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The Australian Outback is a vast, sparsely populated area with a range of climatic zones, from tropical and monsoonal in the north to arid in the red centre. Finding water in this remote region can be challenging, and it is often a precious resource. The Outback is known for its extreme temperatures, and survival stories emphasise the importance of carrying enough water to avoid dehydration. Water in the Outback is sourced from various methods, including artesian bores and wells, rainwater collection, and underground aquifers like the Great Artesian Basin, which has facilitated livestock grazing in water-scarce regions. However, sustainable water supply is a concern, with proposals to enhance natural processes and expedite the replenishment of water sources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water sources in the Australian Outback | Water in the Australian Outback usually comes from artesian bores and wells, particularly in central and eastern parts. |
| Water quality | Water quality varies, with some towns having water that is considered inedible due to high levels of salt and minerals. It is recommended to ask locals about the quality of tap water. |
| Water conservation | Rainwater is collected in tanks, but it is unreliable, so it is important to be self-sufficient and carry plenty of water when travelling. |
| Water recommendations | It is recommended to carry 5-7 litres of water per person per day when travelling in the Outback, with more water for remote areas. |
| Survival tips | Staying with your vehicle and conserving energy are crucial for survival, as walking can lead to increased moisture loss. |
| Water scarcity | The Outback is defined by water scarcity across most areas, and groundwater is extremely valuable and vulnerable to over-extraction and pollution. |
| Water management | There is currently no unified national plan to manage water resources in the Outback, despite its critical importance to ecosystems and human settlements. |
| Water sources for cities | Proposed methods for supplying water to cities in the Outback include pipes from coastal areas, desalination of salt lakes, and drilling underground. |
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What You'll Learn
- Carry plenty of water when travelling through the Outback
- Water sources in the Outback include artesian bores and wells
- The Great Artesian Basin is a large groundwater basin beneath inland Queensland
- The importance of water in the Outback for human settlements and natural ecosystems
- How to survive in the Outback if you get lost or your vehicle breaks down?
Carry plenty of water when travelling through the Outback
When travelling through the Australian Outback, it is crucial to carry a substantial amount of water. The Outback is characterised by harsh climatic conditions, with scorching temperatures that can exceed 40°C in the summer. In such extreme heat, dehydration becomes a serious concern. The arid environment, low humidity, high evaporation rates, and physical activities can rapidly deplete the body's water reserves. Therefore, it is recommended to carry a minimum of 5 litres of water per person per day. This includes water for drinking, cooking, and other essential needs. The more remote the area, the more water you should take. It is also wise to keep some water as an emergency ration, untouched until you return to civilisation.
The importance of carrying ample water is further emphasised when considering the limited water sources in the Outback. Natural water bodies like rivers and lakes may be intermittent or unreliable. Relying solely on finding water during your journey is a significant risk to your safety. Vehicle breakdowns, getting lost, or injuries are potential emergencies that may arise, and having a sufficient water supply becomes critical in these situations. Water is essential not only for hydration but also for first aid, cleaning wounds, and other survival needs.
When exploring places of interest away from your vehicle, always carry a large water bottle with you. The dry heat can dehydrate you quickly, and the physical exertion of activities such as hiking or biking increases your water intake requirements. Sweating contributes to fluid loss, necessitating higher hydration levels. Additionally, consider the duration and intensity of your activities when planning your water supply.
While the recommended daily water consumption is 5 litres per person, it is advised to have an additional 20 litres for emergencies and unexpected delays. If you are travelling in a group, multiply the daily water requirement by the number of people. Sharing water-saving techniques, such as cooking together and rationing water, can help optimise your usage. Always be mindful of your water usage and conservation, as water is a precious resource in the Outback.
In addition to carrying enough water, it is essential to be mindful of the water sources and their suitability for drinking. In some parts of the Outback, water comes from artesian bores and wells, which may be treated and safe to drink. However, it is recommended to ask locals about the quality of tap water, as some areas, such as towns along the Oodnadatta Track, have water that is considered inedible due to high salt and mineral content. Always prioritise your health and safety by being cautious about the water you consume.
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Water sources in the Outback include artesian bores and wells
Water sources in the Australian Outback include artesian bores and wells. The Great Artesian Basin is a large artesian groundwater basin that lies beneath inland Queensland and the northeast of South Australia, extending into the north of New South Wales and the southeast of the Northern Territory. It is the largest and deepest artesian basin in the world, covering over 1.7 million square kilometres and providing the only source of fresh water for much of inland Australia.
The Basin consists of a multi-layered aquifer system that was formed over millions of years. To access the water, boreholes are drilled down to a suitable rock layer, and the pressure of the water often forces it up without the need for pumps. In 1915, there were 1,500 bores providing 2,000 megalitres of water per day, but today the output has dropped to 1,500 megalitres per day due to many bores being unregulated or abandoned.
The Great Artesian Basin became an essential water source for pastoral activities and supported the settlement of thousands of square kilometres of land away from rivers. It also provides water for a geothermal power station at Birdsville, where the water emerges at 98°C and provides 25% of the town's electricity needs. After being cooled, it becomes the town's drinking water supply.
In addition to the Great Artesian Basin, rainwater is collected in tanks in the Outback, although this is unreliable. When travelling in the Outback, it is recommended to carry plenty of water, as some sources, such as water from artesian bores, may be very hot or have high levels of salt and minerals, making it unsuitable for drinking.
