The team behind Litchfield Safari Camp has a wealth of experience in Outback travel and staying at caravan parks in the NT. We’ve pooled our resources so we can share our choice of the Outback travel essentials you can’t (and shouldn’t) be without.

Space and weight are always at a premium, so we’ve omitted a lot of “just in case” items to focus purely on Outback travel essentials. Read on for your Outback adventure checklist so that you’ll be good to go for your next trip.

1. A Satellite Telephone

A sat phone tops our list of Outback travel essentials because it’s a must-have if you’re heading into remote areas of the Outback where there’s no reception. Once connected to your satellite network, you’ll be able to communicate with the rest of the world.

Some models don’t allow you to make or receive calls, but you will be able to send and read text messages and emails. They may also act as an Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) so that you can get help when you need it.

2. UHF Radio

This is another excellent communication tool that encourages safer driving. It’s the ideal device to check in with road trains, oversized loads and convoys. When weaving through remote Outback roads, you can also use it to talk to those in other vehicles travelling in your party. You can then alert each other to road hazards or when overtaking.

3. Water

Water is one of the most critical elements of your outback survival gear. You should aim to carry as much of it as possible—at least seven to ten litres per person per day. If possible, we’d advise having multiple water tanks in case one tank develops a puncture, resulting in the loss of a significant amount of your water supply.

4. A Spares Kit

 These are the Outback travel essentials you should keep in your spares kit:

  • Transmission fluid
  • Oil
  • Air, fuel and oil filters
  • Wheel bearings

You could include a lot of other items, but weight can be an issue. You may also want to invest in a comprehensive roadside assistance cover plan. Some will provide back-up regardless of where you are in Australia.

5. A Toolkit

If you already have a toolkit, you’re likely to have crammed it with all your favourite items. It pays to be mindful of available space and weight. By packing tools that you can use for multiple purposes, you can still ensure there are no gaps in your toolkit.

Think smart by bringing a set of either imperial or metric spanners rather than both. Go through the items in your tool kit one by one to ensure you only pack what you’d consider to be absolute Outback travel essentials. That way, you’ll lighten your payload.

Your fellow travellers can be an excellent resource for ideas about what to keep in your toolkit. A stay at Litchfield Safari Camp will offer lots of opportunities to engage with others and learn about what they have found works best.

6. A Bull Bar

Protection for the front of your vehicle should be a top priority when travelling through remote areas. That means a decent bull bar is an essential component of your outback survival gear.

Wandering wildlife is always a potential hazard when travelling in the Outback. Emus, kangaroos, sheep and goats have a habit of running out in front of vehicles that may be travelling at relatively high speeds.

Bear in mind that swerving to avoid an animal can be extremely dangerous, so it can pay to have a good quality bull bar to absorb the impact.

7. An Air Compressor

This is one of those outback travel essentials you might easily overlook. You’re likely to need one to adjust tyre pressure, depending on the road conditions. Optimum tyre pressure will keep you safe and ensure your vehicle uses fuel most efficiently. Always double-check your compressor is working correctly before you head off into the Outback.

8. Off-Road GPS

Many of the Litchfield Safari Camp crew love a good old-fashioned paper map. However, now that off-road GPS is available, a GPS device has quickly become essential Outback survival gear. On- and Off-Road GPS are ideal for finding and exploring remote Outback treks directly from caravan parks in the NT.

These devices are very appealing because they allow you to hone in on your current location, track your travels, mark points of interest or even create your own routes. They also offer peace of mind because you’ll always know where you are and where you are going when there are no marked roads or clear track directions.

9. A Shovel

This multipurpose tool comes into its own in a variety of scenarios, including:

  • Digging your vehicle out when you get stuck
  • Extinguishing campfires
  • Unearthing a hole for use as a toilet

You might choose a long-handled shovel to attach to a roof rack or a more compact folding shovel that you can pack anywhere.

10. Rubbish Bags

Some caravan parks in the NT may not have their own rubbish facilities. Taking your own rubbish away should be a well-ingrained mantra. Dirty gear or rubbish bags make this far easier to manage.

Some bags have become far more sophisticated as we all become more environmentally aware. They may have several compartments or multiple clips for tighter closing, for example. A wheelie bin may also be an option with either a central divider or space for lots of smaller bags you can tie shut so they don’t leak or attract wildlife.

Your Complete Outback Adventure Checklist

A list of the best caravan parks in the NT is also one of your must-have outback travel essentials. At the top, you’re likely to find Litchfield Safari Camp. Ideally located for hikes and trails, it boasts a range of accommodation styles that few others can match, from glamping to cabins and powered and unpowered sites.

Start packing your outback survival gear now, and avoid disappointment by booking your choice of Litchfield accommodation today.