Stay Safe in Extreme Conditions!
Uluru is a very beautiful environment, but it is also quite harsh. Things to be aware of include heat exhaustion, dehydration and hyponatremia (loss of blood salts), as these are all real dangers.
How do I stay Safe in Extreme Temperatures?
Tips for Success in Extreme Temperatures
Keep you and your friends / family safe when visiting the Red Centre. Make sure you have:
- A GOOD HAT
preferably one that protects the back of your neck - WEAR STRONG SHOES
for walking and hiking over large rocks - SUNSCREEN
to protect your skin from prolonged direct sun - WATER BOTTLES!
each adult should carry sufficient water to consume one litre per hour, to avoid dehydration
DID YOU KNOW: once you notice any symptoms, dehydration has already begun to affect the body.
This can lead to an even worse health condition very rapidly, and will affect everyone in the group.
We have even more tips for tour success in our FAQ page, including What to Bring (and what NOT to bring).
Looking After Yourself in Extreme Temperatures
There are some sensible and some not-so-sensible habits you can find in the desert. We think these are sensible ones worth passing on:
- Sports drinks, caffeinated drinks, diet cordials etc are not recommended
these can contribute to dehydration (but you will discover a new love for the taste of cool fresh water). - Eat regular meals and take breaks frequently
keep energy levels up with snacks such as muesli bars and fruit (we have a lot of snacks for you on tour, but you can also bring your favourites). - Walk and hike in cooler times of the day
typically the morning (before 11am) is the best, but always avoid hiking especially in the hotter hours (between 12 midday and 3pm if possible). - Always stay on the walking tracks
these can change over the years and seasons (depending on vegetation and visibility to sacred sites). It is easy to become disorientated in the desert. - Always walk with at least one other person
during the tour, we explain options for people with different ability and energy levels. Your guide is responsible for your safety, so please help them by following instructions. - Consider packing an electrolyte product
this will help you to replace lost fluids quicker than sipping water, and are readily available in any supermarket or pharmacy. - Health or physical fitness concerns
in relation to hikes etc, you should consider avoiding activities which are in extreme heat. When in doubt, ask your guide. Mulgas guides are trained in First-Aid, and know how to keep safe in this environment. - Heed all warnings and advice seriously
our priority is your safety and having a positive experience. - Become familiar with the general symptoms
of Heat-related Illness such as dehydration, heat stress and heat stroke. Your guide will provide you with more information prior to hikes, including what to look out for, and how to look after each other as a group.
Special thanks to the Commonwealth Government, Northern Territory Government, Parks Australia, and Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, for helping us to provide this great information for passengers.
What are the Symptoms of Heat-related Illness?
Heat-related illnesses include heat stress, heat stroke, dehydration and hyponatremia. We encourage all visitors to the Red Centre, to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of heat-related Illness.