TOUR & EXPEDITION
GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

SELF-CATERED TAG-A-LONG VEHICLES

    Participants will need to carry and prepare their own food for the length of the trip including a few days of emergency rations. Beadell Tours always keep a fire at each camp for both cooking and warmth. The other cooking alternative is to have your own small fire or gas stove. It's up to you which you choose to use. For tips on what to consider when preparing your touring shopping list click here - Food - Self-Catering - easy tips.

    Vehicles need to be in a well maintained condition and capable of handling your intended route. Certain quantities of fuel, water and spares must be carried to safely complete a western desert trip. Please check out Mick's spare parts list, even if you have your own kit, it will be sent out to every participant.

    Plan to travel light and make sure your camp setup is as uncomplicated as possible. Test it out before you leave; after a few days in the bush you will be glad that you left that unnecessary gear behind.

CAMPING

    Majority of camping will be bush camps;

• Campfire for boiling billies, cooking, warmth and for sitting around
• Bush Toilet is provided every evening/morning (you will need your own toilet paper)
• Bring plastic bags to put your daily rubbish in; one per day
• Showers will be available if we have enough water
• Large awning can be set up for inclement weather
• Camp Oven cooking is encouraged
• Topical discussions/readings around the camp fire in the evenings

FITNESS

    Age is no barrier, but everyone will need to be able to walk at least one kilometre every couple of days. Many sites and features require a bit of "shanks pony" to get the best out of them. If you have any issues please let us know prior to the trip.

GENERAL DESERT RULES

    These are just a few things that we do, and feel that all travellers should be aware of when getting around in our desert country.

• Clear the roads and tracks as you go. If a branch or limb has fallen over the roadway, pull up and shift it off the road, it doesn't take long. You may be surprised what people will detour around, just to save getting out of their car!
• Be conservative with firewood. Most wood in the desert is very dense so it burns very well, you don't need to use much.
• If you want to camp at a popular spot, take some wood in with you from a good distance away.
• Take ALL of your rubbish with you. Leave a campsite as good, or better than you found it. Why should other travellers have to put up with your mess?
• Pull up and have a yarn to other travellers when you meet them on the roads. This is a bush curtesy that has sadly fallen away lately.
• Respect peoples space, there is generally enough room so that you don't have to camp on top of one another.
• Leave gates, water bore covers, visitor's books, plaques as you found them. If they have been mucked about with do your best to straighten it out a little.

MEDICAL

    First aid kit will be available. Please put together your own though. Any prescription drug, make sure you have enough to last the trip, and enough to get back home. Bring your prescription with you in case of emergencies. Please include sunscreen and insect repellent in your own kit. On your order form please let us know of any conditions that you may have that could potentially impact on the trip, just so that we are aware and can discuss it with you if necessary (if your doctor is happy for you to participate then we have no problem having you on the trip). We would rather know beforehand than find out half-way through.

EMERGENCIES

    Emergency communication via modern HF Radio, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service or telephone links to any service. A late model PLB (Epirb) with GPS capability is also carried with participant details lodged with the Search & Rescue Authority in Canberra.

CLOTHING

    Sensible strong clothes and covered boots are best. Remember the sun can be tough. Include a wide brimmed hat and sunscreen. (Earthy colours are best for clothes, you can get more than one day's wear out of them.......).

FUEL

    Diesel & Unleaded vehicles are welcome. The new OPAL Unleaded substitute is now available in the western deserts. Some trips require a minimum amount to be carried.

4WD ABILITY  (Please click here for more information on road conditions -   Road Conditions in the Western Deserts).

• Tours do not need previous 4wd experience.
• Expeditions require 4wd skills and some desert experience.

ALCOHOL

    In moderation only & remember NO ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION is permitted in Aboriginal Lands. Many of our trips are virtually alcohol free because of this.

PHOTOGRAPHS

    Take as many photos as you can to remember the trip. The memory can fade but photos do not. BUT please do not take any photos within Aboriginal Communities without permission from the residents. This is very important!

TIME ZONES

    We will use the time zone we are travelling in, S.A., N.T. or W.A. Quite a number of the WA communities use Central Time so sometimes we stay on Central Time even when in WA.

BREAKDOWN COVER

    Beadell Tours recommends the highest level of vehicle cover from RAA, NRMA, RACV or your State's similar body. Please ask the organisation about help while in the outback, some policies do not cover problems in real remote off-road country. Towing & Tilt Tray recovery is exceptionally expensive, make sure your cover has considered this problem.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

    Insurance for your holiday is a good idea. This sort of cover can help with damage, theft of gear etc. Ask your general insurer about it.

PAYMENT

    $400 Deposit - full Tour/Expedition information sent after deposit
    Balance to be paid 30 Days prior to departure

More information will be sent out to all participants on booking or if you wish, just give us a call.

TOURS

EXPEDITIONS

BEADELL TOURS

Mobile : 0408 841 447
Email : Beadell Tours

ABN : 40 947 959 130

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