Survival in the Australian outback environment can expose you to things that most people don’t even know exist. Even holiday travel on your own requires some survival skills, and people have died for lack of them. Get some good, reliable travel insurance and come and see what Nature can do.

Survival essentials

In some parts of Australia you may find a population density which is basically 0 per 100 square miles. You need to stay well-oriented, and you need to be well-equipped.

The essentials are:

• Water: It’s not called the driest continent on Earth for nothing. Temperatures can hit 50C, and humidity can drop to zero. The heat can kill people in 24 hours.
• Communications and navigation: No, you won’t be considered a wimp for having a two way radio and GPS or satellite phone. Cell phones can’t cover this huge area, and they tend to cook in temperatures over about 40C. Also consider a satellite tracer on your vehicle.
• Spares: The services available outback vary between sparse and non-existent. Pack spares and practice to make sure you know how to use them.
• Food: Carry non-perishables, including preferably low GI foods for energy. Remember eating a lot of protein also involves consuming a lot of water to digest it.
• Medical kit: A well stocked medical kit is absolutely 100% required. Learn how to use it. In the tropics, all cuts and scrapes can get infected, particularly coral cuts. Broken bones can kill, so be prepared to do the basic care work.
• Clothing: Good tough cotton clothes, hat and boots. These are low-maintenance clothes that will do the job.
• Planning: Tell someone when you expect to arrive, so they’ll know when to get worried. This is basic bush lore, and it works very well.

Risks

The big risks are:

• Bushfires: If you see a 50m, 400 degrees Celsius wall of fire approaching you at 80-120kmh, getting out of the way makes a lot of sense. Head upwind, and do not try to drive through areas of poor visibility.
• Dehydration, heat and humidity: Stay out of strong heat and excessive humidity. Remain as cool as possible and don’t over-exert yourself. They cause dehydration, very rapidly. Heat stroke, kidney stones, and the related pain aren’t much fun. Water will dissolve the stones and help relieve the symptoms of heat stroke. Don’t move until you’re sure you’re seeing straight after heat stroke and the headache has gone.
• Animals: Crocodiles, wild pigs and wild dogs can be extremely dangerous animals. The dogs and pigs will take the hint when they hear a gunshot. The crocs won’t. Steer clear of all known croc areas, day and night. (Note: Only competent, licensed people should have firearms.)
• Venomous animals: Most Australian snakes and some spiders and ticks are potentially very dangerous. You must familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures before travelling.
• Child safety: Do not allow kids into areas of poor visibility or long grass, or to wander off on their own.
• Camping: The best campsites have good all round visibility. In the Top End, they’re also well away from croc areas.

Australia can be an incredibly exciting place. Just make sure you live to remember the fun.