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The Great Artesian Basin is a large groundwater basin beneath inland Queensland
The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is a large groundwater basin that underlies parts of Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. It is the largest artesian basin in the world, covering an area of over 1.7 million square kilometres, or 660,000 square miles, and containing about 65 million gigalitres of groundwater. The GAB provides the only source of fresh water for much of inland Australia and has supported human settlement and various industries in the region for thousands of years.
The basin consists of a multi-layered aquifer system that was formed over millions of years. Groundwater in the GAB is mostly under artesian pressure, which means that confining layers prevent the groundwater from reaching the surface. Recharge water enters the GAB from high ground near the eastern edge of the basin, primarily in Queensland and New South Wales, and gradually flows towards the south and west. A much smaller amount of recharge water enters along the western margin in arid central Australia.
The discovery and use of the GAB in the late 19th century enabled the settlement and development of thousands of square kilometres of land away from rivers for pastoral activities. This was achieved through the drilling of thousands of bores for domestic water extraction. However, uncontrolled water flow from these bores has led to a decline in groundwater pressure and volume over time, threatening ecosystems and limiting access to water. In recent years, efforts have been made to rehabilitate and upgrade these bores to address these issues.
The GAB is a vital resource for Australia, generating about $33.2 billion per year. The Australian government has recognised the importance of sustainable management of the basin and has released strategic management plans in collaboration with relevant state governments and community organisations. These plans aim to guide the responsible utilisation and conservation of the GAB's water resources for the benefit of current and future generations.
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The importance of water in the Outback for human settlements and natural ecosystems
Water is a precious resource in the Australian Outback, and its scarcity makes it extremely valuable. The Outback is a vast area covering more than 70% of the Australian continent, yet it is home to less than 5% of the country's population. The region is known for its water scarcity, with only the most northern areas having an abundance of water.
The importance of water in the Outback cannot be overstated, as it is critical for both human settlements and natural ecosystems. For people living in or travelling through the Outback, water is essential for survival. The remote and arid conditions mean that access to water can be limited, and it is recommended that anyone venturing into the Outback carry plenty of water with them. The scarcity of water in the Outback has also led to the development of unique water sources, such as artesian bores and wells, which provide water for both human consumption and agricultural use.
In addition to human settlements, water plays a vital role in sustaining the natural ecosystems of the Outback. The region is home to a diverse range of species, many of which have adapted to the arid conditions. The unpredictable rainfall in the region creates a boom-and-bust environment, with large rainfall events followed by long dry periods. These rainfall events fill inland lakes and wetlands, providing temporary sites of immense productivity for species that have evolved to survive in these harsh conditions.
Groundwater is particularly important in the Outback, as it has ensured the persistence of some species over millennia. Subterranean aquifers and mound springs supported by the Great Artesian Basin are "evolutionary refugia", harbouring species found nowhere else on Earth. These groundwater-fed springs are expected to become even more important in the future as they are largely independent of regional rainfall patterns. However, they are also vulnerable to the threats of pollution and over-extraction, which could lead to the extinction of specialised species that depend on them.
The importance of water in the Outback for both human settlements and natural ecosystems underscores the need for comprehensive water management plans. A unified national strategy is currently lacking, despite the critical role that water plays in shaping life in the Outback. Developing a plan that considers the size, condition, and variability of water resources, as well as their environmental, social, cultural, and economic significance, is essential to safeguard this precious resource.
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How to survive in the Outback if you get lost or your vehicle breaks down
The Australian Outback is a vast and varied landscape, and while it can be a wonderful experience to explore, it can also be dangerous. The key to survival if you get lost or your vehicle breaks down is preparation and staying put.
Firstly, always plan your trip in detail. Know where you are going, and ensure others know your route and expected arrival times. Take a map, and a roadmap, and plan where you will fill up with fuel and buy supplies. Check road conditions and closures before you set off, and stick to driving in daylight. Take a first-aid kit, and emergency supplies, including a spare tyre.
If you are travelling to a very remote area, consider hiring a satellite phone and GPS, and take a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). If you are heading out into the bush, make sure you have plenty of water. Recommendations vary, but it is suggested you take at least 5 to 7 litres per person per day, and don't forget water for cooking too. Take at least 20 litres as an emergency ration.
If your vehicle breaks down, do not leave it. It is much easier for rescue services to find a vehicle than a person. Use your satellite phone to call for help, and use your hazard lights and a warning triangle to attract attention. If you have no phone signal, use your radio to call for assistance, and clearly state your location.
If you get lost, the best advice is to stay put. It is much easier for rescue services to find a stationary person than someone who is moving. If you have water, conserve it, and if you have none, try to collect morning dew from plants and your vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions
Water is a precious resource in the Australian Outback and can be difficult to find. It is recommended that you carry plenty of water with you when travelling in the Outback. Water can be sourced from artesian bores and wells in some central and eastern parts of the Outback, but it is important to ask locals about the quality of tap water, as some sources are not potable.
Rainwater tanks can be found at rest areas and in National Parks, but these should not be relied on as your primary water source. The Great Artesian Basin, a large groundwater basin, supplies water to some areas of the Outback.
Water can also be a hazard when driving in the Outback, so it is important to stay with your vehicle if you are stranded. A vehicle is easier to spot than a person, and you will conserve more moisture by resting in the shade of your car.
