Outback camping advice wanted

[leeds]

Am quite used to camping in Europe, but the Australia outback is completely different.

What are the main dangers/precautions for camping in the outback?

Do dunny (redback) spiders and tiger snakes present a major hazard or are they more scared of humans then humans are of them?

Do you tend to carry anti venom stuff with in your first aid kit

What sort of tents do you lot mainly used?

I prefer ground tents over rof tents. Normally I have a smal 2 man tent for when travelling by myself and only staying for one night. When Barbara is with me or staying for a few nights I prefer a much larger dome tent where basically can stand up in it.

Regards

Brendan

[paulthepilot_5]

I' wouldn't be too worried about the redbacks and snakes :) snakes tend to be scared off by the noise of people most of the time. And spiders, just be careful when colecting fire wood or moving logs. :cool:

As for tents, i usualy sleep in the back of the landy, but if i was going to use a tent i would go for a rooftop tent

[Xavie]

Tent choice is fine as long as it is a good quality one.

A lot of people prefer swags for ease of use. climate and space but it is each to their own.

A local first aid book would be useful as well as a sat phone if your planning a reasonable trip.

[Bigbjorn]

Well, first check out the climatic conditions where you plan to go. Norther and Western Queensland can have extremes of climate. On the western plains max. and min. temps can range from over 40 for weeks on end in summer to below freezing on winter nights and mornings. The tropical north can have temps over 40 with brutal humidity in summer with extremely heavy rains. Winter is the best time to visit the tropical north and April-May & September-October the best times to visit the outback, pleasant temperatures, little chance of flood rains, and few flies. I prefer a ground tent that is high enough to comfortably stand in. Spiders and snakes generally not a problem, just keep a bit of a watch.

[cartm58]

Camping Tips

Toilets shovel and bucket and little toilet stand seat for comfort and bury your waste

Cooking option of bottled gas or liquid fuel, Coleman has a nice range of 2 and 3 man burners in both fuel types 2 burner nice compact but l prefer 3 burner as 2 go under hotplate 1 burner left for pot for boiling veggies or boiling water for tea coffee and they also have a foldable oven for baking roasts cakes breadsin.

Where you can make fires _note firebans and scarity of wood fuel in some areas buy yourself a portable iron frame bbq for cooking and a dutch oven -cast iron pot can buy cheap chinese pots and pans for around $20 each or get genuine aussie made one for around $100.

Shower bag solar heated for washing or buy a glind whihc is hot shower whihc works off your engine and pumps water from bucket or creek

Water will need min 20 litres per person can buy plastic gerry cans or bladders find bladders easier to store within vehicle

Snakes arent problem unless you go annoy them or try to catch them

Spiders red backs arent a real issue but in NSW theyre is a spider that will kill you if it bites you called a funnel web

A tiny octupus called blue ring found in tidal pools will kill you if it bites you

IN Northern waters need to be aware of swimming in ocean for jelly fish called box has long trailing stingers whihc burn like hell and can die if get multiple exposure need to have vingar to wash down in and wear lady panty hose if wading

In Northern areas salt water crocidiles are an issue to be aware as they do eat people more than sharks do.

Parts of outback you need to obtain permits from abo land councils before entering and National Parks pass for desert like simpson etc

Parts of outback fuel is only diesel or ava gas to counter act petrol sniffing by abo youngsters soe trips you need to arrange fuel dumps to be made in advance like canning stock route

Fuel most places long distance will have fuel at least every 500 km average range of aussie made cars so you may need to carry at least 40 litres of fuel or have long range tanks fitted

For northern WA its advisable to be carrying at least 2 spare tyes

[RonMcGr]

Am quite used to camping in Europe, but the Australia outback is completely different.

What are the main dangers/precautions for camping in the outback?

Do dunny (redback) spiders and tiger snakes present a major hazard or are they more scared of humans then humans are of them?

Do you tend to carry anti venom stuff with in your first aid kit

What sort of tents do you lot mainly used?

I prefer ground tents over rof tents. Normally I have a smal 2 man tent for when travelling by myself and only staying for one night. When Barbara is with me or staying for a few nights I prefer a much larger dome tent where basically can stand up in it.

