Simply call our FREECALL number, use our on-line booking form, or contact your Travel Agent. We’ll respond with a Booking Confirmation.

How Do I Pay?

A 20% deposit is required at time of booking to secure your reservation which includes a $100 non-refundable administration fee. The balance of your fare is due 60 days prior to departure. The full fare is due at time of booking for safaris departing within 60 days.

What Is Included?

The (BLD) code in itineraries means Breakfast, Lunch and/or Dinner is included.

• Accommodated Safaris: Meals as coded, twin-share accommodation (sole travellers must pay the Single Supplement), guided tours and entry fees as specified, National Parks and Aboriginal Site fees.
• Camping Safaris: Meals as coded, twin-share safari tent, self-inflating 100mm thick mattress and fitted bottom sheet, guided tours and entry fees as specified in itinerary, National Parks and Aboriginal Site fees.

What Is Excluded?

Alcohol or soft drinks, tours and activities specified as "optional" in the itinerary, and sleeping bags for camping safari (available for hire $25).

On Accommodated Safaris in remote areas most of the comforts and facilities of home are not available ... please do not expect them - this is the outback.

Are There Any Alcohol Restrictions?

During 2003/2004 the Queensland Government and Aboriginal communities developed and implemented Alcohol Management Plans to regulate the carriage of alcohol by all persons in certain areas of Cape York and the Gulf Savannah. We will provide details in our "Facts & Travel Tips" as necessary.

What Do I Wear And Bring?

Casual clothing is a must to be both comfortable and practical and you'll need 4 or 5 changes. It is possible to wash clothes periodically. Bring something warm to wear in the evenings and to sleep in (a tracksuit is ideal) as it can get cold away from the coast. You'll need footwear with ankle support and good grip soles (eg: a good pair of joggers/runners), and a pair of sandals/thongs, swimwear and insect repellent. Personal toiletries should include sufficient supplies of prescription medication. Sun protection is essential so bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen. A tee shirt for over your swimwear while swimming is also a good idea. You may also wish to bring a small towel or chamois to dry off after a refreshing creek swim.

Don't forget your binoculars, camera, plenty of film or memory cards and spare batteries. It may be possible to recharge batteries along the way, but carrying spares is the safest option.

A torch and water bottle per person is essential.

You will require a sleeping bag for camping safaris. You can bring your own or you can hire one of ours for $25. Due to hygiene reasons pillows are not provided so you may wish to bring a small pillow (foam or inflatable) for your added comfort on camping safaris. You will need a towel for showering.

Are Your Safaris Suitable For Children?

Wilderness Challenge is a family company, founded in 1990 expressly to show Australia to young Australians, a vision that materialised and has continued unbroken for 22 years with specialised school programs. However, we also operate safaris which are tailored specifically for adult interests and mature travel-tolerance.

Australia is a vast continent and significant time must be spent travelling on a safari tour. This can be difficult for children who typically have fewer subject interests and shorter attention spans. We have carried many children who have had exciting and enriching experiences with their parents, although there have also been children who have not been comfortable in a safari environment.

We are prescriptive in stating that our tours and safaris are not suitable for children under 7 years. These age restrictions indicate our concern for the comfort of your child but they also consider the comfort and enjoyment of fellow adult passengers. However, most would agree that age is only one consideration, especially for travel over several days.

Our guides will do everything they can to educate and/or entertain their young guests consistent with their responsibilities to other passengers. However, parents must accept the responsibility to support and encourage appropriate involvement. If your child becomes fatigued or bored we can do little to correct that situation.

Only parents know their child’s interests, attention-span, level of endurance, and the degree to which they are likely to be interested in a strange environment without the usual amenities and activities of our modern society.

We are very happy to discuss tour conditions further, but ultimately parents must decide if our tour is suitable for their children.

Please consider carefully.

Is There Any Reading I Can Do Beforehand?

Australian Geographic’s books on 'Cape York’, 'Gulf Savannah' and 'The Kimberley' are all excellent references.

A good bird field guide will add an extra pleasure to your safari, for example Simpson and Day's 'Field Guide To The Birds Of Australia'.

Additional information and recommendations will be provided when you make your booking.

When Is The Best Time To Travel To Cape York?

This is a difficult question to answer. Some travellers are constrained by work, school holidays or special events while others are free to pick and choose.

In very broad terms, early season (May/June) tends to be the most adventurous time coming soon after the end of the wet season while late season (September/October) the weather is more settled, there are fewer people about, it’s definitely getting a bit warmer but the swimming is great.

The most popular time is June, July and August and the reasons are simple. These three months are the coldest in Australia’s southern states and also include mid-year school holidays. I would have to agree they are great reasons to come up north.

So, when is the best time? Well, anytime is the best time if you’ve never been before but “our” best time is September/October. The weather has settled, there are fewer travellers about and it’s springtime. Spring means wildlife is more active and is now concentrated at remaining waterholes and migratory birds have started their annual visit to breed. And, it’s getting warmer which means the swimming is fantastic!

Are There Luggage Limits?

Please limit your luggage to one small soft travel bag (preferably without wheels) and a small daypack (cabin baggage) per person. Definitely no hard bags or suitcases. If you are travelling as a couple, please bring two smaller bags as opposed to one larger one. A maximum weight limit of 10kg per person is permitted due to space/weight limitations and Workplace Health & Safety requirements. Your sleeping bag and pillow are in addition to these limits.

In Cairns any excess luggage can usually be stored at your hotel until you return. If you pre- and post-safari accommodation differ, please arrange for your luggage to be transferred to your post-safari accommodation while you are on tour. Sun Palm Transport offers this service (Tel: 4087 2900) for approximately $10.00 per bag.

What About Travel and Medical Insurance?

We STRONGLY advise insurance for protection against cancellation, illness or injury and your belongings from loss or damage, and that you allow adequate time (preferably overnight) between a safari’s scheduled end and onward travel.

What are the Cancellation Fees?

Cancellation fees apply and will be charged as follows:

• More than 60 days prior to travel - loss of $100 administration fee
• 60-30 days prior to travel - 25% of fare
• 29-14 days prior to travel - 50% of fare
• Less than 14 days prior to travel or No Show - 100% of fare

What are the General Terms and Conditions?

Wilderness Challenge Pty Ltd (the operator) operates in remote and rugged regions where facilities and services are either very limited or non-existent. Despite our best reasonable endeavours, weather or road conditions, safety or operational issues, injury or illness, or electrical/mechanical failure can cause disruption and change to itineraries. In any of these circumstances the operator reserves the right to alter or cancel any section of the itinerary or to substitute staff, vehicles or accommodation facilities at its sole discretion without refund or any compensation whatsoever. Every reasonable endeavour will be made to keep to arrival/departure times but no guarantee can be given and the operator will not be liable for any costs incurred through delay, change in itinerary or failure to connect with any other service. The operator will not accept responsibility for any problem, complaint or claim resulting from the provision of a service or failure to provide a service by any transportation, accommodation or other supplier who may supply a service at the request of the operator. The operator reserves the right to exclude any passenger from a tour at any time if in the opinion of the operator that person may appear likely to risk the health or safety or comfort of other passengers or themselves, or in the event that person commits any illegal act. In any such circumstances the operator will not be liable to pay any compensation whatsoever.

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