Dangers Of Night Time Driving in Australia

Australia is a land of wide-open roads, star-filled skies, and unforgettable road trip adventures. But as tempting as it may be to push on after sunset, night-time driving here isn’t just a little trickier — it can be seriously dangerous.

Whether you’re weaving through remote bushland or cruising coastal highways, understanding the risks of night driving could be the difference between a magical holiday and a regrettable detour. Here’s why you should think twice before hitting the road after dark.

This is why Cruisin’ Motorhomes strongly recommend that you DO NOT drive at night. It’s just not worth it, here’s why.

1. Australian Wildlife is Nocturnal

One of the biggest hazards of night-time driving in Australia is its unique wildlife. Many native animals — including kangaroos, wallabies, possums, wombats, and even emus — are nocturnal or crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk). Unfortunately, that means the times when visibility is lowest are also when you're most likely to encounter them.

These animals are unpredictable and may dart across the road without warning. Kangaroos, in particular, can jump into your path from behind roadside bushes or trees. Their eyes often reflect light, but by the time you see them in your headlights, it is often too late to react. They tend to get frightened by headlights and are not known for their quick reaction times.

Why does it matter for motorhome travellers? A collision with a large animal can cause serious damage to your vehicle and even leave you stranded in remote areas without assistance until morning.

If a collision happens: STOP the vehicle immediately. Do NOT drive. Call Roadside Assistance at 1300 016 532.

🦘 REAL STORY: In the past, a family unfortunately hit a red kangaroo while driving at night on a remote road. The damage was so severe that the vehicle was written off and had to be replaced. Because the accident happened after hours, no towing services were available, and we couldn’t reach the family until the next morning. They had to spend the night in the middle of nowhere, in a broken vehicle.

This is the type of traumatic experience that we don’t want anyone to go through, especially with young children.

Image: Driving at night can be very dangerous

2. Long Distances and Remote Roads

Australia is enormous. It’s not uncommon to drive for hours without seeing another car, a petrol station, or even a rest stop — especially in the outback or less populated regions. At night, these stretches can feel endless, and a breakdown or flat tyre becomes much riskier when help is hours away.

Australia’s natural beauty is undeniable, but it also comes with extreme weather conditions. Summer temperatures can soar into the 40s°C, while in winter they can drop below freezing. In the cooler seasons, black ice can form on roads, making them slippery and challenging to navigate.

🌾 REAL STORY: Travellers in central Queensland once broke down on an unlit back road and had no phone signal to call for help. They spent the night in the vehicle, waiting until morning when another car finally passed.

We never want our customers to find themselves in unsafe situations, especially being stranded overnight in the remote Australian outback.

Cruisin’ Tip: Always plan your daily drives to finish well before sunset. If you’re travelling through the outback or regional areas, stock up on essentials like water, snacks, and a flashlight — just in case.

Image: Drive during daytime to enjoy a relaxing evening

3. Fatigue and Reduced Visibility

Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of road fatalities in Australia. In fact, it’s estimated that between 20% to 30% of all fatal accidents on Australian roads are caused by tired drivers. What’s even more alarming? Research shows that driving while sleep-deprived has a similar effect on your body as driving under the influence of alcohol.

Fatigue affects you in ways you might not even notice until it’s too late:

Difficulty concentrating and being easily distracted
Poor judgement
Reduced hand-eye coordination and visual perception
Reduced vigilance
Slower reaction time
You become less alert — just when you need to be at your sharpest

Now, add in the fact that many of our travellers are new to Australian road rules, driving a campervan or motorhome for the first time, or navigating unfamiliar areas — and you’ve got a recipe for stress, not adventure.

Fatigue

Image: Be smart and enjoy some resting time

4. Limited Emergency Services in Regional Areas

It’s easy to forget how remote some parts of Australia are — until you need help. You’ll be able to reach our Roadside team of course, but at night, local mechanics and roadside assistance services are often closed, and mobile reception can be patchy or non-existent, especially in national parks and coastal reserves.

That means if you run into trouble, it might be hours before help arrives — and if you’re travelling in winter, temperatures can drop below freezing in inland regions.

Cruisin’ Tip: Always let someone know your travel plans and estimated arrival times. Carry a fully charged phone, a physical map, and consider a GPS device that works offline.

Image: Quiet and beautiful remote Queensland area

5. How to Make the Most of Your Motorhome Trip in Australia

Exploring Australia by motorhome is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure — but a little planning goes a long way to ensure your trip is not only unforgettable, but safe too. Here’s how to get the best out of your journey:

Do your research: Australia is a huge country, and distances between destinations can be surprisingly long. Look up travel times between stops, check road conditions, and know what to expect before you hit the road.
Plan your trip: Avoid cramming too much into a single day. Allow for rest breaks, meals, and enough daylight to find and set up at your campground comfortably. Remember — your motorhome is your home, not a race car.
Know the rules: If you’re visiting from overseas, take time to understand Australia’s road laws. Things like speed limits, signage, and road etiquette can vary from state to state. Knowing the rules means safer driving and fewer surprises.
Travel with a buddy: Whenever possible, share the driving. Taking turns behind the wheel helps avoid fatigue and lets both of you enjoy the scenery.
Rest: Solo travellers, this one's for you! Don’t push yourself to cover big distances in a single day. Schedule recovery time between legs of your trip to relax and recharge.
Be prepared: Always have enough fuel, drinking water, and basic supplies. In some parts of Australia, fuel stations can be up to 500 kilometres apart — that’s not a distance you want to underestimate.
Stop before sunset: This is one of our golden rules. When you travel in a motorhome, your evenings can be the best part of the day — watching the sunset, cooking dinner under the stars, or simply kicking back with a good book.

Don’t risk your safety by driving into the night.

Don’t spoil your holiday by driving at night.

After all, there’s no better feeling than waking up somewhere beautiful, well-rested, and ready for another day of adventure.

Image: Cook dinner with a view & enjoy the evening

Start Planning Your Trip!

At Cruisin Motorhomes, we genuinely want you to enjoy every part of your road trip — safely and with confidence. That’s why we strongly recommend that you DO NOT drive at night. It’s just not worth it.

Instead, make the most of your daylight hours. Park up well before sunset, relax with a cuppa in your motorhome’s kitchen, watch the stars from your campsite, and rest easy knowing tomorrow’s drive will be safer and far more enjoyable.