12 Tips To Safely Enjoy Camping In The Australian Outback

The Australian Outback is one destination that all ardent campers wish to visit. It has a special kind of allure to it, being one of the most gruelling places a camper can boast of spending time. If you are planning to go camping in the Australian Outback and it is your first time, here are some tips to keep you safe and help you enjoy the unique experience.

An updated map

You will need an updated map to plan your itinerary, and you must remember to carry it along. To be extra cautious, make sure that each member of your party has a paper map. Also, make sure that you have downloaded offline accessible maps on your devices because cell phone reception can be very poor in the Outback. Aside from maps, be sure to carry along a compass and a GPS tracker.

Schedule your movements

Planning your movements in the Outback is great as it makes it easier for other people to track you if you get lost. For this reason, ensure that your schedule allows for a few days between campsites. Aside from that, bad weather and other unforeseen circumstances may require you to hunker down for safety for a day or two and having a roof top tent will come in handy in this regard. Having an extra day in your schedule will also allow you to explore and enjoy a campsite without feeling rushed.

Know when to drive

Driving in the Australian Outback at night can be quite dangerous. As much as possible, avoid driving at night for your safety and that of the local fauna. Due to the vastness of the outback, driving at night with your headlights on can attract wildlife from a distance and will inevitably bring you into contact. It often does not end well for the local wildlife. Kangaroos and Emus often cross the roads, and they are quite difficult to spot in the dark. It is best to drive during the day and reach your destination by late afternoon so that you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets that the Outback has to offer.

Constant communication

In the event where you decide to go camping in remote and challenging areas of the Australian Outback, be sure you remain in constant communication with your family and friends as well as other campers. Even before you embark on such a journey, be sure you leave a copy of your itinerary to friends, family or local authorities and guides. This is to ensure that they have a good idea of your location if something goes wrong. Set a time to communicate with family, friends or local authorities daily and keep them updated on your current situation. If you miss this set time, they can begin to put measures in place to conduct a possible search and rescue.

Be on the lookout for the weather

When making your plans, consider understanding the weather patterns of the areas you will be camping. Find out as much as you can about the weather and road conditions from locals and check out what the weather projections on your phone are before setting off. It may prove very helpful and will enable you to pick the right camping spots.

Respect the rules

The Australian Outback can be very unforgiving, and as such, there may be several rules in place to ensure the safety of tourists and the local wildlife. If you happen to come across such rules, kindly comply. The two main things you will need to adhere to are closed roads and permits.

Closed roads

When you notice that a road has been closed off, it could be for several reasons, and you should find an alternate route to your camping site by using your maps or asking for directions from the authorities. If your camping site happens to be in the closed area, you will have to re-adjust your itinerary for the day and indulge in something else. If you are caught driving on a closed road, you automatically attract a stiff fine and, in some cases, other punitive measures.

Permits

Permits are a very important part of camping in the Outback. There are some places, such as national parks that require special permits for camping. Certain areas also demand permits for driving. Be sure you ask about these permits when making your camping arrangements and make sure you apply for and receive them. Also, remember to be financially responsible during your camping trips.

Bushfires

In the bushlands of the Australian Outback, bushfires are quite common. If you happen to be camping around such areas, be extra careful when doing anything that could spark a flame. From campfires to cigarette butts, make sure that they are properly put out and disposed of. If you are not careful and you start a fire, it may be fatal as fire spreads rapidly and often out of control in such areas. Before embarking on camping trips, check out if there are fire bans so that you can pack accordingly. From November to February, which happens to be the summer travel season, Fire bans are put in place to avoid bushfires accidental triggering.

Water and food

Pack a lot of water, when you plan to go camping in the Outback. Temperatures can rise very high and be very unforgiving, and the recommended water ration per person should be four to five litres a day. Make sure you pack lots of non perishable food as well.

Know when to travel

The Australian Outback can be very hot, and it is often over 40°C. The summer months of November to February are the ones to avoid if you plan to go camping. You would be left stranded during this time as only a handful of experienced Outback campers, and local authorities are available. The best times to travel are March to May, which is Spring and then June to August, which is Winter. Pack accordingly for each season.

Emergencies

The best ways to get in touch with other people during an emergency is via satellite phones. They are reliable, and you can call basically anywhere. Cell phones are practically useless, especially in the desert, but you may get a signal in towns. CB radios are another option as you can get a range of up to 40 kilometres depending on the terrain. It is helpful when reaching out to other travellers for assistance. Consider getting high-frequency radios as they work over great distances. These options are great for covering vast distances during emergencies.

The appeal of the Australian Outback remains high on the list of destinations for campers. It is an awesome experience, and hopefully, these tips can help you stay safe and enjoy your time there.

Cover Photo by Mike Holford on Unsplash