Budget 4WD Hire in Australia for the Best Off Road Trip
4wd Rental Australia
Looking to hire a 4WD camper or 4WD Car for your Australian adventure. We at Aussie Campervans can help you with your choice of vehicle and we also have a number of suggested places of interest to visit and things to do.
4WD Travel Tips for Australia
Some useful tips to help you make your trip a safe one
This list is in no way complete and we recommend you increase your knowledge by reading any of the excellent books available on driving a 4WD rental and consider participating in a short 4WD training course. Remember knowledge and common sense are the most important factors in safe outback driving.
- Do not drive at Night, Sunrise or Sunset
There is an increased risk of hitting wildlife in this region so driving at sunrise and during the night should be avoided. There is a high risk of hitting a kangaroo, cow or other animal thus causing damage to the vehicle.
- Long Distance and Fatigue
driving long distances can cause fatigue and is the major factor in accidents. Road safety experts recommend you stop your 4wd rental and rest every 2 hours, change drivers, take a walk and drink some water. Please stop and rest if you feel drowsy or tired. An open window can also help avoid drowsiness by letting in fresh air but nothing beats a 15 minute power nap.
- Alcohol
is a major factor in a significant proportion of all road accidents. Even a small amount can hinder your judgement. The legal limit in Australia is 0.05 Blood Alcohol Concentration. The safest level is zero. If you are drinking alcohol – please do not drive.
- Speed
Excessive speed is another major cause of accidents. Be alert and travel your 4wd rental at a safe speed taking into consideration road, vehicle and weather conditions.
Note: Corrugated roads can cause high levels of vibration through the vehicle at lower speeds, which cause fatigue. If you are experiencing this high level of vibration we suggest you increase your speed so the vehicle is “skimming over” the corrugations. Speed around 80km/hr may be required. However, please do not travel 4wd rental in Australia at this speed if the conditions are not conducive. Slow down for corners, crest and dips in the road and if dusty. Slow right down or come to a stop if you see other vehicles approaching.
- Dust
Vehicles on unsealed roads raise a dust cloud which can obscure your vision and that of vehicles coming the other way. Probably the most dangerous thing you can do is travel in somebody’s dust. You won’t be able to see oncoming traffic and they won’t be able to see you. Travel behind the vehicle in front at a distance that has allowed the dust to settle. It is strongly advised that you avoid overtaking. It is better to lose some time than to lose your life.
- River & Creek Crossing
normally safe procedures for driving across river crossings is to walk out and check the depth, possibility of hidden obstructions and/or holes in the road. The Kimberley is known to have saltwater crocodile so DO NOT take this course of action. Please note: most of the small creek crossings along the Gibb River Road have been lined with concrete to avoid ruts and deep holes occurring during every wet season. This reduces the cost of maintenance for local councils. As a general rule on these crossings if water is not flowing and depth is below ½ way up your wheels you should be able to cross safely. Please not major Rivers (e.g. The Pentacost) and other river crossings off the main Gibb River Road do not have concrete on them and are subject to obstacles and unseen ruts and holes. Take care if you are unsure or wait for another vehicle.
- Tyre Blowouts
if you encounter a tyre blow out or if you have a sudden flat tyre, the 4wd hire vehicle will tend to weave or pull to one side. Do not apply the brakes and certainly avoid any hard braking as this will make things worse. Hold onto the steering wheel firmly and let the vehicle roll to a stop by the side of the road.
- Braking Efficiency
the efficiency of the brakes may be affected after driving through deep water. You should check them after driving out of water (drive along a short distance and apply your brakes). If they are not working normally (and it is safe to do so) drive slowly with one foot on the brake pedal until the brakes are dry and normal braking efficiency returns.
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Have plenty of food, water and fuel in the event of a breakdown. Plan your stops for fuel and water and where you can get supplies and emergency services.
- Adjust tyre pressure, especially when driving 4wd rental on sand. Recommended pressure is 140kPa but this is subject to the weight of your load and firmness of the sand. Try and keep to existing tyre tracks – you will find the sand will be firmer and less
Our 4WD Motorhomes are unlike any other motorhome on the market of vehicle rental. We also include some facilities and discounts while providing you our services. Reserve a 4WD rental in Australia now to get the camper of your choice and suiting your budget.
Top 4WD Tracks in Australia
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Gibb River Road
This road stretches from Kununurra to Derby approx. 930 km through the Kimberley region. Best time to travel is from late May through to September.
Many visitors to Broome opt for a tour of the region, with some tours starting in Kununurra, the largest Western Australian town north of Broome. The best 4WD hire in Broome is a must if you plan to explore the Kimberley.
You will find fresh swimming holes, sparkling water gorges and outback landscapes along this stretch of road. Attractions are located over large distances and the corrugated road conditions mean average travel speed are slower than if driving on the highway. Make time to visit the falls at Mitchell Plateau and the coastal Aboriginal settlement of Kalumburu. Spend time visiting the gorges and take in the Kimberley’s beautiful and remote scenery. The major river crossing is the Pentecost River. Please take extreme care crossing this river and do not attempt to cross if water level is high with high volumes of water. While this route is remote, it can be a little crowded during the peak season. We recommend you avoid the wet season from December through March. -
Bell Creek Gorge
is another spectacular destination along the Gibb River Road. You can enjoy a cool relaxing swim amidst the rugged scenery of the Kimberley. Try and walk down to the bottom rock pool for spectacular views. Camp sites are available at Silent Grove and along the banks of the Bell Creek.
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Birdsville Track
from Marree in South Australia up to Birdsville in Queensland this 4WD track is approx. 534 km and we suggest you take no less than 2 days to complete the track. Best time to travel is from April to October.
Started off as a cattle route, the Inside Track follows the original stock path. You can also choose to take the safer Outside Track built by travelers to avoid the Diamantina floodplain. The track surface is mainly gibber-covered sand and not difficult to drive. However avoid sudden braking as the large pebbles can be slippery and offer poor traction. Also look out for the cattle grids which can pop-up without warning. Wandering livestock, emus and kangaroos can also dart into your path. Stop for refreshments at the roadhouses (far and few dotted along this lonely landscape.
Despite its remoteness, you can shoot off to a number of fun 4WD possible trips:
1. Head west across the Simpson
2. Continue north towards Mount Isa and turn west at Boulia to the Plenty Highway into central Australia
3. Drive to Brisbane via Charleville
4. Go south-east to Innamincka and the Cooper -
Gunbarrel Highway
this long 4WD route starts at Wiluna in Western Australia and continue north to Yulara in the Northern Territory. To enjoy this 1420 km track we recommend approx. 4 to 5 days to complete the trip. Best time to travel is from April to September. Before you start on your adventure please be sure to get permits from the relevant Land Councils.
This highway is one of Australias most rugged off-road tracks. Just perfect for the experienced off-roader with wash-aways, deep corrugations and flood plains. Suggested places to stop and explore include the Yelma Stockyard, Gnamma Rockholes and Mount William Lambert.
This track is very challenging and always be self-sufficient with water, food and fuel.
Note: Ensure you have enough fuel to last the 489 km distance between the fuel stations at Warburton and Carnegie Station. Do not attempt to drink at any of the bore holes however tempting. Have plenty of food, water and fuel in the event of a breakdown.