Most of the Northern Territory is the Australian 'Outback' Be prepared and plan your trip before you start it. Plan fuel stops and always carry extra fuel as on some highways fuel and towns can be up to 800km apart. It is advised to carry a satellite phone or HF radio for emergencies if leaving the major roads. Water and food are also very important. If you become stranded in the outback stay calm and stay with your vehicle so emergency services are able to locate you. If you have communication devices use them. Mobile cellular phone coverage is limited to the regional centres.
Remember that you may not take alcohol into Aboriginal Communities, even as a tourist passing through. Also, travellers are not permitted into residential parts of the communities. These areas are well sign posted, so if you are on a community, keep your eyes open.
The Australian Outback, although very beautiful is also very dangerous due to its extreme conditions. Take particular care in the following areas:
Swimming
The Northern Territory has many safe places to swim, including local nature reserves, public swimming pools and in some national parks. Swimming at Northern Territory beaches is not recommended due to the presence of box jellyfish. If you choose to swim at the beach, take vinegar as a precaution as it is known to sooth the sting. Salt and freshwater crocodiles are found in most Top End billabongs and rivers, and are occasionally seen on remote beaches. The accessible rivers and billabongs are generally sign-posted if saltwater crocodiles are known to inhabit the area, but if you are not sure, donât swim.Sun protection
Travellers should always wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses and at least an SPF 30+ sunscreen when outdoors. You should also be sure to drink plenty of water; a minimum of two litres per day is advised.Insects
The Territory is home to mosquitoes and other biting insects, so a reliable insect repellent, mosquito coils and appropriate clothing will make travelling more comfortable. If camping, keep your tent zipped and tap your shoes out before putting them on.Cliffs
Climbing rock ledges and cliffs and walking or standing near cliff edges can lead to serious injury or death, especially when rock surfaces are wet. Keep well away from all cliff edges.What to Wear
During the heat of the day, you will be most comfortable in loose covering clothing which is cool but protects you from sunburn and insect bites. Use sunscreen and wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses. Mosquitoes can carry viruses such as the Ross River virus, so if they are biting, use a repellent.Dehydration
Early symptoms include feeling thirsty, excess sweating, headache, dizziness and nausea. If dehydration continues, it can result in seizures, a loss of consciousness and even death.Emergency Call Devices
[ECD] are available in remote locations throughout the park. Instructions on use are written on the ECD. These are for emergency calls only. See maps for locations.Flash Flooding
Please be aware of possible sudden rises in the levels of waterways, which can quickly cut off the return route from the top of waterfalls such as Gunlom and Jim Jim. Fast flowing water can be deceptive, creating strong currents and dangerous swimming conditions.Driving Hints
Top End roads can be hazardous. Plan ahead and allow sufficient time for travel. Slow down! Roads can become slippery in the wet. During the dry, dust from other vehicles can obscure your vision. When using 4WD tracks, put your vehicle into 4WD. Read your vehicle instructions: many vehicles need their front wheel hubs physically locked, before engaging 4WD from the driverâs seat. At flooded crossings read the signs, look at depth markers and observe how quickly the water is flowing, before deciding whether to cross. Sometimes it is safer to wait until the water recedes. Remember crocodiles may be present. In the event of fires, make sure you park your vehicle in cleared areas rather than in flammable long grass. Use vehicle headlights if driving through heavy smoke, and drive slowly. If stopping, park well off the road and use hazard lights. Do not park on bridges or causeways at any time. Drive slowly, look well ahead for animals on the road, and try to avoid driving at night. Sound your horn to alert wildlife on the road. Look carefully for large feral animals such as horses, pigs and buffalo.Fishing
Always let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to be back. In tidal areas always carry life jackets, water, oars, flares, torch, tool kit, extra fuel and a satellite phone. Refer to the Northern Territory Marine Act signs for more detailed safety information. Boating is prohibited in certain areas â check at the Bowali Visitor Centre for details. Always remember, crocodiles attacks often occur near boat ramps. For your safety, be alert for crocodiles at all times:Keep away from the waterâs edge and do not enter the water.Take extreme care when launching and retrieving boats.Do not reach into the water to bring up a fish; use a landing net.Do not clean fish or bleed fish in or near the waterâs edge, as this may attract crocodiles.Remove all fish and food waste, which attract crocodiles.
Live bait fishing is not permitted in Kakadu. Recreational fishing, using a line with a single hook or lure is permitted in waters west of the Kakadu Highway except in the West Alligator River system. Contact the Bowali Visitor Centre, telephone +61 8 8938 1120 for latest information
Crocodiles
Estuarine saltwater crocodiles are dangerous. They have attacked and killed people. They inhabit most areas of water in Kakadu National Park including floodplains, freshwater billabongs, creeks, rivers and coastal areas. In most locations, crocodile warning signs tell you not to enter the water and to keep away from the waterâs edge. Obey signs warning of crocodiles. If you do not see a warning sign, assume that crocodiles are present. Do not enter the water unless you are sure it is safe to do so.Some of the most poisonous snakes in the world inhabit Kakadu, but luckily for visitors they are all very shy and are very rarely seen, let alone confronted. These species include the Taipan, Death Adder, and King Brown. They are seldom active during the day, hunting at night. Do not hike off any trails after dark.
contact
The main roads in the NT do not have mobile reception, including the Stuart Highway. Only expect reception in the major towns along the route.
outback
There are two important facts to keep in mind about travel in the outback: it has few inhabitants and little water.
get good quality maps and plan your route.
tell someone where you're going and when and where you should arrive; they should have instructions to raise the alarm if you do not appear soon after your intended arrival time;
carry least 10 litres of water in several small containers per person per day, including an allowance for any days you may be delayed or broken down.
take food and any prescribed medication needed to last several days
take matches or a lighter, which can be used in an emergency to provide warmth and indicate your whereabouts
travel in a recently serviced, reliable, sturdy vehicle that has good ground clearance; and
have clothes that can protect against cold, as well as clothes suitable for extremely hot weather.
Keep in mind also that the outback is large, and you can easily end up twenty-hours drive away from emergency help, or isolated entirely in the case of rain.
In the event of an accident or mechanical problems, do not leave your vehicle, as it is easier to locate from the air than a person or people on foot. If you leave your vehicle you are likely to be the subject of a sad news story about the rescue services finding your car and not you. In any case, your vehicle is where you're storing your water.
You should also think about carrying a satellite phone or other means of contacting emergency services. Travelling in a group or in convoy with other travellers gives an extra vehicle in case of breakdown, and an extra set of hands to get you out of a tricky situation.
You should get local advice in each town about your journey and the condition of the roads ahead and the suitability of your vehicle, as road conditions can change. The police and roadhouses are good sources of information. Be careful - even locals die out there.