Outback trip Tvan essentials: 5 important items guide

So you’re off to the outback – awesome choice! Make it a proper trip and arrange to camp out for a few days (or longer), to find the remotest spots, get right into nature, and fully soak up the solitude and splendour of Australia’s vast wilderness.

Anyone who’s grown up in Australia – and most people who haven’t – know these days that it’s essential to pack properly for an Australian outback road trip. Outback adventurers will need plenty of water, food, fuel and suitable clothes if going off the beaten track for a day or three, and need to carefully consider their sleeping arrangements too. We recommend hiring a Tvan camper trailer for the best of both worlds: it can carry all the kit you need, but in a compact and light vehicle that’ll easily handle going off-road.

Here are the five most important things to remember when doing an outback trip in your Tvan:

Cheers!

Pack your beer in the fridge

An esky won’t cut it; summer outback temperatures mean you need a fridge if you’re taking beer and going on a trip longer than a couple of days. Luckily a trailer as well kitted out as the Tvan includes decent fridge space in the front boot, and depending on the model, has enough room for two fridges to be added. (There’s also space for up to four jerry cans on Tvans, but we don’t recommend filling them with beer… try wine.)

Fill the water tank

The absolute most essential part of your trip – yes, even more than adding beer to the fridge. Almost all outback trips pass off without a hitch, but you need to be prepared for an extra day or two if necessary in case your route has to change or you get lost. Depending on themodel of your Tvan, you can fill up with around 100 litres of water for your trip (the MK5 model has a 108-litre water tank as well as an optional additional 70 litres), so fill it up at the start and refill wherever possible.

Pack clothes for all weather conditions

Think “outback” and you’ll probably think of blazing sun, high temperatures and sun-baked roads, but actually, temperatures can drop to below freezing in winter, especially in central Australia. If you’re planning a trip between May and September, it’s essential to pack warm weather gear: a fleece, beanie hat, long-sleeved tops, thermal leggings or insulated tracksuit bottoms, and thermal undershirt or leggings.

You obviously need to be protected from harsh Australian weather in hot conditions too, so will need a sunhat, sunnies, shorts, trousers, light T-shirts and light shoes (not flip-flops/thongs). We recommend always packing thermals/leggings, a fleece and a couple of long-sleeved tops too, for temperature drops at night. And don’t forget the sunscreen!

Take your camera

OK, we’re a bit biased, but we reckon the Australian outback has some of the most stunning scenery on the planet. From Uluru at sunset to Rainbow Valley at sunset, wherever you go you’ll want to capture these spectacular shots. Yes, you can use your smartphone, but a camera is so much better for serious photography: bring a decent digital one, a charger, a spare battery and memory cards (as well as the manual if you’re relatively new to this camera model). Happy snapping!

Have fun/leave only footprints

Plan well for your outback adventure by using the tips above, but don’t sweat it too much and aim to have fun! And be a conscientious traveller by sticking to the “take only memories, leave only footprints” adage: respect the environment and leave any camping place how you found it.