Don’t Take an Outback Road Trip Without these 8 Things

Living the RV life in Australia gives you the opportunity to explore some wild and wonderful landscapes, which is one of the main reasons we bet you love it so much. One of the most unique experiences that our country has to offer travellers in their campervans, motorhomes and caravans is without a doubt, the outback road trip. But, if you’re planning an epic journey into the Red Centre, Central Australia or just the depths of the bush, there tends to be more factors to consider than any other road trip.

Here are our top 7 items that you shouldn’t hit the dirt tracks without:

1. Insect repellent and a fly net

Even if you’re a seasoned road tripper you’ll likely still be surprised at the number of mosquitoes and flies in the outback. If you’re planning on spending long periods of times outdoors and travelling during Summer, a flynet is definitely a handy piece of kit that we recommend getting before you hit the road. Insect repellent is a MUST though, no matter where you’re going in the outback or what season you’ll be in.

2. Lots of water

Shops are few and far between, and water is something that you never want to run out of. Especially in the outback where the daytime temperatures are high pretty much all year round. Make sure you pack at least 5 litres of water per person, per day, on top of your usual supply. And, make sure to invest in some refillable water bottles that you can take out on day trips. Dehydration in the outback is no joke!

3. A medical grade first aid kit

Speaking of shops being few and far between ,In the outback, so are the medical facilities. It’s crucial that you have access to any supplies that you might need in case of a medical emergency. Here are just some of the top items we recommend:

• Wound dressings ( a range for burns, abrasions, wounds, minor cuts)
• A variety of bandages
• Antiseptic wipes and cream
• Pain Killers
• Antihistamines
• Strapping tape
• Gauze
• Safety pins
• Tweezers
• Surgical scissors
• Survival thermal blanket
• Basic first aid notes and instructions

  You can also head to the Red Cross website to find out what their recommendations are.

4. Versatile clothing

Even though temperatures can soar in the outback, it can also get pretty chilly in the evenings and during the night so it’s a good idea to take versatile clothing to suit all temperatures. We recommend packing clothes that can be layered so that you can take clothes off or put them on as needed.

5. A Satellite Phone

The outback is a vast place which means you may go hours or days without reliable phone service. A satellite phone is crucial for outback travelling as it means that you’re only ever a phone call away from emergency services, should you need them.

6. A Sealed Bag for Valuables

One thing about the outback is that there’s red dirt and dust pretty much everywhere. It’s all part of the adventure when you head into the more remote parts of our beautiful country. However, having a safe pocket, bag or container that you can store valuables items and documents in will be a lifesaver because it means they won’t be left with a permanent red tinge.

7. Power bank

Chances are that if you’re heading on an epic adventure through the outback, you’ll want to document the road trip on your phone, camera or GoPro. A power bank will give you that extra charge without having to wait until you get back to your RV or without having to wait for your next powered site.

8. Hardwearing shoes

If you think your thongs are going to cut it in the depths of the outback, you’d better think again. Especially if you’re planning on spending time venturing out by foot. We of course do recommend you plan to head out on walks (there are some seriously beautiful treks and hikes) but be sure to pack a pair of decent hiking boots or sandals that can handle a bit of a beating. If you do happen to be wearing your thongs, look out for the Cat’s Eye’s- they can go straight through the foam of your flip flop and stick into your skin. OUCH!

What are your must-haves for an outback road trip? Let us know if we missed any or if you have any handy tips for fellow RVers.

Looking for a home on wheels that can take you trekking into the Red Centre and beyond? Browse our listings today to find your perfect caravan, campervan, motorhome or camper trailer.