When most people think of Australia, they think of beaches, surfing, and kangaroos. But there’s another side to the country that’s much less well-known: the outback.
The outback is a vast, remote, and often dangerous place. If you’re planning on visiting Australia, make sure you do your research and know what you’re getting yourself into before venturing into this unique and beautiful part of the world.
I’ve travelled extensively in the outback, mainly in the far north part of Western Australia in the Kimberly region and let me tell you it’s harsh!
There is virtually no cell phone reception so you are on your own for large parts of your journey, I was fortunate enough to have a sat phone for emergencies, a CB radio would also be a good thing to have.
Should you have something simple like a flat tyre, it’s a big deal, if you are off the beaten track there will be no-one to help you, there will be snakes lurking in the brush and the heat will tire you out very quickly, I always had a 5 gallon container of water in my ute, severe dehydration is a real threat if you are out in the open for any more than an hour.
Another thing that is of concern is the monotony of the long stretches of straight roads, it becomes hypnotic and you hear of people falling asleep at the wheel and crashing off the road, more than likely not to be found for days. You need to stop at regular intervals for a break, or switch drivers when possible.
Below is a video I took while driving off the beaten track in Northern WA…
What is the Outback?
The outback is the vast, remote interior of Australia. It covers more than 70% of the country’s landmass, but less than 5% of its population lives there.
The outback is a place of extreme temperatures and hostile conditions; it’s not uncommon for temperatures to reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and then drop below freezing at night.
There are also large parts of the outback that receive very little rainfall, so if you’re planning on spending any significant amount of time there, it’s important to come prepared with plenty of food and water.
What are the dangers of traveling in the Outback?
There are a number of dangers associated with traveling in the outback. First and foremost amongst these is the risk of getting lost. Because the outback is so vast and empty, it’s very easy to lose your way if you’re not paying attention.
If you do get lost, chances are it will be days before anyone finds you. This is why it’s so important to let someone know exactly where you’re going before setting off into the outback, and to stick to your route as much as possible.
Another danger of traveling in the outback is coming across dangerous wildlife.
While Australia is famous for its cute and cuddly koalas and kangaroos, there are also many venomous snakes, spiders, and other creatures that call the outback home. So if you’re hiking through the bush, be sure to wear sturdy shoes and long pants to protect yourself from bites or stings.
Finally, one of the most common dangers facing travelers in the outback is dehydration. Because it receives so little rainfall, water can be hard to come by in many parts of the outback. Make sure to bring plenty of water with you when venturing into this part of Australia, and take regular breaks in shady areas to stay cool and avoid overheating.
The outback may be one of Australia’s best-kept secrets, but it’s definitely not a place to be taken lightly. Before setting off into this vast and remote wilderness, make sure you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into—and come prepared with plenty of food, water, and supplies just in case something goes wrong. With a little bit of advance planning (and a healthy respect for all things menacing), you can have a safe and enjoyable experience exploring one of Australia’s most unique regions.
