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The
main challenge with visiting the outback is the long
distances combined with very dry and warm weather most of
the year. Along
Stuart Highway the longest distance between service-stations
is 252 km(Glendambo-Coober Pedy). If you run out of water
or petrol out there, you could be in trouble. There is no
mobile phone coverage along the road apart from in the towns
of Port Augusta, Coober Pedy,
Ayer's Rock Resort, Alice
Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine. The rest of the way
you have to rely on your own preparations or passing
vehicles.
But 'going bush'
doesn't have to present any problems at all if you just
follow some basic rules before and during your trip:
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Water
is essential
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Water
is essential. You should never visit the outback without an ample
supply of water. A good rule is to carry two litres of water per
hour of expected activity.
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Make
sure you don't run out of petrol. It can be wise to carry extra
petrol to be on the safe side.
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If
you like exploring unknown territory, you should bring a two-way
radio. Most of the outback doesn't have coverage for mobile phones,
so in case of an accident, a UFH CB radio or a sattelite phone could
in worst case save lives. See below.
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Let
somebody know where you're heading. A friend of mine gave me this
advice: When you leave one place, let somebody there know where
you're going, and agree that you call them when you arrive at your
next destination to say you've arrived safely. That way, if you
don't ring, it means something has happened, like i.e. a vehicle
break-down, and your friend will notify the police. They will
then start a search for you. So do remember to ring, otherwise you
might find yourself being chased by a number of people who think
you've had an accident. Could be a bit embarrassing, to say the
least!
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Really
hot weather could present a strain on your vehicle, as well as you,
so it's a good idea to carry a
spare set of fan-belts and radiator hoses, as well as a set of tools
and a first-aid kit.
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If
you for any reason should get stuck, do not leave your vehicle!
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Wear
a hat and cover yourself with long-sleeved tops and long trousers
over a good sunscreen if you are going to spend some time in
the outback sun.
I
spoke to a number of people from the outback who could tell me stories
of blasé visitors who have died as a result of not following these
rules. On motorcycle it is also important to remember that not
only do the wind on you at speed keep you from feeling the sun, it also
causes you to dehydrate much quicker. So take breaks and drink plenty of
water.
Here's
my little bit of drama where the radio came in handy:
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I
had a flat tyre in the middle of nowhere somewhere North of
Ti Tree, and thanks to carrying a radio, I got in touch with
the police who sent out a rescue vehicle. The driver brought
both me and the bike back to Alice Springs so it could be
repaired.
The distances are well illustrated by the fact that I lost a
whole day because of the break-down. It took the police
about an hour to find me, the rescue-car two hours to reach
me and two and a half hours to drive back to Alice Springs.
And with the free speed-limit in Northern Territory, both
the cars were driving at good speed. |
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Here
comes the cavallery.
More... |
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