IN complete contrast to two years ago, Rally Australia is expected to be raced on bone-dry dusty tracks.

Drivers contesting the World Rally and Australian Rally championships today got their first look at the condition of the stages while testing their vehicles on Sherwood Rd at Central Bucca.

It was a different landscape to the one that greeted the drivers during Rally Australia 2011.

The event two years ago started with a heavy day of rain that created extreme driver hazard and brought even the best in the world unstuck in the opening stages.

With the forecast of just slight showers between now and Sunday, the drivers are preparing for dust bowl driving at its best and have the tyre treads to suit.

Here's a sample of the action from today's testing compiled by Coffs Coast Advocate photographers Trevor Veale and Rob Wright.