On the Road Articles

4WD Driving Skills & Rules

Tue, 21 May 2013 03:28:00 GMT

4WD vehicles are designed to drive through obstacles that conventional (2WD) vehicles would not be able to overcome. Many places in the Australian bush are not negotiable without a 4WD however simply owning such a vehicle does not mean that you can drive it safely. Driving a 4WD vehicle requires a fair degree of understanding about the mechanics of the transmission and the effects that water and dust (common occurrences on offroad tracks) may have upon your safe progress. Every owner of a 4WD vehicle should check these essential skills and practise them before going offroad.

Buying a Tent

Sun, 05 May 2013 10:08:00 GMT

This article covers essential considerations for buying a tent such as types of tents, fabric, waterproofing, pests and other practical considerations to ensure you get the right tent for your next trip.

Camp Cooking

Tue, 21 May 2013 03:27:00 GMT

Whether it's cooking a stir fry on a gas powered fry-pan or brewing up a hot stew in a camp oven over hot coals - this article will provide you with some great outback cooking tips. We discuss the various camp stoves and the different preparations involved with camp cooking. We reveal some tips on bush cooking with some great recipes and then finish up with everyone's not so favourite part of cooking - the washing up.

Camp Tables

Michelle Martin & Damian Baker — Wed, 08 May 2013 05:56:00 GMT

One of the most obvious camping equipment purchases we all make and hope will be our last – is the table. You could be excused for thinking that this purchase is rather straightforward but in reality, it is not that easy. In this article we look at the typical camping scenario and outline practical situations where you might use a table on a camping trip with buying considerations.

Camping Lights

ExplorOz Team — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 04:02:00 GMT

In this article we list and describe the diverse range of lights available today and the options you might consider before embarking on your camping trip. There is a comprehensive explanation of the technologies of electric powered lights and various fuel systems for lanterns. There is also a brief list of lighting products on the market today. Last, but definitely not least, we discuss the safety issues concerning lighting systems and provide some good tips on emergency lighting.

Care for the Environment

Tue, 21 May 2013 03:27:00 GMT

How much thought have you given to how you can minimise the impact you and your family make upon the environment when you head off on a trip? By following a few simple guidelines you can make a big difference in almost everything you do. Being a responsible traveller begins during the trip preparation stages so read on and pick up some useful tips.

Digital Basics

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 06:21:00 GMT

This article unravels the basic fundamentals of digital photography. Whether you are contemplating buying your first digital camera or if you are struggling to understand some of the terminology associated with digital cameras and digital photography, this article should point you in the right direction.

Driver Fatigue

Tue, 21 May 2013 03:32:00 GMT

This article provides the facts on why driver fatigue causes accidents, tips for how you can recognise the signs of driver fatigue, and advice for how to use power-naps to help reduce driver fatigue.

Driver Fatigue

Tue, 21 May 2013 03:29:00 GMT

Some drivers put unrealistic expectations on the daily distances they plan to travel, however this can lead to driving tired and putting yourself and others on the road at great risk. This article includes some practical tips to help you avoid driver fatigue, help you to recognise the early signs of fatigue, and looks at the evidence for using power naps to help overcome fatigue.

Driver Training

Michelle Martin — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:32:00 GMT

A lot of new four wheel drivers have instantly recognised the need for the acquisition of new skills in the use of their four wheel drive. These people need little convincing that some form of Driver Training will be a great asset. This article discusses everything about Driver Training courses - if you need it, where to get it etc.

First Aid

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:16:00 GMT

First Aid is what you can do to assist an injured person at the scene using only what is available under the prevailing circumstances. In this article we look at basic first aid techniques and a summary of the main circumstances that you may come across when travelling and the treatments you can give.

Flash Photography

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:08:00 GMT

Success with flash photography is sometimes a bit of a hit and miss affair but with a little bit of knowledge you can improve your flash photography skills instantly. There's a few basic principles to understand and you should expect to do a bit of trial and error before you get good results. Here's some tips to get you started.

Free Camping

Michelle Martin — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:30:00 GMT

This is probably the hottest topic in the camping industry right now. Seems everyone has an opinion but not everyone has all the facts - nor the answers. In this article, passionate bush-camper Michelle Martin discusses the issue and reminds us of our responsibilities & obligations when it comes to using bush camps.

House Sitting

Sun, 09 Sep 2012 12:51:00 GMT

This article highlights the finer aspects of house sitting for travellers, with practical tips and advice for both parties in the equation - those who wish to hire a sitter, and those that want to become house sitters.

Innovative Ideas & Gear for Camping

Wed, 08 May 2013 06:05:00 GMT

There is no end to the range of camping equipment you will see available in camping stores, but it's not all necessary. In this article we'll highlight a few nifty items that are worth taking and discuss some practical tips for all types of travellers, whether you stay in caravan parks with facilities or opt for self-sufficiency in a bush camp.

