TRIP PREP
VEHICLE PREPARATION
Research the ‘known faults’ for your vehicle, and address them after comparing various recommendations
A well maintained and recently serviced 4X4, with low-range gearing. The service must include all filters (air, oil & fuel) and all oils (engine, gearbox, transfer case, differentials)
Professional underbody inspection especially transmission, driveshafts, axles, wheels, brakes, steering, suspension, exhaust
Professional engine bay inspection especially water pump, radiator, alternator, starter motor, manifold, belts, hoses, battery mounts
Quality mud-terrain or all-terrain tyres in good condition, definitely not low profile tyres or retreads, deflators for airing down and a portable compressor for airing up
It’s a good idea to carry a fire extinguisher, make sure it’s secured tightly
Spare parts and fluids, as appropriate for your particular make of vehicle
Plus the following: hoses, jubilee clips, baling wire, large cable-ties, fuses, bulbs, belts, duct tape, WD40, nuts & bolts, tyre valves etc
Carry a reasonable selection of your most commonly used tools
Your vehicle must be equipped with a UHF radio, in proper working order
20L jerry cans of diesel, mounted on the outside of the vehicle
Recovery gear including straps and shackles, and a good shovel
Water Blind for river crossings and Scrim Net for long grass and spinifex
Inspect your engine bay, undercarriage and the condition of your tyre sidewalls, at the end of each day’s driving
It is good practice to blow out your air filter after a day of dusty driving, and check oil and water levels at the same time
Inspect your undercarriage and the ground under the vehicle every morning, to check for any oil, water or fluids leaking or terrain damage.
Do not over-prepare your vehicle. Weight can be the great undoer dramtically shifting the centre of gravity and increased strain on the whole driveline, transmission and balance.
PERSONAL PREPARATION
Documents
Vehicle registration
Letter of permission if you are not the registered owner
Drivers licence
Debit and credit cards, cash
Vehicle breakdown and recovery insurance
Medical insurance
Destination map(s), it’s good fun to mark up the route at the end of the trip
Keep handy in the vehicle a list of important contact numbers.
Equipment
Sleeping bags and a tent, we recommend a quality canvas roof-tent, which has been well secured to the roof of the vehicle
If using a ground tent, you will need mattresses or camping stretchers, and a heavy-duty groundsheet
Remember we’ll be camping in the wild, so consider your lighting requirements when preparing
Camping chairs are a necessity and so is a travellers picnic kit incl bowl, for the cutlery and crockery you will need
Shovel, loo paper, plus the usual bathroom necessities and creature-comforts, wet-wipes and a shower towel
Camera and binoculars
Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and suitable protective clothing and footwear, as appropriate for the terrain: sandals and boots or trainers
Insect repellent
It’s worth bringing a selection of outdoor clothing to cover all eventualities, some nights and mornings will be cool
Carry your own snacks and drinks for the longer spells in the car, these can regularly be purchased in the larger villages and towns
Bottled water and carry plenty to avoid dehydration by drinking it frequently
Ensure that you carry enough water to be able to do your washing up etc.
If you like a drink (alcohol) at the end of the day bring it along sensibly packed out of sight. Buying alcohol en route is usually not possible.
TIPS – OUTBACK TRAVEL
Never travel alone. Go with friends, a club, or a professional ‘tag along tour’ operator
Tell a friend or family member where you’re going and when you’re expected back
Plan ahead – be well equipped
Know the capabilities of you and your vehicle
Carry extra spare parts for your vehicle and your van/camper trailer
Plan your route carefully taking into consideration such important aspects as road conditions, weather forecasts, overnight stops, fuel stops, availability of food, water etc.
Carry detailed maps and/or a GPS and know how to use them
Install a vehicle-mounted UHF two-way radio and learn how to use it
Consider installing an HF radio and joining the HFOz radio network
Carry a satellite phone – know how to use it and make sure it’s charged (mobile phones will only have limited reception in remote areas)
Don’t take unnecessary risks – check out unfamiliar tracks or river crossings first, either by walking them or by asking other travellers you may meet on the road or via two-way radio
Carry extra water and moist tinned food
Make sure you are physically fit enough to undertake an outback journey
If you’re on any special medication, take extra supplies
Allow more time to get from A to B in the outback
Learn basic bush survival techniques
Complete a basic mechanical course
Complete a basic first aid course and carry a first aid kit
Carry a tool box and know how to use it
Take a 4WD training course and carry appropriate recovery gear
Take out appropriate travel and/or health insurance
In tropical areas, don’t swim, paddle or fish unless you are 100% sure that the water is crocodile-free
Drink plenty of water as you travel
Don’t travel at night when wildlife or livestock may be on the roads
Finding that perfect shady spot and parking under a large tree is tempting, but beware of large branches which could drop & injure you or damage your vehicle, camper or tent
Obtain relevant approvals in advance if you plan to visit or traverse farms, stations or Aboriginal Reserves
Don’t take alcohol in or near Aboriginal communities
Don’t take photos of indigenous people without their permission
Leave gates as you found them – if they are open, leave them that way
Move aside for road trains
Don’t enter roads or attempt water crossings that have been closed by officials
Keep calm if things go wrong
And finally, if you do get stranded or have a breakdown or other emergency, call for help and stay with your vehicle until assistance arrives. Do not leave your vehicle!
