Car & Van Hire in Gap Ridge

Gap Ridge is a quiet suburb with just 81 residents, but it makes an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding area. With car or van rental in Gap Ridge, you'll be able to discover some of Australia's most unique and enchanting scenery. The weather here is warm all year round, making it ideal for sun-worshippers.

Just 10 km from Gap Ridge lies Dampier, where you can take a boat trip to the Dampier Archipelago. There are 42 of these idyllic islands, which offer travellers something truly spectacular. Sit back and enjoy the views from a boat trip, or try your hand at something more active. Fishing, snorkelling and diving are just some of the most popular activities in the Dampier Islands. Many visitors choose to camp here before returning to the mainland.

Gap Ridge is close to the larger town of Karratha. This is an increasingly popular destination for visitors, but it still has plenty of charm. One of the town's main attractions is an entirely natural phenomenon known as the Staircase to the Moon. Between March and November, on full moon nights, the lunar reflections on the mudflats create a remarkable optical illusion that looks like stairs rising up to the moon. Head to Hearson's Cove to see it for yourself. Many visitors bring deckchairs and picnics and spend the entire evening admiring this fascinating sight.

Car rental in Gap Ridge also allows you to go further afield. Five hours from Karratha is the remarkable Karijini National Park. This area is known for its natural water features: waterfalls, gorges, perfect, clear blue plunge pools and more. It is at its best from autumn to early winter, but it is sure to impress you at any time of year.

Another national park in the area is Murujuga. There is a lot of Aboriginal rock art in this part of Western Australia, but some sacred sites are not open to the public. In Murujuga, you can admire some of the best art. Take the time to explore these petroglyphs in depth. It's the perfect way to learn more about the history of this part of Australia. There is a 700 m boardwalk that allows visitors to observe the petroglyphs, which include fascinating depictions of humans and animals. As well as the art, you can admire the natural beauty of the red rock cliffs around you and watch out for the varied wildlife that lives in the park.

Car rental in Gap Ridge allows you to explore an intriguing part of Western Australia. Signage in the area is generally good, and there are sealed roads connecting most of the tourist attractions. However, visitors are still advised to carry a paper map with them to be on the safe side. You will often lose your mobile signal while driving long distances between destinations, so it's best not to rely too much on your phone map. Always carry plenty of water and provisions. If you are driving long distances, plan your route first, making a note of the location of petrol stations and other services.

4WDs are not essential for a trip to Gap Ridge and the surrounding area, but they are recommended. With a 4WD, you can go onto unsealed roads, which increases your options for sightseeing and day-tripping.

Driving in this area can be hazardous. Always take care, and watch out for animals crossing. Avoid driving at night, as nocturnal animals such as kangaroos can cause accidents. By day, watch out for cattle. In this part of Australia, farms are often unfenced, so cows roam free. It's also important to pay attention to weather alerts. The weather here is unpredictable between November and April. Sudden torrential rains can cause flash floods on roads that were completely clear the day before. If a road has been closed by the authorities due to flooding, do not make any attempt to cross it. Doing so can be extremely dangerous.

Another hazard in remote parts of Australia is the "road trains", which are enormous trucks. Take care when overtaking a road train, as they can stretch for more than 50 m in length. If it hasn't rained in a while, road trains may kick up a lot of dust, which can affect visibility. Slow down and drive carefully when sharing the road with a road train.

The Rio Tinto rail access roads are privately owned. They run parallel to the private rails, which connect a number of mining towns in the area. To drive on these roads, you will need a permit. You can get yours at the Karratha Visitor Centre. This is advisable if you plan to explore the region, as the rail access roads are often the best way to get around.