Regards

Brendan

Brendan,

You make it sound like a hell hole :D

Just make sure you have a tent that has a zippered door :)

So far the snakes, spiders, dingo, kangaroos, emus, sheep cattle and drop bears have not figured out how to open a zip. :D:D:D

Cheers,

[weeds]

some prefer 5 star accommodation but i do like the million star camping in a swag. swags are good cause yout bed is ready to in a minute, when megs is out with us we go with a touring tent, square canvas tent full height and one only needs four pegs and one pole and she is ready to go. dome tents are also quick to put up and probably take up less space

carry a good first aid kit making sure you have plenty of presure bandages for snake bites, your standard kit will only have at best have two.......thankfully i have never needed the pressure bandages

i mention it can get quite cold at night

don't for get the sunscreen and a broadbrim hat

[RonMcGr]

some prefer 5 star accommodation but i do like the million star camping in a swag. swags are good cause yout bed is ready to in a minute, when megs is out with us we go with a touring tent, square canvas tent full height and one only needs four pegs and one pole and she is ready to go. dome tents are also quick to put up and probably take up less space

carry a good first aid kit making sure you have plenty of presure bandages for snake bites, your standard kit will only have at best have two.......thankfully i have never needed the pressure bandages

i mention it can get quite cold at night

don't for get the sunscreen and a broadbrim hat

You forgot to mention "the flies" :D

[dirtdawg]

last long weekend the flies up at eildon were pretty bad

[loanrangie]

Tents are a real personal choice, a good quality dome or a good but bulky canvas tent with extra poles and a large tarpauline for extra weather protection would be my choice. I like the idea of rooftops but having to close them up every time you want to move the vehicle or having to climb down to have a pee (the missus not me) is why i wouldnt buy one unless i was touring Africa - even then when i did we just used tents.

[weeds]

You forgot to mention "the flies" :D

didn't want to scare them off

[Tango51]

It would be very helpful to know where you intend going in this huge diverse land.
We take for granted the ingrained precautions we have at camp, checking things that snakes like to crawl into or under while the camp has been quiet, the care we have when picking up things that spiders could be under and so on.
Australia has 20 or more things were you only get to be bitten/stung once yet rarely do we suffer that fate.
Just apply the precautions and all should be well.
Learn some 4 wheel driving skill and outback rules/bush survival skills and it will be a fascinating part of your trip and will help you avoid the prime killer.
Getting stuck in a remote area and dieing there when you could have avoided it easily.
This is a real tragedy among tourists.

[JDNSW]

Am quite used to camping in Europe, but the Australia outback is completely different.

What are the main dangers/precautions for camping in the outback?

Do dunny (redback) spiders and tiger snakes present a major hazard or are they more scared of humans then humans are of them?

Do you tend to carry anti venom stuff with in your first aid kit

What sort of tents do you lot mainly used?

I prefer ground tents over rof tents. Normally I have a smal 2 man tent for when travelling by myself and only staying for one night. When Barbara is with me or staying for a few nights I prefer a much larger dome tent where basically can stand up in it.

Regards

Brendan

Spiders and snakes are minor hazards - generally just make plenty of noise when moving about and if picking up something from the ground, don't put your hand under it without turning it over. Antivenene is not generally carried as it needs to have medical facilities to deal with possible reactions to it, is expensive, and relatively short life, as well as being in fairly short supply, as it is not often required.

By far the biggest dangers from wildlife (based on statistics) are from crocodiles, sharks and box jellyfish (in that order). But the biggest dangers are not from wildlife; the biggest danger is the common motor vehicle accident! The biggest danger of loss of life that is specific to outback travel, is dying of thirst after a breakdown or getting bogged in sand. Without water or shade, this can take less than 24 hours. Carry plenty of water, plan carefully, make sure you are expected somewhere by someone who knows your route, and stay with the vehicle.

Type of tent depends on your preferences - mine is normally to just use a swag on the ground, but this preference can change rapidly if it starts to rain! From the safety point of view there is little to choose - but one point to remember is never set up camp under a gum tree - some species are self pruning in that they will shed branches without warning - and people are regularly killed this way.

