Message from Indigenous Elders: Welcome to Country Roads

It’s almost time for the much-awaited 2023 Ningaloo Eclipse where the moon’s shadow will cross the Exmouth Peninsula, plunging the area into 62 seconds of total darkness on April 20th at 11:27am. This natural spectacle is expected to draw in an estimated tens of thousands of visitors from around the world, eager to witness this once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. However, with so many people hitting our regional roads, safety is a concern.

We spoke to Dr Richard Walley OAM, Noongar land (Perth), Derek Councillor, Yamatji land, (Geraldton), Tracey Tonga, Yinggarda, Wadjarri and Banjima woman, Yamatji land (Carnarvon) and Hazel Walgar, Baiyungu woman, Baiyungu Country (near Exmouth) for their invaluable advice on how to navigate the country roads during this time. Their knowledge and wisdom can help ensure that everyone enjoys this extraordinary moment safely.

Don’t let fatigue drive you off course

Don’t let fatigue ruin your Ningaloo Eclipse experience. Long stretches of straight roads can lull drivers into a false sense of security, making them more prone to fatigue.

“Our roads can be long and straight, so pay attention to yawning and drifting off,” advised Dr Richard Walley OAM.

To stay alert and safe, plan to drive during the daytime, get at least 7.5 hours of sleep the night before, and take regular breaks along the way. There’s plenty of stunning scenery and fascinating places to stop and see along the way, so make the most of your journey while keeping safety in mind.

Sharing is caring

As you hit the road for your once-in-a-lifetime adventure, keep in mind that you’ll be sharing the road with cars, caravans, long trucks and motorcycles. To make the drive smoother and safer for everyone, it’s crucial to be mindful of other drivers.

“Be considerate of others by always keeping your lights on – even when driving in the daytime,” Dr Walley said.

Driving with your lights on is an excellent way to make your car more visible to other drivers, especially during times of reduced visibility such as dawn, dusk, and on cloudy days. It’s a simple act of courtesy that can help prevent accidents and make the road trip more pleasant for everyone.

Enjoy the ride, but watch your speed

This Country is sacred and beautiful, something to enjoy and take in, but it’s important to keep an eye on your speed while driving. Most regional highways have a speed limit of 110km p/hour, while trucks, caravans, and vehicles towing trailers are limited to 100km p/hour. To ensure your safety and the safety of others, always drive at a speed suitable for the road conditions. In some cases, such as driving in wet or windy weather, you may need to slow down even further.

Make a good assessment when overtaking

Overtaking on our scenic West Aussie country roads is a bit different from overtaking in the city; it requires a different level of attention and expertise. As you navigate the roads, remember to take the time to make a good assessment before making any moves.

“Relax and enjoy the journey, but if you do need to overtake don’t underestimate it. Ensure the road ahead is clear and indicate to let other drivers know your intentions,” Hazel Walgar, Baiyungu woman, Baiyungu Country (near Exmouth) told us.

It’s important to exercise patience and avoid cutting in front of trucks and buses. These larger vehicles require more time to slow down, so be sure to keep a safe distance and avoid any sudden manoeuvres. By keeping a calm and cautious approach, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for yourself and those around you.

Watch out for wildlife on the road

You’ll also be sharing the road with wildlife. Animals like kangaroos, wallabies, and other native animals are very active, but mostly at sunrise and sunset.

“If you see an animal on the road, slow down and proceed with caution — and don’t swerve to avoid it,” Ms Walgar said.

Weathering the journey

As advised by Tracey Tonga, a Yinggarda, Wadjarri, and Banjima woman from Yamatji land (Carnarvon) “Driving conditions change with the seasons, so be sure to adapt and lower your speed accordingly”. Additionally, she suggests avoiding roads affected by bushfires, smoke, or flooding to stay safe on the roads. By staying aware and making smart decisions, you can enjoy your 2023 Ningaloo Eclipse and our Country.

For those travelling on WA regional roads at the time of the Ningaloo Eclipse, the traditional owners wish for your journey through their country to be a happy and memorable experience. Please drive carefully and make every journey safe. Visit the website for more information.