Flinders Ranges Explorer
from $3348
Duration: 7 Days
Would you rather sip world-class wine at spectacular wineries, explore a wild landscape of geological wonders, or learn about a culture that’s prevailed for hundreds of years? In South Australia’s Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, there’s no need to choose – this place has it all. Walk through the awe-inspiring scenery of Ikara (Wilpena Pound) with a First Nations guide, traverse the rugged landscapes of Arkaroola in a four-wheel drive vehicle, and gain a special insight into the culture of the Adnyamathanha people – and that’s just a taste of what’s to come!
  • Taste the best of South Australia’s famous wine growing region, at an organic winery with biodynamic credentials, and visit a B Corp certified creative distillery that produces a uniquely delicious range of gin.
  • Stay on the fringe of Ikara (Wilpena Pound), a remarkable natural amphitheatre, and join a local Aboriginal guide to learn about the biodiversity of the landscape and its relationship to the Adnyamathanha people.
  • Explore the rugged landscapes of Arkaroola, a protected wildlife reserve, on a fascinating four-wheel drive tour, then look to the skies and marvel at the stars at an astronomical observatory.
  • In the Northern Flinders Ranges, discover Iga Warta, on the land of the Adnyamathanha people. Meet with an Adnyamathanha guide to learn about their culture, history and connection to the land.
  • Participate in a 'Walk on Country' experience with a local First Nations Guide. Start off with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony and learn about the Fleurieu Peninsula wetlands and landscape on a walk around this unique landscape.
  • Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park - Day walks
  • Wilpena Pound - Yura Udnyu Our Culture, Your Culture walking tour
  • Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park - Day walks
  • Arkaroola - Explore the Cosmos Tour at Ningana Imaging Observatory
  • Arkaroola - Day walks
  • Arkaroola - 4WD Ridgetop Tour with Local Guide
  • Iga Warta - Adnyamathanha Cultural Activities & Bush Foods Lunch
  • Adelaide Hills - Gin Distillery Tour & Tastings
  • McLaren Vale - Gemtree Winery Visit & Tasting Experience
  • Yundi - Welcome to Country
  • Yundi - Walking on Country Aboriginal Cultural Tour & Bush Foods Lunch
  • Yundi - Bush Foods Lunch
  • Day 1 Location: Adelaide / Flinders Ranges / Wilpena Pound (Ikara)
    Welcome to South Australia! Your adventure begins in Adelaide (Tandanya in the language of The Kaurna people, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Adelaide is now located). You can think of Adelaide as your gateway to the ancient peaks of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. At 8.30am, join your local leader and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting, then leave Adelaide behind and make tracks north. Stop off at a local sustainable hotel with its own farm where you’ll have the chance to grab some lunch. Continue to Ikara (Wilpena Pound), a natural amphitheatre of mountains. Your base for the night is a stunning spot on the outskirts of this geological marvel.
    Day 2 Location: Flinders Ranges / Wilpena Pound (Ikara)
    After breakfast this morning, meet with a local First Nations guide for a walk around the magnificent Ikara (Wilpena Pound) area with your group and possibly some other travellers. Your expert guide will share ancient stories of the landscape that have been passed down from generation to generation, provide insight into the biodiversity of the region and the life it sustains, and explain the relationship between the land and the Adnyamathanha people. Once you have a better understanding of the landscape, the rest of the day is yours for further exploration. You may like to join your leader on a hike, go it alone, or simply sit back and relax while enjoying the incredible scenery.
    Day 3 Location: Flinders Ranges / Wilpena Pound (Ikara) / Arkaroola
    Wake up surrounded by the mighty Flinders Ranges then perhaps join your leader for a walk around the local area if you like. In the afternoon, get ready to hit the road for the long but scenic 5 hour drive to Arkaroola, a wilderness sanctuary focused on education and conservation. Filled with wonderful wildlife and geological features, there’s so much to uncover here. Enjoy an included dinner at your accommodation then as the sun begins to set, see the stars and planets from a different perspective, up close and personal on the big screen. Afterwards, make the most of this unspoiled and remote location and look skyward. Free of light pollution, this is a great opportunity for star gazing.
    Day 4 Location: Flinders Ranges / Arkaroola
    Start the day with an exhilarating exploration of the Arkaroola grounds in a 4WD vehicle. Drive up to the ridgetop, the oldest part of the Flinders Ranges (we’re talking 1.6 billion years old!) and discover a jagged landscape of ancient granite, mountains, and unique plant life. Stop for morning tea at Sillers lookout and take in the views as you enjoy fresh lamingtons. Your expert local guide will fill you in on how the fascinating features of the landscape were formed over millions of years. Return to your accommodation and enjoy some downtime for lunch, then set out to explore more of the surrounding scenery on foot. Join your leader on a bushwalk and learn more about the unusual flora and fauna of the region. This evening, sit down to a delicious barbecue dinner at your resort. There is even the option to pair it with a glass of crisp South Australian wine.
    Day 5 Location: Flinders Ranges / Iga Warta / Quorn
    Say goodbye to Arkaroola and drive on to Iga Warta, overlooked by the mountains and surrounded by the land of the Adnyamathanha people. Meet with an Adnyamathanha guide to learn more about their culture, explore the land and meet the wildlife that lives on it, and hear stories of their history. Tuck into a lunch of local ingredients (think quandong, acacia seed, lemon myrtle or kangaroo) at Iga Warta as you enjoy the peaceful location and listen to some traditional music, then continue on to the historic town of Quorn. From April to October, you may have the opportunity to see the Quorn Silo Light Show this evening, an audiovisual celebration of the Flinders Ranges and the local stories of the area, projected on a grain silo.
    Day 6 Location: Adelaide Hills / Hahndorf
    Travel from Quorn to the Adelaide Hills, an area famous for its cool-climate wines. But wine isn’t the only drink produced in these parts – today you’ll pay a visit to a B Corp distillery that uses native Australian ingredients to create sustainably made and uniquely delicious gin. Take a look behind the scenes during a tour of the distillery, learn about their sustainable practices and perhaps sample some of the creative flavours yourself. Tonight will be spent in Hahndorf, a delightful town tucked away in the Adelaide Hills, made famous not only by its German-style buildings, but by its continued German traditions of food, hospitality and crafts. You may like to join your group for a final dinner in a local restaurant.
    Day 7 Location: Yundi / McLaren Vale / Adelaide
    This morning, head to the Yundi Nature Conservancy and participate in a 'Walk on Country' experience with a local First Nations Guide. Start off with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, then follow your guide around and learn about the wetlands of the Fleurieu Peninsula, the local peoples' ancient knowledge of plants, Australian bush medicine and foods, and the local wildlife. Enjoy an included lunch with native bush foods then drive to McLaren Vale, a celebrated winegrowing region. Here you’ll stop by a winery with biodynamic credentials to sample some of their most delicious organically produced drops during a wine tasting experience. Finally, drive back to Adelaide, where on arrival your Flinders Ranges adventure will come to an end.
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    14JUL2023
    Return Date:
    20JUL2023
    4465NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    01SEP2023
    Return Date:
    07SEP2023
    4465NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    06OCT2023
    Return Date:
    12OCT2023
    4420NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    03NOV2023
    Return Date:
    09NOV2023
    4335NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    05APR2024
    Return Date:
    11APR2024
    4400NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    24MAY2024
    Return Date:
    30MAY2024
    4400NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    14JUN2024
    Return Date:
    20JUN2024
    4400NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    12JUL2024
    Return Date:
    18JUL2024
    4400NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    02AUG2024
    Return Date:
    08AUG2024
    4530NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    30AUG2024
    Return Date:
    05SEP2024
    4530NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    04 Jul 2023

    Trip title

    Flinders Ranges Explorer

    Trip code

    PZKF

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2023 to 31 Mar 2024

    Introduction

    Would you rather sip world-class wine at spectacular wineries, explore a wild landscape of geological wonders, or learn about a culture that’s prevailed for hundreds of years? In South Australia’s Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, there’s no need to choose – this place has it all. Walk through the awe-inspiring scenery of Ikara (Wilpena Pound) with a First Nations guide, traverse the rugged landscapes of Arkaroola in a four-wheel drive vehicle, and gain a special insight into the culture of the Adnyamathanha people – and that’s just a taste of what’s to come!

    Style

    Comfort

    Themes

    Explorer

    Transport

    Private Vehicle

    Physical Rating

    2

    Joining point

    Adabco Boutique Hotel

    223 Wakefield St

    Adelaide

    AUSTRALIA

    Phone: +61 881007500

    Joining point instructions

    The Adabco Boutique hotel is easily accessible from Adelaide Airport by bus, shuttle or taxi. A 20 minute bus ride will have you at Stop H1 Greenfell St, where it is a 650m walk south down Frome Street to reach the hotel.

    Finish point

    Adabco Boutique Hotel

    223 Wakefield St

    Adelaide

    AUSTRALIA

    Phone: +61 881007500

    Important information

    START & END TIME This trip starts in Adelaide on day 1 at 8.30am and finishes in Adelaide on day 7 at approximately 4pm. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. REMOTE TRAVEL & ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS This trip travels to the remote Outback of South Australia. There will be extended periods of time with no phone reception. Choices of where to eat will be limited and not all dietary needs may be able to be met. Road conditions may be affected by weather such as rain, extreme heat or wind particularly from Wilpena Pound onwards. This does mean that at times groups will not be able to complete the itinerary as planned. Please also make sure you have access to your emergency funds in case this is needed. Please also note that some sites, restaurants, cafes, tours & attractions may be closed during the off season summer months.

    Group leader

    AUSTRALIAN LEADERS All group trips are accompanied by a group leader. In Australia your group leader is often also your driver, taking you from start to finish. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, as well as recommend great local eating venues. They will also introduce you to our local friends along the way. Please be aware they will be juggling many things on your tour and may have less time to spend with you. They will always be working hard to ensure you and your group have a fantastic time exploring Australia.

    Safety

    Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    Communications

    PHONE COVERAGE & WIFI In remote areas of Australia travelling even a small distance from populated areas will see phone coverage drop off dramatically. The extent of coverage will depend on your phone provider. If you are spending longer in Australia it might be a good idea to purchase a local SIM card. Telstra and Optus deliver better coverage in rural and regional areas, while Vodafone can be very patchy. Wifi is common at accommodations in urban areas of Australia, but many of the more remote properties may not offer this service, and some properties may charge a fee for usage.

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. Entry requirements can change and are different depending on your nationality. Please refer to your government's foreign travel advisories, the consular websites for the countries you’re travelling to and those you may transit through. Always follow visa advice from official websites; not all visa information found online may be valid. You can also head to Intrepid’s Entry & Health requirement page to get the latest information on travel documents and visa requirements, plus local government COVID-19 vaccination and quarantine policies: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/visa-health-requirements All travellers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia. Failure to do so means you may not be allowed to board your flight to Australia. Most nationalities can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority via the internet before arrival. Please check the following website or with your relevant Australian visa issuing office for your nationalities requirements. http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/ Please see here for the most up to date COVID-19 information about travelling to and within South Australia, including any current border restrictions: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/restrictions-and-responsibilities/travel-restrictions

    Why we love it

    Taste the best of South Australia’s famous wine growing region, at an organic winery with biodynamic credentials, and visit a B Corp certified creative distillery that produces a uniquely delicious range of gin.

    Stay on the fringe of Ikara (Wilpena Pound), a remarkable natural amphitheatre, and join a local Aboriginal guide to learn about the biodiversity of the landscape and its relationship to the Adnyamathanha people.

    Explore the rugged landscapes of Arkaroola, a protected wildlife reserve, on a fascinating four-wheel drive tour, then look to the skies and marvel at the stars at an astronomical observatory.

    In the Northern Flinders Ranges, discover Iga Warta, on the land of the Adnyamathanha people. Meet with an Adnyamathanha guide to learn about their culture, history and connection to the land.

    Participate in a 'Walk on Country' experience with a local First Nations Guide. Start off with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony and learn about the Fleurieu Peninsula wetlands and landscape on a walk around this unique landscape.

    Is this trip right for you

    This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations and working with new partners can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’. Australia is a big place so this trip involves a lot of time on the road covering long distances, and sometimes the landscape can be pretty barren, so bring a book or some tunes to keep you company. Day 3 involves approximately 5 hours driving on dirt roads with no facilities available along the way so stock up on snacks before you hit the road. On Day 5, we will visit an area where you might encounter mosquitos, especially if the weather has been wet. Bring plenty of repellent to keep them at bay.

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the opinion of our group leader or local guide any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. COVID-19 The safety and wellbeing of our travellers, leaders, crew, staff, and suppliers continues to remain our highest priority as we travel. You can read more about how we will keep you safe on our trips, including our COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safe-travels VACCINATION POLICY From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for this trip. However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers get vaccinated to protect themselves and others. Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully. For more information, including a detailed FAQ about this policy, please visit https://www.intrepidtravel.com/covid19. HEALTH SCREENING If you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to complete a self-screening health form at the group meeting for this trip. If you are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms or have any health concerns during the trip, we will follow the advice of local health authorities to determine whether medical assistance, isolation or further action is required. Travellers who test positive while taking part in an Intrepid trip will need to leave the group for a minimum of five days and may only rejoin the group if presenting as asymptomatic – our team will assist them in arranging a place to self-isolate and any onward journey. It's quite possible that the destination country may have different or more strict protocols than your home country regarding COVID-19. This may include hotel or hospital quarantine or quarantine for the group. Please check your government's travel advice or contact the closest embassies to find out the details. We ask all travellers to continue to monitor their health throughout their travels and report any relevant symptoms to their tour leader. HYDRATION Daytime temperatures across Australia can be extreme from October to March with temperatures over 40C/104F. Even for travellers familiar with these temperatures, it’s easy to become dehydrated. The key point to remember is not to wait until you’re thirsty, but to drink water regularly. Adding an electrolyte solution can aid in replenishing the salts/electrolytes lost when travelling at this time of year.

    Food and dietary requirements

    While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure. DIETARY REQUIREMENTS Australia eats multi-culturally. Everything from meat pies to ramen, tacos, curries, rice and pasta are part of the national diet. Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for in Australia and most restaurants and cafes will have a good selection of vegetarian meals. Gluten and lactose-free diets are also well catered for.

    Money matters

    SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. TIPPING Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be. OPTIONAL TIPPING KITTY On Day 1 of your trip, your tour leader may discuss with you the idea of operating a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and your tour leader distributes tips for drivers, local guides, hotel staff and other services included on your trip. This excludes restaurant tips for meals not included in your itinerary. The leader will keep a running record of all monies spent which can be checked at any time, and any funds remaining at the end of the tour will be returned to group members. We have found that this is easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation in this kitty is at your own discretion, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer. Please note the tipping kitty excludes tips for your tour leader. YOUR LEADER You may also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline US$3-6 per person (in a currency relevant for your destination), per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your leader on your trip. CURRENCY The Australian Dollar (A$ or AUD) is the currency of Australia. CREDIT CARDS Credit and debit cards can be used for purchases in most shops and restaurants. ATMs are common across Australia but may be limited in remote areas. Your leader will advise when this may occur so you can withdraw enough cash in advance. Credit cards in Australia require a PIN rather than a signature and may have a small surcharge for purchases. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

    What to take

    LUGGAGE LIMIT 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, camera, sunscreen, etc when you’re exploring during the day. Please note that we are 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 items for this trip. Please review the ‘Climate and Seasonal Information’ to ensure you pack appropriately for the weather at the time of year you are travelling. - 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 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. A pair of sandals or thongs/flip flops are great for the beach. - Sun protection. Wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses. VALUABLES 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. MORE! If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

    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 our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your leader will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination and if it is you can simply refill with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water it is better to buy the largest available and distribute into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you.

    Climate and seasonal

    AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL HOLIDAYS The following national holidays are observed in Australia, which can affect our itinerary as traffic can be extreme, and shops, restaurants and attractions can be closed: New Year's Day (01 January) Good Friday (date varies) Anzac Day (25 April) Christmas Day (25 December) Boxing Day (26 December) WEATHER IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA South Australia has warm, dry summers and mild winters. It is hotter to the north in the Flinders Ranges, and cooler further south, on Kangaroo Island. During summer, daily temperatures are between 16C/60F and 35C/95F. During winter, daily temperatures are between 8C/46F and 16C/60F. Winter is the wettest time of year and autumn and spring are ideal times to visit.

    A couple of rules

    We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leaders are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local guide immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the number below: Intrepid's Local Operator: 1300 544 882 or +61 8 6219 5164

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip leaders, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN As an Australian-owned business with a vision to change the way people see the world, Intrepid is committed to reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. While Intrepid might have done a lot to empower communities, businesses and our partners around the world over the years, there’s still a lot for us to do here at home. We are working towards a better, more inclusive and fairer Australia. You can find more information about our Reconciliation Action Plan here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/reconciliation

    The Intrepid Foundation

    We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than 12.8 million dollars and supported more than 130 communities worldwide. Now, with almost 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. By simply being on this trip, Intrepid Travel will make a donation to the Intrepid Foundation on your behalf. If you choose to donate too, 100% of your donations will go directly to our partners on the ground – where they’re needed most. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your leader or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/

    Accommodation notes

    The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

    Transport notes

    DRIVING DISTANCES IN AUSTRALIA Australia is a BIG country! In fact, the whole of Europe fits into Australia with plenty of room to spare. Australians are accustomed to driving long distances on holiday, but you may not be. Perth to Broome is roughly the length of Portugal. Driving from Alice Springs to Darwin is about the length of the UK, and Perth to Adelaide is about the same distance from Spain to Poland. However, that's why we think seeing Australia from the ground is better. We live in a country that has it all; stunning coastline and beaches, the outback, tropical rainforests, and some seriously amazing landscapes and wildlife. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services AUSTRALIANS TRAVELLING DOMESTICALLY Travel insurance will help ensure you’re protected in case of any unforeseen changes to your journey – such as flight cancellations or COVID-19 related disruptions. For this reason, we recommend you purchase comprehensive domestic travel insurance for your trip. This may not be something you would have typically done in the past when travelling domestically in Australia, but it does offer you a number of benefits in these dynamic times. While Australians and Australian Permanent Residents travelling within Australia are not required to be covered for hospital care due to being covered by Medicare, a comprehensive domestic travel insurance policy should cover you for expenses resulting from – among other things – COVID-19 related changes, including an outbreak in your destination or on your departure necessitating changes to your travel plans that incur additional costs. Domestic travel insurance plans may also include personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage and personal effects, and other benefits. It is also advisable that domestic travellers have current ambulance cover in the case of emergency evacuation or incidents requiring ambulance transportation. Please be sure to carefully check the policy’s inclusions with your preferred insurer.

    Your fellow travellers

    As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL EXPERIENCES & COMMUNITIES First Nations people have complex community obligations, and at times activities or experiences may be cancelled at late notice due to cultural commitments. In the case that we are unable to include planned activities with First Nations communities, we will endeavour to find a suitable alternative in the same or another destination on your trip.

    Accommodation

    Cabin (2 nights),Hotel (1 night),Lodge (2 nights),Motel (1 night)

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