Questions

Can members of the public join your survey trips?
Yes. All our survey trips are open to the public to join and assist the ecologists with their field work.

I've never worked with large animals before? Do I have to work with the camels?
Do not be concerned if you have never worked with large animals or trekked with camels. All our surveys are 'participation based' but our experienced cameleers look after the majority of all the camel handling. You are welcome to assist at any time under their supervision.

What is the difference between the Outback Camel Company and Australian Desert Expeditions?
ADE is a Registered Environmental Organisation with full Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status and conducts scientific and ecological surveys in the desert using packcamels as the main method of transport.

The Outback Camel Company is a privately owned commercial tour company that conducts desert treks & expeditions in more remote areas. OCC is contracted to ADE to provide the camels and cameleers for our surveys.

Are the tour costs Tax Deductible?
No, only donations made to ADE are tax deductible.

Can I bring teenage children?
Please contact our office to discuss the minimum age for our surveys.

Where do the scientists and ecologists come from?
Our research team in 2011 is sourced from our own stable of ecologists, Bush Heritage Australia ecologists, and the Sydney University Institute of Wildlife Research.

Is ADE part of Bush Heritage Australia or any other NGO?
No. ADE is a separate Australian registered company.

Are you funded by the Australian Government?
No. All of our income is from trek fees and donations from our generous supporters.

Where will ADE operate in 2012?
Our 2012 program will again be in the Simpson Desert, Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Is there a maximum age to participate?
There is no maximum age for trekkers - you just need to have an inquiring mind and be reasonably fit.

Do you conduct 25 Day exploring expeditions across the Simpson Desert?
No - these types of expedition are operated by the Outback Camel Company.

Why has there been a substantial price increase for your trips in the last 2 years?
We endeavour to keep prices as competitive as possible and give our trekkers exceptional value of money. However the cost of operating any business in remote Australia is substantial and transport costs have particularly impacted on our operations in recent years.

How fit do I need to be?
Our treks are designed for anyone who is in good general health. You do not have to be 'ultra-fit', however a superfit person who is unhappy at leaving the comforts of home behind will not cope as well as a moderately fit person who is prepared to encounter the desert on its own terms.

Will I see any evidence of aboriginal occupation of the desert?
On nearly every trek or expedition that we have conducted, we have found either stone tools or chippings. Whilst it is permitted to examine and document these items, it is not permitted to remove them from the area.

What is the food like?
Healthy and nutritious. You will be surprised at the variation in meals that we can create. Except for refrigerated goods of course, we can carry just about anything, including fresh fruit and vegetables, and cook all meals on the campfire using woks and traditional camp-ovens. We cater to nearly all dietary requirements, bearing in mind that we operate in remote areas.

Do you use tents?
We carry tents but only use them during wet weather, and yes, it can rain in the desert during winter! You will be issued with a swag which will keep you warm during the cold nights. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag, along with other recommended items which are explained in detail in the Trek/Expedition Information Guide.

Why do you use swags?
Swags are the proven choice when it comes to bedding. Yes, we could use a combination of tents/thermarests/sleeping bags, but for durability reasons, swags are preferable. They are also uniquely Australian and we like to keep things authentic.

Can I bring my own gear like tents or a swag?
It is not necessary for you to bring camping equipment. We supply everything, as all our trek gear is designed to be tied onto the camel saddles.

How big are the groups?
We like to keep the group size small! A maximum of 13 trekkers in addition to the crew of 4 cameleers and 4 to 5 ecologists.

Who leads the trek/expedition?
Our leaders are all experienced cameleers who have an enthusiasm and respect for the desert and will be happy to share their skills and knowledge with you. Our leaders come from all walks of life and have many 1000's of kilometres of desert travel behind them.

What is the weather like?
Our operating season is from April to September which is winter in Australia. Central Australian winters are perfect for trekking, with temperatures ranging from -5 degrees Celsius at night to the mid/high 20's during the day. Days are usually clear and sunny and occasionally during May and late September, the temperature may rise into the high 30's, but this is usually short-lived.

What communications do you carry?
All trips carry two satellite telephones as well as two GPS emergency beacons.

Can my family contact me whilst I am on the trip?
Not directly and only in an emergency. Your leader will be in regular contact with our Brisbane office but it is not practical for your family to contact you whilst you are on the trek/expedition. Our office will pass on any messages. Remember however that due to where we operate, unless there is a life threatening emergency to yourself, it is not possible for you to leave the trek/expedition.

What happens in an emergency?
Medical emergencies would be handled by the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). We carry a full RFDS Medical Chest on all trips. Evacuations would be coordinated between the RFDS and the relevant State Emergency Service.

Can I charge my digital camera whilst on the trip?
We carry solar panels that charge 12 volt batteries which are in turn used to power our satphones. Obviously keeping the satphones charged takes priority over cameras, so we recommend that you bring adequate batteries for your camera. Don't' forget an extra memory card as well!

Do we unload the camels at lunchtime?
No, the humps remain saddled until we make camp. This is perfectly fine for the animals and they will sit in their 'string' for the lunch break.

Some of the photos of your cameleers show them wearing sandals. Should I do the same?
Probably not a good idea. Our cameleers are used to walking outdoors for many continuous months at a time, and so are quite comfortable wearing sandals. We recommend that you wear your tried & tested favourite walking/trekking boots and that you bring sandals as camp footwear in the afternoon.

I am a vegetarian. Is that a problem?
Not at all. We cater for all dietary requirements. Please note however that there is a difference between preference and needs.

Can I ride the camels?
No.These are walking treks and not 'riding safaris'. All of our camels are set up for pack work and not riding. We do have one camel that carries a riding saddle in case there is an injury and someone needs to ride.