Tips for Safely Exploring the Australian Outback

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Authorities and experts are urging travellers in Australia to follow critical safety and survival measures when venturing into remote areas.

It follows the case of a young German backpacker who was recently found after surviving in the vast Western Australian outback for 11 nights.

After losing control of her van and hitting her head, Carolina Wilga strayed from her vehicle and braved frigid conditions and limited supplies until she was discovered on Friday.

What happened to Carolina Wilga?

The 26-year-old was missing for 12 days in remote Western Australia. Her disappearance triggered a nationwide search after pleas from her family when they had not heard from her and became concerned for her safety.

Her van was found bogged in mud with mechanical issues the day before Wilga was found by a member of the public.

Wilga was taken to a Perth hospital, where she is being treated for dehydration and minor injuries.

While lost in the bush, she slept in a cave and survived by drinking from rainwater and puddles on the ground.

She said she had abandoned her vehicle in a state of confusion after hitting her head when she lost control of her van.

Preparation and communication

If you’re planning a trip in the Australian outback, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself safe.

Senior constable Jim Armstrong, from the WA Police Emergency Operations Unit, said research and preparation are key. This includes researching your route, selecting the appropriate clothing and equipment, and having sufficient mapping and navigation aids, such as offline maps, in case you become lost.

Armstrong said it is also important to consider challenges you may face on your journey, such as weather conditions or mechanical issues.

Armstrong also advised making sure your vehicle is suitable for the journey you intend to take.

“We often see people attempting to do some serious four-wheel drive off-road adventures in their commuter vehicles, which are just totally unsuitable for the conditions,” he said.

“So it’s important that your vehicle is suitable and it’s also mechanically sound and checked out before you leave.”

He also suggested packing spare tires, fuel, basic tools, food and water, and an emergency beacon.

In addition to preparation and research, Armstrong said the most critical thing to do is ensure that someone has a detailed itinerary of your travel plans and intended time frames, including when you will next be in contact with them.

“Now we understand that often people are off-grid and they’re out in the bush, so it may be some days before anyone’s expecting to hear from you,” he said.

“The problem is that individuals can find themselves in danger, and it might take five, six, or even seven days before anyone realizes they’re missing. Those days can be crucial to a person’s survival.”

The TREK method for bush survival

Caro Ryan is the Bush Search and Rescue deputy unit commander at the NSW State Emergency Service. She said she recommends the TREK method for adventure seekers looking to travel in Australia.

The T stands for “take everything you need”, including food and water.

“Take a little bit extra, you don’t know if you’re going to get delayed. Take a first aid kit, take some warm layers of clothes, take a map and a compass or a good way of navigating — you might have a digital app, something like that,” she said.

She said a power bank for a mobile phone is essential, while a paper map is helpful, and there are good packing lists available online.

The R in TREK is for register your intention,”which is really just a fancy way of saying tell somebody where you’re going”, she said.

“Tell them what track you’re going to do in what area, where you’re going to leave your car, how long you’re going to be, and let them know when you’re back as well.”

E stands for emergency communications, and Ryan said having a personal locator beacon can be a lifesaver.

And lastly, she advised it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the intended journey.

“Finally, we’ve got K, which is know your route and stick to it. So that’s really about planning the trip that’s right for you, for your experience, for the skills that you might have for your level of fitness and making sure you’ve got good information about that track that you’re going to be doing as well.”