it is with pride..

Experience, Discover, Explore
SWAGMAN TOURS - TOURING OUTBACK AUSTRALIA FOR 20 YEARS

Swagman tours is synonymous with Outback Australian camping safaris through offering affordable trips that are great value and enjoyable.  Our tours ensure you get off the beaten track to interesting and out of the way destinations making your holiday one to remember.

To coincide with our 20th year anniversary Swagman Tours has a new look that encapsulates the essence of the company.  The philosophy is to EXPERIENCE DISCOVER EXPLORE.  No matter what your age Swagman Tours will ensure that you will experience the best the Outback has to offer.  Most of our tours are inclusive, meaning that important sightseeing and meals (most) are included, not an optional extra.

SWAGMAN VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT
Swagman’s vehicles are modern and designed and built for passenger comfort, safety and the ability to handle the sometimes harsh terrain.  All are air conditioned and seat belt equipped and  have satellite phones or Royal Flying Doctor Service Radios for remote area contact. 

Our safari trailers are designed and built by Swagman.  They have plentiful fresh drink water, refrigerated food storage areas, kitchen, lighting etc. and ensure plentiful fresh food. 

Tents are easy to erect pyramid style with a built in vinyl floor.  Mattresses are high density foam with a protective covering to ensure a comfortable rest.  Tables, stools and lighting also make life comfortable.  All you need to do is bring your sleeping bag, pillow and eating utensils or if you chose these are available for hire and must be pre-booked.

Campsites are chosen for their facilities and location and where possible in natural settings.  Bush camps have no facilities but offer you the opportunity to experience to get back to nature and experience camping under the stars away from anyone else.

SWAGMAN CREW
Driver/guides are chosen for their knowledge, leadership qualities, driving skills, mechanical knowledge and friendly nature and hosts/cooks provide a variety of healthy, hearty meals.

Meals included are indicated on the itinerary
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

As always Swagman offer value for money tours with occasional meals, optional tours and personal expenses all you pay for.  Our “Past Passenger Club” offers discounts to Australian and New Zealand past passengers.  Up to 15 days Touring $25.00 – Over 15 days $50.00.  (Only one discount per person will apply)

AIRFARES
With the ease of booking online direct with the airlines joining a Swagman Tours is becoming even more affordable.  If you do not have online access talk to our office staff and they will be happy to assist.

The team and I are looking forward to welcoming you into the Swagman family so come EXPERIENCE, DISCOVER and EXPLORE Australia with us.

Kind regards,
PAT MANGAN

SPECIALISED GROUP TOURS
The tours featured in this brochure constitute only part of the Swagman operation, the other area is specialised group tours to any destination.  Our tour planners can help design tours to suit the specific interests of any group and arrange visits to many areas and facilities not available to the general public.  Swagman can assist design farm tours, study tours, wildlife, photography tours, club holidays etc. and these can be either camping tours or fully accommodated. Contact us direct and we will be happy to discuss your ideas.

Swagman Tours has the EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, STAFF AND REPUTATION for giving individual travellers and groups the holiday of a lifetime.

Camping Travelling Requirements

Inclusions in Tour Fare
The itinerary sets out most of the detail. All touring includes all camp fees, admission fees and meals as indicated in the itinerary.

B-Breakfeast L-Lunch D-Dinner
The tour fare also includes camping gear - tent (two share basis), mattresses and all cooking equipment. Sole use of tents can be requested (limited number available) at a small charge.

The Safari Crew
Our crew have had vast experience in the outback. They consist of your Safari Driver/Tour Leader and Hostess/Cook. They will look after your personal needs and will always appreciate your offer to help around the camp.

Clothing - What to pack and how.
The golden rule is do not pack too much!!! Also some individual, smaller plastic bags for storing wet or dirty clothing and footwear are a good idea inside your suitcase. Casual clothes are all that are necessary. We suggest - 3 quick drying blouses/shirts, 2 pair jeans/trousers, or 2 easy care dresses, 1 pair casual slacks, 2 pairs shorts or skirts, tee-shirts, 2 windcheaters/jumpers. Also socks, underwear, head-scarf or sun hat, bathers, pair of desert boots or strong rubber-soled shoes.

