Hi Barree 42, welcome to the forum. The NT is a big place and if you stick on the main routes you will find they are all sealed and in good condition. In some places you will find single lane sealed roads that require you to pull to one side should a road train travelling in the opposite direction come into view. There is also an abundance of dirt roads and depending on the time of year as to whether they have been graded, vary in quality. All the major things you want to see such as Kakadu, Litchfield, Edith Falls, Katherine Gorge and right out to the WA border are all good sealed roads.

I have lived in the NT off and on over the last twenty years and can assure you it is very safe, very friendly and there are heaps of places to stay. there are millions of places  to just pull off the highway for a break or for a few days. There are CPs in all the popular places and low cost or free camping as well. Many camp outside road houses and access the showers, food and beers.  As it is now coming on to the dry season there will be plenty of others doing what you are doing so just follow along. A quick chat at any rest stop or camp and you will soon be an authority on the place. 

Don't worry about the road trains. They roll along at about 90 kph and unless you are say between Katherine and Darwin, there is ample straight road for them to overtake. I don't recommend overtaking them. They are long, there is the wind factor and when they speed up again they are right up your clacker. Between Katherine and Darwin there is many overtaking lanes where you can safely allow faster vehicles through. The locals are pretty courteous and look on the caravan brigade as welcome visitors. Everyone from the road train drivers to the staff at various stopping places are all up for a yarn so don't be shy, just say hello and they will give you the right advice.

Two most important things however. Before you go buy one of those nets that you put over your head as the flies in some places can carry you off.  When you get further north, say from Mataranka onwards, even if you are miles inland, do not stand close to water unless it is the dunny or someone's backyard pool. There are croc signs everywhere and there for a purpose.

You will have a great time and meet heaps of great people. Just don't be in a hurry to do anything and enjoy the place.

 

Too big of state to say you can pull over anywhere . I find the CB is best to communicate with passing semi . Most the time they dont want you pulling over as it throws up stones etc . Theres plenty of places to pull off ! Even signs saying how far the next rest stop is !!

A great video Peter.

To the OP.
If you did notice the vehicle that was filming took advantage of the wind direction to save himself being caught in the dust from the road train, and pulled off the road in a safe place to allow it to pass. This is a common practice in the NT and anywhere else we may be on dirt roads.
As the video indicated this manoeuvre was not available for the second road train due to road works with material windrowed along that side of the road.

To add to this DO NOT EVER drive into the dust as there can be another vehicle completely hidden until you run into him.

No Vision No Go.

If concerned with a Road Train or truck following and he wanting to pass you then consider he has caught up to you so you are already going slower.
That driver is a professional and will judge your speed and work out when he can pass.
Do not speed up just maintain your steady speed and only when he is overtaking you then consider backing of a little to shorten the distance needed for him to pass.
Under normal circumstances do not slow down while he is behind you as he is judging your speed, road conditions, and other factors that you may or may not be aware of.
If there is a parking bay or lane then indicate well in advance and pull in to let him past safely. Continue on when the road is clear to re enter.
Drive only during daylight hours, night time can be dangerous and rest if tired.

Take your time and enjoy the journey.

Peter_n_Margaret wrote:

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Truckies are typically very sensitive to your situation.
We were travelling the Strzelecki Track and caught up with a truck. The wind was strong from the left and it was going to be impossible to overtake due to the lack of visibility.
The truckie read the situation and pulled to the right hand side of the road so we could overtake on the left.
This was done without any radio communication and has happened to us several times.

Cheers,

Peter

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 Trouble is Pete is that the op says he sits on 85-90 kph on the highway..that alone is going to get a hell of a lot of negative attitude from other drivers...particularly on the Stuart Hwy. Travelling on the dirt roads I think its best he lets the trucks get ahead and just pull over for a few minutes to let the dust settle....and use the rear vision mirror often to spot trucks coming up behind.

 

-- Edited by Dicko1 on Friday 22nd of April 2022 12:20:15 PM