Carmakers love to woo buyers with visions of the Outback. What do people in the Red Centre really drive? For real Outback toughs, the absolute requirement isn't horsepower or even height, but a big metal rack or assembly for the front bumper to ward off wildlife. Wallabies, kangaroos, and emus are prone to ambling onto the warm roadways at dusk, posing such an extreme danger that rental agencies ask drivers for a signed promise not to drive after sunset. Other Outback accessories? Thick tires treads are mandatory. Multiple spare tires can be stored above, below, in front, behind, or on running boards. So can luggage racks and heavy equipage such as winches and imposingly-rusted jacks. A nice final touch is an intake snorkel to keep the engine going when caught in desert flash floods. Look out for that wallaby, mate!

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