Road conditions in the Territory
Please note the information in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any decisions based on this article.
Territorians are all for going the road less travelled, and depending on where you’re exploring in the NT there are many sealed roads that are accessible by all vehicle types. However, there are also many unsealed roads where only four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles will be able to navigate.
We've used the NT Road Users' Handbook to help break down the different road types and provide some tips below:
Sealed roads
- These roads are accessible by all vehicle types and generally well maintained and signposted.
- The edges on some sealed roads can be soft, so take care when leaving the bitumen.
- Reduce your speed before nearing the road edge and be cautious of edge drop offs, 'washaways' and loose stones.
Unsealed roads
- Unsealed road surfaces can vary from gravel roads to graded natural surface (dirt) roads.
- Two-wheel drive vehicles can be driven on most gravel roads, while four-wheel drive is recommended for dirt roads.
- Take care when driving on unsealed roads with loose or shifting surfaces, as being more hazardous than driving on bitumen, controlling the vehicle and braking can become more difficult.
- Unsealed roads and dirt tracks can often have corrugations – a series of regular bumps or ripples with short spacings in the road surface. Always be cautious when driving on corrugations and slow down when rounding curves as speed may cause loss of traction and control of your vehicle or trailer, and significantly increase your braking distance.
- Dust on unsealed roads can obscure your vision and conceal ruts and potholes, so it is recommended to slow down or pull off the road and stop until the dust settles. Keep an eye out for approaching vehicles throwing up stones that could break your windscreen, and leave your headlights on to make it easier for other vehicles to see you through the dust.
Four-wheel drive vehicles
- Unsurprisingly, 4WD's are some of the most popular cars driven in the NT as they are designed for both on and off-road conditions, handling differently to a standard car.
- When travelling on unsealed roads, engaging 4WD is recommended. Make sure you are familiar with how to drive the vehicle and know when to use the various accessories and features (such as locking front hubs and engaging four-wheel drive).
- In the wet season, some gravel roads will require a four-wheel drive vehicle, especially at creek crossings and flood ways.
If you are planning to do a trip off the major roads:
- seek advice about local conditions,
- make sure your vehicle is suited to the terrain,
- make sure you have adequate equipment, water and other provisions; and
- tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
The Territory has some of the most beautiful locations to see and explore, so make sure to soak it all up whilst staying safe!
If you have TIO Comprehensive Car Insurance, you can relax knowing that TIO will pay the reasonable cost of protection, removal and towing of your vehicle after a covered accident to the nearest repairer, place of safety or any other place which we agree to*.
*Terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Before making a decision please consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) / Policy Wording, Supplementary PDS (where applicable). These documents, together with the relevant Target Market Determination are available on the TIO website.
Disclaimer
This article has been prepared by TIO. Information contained in this article is accurate as at 31 August 2023 and may be subject to change. In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.
Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither TIO, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.
