Outback Facts: Responsible Travel
Responsible travel is about having respect for the local environment and culture, and looking out for your own safety. Some indigenous sites are registered under heritage legislation and have conditions attached. Others may be visited only with permission from their traditional custodians or in their company. Resist the temptation to touch artworks, as the skin's natural oils can cause considerable deterioration. Dust also causes problems - move thoughtfully at rock-art sites and leave your vehicle some distance away. Please respect the wishes of indigenous custodians by reading signs carefully, keeping to dedicated camping areas and staying on marked tracks and boardwalks.
When interacting with Indigenous Australians, you will generally find people very polite and willing to share their life and culture with you. You should act with respect for privacy and remember that your priorities may not always be shared. In some parts of Australia, English is not a first language, but in others many people speak English fluently. Body language and etiquette vary across the country: the terms ‘thank you’, or ‘hello’, may not be used in some areas, or direct eye contact may be avoided. Be aware that some Aboriginal communities are ‘dry’, that is, there may be rules relating to the purchase and consumption of alcohol, or alcohol may be forbidden in the area.
Aboriginal crafts and artworks make great souvenirs and gifts. By buying authentic items you are supporting indigenous culture and helping to ensure that traditional expertise and designs continue to be of economic and cultural benefit to communities. Unfortunately, fakery is rife, so look for the swing tag on merchandise to determine its authenticity. Note that haggling over price is not part of Aboriginal culture.
There are a range of protocols for visiting indigenous lands, but it is always courteous to make contact prior to your visit. In many cases you must acquire a permit to enter. Permits give Aboriginal landowners some administrative control over their land and recognise their rights to manage it. Check with local indigenous land councils and police stations in advance. Ask permission before pitching a tent, be sparing with water supplies, always leave gates as you find them, and keep your dog on a leash at all times when in sheep and cattle country.
To help preserve the ecology and beauty of the bush, carry all noncombustible rubbish in a plastic bag until you can dispose of it at an authorised dumping place (don't bury it, as animals will dig it up). Don't use detergents or toothpaste in or near watercourses, and if there are no toilets, bury your waste away from watercourses to avoid contamination. Avoid trampling or removing the plant life, don't depend on open fires for cooking, and do not feed the wildlife as this can lead to animals becoming dependent on hand-outs.
There are some simple safety precautions when travelling in the bush. When walking, be prepared for heat and always carry plenty of water (at least one litre per person per hour), and tell someone where you're going. Stick to marked trails or make sure you have a good map and compass. Among Australia's unique and lovable wildlife there are a few less cuddly bush inhabitants. Saltwater crocodiles are found in river estuaries and large rivers in the Top End, so before diving into that inviting water take note of the warning signs. Australia has many species of snake, and although few are dangerous, the most venomous ones are very dangerous, so your best bet is to leave them alone. Another serious hazard is animals - particularly kangaroos but also livestock - straying onto the road. Avoid driving between dusk and dawn.
