| The Australian outback is notorious for lots | | | | year by these predators. Consult a tour guide |
| of reasons, so you have to be smart when you | | | | if you have one. |
| take any type of trip into less travelled | | | | |
| areas. Being unprepared or foolish can cost | | | | * Drink and carry plenty of water. You will |
| you your money, your trip or even your life, | | | | become dehydrated faster than usual in |
| so listen up to these hard and fast rules for | | | | outback heat. A good rule is to carry/ drink |
| Australian outback travel. | | | | one litre of water for each hour of walking |
| | | | or hiking you plan to do. |
| * Outback Australia is super hot during the | | | | |
| day, but gets pretty icy at night time. Take | | | | * Watch your lit fire. Never walk away from |
| a variety of clothing, and always include | | | | an open fire, or leave your site without |
| some heavier and warmer options if you plan | | | | fully extinguishing all embers. Bush fires |
| on spending any time outdoors after sunset. | | | | are rife even in colder months and someone |
| | | | could be hurt, not to mention the damage to |
| * The most notorious factor for most in | | | | the landscape and its inhabitants. |
| regards to outback travel is dangerous | | | | |
| wildlife. Snakes, spiders, and other creepy | | | | * Stock up on supplies. It's best to have too |
| crawlies are just as frequent and dangerous | | | | much than not enough in rugged terrain as you |
| as you have been told. Don't touch anything! | | | | don't know how far it is before you can get |
| You'll never be able to tell which ones are | | | | more of anything. This also goes for petrol, |
| poisonous or not, and since the landscape is | | | | plan your fuel consumption as petrol stations |
| sparse, you'll have a hard time finding a | | | | aren't frequent and have limited operational |
| nearby hospital. | | | | hours. Always take extra water in case the |
| | | | engine over heats! |
| * Wear trousers amongst long grass or | | | | |
| bushland. Boots are essential, and make yours | | | | * Make sure your maps are current as you can |
| COMFORTABLE. | | | | get horribly lost which will only waste |
| | | | energy, food, water and fuel. Check with the |
| * If you are bitten, wrap a tourniquet (or | | | | locals if you have questions. |
| tight strip of bandage, rip your shirt if you | | | | |
| have to) above the area and try to remain | | | | * And finally, make sure someone knows where |
| calm and still so the poison doesn't spread. | | | | you are at all times. If you are on your own, |
| Get to a doctor/ hospital/ emergency station | | | | send a friend your itinerary or make a point |
| as soon as possible. Australian emergency | | | | of keeping contact so that they know you are |
| services can be called on '000'. | | | | not in danger. |
| | | | |
| * While being hugely fascinating and, thanks | | | | Our outback is both beautiful and seductive, |
| to Steve Irwin, an icon of our country, | | | | but if you keep a level head and remember the |
| crocodiles will eat you. Do not swim in | | | | basics, your trip will be unforgetable. Keep |
| waterholes or rivers you do not know are | | | | in mind your own safety along with the safety |
| definitely safe. Some areas are signposted, | | | | of your group members, if you look out for |
| but many are not in remote places. Don't | | | | eachother, you might live to tell the story! |
| think still waters are crocodile- free, | | | | |
| countless people are maimed and killed every | | | | Happy travelling! |