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.

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

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.

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"

[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.