Because of the distances, the most convenient way to travel is by air, fares are competitive, and busses and rail are good options. Away from the main roads, the 'self driver' needs survival tools/skills in the event of mishap or becoming lost. This does happen in the outback where there are many thousands of miles of dirt roads, where rivers can flood, or one can breakdown where another car may not pass for weeks. Such unfortunate drivers and passengers often die in this situation.

Driving the 4136 km / 2585 miles from Sydney to Perth takes about 50 hours. Or the 3501 km / 2188 miles form Melbourne to Cairns is 42 hours.

Away from city life, there are many critters which, bite and sting, some fatal. So be aware of spiders & snakes, man eating crocodiles, sharks and poison jellyfish....

But do not be put off, just take good care. The rewards of self driving to remote regions are great and remember before you set out:

• Plan your trip - study the terrain and find out as much as possible.

• Tell people where you are going and when you will be back.

• If you change your plans, let these people know.

• Be prepared

  • Take maps and compass.

  • Know how to manage your vehicle in the rough.

  • Know basic survival skills.

  • Carry enough water and emergency rations - for a month.

  • Carry some tools - spade, tow rope, spare fuel.

  • Take a GPS tracking device.

• Although much of Australia is semi dessert, some areas can flood unpredictably with water levels rising over 2 metres. As the land is often flat, this can be a danger. So be mindful of seasonal weather.

• When hiring guides, deal with reputable companies, as ever since the days of the bush rangers, Australia has more than it's share of con artists.

• Be Aware that The Police regularly patrol the roads to deter and detect dangerous driving. There are heavy penalties, including fines and on-the-spot licence suspensions for drivers who are breaking the law. Australian police are authorised to stop any vehicle at anytime.

• Police use radar, mobile speed cameras and in some areas, fixed speed cameras to check speeding. They used random breath testing (RBT) by the roadside to detect drink-driving.

• Speeding is punished by spot fines from AU$118.00 for minor offences up to going 15kph over the speed limit to AU$1500.00 if over the speed limit by 45 kph.