Tips for the Australian Outback Adventurer

After lots of trial and error, I have learned a majority of the differences between hiking in the Pacific Northwest and South-Eastern Australia. 

Australia has many parks it has beautifully preserved for the public to enjoy. Even within each state, there are diverse geographies to explore and wildlife to admire. Within Victoria alone, there are rainforests, deserts, mountains and marshlands. Once you learn a bit about the country, you will be able to comfortably hike without running into any issues. I've created a list of tips below that will help a a beginner to hiking in Australia.

1. Water planning is key - Planning water supplies along your hike is essential in order to make sure you don't run out. We've had to cut short multiple trips due to empty water tanks at our campsite at certain times of year and recent rainfall. Start by finding water sources along the way where you can refill and if they are reliable, as they can often be seasonal. If you can, bring extra water along, which can add more weight but will ensure you avoid dehydration. Each of us will bring at least a 2L Platypus water bag as well as two 1L water canisters. 

In addition, make sure you bring a way to treat the water. This can be done either through water purification tabs (my favourite method), a filtration system, or boiling the water for at least 3-5 minutes.

2. Slip, slop, slap - Slip on a shirt, slop on some sunsreen, and slap on a hat - an Australian health campaign in the 80's. It's easy to forget how intense the sun can be in Australia, even when it's not extremely hot. Make sure to bring sunsreen and a hat on your hike to shield you from the beautiful but extremely dangerous sun. For comfort, also bring a cheap pair of sunglasses if you have space.

3. Food storage - In the Pacific Northwest, I was always told NEVER to keep food in your tent. In Australia, the opposite is true. The animals that want to get your food in Australia include possums, wombats, wallabies, and (extremely smart) birds. Most of these animals can climb trees and none of these animals will try to claw their way into your tent at night, so keep your food in the tent with you to keep it safe and away from the wildlife.

4. Wildlife - It's still fairly instinctive to me, but if I hear a large animal rustling in the bushes, my first instinct is "bear." In Australia, however, it's usually either a kangaroo or a wallaby. Though kangaroos are usually extremely timid (think a marsupial deer), don't purposely startle it. If you scare a kangaroo and it feels threatened enough, its instinct is to use its sharp toenails on its hind legs to disembowel you. That being said, it would be difficult to get a kangaroo in this position unless you are purposely bothering it, so feel free to admire it from a bit of a distance.

5. Snakes - While hiking in Australia, I have seen lots of snakes. The trail often provides a break in the trees where they can sun themselves, so they will often be sunbathing in your path. Though they are often poisonous, snakes are highly elusive and want nothing to do with you. While you're walking, look out for "sticks" that quickly start to move and give it time to get off the path. Don't stick your hand down any holes or under any rocks and you shouldn't have any issues! 

If possible, wear high, thick socks and gaiters to protect your legs while you're hiking. Use your judgement here and look up the snakes in the area you are hiking in before you go.

In the highly unlikely event that you do get bit by a snake, quickly take a picture of it or note its colour and markings. Try to limit blood and firmly wrap the area above the bite. If you are not walking alone, rest while your partner(s) try to find cell service and contact emergency services. Hospitals in Australia have antivenom that can treat bites, depending on the type of snake.

6. Spiders - I have had limited contact with spiders in Australia. Most of the spiders I have seen are in the Northern Territory, where there were hundreds of ground spiders in our camp. Though they were not deadly, they were creepy!

In a large part of Eastern Australia, there are funnel web spiders. As their name suggests, they create a funnel-shaped web. These spiders are extremely poisonous, so try to stay away. 

As with the snakes, look up what poisonous spiders there are in the area you are hiking before you leave. That being said, they won't bother you if you don't bother them.

7. Bushfires - At almost every single park I have been to, bushfires have taken out at least some of the park. They are a natural part of the environment in Australia, but deadly all the same. If you're hiking in summer, do a bit of research on the park before you go to make sure your trail is not at risk. Parks websites will often have information on any dangers in the park, including bushfires and closed trails, that you can follow.

Though there are a lot of warnings above, once you get the hang of it they will come second nature to you! The underlying message is to plan - for water, the sun, and researching the park and its wildlife.

There's so much to see in Australian parks and its a beautiful country to explore! Now that you know a bit about the terrain, there's nothing stopping you!