I have been asked a couple of times whats it like living in a remote area.
I will break it down into catergories:
Food:
There are no takeaways apart from some places that nay sell it in the community, no restaurants, no clubs or recognised fast food shops. You cook most nights. Shop prices are like corner stores or dearer. Eg tim tams are $8.00, soft drink is $5.50.
Car Maintenance:
There are no mechanics, some places may have tyre machines, all repairs are done by you and parts must be ordered in.
Mail:
All mail is flown in once a week. If the parcel is heavy you may have to wait a few weeks until they have less weighted items on the plane.
Phone Service:
Some places will not have mobile phone reception only landline and internet that may be very slow and limited.
Shops:
No going down to a hardware store, supercheap etc. They dont exist. Again item has to be ordered and flown in. Hopefully the right item is sent.
Alcohol:
Most remote places are dry communities. Where we are now its ok to drink as we have permits. But you must buy enough to survive until you head out to the nearest major town for your next break or weekend off to stock up.
Traveling Distances to nearest Town:
This can vary from over 900 klms to 350 klm. Taking 5 to 11 hrs driving. The roads will be dirt and rough and can be closed for the wet season being 4 to 5 months.
Freight:
This can be once a week to once a month. If you want a big item or an item that cannot be flown in on the mail plane it will cost you. We get road trains that bring all items for the stores plus other freight.
Accomodation:
This can vary from a 40ft renovated shipping container, an old house thats seen better days, or you supply your own accomadation.
Health:
Most places will have a clinic with basic services. A doctor may come onto the community once every 3 months. Normally he will only see the very sick. If its an emergency you either drive out or catch a plane. RFDS if its deemed needed by the nurses. Dentists also come every 3 months.
Entertainment:
There is none. Its what you make of what you have. You sign up to netfix etc or go for the odd drive. No cinemas or shows.
Security:
Depending on the community there will be police living there. You may end up in a rough community where they try and break in, rock your roof, jump your fence. I have seen locals scale a 9 foot fence with rows of barbed wire like a gazelle. Some places are good some are not so. Your accomodation may include having a cage that is padlocked. If you left your car outside chances it will be stolen or smashed up.
The Benefits:
No rent, free power and water, free internet. You only pay for food and fuel which is very expensive.
What we like about it:
You get to experiance a cultural change, travel to places you never expected to see, enjoy some spectacular scenery and meet some great people. We have been to Alice Springs, Uluru 3 times, Kalgoorlie, Mataranka, Lake Argyle, Kununurru, The Kimberley, Broome and Derby just to name a few. We have worked in SA, WA and now NT in mostly indigenous communities.
So could you do it.
