All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in this trip. This trip includes walks and hikes around the major landmarks of this area and can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Please read the daily itinerary carefully for details. Walking is the best way to explore these stunning geological features in this otherwise flat landscape, so make sure you bring along comfortable walking shoes.

Due to limited vehicle space and strictly enforced road laws regarding weight limits, your main piece of luggage must be soft-sided and weigh no more than 15kg/33lb. You can also bring a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, sunscreen, etc., when you're exploring during the day. Please note that The Operator is unable to carry large suitcases, particularly hard/externally framed suitcases, as they are difficult to store and can damage equipment and other travellers' belongings.

Below are some essential and recommended items for this trip. 

ESSENTIALS

• Sleeping bag & pillow
• Lightweight clothing. You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing and layers. Long shirts and pants are useful to protect against the harsh Australian sun. Clothes should be easy to wash and quick to dry
• Comfortable, sturdy, closed-in shoes. These will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grasslands and will act as a protective barrier in the rare case of a bite or sting
• Sun protection – wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses

RECOMMENDED

• A spare pair of shoes that can get wet, along with two lightweight towels
• A pair of slip-on shoes/sandals that you can carry in your day pack for riding the bus and casual wear
• A headlamp or torch is recommended for around your accommodation at night
• Sleep sheet. If you are travelling during the hotter months you may wish to pack a sleep sheet so you can be comfortable no matter what the weather
• Seasonal sleepwear. It may get very chilly overnight in colder months, so ensure you have something appropriate to sleep in that can keep you warm
• Ear plugs
• Binoculars for spotting wildlife

VALUABLES
Try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables. The Operator strongly recommends that you photocopy all important documents, e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.

BATTERIES/POWER
Most of the trips have access to power to recharge batteries for phones and cameras every couple of days. There are some days when there is no power at the campsites at all. The Operator always recommends that you carry an extra battery or power bank for your phone/camera, just in case.

Your vehicle will be equipped with a 12-volt "cigarette lighter" socket, which may be used at the crew's discretion. However, do bear in mind that only one piece of equipment can be charged at a time, and it will not be allowed if there is a risk of running the vehicle's batteries low. Batteries may also be recharged from hotel room wall sockets. Hotels and campsites may have sockets for guests to recharge personal items.

WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of the vehicles and at some of the accommodation. Your leader will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination. If it is, you can simply refill it with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day.

Temperatures in the Red Centre can be extreme. During the day, the weather can be very hot (and the Australian sun is very strong), so please bring appropriate clothing, use sun protection and drink plenty of water. In the evenings, temperatures really drop, so bring base layers and warm clothing, including to sleep in. In the middle of winter, temperatures can drop well below zero at night, so you may want to consider bringing an additional sleeping bag to keep warm at night.

If you have any dietary requirements, please advise your booking agents at the time you make your booking, along with your leader at the time of the group meeting. While most dietary requirements can be catered for, you may also like to bring along some of your own supplies to ensure you can enjoy your favourite foods, as these may be limited in remote locations.

All breakfasts are included on this tour and will be eaten at camp before setting off for the day. Lunches are typically picnic-style and will be eaten in a scenic location during or between activities. For the included dinners, you will usually head to the local pub or a nearby restaurant, while on the nights where dinner isn't included, you can choose where you would like to dine, with or without the group. Your leader will be able to advise of options. 

In Australia, tipping, while appreciated, can be the exception rather than the norm. As a guide, tipping is appropriate in a restaurant for a meal (10-15% as a general rule). In a taxi, a cafe or a bar, rounding up is acceptable.

You can consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, AUD 2-5 per person per day can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.