Outback Heat Flies and Water Tips | Lake Eyre Travel | Gekko Safari

People worry about snakes and spiders. In practice, the things that actually bother visitors are the sun, the flies and getting dehydrated. None of them are dramatic. They’re just constant.

Summer heat in this part of the country can be severe, with days well over 40 degrees not unusual. That’s one reason many travellers choose the cooler months. Wherever you go, drink water before you feel thirsty, because by then you’re already behind.

Simple ways to cope

• Drink steadily through the day, not all at once
• A fly net that fits over your hat is not glamorous but it works
• Light, loose, long-sleeved clothing keeps the sun and flies off
• Take it slowly in the middle of the day

The flies are worst when it’s warm and still, and they ease off towards evening. Laugh about it, because everyone does the Aussie salute within an hour. It’s part of the trip.