Imagine this:
You’re 400 kilometres from the nearest town. It’s 43°C in the shade, if you can find any. Your 4WD has sunk into soft sand somewhere in The Great Sandy Desert or deep in the Pilbara. Your mobile phone has no reception, the horizon is a blur of red dirt and spinifex, and the only sounds are the wind and the occasional Hawk circling high above.
There’s no traffic. No people. No signal. No towns. Just the vast open outback.
If you’re not prepared, this scenario could turn deadly. But with the right knowledge and presence of mind, you can stay safe and be rescued.
This is essential reading for anyone hiring a 4WD in Western Australia and heading off into remote, unpopulated areas where services are scarce. These 10 life-saving tips, sourced from Australian bush survival experts and government advice, are your best chance of survival should you find yourself stranded.
10 Things You Should Do When Stranded in the Remote Outback
1. Stay with your vehicle – DO NOT walk away
Your 4WD is your lifeline. It provides shelter, is far easier for rescuers to spot from the air, and it keeps your supplies together. Unless you can see a nearby station or help within a few hundred metres (not “think” it’s there), stay put. Be prepared for several days of waiting. People who leave their vehicle in search of help in the outback have a far lower survival rate.
2. Activate your Emergency Beacon or Satellite Device
All remote-area 4WDs from reputable hire companies should be equipped with an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) or Personal Locator Beacon. Activate this immediately if you have decided you’re in serious trouble. This includes situations such as injuries, being completely stuck with no recovery options, or if your water supply is running out. This alerts emergency services via satellite and pinpoints your location. But you should only activate this if you believe your life could be in danger and you have attempted what you can to resolve your situation.
3. Conserve and ration your water
Water is your most important resource. Ration it by sipping small amounts and staying in the shade. Avoid any unnecessary movement during the heat of the day (usually 11am to 4pm). If you’re travelling in the outback, you should always carry at least 5–7 litres of water per person, per day, with extra for emergencies.
4. Create shade and stay out of the sun
If your vehicle has an awning, deploy it. If not, use tarps, sleeping bags, or anything to create shade. Staying cool reduces water loss from sweating and lowers the risk of heatstroke. Digging a shallow trench under the vehicle can provide a cooler space if needed. Do what you can to minimise your exposure to direct sunlight.
5. Make your location visible to rescuers
Open the bonnet (a universal distress signal), use mirrors, vehicle hazard lights, flares, or lay out items (like sleeping bags or branches) in large shapes that contrast with the land. Write “SOS” or a large cross X nearby and if safe to do so, create a signal fire only if smoke can be seen from the air and fire danger is low and you can control it.
6. Don’t waste energy on recovery attempts if it’s hopeless
If your 4WD is heavily bogged or damaged, trying to dig it out in 40°C heat may do more harm than good. It is essential to assess the situation carefully and if a quick recovery is not possible, wait until conditions are better or help arrives. Conserve your energy to the best of your ability.
7. Use your supplies wisely
Although food is important, it is less essential than water in a survival situation. Ration your food and only consume it when needed. Additionally, be sure to ration fuel and power for situations where you need to start your vehicle. Use lights and appliances sparingly. Keep a list of inventory (food, water, fuel, comms) and update it daily. Knowledge of what you have buys confidence and time.
8. Stay calm and stay together
Panic is your worst enemy. Fear leads to bad decisions like wandering off or wasting essential supplies. Stay focused and keep yourself or your group together. Create a routine including checking supplies, staying cool, making visual signals, and keeping morale up.
9. Know your communications limitations
Mobile phones are useless in most remote areas unless you are near a mine site, roadhouse, or station with a Telstra tower. That’s why satellite devices, UHF radios, or PLBs are essential. Before you leave, check your comms equipment and know how to use it.
10. Let someone know your travel plan before you go
Before heading off into the remote outback, always leave a detailed itinerary with someone you trust. Include important and specific details like your planned route, expected arrival times, activities, and check-in dates. If you don’t arrive or report in as scheduled, they can alert authorities.
Final Word: The Outback needs foresight
Western Australia’s outback is one of the most breathtaking and unique places on Earth. Its vast landscapes, remote tracks, and natural beauty offer unforgettable adventures. But like any wild place, it also has its dangers. With high temperatures and long distances between services, it’s essential to plan well, travel prepared, and know what to do if things don’t go as expected.
If you’re hiring a 4WD to explore WA’s remote regions, take a moment to understand the environment. Being well-prepared gives you the confidence to fully enjoy the experience—and ensures that if something does go wrong, you’ll know exactly how to handle it.
At Red Dirt Rentals, we understand that venturing into the outback might seem intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. That’s why we ensure all our 4WD and 4WD with Roof Top Tent hires come fully-equipped with high-quality gear that prepares you for emergencies. We also offer additional accessories for hire, including satellite phones and spare tyres so you can be extra prepared. Before you head off on your adventure, be sure to read our blog on the Essential Considerations for Your WA Adventure.
Got questions? Our expert team are always here to support you through expert instruction and advice so you can enjoy your outback adventure with peace of mind.
Read this guide. Pack smart. Stay safe. And make the most of your outback journey.
