SURVIVAL TIPS FOR THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK

If your vehicle breaks down in the outback - stay with it! and you will be found

The most important thing about travelling in the Australian outback, is to make sure you let people know where you are going and when you think you will arrive at your destination. Make sure that you know the road rules of the area you intend to visit. The best thing to do is to tell the local police where you will be and how long it will take you to get there, and do not change your plans without letting someone know.

Although the outback is very beautiful and a lot of people want to see it, you must take into account that a lot of the roads in the outback are not sealed roads. Therefore they are a lot different to drive on. Where possible find out the road conditions before setting out on your trip. The best place for this is The Parks and Wildlife, ask the Park Rangers or once again the local Police in the area. Listen to what you are told, as these people live and work out here and they can give you valuable information.

Driving Conditions:

Outback driving conditions vary greatly. The deserts are usually dry, conditions change after rain. Many parts of the tropics are accessible only in the "dry" season, and even then there are streams and washaways to contend with. Pre-reading road conditions is vital. Recognising the different colour patches of sand represent changes in surface.

*Soft sand, bulldust and mud:

These are best negotiated at the highest speed and in the highest gear possible and in a 4WD. However, examine the road surface first. Never enter deep mud or mud covered with water without establishing the depth of either or both.

*Deep Sand:

Requires low tyre pressures. Carry a tyre pressure gauge and drop the pressure down to 10psi. Reinflate when back on bitumen or gravel roads again.

*Dips:

Dips are common on out back roads and can break suspension components if entered too fast. Cross a dip by braking on entering the dip to drop the vehicles nose into the dip & hold the brake until must before the bottom of the dip. Then accelerate again to lift the nose & therefore the suspension as you exit. This will prevent the springs from bottoming out, and will also give maximum clearance.

*Cattle Grids:

Cattle grids can be dangerous if they are not properly maintained, therefore when not on a main highway, it pays to checkout the grids, as bits of broken metal can puncture Tyres.

*Road Trains:

Road trains are multi-trailer trucks, they can have as many as 10 trailers, so passing them on a dirt road can be very hazardous. When you must over take, make sure that the driver can see you and only overtake the vehicle if the driver signals you that it is all clear to do so. If you are on a dirt road and see an oncoming road train, the best idea is to pull over to the side of the road and wait for the road train to pass. If you are on a bicycle and you see a road train approaching, either get off your bike and wait for the road train to pass, or make sure you are right off the road as it passes, people on bicycles have been known to be sucked into the strong wind of the trucks and killed.

HAZARDS IN THE OUTBACK

FLOODS:
In the outback, flash floods can occur without warning, especially in the wet season. Between October to March. "NEVER" camp in a dry riverbed, or close to the edge of creeks or streams. Always exercise extreme caution when approaching a flooded road. Floodwaters are very deceptive, always check the depth before attempting to cross. Do not race across a flooded road, if you do, you run the risk of getting water in the carburettor, stalling the car and thus stranding you in the water. If you return the same way, do not assume that the water level is still the same, even if it does not look like it has risen since you last crossed. Once again makes sure the water is not running faster or deeper. On any travel in the out back ALWAYS make sure you have enough WATER and make sure that everyone drinks plenty of water. Even if you do not feel thirsty, drink anyway, because in the intense heat you can dehydrate very quickly. On extremely hot days, do not travel mid morning, wait till late in the afternoon.

BUSHFIRES:
If you travel on days of critical fire danger (that is, total fire ban days), make sure you carry some woollen blankets and plenty of water containers. If you are trapped as a bushfire approaches:

*Do not panic
*Stop the car in the nearest cleared area.
*Wind up all windows.
*Turn on the hazard lights to warn any other traffic.
*DO NOT GET OUT OF YOUR CAR. The temperature may become unbearably hot, but it is safer to stay in the car.
*Lie on the car floor, below window level, to avoid radiant heat.
*Cover yourself and your passengers with blankets. The car will not explode or catch fire, and a fast moving wildfire will pass quickly overhead.

