The '''Outback''' is a large region covering most of the center of Australia, including inland areas of New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Regions
Far West (New South Wales)
Red Centre
Simpson Desert
Tanami Desert
Outback (South Australia)
Nullarbor Plain
Kimberley
Mid West (Western Australia)
Pilbara
Cities
Alice Springs
Broken Hill
Other destinations
Coober Pedy
Lightning Ridge
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Understand
The Outback is a place of Australian folklore, both prior to and after European settlement.
Get in
Get around
See
Itineraries
Gibb River Road
Gunbarrel Highway
Oodnadatta Track
Stuart Highway: crossing Australia north-south
Do
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Stay safe
There are two very important facts to keep in mind about the Outback: it has very few inhabitants and very little water. You should observe standard safety precautions for desolate regions:
tell someone where you're going and when and where you should arrive; they should have instructions to raise the alarm if you do not appear soon after your intended arrival time;
carry least 10 litres of water per person per day, including an allowance for any days you may be delayed or broken down.
travel in a sturdy vehicle; and
have clothes that can protect against cold, as well as clothes suitable for extremely hot weather.
Keep in mind also that the Outback is '''very large''', much larger than desert regions in most other Western countries. You could easily end up twenty hours' drive away from emergency help, or isolated entirely in the case of rain.
In the event of an accident or mechanical problems, '''do not leave your vehicle''', as it is easier to locate from the air than a person or people on foot. If you leave your vehicle you are likely to be the subject of a sad news story about the rescue services finding your car and not you. In any case, your vehicle is where you're storing your immense amounts of water.
You should also think about carrying a satellite phone or other means of contacting emergency services.