Getting Ready / What To Take

• Take a wide range... clothes for everyday that you can get grubby, good clothes, outfit to wear to a ball or the local races (heels).  Not just singlet tops either as getting burnt when on property is not much fun.  Ed Harry's or Lowes often has $10 men's shirts.  Get one as you will be surprised how much you may end up wearing it when you are outside.  Don't panic too much as there is always online ordering and the mail if someone is willing to post from home.
• Shoes are really important.  Closed in is a must otherwise you will miss out on activities, don't forget to make sure that you have at least 2 sets you don't mind getting dirty and muddy.  They will never recover so keep your favourite good shoes for town trips not paddock ones.
• Take enough body products for 10 weeks (I'm talking about shampoo, moisturiser, tampons, the pill and other medications, deoderant, etc.)  You will go to town regularly but it will probably be cheaper at home.  Also if you don't have a car then you will have to squeeze your shopping in with the family.
• Take not just one case but several different sizes or maybe even looking at buying some like this that are soft and pack easier.  www.gidgeesmith.com.au/medium-chest-bag/ 
•  Pyjamas you're comfortable with the kids seeing you in - nothing tooo skimpy for school camps! 

CAR

If you have a car or are going to get a car.  Here are some things to think about.

4WD or Not:  I have a 4WD for the height off the ground.  Gravel roads with little rocks can really damage the underside of cars.  Check out the height off the group of your current car.  idealistically an outback car should be at least 20cm.  I know the Toyota corollas are around 17cm which is okay on a good dirt road.  

I do recommend if you can get car then do look at a 2nd hand twin cab ute.  They are great value for money and have a better resale value than small city 4wd's and All wheel drives.  Also after you have taken it bush it is better to sell it and get a small economical car for town running.

Think about diesel if you are buying one as stations tend to have it on hand where as often they keep unleaded in smaller qualities.  Also earlier modelled diesels tend to be easier to fix should there be any problems, many bosses will have experience in fixing their own cars and will help if you need.

My current recommendations for those looking for a twin cab ute is to check out the Tritons and the DMAX's.  I also have heard the Great Wall utes are not to bad for those who want a 4wd.  I personally bought a VW Amarok after my Holden Rodeo finally died.

What do you need for the car:  

• Try changing a tyre once before you head bush and make sure the car has all the equipment or get what you need to do it.  
• Know where to check the OIL and WATER.  
• Get your car serviced and check all over.  Tell your mechanic you are going bush and just want to make sure the belts and filters are all checked and changes if necessary.
• Make sure your tyres have plenty of tread (this is very important if you have a 2WD.  Talk to your tyre many about getting the thickest quality for your adventure)
• If you have a car then see if someone will give you a Christmas present of a small esky.  I have 3 of these http://www.techniice.com/  and the ice lasts for days in them.  Hand yfor keeping drinks cool while driving when hot
• ALWAYS carry water.
• Consider buying a large (Big enough for you to fit in) plastic toolbox for the back of the ute.  It is a great place to store stuff to take with you and can either be left on the car at your job or used as storage for you stuff if you accomodation doesn't have enough.  I even had plastic toolboxes when I have a sedan but I only had one that fitted beautifully across the backseat.   This link is just one example of what you can find at Bunnings  http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_product_stanley-fatmax-mobile-lockable-toolbox-194850_P5820453.aspx?page=2

OTHER BITS

Camera is a must to record your experience --- please talk to your employer about putting pictures on facebook and social media.  As some don't want their childrens names or faces out there.

Do you have a KINDLE or Ereader or Ipad or some other kind of tablet. OR a laptop???  

Load them up with music, photos ( Photos - the kids always love seeing your life and any previous families), books, games so that in the quiet moments at night you won't be bored.  Must governesses will have access to the school computer and internet outside of school hours but who wants to spend all their time in the schoolroom.

Broad brimmed hat

Torch - I have one which is windup and doesn't need batteries.

A stack of birthday cards, colouring books or little things to give as presents for the kids 

DVDs and/or a portable hard drive

COMMENTS FROM READERS

Great blog!

I also take a swag, cheap sunnies, i pod and gumboots.

Bore water, dry heat & the sun makes my hair go dry, so leave in conditioner/treatments is good to take.

A UHF radio can be handy.

Closed in shoes are a must but I often find myself wearing rubber thongs walking between the quarters/school room/main house- even at night. What do others wear that can be slipped on and off quickly?

I'm guilty of wearing thongs constantly walking around the homestead, quarters etc!

 

Great suggestions! Gumboots for sure! When I arrived at my first job last year it was sooo wet!

 

 

A battery operated alarm clock(remembering to pack replacement batteries as well) is a must because many stations use generators for power so if it surges or is turned off you won't lose time.

 

A map of around the area or state is always good, if you get weekends off and want to travel around and see what else is around you, you can find some pretty amazing places.

 

some stations also require you to being linen for bedding, eg. quilt, sheets, pillows, towels. it's always best to have two of each so when you wash a sheet you always have fresh linen just in case. if you also have dietary requirements make sure to let the station know so they can accommodate them or organize how to accommodate it.