Four ways to get your bearings in Australia. In the northern hemisphere the rules are back to front.
1. Where the sun is
The sun rises roughly in the east and sets roughly in the west. Around the middle of the day it sits to the north across most of Australia. In the tropics in summer it can be overhead or slightly south.
2. Watch method
Hold a watch flat and point the 12 at the sun. North is halfway between the 12 and the hour hand. During daylight saving, take an hour off first.
3. Shadow stick
Push a stick upright into flat ground and mark the tip of its shadow. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and mark the tip again. The first mark is west and the second is east. Stand with the first on your left and the second on your right, and you are facing north.
4. Southern Cross
Follow the long arm of the Cross, from top to foot, and keep going four and a half times its length. From that spot drop straight down to the horizon. That is south.
If you're lost
Stop, think, observe, plan. If someone knows your route, staying put is usually the safest choice.
These methods give a rough direction only. Carry a map, compass and GPS.