GENERAL INFORMATION

VEHICLES
Unlike some of our competitors... all are purpose built real 4WD vehicles (not coaster buses or landcruisers with side facing seats). Our vehicles are all fitted with forward facing coach seats, windows that open and air conditioning for when the going gets hot! They are also equipped with a built in kitchen, storage space, water tank, Royal Flying Doctors radio, tool kits and spares, (without the need to tow a trailer, which limits 4WD ability). Travel in a small group ( average 10-12).

Please note that even with the best vehicles and equipment when travelling over such isolated and rough roads unforseen circumstances can affect a tour. The itinerary may need to be modified or the vehicle repaired, to ensure the continuation of the tour.

TOUR GUIDES
Our guides have been carefully selected and trained to handle all aspects of outback touring. Each guide is experienced in customer care, first aid, 4WD driving, mechanical repairs and has expert knowledge of flora, fauna, history, culture and bushcraft. They are great cooks too!

A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP
You haven't discovered the real outback unless you have slept out under the night sky, somewhere a long way from town, where the air is clear and the stars are brighter. Forget the air mattress that goes flat in the middle of the night or trying to hammer tent pegs into the stony ground, you will be sleeping in comfortable swags with foam mattresses and pillows. In the morning the swag is simply rolled up with pillow and sleeping bag inside. Mosquito nets are also supplied. (Some tents also available.) BYO sleeping bag or request on booking!

At the beginning of the tour, you will be issued with a Swag - this is like a large canvas envelope with a zip down one side and along the bottom edge. Each swag has a comfortable foam mattress and pillow. You will also be supplied with a pillowcase (and a sleeping bag with liner if you have booked one). This swag will be yours for the duration of the tour, and will be rolled up each morning, with the sleeping bag inside, for loading onto the roof of your vehicle. For nights where mosquitoes may be a problem, we carry large mosquito dome tents which each sleep 5 passengers. We also carry some single mosquito nets, as well as a limited number of tents on board for people who prefer - but we must warn you that sleeping under the stars can be addictive!

FOOD
Fresh food is used wherever possible. Breakfast consists of choice of cereals, toast with spreads, tea or coffee. Lunch is usually cold meat and salad or sandwiches, fruit and fruit juice or cordial. Dinner is a cooked main course and dips soup or dessert. Morning OR afternoon tea is also provided. An esky is supplied for your own drinks. Vegetarian foods available please request on booking and liaise with driver during tour.

What if I am a vegetarian or have other special meal requirements?
Please let us know on booking if you have special meal requirements so we can shop and pack for you. You will also need to liaise with the driver during the tour, and may be asked for help with your shopping. Vegetarian and other meals are usually modifications of standard meals on tour.

Can I bring some wine or beer?
Our vehicles carry an esky (an ice box or chilly bin) for the use of passengers for drinks; you may bring along a couple of drinks for the first night if you wish, but usually your guide will stop at a liquor store on the first day. Passengers may wish to share a cask of wine etc.

COST INCLUDES
All activities and meals (except where specified), camping and National Park fees, use of all camping equipment. Optional tours/activities eg, boat trips and scenic flights not included in price. Sleeping bags are available free of charge - please request on booking. Child (5-12 years) fare is 70% of adult fare; minimum age 5. Price listed includes GST, however are subject to change without notice - please confirm on booking.

WHAT TO BRING
As this is a safari tour and the weather is generally warm/hot days with cooler nights, minimal clothing is required. Suggested: sleeping bag, (or request on booking), camera (and spare batteries for digital cameras), strong shoes or boots, thongs or sandals, bathers, towel, shorts, short-sleeved shirts/T-shirts, jeans/tracksuit pants, windcheater/jumper, several changes of underwear and socks, toiletries, torch, personal spending money, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water bottle. Our suggested list weighs approx 5 kgs. We travel without trailers to enable us to go places other tours cannot access. This means a strict luggage allowance of 15kgs per passenger, however we prefer you to bring less; if you are returning to the same departure point, please arrange storage of your luggage. More than 15kgs will not be carried on the vehicle, however on most tours we can arrange freight of another 10kgs free of charge (please contact us 3 days prior to departure). Please use a soft travel bag, as small as possible.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON TOUR?
Our tours are NOT like a walk in the park, or a relaxing holiday around the pool in tropical Queensland. They are 4WD adventure tours through remote areas with limited facilities. This means camping in areas where there are no toilet facilities (ie you will need to use a shovel) and going for several days without a shower (although there are plenty of places to swim in fresh water). Every swimming hole and gorge entails a walk over uneven ground, with the longest walk up to 8km. Even getting in and out of our vehicles involves a 50cm step (for off-road clearance). As we are covering a large area and visiting many sites, many days are long with early rises and late finishes, and sometimes irregular mealtimes. You will be expected to roll your own swag, and group participation is required in firewood collection, meal preparation and loading the vehicle. You will also need to accept and respect the judgement and experience of your tour guide as he or she leads you through this outback adventure. In other words, if you are fit, tolerant, flexible and prepared to assist, then we would love to take you on tour!

Why are pickups from hostels etc not available on tours departing Broome and Darwin?
It is likely that your tour guide will already have some passengers with him from a previous section of the tour, and time does not allow hostel and hotel pickups. We have chosen instead, departure points that are central and convenient to most accommodation.

How fit do I need to be?
Anyone with average fitness will be able to take part in most or all of the walks and activities on our tours. Generally if you can walk several kilometres over uneven ground, you should be able to take part in most walks. Some walks are harder than others, and you will need to accept the judgement of your tour guide. Of course if you prefer, you can choose not to go on a walk, and relax at camp. We have found that tolerance to outback conditions and a good sense of humour is more important than peak fitness! 

What if I am travelling alone?
Many of our passengers are travelling alone, so you certainly won't be the only one. We do not charge single supplements.

Why do your tours north of Broome only operate between May and October?
The Kimberley area north of Broome has a tropical climate, with November to April being the rainy season. Apart from the heat and severe humidity, it is not uncommon for severe storms and cyclones to result in flooding and road closures. Many of the highlights of our tours, for example the Gibb River Road and the Bungle Bungles, are closed to all visitors during this time. We would rather take you to these amazing places when you can actually explore the best bits! Our Perth-Broome tours still operate year-round.