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[jeremystravels]

My brother is going to Australia next year, and wanted advice from some Aussies.

He is going to be renting a car to drive around, and wants to drive from Airlie Beach on the Whitsundays to Cairns. He has been reading a lot that people do not recommend doing any part of this drive at night because of no lights and kangaroos. He wants to leave Whitsundays in the evening (driving at night), stop at Townsville for the night and part of the next day, and drive the rest in the following afternoon. Do you have any feelings or heard anything regarding driving from Airlie Beach to Townsville at night?

Based on what he read online he was thinking of doing the entire Airlie to Cairns route in one day, stopping at Townsville only for lunch as an alternative if he shouldn't drive at night.

Really he wants to know why driving at night is so bad, but any insight into that (if you have heard of it) would help. People tell him not to drive at night, but do not back it up with a reason.

I really appreciate any advice!

[tribal]

Hi There

I own an adventure travel agent in Australia, and we sell hundreds of different tour within Oz. We offer excellent value for money and specialise in building travel packages, including specifically what our customers want.

The east coast is a well travelled route, and I'm glad that your brother has chosen to drive, instead of fly - as he'll get to see so much more of this amazingly beautiful coastline.

There is a real issue with driving at night over here. As you thought the main issue is the kangaroos, that can and do regularly cause major accidents. As they are nocternal, they tend to jump around randomly on the roads and can be attracted to the light from the car. So if night driving is essential, drive slowly and carefully.

There is also the problem of your brother falling asleep at the wheel - or someone else on the road for that matter. The roads are long, long, long and if he's not used to the monotony of this is can be extremely soporific. Free driver reviver stations are set-up on the problem routes offering free coffee, so this can help.

If your brother would like any advice on Whitsunday Sailing, Cape Tribulation, or ANY other tours or travel arrangement, please ask him to contact me on lucy.good@tribaltravel.com.au, and would be more than happy to help.

Lucy