Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/937563
6 Road Closures During the summer period (November to April), sealed and unsealed roads can be open for travel one day and completely flooded the next. Authorities provide road updates and weather warnings. Regardless of your vehicle do not attempt to traverse roads that have been closed by the authorities under any circumstances. Not only do you put your own safety at risk, you also put at risk those who come to assist you. For up to the minute info www.mainroads.wa.gov.au or telephone 138 138. 7 Road Trains Road trains are a unique part of travelling in the North West. Extra caution is needed when overtaking road trains, which can be over 50 metres in length. Dust kicked up on unsealed roads can totally obscure vision, so the only time to overtake is when you can clearly see ahead. Be aware it can take up to 2.5 kilometres to overtake a road train at 100km/h. 8 Bush Fires In a country as dry as Australia, bush fires can be a danger. Due to the sheer isolation of the North West, it is possible a fire can rage for several days before it is noticed and brought under control. The lighting of fires can be extremely dangerous. Care should be taken at all times and a campfire should never be left unattended. Please help us protect our natural environment and abide by fire warnings. 9 Wandering Stock Many stations are unfenced and it is not uncommon to encounter wandering stock and wildlife. Serious accidents occur due to collisions with kangaroos and cattle. Particular care should be taken at dawn and dusk as these are the most dangerous times. Please slow down, keep a lookout and if possible avoid driving at night. 10 Tides Australia's North West experiences huge tidal movements. Tidal water can move very quickly, catching you and your boat or vehicle unaware - so if you are undertaking any activity by the water it pays to be aware of local tidal movements. Tide charts are available from Visitor Centres and service stations. 11 Marine Stingers Box Jellyfish and Irukandji Jellyfish are potentially lethal stingers which can be found along the Kimberley and Pilbara coast. They are most prevalent from November until April. Take the right precautions, wear a full length stinger suit and if local authorities close the beach, please abide by their instructions. If you are stung, douse liberally with vinegar and seek urgent medical advice. 12 Crocodiles There are two species of crocodile found throughout the Kimberley; the estuarine or saltwater crocodile and the Johnston, or freshwater crocodile. They are also found along the Pilbara coast and have been spotted infrequently as far south as Coral Bay. Estuarine crocodiles are considered extremely dangerous, they inhabit billabongs, rivers, creeks and the open ocean and have been known to attack humans. Freshwater crocodiles are smaller and generally inhabit freshwater creeks and occasionally tidal areas. Don't be fooled by their names, as both can be found in either fresh or salt water. Observe warning signs and if in doubt seek local information. Do not wade, swim or use small boats in estuaries, tidal rivers and deep pools. Never clean fish or leave food scraps near the water and always camp well back from the water's edge. Be crocodile aware. 14 Caring for National Parks Pets and firearms are not permitted in national parks. Avoid the use of excessive sunscreen when planning to swim in gorge and river pools as it can be harmful to wildlife. Spinifex is fragile so please use the paths and roads provided and do not make new tracks. Many areas in national parks have significance to Aboriginal people. Please do not interfere with cultural sites. 15 Help Protect the Kimberley from Cane Toads Cane toads will cause mass devastation to wildlife and ecosystems, but with your help we can reduce the chances of them becoming established in Western Australia. Check your load as toads love to hitch a ride on your car, caravan or even in camping gear. Report sightings to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions hotline on 1800 449 453 (freecall). Cane toads are large heavily built amphibians with dry warty skin, a bony head and bony ridges over their eyes. Adults have large glands on each shoulder behind the eardrum. Average sized adults are 10-15cm long and they may be grey, yellowish or olive brown and their bellies are pale with dark mottling. 13 Quarantine Western Australia's remoteness helps to provide a natural barrier against many pests and diseases. To help keep Western Australia disease-free there are strict quarantine laws regarding the importing or transporting of plants and food stuffs. The Ord Valley irrigation area has more stringent quarantine restrictions. While they may seem harmless, fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds, plants, flowers, honey, animals and introduced birds pose a real threat to the environment. The best rule to follow is: if in doubt, declare it. Be warned, heavy penalties apply to those people not declaring items identified as a risk. For full details www.agric.wa.gov.au 5 Fuel If travelling by road it is essential that you plan your mileage and track your fuel stops accordingly. Check ahead and keep in mind that not all fuel stops are open 24 hours or seven days a week. Carrying additional fuel is highly recommended. If travelling the Gibb River Road, Derby Visitor Centre produce a guide detailing fuel stops. Australia's North West | 7