If you’re flying into Alice Springs or Yulara expecting the Four Seasons and a well-stocked minibar, you may as well turn the plane around right now. The Outback is hot, remote and inhospitable. Anything that survives out here has to be tough and rugged, and that includes the accommodation. But just because the camp grounds are practical and hard-wearing, it doesn’t mean you’ll be uncomfortable.
Adventure Tours has two different ‘styles’ of travel, depending on how you want to roll. Each one differs slightly in its inclusions and level of accommodation. We’ve put together these two videos to give you a crash course of what to expect in the Red Centre, and to help you choose the style of group trip that’s right for you. If you’d like your own cabin, we’ve got that. If you want to rough it in a swag (our personal choice) you can do that too.
Basix
Depending on where you’re travelling, Basix trips use either shared permanent tents at established campsites –some powered, some not – or in dorm-share accommodation. You will need a sleeping bag on a Basix trip – bring your own or buy one from us in advance – and some regions also feature the option of sleeping under the stars in a swag (kind of like an outdoor sleeping bag/personal tent).
Original
Original-style camping is a bit different. It uses shared, permanent twin-share tents with comfy beds, proper wooden floors, full linen, lighting, power points, a bedside table and fans. It’s not the Hilton, but it’s 5-star by Outback standards. In some places, twin-share hostel/motel rooms are the go. If you’re travelling solo we don’t charged you any extra if you’re happy to room-share with someone of the same gender. If you’d prefer your own room, single supplements are sometimes available too.
If you’d like more info about accommodation in the Red Centre, check out our About pages. We’ve got all the details you need.
Feature image c/o Rolfe Kolbe, Flickr