Remote travel magnifies small problems. Complete this checklist before each remote leg, then adjust it for the route, season, road authority advice and your vehicle.
Route and current conditions
- Check official road reports, weather, fire, flood and park alerts.
- Confirm permits, access restrictions, road suitability and towing limitations.
- Record distances, realistic travel time, fuel points and turnaround decisions.
- Share the itinerary and check-in plan with a trusted person.
Vehicle and caravan
- Complete scheduled servicing and investigate leaks, warning lights or unusual wear.
- Check tyres including spares, wheel fasteners, bearings, brakes, suspension and coupling.
- Confirm loaded masses at a weighbridge and keep within every relevant rating.
- Carry suitable recovery equipment and know how to use it without unsafe improvisation.
Fuel, water and food
- Use the Remote Fuel Range Calculator with measured towing use.
- Verify fuel availability and carry approved extra fuel only where appropriate.
- Use the Caravan Water Days Calculator and keep an emergency reserve.
- Carry extra food and essential medication for delays.
Communications and emergency planning
- Choose communications that suit the coverage gaps and remoteness of the route.
- Carry emergency contacts, first-aid supplies and appropriate location equipment.
- Know when and how to activate help; do not treat ordinary mobile or satellite internet as the complete emergency plan.
- If lost or stranded, follow current police and emergency-service advice.
Power and camp systems
- Test battery, charging, solar, fridge, water pump and monitoring before departure.
- Secure every load and account for added water, fuel and recovery gear.
- Check fire restrictions and rules for cooking, generators and campsites.
WA Police's outback travel guidance recommends a shared trip plan, extra fuel and spares, current navigation and staying with the vehicle if lost. Also check the authorities for the state, territory, park or road you are actually using.
Build this into the Big Lap planning hub or use the Remote Trip Risk Planner for a structured paid workflow.
Continue your remote travel plan
Add the water plan to your remote checklist
Save the plan where it works without reception
Use the route-planner comparison to distinguish downloaded maps from offline directions. Test the required functions before departure. Keep a separate record of the route, fuel and water decisions, alternate stops and check-in arrangements. Agree what your contact should do if a check-in is missed, and notify them when plans change or you arrive.
Reviewed 5 September 2026. Follow current local road, weather and emergency-service advice.