Cape York and Outback Wilderness Adventures, Red Centre, Lake Eyre, Flinders Ranges and Western Australia
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Frequently Asked Questions As the Outback experts, we have the answers to your questions. When should I travel? The best time to travel is between May and September, which is usually in winter time within Australia, which is the dry season for the tropical regions of Cape York, Northern Territory and the Kimberley. In South Australia and Outback Queensland, the temperatures are more moderate in the winter time and you won't feel the scorching heat of the summer. For our Western Australia coastal tours, the best time to travel coincides with the famous wildflower season. Wildflowers are best viewed between the Pilbara and Perth after good rainfall from the beginning of July through to October. Travelling to Broome during the dry season between June and September is favourable to experience less humid days. What level of health & fitness is required? As tours visit remote areas and feature activities with varying degrees of difficulty, it is vital to select a tour with an activity level suited to your health and fitness. A good level of fitness is essential for you to undertake walks in hot conditions and over terrain with uneven and slippery surfaces. It is your responsibility to carry any medication you require for the tour's duration and consult your local medical practitioner for any health advice. What about the 4WD vehicles? Our specially engineered custom built Mercedes Benz and Isuzu 4WD vehicles set a benchmark for comfort and style. Each have air-conditioning, comfortable coach-style reclining seating, state-of-the-art PA system and large tinted windows. In addition, they are all equipped with a satellite phone, first aid kit, drinking water and a fridge to carry medication. What's a standard meal? There's nothing standard about our meals, they are praised for being plentiful, well balanced and healthy. Breakfasts – our sumptuous buffet breakfasts feature many delicious offerings. Choose from cereals, yoghurt, bacon and eggs, pastries, fruit juice, tea and coffee. Lunches – a variety of cold meats and fresh salads, homemade slices and breads are served with a refreshing drink. Dinners – start with a delicious entrée followed by a main course comprising succulent meat and fresh fish, served with a variety of vegetables. Then, delight over a decadent dessert served with tea and coffee. How much time will I spend in the vehicle per day? Our tours are designed so that if you have a day in the vehicle, it is after a full day of activity so you can rest. It may take us up to 8 hours on some days to get to our destination from the time of leaving our origin. Everyday will include stops for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, along with a number of toilet breaks. We may also have the opportunity to stop for a swim at any of the gorges or rivers (excluding South Australia & Outback Queensland), or to see some of the local rock art or places with Outback character. Can clothes be washed along the way? In larger centres, hotels feature coin- operated washing machines and dryers. Hand washing facilities are also available. On our Western Australia tours, hand washing facilities are available at each of our Wilderness Lodges (however, hand washing is not encouraged at Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge due to water conservation principles). Are APT's Kimberley Wilderness Lodges licensed to sell alcohol? Our Wilderness Lodges are licensed to sell alcohol therefore BYO alcohol is not permitted on tour. The lodges stock a range of alcoholic beverages for purchase, allowing you to enjoy a pre or post-dinner drink (to guests over 18 years-of-age). Are there any luggage restrictions? Due to the vehicle size and strict regulations for vehicle weight, there is a limited luggage capacity. Please pack your required items into one small bag (no hard suitcases) weighing no more than 16kgs. Alternatively, suitcases are acceptable if they fit within the following dimensions of 70cm length x 40cm width x 35cm height. If you have excess luggage please arrange for it to be stored at your hotel if returning to it post tour, or organise for it to be forwarded to the tour's final destination. What about mobile phone coverage and the internet? In the Outback and Kimberley regions, mobile phone service is extremely limited and only available in major centres. Days of phone coverage are few and far between, even with Telstra 4G services. Very few hotels have public phones or internet access. Do I need travel insurance? We strongly recommend you purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering any unforeseen circumstances that may arise on tour or before leaving home. (This includes cover for any cancellation penalties, medical and curtailment expenses, remote evacuation and loss of luggage, etc.). 67 DECK PLANS / FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS