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Outback driving.

Getting to Broken Hill, and getting home again, is all part of the adventure. Here is how to travel safely in both directions.

Know before you go

Plan the drive, not just the Bash.

Broken Hill is accessible by 2WD on sealed roads from all major cities. No 4WD is required on the main routes, and the road to Mundiville is sealed. See Getting there for the drive from town.

If you are planning any dirt road detours, check Live Traffic NSW for road conditions before you go. Outback roads can close quickly after rain, and driving on a closed road means a significant fine.

There may be special event speed limits and road closures in and around Broken Hill, Silverton and Mundiville. Do not rely only on your GPS. Check the road signs and stay alert to changed conditions.

A smiling driver at the window of a 4WD arriving at the Mundi Mundi Bash
Heavy police presenceThe roads around Broken Hill are among the most heavily policed in NSW while the Bash is on. Police travel in from across the western areas with random breath tests and mobile speed cameras. Be smart, do not risk it.
Plan a few alternate routesIf your preferred road is closed due to rain, a backup means you will not be stuck. Leave a day or two of flexibility in your travel plans. Outback roads usually reopen fairly quickly once conditions improve.
Vehicles rolling in to Mundiville on the Mundi Mundi Plains
Safe driving guidelines

Drive smart, arrive safe.

These guidelines were developed with Police, road safety authorities, local council and outback experts. Follow them and you will have a brilliant trip.

Be off the road by sunsetPlan your driving to finish before dark. Kangaroos, wombats and cattle are almost invisible on outback roads at night, and it is not worth the risk.
Take a break every 2 hoursLong, straight outback roads are deceptively tiring. Stop regularly, enjoy the local towns and grab a coffee or a roadhouse pie. It is all part of the trip.
Never overtake in dustIf you come up behind a slower vehicle in dusty conditions, hang back well out of the dust cloud. You cannot see what is ahead. Be patient, or stop for a cuppa.
Give way to road trainsIf a truck or road train is kicking up dust your way, slow down, pull right off the road and wait for it to pass. These vehicles are very long.
Watch for wildlifeDo not swerve to avoid animals. Slow down, stop and beep your horn. Kangaroos are most active at dawn and dusk, so keep a passenger alert and scanning ahead.
Fill up at every stopFuel stations can be a long way apart on outback routes. Top up at every opportunity, even if you are only half empty, and carry a jerry can on more remote legs.
Slow down on dirt roadsOutback roads can be poorly cambered with loose surfaces. Even straight sections have caught out experienced drivers. Slow down, the scenery is worth it anyway.
Carry extra waterOutback NSW can reach extreme temperatures. Carry far more drinking water than you think you will need. If you break down, stay with your vehicle and do not walk.
Download maps offlineMobile coverage is patchy across much of outback NSW. Download offline maps before you leave town and do not rely on live GPS navigation.
A long straight outback road in NSW
Road conditions

Check before you leave.

Outback road conditions can change rapidly, particularly after rain. A road that was fine yesterday can be closed today. Check conditions before leaving any major town, on the way in and on the way home.

Check Live Traffic NSW for road closures and conditions, and call in to the Broken Hill Visitor Information Centre for local advice before you head out in either direction.

Heading off the main highways? Make sure someone knows your route and expected arrival time. In a true emergency, stay with your vehicle. You are far easier to find than if you are on foot.

Join the travelling group
Further reading

More outback driving resources.

Our team has plenty of experience on outback roads. These go deeper on the specifics and are worth a read before you head off.

Outback road trip essentials →Visit NSW
Towing in the outback →Event Safety Services
Tyre pressures for outback roads →Event Safety Services
Vehicle preparation for outback travel →Event Safety Services
Truck and tow vehicle preparation →Event Safety Services
Outback NSW local alerts →NSW National Parks
Live Traffic NSW →Transport for NSW
Frequently asked

Outback driving FAQs.

No. Broken Hill is reachable by 2WD on sealed roads from all major cities, and the road to Mundiville is sealed. If you plan dirt road detours on the way, check local road conditions first.

Yes, heavily. The roads around Broken Hill are among the most heavily policed in NSW while the Bash is on, with police travelling in from across the western areas with random breath tests and mobile speed cameras.

Outback roads can close quickly after rain, and driving on a closed road means a significant fine. Plan a few alternate routes and leave a day or two of flexibility. Roads usually reopen fairly quickly once conditions improve.

No. Fill up in Broken Hill before you head out. It is a round trip of around 76km. See Getting there for the drive.

19 to 21 August 2027 · Mundi Mundi Plains · Broken Hill NSW

See you on the Plains.

Drive safe in both directions, take your time, and we will see you at the Bash.

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