Mapped: Worst roadtrip danger zones revealed

Roadtripping to that epic holiday home? The worst places to break down have been revealed

New data has pinpointed the highways where a breakdown could turn deadly, underscoring the risks for families heading to holiday homes and buyers chasing affordable property in Australia’s most remote regions.

Car hire comparison site VroomVroomVroom analysed the nation’s most popular road-trip routes against the location of nearby hospitals, fuel stations and mechanics to reveal the top 10 worst places to stop.

With five in Western Australia and the rest in Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory, the results showed how quickly isolation can turn a summer getaway into a survival test for families lured to remote holiday properties and lifestyle blocks.

From famed desert tracks to remote outback corridors, these roads deliver sweeping scenery and an unforgettable Australian experience, but also the stark reality that help may be hundreds of kilometres away.

The Gunbarrel Highway is famed for night-time stargazing and chasing sand dunes. Pic: Supplied/ TWA

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They also cut through regions where cheap land and holiday shacks still tempt buyers, from Birdsville in Queensland’s Channel Country, to Oodnadatta and Coober Pedy in South Australia, to Alice Springs and Halls Creek on the Tanami.

Short-term rental properties in Birdsville included a 2024-built three-bedroom house for just under $700 a week, while 71 properties were listed for sale in Coober Pedy and surrounds on realestate.com.au, starting from $24,000 for a 1,280 sqm block of land.

Buyers in Alice Springs could choose from about 300 properties, from a $150,000 unit to a sprawling homestead on 26ha for $3.8m.

A property for sale in Alice Springs

The Gunbarrel Highway in Western Australia ranked the worst place to break down.

Perfect for night-time stargazing or chasing sand dunes, it connects to Alice Springs and other central states or territories but the isolated terrain is unforgiving if things go wrong.

Next on the list was the Tanami Road, stretching across the Northern Territory and into Western Australia, with breakdowns leaving drivers over 200km from help.

Meanwhile, Queensland’s Diamantina River Road and the Birdsville Developmental Road both rank highly, placing travellers deep in outback country with limited support, and hundreds of kilometres away from rescue.

The terrain is unforgiving if things go wrong

Ex-military survivalist Ryan Wilson said the study was a timely reminder of how quickly a summer road trip can turn serious for holiday-makers.

“Breakdowns happen, and when they do, especially in remote areas, you need more than luck to get through them,” Mr Wilson said.

The former SASR soldier, now founder of Working Paws Australia, has turned his frontline knowledge into practical tips for roadtrippers.

“When heading into remote or rugged parts of Australia, preparation is everything,” he said.

“You don’t need military training to stay safe, you just need the right gear and a clear plan.”

Ex-military survival expert Ryan Wilson

Must-haves include navigation maps and GPS, food, water, a first-aid kit, multitool, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and even snakebite bandages.

A traveller’s mindset was equally important, Mr Wilson said.

“You’re in a situation that requires calm, deliberate action. It’s not about being tough, it’s about being smart, staying focused, and using what you’ve got to stay safe and get through.”

He urged drivers to plan routes carefully, check weather conditions and tell someone when and where they’re travelling.

The Bunda cliff face along the Great Australian Bight on Eyre Highway

Staying with your vehicle was the golden rule, with the car doors or bonnets able to provide shade, while tyres could weigh down seat covers and clothing as a makeshift shelter.

Walking for help should be a last resort:

“If you do have to move, make sure you’ve got a clear plan,” Mr Wilson said.

“Know your directions, use the sun, a compass or GPS. Carry water, sun protection, and a way to communicate.”

Finally, he said, make yourself visible to increase the likelihood of attracting help.

Reflective materials, mirrors, foil to flash sunlight or even using rocks to form ground signals like ‘SOS’ or ‘HELP’ were options.

Be prepared and stay with your vehicle, Mr Wilson says

TOP 10 BREAKDOWN DANGER ZONES

1. Gunbarrel Highway, WA

2. Tanami Road, NT

3. Diamantina River Road, Qld

4. Lyndon-Minnie Creek Road, WA

5. Birdsville Developmental Road, Qld

6. Sandover Highway, NT

7. Eyre Highway, WA-SA

8. Carnarvon Mullewa Rd, WA

9. Goldfields Highway, WA

10. Carpentaria Highway, NT

Stage one of the $150m Carpentaria Highway upgrade is complete

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