{ Outback Safaris Australian Travel

Do YOU want:
The Best Price!
To 'Swag' (camp) out under the Stars!
More Adventurous Hikes!
To travel with Like-Minded Young Travellers!
Learn About Aboriginal Culture!

If you answered YES to the above, then 'Outback Safaris' is the ONLY choice for you!

Our Tours

Are ACTIVE, fun and informative. They are tailored especially for the young, adventurous backpacker looking to experience the real Australia. Our groups are small (varying from 9-24 passengers) and destinations include: The Red Centre and Kakadu National Park. (Please refer to individual itineraries).

These are the BEST VALUE TOURS in the NORTHERN TERRITORY and we will not be beaten on price!

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Our Local Payments Explained

Kitty includes meals, camping & national park fees
Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park Fee AUD $25
AUD $12.50 boat transfer to Twin falls (Kakadu NP)
AUD $10 Fuel levy

Credit Card payments attract a surcharge (3% AMEX, 2.5% Diners Club and 1.5% Visa and Mastercard).

What are Local Payments?
Local Payments are paid directly to suppliers for costs such as meals or stuatory charges like Park Entry fees that anyone visiting those areas would have to pay, whatever way they were travelling. We are not charging you extra to travel with us. The only difference is that we take this payment before you start travelling on the first day.

Why can’t I choose to pay for meals and accommodation myself when we arrive at the areas we stay?
Because of where we operate they are remote areas and we often have to camp, there are no hostels or the nearest supermarket is 100km’s away. What’s more it is impractical in a touring environment for an entire group to individually prepare their own meals.

What do I eat?
Our emphasis is on fresh food wherever possible and our meals are nutritious and varied. If you are a vegetarian or gluten intolerant we can cater for you. Depending on the trip for breakfast we supply cereals, fresh fruits, selection of bread for toasting, tea and coffee. Lunch is usually a self serve sandwich and salads and sometimes BBQ meals and other alternatives to offer variety. In the evening we offer a variety of cooked dinners and salads.

Fun & Informative Guides

Our guides are not your average tour guide! They act not only as the source for valuable information relating to the geology, botany and Aboriginal culture of the area, but also as the mechanic, the cook, the entertainer.

Our comprehensive in-house training program, incorporates training from the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) as well as St John's Ambulance Service in addition to mechanical training through the Centralian College. This ensures that our guides are professional and in possession of vast and accurate information, as well as having the necessary skills to conduct a quality, safe and fun tour!

Our comprehensive in-house training program for professional tour guides (incorporating training from National Parks & Wildlife and St Johns Ambulance first aid) ensures all guides possess vast knowledge of geology, botany and Aboriginal culture. We have a fleet of over 90 vehicles including minibus, coach and specialty 4WD vehicles.

All our guides undergo an intensive training course which involves:

Speciality information and Company procedures and requirements
St. John 1st Aid course (if req`d) incorporating CPR and other lifesaving measures.
An accredited National Parks certificate teaching the guide insights into aboriginal culture and the geography of the surrounding regions.
Basic mechanical operations and safety checks.
A driver training program instructing the guides on driving in all on and off road conditions.
Bushcraft skills and a vast knowledge of Geology, Botany, History and Aboriginal Culture
Cooking skills: food preparation, hygiene etc.
Customer relations, communication skills to manage large groups and deal with language barriers.
Guides are trained to the highest standard. We take the responsibility for the safety and well-being of our passengers very seriously. Some of the locations we visit are remote and conditions can be difficult, sometimes extreme.

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Vehicles

Our modern fleet of air-conditioned vehicles includes specially designed 4WDs and mini-buses so you can explore the Outback with ease. Our 4WDs (16 - 20 seaters) have spacious cabs with ample legroom and forward facing seats for increased comfort and a better view for greater appreciation of the scenery. We use our coaches in locations where there are large driving distances on sealed roads as the larger vehicles provide greater comfort. In all other circumstances, we focus on providing a small group experience with an average maximum group size of 16 -24.

