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Great Tips for Visiting Australia’s Outback

Travelling around Australia is as exhilarating and mind blowing as it can be. Not only is it jam packed with natural wonder and beauty, but it also holds so many ancient secrets that can only be discovered by digging a little deeper. To make the most of your excavation down under, taking care of a few little pointers can go a long way towards making your holiday stress free and more enjoyable.

Pack Lotion and Protect Yourself from Those Rays
group-and-car-sitting
No matter what time of year you plan to visit Australia, it is normally baking somewhere. Going outside without some sort of protection will have you burnt to a crisp in matter of hours. Skin cancer is common but avoidable. Sunscreen is the most obvious choice to block out those harmful rays; however, protecting the top of your head with a lightly coloured hat is also advised to prevent your brain from frazzling.

Stock up on Fluids and Rehydrating Salts
It may not be apparent as excitement is the greatest distraction but over the course of your day you will be losing salts and essential minerals through the sweat glands of your body. It is vital you keep these at a healthy level to avoid headaches, nausea, and other common symptoms related to sunstroke. Small electrolyte sachets can be bought from most pharmacies and are easily mixed with water. One in the evening should be enough but you can take two if needed.

Insect Repellent
One of the most famous characteristics of the Australian outbacker is the corked hat. This was designed to keep bugs out of people’s faces. However, it’s not just the faces these little midges go for. You will be bitten to shreds in the outback if you don’t use some sort of insect repellent. Deet with a low percentage is normally mixed in with bug spray so don’t overdo it as it will be bad for your skin. If you prefer the natural approach, then rub yourself with fresh lavender before leaving in the morning and wear longer, more covering clothes.

Drive Carefully
Not only can the outback road be unpredictable in its maintenance, there are also nature’s obstacles to be contended with. Large stones or rocks may have made their way into the roads that can cause damage not only to your car but also to your pooch hanging out the back of the window. However, the main thing to watch for is the wildlife. Wallabies and kangaroos roam quite freely and are often not seen before they are heard. Drive slowly, keeping the road in front of you well illuminated.

Go Only at Certain Times of the Year
Australia is a hot one. Even for people who have grown up there, the sun can sometimes be too much. If you are planning to spend a lot of time outside and in the Northern territories then head out between April and October. The weather is still hot but is a lot cooler than it would be during the rest of the year. The southern part of Australia though is best seen in November and March, perfect time for tanning on the beach.

Make Sure You Have a Rough Plan
Travelling the Australia outback is slightly different to staying in a guesthouse and asking for tips from someone on Khao san road. Having an idea of where you want to go and what you want to see is worth thinking about before you set off into the plains. Australia is a lot bigger than many people think and it is easy to be caught out when judging timing and distances for your chosen locations.

First Aid
If you decide to go it alone instead of with a tour group then be safe, don’t be stupid. Bring a well-equipped first aid box, make sure you have your phone on charge whenever possible and find out where the nearest hospitals and towns are on your journey.

This article was written by Misty Angel on behalf of Kimberley 4WD Tours specialists, Kimberley Tours. Misty Angel is a keen traveller with a whole host of top tips for those interested in seeing the world.