FAQs

To download the map, enter your email address here.

The map will be emailed to you within a few minutes.

Run through these quick troubleshooting tips first:

• Allow 30 minutes for the map to arrive in your inbox (it’s usually instant, but delays can happen.)
• Check your spam folder
• Sign up again, and double check the spelling of your email address

If you still haven’t received your map after running through these steps, please send us a note via the contact form and we will provide a direct link for you.

You are most welcome to a hard copy of the Loop Brochure/Map – please send a request here.

If you’re already travelling the Loop, free printed maps can be found at the Visitor Information Centres in the following towns:

• Mount Isa
• Longreach
• Charleville
• Quilpie
• Thargomindah
• Broken Hill
• Peterborough
• Port Lincoln
• Seduna
• Roxby Downs
• Coober Pedy
• Alice Springs

Yes – Outback Australia is a safe place, and it’s an unforgettable adventure for all the right reasons.

As long as you do your research and come prepared, you can expect to have a safe trip.

A word of warning – the outback can be a place of extremes and it may not be what you are used to back home.

Yes – families with children are most welcome.

We suggest that you research your travel itinerary with the kids so that they get the best out of their outback adventure.

Roaming the outback can mean being off grid for many hours at a time and there are long distances between towns.

Note: Licensed premises have rules about children being supervised as a legal requirement.

Be familiar with your vehicle and understand its capabilities.

The main roads on the Outback Loop are unsealed. You’ll be driving on a dirt road with rough surfaces, corrugations, stones and in some stretches, there will be pot holes and bulldust.

A low clearance sedan or compact smaller vehicle suitable for urban roads is not a sensible drive option for any roads on the Outback Loop or anywhere in remote Australia.

Your vehicle needs to be reliable, serviced and equipped to endure the robust driving conditions you may experience.

Make sure you know how to change a tyre and have at least one spare.

It’s wise to travel with a tool kit, a first aid kit, a satellite phone and a compact vehicle fire extinguisher.

The short answer is yes! But the number one rule is to drive to the conditions, and an off-road or semi-off-road van is the best option.

Vans built for outback travel will have protective features to guard against stone damage to water tanks, hoses and pipes fitted to your van.

Consider mounting a stone guard mounted to the front of your van, or rear window protection on your vehicle to reduce the risk of unnecessary stone damage.

And, some advice regarding tyres – most towers travel dirt roads with 30psi to give the van a better ride and to help in sandy sections on the road.

Anytime from April through until the end of October. Most travellers choose to avoid the summer extremes of temperature.

Munga-Thirri Simpson Desert National Park is closed to all travellers during the summer months.

Walkers crossing is also closed to travellers from December to March

You can easily get your first taste of the Outback with a 3-day trip from Adelaide.

If you want to circuit the whole Outback Loop, the short answer is 10 to 14 days. You’ll want plenty of wriggle room to stop and wander, discover the unexpected and stretch your time out in the places that draw you in.
Factor in extra time if you’re driving from the eastern seaboard. It may take a day or two on the road before you arrive on the Loop (i.e. Brisbane to Birdsville will take 2-3 days), and there will be plenty of great stops along the way.

Your itinerary and focus will also be a factor.

We suggest that you spend a couple of days in locations such as Arkaroola, Innamincka, Birdsville, Marree and Coober Pedy.

At William Creek, be sure to stay overnight and take a morning flight.

The Pink Roadhouse is a quirky fuel up stop on your way to Mount Dare, Dalhousie and Munga-Thirri Simpson Desert.

The desert leg of the Loop is for confident, experienced and well-prepared travellers, so allow extra time.

Rain closes the roads, and while it’s possible in the winter months, it’s unlikely to rain in July.

The Birdsville Big Red Bash is held during the first week of July.

If you are looking to avoid crowds and excessive dust, plan your trip outside of that week.

Check the Bureau of Meteorology for up to date weather reports.

You’ll find that you can predict road closures based on probability and extent of rainfall.

Always chat to locals while you’re travelling, and heed their advice if unexpected road and weather events occur on your route.

Up-to-date road conditions can be checked here.

It depends on where you’re coming from!

Thinking of a day trip from Innamincka? Then we suggest that you take the Old Strzelecki Track to the Merty Merty turn-off then proceed to Cameron Corner via Bollards Lagoon.

Public Access Routes (PAR) are bush tracks and camping is permitted within 100 metres of a PAR.

Always follow the Aussie Travel Code.

Camping is not allowed on pastoral leaseholds unless you have permission.

The lands you are travelling through may be pastoral leases and/or will have cultural significance to Traditional Owners.

Always camp in designated camping spots and leave no trace.

Yes – however like all things regarding outback travel it is best to be prepared.

Keep your dog/pet controlled at all times, for the safety of the wildlife, other travellers, and your pet – other animals, baits, roads or landscapes may be dangerous to them.

Some hotel licences do not allow dogs in their service and public areas.

We suggest that you contact venues directly if you are travelling with your pet and require accommodation.

National Parks do not permit dogs, so keep driving with your pets inside the vehicle if you must travel through one.

Follow @aussietravelcode and adhere to its ‘Code of Conduct’ and 4 key messages

Come Prepared
Stay on Track
Keep it Clean
Respect the Outback

More information here: Follow the Aussie Travel Code for the Outback