Important Information and Tour Details

Food and Drinks

We have designed our menu to be as healthy as possible and appeal to modern tastes.

For breakfast you have a selection of cereals, toast with spreads, orange juice, fresh plunger coffee and black or herbal teas. For lunch we provide salad ingredients and a selection of meats for sandwiches plus fresh fruit. Dinners vary depending on the time of year but usually include chicken or other meat, fresh vegetables, sauces with pasta or rice. Bush bread (damper) will also be prepared for you on an open fire. A glass of sparkling wine will be offered at the Uluru sunset. All other alcohol is BYO.

If you have specific dietary requirements please inform our reservation staff at the time of booking so alternatives can be discussed.

Safari Guides

At Wayoutback we pride ourselves on the very high standard of our guides. We are the only advanced ECO Accredited tourism operator based in Alice Springs and as such are very aware of our responsibility to provide well informed, highly trained tour guides. All guides have a sound knowledge of our local area focusing on its history, Aboriginal culture, geology and the natural environment.

By evaluating our guide’s performance after every safari we ensure that a high standard is maintained. All our guides are trained by an accredited tourism ECO guide, the only one in Central Australia.

Things You Should Know

Are you adventurous and enjoy meeting other travellers? Our safaris are designed to suit active people who enjoy small group dynamics. Due to the small group size, children generally do not mix well with our other clients and for this reason we do not accept children under the age of eight (for families, groups or education based enquiries where participants may be under 8, we recommend you peruse our Groups and Private Charter pages). When you are on a guided walk our guides are responsible for your well being so it is important you have a reasonable fitness level and are able to stay with the group whilst on all walks.

Our safaris do require a degree of participation with the preparation of meals, loading and unloading camping equipment, collecting fire wood and the washing of dishes after meals.

The only true way of camping in the outback is sleeping in a swag. This is a canvas bag that zips on both sides with a nice thick camping mattress inside that enables you to view the brilliant night sky as you drift off to sleep beside the campfire. For those afflicted with creepy crawly paranoia, tents can be provided, but as our equipment is loaded in Alice Springs prior to departure, we will need to know before this time if you require one.

To Climb or Not to Climb Uluru

Passengers visiting Uluru (Ayers Rock) should be aware that the local Aboriginal Custodians (Anangu) prefer that visitors don’t climb the Rock, mainly due to cultural reasons as the track to the summit crosses over a sacred Tjukurpa (religious) site. In addition, there are a surprising number of fatalities that have occurred over the years as a result of people climbing Uluru which they feel a responsibility for as the local custodians.

Ultimately the decision to climb or not to climb rests with the individual as there is no mandate on the subject from Anangu or Wayoutback. Our own records from our end-of-tour questionnaires suggest that approximately 95% of Wayoutback customers choose not to climb.

If, however, you do want to climb Uluru then you should be aware there are four conditions whereby the climb is closed by Park Management that can apply ‘without notice’. They are:

• Temperatures over 36°C
• Strong winds at the summit
• Forecast and pending storms
• Rain

Wayoutback Provides ...

... the latest model air-conditioned 4WD vehicles, all meals (as listed on itineraries), camping equipment, swags and pillows, sleeping bags ($15 hire fee), laundered bed sheet ($5 hire fee), reference books, chilled face cloths (summer), and supplies of drinking water (must have your own bottle).

Bush showers and toilets available at most of our private bush camps.

What You'll Need to Bring

As we are camping you will need to be prepared for this. You'll need to bring a flashlight (torch), hat (wide brimmed best), sunscreen, insect repellent, a fly head net (summer), any required medication, water bottle (at least 1.5 litres), walking shoes/boots (we do a lot of walking/climbing), warm clothing (winter), sleeping bag, toiletries, swim wear, towel, camera, extra film or batteries and a great sense of humour; Travel Voucher/Ticket, BYO wine or beer.

Space is limited, please bring only one small bag per person. Ask at reception of your accommodation for excess baggage storage.

Travel Insurance

Because of the unpredictability of the weather and the adventurous nature of our safaris, it is not possible to guarantee exact pick-up and drop-off times. Because of this, Wayoutback Desert Safaris strongly recommend that all travellers take out Travel Insurance. Not only does it protect you against the costs of injury but it also gives you Cancellation Cover.

