| The free useful tips for survival in the bush and | | | | - Make a sunshade from a tarpaulin or blanket |
| outback provided here will hopefully make your | | | | strung from the south side of the car. Stay in |
| journey safer and easier. The outback of Australia | | | | shade. |
| can be harsh and if you are driving in remote | | | | - Make a solar still if water supplies are low. |
| areas you should take a number of precautions. | | | | - Identify the closest high ground. Remove you |
| The outback of Australia can be a harsh | | | | car's rear-view mirror to use for signalling, and |
| environment, subject to droughts, floods, | | | | prepare appropriate air search signals. |
| bushfires and cyclones. Most Australians have a | | | | Becoming stranded is not un-common: cars get |
| basic awareness of the dangers and survival in | | | | bogged; dinghies break down; bushwalkers wander |
| the bush and outback. | | | | off the track. The best insurance for survival in |
| Before leaving the beaten track try to find out | | | | the bush against a simple mishap turning into a |
| what awaits you. Visit the local visitor information | | | | life-threatening situation is to carry a suitable |
| centre or park rangers, listen to the local radio | | | | communication device (like a mobile phone). |
| station and read the local paper. You should notify | | | | In addition, observe these basic survival in the |
| the local police or property owners of your | | | | bush and outback tips: |
| journey and ask about conditions on your | | | | - Do not try to walk out of a remote area for |
| intended route and when you expect to return. | | | | assistance. |
| Check in when you arrive at your destination and | | | | - Stay with, or close to, your vehicle or boat. |
| when you return. If you have a well prepared | | | | - If the weather is hot or wet, set up shelter |
| vehicle, a supply of tools and spare parts, some | | | | from the elements. |
| mechanical knowledge (or at least a workshop | | | | - Wear sensible clothing including a hat and |
| manual) and sufficient food and water for at least | | | | footwear. |
| 14 days, there is only a very slim chance of | | | | - Conserve your food and water supplies in |
| running into trouble. If you are going into an | | | | anticipation of a long wait. |
| isolated or remote area, your most serious threat | | | | - Conserve your energy. |
| is that of becoming stranded. Do not assume that | | | | - Try to signal for help using fire, or scratch the |
| a road indicates habitation. It could lead to an | | | | word help into the ground or sand. |
| abandoned homestead or geological survey site. | | | | The most important thing is Do Not Panic. Even if |
| Note these tips for driving cross country do not | | | | you do go off the beaten track that never |
| only apply to us in Australia, they are appropriate | | | | seems to be used, you are rarely alone. A fellow |
| everywhere. | | | | traveller will appear sooner or later (within days, |
| Tips for driving cross country if your car breaks | | | | not weeks). |
| down in a hot, dry region: | | | | Have a look here for how to make a clock |
| - Stay with the vehicle and do not panic. If you | | | | compass, a solar still, other sources of water, air |
| must leave the car, attach a note to the steering | | | | search signals and other useful information about |
| wheel stating your proposed route. Move at night | | | | survival in the bush and outback. |
| when it is cool and mark your route clearly as | | | | Your most important item will be water. Drinking |
| you go so you can be followed or find your way | | | | adequate fluids is even more important than |
| back easily. | | | | eating food. Without a supply of water, you have |
| - Ration your food and water supplies. Keep them | | | | little chance of surviving in places of extreme |
| cool under the car, scraping a shallow hole to | | | | heat. If you intend to travel in the desert or |
| place them in. | | | | remote outback areas, prepare for the worst and |
| - Cover as much of your body as possible with | | | | carry 4-5 litres of water per person for every |
| light clothing; this reduces perspiration. | | | | day you expect to be on the road. Then carry |
| - Rest to conserve energy. Do strenuous jobs | | | | extra water for 3-4 days to cover you in the |
| only at night. | | | | event of an emergency. |