Be prepared

IF YOU’RE GOING TO make the commitment to any outback trip of exploration, ‘be prepared’ must always be your mantra…unlike that of the couple we encountered on the rarely travelled Blinman–Arkaroola Road.

They were driving on despite their Subaru Forester having two (yes, two) flat tyres. We flagged them down and, surprisingly, they weren’t aware of the punctures. They just thought the ride was a little rough. Additionally, they were unprepared for this crisis, carrying only one threadbare spare, no water and no food. Nor had they alerted anyone where they were going. They did, however, have hot water for a cup of tea!

Before you go anywhere out here, ensure your vehicle has had a proper maintenance check, that tyres are roadworthy and that you carry two (yes, two!) spares. The roads are rocky here and you are likely to puncture.

And that leads to the all-important question: do you know how to change a tyre? If you answered no, then find out before you go.