Outback Australia is essentially what makes our Great Southern Land so unique and beautiful. The majority of our vast country is in fact desert so it only seems fitting that you spare a large chunk of your holiday to see and do everything that the outback offers. From some of the country's most spectacular natural attractions to the endless winding roads that line the desert sands, there is a lot that new drivers need to know when it comes to ensuring your outback experience is a pleasant and memorable one.

Driving Hazards

Visitors to Australia often make the assumption that driving in the outback will be dangerous and hazardous. However, driving this particular area is actually no more dangerous than coasting along a major Australian highway in peak hour.

As the outback is like no other place in the world, there are of course guidelines that should be kept in mind to ensure safety at all times. The most obvious point to take into consideration is whether your car will be able to handle these unique driving conditions. The great thing about hiring a rental car is the fact that you KNOW that it will be in good condition and will take you anywhere you need to go. Rental cars are highly reliable so you won't have that lingering thought in the back of your mind that you may break down.

While driving in the outback, you should always keep in mind that you are a long way from anywhere, so if you run into trouble, help may be miles away. Always ensure that you have enough petrol, food, water, batteries, first aid supplies and a spare tyre. All the major highways have roadhouses, which provide fuel, food, showers and accommodation, yet they are rather spread out so ensure you have enough of each to sustain you.

While driving the best way to stay awake is to take it easy and not to push yourself. Be sure to have frequent breaks, even if it means stopping by the side of the road for five minutes or so to stretch your legs. If you are driving with others, try to swap drivers as often as possible as this will prevent fatigue and will also allow you to take in the spectacular scenery without having to concentrate on driving.

Although the outback may seem never ending, DON'T push on. If you are tired STOP and take a break. It is also advisable to take a break from driving at dawn, dusk and twilight. This is when the local wildlife likes to come out and they take no notice of the roads! There is an abundance of cattle and kangaroos out in the outback, as essentially, this is THEIR land. There are signs to warn you of particularly risky areas, but you should always keep an eye out for them as they can appear from nowhere.

The least obvious hazard to look out for is flooding. Although it may sound like a ridiculous concept in a desert, the outback does have wet seasons, during which the roads get flooded and the rivers and creeks overflow. Most rental cars are not permitted to cross rivers and creeks so keep in mind to avoid travelling in the wet season.

The Routes

The best way to discover the Australian outback is to cross it on one of then major highways. These routes offer scenic sights and they are all bitumen, which will be perfect for your rental car.

Stuart Highway

For the "Red Centre" experience you simply must follow the Stuart Highway. This 3042 kilometre journey will connect you from the south in Adelaide, to the north in Darwin. This route will take you directly through the centre of Australia and past such beautiful towns as Coober Pedy and Alice Springs.

Lasseter Highway

The Lasseter Highway is the best route if you want to discover Australia's most famous icon: Uluru (Ayers Rock).

Eyre Highway

Australia's most famous plain, the Nullarbor, is best discovered by embarking on a journey of the Eyre Highway. It stretches between Adelaide and Perth, with beautiful stretches of perfectly straight road making for an easy driving experience.

Barkly and Flinders Highway

Outback Queensland is an experience on its own and the best way to see it is on the Barkly and Flinders Highway. This scenic route starts in Townsville and joins the Stuart Highway at the Three Ways Roadhouse.

Victoria and Great Northern Highway

The Victoria and Great Northern Highway branches off the Stuart Highway in Katherine and takes you right through to Australia's North West. The drive will allow you to pass the Kimberly plateau and discover the beautiful Pilbara region. You will eventually wind up in Perth, 4161 kilometres later, with memories to last you a lifetime.

Places you simply HAVE to visit!

Flinders Mountain Ranges

This is South Australia's largest mountain range and is absolutely stunning. For more information on the Flinders Ranges click here.



This is truly the icon of Australia. Highly regarded as one of the most fascinating wonders of the natural world, the rock is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. It is also a constant reminder of the original habitants of the land and their important presence. To visit Ayers Rock, click here.

Kakadu

Australia's largest National Park, Kakadu, is located about three hours from Darwin and simply cannot be missed.

Carnarvon Gorge National Park

Having been here myself, I can most definitely say that this is one NOT to be missed. The gorge is simply stunning and will no doubt take your breath away. The bushwalks, waterholes, waterfalls and wildlife are amazing and will capture your heart the instant you arrive.

The Australian outback is a haunting yet intriguing place to visit and should be discovered at least once in a lifetime. There are many things that should be considered before embarking on a journey out here, but if you keep these tips in mind you are guaranteed to have the time of your life!