(Newswire.net — September 26, 2023) — For most, an Australian vacation means enjoying the surf and watersports of the Gold Coast, or the nightlife of Sydney, or perhaps a wine tour in the valleys surrounding Adelaide. Adventurers might sneer that this is not the real Australia, however.
They would be wrong. Adelaide and Sydney are as real as anywhere else. But we understand what they mean. About three-quarters of Australia is outback, a vast wilderness that is sparsely populated and varies from lush forests to inhospitable deserts.
Setting aside questions of reality, the outback is certainly a vital part of Australia, full of magic and wonder. Exploring it is a unique experience, but to do so safely and to get maximum enjoyment, you need to make some preparations and follow some basic tips.
Select your vehicle for a road trip to remember
Self-drive is the way to go, so you’ll need some wheels. Some hardy souls explore on two wheels, but while the wind in your hair is exhilarating for the first 10 miles or so, you’ll soon be yearning for AC. A camper van is an ideal choice as you won’t have to worry about finding accommodation, and it is more comfortable than pitching tents.
If you travel by car, a regular 2WD is fine if you plan to stick to the main highways. For example, the road from Alice Springs to Uluru is fully sealed, as is the highway that spears from north to south connecting Darwin and Adelaide. The same applies to the main roads in Kakadu National Park.
If you plan to venture off the beaten path or explore a notorious route such as the Gibb River Road, you will definitely need 4WD, however.
Hub out of Alice Springs (and get lucky at the casino)
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There’s a lot of outback, and you won’t cover it all. You can strike out from any city and head inland, but from a bangs-per-buck perspective, flying into Alice Springs and starting from there throws you in at the deep end.
It also gives you a chance to experience the fun side of Australian city life before you hit the outback Lasseter’s is a legendary casino and entertainment complex. There are numerous eateries, there is regular live entertainment, and of course, you can try your luck on the famous Australian pokies. To work out which casino games to play, read up on the best online pokies in Australia before you arrive at the casino itself!
Travel prepared
As you load up the vehicle, you’ll be conscious of the obvious things like checking the spare wheel in case of a puncture and stocking up on snacks. Even more important, however, is water. It disappears faster than you think, and the further out you get, the more scarce it becomes. If you have a camper with water tanks, keep it topped up at every opportunity. In areas where water is scarce, you might have to pay to do so.
Fuel is the other thing that can disappear quickly, especially in a jeep or a camper. Again, the best advice is to top up at each opportunity. There’s no regret quite like being stuck in the outback and remembering driving by a gas station earlier that day thinking half a tank would be fine.
Think about timing
May to August is the most popular time to visit the outback, as the weather is coolest. However, all things are relative, you’ll need water and sunscreen whenever you go. Visiting outside the peak months can be more enjoyable as fewer people will be around and you don’t need to pre-book campsites or motels.
However, if you do so, it’s best to make very early starts for outdoor activities like exploring national parks before the full heat of the day is upon you.
Don’t embarrass yourself by being an idiot
Australians are famous for their no-nonsense attitude. You’ll find people in the outback friendly and helpful, but their tolerance for idiots is low. That’s because the outback can be a dangerous place for idiots.
The locals have done their best to make it idiot-proof, however, all you have to do is read the signs. These will warn you if a road is unsuitable for 2WDs, if a path is closed to hikers when a certain temperature is passed, or if there is a long drive to the next fuel station. Read the signs and you’ll stay safe and the locals won’t think you’re an idiot. Have a great time.