Embrace the Peace and Tranquility of Outback Travel

Nothing compares to the solitude that the Outback can provide. If you love crowds, traffic, noise and chaos … this place is not for you. But if you can appreciate real quietness punctuated by the sounds of nature, step right up. Waking to the sounds of early morning birdsong at a remote desert campsite is a true joy. 

Embrace the space

 In stark contrast to our cities the Outback offers seemingly infinite space. Roads that stretch forever through your windscreen and in your rear-view mirrors. Almost naked landscapes … expanding all the way to the horizon in every direction. A sky that is dauntingly huge and most often empty. Small features like occasional buildings, windmills and ancient vehicle wrecks take on new significance in their setting of stark isolation.  

Embrace the time

Don’t hurry; instead luxuriate in the slow pace that comes naturally in an environment where everything unimportant is a very long way away. Take it slow. Ignore the clock and mesh with the astounding sunrises and sunsets, and the richness of the hours in between. Doing very little and ‘slowing to a crawl’ is hard for some of us … but the Outback will help you to discover a new talent for being relaxed and at peace. 

Embrace the incredible beauty

Outback colours are like nothing else on the planet. The sky is usually a blue of indescribable vibrancy; and when rare clouds appear they add magical texture and exquisite shades. Storms in the Outback are not common and they have to be seen to be appreciated. Remote roads are a range of glowing colours including reds, yellows, browns, off-whites and many others. The landscape inspires artists with its displays of innumerable hues and textures. Discover wildlife, wildflowers and wild enchanting emptiness.  

Eromanga, Outback Queensland. Credit: Tourism Australia

 Embrace the Aussie Spirit in the Outback

People in the Outback are different, in a positive and engaging way. In your travels you will meet some inspiring and amusing characters. And you will see many examples of our trademark Australian humour – things like dead trees adorned with empty bottles; rusty car wrecks ‘for sale’; even a hand-painted sign outside a pub advertising ‘Free Beer tomorrow’!

Avoid breaking down

Getting stranded in a broken-down vehicle, a long way from anywhere, is guaranteed to ruin your fun. Yes, the roads can be rough and quite harsh on your machinery IF you attack them too ferociously. The key is to always drive to the conditions. Be mindful that the very same roads which are threatening harm to your motorhome are regularly used by local people who live in the area; and those people mostly manage to keep their cars and trucks mobile and intact. Take it easy on your vehicle and always check the fundamentals like tyres, water and oil; and carry basic tools and spares.

Avoid wildlife strikes

Waiting for you in remote Australia are countless ’roos, wombats, emus, birds, lizards and other animals – most of which are equipped with zero road sense. It is difficult to miss them all, but stay alert to this danger. Become hyper-alert when you notice an abundance of fresh roadkill. And avoid driving at dusk and dawn (and also at night) when animal movements are more common. If you have a sturdy bullbar, that will give you a slight edge … but crashing into a big red Skippy can still cause a lot of damage and distress. 

Hawker, Flinders Ranges. Credit: Tourism Australia

 Avoid Getting Stuck in the Outback's Harsh Terrain

Unlike the cohort of young 4WDers who like to do ‘vehicle recoveries’, we of the motorhoming fraternity don’t enjoy burying our expensive wheeled investments in mud, sand or bulldust. We don’t like stalling in the middle of creek crossings while water flows in through our windows. Be conscious of your vehicle’s capabilities and strictly observe road closures. In the Outback, even small amounts of rain can render some roads impassable. Choose your routes judiciously and opt for the ‘path of least resistance’. A catastrophic bogging could leave you stranded for days, damage your motorhome, cost you a fortune and ruin your trip.

Avoid running out of things

It is vital to carry plenty of staple supplies when you travel remotely. Adequate fuel is a must. So too (obviously) are water and food. Load what you need, then add a margin for safety. Mishaps can occur. You might deviate from your planned course, thus requiring more fuel, and water, and food. Be sure to carry all your required medications and a well-stocked first aid kit. Life’s luxuries are important too; travelling is meant to be an enjoyable pursuit. Stock up well before you embark on your journey, and replenish your supplies whenever opportunities present.

Avoid Overpaying for Goods in the Outback

The further you are from our major cities, the more money you are likely to be charged for the necessities of life. Keeping your personal economy under control can be very challenging. Try to provision yourself before you embark, where you have access to cheaper fuel, groceries, beverages, etc. When you are on the road it is wise to shop in larger more-populated centres where a level of retail competition exists. Roadhouses notoriously charge heavy prices for just about everything they stock – but sometimes they are the only option.

Due to its sheer size and diversity, our Outback is an adventure ground that can provide years of touring joy and satisfaction. It has many fascinating parts and it offers so much to embrace. It will, in turn, embrace you … in its magic and intrigue.

Avoid the nasties that might conspire to sideline your travelling endeavours, and get out there to experience the essence of Australia.

Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, Flinders Ranges. Credit Tourism Australia 

Category: Features
Written: Tue 01 Oct 2024
Printed: October, 2024
Published By: