ALex replied:

G'day Mark, the expensive option would be Bushman - get the gel not the spray on, but it's 80% DEET so some people don't like it.
The cheap option is a 1:1 mixture of dettol and baby oil - it works, but you have to give it a good shake before applying it, as the ingredients tend to separate.
As an added bonus, you shouldn't have any worries about cuts or scratches gettign infected!! Cheers, Alex.

Donald Dasher replied:

I agree with Alex, go with Busmans but avoid contact with plastics or with eyes,lips,mouth etc

James replied:

I agree with both of the above comments. I found Bushman's the best compared to other retail repellants. Hell of a strong smell and the taste was rather toxic. Although a small tube of gel is expensive, it tends to last a while. Once you have covered yourself completely you will find you won't have to do as many top-ups. I'm not sure how toxic it is to small children.

bc replied:

I saw a Malcolm Douglas show the other day - he recommends rubbing mud all over yourself - just carry a bucket of the stuff with you in the car. Washes off pretty easy, its cheap and its environmentaly friendly - what more could you ask for? Cheers BC

Ray replied:

Our family mixture including 2 yr and 4 yr olds travelling arund OZ including
Cape York, Kimberleys is:- Bottle of Baby Oil (tip a bit out) 1/4 Dettol and 1/8 Citronella
[Citronella also helps with the smell]

johnsie replied:

mark try this an old fellow told me and it works !
after the prevenitives and you are bitten rub onion juice on the bites ,have a cuppa or a cold 1 and the itch will subside ,and sugar works for mossies .

Max Presland replied:

Try mixing equal amounts of Metho, Detol and Baby oil. Place this in a spray bottle and use as often as requires but shake it well with each use.