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