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What is the outback? -

The outback is the colloquial name that describes the emptiness, remoteness, and vast distances of inland Australia.

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Hot and dry -

Sparsely populated, this largely unspoiled natural environment of big skies and red deserts is a mostly parched and arid region.

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Humid and tropical -

The outback, however, encompasses a number of other climatic zones. In northern areas, a relatively high rainfall driven by regular annual monsoonal influences provides the territory with a lush tropical veneer.

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Semi-arid environment -

Southerly regions are characterized by semi-arid and temperate environments.

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Rich ecosystems -

Reflecting the wide climatic and geological variation, the outback contains an extraordinary wealth of distinctive and ecologically rich ecosystems alive with a stunning variety of flora and fauna.

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Land of the Aboriginal Australian -

The outback has long been embodied in the mythology, spirit, and iconography of Australia. Personifying this unique heritage are the Aboriginal Australians, the various indigenous peoples of the Australian mainland.

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Sacred sites -

The outback serves as the spiritual homeland of these indigenous peoples. Many natural landmarks are sacred to them, most famously  Uluru, the massive sandstone monolith in the heart of the Northern Territory's arid "Red Centre." In fact, most if not all natural sites found in the outback are identified by Aboriginal place names, including national parks.

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A walk on the wild side -

For many outdoor enthusiasts, the opportunity to explore Australia's outback is a hiking dream come true. But doing so is to talk a walk, or drive, on the wild side.

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What you need to know -

Traveling the outback is safe and stress-free as long as you take some necessary precautions. If you plan to hike the landscape, here's what you need to know.

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Location, location, location -

It's essential to plan any walk or hike well in advance. The outback doesn't do spontaneous. Prepare yourself by researching your chosen area of activity. Scroll through national park websites and choose a trek that is appropriate for your skill level and experience.

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Best foot forward -

An obvious requirement is a comfortable pair of hiking boots or shoes. Bush footwear should support your feet and ankles and have a good sole grip.

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Dress for the occasion -

Layered clothing is the rule when kitting yourself out. Give yourself options. Leggings or shorts, T-shirts and loose, long-sleeved shirts serve as ideal combinations. depending on the weather conditions and the activities you're undertaking during the day.

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Nighttime chill -

Don't underestimate how cold it can get at night. Temperatures can dip below 32°F (0°C) during the winter months (May–August). Pack a thermal base layer, a sweater, fleece, or similar to combat the chill.

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Bring lots of water -

An absolutely essential item is a reusable water bottle. As a rule of thumb, half a liter of water is required for every hour of bushwalking, and it's important to stay hydrated. Don't even think about venturing out without any means to quench your thirst.

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Protection from the sun -

Immersing yourself in such a dry and arid environment requires adequate protection from the sun. A wide-brimmed hat will help protect you from harmful UV rays. Sunscreen makes sense, as does a really good pair of sunglasses, polarized if possible as these offer better protection against UV rays than regular lenses.

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How to avoid being bitten -

Flies are a year-round nuisance in the outback but especially so in the hot, humid summer months (November–February). To avoid constant misery and irritation, bring a head net. As added protection, spray yourself down with a powerful insect repellent.

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Cell phone use -

Downloading a map or GPS app using your phone is useful when going on a walkabout, but only if you can get a signal. Pack a good old paper map as backup. If your phone stays alive, make sure you bring a small power bank to recharge it when necessary.

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How to cool off -

One of the great pleasures of hiking the outback is stumbling across a sparkling swim hole, or a tumbling waterfall. Pack a bathing suit and a quick-dry towel if taking a dip is your thing.

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A word about wildlife -

Cooling off swimming is one wonderfully refreshing bonus of hiking the outback or bushwalking. Another aspect of exploring the wilderness is encounters with wildlife.

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Kangaroo -

Outbacking can bring with it some close and personal run-ins with the locals. It's almost certain that'll you'll come face to face with a kangaroo. They're to be admired, but on no account try to interact with this powerful and unpredictable marsupial.

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Thorny devil -

On the ground, look out for the thorny devil. These guys are found in the arid and semi-arid regions of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and western South Australia.

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Echidna -

Another iconic Australian animal is the echidna, or spiny anteater. You won't see these creatures on hot days; they don't tolerate extreme temperatures and tend to shelter from harsh weather in caves and rock crevices.

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Frilled-neck lizard -

Native to northern Australia, the frilled-neck lizard can give you a fright when it feels threatened. It will unfurl its pleated, bright red and orange-scaled skin flap, and hiss aggressively.

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Be safe around serpents -

It's worth noting that Australia is a land with more venomous snakes than non-venomous ones. In fact, 85% of the world's most venomous snakes live down under. While it's unlikely you'll fall victim to one of these serpents, be aware of your footfall. You wouldn't want to step on a inland taipan, for example. The venom of this snake is by far the most toxic of any.

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In an emergency -

In national parks, most popular hiking trails and walking circuits are well marked. But always  be mindful of your surroundings. Memorizing certain landmarks may help you in navigating a path back to a trail should you become lost or disorientated.

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Wildfires and extreme weather -

Bushfires and floods are common in Australia. If you're unfortunate enough to be caught up in an extreme weather episode, keep your cool and double back away from danger. If you have signal, call the emergency services. And if there's a road nearby, try to flag down a vehicle.

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Ultimate road trip -

And speaking of vehicles, discovering the outback on four wheels is for many the ultimate road trip. In lots of areas, the road network is pretty good. Highways are well signposted and while distances between towns can be vast, most provide the traveler with motels, pubs, and roadhouses.

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Going off-road -

Driving an unsealed dirt or gravel road is a different matter. This is 4x4 territory and, while it's okay to motor along in fine weather (if not a tad dusty), routes like these are best avoided after rainfall.

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Avoid floods -

And a word of warning: never drive or walk across a flooded creek. Its depth may be deceptive, and strong currents can easily sweep away a jeep.

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Take precautions -

Motorists will find plenty of gas stations in almost every town and at regular intervals on major highways. Elsewhere, it's a good idea to travel with an extra container of fuel. Make sure you have the tools needed to change a tire and pack everything as if going on a hike. And bring lots of water!

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Trip of a lifetime -

And that's it! You're set to enjoy one of the most compelling and diverse regions on Earth, a place of extremes, yes, but unforgettable in its scenic splendor and natural wonders.

Sources: (Adventureco) (Tourism Australia) (The Pew Charitable Trusts) (One Earth) (Intrepid Travel) (Envirobug)

See also: Australia's fascinating culture and traditions

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