Driving holiday safety in QLD Australia

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. Obey road closure signs and stay on recognised routes.
• 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.

Key Australian Road Rules

• In Australia, all vehicles travel on the left side of the road.
• Speed Limit - Always travel no faster than the signed maximum speed limit.
• Seatbelts — All occupants of a vehicle must wear seatbelts at all times.
• Crash Helmets - Motorbike, moped and scooter drivers must wear an Australian approved crash helmet. Bicycle helmets are also compulsory.
• Hand-held mobile telephone — Drivers are not allowed to use mobile phones whilst driving.
• Drink — Driving - Avoid drinking alcohol before driving. Australia has strict laws on 'drink-driving' and police actively enforce them.

For more information take a look at the Queensland Road Rules.

Outback travel

Queensland's outback is vast. There are few towns and facilities, often with large distances between them. Ensure you plan your trip well, taking into account the great distances.

In the Outback use a four-wheel drive vehicle on unsealed roads in remote areas. Take extra care when driving these vehicles. For example, drive at reduced speeds on unsealed roads. Always carry a spare tyre, tools, water, fuel and tyres. Do not overload your vehicle and never carry spare fuel inside an enclosed vehicle. If you have trouble, don't leave your vehicle because it will provide you with shade and protection from the heat, wait for help to come to you.

During daylight hours drive with your headlights on low beam, as outback conditions can make it difficult to see oncoming vehicles.

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.

Fires in desert and bush areas can spread very quickly. If required, be prepared to evacuate the area immediately.

Staying in contact in the outback is vital. While mobile phones will work in many towns, staying in contact by radio, satellite phone or carrying an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is advisable. Travel with other vehicles to remote places and let someone know your travel plans.

Privately-owned land, leased land and Aboriginal sites may require permission before entering. Ensure you leave stock gates either open or shut as found when you're on outback properties.

Driving Through Queensland Indigenous Communities. Some Queensland Indigenous communities are subject to alcohol restrictions. When travelling in restricted areas, the alcohol carriage limit applies to everyone and also applies to vehicles, regardless of how many passengers are on board. If you are planning a trip to North Queensland you may be affected by this travel-through policy.Information about restrictions can be found on the Queensland Government’s Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing website.

For further information, download the Visitor Safety Handbook.