Travel Warning

Warning for travellers:

Travelling the vast open spaces of the Pilbara is often an exhilarating experience. Lonely roads with exciting surprises around every bend is not a fantasy, it is reality. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security. With the pleasures come many dangers, isolation is just one of them. Remember, adequate medical facilities can usually only be found in the widely separated towns. Water is a precious and sometimes scarce commodity. Drive to the road conditions and be aware of the other dangers such as wandering cattle, sheep and other wildlife.

It is recommended that travellers carry spare fuel, food, water and other supplies when traversing the many gravel roads and tracks within the Pilbara and National Parks.

When travelling on less frequented roads and tracks, and especially during the Wet Season. Always:

	check road conditions with the Local Shire Office, Police or Park Rangers;
	inform a responsible person of your travel plans;
	the route you intend to follow and;
	when you expect to be at your destination. Don't forget to inform the responsible person that you have arrived safely. Otherwise, YOU, may be liable for the high costs of an unnecessary search.

Many roads and tracks in the Pilbara are not well travelled and local rain and storms may make some roads impassable to all traffic for days or weeks.

Be aware that the wet season (summer), daytime temperature can be as high as 50 Degrees Celsius. Ensure you have adequate protection and water. Dehydration and disorientation due to heat stress is a very real danger for the unprepared traveller.

Join the "Never, Never, Never Club";

Never camp in dry creek beds.

Creeks can become raging torrents due to local storms well upstream from your campsite.

Never attempt to cross a fast flowing creek or floodway on foot or in a vehicle, especially, if the water level is rising.

Many small creeks and floodway's will subside to a passable depth and speed within a few minutes or hours, especially if the flooding is due to a localised storm.

Before attempting to cross a flooded creek or floodway always;

check the proposed path for water depth and snags.

Ensure your vehicle is adequately protected from the possible effects of water on the electrical and fuel systems.

Never attempt to walk out to obtain help if you are stranded by flooding or mechanical failure.

A car is easier to spot from the air than a person on foot. As you have previously informed a responsible person of your travel plans a search party will be sent to find you if you are reported overdue.

Disclaimer:

This page is not designed to be a comprehensive guide for travellers and common sense and safe practices are always to be considered paramount. There are many good texts available from Motoring Organisations and Book Stores on outback travel, safety and survival. We recommend that you make yourself aware of the dangers of outback travel before planning your trip into the Pilbara.

BE SAFE - BE AWARE

and enjoy the scenic wonders and special places that the Pilbara has to offer.

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29 November, 1999

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