Drive to the road conditions
Driving conditions in Australia can differ greatly from state to state, as well as from other countries you may have travelled around in the past. A few factors can change the road conditions, including:
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Cities versus countryside – When planning a day of travel, it is important to take into consideration whether you will be driving through rural towns or bustling cities. Navigating Australian cities can take additional time as they are often quite busy.
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Weather – Australian roads, especially more remote areas, can be prone to flash flooding, and dusty roads can affect visibility.
To help reduce the risk of these adverse driving conditions, it is important to follow signage, research the area in advance, and check weather reports prior to departure.
Plan a safe route
One of the ultimate joys of travelling in a camper is being able to travel at your own pace and create your own itinerary. When doing so, you will want to also be mindful of planning a safe route. These are our top considerations for planning a safe route while travelling in a motorhome:
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Driving distances – Australia is quite large, and it can be easy to underestimate the driving distances. When you research the driving route you plan to travel, pay special attention to the driving distances. It’s best to travel no more than 250 km per day so you can experience Australia at a leisurely pace. That way, you get to see more, and you won’t be fatigued from driving.
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Where to stop for gas – when travelling to more remote parts of Australia, fuel stations can be few and far between. As such, it's worthwhile planning your fuel stops into your itinerary so you don’t find yourself backtracking or running dry.
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What areas are safe for a campervan to drive – some outback and rural Australian roads are 4WD only, so it’s a good idea to check to ensure it is 2WD camper accessible.
Be mindful of wildlife
Australia is a wildlife haven, with so many opportunities to observe native animals living in their natural habitats. The flip side? Animals – specifically kangaroos and wallabies – can be a hazard on Outback Australia roads. If you do find yourself with kangaroos jumping over the road, remember to keep your vehicle on the same line, slow down, and stop if possible in order to avoid the animal as well as any oncoming vehicles. Overall, the best ways to help avoid colliding with animals include:
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Slow down if driving at night
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Make sure you have your lights on at dusk
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Avoid driving at night and dusk where possible
Consider the size of your motorhome
Campervans are usually double the height and length of sedan vehicles. While driving, keep an eye out for height indicator signs, cantilever awnings, and overhanging tree branches. It’s especially important to be mindful when reversing near fixed objects (walls etc.) and reverse parking. It can be helpful to take your campervan hire to a local car park and practising driving in this safe, secluded environment so you get your bearings.
Stay safe in remote areas
If you are planning a trip to iconic Australian destinations like Uluru, Broome, Darwin or any outback area, be prepared for the limited service and access to assistance. These areas are known for their long expansive roads with limited amenities in between. In the unlikely instance that you find yourself stuck or in an incident in these areas, there are four basic survival rules to keep in mind:
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Do not leave your vehicle
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Stay in the shade
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Conserve water
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Prepare effective signals
If you are looking for additional peace of mind, you can hire a Satellite phone from maui. This option allows you to have coverage in all areas – even those without mobile phone coverage – and thus are an important safety item for remote travel. We offer Satellite phones at AU$23 per day plus call costs.
Drive on suitable roads for your campervan
maui motorhomes can only be driven on sealed/bitumen roads. The only exceptions to this are well-maintained access roads of less than twelve kilometres to recognised campgrounds as well as well-maintained, recognised roads on Kangaroo Island (in South Australia).
Please note: If you wish to travel on an unsealed road that is greater than twelve kilometres in length to access a recognised campground, special permission can be arranged pending road conditions, weather and distance.
Keep emergency numbers on hand
In the unlikely event you have an incident while you’re on the road, it is a good idea that you are aware of the emergency numbers in Australia. If you have a breakdown or experience any on-road issue, we can offer you on-road assistance. You can contact maui toll-free at 1300 363 800. However, if you require emergency assistance, keep these emergency numbers on hand:
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Triple Zero (000) is Australia's primary Emergency Call Service number and should be used to request emergency assistance from all telephones (landline, mobile phones and payphones) in the first instance. For information about calling Triple Zero (000) from a voice over internet protocol service see below.
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112 – the international standard emergency number which can only be dialled on a digital mobile phone.
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106 – the text-based Emergency Call Service number for people who are deaf or who have a hearing or speech impairment. This service operates using a teletypewriter (TTY) but does not accept voice calls or SMS messages.
Both 112 and 106 are secondary emergency service numbers because they are for use only in connection with particular technologies. For more details, please refer to the Australian Communications and Media Authority website.
Complete safety checks before leaving your campsite
When travelling in a motorhome, you are essentially travelling with a home on board. As such, there are a few safety checks to run through before leaving a campsite to ensure the home part of the motorhome is driving-ready:
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Close camper cupboards and drawers
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Secure awnings away
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Ensure nothing is obstructing the path of the motorhome
Be patient and drive slow
Overall, travelling in a camper is safer when you drive slower. There is no need to rush, take your time and enjoy your trip. Some highways allow up to 110 km/h, but you can easily just go at your own pace and let people pass you on the road. Check speed restrictions relevant to your vehicle size.
Understand the road rules
Whether you are travelling from another state or another country, it’s important to understand the Australian road rules. Some essentials include:
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Ensure you know the speed limits
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Ensure you understand the road signs
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Drive on the left side of the road
However, each state has its own road rules in Australia – so be sure to check the local guidelines before departing on your motorhome adventure:
Need more helpful guidance for your campervan trip?
Ready to explore Australia for yourself? Book your maui motorhome hire today! For more information and campervan Australia tips, such as what to pack in your camper, Australia road trip travel itinerary ideas, and exploring Outback Australia, check out the maui blog. Also, be sure to read through our travel information page for more useful tips on travelling around Australia.