Outback Facts - Where is the Outback?

Answers about the Australian Outback

For some people the Australian Outback begins some 100 km outside the big cities, others arrive when they don't see any humans on their entire trip.

In other words, the Outback has no clearly defined boundaries. It is the vast inland. And yes, it is a stunning place.

Rough track in the Australian Outback

Is the Outback boring? Not at all.

Many Australians talk about the "bush" when they refer to the remote places of their country. Perhaps the bush is the crossing from the urbanised areas to the true Outback. Fact is, the farther west you go from the east coast, the more lonely it gets.

• Less than 10 percent of Australians live outside the urban cities and towns that line along the coasts. Even the northern and north-western coastlines are part of the Outback, and sparsely populated.
• The Outback is a feeling, you will notice it when you get there.
• It is red dust, endless horizons, a canopy of stars at night.
• It is a land of shimmering mirages on the horizon and scorching sun.
• It is full of myths, great stories and wonderful people.
• You arrive in the Outback when the glamour of the cities is far away, and doesn't count anymore. Guess what? That's why I love the Outback.
• Read a wonderful poem that truly describes the Outback.

More Australian Outback facts and records

Australia and the Outback hold some surprising world records.

• The longest stretch of a straight railway track (487 km) crosses the Nullarbor Plain from Outback South Australia into Western Australia. It is part of the Transcontinental railway line from Sydney to Perth. South of the railway you'll also find the longest stretch of straight bitumen road, 146.6 kms.

Another world record in Outback Australia

• The 5531 km dingo fence runs from South Australia through New South Wales to Queensland, and it is of course, the world's longest fence.
• Anna Creek station near William Creek is the largest cattle station in the world, it's about the size of Belgium.
• Within 4/5th of the continent the doctor comes by plane.
• Outback Australia also has the biggest class rooms in the world, where children are taught through radio communication on the isolated stations and in small bush towns.

Can anyone travel in Australia's Outback?

Yes, of course!

There are tracks and regions that require very good preparation and experience.
On the other hand, you can reach the Australian Outback on sealed highways like the east to west Eyre Highway.
The Stuart Highway crosses Australia from the south to north. It leads you straight into the red centre, to Alice Springs and Uluru. This journey starts either from Adelaide or Darwin.
Finally, Travel Queensland along the sealed Matilda Highway, and explore towns with great history.

A lizard in the Australian Outback, basking in the sun

The routes and regions covered in this Outback Guide can be done by everyone. Find out about the driving distances in the Outback, Outback diving tips, and how to prepare your car.

Plan well ahead, and you will get the most out of your trip. Being prepared is one of the most important Outback facts.

Rita's Outback Guide is here for your help. Browse around this site, find the place that inspires you.
There is information about the routes and tracks, as well as about Outback safety. Finally, the Outback travel tips give you information about places to stay, where to get food and a cool drink. The latter is one of the most important Outback facts to know when you're going to the middle of nowhere! :)

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