"CRITICAL RULES FOR OUTBACK MOTORING"
*Check intended routes carefully.
*Check the best time of the year to travel.
* Keep your load to a minimum.
*Check ahead for local road conditions, weather forecasts and fuel availability.
*Advise someone of your destination, route and arrival time.
*Ensure that you have essential supplies, the minium amount of water is 21 litres per head, enough food fuel and spare parts.
*Carry detailed maps.
*Carry an extra supply of water and food in case of emergency, 21 litres of water per person is for a week, allowing 4 to 5 litres per person per day in hot areas.
*ALWAYS remain with your vehicle if it breaks down. That way if you do not turn up at your destination at the given time, rescuers will know where to look for you. Always let people know that you have arrived.

WARNING:
When driving on desert roads remember:
*There is no water, except after rain.
*Unmade roads can be extremely dangerous, especially when wet.
*Traffic is almost non-existent, except on main roads.

SHARING THE OUTBACK:
As you travel through the outback, remember that you are sharing the land with it's traditional Aboriginal owners, pastoralists and even nature itself.
*Respect Aboriginal sacred and cultural sites and heritage buildings and pioneer relics.
*You can take photo's of flora and fauna, not the specimens themselves.
*Stick to the restrictions on the use of firearms.
*Carry for example, a portable gas stove, to avoid lighting fires in fire-sensitive areas.
*If you must light a campfire, keep it small and use only fallen wood. Never leave a fire unattended, extinguish fires completely before moving on.
*Do not Drive Off Road.
*If camping near water, make sure that it is safe to do so and that you are not going to stop native animals and stock getting access to the water.
*DO NOT bury your rubbish, take it away with you.
*Dispose of faecal waste by burial.
*Leave gates as you find them: open or shut.
*Do not ignore warning signs of danger, or restriction of entry. These are for your protection.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, provides emergency outback assistance. RFDS bases provide advice on outback safety, communications and emergency procedures. These people are your best bet at survival in the outback, they are on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Bases at Charleville (QLD), Broken Hill (NSW) & Jandakot (WA) also hire out HF radio transceiver sets with fixed emergency button in case of accident or illness, at a reasonable cost. The bases that do not hire out sets, can suggest local outlets for them.

"NOTE" that mobile phones are ineffective in many areas: they can not be relied on for communication in remote parts of Australia.

For General information on the Royal Flying Doctor Service, contact:

The Australian Council of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia
Level 5, 15-17 Young Street, Sydney 2000
Tel: (02) 9241 2411.

NSW:
Broken Hill R.F.D.S. Broken Hill Airport 2880
Tel: (02) 8080 1777 (base), (08) 8088 1188 (emergency assistance)

SA:
Port Augusta: 4 Vincent St. 5700
Tel: (08) 8642 2044.

WA:
Emergency assistance for all WA
Toll Free:1800 625 800.

Derby:
Clarendon St.6728.
Tel: (08) 9191 1211.

Jandakot:
3 Eagle Dr: Jandakot Airport 6164
Tel: (08) 9414 1200

Kalgoorlie:
Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport. 6430
Tel: (08) 9093 1500

Northern Territory:
Alice Springs: Stuart Tce 0870
Tel: (08)8952 1129 (base), (08) 8952 1033 (emergency assistance)

Queensland:
Brisbane: Casuarina St, Eagle Farm 4007.
Tel: (07) 3860 5388 (base), (07) 4053 5419 (emergency assistance)

Cairns:
1 Junction St, 4870.
Tel: (07) 4053 1952 (base), (07) 4053 5419 (emergency assistance)

Charleville:
Old Cunnamulla Rd 4470
Tel: (07) 4654 1233 (base), (07) 4654 1443 (emergency assistance)

Mount Isa:
Barkly Highway 4825
Tel: (07) 4743 2800 (base), (07) 4743 2802 (emergency assistance)

REMOTE TRAVELLING IN AUSTRALIA.
Remote travelling requires that someone in the vehicle knows, at least, the basic of breakdown repairs. This means carrying emergency tools, spare parts and spare fuel, and fuel and vehicle manual. The following is a guide to what maybe useful for your outback travels.

