Road and Weather Conditions
Weather Conditions
The weather conditions experienced in WA may affect your journey. There are a number of websites providing excellent information about the weather; both in terms of historical information and future predictions.
We recommend, when you are planning your DriveWA escape, you have a look at the average min and max temperatures for the month of your travel; as well as the average rainfall statistics, as they may have a significant impact on your plans.
The Bureau of Meteorology is a detailed site which has useful weather information to help you better plan your trip; it is best site for past weather patterns. It provides information about average max and min temperatures for specific sections of WA; as well as information regarding average rainfall, humidity, and wind speed. Click on the region you will be visiting, then the nearest weather station, and you will be provided with a table of the max, min, and mean temperatures; and rainfalls for each month.
The Bureau of Meteorology can also provide you with maps of average rainfall and temperatures.
You may also wish to utilise the Bureau Recorded Messages Services for additional information regarding the weather: Australia-wide
- National Weather Service: 1800 155 344
- Tropical Cyclone Warnings (NT, QLD & WA): 1800 155 355
- Metropolitan/Marine/Country & Capital City Temperature Service: 1900 155 366
- National Weather Service: 1800 155 344
- Tropical Cyclone Warnings (NT, QLD & WA): 1800 155 355
- Metropolitan/Marine/Country & Capital City Temperature Service: 1900 155 366
For specialised Perth and regional marine weather, for people interested in boating and water sports, have a look at the Seabreeze Technologies website. It also features interesting webcams of beaches.
Road Conditions
The roads in Western Australia are generally in reasonable condition. However, the further you travel from major centres, the more difficult local conditions can be and weather; other natural elements and factors can often alter the conditions of certain roads.
A sudden downpour of rain may cause flash floods that fill up the creek crossings. This is not only in the tropical areas, but also in the normally arid central and southern regions. Before setting off on a journey over unsealed roads, check conditions with the following road-report services:
The Main Roads of Western Australia: Freecall: 1800 013 314
Log onto www.mainroads.wa.gov.au or www.ExplorOZ.com.
You can drive a long way around Western Australia on bitumen, but you don't have to get very far off the main track to find yourself on dirt or gravel roads.
The north of the state is particularly prone to flash floods in the wet season, which can be a problem. Although the wet season is a fabulous time to be in the north, you must take care to check weather and road conditions daily by radio, satellite phone, or similar if you are travelling in the outback.
For more information about certain roads and tracks we recommend the excellent material that our CEO, Chris Pye’s, friends David and Michelle maintain on their website at www.ExplorOZ.com. Also the 4WD Association maintain material about Roads and tracks at www.wa4wda.com.au.
Save on Fuel
In WA fuel prices are regulated by Fuelwatch and cannot change during the day. Petrol stations notify Fuelwatch of their prices, so you are able to plan your trip and fill up with the cheapest petrol prices. They even have trip planner to help you do it.
Road Rules in Western Australia
When travelling throughout this great state, ensure that you take into consideration the road rules in place. Unfortunately the road rules still vary considerably around the world, even between Australian States.
DriveWA urges its clients to get a copy of the road rules from any WA police station and/or their website. Study them so that you don’t make simple mistakes which can end up being financially costly, and costly in terms of your personal safety. Breaching a road rule may hinder your chances of recovering the cost of resulting damage in a road accident; either from the other person concerned in the accident, or from your insurance company.
The Office of Road Safety is another useful resource providing an extensive list of road safety tips. www.ors.wa.gov.au covers topics from speed limits and fatigue to drink driving and penalties. Visit this sight before embarking on your holiday and make your drivewa adventure a safe one.
In WA, the speed limit in built-up areas is usually 60km/hr on major roads, and 50km/hr in residential areas off the major roads. Out on the open highway, the speed limit is generally between 100kmh to 110kmh, depending on your location.
When travelling throughout this great state, ensure that you take into consideration the road rules in place. Unfortunately the road rules still vary considerably around the world, even between Australian States.
DriveWA urges its clients to get a copy of the road rules from any WA police station and/or their website. Study them so that you don’t make simple mistakes which can end up being financially costly, and costly in terms of your personal safety. Breaching a road rule may hinder your chances of recovering the cost of resulting damage in a road accident; either from the other person concerned in the accident, or from your insurance company.
The Office of Road Safety is another useful resource providing an extensive list of road safety tips. www.ors.wa.gov.au covers topics from speed limits and fatigue to drink driving and penalties. Visit this sight before embarking on your holiday and make your drivewa adventure a safe one.
In WA, the speed limit in built-up areas is usually 60km/hr on major roads, and 50km/hr in residential areas off the major roads. Out on the open highway, the speed limit is generally between 100kmh to 110kmh, depending on your location.
Oncoming drivers who flash their lights at you may be giving you a friendly indication of a speed trap ahead, or some sort of hazard.
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