Planning

Plan Your Trip

While the Outback Pathways have opened the heart of the Gascoyne and Murchison to visitors, many areas on the self-drive trails remain remote and warrant extra travel precautions. Well thought out preparation is the key to any travel in the outback, and is no different on the Gascoyne Murchison Outback Pathways.

While much of the Gascoyne Murchison Outback Pathways is accessible in two-wheel-drive, a four-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended. Fuel and water supplies are scarce and travellers need to ensure they are well aware of their next service points.

Consider the following safety check list before setting out on your Outback Pathways experience.

  1. Take plenty of water. Water can be extraordinarily scarce in the outback so it’s of utmost importance that you have adequate supplies for both you and your vehicle. Summer temperatures can soar above 40 degrees celcius so be overcautious with your water supplies.
  2. Ensure you have sufficient fuel. You will travel vast distances between service points along the Outback Pathways, so be sure to fuel up wherever possible.
  3. Take at least two spare tyres. Most of the Outback Pathways are on maintained gravel roads, but tyre punctures still occur regularly.
  4. Ensure you have detailed maps.
  5. Call ahead to check road conditions and plan alternative routes in case your original route is inaccessible. Flooded roads can be particularly problematic in the Gascoyne. Shire offices will have road conditions available.
  6. Tell someone where you’re going and when to expect your arrival. In many parts of the Outback Pathways it may be hours or even days before a fellow motorist passes by. This means it is of utmost importance to notify someone of your departure date, proposed destination, the routes and alternative routes you intend to take and your estimated time of arrival. Let them know when you arrive.
  7. It may sound obvious, but please check your car is in good condition before setting off. Check wheels, tyres, radiator and hoses, oil, fuel, lubricants and coolant, engine and battery, lights, windscreen wipers, indicators, horn and other electrical system components (make sure all gauges are working properly), brakes and steering. It’s also a good idea to include a workshop manual for your vehicle in the event of a breakdown. Even if you’re unable to do the work yourself, you may be able to find someone who can help if they have a manual.
  8. Pack accessories like a fire extinguisher, a tool and first aid kit, shovel, axe, tyre gauge, air compressor and puncture repair kit
  9. Carry enough food and water to ensure you’re totally self sufficient.
  10. Balance your load. Heavy items that won’t be needed in an emergency should be placed forward of the rear axle for better traction. Try to avoid using a roof rack, as this could lead to vehicle stability problems on steep terrain. If it is a must, carry no more than 100 kg on the rack and never carry fuel on the roof. Adapted from CALM webpage