There’s never been a better time to go camping in the Australian Outback. Seriously; overseas travel looks to still be a hard ask; all the coastal areas are going to be overflowing with folks looking for the city-friendly domestic travel experience.
Why not head to the middle of nowhere? Grab some supplies, head on out and pitch your tent or swag in spots that are relatively untouched by modern society - where the stars can be seen at night and real tranquility can be found.
Here’s a quick breakdown of somethings you should know ahead of camping in the outback, solo or as part of a charity rally event.
what should you know about camping in remote areas of Australia?
To a fair extent, camping in the Outback areas of Australia isn’t all that different to camping anywhere else that’s reasonably remote. We say this in terms of the fact that of course, you need to focus on having reliable shelter, ways to communicate for help, appropriate supplies, and all the like.
The big things that are specific to these particular corners of the land down under is that:
- At night it will be far colder than you might expect (especially in the desert areas).
- You will be relatively cut off in terms of modern amenities, communication networks, and most mod-cons you might find in national parks, etc
- Pack smart by having exactly what you are sure you will need and little more
- Be prepared for rain even though you are in what are typically dry areas.
- Expect to get dirty, daily, so be smart about hygiene and the clothes you bring (easy hand wash if possible)
what supplies should I bring with me for a safe and comfortable camping experience?
Based on what we’ve said so far, your essentials for a good camping experience include:
- A good sleeping bag and/or swag/tent. This is your home and overnight warmth from one day to the next and it’s important that it is suited to keeping you warm on chilly nights and can protect you from the wind and other sneaky Outback nasties.
- Non-perishable snacks and emergency food. For any periods you may be stuck away from camp or out and about away from your main food source, it’s ideal to have a few things on hand to sustain you.
- It is easy to overlook and forget about hydration. But it all helps keep you fit and healthy for ten days and maximiaes your enjoyment. Consider what’s ideal for your age and health and pack accordingly.
- Well stocked first aid kit. As the scouts like to say, be prepared. A first aid kit can help with a great many things when camping. Think ant bites, minor burns, small cuts and abrasions from working on a car (if on a rally), splinters, headache tablets, diarrhea medication.
- Wet wipes and other hygiene basics. Whether you are travelling solo, with a small group, or as part of a bigger rally convoy, hygiene is critical. We recommend that you have supplies to a) keep your hands clean; b) bathe in a basic way if/when showers and the like are not available; c) potentially handle food and other such substances when being shared with others or prepared. Prevention is far better than cure.
so, where should I go camping in the outback?
Trust us when we say that there’s nothing quite like a swag under the stars out bush! Having travelled more than 120,000 KM across Australia over three decades, we’ve seen some of the most incredible spots regional and Outback Australia has to offer.
For 2021, we really recommend:
- The Nindigully Pub
- Tibooburra
- Cameron Corner
- Walkers Crossing
- Warburton and the K1 Line
- Birdsville
- Jundah
- Charleville
This list does just so happen to be where the Great Endeavour Rally is heading for 2021, as we explore the Simpson Desert.
We will be visiting some of the most remote and scenic locations in Australia, and as such accommodation is limited and you need to make the most of the camping advice above. Luckily though, you will be far from alone – there will be plenty of rally and all-round camping veterans on hand to help you out and add to the fun.
Click below if you’d like to know more about camping, rallying, and more.
