By Jenny Mills · rural nurse & homesteader · health, safety, law and the paperwork of going bush
“After losing three days of power to a failed battery bank costing $1,200, I learned that off-grid in the bush demands double the resources you think you need.”
— Jenny. Paperwork first, then the fun part.
ArticlesCalculatorsSite PlannerShopOff-Grid Living: The Essential Guide by Peter B. Smith (2022). Covers solar, water, waste. $45. Buy direct from Off Grid Australia (free shipping over $100).
Off-Grid Living: The Essential Guide by Peter B. Smith (2022). Covers solar, water, waste. $45. Buy direct from Off Grid Australia (free shipping over $100).
Permaculture Design Manual by Bill Mollison (2023 reprint). The bible for food systems. $85. Available at Permaculture College Australia.
Survival Skills for the Australian Bush by John Smith. Focuses on water catchment and fire management. $32. Check Amazon AU or local bookshops like Angus & Robertson.
Tip: Skip the "off-grid for beginners" books. They’re full of hand-holding. Get Smith or Mollison first.
Permaculture for Schools (Victorian Department of Education). Free download. Covers water, soil, food. Go to Vic.gov.au, search "Permaculture Curriculum".
Renewable Energy Basics (TAFE NSW). Short online course ($199). Not free, but practical. TAFE NSW website.
Tip: TAFE courses are the only real "curriculum" worth your time. Ignore university "sustainability" degrees—they’re theory-heavy and useless for actual off-grid.
Off-Grid Australia Magazine (Quarterly print). Practical articles on solar setups, composting. $35/year. Order via offgridaustralia.com.au.
DIY Solar Workshop DVD (by Solar Solutions Australia). Step-by-step wiring, battery setup. $55. Available at solarsolutions.com.au.
Permaculture Design Cards (Print version). Physical cards for site planning. $60. Permaculture College Australia.
Tip: Print the Permaculture Design Manual index. You’ll need it when your internet dies.
1. Don’t buy a $2000 solar kit online. Get a used Victron system from Urban Survival (Brisbane). $1,200. Works. No bullshit.
2. Water catchment is 80% of off-grid. Read the "Rainwater Harvesting" chapter in Smith’s book twice. Then build a tank. No excuses.
3. Join a local off-grid group. Facebook groups like "Off-Grid Australia" are free. Ask for help before you blow up your battery bank.
4. Test everything before you go off-grid. Run your system for 3 months on-grid first. Saves you $5k in mistakes.
Worth a watch: The 12 Australian Towns Where Off Grid Living Is Practically Free · Mr Austral
While many off-grid projects are achievable as DIY, certain situations require licensed professionals:
Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before commencing work.
