In many ways the Australian Outback is what the American West thinks it is. A vast expanse of dangerous desert filled with breathtaking landscape, vicious animals and no help in any direction for hundreds of miles.
It's truly wild out there, with nothing but you and your resourcefulness to ensure your survival. It's not for the faint of heart and definitely not some Dallas Fort-Worth suburb.
In the Outback, trains are trucks and ambulances are planes. You know, cool stuff. Just like the blokes who actually live there.
Here are 23 pics of the Australian Outback being exactly what the Wild West thinks it is.
1
Hunting in the Outback
NT, Australia, 1970s.
2
A Hard Day’s Work
Outback Australia, 1961.
3
Warning
Welcome to the Outback.
4
A Kid Goes to School
Getting on the school van after a short plane ride.
5
Outback Mounted Policeman
Pouring water into his hat so his dog and horse can have a drink, Australia, 1935.
6
“My Dad and His Faithful Steed”
“Somewhere in the Australian outback, mid ‘80s.”
7
Hailing the Train
The Outback in 1954.
8
Danger Sign
Only in the Outback.
9
Perfect for Biking
A man in the 1970s.
10
The Royal Flying Doctor Service
Providing care on the Outback, 1931.
11
Royal Flying Doctor Service
What it looks like to call the ambulance.
12
Blokes on the Move
Walking in the Outback in 1996.
13
Rural Roads
Outback Australia in the early ‘70s.
14
Doing Laundry
The Australian Outback, 1950s.
15
Trucking in the Outback
Road trains.
16
Trucking in the Outback Continued
Like something out of Mad Max.
17
Trucking in the Outback Continued
Giving new meaning to “long haul.”
18
Long Distances
“A road sign in the Outback where outer space is five times closer than the nearest town, water or fuel.”
19
A Lonely Job
Alcohol breath test checkpoint.
20
Medical Helicopter
Refueling with diesel from a roadhouse.
21
“Me and My Bike”
“Around where they filmed ‘Mad Max.’”
22
Fighting Back
This 1960s kangaroo says no photos.
23
Playing Chicken
An RAAF English Electric Canberra Bomber in Australia, 1950s.