John

[Tango51]

If in dry conditions and feel your wheels spin, stop.Get out and look. You may need to dig a hole, lay in a hessan bag,towel,wood etc.
If you break down or get stuck, stay with the vehicle.
Carry heaps of water.
Never camp in a river bed, especially in hot areas.
Never rest under river gum trees
Don't leave your shoes on the ground.
In croc areas, don't approach the river at the same place twice.
Don't linger.
14 metres from the water's edge is where a croc from in the water can catch a horse, if you run faster than a horse then that is your safety zone edge.
If you don't have water, throw out your food before you get hungry.Common sense will tell you which is usefulversus harmful.
The radiator and engine block are full of water.
Coolant although a lovely lime colour is a no no.
You get the idea, there is plenty to learn but it's all good fun so get into it.

[Michael2]

already said, but worth repeating


Do NOT camp under any gum tree,
unless it's a flimsy shrubby one.


Limbs snap off & kill people.

[Bushwanderer]

You buggers, talking about redbacks. I was working on the LR earlier & eventually spied a redback between the front passengers-side door & the body.:o

I couldn't get "at it" readily, without potentially damaging the duco. So I got my longest screwdriver and broke its web so I could apply yhe lethal boot when it hit the ground. All went well until he dropped to the ground. Then I lost him in the grass.:mad:

No more work under the car today.:(

[LSBob]

Brendan
You need to plan your trip so you miss the lousy weather. Up north the Kimberly's- Victoria River district gets really high humidity and high temperatures from October onwards and the weather can make you very lethargic and careless. Cyclones can come from November up to May and that affects from Port Hedland across to Townsville or even lower with heavy rains and some roads can be closed for months, and that includes the major highways. More tourists are killed in motor vehicle accidents than from other causes, the long distances, hot climate, flat countryside for miles and gravel roads cause single vehicle accidents - rollovers. Sometimes the wildlife also contribute. Outback roads are unfenced.
In Northern Australia don't camp near rivers as crocodiles have attacked sleeping people nor go in swimming unless it specificially states that there are no crocs there. Never clean your fish by the waters edge. See the film Rogue before you come.:D
There are not many camping areas with facilities in the North, so be prepared for bush camping and bring your rubbish out or dig a deep hole and burn the rubbish else wild pigs will root it up. During the Dry season it can be hard to find a caravan park with vacancies. Their quality vary from excellent to ugh! though some in the small places are excellent.
On the beaches it is advisable to wear sandshoes or similar, not thongs, flip flops or whatever you call them, because of cuts from the coral, sea urchins spikes or if you are really unlucky, a stone fish.
Food is readily available in the big centres but it can be very limited in the small settlements, sometimes it is dependant on when the delivery truck makes its weekly run. Money ATMs are not always available in the small settlements and some times they run out of money, no problems in the larger towns. Service for the car can be a problem away from the main centres, spare parts for Land rover would rarely be carried, even Darwin the dealer does not carry much but it can be airfreighted up in a day or so. Most outback mechanics have had plenty of experience on Toyotas but not LR.
Water quality varies, some places it is soft, others were they use bore water can be hard and slightly salty. But keep a container solely for drinking purposes and only fill it up where the water is good as if water from different bores is mixed, sometimes you may get an interesting results which keep you on the run all night.
Other than that, no worries mate she'll beright and you will have a good time.

[RonMcGr]

You buggers, talking about redbacks. I was working on the LR earlier & eventually spied a redback between the front passengers-side door & the body.:o

I couldn't get "at it" readily, without potentially damaging the duco. So I got my longest screwdriver and broke its web so I could apply yhe lethal boot when it hit the ground. All went well until he dropped to the ground. Then I lost him in the grass.:mad:

No more work under the car today.:(

I use surface spray.

Redbacks are easy to pick, because their webs are always filthy..

The buggers insisted on living inside the rear bumper of the red XJ6. From there they were able to access the area around the fuel tanks and I had a hell of a time trying to get rid of them. Surface spray did the trick and it tokk a few goes, as once the spiders died, the eggs hatched.

