Australia is an island continent with a few people and a lot of very large open spaces, and
until you have been there it is really difficult to get your mind around the distance.Unfortunately getting lost is a hazard for everybody, and this page is devoted to (a) trying to prevent this ruining a budget travel holiday; or (b) if it does happen then trying to get a good outcome.
Basically, clear thinking will help to ensure you don't get lost; and if you do get lost, again clear thinking will help to ensure you survive with nothing worse than a story to tell.
There are a few simple things you can do to ensure that if you are unfortunate enough to get lost you will survive the experience.
Always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. Make sure that when you do get back you let them know so that they don't start an un-necessary search for you.
Be prepared for getting lost. Even if you are only going backpacking for a day, always take adequate clothing, a torch, some matches and enough food and water for at least two days.
As soon as you realise that you are lost, just stop. You are far better to set up a camp rather than stumbling aimlessly about trying to find your way out. Try to build a fire to keep people warm. Try to build a shelter for protection from the elements.
If your vehicle has broken down, then stay with it. It is much easier for searchers to locate a car compared with a person.
Try to find an open place where you could be seen from the air. Creek beds are good for this, and in Australia search aircraft will usually start by looking along waterways when looking for missing people.
Build a fire and burn damp green leaves to produce a lot of smoke.
Ration your food and water and try to make it last as long as you can.
If you are backpacking in a hot climate keep movement to a minimum especially during daylight hours, and be especially careful with your water.
Be patient. If someone knows that you are missing then help is on the way.