The Weather
Swagman Tours does give the crew the authority to vary the itinerary and overnight stops in the event of adverse weather and road conditions. This is done for passenger comfort and safety. Outback Australia can be cold mid-year (June/July) with temperatures as low as 2 or 3 degrees Celsius at 5.00am and reaching 20 to 25 degrees Celsius by lunchtime. Laundry facilities are available enroute.

Meals
Whilst on tour you will enjoy 3 hearty meals per day starting with a wholesome breakfast, cold meat and salads or sandwiches for lunch and a three course meal for dinner. Tea and coffee is available with all meals. If you have specific medical dietary requirements please contact us 30 days prior to departure date to discuss your needs.

Optional Tours
Almost all visits and tours in the itinerary are included in the tour fare. The few tours and visits shown as optional can be undertaken by you should time permit. Your crew will book these for you. However these costs and charges are in addition to the tour fare and are payable by you at the time.
The optional tours offered in our tour programmes are not operated by Swagman Tours, persons or companies associated with Swagman Tours. In offering these tours, Swagman and our crew do so only as a personal service. Therefore we cannot and do not take any responsibility whatsoever for any injury or loss of any type arising in any manner including whether as a result of negligence or otherwise.

Photography
This is probably one of the most important aspects of your tour, so start out with an ample supply of the type of film you require. Film can be purchased in main towns enroute, however, in remote areas supplies of particular types can be limited. To protect your valuable camera equipment from dust, we suggest strong, sealable plastic bags. Video cameras can be recharged after evening meal in most caravan parks (not in remote areas). Please ask crew for details

Seating
This is worked on a rotation system, with passengers moving each day around the vehicle and is compulsory. Crew will explain the details. (No reserved seating is available).

Accommodated travelling Requirements

Baggage -2 items only allowed
1. One only, medium size suitcase - the sum of its length, width and depth not to exceed 140cm (56 inches), soft or hard.

2. Small overnight bag for inside the coach.

Inclusions in tour fare
The itinerary sets out most of the detail. All touring is inclusive as are all accommodation, admission fees and meals as indicated in the itinerary.
B-BREAKFAST L-LUNCH D-DINNER

Clothing
Casual clothes are all that is necessary. We suggest - 3 quick drying blouses/shirts, 2 pair jeans/trousers, or 2 easy care dresses, 1 pair casual slacks, 2 pairs shorts or skirts, tee-shirts, 2 windcheaters/jumpers. Also socks, underwear, head-scarf or sun hat (towelling hat ideal), bathers, pair of desert boots or strong rubber-soled shoes. Swimming attire should be brought (including small towel) as opportunities arise enroute for a dip in some of the gorges/rock pools etc.

The Weather
Please note that the days are warm and the nights cold. Swagman Tours does give the crew the flexibility to vary the itinerary and overnight stops in the event of adverse weather and road conditions. This is done for passenger safety. You will need to bring sunscreen with you.

Photography
This is probably one of the most important aspects of your tour, so start out with an ample supply of the type of film you require. Film can be purchased in main towns enroute, however, in remote areas supplies of particular types can be limited. To protect your valuable camera equipment from dust, we suggest strong, sealable plastic bags.

Medication
Please notify us of any medical problem you may have and medication required in case of emergency. Please ensure that you have ample supplies of regular medication before commencement of your trip.

Money and Expenses
The tour is virtually all inclusive, so budget for personal expenses only, drinks, the odd night out, meals on free day, film, souvenirs, and optional tours on free days and optional flights etc. Banks and automatic teller machines may not always be available in remote areas, therefore it is advisable to carry a small amount of cash and travellers cheques.

Keep Australia Beautiful
Help us by not littering the countryside or your vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with a rubbish bin and passengers are requested to use it.

Seating
This is worked on a rotation system, with passengers moving each day around the vehicle. Crew will explain the details. (No reserved seating is available)

Smoking - Alcoholic Beverages
Passengers are requested not to smoke in the vehicle. Appropriate "leg stretch" and "smoko" stops are made throughout the day. Drinking for drinking's sake is not permitted on the vehicle, however, participants may feel free to imbibe at their leisure at wayside stops or at camp.

Daily Travelling
Australia is a big country. On full days of travelling you cover more than 500 kilometres on rough outback roads and may take eight hours or more. Your coach is equipped with both radio and Tape Deck/CD player. There will be a selection of cassettes/CD’s on board, if you care to take one or two of your favourites along, your driver will endeavour to play them for you. The coach is equipped with reclining cloth seats and air conditioned however there is no toilet on board – appropriate stops will be made en route each day. Police can also clos outback roads for safety reasons.

As some of the roads are unsealed if there is heavy rain in the area the itinerary may have to be altered.

PLEASE NOTE DO NOT BRING LARGE SUITCASES REMEMBER WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REJECT LUGGAGE THAT IS OVERSIZE.

4WD Travelling Requirments

Meals:
The meals are a little more basic than on other tours you are accustomed to but this is a 4WD adventure into remote areas. Your breakfasts will be cereal, tea/coffee and toast (no hot dish). Lunches will be sandwiches (Basic staples/ingredients only) whilst dinner will be a 2 course meal. Participation of passengers in preparation of meals is required to assist the driving crew on the tour.

Camp Sites .
On this tour the camps utilised are not up to the standard that we are accustomed to as these facilities are not available when 'going bush'.

Vehicle- Luggage.
All the vehicles are Toyota 4WD with the lead vehicle carrying a Royal Flying Doctor radio for emergency use. Attached is an overnight contact list for family and friends but is only a guide as the itinerary is subject to alteration/change en route.

All vehicles are air-conditioned and there will be a maximum of 7 people per vehicle. Due to the luggage area in the vehicles and the large amount of equipment/spares/food/water to be carried, luggage limits will be RIGIDLY ENFORCED. Any luggage oversize or overweight will not be taken. A soft barrel type bag is recommended.

Eating Utensils Personal Toilet needs
Plate, bowl, mug (plastic or enamel) Pears soap will lather in hard water.
Knife, fork, dessert spoon and teaspoon Two (2) towels.
(All carried in a cloth bag with name) Sunburn cream and insect repellent - (RID)
One (1) tea-towel.

Photography
This is probably one of the most important aspects of your tour, so start out with an ample supply of the type of film you require. Film can be purchased in main towns, however, in remote areas supplies of particular types can be limited. To protect your valuable camera equipment from dust, we suggest strong, sealable plastic bags.

Mediaction
Please notify us of any medical problem you may have and medication required in case of emergency. Please ensure that you have ample/adequate supplies of regular medication before commencement of your trip as travelling remote areas and obtaining extra medication will be difficult.

Money and Expenses
The tour is virtually all inclusive, so budget for personal expenses only, drinks, the odd night out, meals on free day, film, souvenirs, and optional tours on free days and optional flights etc. Banks and automatic teller machines may not always be available in remote areas, therefore it is advisable to carry a small amount of cash and travellers cheques.

Bush Camps
One of the more relaxing experiences that can be enjoyed on an outback holiday is chatting around the camp-fire at night in the peace of the bush. Hygiene, of course, is extremely important when in these bush camp situations - in fact, at all times when people are living together in close proximity. A vessel of water and soap is always available, adjacent to the vehicle, which people should use before handling any food, or after "bush visits".
Bush camps, of course, don't have toilet facilities, so people should practice the art of using the "shovel dunny", the time-proven Australian way of keeping the bush tidy. A spade and roll of toilet paper are carried a good distance into the bush, and we leave nothing but footprints in returning from whence we came.

Keep Australia Beautiful
Help us by not littering the countryside or your vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with a rubbish bin and passengers are requested to use it.

Seating
This is worked on a rotation system, with passengers moving each day around each vehicle. Crew will explain the details. (No reserved seating is available)

Smoking
Passengers are requested not to smoke in the vehicle. Appropriate "leg stretch" and "smoko" stops are made throughout the day.

Alcoholic Beverages
Drinking for drinking's sake is not permitted on the vehicle, however, participants may feel free to imbibe at their leisure at wayside stops or at camp.

Roster System
We do not run a set roster system, however, a helping hand is required. This makes everyone feel part of the team-loading/unloading equipment, camp duties and assistance with meals - all develops a spirit of togetherness.

PLEASE DO NOT BRING LARGE SUITCASES, STOOLS OR STRETCHERS. REMEMBER WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REJECT LUGGAGE THAT IS OVERSIZE. NO RED, WHITE AND BLUE STRIPED BAGS FOR BLANKET PILLOW, SLEEPING BAG, OR FOR CARRYING ANY ITEMS. BLANKET & PILLOW MUST GO IN BARREL BAG AND SLEEPING BAG IN OWN COVER ONLY.

Please notify us of any medical problem you may have and medication required in case of emergency. Please ensure that you have ample/adequate supplies of regular medication before commencement of your trip as travelling remote areas and obtaining extra medication will be difficult.

Camping Parks & Bush Camps

All of these have showers and toilets and most have laundry facilities, but standards do vary. In all cases we use the best available in the area.
One of the more relaxing experiences that can be enjoyed on an outback holiday is chatting around the camp-fire at night in the peace of the bush. Hygiene, of course, is extremely important when in these bush camp situations. A vessel of water and soap is always available, adjacent to the vehicle, which people should use before handling any food, or after "bush visits". Bush camps, of course, don't have toilet facilities, so people should practice the art of using the "shovel dunny", the time-proven Australian way of keeping the bush tidy. A spade and roll of toilet paper are carried a good distance into the bush. We leave nothing but footprints.

Electrical Appliances
220 -250 volt and 50cycles AC 3 pin plug

Medication
Please notify us of any medical problem you may have and medication required in case of emergency. Please ensure
that you have ample supplies of regular medication before commencement of your trip.

Money and Expenses
The tour is virtually all inclusive, so budget for personal expenses only, drinks, the odd night out, meals on free day, film, souvenirs, and optional tours on free days and optional flights etc. Banks, EFTPOS and automatic teller machines may not always be available in remote areas, therefore it is advisable to carry a small amount of cash.
The most widely recognised and accepted credit cards in Australia are American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard (including Eurocard) and Visa. Other overseas cards may present difficulties. Banks are closed on weekends.

Keep Australia Beautiful
Help us by not littering the countryside or your vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with a rubbish bin and passengers are requested to use it. Campgrounds and wayside stops also have bins for refuse.

Smoking - Alcoholic Beverages
Passengers are requested not to smoke in the vehicle. Appropriate "smoko" stops are made throughout the day.
Drinking Alcohol is not permitted on the vehicle, however, participants may feel free to relax with a drink at camp in the evenings.

Roster System
We do not run a set roster system, however, a helping hand is warmly appreciated. This makes everyone feel part of the team.

Insurance
Many travel insurance policies are available and we cannot recommend too strongly that you ask your travel agent or Swagman Tours for details. Be wise - take out travel insurance.

Daily Travelling
Australia is a big country. On full days of travelling you cover more than 500 kilometres a day on rough outback roads and may take eight hours or more. Your safari vehicle is equipped with both radio and tape deck. There will be a selection of cassettes on board. The safari vehicle has air-conditioning, reclining cloth seats and is the ultimate for comfortable travel.

General Conditions
All tours operated by Swagman Tours will be carried out with due care and skill and of a quality and standard that might be reasonably expected to achieve the desired standard of a Swagman Tours Adventure Safari as promoted. Our itineraries are always subject to change at our discretion where weather, road conditions or mechanical problems curtail operations. Services, inclusions, overnight accommodation, camp sites and visits may be varied where quality control demands. But this will only be done with your comfort and safety in mind.

The Travel Agent is an agent of the consumer and acts on behalf of the consumer in all of his/her dealings with Swagman Tours. Swagman Tours bears no responsibility for misrepresentation, incorrect information/advice and for monies paid by the consumer until those monies are actually received from the Travel Agent.
Swagman Tours through their employees has the absolute discretion to withdraw any trouble maker, disruptive or abusive client or law breaker, particularly where the safety and continued enjoyment of the party may be in jeopardy or diminished.
These conditions shall be governed and performed according to the law of the State of Victoria, Australia, and the passenger irrevocably submits to these jurisdictions. Any litigation will only be heard in the appropriate court in the State of Victoria, Australia.

PLEASE NOTE DO NOT BRING LARGE SUITCASES, STOOLS OR STRETCHERS. REMEMBER WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REJECT LUGGAGE THAT IS OVERSIZE AND/OR OVERWEIGHT. NO PLASTIC OR SUB-STANDARD BAGS FOR BLANKET, PILLOW, SLEEPING BAG OR FOR CARRYING ANY ITEMS.

Luggage Restrictions on Safaris

Due to the amount of equipment needed to conduct a successful camping safari in the outback passengers arereminded of the luggage restrictions spelt out in your hints and tour brief notes.

THREE PIECES OF LUGGAGE ALLOWABLE;

1. One only, medium size suitcase. Maximum suitcase size; Dimensions - 140cm maximum to equal the total length, width and depth. Soft baggage of equal or less mass is also acceptable.

2. Airline type cabin bag allowable for day use to be placed in the safari vehicle in the above head luggage rack.

3. Sleeping Bag(NO SWAGS ALLOWABLE)

Remember outback desert nights are extremely cold but evenings in the tropics are usually warmer

Extra blanket must fit into large baggage - not an extra item.

We suggest a sleeping bag sheet; [e.g. fold single sheet and sew end and side together] it will
help keep you warm on cold nights and cool on warm nights.

A Pillow is allowed as extra to be placed in luggage rack on safari vehicle. If travelling by plane to join the tour it is recommended to place pillow and sleeping bag in your suitcase. Baggage handling tends to lose small items.

Alternative to cabin baggage is a small back pack much more practicable for day walks, also
small drink flask.

Baggage Weight - The limit for all luggage is not to exceed 20kg. The company reserves the right to weigh luggage at departure point.

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT FOR OVERSIZE OR OVERWEIGHT LUGGAGE NOT TO BE LOADED.

Introduction to Safari Holidays

Australia is a big country covering 7.6million sq. kilometers, an area equal to the size of Europe plus Scandinavia and is about the same size as mainland U.S.A. yet we only have a population of - 18 million. Imagine it!

Camping holidays in Australia provide a unique experience enjoyed by tens of thousands of people both Australian and International each year. They provide an economical way to travel our great country and enjoy the gifts of nature at first hand.

Australia, is like nowhere else, a huge, undeveloped, underpopulated country, the sheer immensity of which is difficult to describe. The weather pattern is almost perfect, hot in summer, never really cold in winter. Australia is one of the most astonishing and beautiful continents in the world.

In the "Outback", nature still remains the protagonist in the battle for survival. It governs the people's daily lives. Drought is the ever-present enemy for the people on the land. Even so, heavy rains and floods in some areas of Australia can happen at any time and upset the most carefully laid plans. Re-routing of a tour in the Outback can be necessary, though it is rare that any major tourist attraction is inaccessible.

People should also remember that many remote areas do not have tourist facilities, so be prepared to rough it a little, enjoy the casual atmosphere and possess a willingness to participate in the activities of every-day camp life. A camping holiday is no different from any other activity - the more you put into it, the more you'll get out of it.

Many of the roads marked on maps are little more than tracks; many of the names marked on maps are not towns but a farm, station, a roadhouse or a pub, separated by vast distances. Out in the bush, the Australian way of life has evolved accordingly. It is very casual. People have come to terms with their isolation. They will also come to terms with you. The people as much as the country, are part of the Australian experience.

Flora and Fauna
Inland Australia, particularly our arid regions have an extremely fragile ecology. The lack of regular rainfall and lack of substance in much of the soil creates an opportunity growth system in most of the flora types. A good rainy season will produce a mass of ground cover and multitude of wildflowers. However the system is spasmodic and re-creation is not an annual event. Each seed pod is an important contribution to the balance of nature.

Similarly with wildlife, the birds, animals and reptiles which inhabit the arid region are opportune breeders, re-producing in years when the rains come and food supply is plentiful. Participants on our tours are requested to observe the rules and "shoot" only with a camera. No firearms are permitted.

Aboriginal Relics
Removal of artefacts from natural sites is prohibited by law. Cave paintings and rock "peckings" can also be damaged by continual touching, so participants are requested to be careful when examining relics of this nature.

Facts about OFF THE BEATEN TRACK' TRAVELLING
Passengers should be prepared to rough it a little in remote areas, be prepared to expect changes to itinerary, considerable variation to weather conditions, occasional unseasonable weather and adverse road conditions. Pushing your safari vehicle out of mud or through a flooded creek are all part of this type of Australian adventure. We guarantee that you will remember the experiences!

Passengers lacking in general good health or who lack a sense of understanding, tolerance and flexibility should not consider such an outback safari.

In short Swagman Safaris has the EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, STAFF AND REPUTATION for giving individual travellers and groups the Australian holiday of a lifetime.