Towing a Caravan Across the Nullarbor

The Nullarbor is one of Australia's classic caravan trips, and the Eyre Highway is sealed and well suited to towing. But long gaps between fuel, big road trains and strong winds all matter more with a van on the back. Here's what to know before you hitch up.

The road rules

Rule	Western Australia	South Australia
Speed limit when towing	100 km/h maximum, or the posted limit if lower	No separate towing limit — the posted limit applies
Following distance	At least 60 m behind heavy vehicles and other towing vehicles, unless overtaking	Keep a safe distance

In WA nobody may ride in a caravan while it's being towed, you need towing mirrors if your van is wider than your vehicle, and you must not exceed your vehicle's towing capacity or tow-ball weight rating. See the WA Road Safety Commission's towing rules.

On the WA side, cars can do 110 km/h but you're limited to 100. Expect to be overtaken often — keep left and make it easy for faster traffic to get past.

Road trains and wide loads

Get a UHF CB radio. Channel 40 is the road channel: truck drivers and the pilot vehicles that escort wide loads use it. A quick call lets a road train know when it's safe to pass you, and you'll hear about wide loads ahead.
Let them by. If a road train is behind you, ease off and keep left where it's safe, so it can get past quickly. Expect a push of wind as it goes by.
Overtaking takes a long way. A road train can be over 50 metres long. Only pass where you can see a long stretch of clear road ahead.
Watch for wide loads. Pilot cars with “Wide Load” signs run ahead of them — slow down and be ready to move over, even onto the shoulder.

Fuel and range

Towing uses a lot more fuel, and a headwind can add more again. Three legs between Norseman and Ceduna are over 180 km, and the longest is 191 km. Work out your real range with the van on, and carry a jerry can if it's tight. The fuel stops and distances table shows every stop and which ones sell fuel around the clock.

Wind

Strong crosswinds and gusts are common on the open Plain and near the coast, and afternoon winds are strongest from spring into early summer — see best time to cross. Slow down in strong wind, and take extra care when a road train passes in the other direction.

Before you go

Check the tyres on both the car and the van, including both spares — help and replacement tyres can be a long way away.
Have the van's wheel bearings, brakes, lights and coupling checked.
Make sure the loaded van is within your vehicle's towing capacity and tow-ball limit.
Empty the van fridge of fresh fruit, vegetables and honey before each border — see the quarantine rules.

Where to stop overnight

Most roadhouses have caravan sites, and there are rest areas along the highway. See free camps and rest areas for the Main Roads WA rest-area list and the rules, and book roadhouse sites well ahead where possible. Aim to be parked up before dusk — that's when kangaroos and other wildlife are most active.

More Nullarbor planning

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