When exploring the vast wilderness national parks in Australia including those in the Outback, conditions can vary extremely between them. Seasons also make a difference as can the way you travel. If something goes wrong in these remote areas you want to be prepared accordingly.
Travelling between most Australian states involves vast distances. Some examples: Perth to Adelaide: 2793Km, Perth to Darwin: 4049Km, Adelaide to Darwin: 3051Km.
Remote Areas
When travelling in remote areas, notify local information centres and automotive clubs about your travel plans. They will also be able to tell you of local conditions and other advice for your safety.
Take appropriate clothing, extra water and other supplies in the event of car breakdowns.
In case of breakdown, stay with your vehicle and do not let your group separate.
UHF radios are useful here, since mobile reception can be very patchy in the bush.
A solar-powered LED light can be very bright at night for people to spot your presence. Otherwise you may have to build a fire, however, you can add green leaves to create more smoke during the day. This will make you more easily noticed by rescue workers. Keep it contained and away from other plants and trees so as not to start a bushfire.
If you are bicycling be sure to have a flashing tail light, it can be very dark at night for cars, buses and trucks to see you in time.
When driving in the Outback (remote regions), it is important to keep track of road conditions and weather conditions. Research you planned journey well in advance. Note, always seek reliable local advice before proceeding.
Driving safely in remote regions advice from the Queensland Government: Driving in the Outback.
Northern Territory
The Road Report Website is an essential service for all road users within the Northern Territory of Australia. This website provides up to date road condition information on all Government controlled roads including graphical representations of restrictions on regional maps. Road Report Website.
Safety and enjoyment go hand in hand. Rule number One: Swim between the Orange and Yellow Flags set up by on duty lifesavers. If there are no flags, the beach is not being patrolled at that time. If they are crossed, the beach is closed due to conditions. This can include high surf or strong undercurrents.
If you are not familiar with Australian ocean swimming conditions, swim only at beaches patrolled by a lifeguard during the weekdays and the very experienced Surf Club lifesavers on weekends. Even strong swimmers can find themselves in difficult situations by making the wrong assumptions on beach conditions.
Beach Safety
Most of the Australia beaches listed on this site have surf clubs and are patrolled by well trained, highly skilled volunteer lifeguards. They are available on weekends and public holidays during the pre summer, summer and post summer months.
They advise all swimmers to swim in the area between the Red and Yellow Flags that they set up for you and your family’s safety. Feel free to talk to one of them, they are happy to advise on water safety and local conditions.
Covering Up
Australia has bright sunny days even during winter (June - August) so wear sun-protective clothing, especially between 10am to 3pm. Find a good SPF30+ sunscreen that is water resistant. Use shade and wear a hat, it all helps to stay looking young, healthy and beautiful, as you do.
Surviving the Alpine Regions
Alpine Responsibility Code
Victoria and NSW Alpine Regions: Take note of the Alpine Responsibility Code. You will see the signs around the Alpine areas, please read it and understand - it is there for your and others safety.
Information Centres
These are just some of the things you need to know. Find out more at local information centres for conditions and safety. Tell them your travel plans.
Remote Beach at Bourdna National Park
Next: World Heritage Sites in Australia
Travelling the Australian Outback
See map: National Parks Map.
When exploring the vast wilderness national parks in Australia including those in the Outback, conditions can vary extremely between them. Seasons also make a difference as can the way you travel. If something goes wrong in these remote areas you want to be prepared accordingly.
Travelling between most Australian states involves vast distances. Some examples: Perth to Adelaide: 2793Km, Perth to Darwin: 4049Km, Adelaide to Darwin: 3051Km.
Remote Areas
When travelling in remote areas, notify local information centres and automotive clubs about your travel plans. They will also be able to tell you of local conditions and other advice for your safety.
Take appropriate clothing, extra water and other supplies in the event of car breakdowns.
In case of breakdown, stay with your vehicle and do not let your group separate.
UHF radios are useful here, since mobile reception can be very patchy in the bush.
A solar-powered LED light can be very bright at night for people to spot your presence. Otherwise you may have to build a fire, however, you can add green leaves to create more smoke during the day. This will make you more easily noticed by rescue workers. Keep it contained and away from other plants and trees so as not to start a bushfire.
If you are bicycling be sure to have a flashing tail light, it can be very dark at night for cars, buses and trucks to see you in time.
Here is a PDF file on surviving in the wild from the Western Australia Government: Travelling in Outback Western Australia.
Driving in the Outback
When driving in the Outback (remote regions), it is important to keep track of road conditions and weather conditions. Research you planned journey well in advance. Note, always seek reliable local advice before proceeding.
South Australia
Driving in the remote regions of South Australia: South Australia Outback Roads.
Queensland
Driving safely in remote regions advice from the Queensland Government: Driving in the Outback.
Northern Territory
The Road Report Website is an essential service for all road users within the Northern Territory of Australia. This website provides up to date road condition information on all Government controlled roads including graphical representations of restrictions on regional maps. Road Report Website.
Western Australia
Advice when driving in the Outback of Western Australia: Main Roads Western Australia.
Surviving the Beach
Safety and Enjoyment
Safety and enjoyment go hand in hand. Rule number One: Swim between the Orange and Yellow Flags set up by on duty lifesavers. If there are no flags, the beach is not being patrolled at that time. If they are crossed, the beach is closed due to conditions. This can include high surf or strong undercurrents.
If you are not familiar with Australian ocean swimming conditions, swim only at beaches patrolled by a lifeguard during the weekdays and the very experienced Surf Club lifesavers on weekends. Even strong swimmers can find themselves in difficult situations by making the wrong assumptions on beach conditions.
Beach Safety
Most of the Australia beaches listed on this site have surf clubs and are patrolled by well trained, highly skilled volunteer lifeguards. They are available on weekends and public holidays during the pre summer, summer and post summer months.
They advise all swimmers to swim in the area between the Red and Yellow Flags that they set up for you and your family’s safety. Feel free to talk to one of them, they are happy to advise on water safety and local conditions.
Covering Up
Australia has bright sunny days even during winter (June - August) so wear sun-protective clothing, especially between 10am to 3pm. Find a good SPF30+ sunscreen that is water resistant. Use shade and wear a hat, it all helps to stay looking young, healthy and beautiful, as you do.
Surviving the Alpine Regions
Alpine Responsibility Code
Victoria and NSW Alpine Regions: Take note of the Alpine Responsibility Code. You will see the signs around the Alpine areas, please read it and understand - it is there for your and others safety.
Information Centres
These are just some of the things you need to know. Find out more at local information centres for conditions and safety. Tell them your travel plans.
Previous: Port Campbell National Park VIC
Topic: Australia National Parks
Australia Tourist Guide