One of my favorite activities is perusing back issues of National Geographic–the older, the better. While stuck in a ferry line last week I had the chance to read a few issues that came free with purchase on one of our treasure-hunting trips. I was riveted by an article in the May 1978 issue about a young woman who left city life behind to train camels for a 1,700-mile trek across the Australian outback.

While further research has indicated that she may not have been solo (someone had to be there to take the pictures) and might have taken a few questionable “breaks” during her trek, her story is still worth reading. Plus, you’ve got to give her credit for her trekking attire. Minus the flies, she looks like a vacationing Cameron Diaz.

If you don’t have time to train camels or are too afraid of wild dingos for a real outback adventure, put your money toward dressing the part:

Clockwise from top left: Steven Alan ikat dress, Urban Outfitters straw fedora, Rag & Bone baggy long johns, Dickies chambray shirt, Lanvin grosgrain sandals, Rika batik sarong, Filson field bag.