Travelling with a 6mth baby across remote Gulf country

[toil Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close toil]

We are considering doing the gulf track between Borroloola and Normanton on our way from Darwin to Cairns in early August this year. Not really sightseeing, just taking a different route across in as little and safe amount of time possible.

Has anyone got any advice on travelling with a baby on remote tracks? should we avoid it and just stick to the black top major highways?

[chester Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close chester]

Re: Travelling with a 6mth baby across remote Gulf country

Mate it would depend on your risk appetite

The advantages i can see travelling on the the blacktop are as follows

Less chance of mechanical breakdown
More chance of a plane being able to land for an airlift if required
More chance of being assisted by another vehicle if required

Think of it this way if one of you becomes out of action could the other one manage to get and look after you the vehicle and the baby

Also due to remotness i would suggest forget it if the little one has any medical conditions that may require urgent treatment

On the flip side if you are confident in both your abilities then go for it as there may be less chance of injury that say the ever inquisitive 4 year old who could get up to any manner of mischef

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

Re: Travelling with a 6mth baby across remote Gulf country

Watch out for those pesky dingoes.

They'll take anything that's left lying around, apparently.

[fishfinder Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close fishfinder]

Re: Travelling with a 6mth baby across remote Gulf country

Watch out for those pesky dingoes.

They'll take anything that's left lying around, apparently.

Blame the " DINGO " I am sure ELVIS is lurking in the outback disguised as a DINGO :shock:

[stephenvsl Member Find all posts View Profile Close stephenvsl]

Re: Travelling with a 6mth baby across remote Gulf country

I suggest talking with your GP about the types of things that can come up unexpectantly and what preparations can be made. When we travelled with older children our GP gave us prescriptions (which we filled beforehand) for things like Antibiotics in case they got a throat infection etc while we were away. So talk with your GP about the medical stuff.

Breakdowns are just really an inconvenience if you are well prepared and carrying food, water and shelter. You can rent Sat Phones quite cheaply these days to call for help if you break down.

Accidents I'm afraid are entirely different and other than careful driving there's not much you can do no matter where you are the roads are a risk.

[mav Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close mav]

Re: Travelling with a 6mth baby across remote Gulf country

After having three babies in our family; I recommend sticking to the main road with a baby of 6 months..

+1 with this advice, young babies are too prone to having medical problems arise at the drop of a hat. Always better to be on good roads when traveling in the outback areas with babies in case you either have to floor it to get help or you need help to get to you quickly. You sometimes only have one chance to do it right and you would never forgive yourself if you got this one wrong.

[toil Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close toil]

Re: Travelling with a 6mth baby across remote Gulf country

Thanks for the advice. All taken on board...including the dingoes! :shock: