Australia overland tours

Your crew for an Australia overland trip includes one local leader whose job is to drive the specialised vehicle, oversee cooking and set up camp each night.

The maximum group size on an Australia overland trip is 20 people.

To explore the Aussie Outback, you can’t use just any old car. Intrepid’s overland vehicles are built for going long distances and navigating rough, off-road terrain.

We use different vehicles depending on your trip route, style and group size: sometimes trucks, sometimes minivans and sometimes 4WDs. Vehicles are designed to be self-sufficient, carrying everything you need right down to the tents for your campsite.

In the summer, extreme heat can put pressure on the vehicle’s air conditioning unit, so please be prepared for some potential discomfort.

Sometimes conditions can be tough on vehicles and while we fastidiously service our trucks, the occasional breakdown may occur (don’t worry, your leader is well-trained to handle these situations). There may also be times in wet weather when your driver will have to take alternative routes, which can mean longer travel times.

Australia is a big place, so an Australia overland trip will involve a few hours on the road covering long distances.

Some days we’ll drive for 5, 6 or even 9 hours at a time, although we always take regular breaks. It’s a good idea to pack a few drive-time activities, like a good book or a pack of cards, to have on hand during the drive.

Some mornings, we get started bright and early at dawn to avoid the heat. Check the itineraries on trip pages for an approximate breakdown of drive times. 

The style of accommodation depends on the adventure you choose. Sometimes you’ll stay in hostels (in multi-share, mixed-gender rooms with shared facilities), but a lot of the time you’ll be camping. That can mean staying in cabins or at permanent campsites in furnished twin-share tents or bunking down in a swag.

Swags are traditional Australian bed rolls made from sturdy canvas, so sleeping in one is a true Outback experience. However, two-person pop-up dome tents are also provided. While the larger items are provided, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag, and on some trips, a pillow as well.

Campsite facilities vary, but at times can be very basic. Sometimes the showers are cold, and some toilets are drop toilets. You’ll be expected to help with chores and set up your campsite each night (don’t worry, your leader will show you how).

On some trips, you’ll have the option to book Basic or Original-standard camping. If you choose the latter, you’ll experience a higher level of accommodation when and where available.

On an overland trip, you’re more than just a passenger – you’re part of a team.

On most trips, we ask you to pitch in with preparing meals, cleaning dishes, collecting firewood and setting up/packing down the camp every day, no matter the weather conditions.

Your leader will help delegate duties and spread the load around. Please come prepared to roll up your sleeves and pull your weight – it’s all part of the overland experience.

On most days, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. When meals aren’t included, your leader will be able to recommend various places to eat.

While camping, meals are prepared by your leader, although we ask you to help out with some basic cooking and washing up; most people agree this helps you feel like less of a tourist and more of an explorer. Due to the nature of the trips, food is basic, but plentiful.

If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, you must inform us (or your booking agent) at the time of booking, as all ingredients are purchased before we hit the road.

While we stick to the planned itineraries where we can, overland travel – especially in the Outback – is unpredictable. Inclement weather, flooding, Indigenous community closures or mechanical issues can affect the running of your trip. In those cases, there are plenty of other tried-and-true routes we can take. An open mind and a sense of flexibility are key to enjoying your adventure.

Optional activities are dispersed throughout most of the itineraries. These can be very popular and, in many cases, sell out in advance, so it’s best to reserve certain activities at the time of booking. Contact us for the details of the activity provider. Other activities – like scenic flights – are always booked on the ground with your leader.

In Australia, many of our overland trips are physically demanding. Not only will you need to be prepared for long travel days, bumpy roads and hot conditions, but each itinerary has a variety of active outdoor activities like hikes, some of them strenuous (especially in the summer heat).

On some trips, the adventure is turned up to the max – you’ll be walking on rocky creek beds, scrambling over large boulders, wading through water or climbing in and out of steep gorges. On these trips, you’ll need a high standard of fitness.

You’ll also need to be physically able to help with camp chores and to climb up and down the steps of the vehicle 8 to 10  times a day. To choose a trip that suits your fitness level, please look carefully at the physical ratings and daily walking times in the trip itineraries.

When overlanding in Australia, pack only the bare essentials. Space is limited and vehicles are subject to strict gross weight laws, so you’ll need to carry a medium-sized backpack or soft bag weighing an absolute max of 15 kilograms (and on 4WD trips, 10 kilograms). You’ll also need a daypack for your water bottle, camera, torch and other personal daily items.

The clothing and equipment required will depend on the time of year. Even in summer, it can be freezing at night, especially in the Outback, so layers are essential.

Bring sun protection, comfortable, durable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty (they will get dirty!) and sturdy walking shoes for hiking.

We’ll supply the camping gear, including a basic ground mat, but you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag (on some tours this is available for hire or purchase, but not on others). For more information about what to bring, check the Essential Trip Information.