While the Outback is captivating, it can also be a bit overwhelming. That’s why it’s crucial to be ready as you explore this sun-soaked region. To help you feel more confident, we’ve created important travel tips for a safe Outback journey and a guide to our preferred Outback places!
Outback Travel Tips
Be Ready
Exploring the Outback can be an amazing adventure, but it’s important to be prepared for emergencies. Having enough drinking water is a must, especially in the tough Outback conditions. Staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged sun exposure is vital to prevent dehydration, sunburn, or even sunstroke, which can seriously affect your health and trip enjoyment.
Whether you’re new to exploration or an experienced backpacker, creating a survival kit is a smart move. Include items like a first aid kit, flashlight, water bottles, candles, a knife, batteries, and canned food – these essentials can be a lifeline in case of emergencies.
Most of the time, you may not need the survival kit, but when truly experiencing the Australian Outback, it can be incredibly helpful.
Safety in Numbers
The Australian bush can be challenging, and going solo in the Outback can lead to unfortunate situations. Always travel with a group – whether it’s friends or, even better, a tour group with an experienced guide. Traveling with others provides security in case of injury and helps you avoid getting lost.
Besides, this is the kind of experience best shared with others – the bonds you create in the Outback can last a lifetime!
Stay on Track
One of the joys of exploring the Australian Outback is the sense of going off the beaten path. That adventurous spirit might tempt you to stray from the main road. While it may seem like a way to add excitement to your journey, it’s also a surefire way to get lost.
Stick to the highways, but don’t worry – you’ll still come across small towns and roadhouses on your travels, and you’ll meet unique and friendly locals at these stops, adding to your collection of road stories. Roadhouses also offer a chance to replenish your supplies and enjoy a much-needed shower.
Some great places to stop by are Coober Pedy in South Australia, Emerald in Queensland, Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory, and Kununurra in Western Australia.
Drive Safely
Having a safe and reliable vehicle is crucial. In the tough Outback conditions, it’s essential to make sure your vehicle is in excellent working condition. If you’re traveling by car, check the water, oil, and brakes, and never travel without a spare tire.
When you travel with Greyhound, you can relax, knowing your safety is a top priority. As one of the world’s oldest coach companies with an impeccable safety record, we’ll ensure you reach your destination safely and on time!
Must-Visit Outback Destinations
Visitors exploring the Australian Outback are in for a treat with a variety of sights, attractions, and natural wonders. Sometimes, us locals take these treasures for granted. Here are some remarkable Australian places you absolutely should not miss!
Kakadu National Park
This is Australia’s biggest terrestrial national park, covering over 20,000 square kilometers (about 7,700 square miles). It’s a World Heritage-listed site and home to many rare and unique plants and animals. You can enjoy fantastic hikes, nature walks, or simply relax and admire breathtaking waterfalls, crystal-clear pools, and fascinating rock formations!
Kakadu is situated about 240 kilometers (149 miles) east of Darwin in the Northern Territory. It stretches from the northern coastlines and estuaries through floodplains, billabongs, and lowlands to southern rocky ridges and stone country. The best time to visit is from June to August when you can enjoy both adventurous days and evenings filled with campfire stories.
Uluru
Uluru is known worldwide – it’s a colossal rock, about 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) wide, located just west of the Simpson Desert in the Northern Territory, around 460 kilometers (286 miles) southwest of Alice Springs. While it stands at just under 350 meters (1,148 feet) high, most of it is actually underground, extending 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) deep.
Uluru is over 600 million years old and holds great cultural significance for Indigenous Australians. It’s particularly beautiful in spring (September to November) when wildflowers bloom, and the weather is mild, making it easier to explore the area.
Uluru is renowned for offering some of the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets you’ll ever witness, as the majestic rock appears to change color during the transition from day to night and back again. Plus, until December 31, 2020, you can experience the incredible Field of Light installation by artist Bruce Munro, which lights up Uluru like never before.
The Kimberley
Nestled in one of Australia’s most remote regions, The Kimberley boasts some of the country’s most stunning natural wonders. With only around 40,000 people spread across a massive 423,000 square kilometers (162,000 square miles), it’s like its own nation rather than just a geographical feature.
Here in northern Western Australia, you’ll find vast cattle stations, untouched beaches, pristine rainforests, and iconic Outback landscapes. The Kimberley is famous for the Bungle Bungles, the beautiful coastline of Broome, endangered species, and one of the world’s oldest surviving cultures.
Most tourists visit The Kimberley from May to August when the land is lush from the wet season, and most roads and attractions are open.
Coober Pedy
Known as the opal capital of the world, Coober Pedy is located in South Australia, about 883 kilometers from Adelaide. What’s unique about this town is that much of it, including shops, accommodation, and attractions, is underground due to the extreme desert climate!
Top activities here include guided opal mine tours and visiting the stunning Breakaways, a landscape of flat-topped mesas.
Are you ready to start your Outback adventure? Explore our range of flexible Travel Passes and begin planning your trip today!
