Dreaming of red dusty roads, private gorges, friendly wildlife, and epic sunsets over wild landscapes?
An outback road trip—especially through the Northern Territory, Western Australia, and South Australia—is one of the most unforgettable adventures you can have in a campervan or motorhome. The Australian Outback requires a different level of preparation, awareness, and respect. It’s vast, often isolated, and help can be hours away if something goes wrong.
Travelling in a campervan or motorhome means your entire life is on wheels—your bed, kitchen, bathroom, and even your morning coffee come with you. Wake up by the coast, cook a meal with a view, and never worry about finding a toilet or shower—they’re built-in. Unlike a regular car, a campervan offers extra comfort, storage, and essentials like a refrigerator and sometimes an indoor toilet. Many models feature automatic transmission, making long drives easy even for beginners. Safety features like seatbelts and airbags for every passenger mean you can explore with peace of mind. Unlike traditional tourism with fixed schedules, van life lets you be a modern nomad—choosing your campsite, your pace, and embracing the open road without the risk of overplanning.
If you’re planning to rent a campervan and explore the remote heart of Australia, here are the must-know safety tips and gear essentials every traveller should keep in mind before hitting the red dirt.
1. Be First Aid Ready
No matter your age or travel style, basic first aid training is one of the smartest risk management steps before exploring remote Australia. When you’re hours from the nearest clinic, knowing how to treat bites, cuts, or emergencies like dehydration or heatstroke can be life-saving for you and your passengers. Don’t just rely on Google—take a certified course before you go. It’s a small investment that could save a life.
- Pack a well-stocked first aid kit: pressure bandages, antiseptic, burn cream, electrolyte tablets, tweezers, and a snake bite kit.
- Ensure your vehicle is equipped with airbags and other safety features before hitting the road.
2. Know How to Communicate Without Phone Signal
Mobile service can disappear quickly in the Outback. To stay connected:
- Carry a UHF radio (a built-in aerial is ideal, but even a 5W handheld model helps).
- Use satellite communication tools like Starlink Roam or a sat phone in very remote areas.
- Download the what3words app—used by Aussie emergency services to help locate people quickly.
- Learn how to find your GPS coordinates using your phone, even offline.
Want peace of mind? Rent a campervan or car through Dundee Adventure and ask about vehicles with built-in communication tools.
3. Power = Safety
Outback travel will drain your tech fast. Always:
- Travel with a charged power bank or solar charger.
- Keep your phone in Flight Mode in no-signal areas to conserve battery.
- Charge up devices at every opportunity, especially overnight or at fuel stops.
4. Let WikiCamps Be Your Campsite Guru
WikiCamps Australia is a road trip essential. It helps you find the perfect campsite, including toilets, showers, and laundry. Filter by vehicle type to ensure your campervan can handle the road ahead. It works offline and includes real reviews from other travellers—perfect for planning your next stop, whether you’re in a campervan or camping under the stars.
5. Have Ambulance Cover
A small yearly fee for ambulance coverage could save you thousands—and more importantly, save your life. Don’t risk it. If you’re not covered, still call one in a serious emergency. Your safety comes first.
6. Research Your Route Thoroughly
- Know the closest hospitals, fuel stops, and towns along your route.
- Ask each petrol station, roadhouse, or campsite what UHF channels they use.
- Save emergency numbers and mark key campsites, landmarks, and towns on your map.
Outback travel isn’t about winging it—it’s about smart planning and knowing what’s ahead.
One of the best road trips in Australia takes you through the heart of the Outback—from South Australia and the endless Nullarbor Plain, into Central Australia and the Northern Territory. Whether you’re in a van or car, this route offers the ultimate taste of the Aussie lifestyle: wild, remote, and full of freedom. You’ll experience ever-changing landscapes, from salt lakes to rugged rock formations, with plenty of chances to spot wildlife like wedge-tailed eagles, dingoes, and kangaroos.
As you head north, stop in Alice Springs, explore the MacDonnell Ranges, and hike through Kings Canyon. No Outback adventure is complete without visiting Uluru, where the red rock glows at sunrise and sunset. Continue west into Western Australia for more vast, untamed beauty—or head east toward the South Coast for ocean cliffs and fresh sea air. This is a journey that captures the spirit of living on the road in Australia’s most remote and awe-inspiring regions.
7. Health Notes to Keep Handy
If you’re on medication or have any medical conditions, write it all down on paper—not just in your phone. In an emergency, you might not remember the details, and if your phone dies, that info disappears too.
- Medication names and dosages
- Allergies and medical conditions
- Emergency contacts
Final Tip: Plan for the Worst, So You Can Enjoy the Best
Most Australia Outback trips go off without a hitch, but you’ll enjoy your journey far more knowing you’re covered if something does go wrong. It’s not about being paranoid—it’s about being prepared so you can relax and enjoy the magic of remote Australia.
Want to Start Your Own Van Life Adventure?
Whether you’re heading to Uluru, Alice Springs, Perth, or beyond, Dundee Adventure Travel can help you find the right campervan or car for your trip and budget—whether you need a rugged SUV like the Subaru Outback, a comfy motorhome like the Mercedes Sprinter, a Toyota Hiace camper, or something in between.
Our fleet also includes Volkswagen caravans with showers and full kitchen setups, perfect for extended camping adventures. With seatbelts, airbags, and a variety of vehicle options, you’ll be ready for the road no matter where your adventure takes you.
Take our quick campervan quiz to find your perfect travel vibe.
Browse campervan rental options and let us help you hit the road fully equipped.
Your Outback Adventure Starts Now
The road less travelled is calling—but why stop there?
At Dundee Adventure Travel, we’re not limited to Outback road trips. We help you explore all of Australia—from the dusty red centre to lush rainforests, sun-soaked beaches, and rugged coasts. Whether you’re craving the van lifestyle, dreaming of living on the road, or just planning your next getaway, we’ll help you turn those plans into unforgettable memories.
Australia is made for adventure—endless highways, hidden waterfalls, remote campgrounds, and postcard-perfect surf towns. The best part? You get to decide your route. Travel slow or chase the horizon. Camp under the stars or park beside the ocean. Explore vibrant cities or find solitude in the bush.
We can help with it all—tourism advice, route planning, campervan rentals, and local insights to make your journey smoother and more meaningful. Whether it’s your first time behind the wheel or your tenth time crossing the country, Dundee Adventure Travel is here to support your journey every step of the way.
So, what are you waiting for? The coast, the Outback, the mountains, the wide-open roads of Australia—they’re all waiting for you.
See you on the road, legends.
Browse campervan rental options and let us help you hit the road fully equipped.