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Camping Equipment

All camping equipment is included except sleeping bags, which can be hired for A$15 or purchased from A$20.

Red Centre: 'Sleep under the stars' in an Aussie bedroll (swag). Pop-up tents available on request at an extra cost. Children under 16 years not permitted on these tours!

Kakadu NP: Camping is 'bush' camping with limited facilities. 'Sleep under the stars' in an Aussie bedroll with mosquito net (swag).

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History

Outback Safaris is the backpacker touring division of Adventure Tours Australia. Our history dates back to 1992 when our Directors, who still work hands-on in the business, operated their first tour to Uluru. We have a wealth of experience in small group, nature-based touring!

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Conditions of Travel

Climate
Australia is by nature a warm and friendly place. You can expect high temperatures in the summer but be prepared for lower temperatures at night and during the Australian winter. Bear in mind that conditions can change quickly, especially in Southern Australia, and you should be prepared for rain and snow at times.

How much Luggage can I bring?
The vehicle has limited space so please keep your luggage to a maximum of 15 kgs in a backpack or soft overnight bag with a small day pack for easy access to camera, film, sunblock etc

What Do I Eat?
Our emphasis is on fresh food wherever possible and our meals are nutritious and varied. If you are vegetarian or gluten intolerant we can cater for you, but if you have very specific dietary needs you may need to provide your own food, please discuss this at time of booking. For breakfast we supply cereals, toast, tea and coffee. Lunch is usually a self-serve sandwich and salads; in the evening we have a cooked dinner. We always carry water in the vehicle and you will often have the chance to buy your own drinks, ice-creams etc at stops.

Where do I meet the Tour?
Please ask your agent for your pick-up place at time of booking.
Do I need to reconfirm my Tour?
YES! You must call us on 1300 654 604 before 16.00hrs the day prior to travel with the name of your accommodation and room number. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN THE CANCELLATION OF YOUR BOOKING.


How Fit do I have to be?
Our tours are active so a reasonable level of fitness and swimming ability is needed. If you enjoy hiking through gorges, swimming in waterfalls and directly experiencing the environment then our tours are perfect for you. If you have any doubts about your suitability for our tours, please check with our Reservations Department before making a booking.

Do I have to Participate?
Part of the enjoyment of our tours is bonding with a group of like-minded adventurers so we make them active and hands on, passengers are expected to help with the preparation of food, washing of dishes and general assistance to the guide as directed.

Cancellation Policy
Adventure Tours Australia will charge the following fees in the event of booking cancellations. Cancellations must be made with your booking agent, who may charge an additional fee. 48 Hours - 30 Days 25% of Fare 24 Hours - 48 Hours 50% of Fare Within 24 Hours 100% of Fare

Conditions of Travel
Adventure Tours Australia reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary of any of its tours and arrange alternative carriers to those advertised if necessary. No refunds will be given in these circumstances or in the event of any delay, curtailment or alteration of a trip resulting from any cause including severe weather conditions or mechanical failure. A minimum number of passengers is required to operate each tour. It may therefore be necessary to cancel a scheduled departure and to offer an alternative or full refund for that tour. Adventure Tours can't guarantee pick up or drop off times and are not liable for passenger failure to connect with other services. We accept no responsibility for loss or damage to personal belongings or baggage.

Children
Children under 16 years of age are not permitted to travel unless accompanied by an adult.
Travel Agents please note: Bookings for children may not be made via our online booking system. Please contact our Reservations Department

Liability
Whilst we make every effort to safeguard our clients and their belongings, we cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss due to events which are beyond our control. Passengers should note that adventure travel involves a higher than normal risk and a signed release will be required from all participants before tour departure.

Insurance
Travel insurance is NOT included, we strongly recommend that passengers have their own travel insurance against illness, injury, loss/damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed departure date.

Smoking & Drinking
Australian Government regulations prohibit smoking and the drinking of alcohol inside tourist vehicles in Australia (smoking and drinking should be limited to stops along the route).