Australia’s a big place. Wide, empty, and unforgiving in all the ways that make it magic, but if you’re heading into the scrub without thinking about safety, you’re not being brave, you’re just rolling the dice. Out in the remote bits, a flat tyre or dead battery can turn into an overnight survival story real quick.
And the cavalry? It could be hours, or even days, away.
Don’t stress. A bit of planning, the right gear, and a solid understanding of what you’re walking (or wheeling) into can make all the difference. Let’s run through it.
Know Where You’re Going (And Who Knows It)
First thing’s first: tell someone where you’re headed. Sounds simple, but it’s the single biggest lifesaver in remote touring. Whether it’s a mate, your partner, or the local constabulary, let someone know where you’re going and when you’re due back. That way, if you go quiet for too long, someone knows to raise the alarm.
Buy good quality paper maps, and know how to use them. Print up some topo maps if you need to. GPS is great, until it isn't. Always have a paper backup and know how to use it.
three men inspecting a map on the bonnet of a 4wd
Comms: Don’t Just Rely On Your Mobile
Phone coverage might be decent in the cities, but it’s patchy at best once you're west of the range. Relying on a phone alone is asking for trouble.
Here’s what you should carry:
- UHF Radio: Channel 40 is the truckies’ highway chat, but keep an ear on emergency channels (like 5/35) too. Even in convoy, a UHF is worth its weight in gold for calling out hazards and keeping the crew tight.
- Satellite Phone or Starlink: Pricier, sure. But when you’re outside mobile range, it’s your lifeline. With sat-phones, you can call help or loved ones directly. Starlink’s been a game-changer for those needing internet (or uploading TV shows from the desert).
- iPhone SOS via Satellite: If you’ve got a newer phone, some have the option for emergency satellite SOS features that let you text triple-zero even without reception. It’s slow and limited, but it could be the thing that gets you home.
Carry the Right Recovery Gear
Getting bogged is one thing. Getting bogged 300 kays from anywhere with no shovel, no comms, and no plan? That’s how the news articles start.
At a bare minimum:
- Snatch strap and rated shackles
- Tyre deflator and compressor
- Traction boards (and a shovel to pair them with)
- Jump starter or a dual battery that links to your main
- Spare tyre, plug kit, and the tools to actually change one
Know how to use everything before you leave. If you’ve never snatched a vehicle or used a winch, don’t wait ‘till you’re chest-deep in a river crossing to figure it out.
Pack For Contingency, Not Comfort
If something goes wrong, you might be stuck out there longer than planned. That means water, food, and warmth are non-negotiable. A jerry or two of clean drinking water, some non-perishables (muesli bars, rice, tinned stuff), and a decent sleeping setup should be with you on every trip, yep, even day ones.
Chuck in a first-aid kit too, a spare head torch, and a power bank for phones and radios. And always check your vehicle's fluids, belts, and battery before heading bush. Preventative maintenance saves lives.
a closeup of a snake in a desert environment
Respect The Terrain
Whether you’re crossing the desert, winding through the high country, or poking around Cape York, every region has its own hazards. Soft sand, bulldust holes, dodgy creek crossings. They’ll all catch you out if you get too cocky.
Drive to conditions. Keep an eye on tyre temps and pressures. Be cautious, and trust your gut when a track looks sketchy. The chicken track might not give you the glory but it beats walking half a day to get help after breaking your 4X4.
Final Word
Remote travel in Australia is one of the best things you can do with a 4X4. The stars shine brighter, the campside drinks taste colder, and the silence is deeper than you’d ever hear in town. But out there, you’re on your own. And while the rewards are massive, so are the risks if you’re not prepared.
So don’t just load the fridge and hit the highway. Take the time to prep. Have a plan. Carry the right gear. And respect the land you’re travelling through. Because out there, your best recovery tool isn’t in your canopy, it’s what’s between your ears.
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