TOOLS:
* Set of screwdrivers
* Small set of socket spanners
* Open-end/ring combination spanners.
*Small hammer
* Small and medium adjustable wrenches
* Pliers and wire cutters
* Hand drill and bits
* Tyre pump
* Puncture repair kit
* Tyre-pressure gauge
* Wheel brace
* Jack with supplementary wide base for sand or mud, (block of wood, approximately the size of an A4 sheet of paper and 3 cm thick)
* Jumper leads
* Hydrometer
* Small spade
* Vice grips
* Good quality tow-rope
* Heavy duty torch, spare batteries and globe
* Pocket knife
* Fire Extinguisher's
* Aerosol puncture repair can. (keep in cool place)

SPARE PARTS:
* Epoxy resin bonding 'goo' (for repair of punctured fuel tank)
* Insulating tape
* Spare radiator and heater hoses
* Spare fan belts, alternator, etc
* Cloth Adhesive tape
* 1.mtr fuel line (reinforced plastic)
* Insulated electric wire
* Spare fuses, plugs, light-globes etc.
* Spare hose clips, Distributor cap
* Can of dewatering spray
* Set of points, fuel, air and oil filters.
* Fuel pump kit, water pump.
* Radiator sealant.

FUEL:
Spare fuel (40 litres minimum) in steel jerry cans. (Do not use non-approved plastic containers: some plastics react with fuel) Also check fuel range, and the distance between refuelling points.
* At least one spare wheel (slightly over -inflated to allow foe some air loss)
If travelling in remote areas, consider additional tyres/tubes.

This may seem like a awful lot to take with you, but the Australian outback, as beautiful as it is, it can be a very unforgiving place. The more prepared you are the better. But I must repeat, if you ever get lost or breakdown in the outback, make sure you stay with your vehicle, always inform the appropriate people of where you are heading, when you expect to arrive and let those same people know when you arrive at your destination. As long as you do this, if you should happen to either breakdown or get ill, as long as you stick to your stated direction, it will be easier and faster for people to get help to you. PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO WALK FOR HELP, as in the heat of the outback you can become disorientated very easily, and even though you may not realise it you will dehydrate very fast under these conditions.

SAFE SWIMMING, SURFING:
* Swim or surf only at those beaches patrolled by lifesavers.
* Surf or swim within the area indicated by the red and yellow flags. (An amber flag indicates that the surf is dangerous.). A red flag and sign 'Danger-closed to bathing is unsafe: do not swim or surf in this area.
* Do not enter water directly after eating or if you are under the influence of either drugs or alcohol.
* If you are caught in a rip or strong current and you are a strong swimmer, swim across it to safer waters. Otherwise, rise one arm as a distress signal until help arrives, do not panic, If you get a cramp, keep the affected part perfectly still, float and raise one arm until help arrives.
* Do not dive in the water, even if you have checked for hazards earlier - conditions can change.

FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND.

It does not matter how experienced you are or think you are, there two important things that no, caravanner, camper, or bushwalker, should be without & they are, a good map & compass. Reading maps requires a little practice, you can learn the basics, from some camping stores that sell maps etc. Once the skill of map reading is acquired, it is something that you will not easily forget.

When visiting places that are off the beaten track, is when the reading of maps is the most important. Remember to use current up to date maps. Contour maps are useful, these are maps that show contour lines, on the map that join points of equal height above sea level. the closer the lines are together, the steeper the ground is. Contours provide important information, such as high ground, low ground & the direction of the water flow of waterways.

Most maps have a True North & Magnetic North compass markings. So when using a compass in conjunction with a map, be ware that the compass will show magnetic north.

Maps scaled at 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 are best, as the greater the scale, the smaller more detailed will be the geographic area on the map. The key is the guide that the cartographer uses to represent different features of the landscape, such as roads, railways, bridges, all important firebreaks, grids, swampy areas, etc.

