HOW TO...
PACK for the OUTBACK
Pack like a pro and get ready to explore the remote reaches of Australia.
WORDS Brian Johnston
A sense of adventure and wonder is the best thing you can bring with you to the outback, but you’d do well to think of the practicalities too. Packing for an outback tour, train journey or 4WD exploration isn’t quite the same as for a regular holiday. Here’s the luggage lowdown before you go.
REMEMBER THE BARE NECESSITIES
A good place to start is with essentials and the must-haves for an outback adventure – considering both walking tours and 4WD tours. The environment is incredible and rugged, with many temperatures accounted for, so you don’t want to be without a broad-brimmed hat to cover your neck and ears, and long sleeves for your arms. Active gear is a must, as well as a lightweight jacket. Swimmers and a small, quick-try towel have always served me well at waterholes – and you’ll certainly want to jump in after a hot, dusty hike. A reusable water bottle is a survival necessity. And a daypack allows you to carry it all hands-free. If you’re travelling with Outback Spirit Tours, many of these essentials, such as a hat, sunscreen, a towel and a stainless-steel water bottle, are covered in the provided explorer pack.
ALWAYS LOOK ON THE LIGHT SIDE
It’s tempting to bring everything for all occasions but, in my experience, you’ll regret it the moment you have to haul a suitcase up a dirt track to your accommodation. You’ll be surprised how little you really need. Pack light. Your tour may have weight restrictions: nobody wants the 4WD to bog down in the Simpson Desert (Munga-Thirri). Bring light, breathable clothing. I’m a big fan of zip-off hiking pants I can convert to shorts: it beats the weight of both shorts and long pants. Other multi-purpose clothes, such as a sarong, are a smart idea.
THINK LAYERS
Layering up isn’t just a way to reduce luggage weight: it allows you to adapt to the outback’s changing temperatures, or the differing climates from one end of the continent to the other if you’re on a long-distance train. It’s easy to assume the outback is always blistering hot, but it isn’t. Temperatures can plunge to freezing at night, and if you’re keen to see the sunrise in Kakadu or Uluru, or the stars over the Nullarbor (Oondiri) during a train stop, then you’ll need to dress accordingly. Then as the sun gains strength, you’ll want to peel off. I usually bring thermals (especially if travelling in winter), T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, and a jacket or fleece that can create variations in layering.
SERVE AND PROTECT
There’s no getting around the facts: the outback can be a little hostile, and sun, insects and thorny shrubs are your main enemies. But have no fear, if you come prepared you’ll be completely fine and ready to enjoy all the good parts about Australia’s beautiful outback. You’ll need sunglasses, good SPF50+ sunscreen, and lip balm and moisturiser. Tropical-strength insect repellent is a saviour; so is cream to relieve bites. Consider a fly veil too. As for the thorns, not much you can do about those except keep an eye out, but long pants against the spinifex would be wise. Remember that your regular medications and toiletries will not be readily available, so bring enough for the whole journey.
GO IN FEET FIRST
If your feet aren’t happy, your holiday will be a misery. If you’re going to hike, a strong pair of boots is ideal, but you can also get away with a good pair of walking or running shoes – a bonus if they’re worn in beforehand. Decent hiking socks will keep your feet dry. Sturdy trainers are a good second best if you want to save on space and weight, but they might be permanently dust-orange by the trip’s end. Instead of thongs or flip-flops, which simply aren’t sturdy or thorn-resistant, bring a good pair of adventure sandals if you must, but closed-toe footwear is always best.
INDULGE IN SOME GADGETS
All those little ‘extras’ can sometimes boost an outback experience to something really memorable. If you don’t have binoculars, borrow some and spot sights and wildlife beyond your line of vision. Bring your phone with a downloaded playlist to get the vibe up on those long outback drives – and don’t forget your charger and cord as I once did in middle-of-nowhere Kimberley. If you’re a photographer, your camera will get a workout amid all the photogenic rust-red canyons; otherwise, your phone will do just fine. A torch or headlamp always comes in handy at unexpected moments when the generator fails. But don’t forget to enjoy the dark: the outback sky is sumptuous with stars, and is truly a sight to behold.