UHF CB Radios in Australia (2026 Guide): What You Really Need to Know
Whether you’re heading off the beaten track, camping out in the bush, managing a convoy or just want reliable local communication without relying on mobile coverage, a UHF CB radio is one of the most valuable tools you can carry on the road in Australia. Here’s everything you need to understand — clearly explained for 2026.
What Is UHF CB?
UHF CB stands for Ultra High Frequency Citizens Band. In Australia, this is a class-licenced radio service operating around 476.4250–477.4125MHz, offering up to 80 channels for short-range, two-way communication — all without subscription fees or ongoing licences.
Unlike mobile phones, UHF CB radios don’t rely on cell towers, making them ideal for remote areas, off-road conditions and any environment where coverage can disappear.
Why Use a UHF CB Radio?
Here’s what makes UHF CB radios so useful for Australian adventurers and drivers:
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Reliable communication off-grid: Stay in touch where mobile phones may fail — essential for remote travel and 4WD trails.
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Instant contact with fellow tourers: Speak directly and instantly with others in your group (within range) — no messaging or dialling needed.
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No ongoing costs: Once you’ve got your radio, there’s no fee or licence to keep it working.
- Safety & coordination: Share traffic info, hazards or directions — crucial for convoy communication or emergencies.
Understanding UHF CB Channels
Australia’s UHF CB service provides 80 channels, each with common uses recognised by users nationwide:
- Calling Channels: Used to establish contact with another party before switching to a working channel.
- General Use: Channels widely used for group communication — such as caravanners on channel 18 and 4WD clubs on channel 10.
- Truck & Highway Traffic: Channel 40 is the go-to for highway traffic and trucker comms.
- Emergency Channels: Channels 5 and 35 are reserved strictly for emergency communication.
- Repeater Channels: Channels like 1–8 (and others) are allocated for repeaters that extend range when available.
Everyone within range can hear UHF CB transmissions, so it’s good practice to be respectful and concise with your calls.
Choosing the Right UHF CB Radio
When picking a radio, consider how and where you’ll use it:
In-Vehicle UHF Radios
These fixed units are ideal for cars, 4WDs and caravans. They generally deliver the best range due to larger antennas and stable 12V power. Brands like Oricom offer quality, rugged units with features like dual receive and easy-to-use displays.
Handheld UHF Radios
Portable and versatile — perfect for campsite use, walking tracks, or as a secondary unit. Modern handhelds offer 5W output and long-lasting battery life, making them great companions to your vehicle setup.
The Impact of Antennas
Your radio is only as good as its antenna. The gain (measured in dBi) affects how your signal travels:
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3 dBi antennas: Wide coverage — excellent for hilly terrain.
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6–6.5 dBi antennas: Great all-round performance for general touring.
- 9+ dBi antennas: Long range on flat terrain but with a narrower radiation pattern.
Match your antenna to your typical environment to get the best performance out of your UHF setup.
UHF CB Etiquette & Best Practices
Good etiquette ensures everyone can benefit from the airways:
- Keep emergency channels clear
- Move off main channels: Once contact is made, switch to another channel — that keeps high-traffic channels free.
- Respect broadcasting limits: Conversations on any channel are public; be mindful and courteous.
Do You Need a Licence?
No — in Australia, UHF CB radios operate under a class licence, meaning no individual licence or fee is required. Just make sure your equipment is legally approved for use on the Australian UHF CB frequency plan.
In Summary
UHF CB radios remain one of the most practical communication tools for travellers, adventurers, and everyday drivers in Australia. They’re reliable, simple, and designed specifically for short-range two-way communication — all without ongoing costs. Choosing the right radio, antenna, and understanding the channels will keep you connected wherever the road takes you.
If you want help picking the perfect UHF CB setup for your vehicle or adventure, our team at Oricom is always here to help!
