On this tour, you're provided with 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners. During your travels, you will have the opportunity to assist with daily activities such as setting up camp, helping prepare meals and clearing dishes. None of this is difficult. However, many hands make light work, and any assistance provided to the crew is always much appreciated. Most people agree that this type of activity helps you feel like less of a tourist and more of an explorer.

All food for this trip is purchased and packed before your group leaving on day one. After the tour has left town, it can be very difficult to source special dietary requests.

Travellers with special dietary requirements or food allergies are required to advise The Operator at the time of booking. You may be asked to pay for any additional food if you have not advised them of any special dietary requirements. Due to the often remote nature of our trips, food is basic but plentiful and delicious.

The below dietary needs can be easily catered for.

• Vegetarian
• Gluten Free
• Dairy Free (soy available )
• Pork Free

Please bring your own staples (nuts, bars, snacks) if you require a diet differing from the above.

* Religious and more specific dietary requirements are generally unable to be catered for on these trips.

NOTE: For those passengers commencing their trip in Yulara, lunch will not be provided on day one.

Generally speaking, it's recommended you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient, although it's recommended your bag has carry straps. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket, etc., when exploring during the day.

Please keep your luggage to a minimum. Due to limited space and strictly enforced road laws regarding weight limits, travellers can carry a maximum of 10 kg. One small soft-sided bag plus a day pack is essential. The Operator recommends against bringing hard/externally framed suitcases as they are difficult to store and can damage equipment and other travellers' belongings. 

WATER BOTTLE:
Consider bringing your own water bottle to refill along the way. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1-litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion ends up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.

SLEEPING BAG & MAT:
Comfortable sleeping mats are provided when camping. Please also bring a travel pillow and a sleeping bag.

Below are some other ideas and helpful tips on what you specifically need for this trip.

ESSENTIALS:

• Lightweight clothing. You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing and layers. Long shirts and pants are useful to protect against the harsh Australian sun. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry.
• Comfortable closed-in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grass-lands, and will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings.
• Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses

RECOMMENDED:

• Personal medical kit. A larger kit will be on hand with your guide, but we recommend you carry items such as mild painkillers, electrolytes, Band-Aids and insect repellent.
• Water bottle. We recommend at least a 1.5-litre capacity.
• A headlamp or torch is recommended for around your accommodation at night.
• Camera with spare batteries.
• Beach/swimming towel.

OPTIONAL:

• Sleep sheet. If you are travelling during the hot season, you may wish to pack a sleep sheet so you will be comfortable no matter what the weather.

• Ear plugs

• A good book, a journal and a music player

• Binoculars for spotting wildlife

VALUABLES:

Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables. The Operator strongly recommends that you photocopy all important documents, e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.

BATTERIES/POWER:

Most of the trips have access to power to recharge batteries for phones and cameras every couple of days. The Operator always recommends that you carry an extra battery for your camera just in case. Your vehicle will be equipped with a 12-volt "cigarette lighter" socket which may be used at the crew's discretion. However, do bear in mind that only one piece of equipment can be charged at a time, and it will not be allowed if there is a risk of running the vehicle's batteries low.

Central Australia experiences the typical four seasons of Australia: summer, autumn, winter, and spring, with significant temperature variations between each season. During summer (December-February), temperatures range between 20C (68F) and 35C (95F), while winter (June-August) temperatures range between 3C-20C (37F-68F).

Spring and autumn bring warm days and cool evenings.

However, temperatures in Central Australia can be extreme, dropping below 0C (32F) in winter and rising above 40C (104F) in summer. It's important to check the weather conditions leading up to your trip.

Pick up for this tour is between 1-1:30pm from Desert Gardens, Outback Pioneer and Alice Springs Airport.
Please advise flight details at time of booking and we will advise the best pick up location for you.
Please do not book any flights arriving after 1:15pm as you will not be able to join trip.

It is essential you advise of your flight times at time of booking.

If you are unable to find your Guide on the afternoon  at the above mentioned times and locations, please contact the local operating office in Alice Springs via 08 8950 9900 or 0482 658 066

This tour finishes on arrival in Alice Springs at around 6pm. Finishing times may be earlier during the summer months. Please take this into consideration when booking any onward travel out of Alice Springs. The Operator cannot guarantee arriving in time to board the Ghan or any flight on this day. You will need to book an extra night of accommodation to extend your stay here.