someone know your travel plans.
• Carry a current road map.
• Do not hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers.
• Be aware of road hazards including road trains and animals on the road.
• Allow plenty of room before you overtake road trains (very large trucks with a series of trailers that can be a total length of up to 10 cars!) and be prepared for them to sway a little as you overtake. Also be prepared for the 'windrush' when passing as it can pull you towards the road train.
• Animals, Australian wildlife and livestock often graze on the roadside and can stray onto the road. Be very careful when driving at sunrise, sunset and at night, when animals are most active. If an animal crosses in front of you brake gently - do not swerve wildly to avoid it.
• In the Outback use a four-wheel drive vehicle on unsealed roads in remote areas and carry appropriate communications equipment. Outside of towns mobile phones will not work in the Outback. See more information in our Outback Travel section.