Survive the Outback 101
To those on their first trip to australian outback, here are some handy recommendations of what to get and what to know before your adventure begins….
Offline maps – a must
Download Maps.me App (compatible both with android and IOS) – and then download offline map of the north and centre of Northern Territory.
This is an essential tool in NT, accompanied by paper printed maps of the area easily obtained in Darwin.
Roads and driving
Depending of the places the roads can vary from high standard (like in NT) to a four-wheel-drive vehicle only (like the Northern WA). You need to find out what are the types of roads in the specific locations you want to travel at – state websites generally provide that information.
In our posts of road trip itineraries in Australia, we always try to accomodate that information, so check them out:
– Ultimate 14-day Road Trip itinerary to the Top end of Northern Territory Australia –
– (Coming soon) Road Trip itinerary to Tasmania, Australia –
Generally, it is advised not to drive at night or at least drive very with a lot of caution and never alone (have someone being a wildlife spotter for you).
Kangaroos are a real hazard, and you may collide with cattle, camel and water buffalo, attracted to the roads at night because the surface retains warmth.
Keep the petrol tank full and carry at least 20 litres (5 gallons) in reserve.
In Aboriginal land, you may only cross if you have a permit to travel through the area – for permits and information, contact the Tourism Central Australia Visitor Information Centre.
Bring along essentials
– North and center of the Australian continent – includes part of Western Australia (WA), Northern Territory ( NT) and Queenland (QLD)
- Loose wear, light cotton clothing, long sleeve (the bigger the size the better even if you are a small creature like me), a hat and hiking shoes.
- Take warm clothing for night-time.
- Bring along 2 or 3 cans of insect repellent (high DEET), insect repellent mesh (otherwise you won’t sleep: coloured black are the best) and a good cream for mosquito bites.
- A First Aid Kit, sunscreen, a large battery-powered fan, head lamp and lots of fresh water in your car.
- Other handy things to bring along are: a Multi-Port USB Charger, a Power Bank, sunshade/light umbrela.
- all the above plus impermeable jacket and pants, light weight termal jacket, waterproof footware and beanie.
Remember you can always buy this specific clothing at the destination in a second hand shop which will probably be more affordable!
National Park permits/pass
National Park permits/pass need to be purchased in advance for visiting or camping. You can get them online in each states’ webstite:
Queensland
Victoria
New South Wales
Northern Territory:
Western Australia
- Australian National Botanic Gardens.
- Booderee National Park.
- Christmas Island National Park.
- Kakadu National Park
- Norfolk Island National Park.
- Pulu-Keeling National Park.
- Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park.
