With a diverse landscape featuring deserts, rainforests, and stunning coastlines, Australia is an explorer’s paradise. However, to make the most of your trip, and in particular if you are visiting the sparsely populated outback region, it is important to be well-prepared. While any true adventure involves an element of surprise, taking the right equipment and knowledge such as the travel hacks below will help ensure that your trip goes as safely and smoothly as possible.
1. Save Space with Multi-Use Items
Any camping trip or road trip requires leaving many of your home comforts right there at home. There simply is not room to take as much as you would ideally like with you. Whether you are travelling in a car, camper, or hybrid camper trailer, space will be a rare and valuable commodity, so make the most of it by packing items that can do more than one task. For example, an all-in-one shampoo, conditioner, and body wash saves you two bottles-worth of space. A quick-drying microfibre towel that can also function as a tea towel saves you from carrying both separately, as does bringing a jacket that is both waterproof and windproof.
2. Prepare for the Weather and Wildlife
All environments, whether it’s Australia’s outback or Mount Everest, can be dangerous. It is only how they are dangerous that is different, so make sure you have researched this and prepared accordingly. Australia’s Outback is known for being subject to extreme heat, so make sure you have plenty of water in reserve, as well as some cooling items such as fans. And remember that where there is heat, there are often violent storms too.
Australia is well known for its diverse array of wildlife, a considerable amount of which is very dangerous. Pay attention to warning signs around and avoid encouraging animals to approach your campsite by making sure food is properly stored away.
3. Choose Campsites Carefully
Road trips are popular in Australia and there are many camping grounds available for you to use. However, the amenities they offer and the condition of the campsites can vary greatly. Check them out online in advance, as many people leave reviews when they stop by somewhere.
4. Pack Efficiently
As well as trying to do more with less when it comes to your items, you need to master the art of packing them efficiently. Vacuum-seal bags can be a great space saver, as can rolling your clothes instead of folding or hanging them. Remember to keep essentials like torches and first-aid kits handy though. Don’t let them get buried.
5. Be Prepared to go Off-Grid
Even if you are not planning to go anywhere too remote, you cannot go wrong bringing some extra fuel, offline maps, and solar chargers with you. These should help you find your way to safety if you stray off of beaten paths and find yourself unable to contact anyone nearby.
Conclusion
Australia is home to some of the most jaw-dropping nature that our planet has to offer, and there is no adventure quite like roaming around the Outback. But for the best experience, it pays to pack smart and light, to research and plan ahead, but also to be prepared for the unexpected.
