Outback South Australia Overview

If you’ve ever wanted to go off the grid, this would be the ideal place to do it. Outback South Australia’s unsealed roads stretch endlessly across baked earth, punctuated only by intimidating “Next gas: 454km,” or “Danger: Extreme Conditions Ahead” signs. The only living creatures on this sun-dried highway are wandering cattle and marauding bushflies. The sun is king; it burns the land from horizon to shimmering horizon during the day, and then plunges it into frigid, unsheltered nights. Summers are scorching, with temperatures reaching 45˚C (113˚F) in the shade. For most, a drive from one end to the other is enough, and the few who call the Outback their home are a rough and rugged crowd as intriguing as the landscape. The helpful (and difficult to find) Remote Travel Hints for 4x4 Tourists offers simple tips for novice drivers tackling the Outback. The two most important things to remember are to bring plenty of water, and never to leave your vehicle should something happen. For more tips and safety information, see Driving in the Outback .

As the Stuart Hwy. winds its way northwest toward Coober Pedy, there is little to see other than the harsh, red terrain. This is pasture land, so beware of free-roaming horses and cattle. Fuel prices will increase the farther you venture north, so it’s a good idea to make a pit stop in Port Augusta or Pimba before continuing on into the great red yonder.