Australia´s North West Holiday Planner 2024

TRAVEL TI PS AND ROAD SAFETY HEALTHY TRAVELLING • Always carry adequate supplies of water and a comprehensive first aid kit. • If you take prescribed medication, make sure you will have enough for the duration of your trip and bring a script renewal from your doctor. • Mosquitoes can carry potentially fatal diseases such as the Ross River virus and encephalitis – use insect repellent and cover your arms and legs with loose clothing particularly at dawn and dusk. • The West Australian sun is very strong. To avoid sunburn, wear a hat and use sunscreen, especially between 10am and 3pm. ON THE ROAD • Make sure your vehicle is in top mechanical condition before hitting the road. A first aid kit, tool kit, food, water, at least 2 spare tyres and spare parts should be kept as standard. • There can be limited or no phone reception in parts of the North West. Always plan your route beforehand and pack a hard copy of a map. • Some remote areas are accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles, and the towing of caravans, trailers or boats is not recommended in some areas. • Plan your trip mileage and refuelling stops ahead of time, bearing in mind that not all fuel stops are open 24 hours a day or 7 days a week. • Road trains are common in the North West and can be over 50m in length. Only overtake if the road is visible and clear for a long distance ahead – be aware that it can take up to 2.5km to pass a road train at 100km/h. • Dust can obscure vision when travelling or passing on unsealed roads. • During the summer months (November to April) both sealed and unsealed roads can be closed at short notice due to flooding. For road closures see mainroads.wa.gov.au • It is common to see wandering stock and wildlife in remote areas, particularly at dawn and dusk. Collisions can be fatal, so take particular care and if possible, avoid driving at night. • Always tell someone where you are going, your return dates and your itinerary. • If travelling with pets please be aware that they are not permitted within national parks. ON THE WATER • The North West experiences some of the biggest tidal movements in the world. Always check local tidal movements when on or near the water to avoid being caught unawares. Tide charts are available from Visitor Centres and Service Stations. • There are two types of crocodile found in Kimberley waters – the estuarine or saltwater crocodile, and the Johnston or freshwater crocodile. The saltwater crocodile is particularly dangerous. Be crocodile aware – always observe warning signs and seek local information. Do not wade, swim or use small boats in estuaries, tidal rivers and deep pools. Never clean fish or leave food scraps by the water’s edge, and always camp well back from the water. • From November to March, Box and Irukandji jellyfish can be found along the Kimberley and Pilbara coasts. Take precautions such as wearing a stinger suit, and if stung douse liberally with vinegar and seek immediate medical advice. ALWAYS CHECK LOCAL TIDAL MOVEMENTS WHEN ON OR NEAR THE WATER TO AVOID BE I NG CAUGHT UNAWARES . Cable Beach A joey in the Pilbara Kimberley Cruising Australia’s North West | 79