Spanning a vast area, the country of Roughing in Australia offers so much to the avid nature enthusiast. From tropical rainforests to snow-capped mountains, you can experience a range of climates simply by going on a road trip.
For this reason, the holiday activity of renting a campervan is quite popular as both locals and visitors head out to experience what this fantastic country has to offer. Of course, if you plan on roughing it in the outback, you’ll have to prepare yourself properly.
Here are some tips on exploring Australia and returning to nature without putting yourself in danger.
Roughing It: The Grasp of Surviving in the Australian Backcountry
Few other places on earth have as much rugged terrain, unpredictable climate, and distinctive fauna as in the Australian bush.
For some, the rigorous test of roughing starts with the fundamentals: no food, water, shelter—and just you and nature.
As one old bush crafter relates, “I venture into the Australian bush for an individual bushcraft/survival test“.
I have nothing to eat, drink, or sleep under, “so I have to try to eat whatever bush tucker I can forage and construct a shelter from whatever is available.”
Get Your Vehicle Checked
Before you depart, you should know that this is a nation of vast distances. Thus, you’ll have to ensure that your car or campervan can get you to your intended destination and back without danger.
If you use a private motorhome from a rental agency, they should do all the proper vehicular checks before handing over the keys.
These should include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Oil, brake fluid & coolant top-up
- Tyre air pressure check
- Lights & signal examination
If you’re taking your vehicle, you’ll need to conduct these tests, ensuring your car is ready to hit the road without risking a breakdown.
Pack All the Right Gear: Roughing
Since you plan on spending the night in some of Australia’s most remote locations, you’ll need to bring all the necessary items for your survival and comfort. From stocking up your fridge with the right amount of food and drinks to packing your bags with all the essential clothes, you will have much to consider.
If you’re conducting campervan hire in Australia, the rental agency will also supply you with a host of on-board tools such as road maps, barbeques, cooking utensils, and more.
Look at what you’re given, and then think about what else you’ll need while roughing it in the middle of the Aussie outback.
You should also think about preparing for emergencies that may arise. While the chances are slim, bringing along the following won’t hurt:
- Spare fuel tank
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Emergency lights
- Spare tyre
- Air pump
Since Australia is quite a large country, breaking down can leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Pack the right gear and stay with your vehicle; you’ll have a better chance of being rescued. In this way, you won’t spoil your road trip!
Consider Your Entertainment
If you’re stopping off in some of the country’s best national parks, you’ll need to think about what you’ll do while there.
Pack the right gear with the added storage space in your campervan rental. Depending on where you’re visiting, you’ll need various equipment.
Some of the most important items are found below:
- Swimming gear
- Telescope
- Barbeque
- Hiking boots
- Fishing rod
- Deck chairs
- Bird watching guide
- Hat & sunglasses
Just think about where you’re heading off to and what you’ll be interested in doing while you’re there.
Since you’ll be spending time in areas without other facilities, you’ll have to create your entertainment and make your holiday even more worthwhile.
Only then will you get a chance to commune with nature in comfort and style precisely how you want to, and only then will you experience Australia properly.
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