How the meal kitty works and what is included?
The meal kitty offers true value for money while on your road trip. For an affordable and economic price paid at the commencement of your journey, the meal kitty provides travellers with all inclusive breakfast, lunch and dinner daily plus snacks and some beverages (excluding breakfast Day 1). Meals are enjoyed in authentic outback style; at pubs, working cattle stations, hotels, or even under the wide blue sky. Your appetite will be sated with hearty home cooked meals at evening time and fresh sandwiches, cold meats, fruits and salads during the day. While any additional alcoholic beverages or snacks are not included in the meal kitty, you may like to purchase these during your trip.
What if I have special dietary requirements?
We aim to provide suitable meal options for nearly all requirements, whether it is vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, kosher or even foods not containing nuts, or shellfish. We simply ask that you give us prior notice at the time of booking to ensure we can provide suitable meal options.
Do I have to pay my meal kitty?
The meal kitty that has been designed represents the best value for money while you are enjoying your Desert Venturer trip. With the isolated nature of this road trip, there will be many meal times where we have no access to stores and restaurants. For this reason it is compulsory that all passengers purchase the meal kitty at the commencement of the journey.
What are the minimum or maximum numbers you can take?
The vehicles used on Desert Venturer are specialised safari coaches, which allow a maximum of 40 people between Cairns and Alice. Desert Venturer is able to run with a minimum of approximately 8 people on all routes.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
There is no need for sleeping bags or other linen on this road trip. Your accommodation along the way includes all bedding and linen. You will need to bring a towel. NOTE: A sleeping bag is required if doing the 2-day RC1 tour as part of the 5 Day Red Centre Package.
What day and time do we arrive at our destination?
Each day’s journey on Desert Venturer is fully packed with adventure, discovery and of course, some serious mileage. You will arrive at your destination at the close of the final day. Tuesday departures arrive on Thursday at approximately 6.30pm, while Saturday departures arrive on Monday at approximately 6.30pm.
Can we be dropped off to our accommodation?
Desert Venturer aims wherever possible to drop you directly at your accommodation as part of our complementary drop off service. However, the cosmopolitan tourist hubs of Cairns and Alice Springs offer a wide variety of accommodation options over a large area. For this reason, your choice of accommodation may not be covered in our drop-off area.
Where are your pick up points in Cairns and Alice Springs?
We pick up from many locations throughout Cairns and Alice Springs. Click here for the full listing of Cairns backpackers pickup locations and Alice Springs backpackers pickup locations.
Can I take my surfboard or other large luggage items?
If room permits the carriage of large luggage items such as surf boars, guitars, sleeping bags and large backpacks, Desert Venturer is pleased to do so for passengers. To check availability of room for carriage of large luggage items, we ask that you call our office the day prior to travel on (07) 4035 5566. Desert Venturer is unable to accept large luggage items without prior warning.
What sort of accommodation is included?
The accommodation included in Desert Venturer is Multi-share, including dormitory and triple share rooms. This style of accommodation is not only the most economical option, but is considered by many to be the perfect way to bond with your new travelling companions. In some situations limited twin-share accommodation may become available, although this cannot be guaranteed prior to arrival at each night’s accommodation.
What sort of clothes do I need to bring?
Dress sensibly. This is the desert after all, and the temperatures out here can jump between extremes, from the searing heat of a desert day to the deep chill of some desert eves. With the red dust and sand prevalent in the outback regions of Queensland and the Northern Territory, save your fancy clothes, you’ll feel more comfortable in something practical and comfortable. You will need cool, comfortable clothing, a good pair of walking shoes, a long sleeved cotton shirt, SPF15 Sunscreen, a wide brim hat and a warmer pullover for evenings. You may also like to consider swimwear. Although Desert Venturer does not make designated swimming stops, it is at your discretion if you choose to swim. Some people find the characteristic outback flies can be bothersome particularly when eating, so you might also like to consider a fly net for your face, commonly available at supermarkets in Cairns and Alice Springs.
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