My introduction to the “Australian Outback” was nothing but “Adventure,” a thrill a minute that I was getting paid for. It’s hard to believe, I know, but in Western Australia, they call this work! Funny enough, camping rough in the “bush” while chasing a drill rig up and down a drill pattern was actually fun to me and a bit like an Outback Adventure. This all took place while studying as an undergraduate in Western Australia, and this is my story!
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Exploration Geology is right up there on the pinnacle of adventurous occupations. For example, a “Geo” (short for geologist) is usually working in the middle of nowhere, with a map, compass, tent, and if they’re lucky, a four-wheel drive (4WD) Ute. Trying to survive and do your job is a challenge for most graduates, let alone a newcomer to Australia. And my friend therein lies the adventure!
Getting this experience in the field is essential if you’re going to cut it as a geologist. So, working your butt off during summer vacation breaks from University is a necessary step in securing full-time work after graduation.
Outback Red Dusty Plains
It was a hot, dry day in the middle of the red, dusty plains of the West Australian bush. Added to that, we were 60km from the closest town (Mt Magnet) and 2km from the nearest tarmac road. Finally, we’d arrived, after a five-hour drive from Perth, Western Australia, just the three of us, driving 4WD Utes in convoy.
I was a budding geologist still completing my degree and taking on my first assignment over the vacation period. My colleague, a young kiwi guy, was also in the same position, having just flown in from New Zealand the day before. Although both nervous, we were excited and eager to learn.
The boss, a woman in her forties, had led the convoy. She was strong, confident, calm, and collected, a woman who could also survive the bush without amenities or a man!
Now, drilling out a gold deposit is an adventure in itself; our job was to coordinate and supervise the drilling activities. Seems like a pretty simple task, in theory, right? However, my newfound friend and I were green, a term used for someone new to the job, the bush, and everything else around them. The drill plan was scheduled for 30 days. Consequently, we’d be in the outback camping for a month! Of course, that just doesn’t happen, on holiday!
My Outback Aussie Home
Unpacking my Ute, I wondered, where do I put my things? So, I politely fronted the boss and asked, “where’s the accommodation”? Now, after that, she must have thought, “who is this guy? Accommodation? You’re in the bush! Of course, I could see some heavy duty caravans; I just wondered which one I was going to throw my bags into!
Well, she said, in a very normal tone, here’s the office, that’s the store, and over there, you’ll find a shower. And the beds, my Kiwi friend asked? Where are they? You’ll see fold-up beds and maybe a tent at the back of the buildings, the boss said! And pointing to the bush, pick any spot you like; in other words, that’s your accommodation!
You’re kidding me, I thought……the bush, the snakes, mosquitos, lizards the size of a crocodile, no room, and no tent! That’s my accommodation……? I was consumed with fear but couldn’t show it because I was supposed to be a man. Added to that, this was my first job, and the lady boss was calm, relaxed, and just having a typical day. I could also sense she was secretly enjoying the moment!
I found a fold-up bed, a swag (waterproof mattress) mosquito net, and proceeded to stake out my claim…….! Suddenly I realized; this adventure was going to be life-changing for me. Although I’d been camping many times before and living in Australia for the past four years……. In reality, nothing had really prepared me for this “Outback Adventure” in the West Australian bush.
Outback Comforts
Setting up my bed with the swag on top under a tree, I attached the mosquito net totally around the frame. A cardboard box now doubled as a bedside table, while a torch was tied to the tree. Consequently, I thought to myself, “this is as good as it gets,” and I’m ready for whatever comes my way! In reality, this was simply helping to alleviate my fear.
My Kiwi friend was also now close by, having created his space within walking distance of mine. This all together was providing a false sense of security in an otherwise vulnerable setting.
Starlit Splendor of the Australian Outback
Now the red dust plains of WA will take your breath away. Moreover, the remoteness of the bush, the isolation, peace, and quiet. However, nothing compares to the splendor awaiting you “after dark” when the moon appears, the stars come out, and the nightlife comes alive. This is an “outback adventure” at its best, and it’s difficult to describe. So, it’s no surprise that I was drifting off to sleep on that first night, under the stars.
All Alone in Outback Australia
The following morning, the boss said, “See ya later,” and she took off back to Perth. We were now on our own. So, was that a good thing? I wasn’t so sure, but I did know we would either sink or swim!
Drill planning, logging chips, supervision, and reporting, together with camping, car maintenance, and everything else. For sure, we’d be busy over the next month in the outback bush of Australia.
Nature called, there were no toilets, only a spade, and again, find anywhere you like.
Meeting each morning at breakfast, we’d talk about the day ahead while also discussing the sounds at night. I foolishly thought no snake could ever climb onto my bed, and thinking that enabled me to sleep. In reality, snakes are everywhere……this, after all, was Australia! The boss did say be careful with your stuff at night, as the foxes prowl are around looking for food.
Daily Outback Routine
Drillers arrived first thing every morning by plane from a nearby property. After that, they manned-up two drill-rigs in different locations on the lease. They’d pretty much start drilling right away. Consequently, we would split up and drive out in different directions through the bush each morning to supervise the drill-rigs.
Over the weeks, we grew into a routine of driving (4WD) through the bush, supervising drill activities, and returning to camp at night. Flat tires were also changed on the spot and repaired later at night. While I never saw a tarmac road for the month! Besides, our food stocks had been well planned and were just enough for the trip duration.
Daytime temperatures peaked around 35c, and the evenings were perfect for sleeping under the stars.
Australian Outback Wildlife
The hazards associated with Australian wildlife are well documented. However, sharing your space, especially at night with the animals, takes it to a whole new level. In my opinion, it’s as real as it gets.
You can come across:
- Monitor lizards the size of a crocodile,
- Kangaroos taller than yourself,
- Eagles, with wings as wide as your outstretched arms,
- Sneaky grey fox, an evening prowler,
- Dingoes (wild dogs),
- Deadly snakes (the western brown),
- Birds / Parrots.
Reflections
I folded up the beds, returned the cardboard box, mosquito nets, swag, torch, and then packed the Ute. After that, I thought to myself … this project is over, and I was a little sad. You see, I’d changed, I’d grown, I’d even survived a month in the West Australian Outback. Added to that, I now felt somewhat comfortable with the wildlife and privileged to have had this “amazing outback adventure.”
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