When you buy a compass, remember that this one thing that you don't want anything but the best, as it could become a lifesaver in the advent that you should loose your way. Most hikers find an Orienteering compass, which features a swinging needle with an adjustable dial is the best. When purchasing your compass, make sure that the needle will always point North, without this function, reference points cannot be established correctly & no true course can be plotted with confidence.

To establish a course, stand still & set the compass reading against a prominent feature of the terrain.. then walk to that point, stop & establish the next point of reference & so on. The course set can be verified by using a map of the area to cross-reference each feature of the terrain as it is sighted.

Do not forget that a compass can be affected by things in the area, such as moisture, & a compass should be used well away from, wire fences, powerlines, vehicles & iron objects as these can affect the reading.

SAFETY ON HOLIDAYS.

When travelling in Australia's vast out back, Safety is very important, the reason for this is simple. Because of the sheer size of the Outback, if you do run into any trouble, it can take awhile for help to reach you. If you plan on doing any long distant travelling & camping it is important that you have a fully stocked first aid kit. Plus it helps to have even a basic knowledge of what to do in the case of an accident. You should know how to do C.P.R. ( cardio-pulmonary resuscitation), how to keep infection at bay & how to relieve pain. Ideally it is good to have someone with you who knows first aid, if not, a comprehensive first aid handbook is recommended, this will explain how to help in cases of fractures, sunburn, blisters, bites, burns, sprains, hypothermia & other injuries.

It is a good idea to have some sort of communication equipment with you, when travelling, in the outback. The good old C.B. radio is ok, but a two way radio is better, or if you are lucky enough to be able to afford one, the best thing to have these days, is the GPS unit. it decodes a time signal given by the NAVSTAR satellites orbiting our planet Finding three (four) Satellites it can calculate your position in two (three) dimensions referring the known satellite position & extract time. You can find out more about these systems at electronic shops, such as Dick Smith Electrical shops, etc.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
* Check for danger - to the casualty, yourself & others
* Check for a response to see if the casualty is conscious & also check for bleeding.
* Clear & open the airway.
* Check for breathing - if casualty is not breathing start mouth to mouth resuscitation immediately.
* Check for circulation - feel the pulse in the neck.

Deal with bleeding other injuries as soon as possible & seek medical aid

This is a good reason to know the number for the Flying Doctor, you can get information on how to get in touch with the RFDS, before setting out on your holiday.

You can get in touch with the RFDS, (Royal Flying Doctor Service) in Sydney, either by writing to them at Council of the RFDS, of Australia, Level 5, 15-17 Young Street, or by Telephoning them on +61 2 9241 2411, omit the +61 if phoning within Australia, & add a 0 in front of the 2.

CAMP FIRES IN AUSTRALIA

If you intend to have a camp fire when you are camping, there are some important things that you need to make sure that you do, before & after you light your fire. Bushfire's have a nasty habit of getting out of control, if they are not watched & not extinguished properly. Here are some things that you MUST do when you intend having a campfire.

* If there are no man-made places for having a campfire, or you do not have a gas stove, PLEASE remember these few common sense rules, keep the bush safe for the next visitors & the wildlife.

* ALWAYS have a (at least ) three metre clearing around all campfire sites. Make sure that there is no long grass, sticks, twigs, or other dry vegetation, outside of cleared area.

* ALWAYS make sure that you do not place the campfire too close to your tent. Position the fire so that the air-flow takes the smoke away from your tent opening. Store all flammable equipment at least 10 metres away from the fire.

* WHEN there are high winds or strong breezes, build fire trenches, hollows or on the leeside of rock piles or boulders.

* BUILD SMALL FIRES, they not only use less fuel, they are more easily managed & extinguished, heat quickly & produce less smoke.

* USE flat rocks as the base of the fire place to maximise heat retention. Avoid using river stones or rocks for building firebases or edges, as they can explode once heated.

* NEVER USE TIMBER FROM GROWING TREES. Use timber that you find on the ground. There usually is more than enough dry timber lying around.

