In WA, using UHF radios is common practice across the bush, the beaches, and beyond. But not all UHF radios are created equal — and not all repeater systems are legal for general use.
Two Flavours of UHF Use in WA
There are two very different systems at play when it comes to UHF communications:
- UHF CB (Citizen Band) — public access, no licence required
- UHF Amateur Radio (70cm band) — requires a valid amateur radio licence (e.g., VK6ABC)
📻 Public UHF CB – Legal & Free
UHF CB (Citizen Band) radio operates on the 476–477 MHz range, offering 80 public-access channels without requiring a licence. These radios are class-licensed under ACMA regulations, meaning anyone in Australia can use them legally — as long as they follow the rules.
Certain channels are designated for duplex repeater operation, which significantly extends range — ideal for bush, hills, or long-distance travel. These include:
- Channels 1–8 and 41–48 — repeater input channels
- Paired with output on Channels 31–38 and 71–78 respectively
Simply enable duplex mode on your handheld or mobile UHF radio and it will auto-apply a 750 kHz transmit offset (e.g., Tx: Ch 31 → Rx: Ch 1).
Note: Channels 5 and 35 are legally reserved for emergency use only. Using these for general chatter is an offence under ACMA guidelines.
📡 Where Are These CB Repeaters?
There are dozens of known public-access CB repeaters across regional WA, often installed by local 4WD clubs, remote communities, or mining outfits. These systems extend coverage into valleys, forests, and long-haul routes. Common CB repeater zones include:
- Lancelin, Cervantes and Wedge Island dunes (Ch 1/31 or 3/33)
- York & Great Southern (Ch 3/33, Ch 7/37)
- Chittering Valley and Bindoon farms
- Great Eastern Hwy corridor towards Kalgoorlie
- Goldfields & mining zones – often temporary or private repeaters
Be aware that repeater availability may vary — some are seasonal or club-maintained, while others run 24/7 on solar or battery power.
🚫 What Not to Do
- Never use emergency channels (5 & 35) unless it's a real emergency
- Do not interfere with active repeater systems or tie them up with idle chat
- Only use radios approved for UHF CB use in Australia — illegal imports like Baofengs can result in fines
Whether you're camping, fencing, or convoying through the wheatbelt — UHF CB is your free and legal lifeline when mobile reception drops off.
You would typically buy these radios off the shelf at 4WD/camping stores, Supercheap, etc. They are class-licensed — you do not need to register them or yourself, as long as you use them within the rules.
Amateur UHF (70cm Band) – YOU MUST GET LICENSED FIRST
This is the 430–450 MHz range and it's strictly for licensed amateur operators. You'll need an amateur-grade transceiver, and yes — it must be programmed correctly. Common VK6 repeaters include:
- VK6RTH – Tic Hill, 438.225 MHz (input: 433.225 MHz, CTCSS: 123 Hz)
- VK6RDM – Brigadoon, 438.075 MHz (input: 431.075 MHz, CTCSS: 123 Hz)
- VK6RNA – Wanneroo, 438.725 MHz (input: 433.725 MHz, CTCSS: 123 Hz)
Getting Licensed Is Easier Than You Think
UHF and VHF transmission towers like this one play a critical role in Australia's radio infrastructure, allowing both licensed amateur operators and emergency services to maintain long-range communication. These towers often house antennas for 2 m and 70 cm bands, linking repeater networks across wide areas. Responsible and legal use of this spectrum ensures that licensed services are protected from interference, and vital public systems continue to function reliably.
If you want access to better gear, longer-range repeaters, and more capabilities — just get licensed. The Foundation Licence is a basic entry point. Learn a few basics, sit a short exam, and apply for your own VK6 callsign.
- Study guides and practice exams are online
- Clubs like WARG often run information sessions
- You'll unlock repeater linking, DMR, and digital modes
🎓 Amateur Radio Licencing & Training in WA
| Ham College Inc | Walliston Scout Hall, Perth (weekend courses) | Foundation • Standard • Advanced |
• Foundation: 2-day weekend, includes on-air practical • Standard & Advanced: evening classes, live/self-paced Visit Ham College |
| Northern Corridor Radio Group (NCRG) | Whiteman Park, Perth North | Foundation • Standard • Advanced |
• Club-run courses + Sunday working bees NCRG Training Info |
| Radio & Electronics School (RES) | Online (national) | Foundation • Standard • Advanced |
• Self-paced online study; local assessor exams Visit RES |
| Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) | Online resources & mock exams | Foundation • Standard • Advanced |
• Manuals, sample tests, online Foundation assessments WIA Foundation |
📘 Licence Class Comparison
- Foundation Licence: Entry-level (max 10 W). Covers basic theory and operating on VHF, UHF, and parts of HF. Requires a short multiple-choice theory test and a practical assessment.
- Standard Licence: Allows up to 100 W, access to more bands and modes, and requires deeper knowledge of electronics and regulations.
- Advanced Licence: Grants full operating privileges across all amateur bands and modes, higher power, international recognition, and requires a strong technical understanding.
✅ Getting Started – Step-by-Step
- Download or order the WIA Foundation Manual – Your Entry into Amateur Radio. View manual
- Choose a training provider such as Ham College, NCRG, or RES.
- Attend the weekend courses in person or study online at your own pace.
- Sit your Foundation exam with an ACMA-accredited assessor (theory + practical).
- Apply to ACMA for your Certificate of Recognition and callsign (about $45). Apply here
Once licensed, you’ll be able to legally access UHF 70 cm repeaters like VK6RTH, VK6RDM, and VK6RNA — and explore DMR, Fusion, satellites, AllStar, and more.
Ultimately
Respect the airwaves. Know the difference between CB and amateur bands. And if you’re serious about comms, get your licence — it’s a small step with big benefits.
73 VK6DLM
📻 Around Here? Try Channel 14 in Morangup
Use Channel 10 for Avon Valley National Parks
Out here in Morangup, most locals tune in on UHF CB Channel 14 (476.7500 MHz). It’s not an emergency or repeater channel — just a common one we use for everyday stuff like:
- 🛻 Checking who’s on the road or heading into town
- 🐄 Moving stock or working the boundary fence
- 🚜 Chatting between paddocks or across the valley
- 🧰 Lending a hand or chasing up something nearby
Got a UHF in the 4WD, ute or tractor?For Off-road 4WD & National Parks - use 476.6500MHz UHF-CB Channel TEN [10]
Flick it to Ch 14 (476.7500 MHz) — someone’s usually around.
🚨 Penalties for Illegal Radio Use in Australia
| Using unapproved 2‑way radios (e.g., Baofeng, Pofung – marketplace/online) |
ACMA – Beware of radios from overseas |
Up to $412,500 fine and 2 years prison for non-compliant devices. ACMA advisory |
| Seizure and injunction over unlicensed transmitters | ACMA / Federal Court (Phase FM case) |
Example: $8,000 fine + equipment forfeiture. Phase FM enforcement |
| Supplying or possessing unapproved radio gear | ACMA – Equipment rules & illegal equipment |
Court‑imposed penalties up to $270,000 for illegal supply; infringement notices apply. Illegal equipment guidance • General Equipment Rules |
| Severe interference (e.g. jamming devices) |
ACMA – Jamming equipment |
Fines up to $330,000 or 2 years jail for jammers; up to $1.375 million and 5 years prison for mobile/GPS jammers. Illegal equipment • Jammer penalties |
| Operating amateur repeaters or beacons | ACMA – Amateur radio licences |
Must hold recognised qualifications and operate under a Class or Apparatus Licence. Licences info |