A practical checklist for safe, remote-area travel
Do you want to go on an outback escape? Here are seven essential pieces of advice for a safe and memorable adventure.
Prepare thoroughly before you go
Preparation is key for any outback adventure. The remoteness and harsh conditions mean that resources can be scarce, and help may not always be readily available. Before setting off, research your chosen region extensively. Plan your route, decide where you’ll stop for fuel and supplies, and let someone know your itinerary. It’s also wise to create a checklist for essentials such as water, food, first aid, and camping gear. Download maps beforehand, as mobile reception can be patchy or non-existent in many areas.
Readiness and road safety
A well-maintained 4WD is highly recommended for tackling rough tracks, sandy roads, and river crossings. Before heading off, ensure your set-up has undergone a thorough service, including checks on tyres, brakes, wheel bearings, fluids, and battery electrics. Remember to include your solar setup and fridges. Carry spare tyres, extra fuel, and basic tools for repairs. Knowing how to plug a puncture and change a flat tyre is a must. It’s also a good idea to carry a compressor of sorts to change tyre pressures that suit the terrain you’re traversing.
Water: your most precious resource
Hydration is crucial in the outback, where temperatures can soar and humidity is often low. Always carry more water than you think you’ll need, plus extra for emergencies. Store water in a variety of sturdy containers/tanks and check regularly for leaks. When hiking or camping, research local water sources in advance and consider bringing purification tablets or a portable filter. Never rely solely on finding water along your route; some areas can be bone dry for months at a time.
Navigation and comms
Navigation in the outback can be challenging due to limited signage and unreliable GPS signals. Carry some physical maps and learn basic navigation skills. You definitely can’t rely on mobile coverage, so consider investing in a satellite phone or personal locator beacon (PLB) for emergencies. Travel with a UHF as the bare minimum, as they’re widely used by outback stations and other road users. Starlink adds another option, but don’t rely on it as your only form of communication in the case of an emergency. Keep your devices fully charged and bring spare batteries or portable chargers. If you become lost or stranded, stay put and conserve your resources.
Packing essentials
When it comes to spare parts, ask your service technician what they particularly recommend for your type of vehicle. Although general items like fuel and air filters should be at the top of your list, plus some gear for a bush type fix. Things to carry include glues, sealers, tapes, cable ties, spare nuts, bolts, and some power tools. They all come in handy should something break, crack or fall apart due to rough roads and conditions.
Fuel, supplies and roadhouses
Fuel stations can be few and far between, so fill up whenever you have the chance. Know what fuel range your setup gets, and check whether fuel will be available at your destination in remote areas in advance. Be cautious about the condition of fuel and know how to change out fuel filters. It’s a good idea to carry a Mr Funnel that will show you the tell-tale signs of water in fuel. Carry extra fuel in approved containers and know how to use it safely.
Emergency preparation
Even with meticulous planning, emergencies can happen. Travel with a comprehensive first aid kit with instructions for treating dehydration, bites, stings and injuries. Also, download emergency numbers and keep them accessible. Carry recovery gear such as a long handle shovel, traction boards, a snatch strap and connections. Getting trained on how to do your own self-recovery from a reputable provider is also worth its weight in gold.
