Communications

Before commencing your DriveWA adventure, it is important to ensure you can communicate with the outside world from wherever you are!

This can be a matter of life and death. Or it just may be a matter of enjoying your DriveWA escape and sending great messages and pictures home to your family and friends.

Most of us feel safer at home than on any trip, perhaps because we have a network of friends and family around us and we know how to get help if we need it.

The further you are from these safety networks the harder it is to get help when you need it; and you can never tell when you might need help.

So it is important that you plan your communication needs to ensure that you have the equipment you need, when you need it.

Outback Australia is not like the suburbs. Mobile telephone service is not always available, even in the relatively populated areas of the south west. If you are not a Western Australian resident your normal mobile service may not be available to you at all, unless you arrange for that to occur before you leave home.

If you are planning to use your mobile phone whilst you Drive WA please see our page on phones services, to check that your phone will work where you intend to go.

The great thing about a DriveWA adventure is that anything can happen - BUT some things may come up out of the blue that might ruin your enjoyment if you cannot get help. In order to prevent health and safety dilemmas, it is necessary to plan in advance. In some places you will need modern and sophisticated tools of communication BUT you don’t need to buy them. In most cases they can be hired from our preferred suppliers at a reasonable price before you leave Perth.

Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is within reach of regular travellers who wish to enjoy a safe and fun-filled holiday, away from the crowds and the cities.

Modern navigation systems are extremely accurate and small enough to fit almost anywhere - in your car, even in your pocket! Extensive use of electronic maps and coordination with the GPS of satellites, make it possible for almost anyone to utilise its incredible benefits. Tools range from hand-held systems for hikers, and in-car computerized directories and traffic monitoring systems, to marine emergency beacons and systems that are relied upon by the world's aviation networks.

Please spend some time considering the communications options avaliable to you.