Is the Australian Outback a dangerous place?

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votehowardout

Not unless you're scared of silence and the big, beautiful clear sky full of stars.
It will only be dangerous if you are a bad tourist - if you drive a car unaware that it could be 1000kms before the next petrol station - you need a car with a long range petrol tank, or a 4wd that has two tanks. You need to take loads of water and food. You need to be prepared for anything - take a blanket and warm clothes as it gets very cold at night (in cae you break down or something.) You need a torch, preferably some local knowledge from someone, a map and loads of good music as there are no radio stations when you get far out, this can drive you in sane.
You should also have a CB radio so you can radio for help if you need to.
Oh, and don't travel in the rainy season unless you are a local and know back roads or can travel through someone's property. Some main roads are inaccessible during the wet season.
I lived in the outback for a few years, about 1200kms from a small town and you'd be surprised how many people travel that far out unaware of the extreme isolation and expect there to be petrols stations, maccas, etc.
Be prepared and you'll be fine. It is a totally safe place if you are a prepared traveller.

Ken E

First define what you mean by Outback. Most of those who die from thirst etc, which is maybe three people every five years are very unlucky or just plain stupid. Stupidity can kill you anywhere. Take certain precautions - reliable car, supply of water, tell people where you are going and when you expect to arrive, stay with car if you do break down, you can survive. That's about it, really.

revilyan

I spent over 20 years in the outback, I would consider it no worse than any other area as long as you are well prepared. The outback is a desolate area where you will need to rely on your own resources and knowledge. Do not consider the outback as a day trip , plan to go out for a month and stay a week, take plenty of water , allow 10 liters per person per day, and if you break down do not leave your car, it can provide much needed shade in the middle of the day and can also be seen from the air a lot easier than a single person

fanta

wow silly question yes it is if you intend to travel they i suggest you dont but you can buy a hand book that just might save your life number 1 rule in our out back take lots of water number 2 tell some one where the hell you are going and what rout and what time you should get to where you are going 3 never ever leave your car just check out the hand book

wtg_ib

only dangerous for idiots who don't listen to good advice before going there

Murray H

Yes and it will kill you unless you follow the advice of the professionals.

aussie5468

If you had to ask that question then yes, it's a dangerous place for you to travel..........

brissy_006

If you get lost very dangerous!

referralguru

Main danger is from heat and lack of water. Apart from that you should be ok.

Sparky5115

If you don't know what you're doing it is fatal.

Travelling between towns you must have plenty of water and fuel.

jpturboprop

New York City is a dangerous place. The outback is no more and no less dangerous, but different skills are needed to survive in the outback than in New York City. First, remember to carry lots of water in the outback. Second, use common sense. Third, ask for lots of advice from locals (and follow their advice) if you choose to wander the outback alone. Fourth, don't wander the outback alone. Fifth, remember your sunscreen and an hat.
For me, the outback is the greatest place in the world, I know it well, and I never go alone and I always tell me mates where I am going and when I will be back. It is easy to get lost in the OUtback, there are some individuals living ouot there who can be dangerous to deal with, and the snakes can be a bit dicey, as well. But do it right, and the experience is the greatest adventure in the world. Even better than the Bowery at night... Enjoy Australia.

SteveK

Yes, extremely. If you are prepared you can improve your chances of survival but even the best prepared people have died out there! If you are considering a trip out there, I recommend you print out and take with you the following booklet:

http://www.police.wa.gov.au/recruitingandtheacademy/pdf/aids22.pdf

Hamish

I don't know what you're referring to as the Outback.
I'm talking about out beyond the black stump, not 10 minutes outside a city.

If you go out there under prepared and ill -informed then it's extremely dangerous.

As others have said, it's no place for idiots who think they know everything about survival.

Emily

if you are capable of listening some advice then it is not...

ausblue

Yes if you run out of petrol because you may not see anyone for days & days or even weeks i think & worse if you are walking (hiking) you are better to go in organised trips etc
no monsters so to speak but there are dangerous snakes to watch out for & some places have crocs but dont think they are in the outback
then some times you may get a murderer but very little of that but by yourself is dangerous anywhere

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