Exmouth to Perth via Karijini National Park - FAQ

Q: What can I bring?

A : Vehicles become not only our transportation but also our homes for the duration of the journey and hence space is at a premium. Luggage is therefore restricted. Suitcases are not allowed. We suggest a soft backpack or duffel bag together with a small daypack. To avoid overloading bags should not exceed 15kg (33lbs) in weight. Excess baggage should be forwarded to the tour destination at your expense. We recommend you contact Busfreight for this. This needs to be carried out by you, the passenger, on the day prior to departure.

As all these tours really let you get out and explore the area, there are some essential items you should take – walking shoes (strong runners will do), hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera and a small water container are a must. Clothing (do not bring anything too good as it will get dirty!) and personal effects are up to the individual although remember the weight restrictions. Here is a checklist to help you with your planning.

Check List for items that you require on camping tours.  On shorter accommodated tours some of these items are not necessary. 

• Sturdy, comfortable, worn in walking boots or joggers.
• Socks, thick for walking
• Underwear
• Trousers or shorts
• Casual clothing
• T-Shirts, to wear and spare for night
• Shirts, long sleeved and loose fitting
• Jumper or polo-fleece or warm jacket or tracksuit
• Sun hat and sun glasses
• Fly net (drops over hat)
• Bathers
• Water bottle, leak proof, 1 Litre
• Toiletries
• Insect repellent (essential) and anti-histamine tablets or creams (if required)
• Sunscreen and lip screen  protectant
• Personal first aid, including bandaids, headache remedies and a pressure bandage is often helpful
• Prescription medicine, spectacles etc
• Torch and batteries (small and lightweight)
• Camera and film
• Towel
• Tissues 
• Sleeping bag sheet
• Small pillow
• Sleeping Bag (A small hiring fee of $30 applies)

Do I need to be fit?

A : Although our vehicles do most of the work, in many cases the last few kilometers are covered by foot. A certain amount of fitness is required to hike into the spectacular gorges and other places of interest we visit. Since fitness levels are to hard to gauge we ask only that you be active, healthy and have a desire to be outdoors. Should you suffer from any medical disorder the driver must know from Day 1.

Do I have to help out?

A : The success of the tour depends on the ability of individuals and their willingness to lend a hand and become part of a team. Chores are not strenuous and involve erecting your own tent (which is easy) when required, assisting with the preparation and cleaning up of meals (which is fun) and of the loading and unloading of equipment (which is also fun). Should you wish to be waited on hand and foot these tours are not for you!

What do we eat?

A : They say an army travels on its stomach. Food is one of the most important elements of your adventure and endeavours to provide a healthy and varied menu. All vehicles are equipped with custom built refrigerators and fresh supplies are purchased at points en-route. A typical days menu would be:

Breakfast Toast, muesli, cereal, tea & coffee

Lunch Picnic style with cold meats, fresh salads and bread & butter

Dinner 2 or 3 courses with soup, hot main meal and desert. Our driver/cooks all have their own specialties and camp roasts, BBQ’s, curries and pasta dishes as well as trifles and turnovers may well appear on the menu. Of course you may also have the chance to sample some real Aussie damper while on tour.

Vegetarians are catered for but please advise us in advance when booking your tour.

Will I need to spend much money?

A : Banks along the way are scarce. While your tour fee includes all meals as indicated, park entry fees and all accommodation and parking fees there are many stops along the way where you may like to buy a drink or snack. There are also many optional activities which you may like to partake in which are not covered in the tour fee but which can be organized by your driver. These include boat cruises, helicopter flights and abseiling amongst others. Most of these optional activities can be paid by credit card, however you should bring some money for personal items along the way.

Should I have travel insurance?

A : Absolutely! You should never travel anywhere in outback Australia without travel insurance. Your insurance can cover you for any number of things on tour from missed connections due to late arrival, hospitalization or recovery in the case of an accident, lost or damaged belongings, late cancellation charges, etc, etc.

Every policy is different, so make sure that yours covers you fully.