How much water should you carry in the Outback?

We’ve all heard it – “carry plenty of water” when heading into remote country. But how much is plenty? The bare survival rule is about four litres per person per day. That’s enough to keep you alive if things go pear-shaped, but it won’t leave much for cooking, washing up or keeping yourself clean. On a normal trip, you’ll go through more.

Managing water weight on remote trips

Some travellers load up with hundreds of litres. That’s peace of mind for some, but remember – water is heavy. Weight is the enemy of any vehicle or trailer, especially on rough tracks. For most couples in the bush, eight to 12 litres per day between the two of you is plenty. That allows for drinking, cooking and basic washing, while still giving you a safety margin.

Planning your Outback route around water sources

If you know where reliable water sources are, you don’t need to haul as much. Wells, bores and tanks are scattered across parts of the Outback – some with hand pumps – and can be a lifesaver for topping up.

For example, along the Canning Stock Route, several reconditioned wells provide good water, so starting with 80–100 litres for two people is usually enough. A Simpson Desert crossing from Mt Dare to Birdsville, which can take four to seven days with no water available, might call for 60–80 litres for two people.

Practical ways to save water when camping

  • Dishes: Use paper plates on short trips, or clean lightly soiled utensils with a spray bottle and detergent. For pots and pans, wipe out leftovers with a paper towel before using minimal hot water.
  • Showers: Keep them short – wet down, turn off the water, soap up, rinse. If you’re really tight on supply, a 1.5–2-litre bottle with holes in the base makes a surprisingly good bush shower.
  • Clothes washing: Save the big laundry jobs for when you reach a roadhouse or other good water source.

Final tips for carrying water in the bush

Water equals weight, and excess weight is hard on your gear and fuel budget. Carry enough to cover your essential needs, know where you can restock, and don’t go overboard. For most travellers, more than 15–20 litres a day for a couple or small family – even on a long desert run – is more than you’ll realistically need.

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