Some areas of the ACT, including most of Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Casuarina Sands, the Cotter and parts of Uriarra Crossing, have limited or no mobile phone reception. If you are venturing into these areas or are unsure, be prepared with an alternative communication device such as an emergency beacon (EPIRB), personal locator beacon (PLB), SPOT device or satellite phone, to use in case of an emergency.
These devices are available for purchase at outdoor and marine supplies stores. You can also hire a PLB from the Namadgi Visitor Centre or Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre.
Regardless of any means of communication you may have, always let someone know before you head out into a reserve. Tell a reliable person:
- where you are going
- when you plan to return
- what to do if you are overdue
If you are a visitor or traveller without any local contacts, you can register your trip with the police instead.
Prepare before you go by purchasing a high-quality map, and ensuring that you know how to use it.
Get a map from Namadgi Visitor Information Centre or Tidbinbilla Information Centre or the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre.