Outback Adventure Treks - Frequently Asked Questions | Australia's Outback Motorcycle Adventure Specialists

Frequently Asked Questions

Staff size and experience.: We offer a high staff-to-guest ratio, which allows us to make our tours as safe and enjoyable as possible. Since we will be travelling on little-known back roads with help being hours or even days away, all of our staff are certified in senior first aid and trained in motorcycle maintenance. The guides will also be carrying satellite phones. A support four wheel drive vehicle with plenty of room for storage will follow each tour.
What is an Adventure Tour?: The aim of our tours is to get you off the paved roads and into the Outback. Our tours are usually at least 90% off-road. An Adventure Tour requires a motorcycle capable of harsh off road riding. Sometimes we ride for 2 days without seeing another vehicle. Sometimes the bridge that was there last week in not there this week. A flash flood has destroyed it, so we find another way around. We get you out of your comfort zone and into our backyard in complete safety.
What sort of gear do I need to bring?: The weather on these tours can vary greatly (hot, cold, wet, dry...) - especially on our across Australia tours - so riders need to be prepared for anything. Riding gear that is not only protective but weather-resistant or weather-proof and that can accommodate both hot and cold temperatures is a must. Waterproof boots, gloves, socks, insect repellant, hiking shoes, full-faced helmet, a good camera, etc., are all recommended for our tours. Please see our Recommended Gear page for more details.
Can I bring my partner as a pillion?: As our tours are off-road with demanding terrain we don't offer 'two up' or pillion riding. Your partner can join you in the comfort of our support vehicle.
Is there a support vehicle?: A support vehicle accompanies all tours and is capable of transporting at least one motorcycle to a place of safety in the event of mechanical failure. It is equipped with tools and other basic supplies to accommodate simple repairs. Passengers are also able to travel in the support vehicle, why not bring a friend!
Does the support vehicle carry my luggage?: The vehicle will carry one piece of luggage per rider.
What kind of meals are provided by Outback Adventure Treks?: Meals provided as part of your package. Breakfast is always a full cooked breakfast or you can simply just have some toast and cereal. Lunch is either at an Outback Pub or buffet style if we are well of the beaten track. The evening meal is served in our 'Open Air Restaurant ' usually a BBQ or a variety of dishes cooked the outback way over an open camp fire, followed by desert. Meals are included, but do not include alcoholic beverages.
What is the accommodation like?: When it comes to accommodation, everyone is pleasantly surprised by the quality of our camps. Comfort, good service and something different are criteria used in selecting our camps. If we are in town, you can count on us staying in the best campground or hotel on offer. A hot shower is always welcome after a day or two in the bush. When off the beaten track you will usually still have access to a shower but it may be in the form off a waterfall or a freshwater stream.
What do you do other than ride?: Each tour promotes a balance of activities with a focus on sharing the culture, history and customs of Australia. You will mix with colourful outback characters, sharing their lifestyle and their way of life. We usually find a good swimming spot around lunch time to cool off and get out of that hot sun for a while. Or go fishing, you will be amazed at what you can catch in the remote creeks and rivers of outback Australia!
How many and what kind of riders are there on each tour?: The tour sizes will vary, most are between 4 and 10 people. All our tours are designated as Adventure rides, (mainly off-road) therefore we prefer to keep our groups small. Outback Adventure Treks serves a broad demographic range. Regardless of age, the most important qualification is a healthy attitude and a desire to have fun with others.
What will the weather be like?: We always schedule tours to run during optimum climate conditions for the areas travelled. However as we all know the weather can change at any time. So be prepared for the occasional cool or wet day.
Should I get any insurance?: Adequate travel health/accident and trip cancellation/interruption insurance is recommended, especially for the longer tours. Insurance can be obtained through your travel agent.
Will I have a roommate?: All accommodation is double occupancy. This means that unless you are bringing your spouse or favourite companion, you will be sharing with a likeminded adventurer.
Will I get more information after I book a tour?: Our comprehensive information booklet is mailed to all riders 30 - 60 days prior to tour departure. Packing tips, a list of vehicle storage facilities, preparation and detailed itinerary is covered in the Information Booklet.
When is the best time to make a reservation?: Right away. Outback Adventure Treks reserves accommodation sites, prepares access permits well in advance. Tours that include ferries, trains and other logistics need advanced planning. Some dates are very popular and are known to fill months in advance of the tour; on the other hand some tours have been forced to cancel because reservations arrived too late. Why hesitate? Once the tour has sufficient numbers to go, we can accept last minute additions without difficulty ... that is, if the tour isn't sold out!
I always organise my own tours, why would I want to do a guided tour?: Our guided tours have several advantages but four aspects stand out in particular. The first is that we know the area well and will lead you on roads and to places that you might not discover on your own. You'll enjoy experiences that other visitors to the region often miss. The second is that, by carefully selecting and arranging accommodation, permits and checking road closures throughout the tour, we free up more of your valuable holiday time for riding and having fun. The third is that, we give you peace of mind if something should go wrong we have the knowledge and infrastructure to cope with most situations. Every year tragedies occur in outback Australia from ill prepared adventurers. We provide you with the adventure and a safe environment. Last, but certainly not least, our tours give you the chance to enjoy the company of riders from many parts of the world. In addition to enjoying a great motorcycling holiday you'll have an opportunity to gain new friendships that could last a lifetime.
I like to explore on my own when I tour; do I need to stay with the group?: On our tours you are usually free to travel on your own and at your own pace. Apart from some of the extreme sections during desert crossings or on most remote off-road sections. The group ride leaves together each morning and you may join it for all day, part of the day or not at all. In any case, you'll benefit from our knowledge of the area, custom ride maps, route sheets and ride suggestions. Dinner in the ' Open Air Restaurant ' and excellent accommodation will be waiting for you at the end of the day, so you won't use valuable riding time searching for places to eat and stay.
What will I need to pay for while on tour?: All meals are included in the tour prices as long as you stay with the main tour group at meal times. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price. Other than souvenirs, optional tours, incidentals and spending money should be the only other general costs.
How much riding experience should I have before I take a tour?: While our only formal requirement is a valid motorcycle license, it is highly recommended to be familiar with - or get familiar with - long distance touring. Off-road riding experience is a must for those participating in any of our tours. If you do not have off-road, motocross racing, or dualsport riding experience, we highly recommend signing up for an off-road school. If you do not have access to an off-road school, find dirt roads and trails in your area to practice on until you are comfortable - then practice some more! Our main requirement is that each rider fully understands the importance of riding responsibly and within his/her abilities once on the road with us. The roads we use are mainly off-road and generally in good condition but they include some challenging creek crossings and sandy sections. Our group riding pace is relaxed and several stops are built into each day's schedule. We average about 400 km of daily riding, so riders should have experience with riding that distance comfortably. If you are relatively new to motorcycle touring, we suggest you start with one of our shorter six-day tours. We strongly recommend that all riders contact us if they have any questions about the match between their riding experience and our tours.
I'd like to do a full tour, but I can't fit it all into my schedule. Any options?: Our tours range from three to eighteen days in length, so there are many options to choose from. Although we highly recommend doing the full tour whenever possible, we can, under some circumstances, make special arrangements for you to do part of a tour.
Are custom tours available?: We can create and lead custom group tours by request. Please contact us for further details.
Do you sell gift vouchers?: Yes! For more details and to purchase one online visit our eVoucher page.