How to plan for an outback road adventure

If you love road trips and can’t wait to get off the beaten path, head inland to discover the colourful, quirky wilderness that is our ‘Outback’. It’s not what you’d call a relaxing break - more a deliberate quest for inspiration on a backdrop of jaw-dropping scenery. One thing’s for sure, you’ll return feeling like a true, dinky-di explorer.

Where should you go?

There are no borders that classify the ‘outback’ and you’ll find access from whichever city you live in. For example, from Sydney traverse the central Darling Shire to White Cliffs. Or, from Brisbane, make your way to Birdsville through vast, rugged landscapes.

The Red Centre, with iconic Ayers Rock, is obviously one of the most popular touring routes and you’ll start your trip in Alice Springs. In terms of famous roads that put you in the heart of outback scenery, the Stuart Highway from Adelaide to Darwin is one of the easiest, crisscrossed by the Oodnadatta Track for the truly adventurous.

Then, there’s the Great Victoria, Gibson, Great Sandy and Tanami deserts, for four wheel drive lovers. Crossing the Nullarbor Plain is a rite of passage for many Aussie explorers. It takes about six days to travel between Adelaide and Perth, along the longest, straightest and flattest road in the country.

How to plan

First up, if you’re a true city-slicker and don’t know where to start, the experience is still well within reach. There are tour companies in every state, who’ll do the hard work for you. If you know what you’re doing, but don’t have a four wheel drive for bush-bashing, it’s a cost-effective option to fly into a regional centre, like Darwin or Longreach and hire one from there.

When you want a DIY adventure, you’ll need to invest time in considerable planning, however many of the roads are easily accessible, even without a four wheel drive. Simply choose a route to match your equipment, expertise and time limit.

If you decide on a particularly remote journey, it’s essential to pack everything you’ll need, keeping in mind you may not see a shop for days. This includes sufficient food and water, camping equipment, paper maps, a satellite phone, a first aid kit, spare tyres and medications.

While there are dangers in the outback, simple common sense is all that’s required to avoid most issues. Take your time along dirt tracks, beware of kangaroos, wallabies and emus crossing, stay with your car in the event of a breakdown and, before each big stretch, let someone know where you’re heading and the approximate time of arrival.

If you’re taking the kids, a game of ‘I Spy’ might not suffice, along roads that meet the glistening horizon with nothing in between. While you’ll love the serene emptiness, they might be happier with a significant stash of games and books.

Once you’re organised, an outback adventure is one that inspires you to dream as big as the vast wilderness surrounding you.