Your accommodation on this trip is in permanent tented camps. However, this isn't a basic camping experience, as you'll be treated to creature comforts, with proper beds with bedding and linen, electricity, and cooling fans inside your tent. Please note that facilities are shared, including toilets and shower blocks, which are a short walk from the campsite.

The Australian camping trips are built around the cooperation and participation of all the group members under the leader's supervision. Your leader will show the group how to set up and use the camp equipment and form work groups to take turns cooking, cleaning and collecting firewood in all conditions. Everyone is expected to participate and carry their share of the workload, making camp chores easier. If the whole group participates, it will be quicker, easier and more fun.

On some days of the trip, you'll spend several hours driving through very sparse areas of Australia. Sit back and enjoy landscapes you would miss in any other form of travel. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. But think of it as a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. The drive days can be long, but it's as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie.

Temperatures in the Top End can be extreme. During the day, the weather can be hot (and the Australian sun is intense), so please bring appropriate clothing, use sun protection and drink plenty of water. In the evenings, temperatures really drop, so ensure you have base layers and warm clothing.

A strict luggage limit of 10kg applies on this trip. One small soft-sided bag plus a day pack is essential. Please do not bring hard/externally framed suitcases as they are difficult to store and can damage equipment and other travellers' belongings. Excess luggage should be stored at your accommodation in Darwin.

ESSENTIALS:

• 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 dry. Maybe bring a change of smart clothes for dinner in larger cities. Australia is pretty casual; shorts or a skirt and a top, with sandals, is our usual warm-weather wardrobe.

• Comfortable, closed-in shoes. These will help protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grasslands and act as a protective barrier in the rare case of a bite or sting. A pair of sandals or thongs/flip-flops are great for the beach.

• Sun protection – a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

RECOMMENDED:

• Personal medical kit. A larger kit will be on hand with your guide, but we recommend you carry items such as mild painkillers, electrolytes, Band-Aids and insect repellent.

• Water bottle – at least a 1.5-litre capacity.

•  A headlamp or torch is recommended for around your accommodation at night.

• Camera with spare batteries.

• Beach/swimming towel 

OPTIONAL:

• Sleep sheet. If you are travelling during the hot season, you may wish to pack a sleep sheet so you will be comfortable no matter the weather.

• Ear plugs

• Binoculars for spotting wildlife

Try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables and use your hotel safe. It's also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. We strongly recommend 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.

All meals are included on this trip and are prepared by your leader onsite. Breakfast is continental and will be taken in camp before setting off for the day. Lunches are picnic-style and will be taken in a scenic location en route. Dinners are a simple affair around the campfire in the evenings. If you have any dietary requirements, please advise your booking agents when you make your booking. Please also notify your leader at the time of the group meeting.

This trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves a lot of walking, allowing you to truly enjoy the surrounding nature. Some hikes are longer and more challenging than others. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing.

In the Top End of Australia, temperatures in the months from September to March can hit the mid-thirties, and humidity levels can be uncomfortable. Please be prepared to endure extra physical stress due to the heat at these times, especially while on walks. These temperatures can also place stress on the air-conditioning units within the vehicles, which can make travelling uncomfortable. Your tour leader/driver will assist with regular breaks and information to assist in keeping you well-hydrated.