[RonMcGr]

Brendan,

As a few of the guys have said, let us know where you are when you travel. That way people from this forum will be able to meet up with you and shoe you the local sites :D

Easily done, if you carry a laptop (All MacDonald's have a wireless hot spot) or go to internet cafes. :D

That way we can all bother you on your travels :eek:

[drtrigg]

Hi Brendan.....

Re..your enquiry on outback camping..

I have been to most places in the aussie outback and never once have I had a problem with spiders . There are a few snakes out there but if you dont bother them ,they won't bother you. If you are going into remote areas ,it pays to carry a satellite phone and plenty of fuel.Pick the time of year .Too hot in our summer.Don't go on your own .The most popular type of tent is the dome ( weight and space) .Any further help or info I can offer ..just email...

Dennis Trigg

[drtrigg]

Hi Brendan.....

Re..your enquiry on outback camping..

I have been to most places in the aussie outback and never once have I had a problem with spiders . There are a few snakes out there but if you dont bother them ,they won't bother you. If you are going into remote areas ,it pays to carry a satellite phone and plenty of fuel.Pick the time of year .Too hot in our summer.Don't go on your own .The most popular type of tent is the dome ( weight and space) .Any further help or info I can offer ..just email...

Dennis Trigg

[leeds]

Many thanks, for all your helpful and humourous replies. :D

Barbara (my partner) is to blame for the queries about creepy crawly things! :wasntme:

The itineray (sp?) is rather flexible after spectating at the Outback Challenge, will fly to Singapore for a week to meet up with B. On return will have 6 weeks starting in Melbourne/Adelaide area to explore some of your wonderful countryside.

Have to be in Sydney to meet B on about 20th July. We then intend heading north into Northern Terrotries/Cape York area. Have to find an airport late August so B can get back to Sydney to catch her plane back to UK. (She has to work to keep me in the manner I have become accustomed too :p)

From late August to mid December no set plans. Apart from meeting up with B for a week in Singapore/HK/Bali etc in October. Have to be back in Sydney for mid December.

It would be good to meet up with some of you guys have the odd :twobeers: and possibly drive some tracks together. So what are you guys doing in SE Australia June to mid July???

The 110 is reasonably well equipped (LOL) and I have some experience in Europe BUT Oz is a completely different kettle of fish, hence a lot of my questions.


Regards


Brendan

[Hymie]

If you make your way down as far as Victoria I'll be glad to show you around.

[Blknight.aus]

If in dry conditions and feel your wheels spin, stop.Get out and look. You may need to dig a hole, lay in a hessan bag,towel,wood etc.
If you break down or get stuck, stay with the vehicle.
Carry heaps of water.
Never camp in a river bed, especially in hot areas.
Never rest under river gum trees
Don't leave your shoes on the ground.
In croc areas, don't approach the river at the same place twice.
Don't linger.
14 metres from the water's edge is where a croc from in the water can catch a horse, if you run faster than a horse then that is your safety zone edge.
If you don't have water, throw out your food before you get hungry.Common sense will tell you which is usefulversus harmful.
The radiator and engine block are full of water.
Coolant although a lovely lime colour is a no no.
You get the idea, there is plenty to learn but it's all good fun so get into it.

no, dont drink it even if its not proper coolant and just water... the level of metals from other engine parts that winds up in it you dont want to know about.....

Crocks can clock over 60 KPh for very short distances and at speed can still turn on a dime, dont get chased by one. Crocks while they can jump up out of water a fair way cant do the same on land so as long as you can get higher off of the ground than their body length from snout to rear legs your going to be safe... good luck remebering that when you have one of the buggers chasing you down.


Also DO NOT camp in creekbeds unless you are sure there is no rain about. Outback creeks are not usually so much of a problem but in Aus rivers and creeks can rise with alarming speed.

Some great advise already given

Probably the best thing you can do is research very well the area you wish to visit long before you head off.


even if you do know that there is no rain about in your area DO NOT CAMP in creek beds I have personally twice seen a dry creek bed fill to normal flow in less than 2 hours from rain in areas over 300 KM away and Im not talking the little creeks that you used to walk knee deep in when you were a kid. Ive seen one incident of a creek filling to 4 foot deep in less than 10 minutes from rain 100 Km away.

