Go Buy Some Wheels

The wide open roads and vast uninhabited distances in Western Australia are perfect for a classic road trip. With that said, beware, there’s some very wild country out there. Choose your vehicle well, and if you’re mechanically disinclined – please have someone who knows their gaskets check things out, like someone from the RAC. Go to http://rac.com.au

Of additional importance is making sure that the vehicle you are buying has current Western Australia registration. Failure to do so could result in a long aggravating process of getting the vehicle registered. When all is said and done weeks may have passed you by and likely you will have forked out over $500 for Western Australia registration and number plates.

The pivotal requirement to drive in Western Australia is that you have a valid driving license from another country which is recognized as having roads similar to Australia. In the event you cannot drive there are some alternatives to getting around.

Trains: Rail infrastructure is limited within Western Australia. The focal point is in Perth and the rail connects to only three locations: Kalgoorlie, Bunbury, and the Avon Valley. To inquire about fares and timetables consult the Transwa Booking Centre at 1300 662 205.

Buses: Bus routes cross all over Western Australia. Provided you can stand sitting still for hours on end they are convenient –some do last for days but you can get a Greyhound pass that allows you to hop on and off at whim. On board there is always air conditioning and video entertainment. Go to www.greyhound.com.au

In Western Australia lodging can be hard to come by on those two or three day road trips between cities, where the expanse is littered only by rocks and trees. So what better way to get by than by bringing the lodging with you. This is accomplished by none other than camping. Camping is one of the best ways to go out west as you can pitch your tent just about anywhere.

• Inform people of your itinerary. Mobile phone coverage is not always reliable in remote areas.
• Seek advice on road conditions – unexpected changes are common.
• Buy a map and compass and learn how to use them (or invest in a satellite navigation unit if you’re flush)
• Carry plenty of drinking water, food, extra fuel and warm clothes.
• Look out for wildlife and livestock – for interest and safety’s sake.
• Limit your driving time to daylight hours – kangaroos and livestock are very common and dangerous for drivers from sunset until after dawn.
• Give way to road trains – bloody huge trucks.
• Leave station (farm) gates as you find them.
• Take extreme care to prevent bushfires. Try to use an established fire place, don’t make fires within 3 metres of any vegetation and never leave a fire burning unattended. Take note of fire danger signs and bans – which carry severe penalties if not heeded.
• Collect firewood or use wood provided – don’t chop anything down.
• Don’t use soap in creeks and riverbeds.
• Make sure the area you are to set the tent up on is free from sharp objects that are likely to damage the floor of the tent and/or ants’ nests.
• Check there are no overhanging branches that might fall on your tent. Gum trees are particularly dangerous.
• Ensure that you are not erecting your tent in a natural waterway, i.e. a riverbed or anywhere water can channel during heavy rain.
• Have the rear of the tent facing the wind.
• Use the appropriate pegs for the ground condition.
• Always put guy ropes on tents - windy conditions can come about suddenly.
• It’s a good idea to dig a trench on the up side of your camp site to divert any possible water run-off away from your tent.
• If possible, make sure your tent, poles and pegs are dry before you pack up to prevent rust and mildew.
• Before leaving the campsite, be sure that all rubbish is disposed of correctly. If there are no bins provided, take the rubbish with you and dispose of it in the first bin you come across. Don’t throw cans into the fire as it does not dispose of them.
• If you DO find yourself stranded in a remote area – NEVER, EVER leave your vehicle. This can reduce your chances of survival to zilch!

Go to www.dec.wa.gov.au (Department of Environment and Conservation) for info about national parks, camping, flora and fauna in Western Australia.

 

Navigation

---