Lenses - Options & Uses

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:10:00 GMT

Many of today's digital SLR cameras come with a telephoto lens suitable for the majority of everyday situations. However, once you become more adept as a photographer, or if you are constantly disappointed with your photos not reproducing the scene as your eye sees it, then investing in additional lenses is your next step. Here's a simple overview of how various lenses can be used to improve your photography skills, especially targetted to outback travel photography.

Outback Survival

Sun, 30 Dec 2012 10:43:00 GMT

One thing you soon realise as you travel the more remote roads around and through Australia, is that if there is an emergency, you're more or less on your own. It is absolutely imperative that you understand some of the basic rules of survival in the bush so that you can cope in an emergency.

P-Bays and Rest Areas

Tue, 21 May 2013 03:31:00 GMT

Driving on Australia's lonely long roads, it is important to take frequent stops to avoid driver fatigue. Fortunately, most major roads have a system of P-bays but not all rest areas offer the same services, particularly with regards to overnight camping restrictions. This article highlights how to make the most of rest areas and provides tips for those that seek out places to stop overnight for free camping. We include instructions to allow you to get the GPS positions from ExplorOz for all rest areas, including the 24 hour rest areas, where you can free camp.

Photographic Principles

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 23:43:00 GMT

Want to improve your photographic skills? Then master your understanding of the basic principles - Light, Shutter Speed, Aperture and ISO.

Places & Points of Interest

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:47:00 GMT

Did you know that you can create a log of all the places and points of interest you've been on a trip simply by taking a photo on your iPhone? Read this article for information on how this nifty features works.

Portable Toilets and Dump Points

Tue, 21 May 2013 03:35:00 GMT

Portable toilets are becoming increasingly popular for people who don't want to give up on facilities while travelling. This article details the various portable camping toilets available in the market today as well as advice on chemicals to use and the correct pocedures to dispose of waste when on the road.

Prospecting for Gold

Les Lowe — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 08:49:00 GMT

Gold has always generated excitement and anticipation amongst prospectors all over the world. Its whereabouts can be a mystery, yet anyone has the potential to find valueable gold nuggets.This article by Les Lowe, who has been prospecting for over 20 years, describes the basic steps and facts as an introduction to gold prospecting.

Snake Bite Treatment

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 10:45:00 GMT

This first aid information for treating snake bite was compiled with the assistance of the RFDS on the road program. Photos of patient take during demonstration by Bob Cooper during his Snake Handling Course given at the ExplorOz National Gathering.

Travel Etiquette

Tue, 21 May 2013 03:30:00 GMT

Etiquette is a word describing the norms that we as society should adhere to, in regards to consideration and respect. When travelling in the outback, it's very easy to perceive that the land is vast enough to do anything one wishes. This article helps reinforce the positive ideals of respect and consideration for the environment and of others. With good understanding of issues such as: responsible campfire considerations and proper rubbish disposal, you will gain an appreciated sense of doing good for this great country of ours.

Travel Photography Tips

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 22:25:00 GMT

The best photos usually come from being in the right place at the right time. However, if you're constantly on the move in your travels then understanding how to get the most from the moment is the key. In this article we'll give you some valuable tips to improve your travel photography.

Travelling with Babies 0 - 12 Months

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 03:53:00 GMT

This article focuses on planning a long road trip with a baby between 0 - 12 months. It provides a detailed checklist of items and an interesting discussion of major issues you will need to take into consideration when planning and packing. Written first hand by the ExplorOz Team based on their experiences travelling for 9 weeks solo by 4WD through the most remote areas of Australia in WA and NT with their baby daughter.

Travelling with Dogs

Wed, 08 May 2013 05:57:00 GMT

This article highlights the precautions and planning considerations that go into a making a holiday away with your dog comfortable and safe - for them, your family, and other people you might encounter. We focus specifically on people taking camping or caravanning holidays but include references to other holiday accommodation options and issues.

Travelling with Kids 5 - 12 Years

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:29:00 GMT

Older kids don't have the same special planning needs as for babies and young toddlers however they are easily bored. A long car trip is just about going to drive them bonkas unless you get smart and give special consideration to how to make the driving part of the trip FUN. Always remember the trip starts the moment you leave your driveway! This article is full of practical advice to help you achieve just that.

Travelling with Toddlers 1 - 4 Years

ExplorOz Team — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 03:26:00 GMT

This article follows in the same format as the other articles for the younger age-group and provides checklists and tips for travelling with kids from age 1- 4.

Using Blogs to Share your Travel Photos

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 22:36:00 GMT

On ExplorOz, you can batch upload your digital photos to create memorable journals of where you've been, or group your favourite photos into themes. Enhance your photos with captions and let our system index and tag your blog throughout the search systems. With nearly 1 million visitors per month to ExplorOz, why not show your photos somewhere where they'll be seen and appreciated by Australian outdoor enthusiasts just like you.