Visit our Travel Insurance page for a quote.

Wayoutback Merchandise

Wayoutback has a range of merchandise that you are able to purchase on the day of departure that will make your safari more comfortable. Some of the items such as Hats, Caps, T. Shirts and Beer Coolers are branded Wayoutback (tastefully of course) and will be a reminder of your trip with us. The full range includes:

• Hats and Caps
• Fly Nets
• Water Bottles
• Water Bottle Holders
• T-Shirts
• Beer Coolers

Departure Days

Our tours depart Alice Springs and Ayers Rock all year round during both summer and winter.

Our 2 day 4WD Safari departs Alice Springs, Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays except Xmas and New Years day.

Our 3 day 4WD Safari departs Alice Springs or Ayers Rock daily except Xmas and new Years Day. This tour may run reverse allowing for the joining of the tour at Alice Springs and departing the tour at Ayers Rock, please enquire at the time of booking for the availability of this service.

Our 5 day "Breakaway” 4WD Safari departs Alice Springs or Ayers Rock Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday except Xmas and New Years day.

Our Private Charter 4WD Safaris can depart Alice Springs or Ayers Rock any day of the year except Xmas and New Years day. This tour may also begin at Alice Springs and finish at Ayers Rock on the last day of the tour, please enquire at the time of booking for the availability of this service.

Itinerary and Possible Changes

Due to the very nature of our business as an adventure 4 wheel drive operator, we travel in remote parts of Australia. Whilst every attempt is made to adhere to the advertised itineraries, there could be occasions where itinerary adjustments have to be made, often at short notice and possibly whilst on tour. Following, but not restricted to, are some examples that could affect itineraries:

• Weather Conditions (short or long term) have made traveling a particular route dangerous or unsafe
• Government Agencies enforcing compulsory Road Closures
• Cultural events, reasons or requests
• Health and Safety reasons

Booking and Payment

A minimum deposit of 25% of your fare is required when making a booking with the balance payable within 30 days of your departure date. Booking made within 30 days of departure are required to pay the full amount at the time of booking.

The Fine Print

Wayoutback Desert Safaris Pty Limited reserves the right to amend safari times, itineraries and fares for its safaris as circumstances, time of year and operational reasons occur. There will be no refunds in these circumstances or for reasons such as delays incurred due to mechanical failure or weather conditions. Wayoutback Desert Safaris cannot guarantee exact pick-up and drop-off times and will accept no responsibility in the event of cancellation fees from other connecting services. Wayoutback Desert Safaris reserves the right to cancel a safari or arrange an alternative operator if group numbers are insufficient. Balances paid by credit card are subject to merchant levy. Wayoutback Desert Safaris accepts no responsibility for any injury, illness or other such accident sustained whilst on safari with Wayoutback or while engaged in any activities with other tourist operators that may not be part of the Wayoutback itinerary but available during a Wayoutback safari. Visits to Oak Valley Aboriginal Community and the Kuniya Walk although brochured are not guaranteed, however, if not visited the fare for this component will be refunded or not charged. Wayoutback Desert Safaris accepts no liability for lost, stolen or damaged property and strongly recommends clients have Travel Insurance, including Cancellation Cover. Cancellation fees apply. Please Note: Any changes made to confirmed bookings will incur a $50 Administration Fee.

Privacy Policy

Wayoutback Desert Safaris is committed to protecting your privacy. We will only use the information that we collect about you Lawfully. We collect the information about you for 2 reasons: Firstly, to process your booking and secondly, to provide you with the best possible service. The type of information we collect about you includes: your name, address, phone number, email address. We will never collect sensitive information about you without your explicit consent. We will never sell, trade or market your information to any person or company. The information we hold will be accurate and up to date. You can check the information we hold about you by emailing us at reservations@wayoutback.com.au . If you find any inaccuracies we will delete or correct promptly. If you have an questions / comments about privacy, please contact us at reservations@wayoutback.com.au .

Notice and Cancellation Fees

14 days or more - 25%
8-13 days - 50%
1-7 days - 100%