* MAKE sure that your fire is completely out before you go away from your camp site. You can do this by, either pouring water onto the fire, or by covering it with dirt. But Please make sure that the fire is well & truly out. Do not leave even the smallest coal hot, as it only takes one spark to destroy what nature has taken Millions of years to make.

* Please follow these simple rules when having a campfire. Too many good people have lost their lives fighting fires, some which have been the direct result of campers, choosing to ignore the rules. Although many houses have been lost to bushfires, they can be replaced, LIVES CAN NOT BE REPLACED, THAT ALSO APPLIES TO THE WILDLIFE, PLEASE THINK BEFORE YOU STRIKE THAT MATCH.

*MAKE SURE YOU KNOW IF THERE IS A FIRE BAN IN THE AREAS THAT YOU INTEND ON STAYING, DO NOT LIGHT A FIRE ON TOTAL FIRE BAN DAYS.

Australia has some UNIQUE, Wildlife, please helps us to keep it that way. Leave a clean area when you leave, take all your RUBBISH with you when you go.

Bush Fires

What would you do if you were caught in a Forest Fire?

Don't Panic!

IF YOU ARE ON FOOT
Don't try to outrun the fire uphill.
Don't run at all unless to a clearly indicated way of escape.

Walk across and downhill trying to outflank the fire and keep your eyes open for any possible refuges e.g.

Running streams or pools
Eroded gullies free of scrub
Road culvert pipes
Deep wheel ruts on the roads

If you find a good refuge take to it and wait for the fire to pass.
If fire traps you before you find a good refuge make do with the best available.

Lie down in a depression behind a log or large rock.
Cover yourself with:
- clothing over exposed skin
- sheets of bark
- slabs of wood
- soft earth
- anything to shield you from the heat.
As a last resort you may run through the fire onto the burnt ground.
Choose a place where fuel is sparse, which is free of obstructions and where there is or will be little burning material on the ground behind the fire front.
Wait for a lull ... breathe close to the ground for the purest air.
When you can see over and through the flames take a deep breath and run through covering your face as much as possible.
Flames greater than 1.5 in height or depth of front are too hazardous to run through.

IF YOU BECOME TRAPPED

Don't leave the car!

Park it in the best area of bare ground available e.g.

Against an embankment in a cutting
In an old gravel pit or roadside clearing
On the section of the road which has the least amount of scrub alongside

Close all windows and vents.

Lie down on the floor
Cover yourself with anything that will shield you from radiant heat
Radiant heat is the killer
Stay in your car till the fire front has passed

AVOID BUSHFIRE DANGER

If you are driving through the forest and come across a fire, with smoke across the road ... slow down at once!

Don't drive through smoke when visibility is severely impaired.

Consider whether your journey is really necessary.

If so, wait for someone to come through from the other side who can give you the all clear.
Drive slowly ... switch on your headlights and watch out for

Fire-fighting vehicles or personnel on the road
Fallen trees across the road

REMEMBER

Avoid Bushfire Danger
Don't Panic
Stay in Your Car
Don't try to Outrun the Fire
Radiant Heat is the Killer

Bush Walking Hints

Important things that you should remember to do before you go for a Bushwalk.

* ALWAYS make sure that you tell the appropriate people where you are going & how long you expect to be away.

* ALWAYS make sure that you have plenty of drinking water for everyone who is going on the walk. Be sure to have proper drinking canteen's. Water is very important, as by the time you feel thirsty, you are starting to dehydrate.

* ALWAYS make sure that you wear good hiking or walking boots, be prepared for blisters if your in new boots, ideally it would be best if you could have the boots broken in before setting off on a hike. The last thing that you want to happen, is that you have blisters you can hardly walk, & you still have along walk to get back.

* ALWAYS make sure that you put on & take plenty of sunscreen with you & reapply it every 2-3 hours. Plus ALWAYS wear a wide brim hat sunglasses. The Australian outback heat is very unforgiving.

* ALWAYS stay on the trails that are set out, this way if something does happen to you , it will make it easier for you to be found. Plus staying on the set-out trails you also save the vegetation.

Australian State Information