The Goulburn Valley sees countless tourists year-round, and it’s no wonder.
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Whether it’s to take in all the action of local sports or visit attractions like the Australian Botanic Gardens, Shepparton and the Shepparton Arts Museum, there’s plenty to do in this lovely little corner of Victoria.
However, visitors should be aware that this time of the year sees plenty of rain in the region, including elevated risks of flooding thanks to our position in the Goulburn River floodplain.
This means slick roads and, sometimes even road closures due to heavy flooding.
If you’re planning a trip to the Goulburn Valley, it’s important to stay abreast of the latest weather forecasts and take steps to ensure your safety on the road.
Today, we’ll go over some other considerations for how you can plan a safe and enjoyable trip to the Goulburn Valley during the rainy season.
Update your Car Insurance as Needed
Nobody likes to think about mishaps on the road, but they do happen, particularly when the rains come down.
So before setting off for the Goulburn Valley, we recommend updating your car insurance.
It’s generally recommended that you secure comprehensive car insurance to better protect yourself financially against damage to your vehicle caused by wet weather road conditions – including errors made by yourself or other drivers due to conditions like low visibility or uneven roadways.
Keep in mind too that third party insurance policies aren’t designed to pay out for damage that occurs due to negligence on the driver’s part.
So if you’re unfamiliar with roadways and driving conditions in the Valley and are concerned you may be at fault in the event of a motor accident, securing comprehensive cover can help provide peace of mind here.
Run a Car Inspection and Perform Maintenance
Learning how to take care of your car is foundational when it comes to prioritising road safety, not only here in the Goulburn Valley, but anywhere else you’re planning to embark out on the open road.
So before setting off on your trip to the Goulburn Valley, make sure to run a full inspection on your vehicle.
Make sure that essential components like your brakes, engine and alternator are in fine fettle.
Also, remember to change your wheels and replace the various fluids in your car if necessary.
Inspecting the more complex components of a car can be challenging, particularly if you don’t have a background in vehicle repairs.
To be absolutely sure that your car is roadworthy, we suggest having a licensed mechanic have a look at it.
A mechanic will also be able to repair any damage that they find.
While there are some minor fixes you can do from the comfort of your garage, it’s always better to delegate car repair work to a professional, especially if you’re about to embark on a rainy road trip in isolated regions across the Goulburn River district.
Make a Pit Stop if Necessary
When the weather turns sour, driving becomes much more dangerous.
Wet roads leave you at risk of hydroplaning, which can lead to accidents on the road.
If the conditions are too dire, consider stopping for a few hours at a restaurant or a cafe while the rain settles down.
If you're driving at night or if the rain isn't expected to let up for the rest of the day, you can even make an emergency stop at a hotel to wait out the rain.
There are many accommodation options in and around Goulburn Valley that will let you book a room at short notice.
Paying for a room on the spot in advance might cost you a bit more than reserving in advance, but no amount of money is worth getting into a car accident in poor driving conditions.
Get a Good Night’s Rest
Getting plenty of sleep the night before a long drive is always important, but especially so if weather conditions are less than ideal.
Heavy rains mean slick roads, which add risks like hydroplaning and longer braking distances.
What’s more, you’ll also have far less visibility when it’s pouring rain.
What all this means is that you need to be alert and aware when on the road.
Try to get at least eight hours of sleep the night before.
A cup of coffee in the morning can also help with alertness, although this is no substitute for sleep.
If you’re not feeling your best, consider postponing your trip.
If you’re driving with another adult, we also recommend driving in shifts to prevent fatigue.
This gives you a chance to get some rest while you’re not at the wheel.
Safety should always be your top priority when on the road, particularly when the weather turns sour.
Stay Safe when Visiting Goulburn Valley this Winter
The Goulburn Valley certainly ranks among Victoria’s most beautiful destinations.
This sub-region along the Murray-Darling Basin is famed for its friendly locals, stunning natural beauty and, of course, its local Aussie football and netball league, the Goulburn Valley League.
If you’re looking to make a trip to remember this winter, the Goulburn Valley should be at the top of your list.
Before setting off on your journey, it’s important to know that the roads can get quite wet at this time of year, and that flooding sometimes occurs in the region.
We’ve just gone over some ways to stay safe on the road as you drive to the Goulburn Valley.
Make sure that your vehicle is in fine trim before setting off and that you’re ready to make the long journey.
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