Australian outback travel tips — trip guide & itinerary

The Outback is exhilarating, timeless, where nature is in charge of the schedule, where you need to work with the rhythm of the landscape and weather.

The Outback is an adventure, at our doorstep, it is a special place where the Aussi identity is part and parcel of the experience.

The outback safety tips

• Pack ankle length walking shoes.
• Mosquito repellant and a fly net are mandatory.
• Regularly apply sunscreen 
• Pack breathable, natural, loose clothing, sleeves at least to elbow is recommended.
• Ensure your vaccinations are up to date for tropical diseases caused by mosquitoes.
• Carry lots of water on you and in your vehicle.
• Don’t just pack for intense heat. Nights can be cool, pack a warm layer.
• Services can be hundreds of kilometers apart. Carry additional fuel and supplies if you know it’s going to be a long haul between service stations.
• Ensure your outback journey trip is documented and people are informed of your proposed whereabouts.  Check in daily with your designated family and friends.

• Treat local Aboriginal communities with respect while you are visiting their land. 
• If using your own vehicle, have a full car service before your trip. 
• Check you are familiar with changing a tyre and have a service back up kit handy
• Breaking down without resources in the Outback can turn deadly fast. Plan and pack accordingly.  Rental car companies can impose no drive zones, due to road conditions check before you book your trip.
• Any road trip into the outback check the weather forecast, especially in the wet or shoulder seasons due to the possibility of flash flooding. Remember to check with weather forecast.
• Download maps to ensure you have an offline copy, even better print a paper copy for reference both for yourself and family members.
• Avoid driving at night. With local wildlife crossing the road in the dark, an accident could spell disaster.
• Read road notices and water notices such as no swimming due to crocodiles and act accordingly.
• Check our travel guides for Darwin and Port Douglas for advise from local authorities regarding water safety

The journey is worth it.