Specialty Maps

Skill in reading a map is a must. You should be able to manage basic navigation and direction finding before setting out on a trip into unknown areas.

You must be able to read a compass in conjunction with your map (always have one or two good compasses in your vehicle), because if in an emergency you cannot describe your position, then with even the best communication equipment, you will not be able to direct help to your location... You should also be able to find north without the aid of a compass, either by day or night... see Survival - Handling an Emergency.

It is now possible to determine your position on a map to within a couple of hundred metres using a Global Positioning System, (GPS) which collates information from 24 geostationary satellites... hand-held GPS navigation devices are available from outdoor centres and bushwalking shops.

Buy maps that are accurate and as up-to-date as possible. Specialist shops are a good source - you will need something better than a general-purpose service station map if you plan to go off the major roads... see Specialty Map Shops

Badger's Australian Caravan Park reports:

This website contains unbiased reports on the quality of Australian caravan parks. Each caravan park is rated by the caravanners, unlike the usual park rating system used in standard guides. (see Rating System Explained) National and State Park campgrounds are also included.

Choose a state. At each index, (DFP) denotes dog friendly park, and (campground) denotes a National Park campground.

Queensland
New South Wales and ACT
Victoria
Tasmania
South Australia
Northern Territory
Western Australia

Australian Maps

Australia is the world's only nation to be the sole occupant of a continent... with large areas of the natural landscape still untouched. These Australian maps will help you travel Australia, with each regional map showing the major towns, roads, waterways and mountains as well as national parks and other areas of reserved land open to the public... see Australian Maps

Australia's Great Barrier Reef maps

The Great Barrier Reef marine park is the world's largest Marine Park, covering over 350,000 sq km. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) was set up by Commonwealth Government legislation in the 1970's. The Authority created a management infrastructure by zoning for all marine park areas to allow fair and equitable access to all marine park users, which also ensures the protection of environmentally sensitive areas and the species inhabiting them... see Australia's Great Barrier Reef maps

Four Wheel Drive Associations

One of the most obvious benefits of being a member of a 4WD club is the opportunity it gives you to view a large number of different makes, models and fit-outs in a non-pressured, non-sales environment before taking the step to actually hire or buy a vehicle... Many club members are enthusiasts with many years' experience.

Knowing what you can and can't do with your 4WD requires a certain amount of skill, loads of practise off-road in all conditions and terrains, and most importantly - confidence. Clubs are designed to provide this kind of confidence.

Contact the 4WD association in your state, who can then refer you to the nearest club to your home... see Four Wheel Drive Associations

Driver Training

Driver training is designed to give you confidence in both your vehicle and your own capabilities and limitations. Most courses will also teach you recovery skills such as winching... using a snatch strap... sand driving techniques... as well as being able to provide you the opportunity to gain experience in small trips organised by other club members... Look out for driver training offerings at the club you choose to join prior to joining.. Most, but not all, clubs offer driver training courses.

Driver training courses are often structured by the skills needed, beginning with an introductory course and then courses to cover theoretical concepts such as mechanics of 4WD transmission... driving techniques for various terrains... recovery techniques and an overview of various equipment and tools that you should take with you when travelling offroad.

Your introductory course should include driving practise on bush tracks, river crossings, hill climbs, steep descents, and rock steps... All in the company of an experienced trainer.

You should then be able to select additional course modules such as sand driving, mud driving, vehicle recovery, bush maintenance/servicing, etc. to further increase your knowledge and skills.

The advantage of watching other vehicles while doing your course is enormous. There is much to be learned about 4WDing techniques through observance. You will find it interesting to see how various makes and models handle obstacles quite differently... and being out of your vehicle while someone else is driving past gives you the opportunity to see the importance of things like wheel placement... something you cannot appreciate when sitting behind your own steering wheel... see Four Wheel Drive Courses

Motoring Organisations

If you're after road service, membership or general motoring advice, check the appropriate state or territory's motoring organisation.

The Map Market, Camping and Travel Guides

Browse a wide range of Australian tour and camping books, travel guides and maps online.

Deliveries to destinations outside Australia are made by DHL courier, and therefore cannot be made to post office boxes.

All prices shown are in Australian dollars