Information

Photo - Peter Rowe 2002

"An exploration of outback wilderness and heritage"

Explore the Outback camel safaris is Australia's leading nature-based educational camel safari operator.

Each year our fully equipped camel safaris trek into the wild Australian deserts for six full months to continue with a fascinating twenty two year program of exploration and discovery on camel-back.

Since our inception in 1987 we have conducted countless expeditions, many of which have contributed significantly to the conservation and preservation of the desert's natural and cultural heritage.

In 2008 we will be continuing with this work and we invite you to join us in this magnificent and wild region of the Australian central deserts, (see schedules).

A moderate level of fitness is required (e.g. can walk for 30 mins. relatively easily).

Explore the Outback's projects are many and varied but you can expect to be involved in the following broad scope of daily activities:

• 4-8 days of expedition-style camel trekking and riding
• flora and fauna survey and identification
• historical research and interpretation
• general exploration
• camel handling
• outdoor adventure camping and navigation

If you are backpacking, then bring what you have with you. Travel-light is prerequisite but you do not need to go without either. You should include:

• single change of clothes
• hat/sunscreen/lipcream
• warm clothes (note: 0°C - 25°C temperature range, higher in April and October)
• small water bottle (1 litre)
• comfortable footwear during day
• light sandals for evenings
• sleeping bag (rated to -5°C for June - August, 0°C for April-early May and late September-October)

Directly:

• 4-8 days of camel adventure and exploration
• fully catered (incl: vegetarian options)
• canvas bed-roll or swag (BYO sleeping bag)
• a look at many of the desert plants and animals that you definitely wouldn't see on a conventional tour
• some very friendly personable camels
• ecological and cultural interpretations of the desert landscapes

And indirectly (enroute to our base):

• the remote and historic (c1888) tin hotel at William Creek on the Oodnadatta Track is most likely going to be on your way. This outback icon is a must-visit attraction.
• artesian mound springs. While it is possible that we may pass some quite spectacular natural artesian spring flows, it is strongly recommended that you visit the "Bubbler" spring 80 km south of William Creek. It is very impressive.
• Strangways or Peake ruins (40 km south or 140 north of William Creek respectively). These spectacular stone ruins were once repeater stations on the historic Overland Telegraph Line (OTL). Constructed in 1872 and dismantled in 1896, the OTL was Australia's first telephone link with the outside world.
• If you come via Coober Pedy then you must spend a day or two discovering this fascinating opal mining town. It is the world's leading supplier of precious opal.

Payment:

• Deposit 10% payable on booking. Non-refundable.
• Full fare payable 30 days prior to departure date or upon request

Cancellations:

• Deposit is non-refundable
• greater than 30 days prior to departure, full refund (- deposit)
• less than or equal to 30 days prior to departure, 50% refund of all paid monies (not incl. deposit)
• less than or equal to 7 days prior to departure, no refund

Please note:

• Weather forced delays while on safari are rare but in their unlikely event they will incur a daily surcharge of $65.00/head to cover for additional costs that occur as a result of the delay.
• Rain can temporarily restrict transit vehicle access to base camp. Scheduled treks may be postponed by up to four days until roads re-open.
  In the event of operator cancellation of a trek due to rain, a full 90% refund is applicable.
  In the event of client cancellation due to rain; 50%, 70%, 80% and 90% refunds are applicable on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th day of trek postponement respectively.
• As Explore the Outback operates in a pioneering spirit it is subject to the impositions created by inclement weather conditions. Every effort is made to ensure schedules are adhered to but no guarantee is given in this regard.