Outback

The outback is the remote areas of Australia. The outback is not a defined area, rather the term refers to locations that are far away from big cities and have few roads and not much farming. The fertile parts are known as Rangelands and have been traditionally used for sheep or cattle ranches. Ranching, tourism and mining are the main economic activities in this vast and sparsely settled area.

A road in Fitzgerald River National Park

The plains in the Outback. The tabletop mountain in the background is Mount Conner

Medicine in the outback

Because of the expanses and remoteness in the outback a unique service, The Flying Doctor, was created in 1928. The aim of the service is to provide medical care to people who cannot reach hospitals or other doctors. Consultations are carried out via radio or telephone and for serious situations, doctors are flown out to the patients.

Tourism

Organised travels with a guide to the outback is popular, although some Australian and international tourists travel in their own cars. Such a trip, especially off the few big roads in the outback, requires very good planning and a suitable vehicle (usually four wheel drive). On remote routes considerable supplies and equipment are required. Some big trips cannot be undertaken safely without a convoy of several vehicles. Deaths of tourists are a regular occurrences because many people are not well-prepared for their outback trip.