Podcast
Even with the best preparation, things can go wrong, and a simple day out quickly turns into a fight for survival. So, what should you do if you find yourself stranded or lost?
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4 min read
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Published
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Western Australia is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors, whether it’s 4x4 touring or remote hiking, our diverse beauty, rugged landscape and isolated coastlines are unmatched. But it’s also most unforgiving. The heat can cripple you within hours, help can be hundreds of kilometres away and poor preparation is the number one cause of preventable emergencies.
Even with the best preparation, things can go wrong, and a simple day out quickly turns into a fight for survival. So, what should you do if you find yourself stranded or lost?
To help answer these questions, on this episode of the Horizons by RAC podcast we’re joined by Terry Hewett, former Special Forces Soldier, Order of Australia medal recipient, and founder of Adventure Out Australia. An expert in outdoor survival and a hiking guide for some of the world’s most dangerous trails.
Here are some of the essentials that Terry says every off-roader, camper and hiker should know before heading out.
Most survival situations begin with poor planning. Terry stresses the 7 P’s: Prior Preparation and Planning Prevents a Pathetically Poor Performance. Know exactly where you're going, when you're returning, and what terrain you're entering.
For four-wheel drivers, this means understanding tyre pressure requirements for different surfaces, fuel range, and where water points exist.
For hikers, it means studying the topography, knowing water sources, packing for temperature swings, and keeping a backup navigation method.
The more detailed your preparation, the fewer decisions you need to make when you're stressed, and that’s what saves lives.
One of Terry’s strongest messages is also his simplest: Never leave your vehicle unless your life depends on it.
A four-wheel drive is visible from the air, provides shelter, shade, supplies and most importantly, it’s an indicator that rescuers can look for. Leaving the vehicle is exactly how most preventable deaths occur in WA’s outback. For hikers, the equivalent is to stay put when lost. Wandering increases risk, burns water and makes it harder for search teams to find you.
Terry calls being lost: “geographical embarrassment,” and the cure to panic is simple: stop, sit, breathe, and slow everything down.
Survival in WA’s north is incredibly brutal, and thirst affects judgement quicker than you’d think. And when water sources are few and far between, the priority isn’t finding water immediately, it’s preserving the water already inside your body.
According to Terry, this means:
Avoid moving during the hottest parts of the day.
Sit in shade whenever possible.
Ration movement, not water. Controlled sips maintain clarity.
Plan your search for water at dawn or late afternoon.
Store water in several smaller containers to prevent total loss if one leaks.
In a survival situation, visibility is everything. Terry explains that a controlled fire can lift morale and attract attention, but must be used with caution to avoid starting a bushfire.
Effective signalling tools include:
A fire with green vegetation added to create black smoke
High-visibility items laid out near the vehicle
Satellite beacons (PLB/EPIRB), GPS messengers, or satellite phones
Backup batteries and waterproofing for critical devices
But technology isn’t a replacement for skill. Devices fail, batteries drain, and inexperienced users often don’t know how to read coordinates. Always carry a map, compass, and a basic understanding of how to use them.
00:00 Introduction to Western Australia's Wilderness
00:37 Meet Terry Hewett: Survival Expert
01:01 The Allure of Remote Places
04:04 Lessons from the Elders
06:44 From Military to Survival Instructor
08:52 Understanding Bushcraft vs. Survival
14:50 The Importance of Preparation
18:24 Water and Survival in Harsh Environments
26:28 Fire: A Key Survival Skill
29:00 Visibility and Rescue Techniques
33:44 Lessons from the Military
34:21 Planning Your First Off-Road Trip
37:20 Common Mistakes in Off-Roading
46:24 The Importance of Staying with Your Vehicle
50:11 Hiking in Remote Areas
01:02:23 The Appeal of Bushcraft and Survival Skills
01:07:14 Final Thoughts and Advice
