More people are opting for the great Australian road trip, but many are unprepared

Whether it’s just a quick weekend trip to head out and explore or a year of freedom to see the country, more Australians are opting for road trips instead of international travel.

Authorities and tourism operators in the Australian outback are preparing for another surge in “first-time travellers” and with it a wave of new drivers eager to tackle dirt roads and red desert.

But while cruising across the outback with little planning has its benefits, locals say it’s crucial to prepare for a safe adventure by learning about the dangers before hitting the road.

Maps can be deceiving, GPS and phone reception are not always reliable, and what looks like a reasonably short drive can be much longer than first thought.

Broken Hill Police Inspector…