How to prepare your car for the Australian Outback?

What car to take for your trip to Outback Australia?

To prepare your car properly for a trip to the Australia Outback is an essential part of Outback safety. Having a well-prepared vehicle is more important than the question "what car to take".

Most tracks described in the Eastern Outback guide can be done with a sturdy conventional vehicle with good ground clearance, provided that the weather is dry.

When you take your own car, remember, a modern car with fancy electronics has not much use if it really gets rough out there. The best choice is a car type that Outback folks drive. That increases the chance that you get spare parts when the need arises, even if you are in really remote areas..

Prepare your car to drive on Australia's Outback gravel roads

If you are going to hire a vehicle, you might need a four-wheel-drive (4WD) when you want to drive on unsealed roads. Most, if not any, car hire companies don't allow you to drive on unsealed roads with a conventional car or camp mobile.
Besides, a 4WD always gives you the freedom to take a rough sidetrack to see a scenic highlight. It is also much more convenient in a 4WD - higher ground clearance and thick mud flaps decrease the noise of stones crackling on the floor section of the car. As proper 4WDs are just more robust, you don't need to worry that your car is falling apart on a rough track.

So what has to be done to prepare your car?

• Be sure that your vehicle is in good technical condition. Check the tires and the spare tire before you go. Don't forget the manual. Take some essential spare parts and tools with you. Even if you don't know how to use them, the friendly guy in the car passing by probably can help you if you have the right spare parts.
• If you hire a car, check the tool kit. When you're in doubt, ask in a garage for advice. You should carry a high-jack, a wheel spanner and a ground plate (to adjust the high-jack on soft ground)) to change a flat tire.
• Other useful tools include insulating tape, lubricating spray, set of screwdrivers, shovel, some ring and open spanners, wire.
• Spare parts should include engine oil, fan belt, set of hoses, radiator hoses, spare bulbs, spare fuses. We usually go to a car dealer, buy the essentials, and arrange with them that we can bring the spare parts back if we don't need them.
• If your car breaks down, don't be a fool and try to walk somewhere to get help unless you know this help is just around the corner. Perhaps you have to wait a few hours, or even a day, until another car comes by, But if you have enough water you are safe. Don't panic! And never leave your car. People perished in the Australian Outback because they didn't obey this most important rule.

What car to take?

A robust car in perfect technical condition. That's the secret!

In my humble opinion, the Toyota bushcamper is a great vehicle for Outback driving. It offers room for two people, has a gas stove, kitchen sink, water tanks, a fridge, and much storage.

The two 90 l fuel tanks give you some freedom in remote areas, but it is wise to re-fuel when you get the chance. The bushcamper has also a huge water tank for the kitchen sink. We never count this when we calculate the amount of drinking water we need, but it gives extra security.
The bushcamper makes Outback driving truly comfortable, as long as you are fit enough to climb into the top bed :).

One more tip. If you're in a road service club in your home country, take your membership ID with you, just in case you need a towing service back of beyond. They might accept your home membership. This can save you money.

For more information on how to prepare your car, and your Outback Australia travel adventure, please check the Outback Safety, Outback safety water, and Outback driving pages.

Please note: If you plan an expedition-like trip into remote and rough areas you certainly need to do a bit more to prepare your car accordingly. Don't hesitate to contact me for more information. Have a safe trip.