Authorities tell tourists 'don't just rely on Google Maps' while travelling through outback Queensland

Authorities are asking tourists to plan ahead when travelling through Queensland’s outback. (ABC Western Qld: Danielle Lancaster)

Outback explorers are raring to hit Queensland’s red dirt tracks, but authorities are worried about the volume of inexperienced travellers relying on location mapping apps.

The Easter school holidays marks the unofficial start to the outback tourist season and tourism operators are busily preparing for an influx of visitors.

The State Emergency Service (SES) in the state’s far west said its biggest concern was people taking wrong directions while using location mapping apps.

“Especially in the regional and remote areas of south-west Queensland, you can find yourself in a world of pain,” said area controller John Wallace.

Close calls involving drivers being led astray from following Google Maps have made headlines.

Two German tourists were wandering lost for several days after leaving their car bogged in the Cape York wilderness in February.

Councils and even local residents have made signs to redirect drivers misdirected by Google Maps.

Birdsville Senior Constable Stephan Pursell said it was common to find lost people who had taken a wrong turn.

He said the start of this season could be pose an extra challenge, with rain soaking parts of the outback earlier this week.

“We certainly have a few roads that are closed almost all year round due to flooding or damage, and Google Maps will still send people up those roads,” he said.

So this is what outback authorities want you to know before hitting the road.

Plan ahead

The first tip to safely get to your destination is simple.

“What we suggest is don’t just rely on Google Maps,” Senior Constable Pursell said.

He said the best thing to do was plan thoroughly before venturing into isolated areas.

“Give us a ring right here in Birdsville if you’re unsure of a road and we’ll be able to give you an update,” he said.

Mr Wallace said it was best to consult physical maps and get as much information as possible about the area you are visiting.

And double-checking your information is crucial.

“Especially towards the oil and gas fields, a lot of the wells have names,” Mr Wallace said.

“They’re not names of a station or a property. That can be very confusing if you’re new to the area.”

Don’t leave your car

If you do get lost or stuck in the outback there is one golden rule to keep in mind.

“Surely we all know that the rule is stay with your car,” said Wendy Sheehan from Trinidad station, north-west of Quilpie.

“If something happens, and you don’t get where you’re supposed to be, it’s often an aerial search that’s involved.”

The life-long outback local said it was much easier for a search party to spot a vehicle rather than a person.

Tell someone

Before hitting the road it is a good idea to tell someone what time you are leaving and what time you are expecting to arrive.

“So if you’re not there in those times, someone will start ringing around to find out where you are,” Mr Wallace said.

“We’ll be able to find you a hell of a lot quicker in this area when we know where you’re heading,” Senior Constable Pursell said.

Pack enough supplies

With rain soaking the outback in the lead-up to Easter, road conditions are quickly changing.

Wet weather could block off a road at any time of the year.

“If you get to somewhere and the water’s too high, you may want to go back so you need to have enough fuel,” Ms Sheehan said.

It is not just fuel that is required.

“Make sure your vehicle has been serviced, you’ve got communications, you’ve got water and food — all the essentials to sustain life,” Mr Wallace said.

And once you have taken all the necessary safety measures, do not forget to make the most of it.

“Channel Country is a beautiful part of the world, and the far south-west, so enjoy it. But do it safely,” Mr Wallace said.

Google said it aimed to fix inaccurate digital maps “as quickly as possible”.

”We encourage drivers in rural areas to stay alert, be aware of your surroundings at all times, and when in doubt, follow traffic regulations and confirm signage from the road or path that you’re on,” a spokesperson said.