Outback's an unforgiving place, tourists warned
Source: ABC News

The Western Australian Tourism Council says the deaths of two men the state's remote north-west highlights the need for clearer warnings about the dangers of travelling in the outback.

Bradley John Richards, 41, and his nephew Mac Bevan Cody, 21, both from New South Wales, died when their car broke down on a bush track near Cotton Creek in the Pilbara.

Their car was more than 30 years old and the men did not have enough fuel and water, nor an adequate map.

Police say the men would have survived if they had a decent map that showed they were only nine kilometres from a functional bore.

Tourism council president Ron Buckey says all brochures about WA should outline the risks involved in travelling in isolated areas and information on what tourists need to take with them.

"They should be aware on any tourism brochure, particularly if they take an adventurous tour, to have the necessaries on board and to discuss with the people if they're hiring vehicles to ensure that they do take ample supplies," he said.

Mr Buckey says many tourists do not appreciate how isolated WA is.

"We believe that they should have ample water for at least three or four days on board to do the crossing across the desert and more importantly at least a minimum of two spare tyres, in case of punctures in the outback," he said.

A relative of the two men has described them as good mates who had spent the past two years travelling around the country doing odd jobs.

Mr Richards's brother, Guy Richards, says it is a tragedy that no-one knew they were missing.

"From our whole family we can't stress enough for people to call into police stations and let them know you are going from A to B and then call in and let them know you've arrived," he said.

In other developments:
The Western Australian Police Commissioner says two men who perished in a remote part of the Pilbara were not reported missing because they had not told anyone where they were going. (Full Story)