A big one that no-ones mentioned yet (or if they have i missed it on the glance past before replying) setup a safety call and give people your itenery(include photos and details of your vehcile and load out) before you head out if you dont call in at appropriate times they can warn out the local mobs that handle searches.

Grab an EPIRB register it for the duration of your stay with the local authorities and give the details of it to the people you give your itenery to so if it goes really really pear shaped help is just the flip of a switch and some patients away.

IF you can afford it hire a satphone for the same reasons youd have the EPRIB but you get 2 way coms while it works.


enjoy your trip over here, while weve got the most flaura and fauna that can kill you we make up for it by having nicer scenery and nicer people in general... (and we have AULRO too) so if you do get dead at least you'll get dead in a nice place with good company... :)

[Bushwanderer]

I use surface spray.

Redbacks are easy to pick, because their webs are always filthy..

The buggers insisted on living inside the rear bumper of the red XJ6. From there they were able to access the area around the fuel tanks and I had a hell of a time trying to get rid of them. Surface spray did the trick and it tokk a few goes, as once the spiders died, the eggs hatched.

That's a good hint Ron.

Thanks,

[RonMcGr]

Good idea Ron :D

Now to find the Simpson Desert MacDonalds ;)

I take it, it has been a while since you went there. Pat :D

http://memweb.newsguy.com/~mcgrice/simpson.jpg

Cheers,

[Tango51]

I had the MacCamel burger and a Cactus Latte.

[RonMcGr]

I had the MacCamel burger and a Cactus Latte.

Good choice, The Dingo donger baguette was horrid :D

[Tango51]

Good choice, The Dingo donger baguette was horrid :D

Now you're really being a d*ck!
I did notice that after the MacCamelburger I didn't need a drink for days....:confused:

[RonMcGr]

Now you're really being a d*ck!
I did notice that after the MacCamelburger I didn't need a drink for days....:confused:

H'm, I'll bet that made you hump along :)

[markyc]

Hi Brendan,
I'm a Wakey boy and my girl's a Loiner!
We've been here over four years and done a fair bit of travelling/camping. We've seen no snakes at all and only one Redback (in a shower block).
Just watch where you pitch the tent as the bull ants might take exception to your ass on their front door!;)

[cartm58]

Just a broad tip

Northern Australia dry season roughly runs May to October, depending on seasonal rainfalls and cyclone patterns may vary from year to year as to accessible tracks river water heights etc

Remember we are in Southern Hempishere so Autumn/Winter for Southern Australian regions March to September

[barney]

don't listen to these people, they don't know what they are talking about.
Australia is full of friendly animals, that is why we are called "the lucky country". kangaroos love a big hug, the bigger they are, the more they love it. snakes are great fun because they know people are scared of them, but in reality, they just want to be understood. with a few small pieces of bread and about five minutes of your time you can have them sitting on your finger eating titbits out of your hand.
crocodiles are the funniest, given the chance they will give you a big lick on the cheek, they are just big dumb labradors from prehistoric times.
you'll have a great time here in australia, a time you will never forget.:):p

[spudboy]

Grab an EPIRB register it for the duration of your stay with the local authorities and give the details of it to the people you give your itenery to so if it goes really really pear shaped help is just the flip of a switch and some patients away.

IF you can afford it hire a satphone for the same reasons youd have the EPRIB but you get 2 way coms while it works.

If you want to borrow an EPIRB then you are welcome to take mine.
Cheers
David

[RonMcGr]

don't listen to these people, they don't know what they are talking about.
Australia is full of friendly animals, that is why we are called "the lucky country". kangaroos love a big hug, the bigger they are, the more they love it. snakes are great fun because they know people are scared of them, but in reality, they just want to be understood. with a few small pieces of bread and about five minutes of your time you can have them sitting on your finger eating titbits out of your hand.
crocodiles are the funniest, given the chance they will give you a big lick on the cheek, they are just big dumb labradors from prehistoric times.
you'll have a great time here in australia, a time you will never forget.:):p

You have been to Australia Zoo!
Haven't you :D

The Kangaroos are friendly in there, but I'll pass on the large lizards.....:eek: