In Australia, it is unlawful to use a hand-held phone while driving, and in some areas, it is even prohibited for Learner and Provisional permit holders to use a hands-free phone. Using a CB radio Australia is entirely lawful. The Australian Communications and Media Authority has set aside a section of the UHF frequency band for class-licensed devices to operate on a pre-determined channel plan across the country. This region of the spectrum is referred to as the CB band. The Citizen Band Radio Service, a two-way, short-distance communications service, is available to everyone. CB radios are an inexpensive and dependable form of communication, and you can even improve its performance and efficiency with a CB SWR meter. This is particularly true if you travel to the distant parts of Australia’s desert, where cell phone reception is weak to non-existent.
General Use of UHF Channels
The following is material from the Australian UHF frequency chart that you can use to determine which channel your CB radio Australia should be set to by definition for general use:
Channel 18 is dedicated to caravan owners and campers: This is how individuals will discover you if something comes off the exterior of your trailer along the way if you own a 4×4 off-road camping vehicle or caravan. This channel is for off-road adventurers in general.
For 4WD groups or convoys, tune in to channel 10: This is the standard general use channel unless your group uses a different channel. The channel is also known as the National Parks Network. Meet up with other travelers at a nearby caravan park in town and talk about your adventures.
Truck and large vehicle drivers frequently use Channel 40: This station is Australia’s primary source of information on road safety. Switch to channels 18, 10, and 40 if you need to communicate with another caravan owner or camper, or a trucker or 4WD motorist, as they are all common channels and open to anyone.
However, you can switch to other CB radio stations if you need specific public information.
Only use channel 5 (or 35, a rebroadcast output channel) in an emergency: If you or anyone in your caravan is injured or sick, if there aren’t other options for contact, you should dial channel 5 for help. The Australian government has mandated that channels 5 and 35 be used solely for emergency purposes. Any misuse can result in prosecution or severe penalties if proven.
The Pacific Highway and Pacific Motorway’s road safety channel is Channel 29: You could use this traffic safety channel to get updates on traffic, road closures, and detours on these major thoroughfares.
Friends can be found on Channel 11: If you lose contact with a friend on another channel, you can try to locate them using this call channel before switching to another.
Channels for general use: You can agree to turn on most stations for general usage if you have a camper caravan with your buddies. Channels 9, 12 through 17, 19 through 21, 24 through 30, and 39 are available for the general band. If your radio has extended bands, you can choose from stations 50 through 60, 64 through 70, and 79 through 80.
IN AUSTRALIA, the CB radio is a fun and unique way to remain in touch with friends, a camping group, or a convoy. More critically, it’s a life-saving communication gadget that can be used in an emergency. So, the next time you’re exploring Australia, keep the knowledge and ideas mentioned above in mind to get the most out of your CB radio.
