Before embarking on an Outback adventure, it’s important to ensure you have the right gear. So here is our basic Pre-Trip checklist this is to give you a basic understanding of what your pre-trip checklist needs to include, we have specific pre-trip checklists for each tour which you will receive once you have made your booking.
4WD Vehicle
Without a doubt, your 4WD vehicle is the most important item on the checklist. We will be travelling through some of Australia’s most remote and challenging landscapes, so your vehicle needs to be up to the challenge.
While you don’t need a top-of-the-range make and model, you do need a well-maintained and stocked 4WD with adequate ground clearance and good suspension. Get your vehicle professionally checked in a pre-trip inspection, check the health of your battery and mountings, and inspect your wheel bearings.
It’s also important to check your fluids and brakes, with a 4WD specialist recommended for a pre-tour inspection. If you’re based around the Sydney area, we are more than happy to give you a recommendation. The most important consideration is to avoid overloading as excessive weight is the reason for most suspension failures.
We recommend that you have basic spare parts on hand depending on the likely conditions for each tour. A few essential items to consider are fuel filter, air filter, radiator hoses, fan belts, spare hoses, fluids, oils, coolant, and fuses for stock and aftermarket wiring. A detailed and trip-specific parts list will be supplied upon booking.
Recovery Gear
We would like all 4WD vehicles to have basic recovery gear, including a snatch strap and appropriately rated shackles. If you have something like a Maxtrax and vehicle winch, that’s even better.
Camping Gear
If you’re travelling into the desert regions with us, the nights can get very cold. So, warm sleeping gear and clothing is a must. Everyone has different camping needs, from rooftop tents to swags, standard tents, and camper trailers. It’s important to remember sheets, sleeping bags, pillows, chairs, something to cook on, and washing up bowls and liquid. For the kitchen, remember your stove or BBQ of choice, billy, cups, plates, cutlery, cooking tools, saucepans, and frying pans. A detailed and trip-specific parts list will be supplied upon booking.
Communications Equipment
We travel with a satellite phone and personal locator beacon, so emergency coverage is taken care of. However, we need all vehicles to have a UHF radio, either installed in the vehicle or a hand-held model. If you’re thinking about a handheld, please ensure it’s a 5w-unit. If needed, we can hire one for you. Your mobile phone, depending on the tour and your carrier, is likely to have sporadic coverage at best.
Personal Equipment
You will need appropriate clothing for the entire trip as nights can get cold, and you’re likely to be exposed to the elements. Even Cape York can get cold in July, so warm clothes are important. Remember your toiletries, towels, and toilet paper. We often use wet wipes on longer trips when showers are not available. Laundry powder or liquid is also needed, with washing machines sometimes available at caravan parks.
Tools, Bits, and Pieces
Please ensure that your vehicle tools are stored in your vehicle when you embark. Beyond this, you may want to include spanners and basic tools, cable ties, duct tape, an assortment of nuts and bolts, and various size hose clamps. A more detailed list will be provided upon booking.
Incidental bits you should bring along include a shovel, long-handled cigarette lighter, mozzie coils and repellent, and personal mosquito nets for those times when the flies get a bit too friendly! The most important thing to bring is your sense of humour, appetite for adventure, and love of travel. Please do not overload your vehicle — and remember, a detailed and trip-specific parts list will be supplied upon booking.