The Outback Camel Company used to conduct 9 & 10 day treks. Why have you stopped doing these?
The establishment of the Registered Environmental Organisation, Australian Desert Expeditions (ADE) in 2009, has allowed OCC to concentrate on the longer and more remote treks & expeditions for which we are renowned, and on which our reputation is built.

What is the difference between the Outback Camel Company and Australian Desert Expeditions?
Our sister organisation, ADE, is a Registered Environmental Organisation with full Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status and conducts scientific and ecological surveys in the desert using packcamels as the main method of transport. All members of the public (minimum age 14) are able to join these shorter and less demanding trips.

The Outback Camel Company is a privately owned commercial tour company that conducts desert treks & expeditions in more remote areas. During the winter our camels can also be found working on ADE trips.

Why has there been a substantial price increase for your trips in the last 2 years?
We endeavour to keep prices as competitive as possible and give our trekkers exceptional value of money. However the cost of operating any business in remote Australia is substantial and transport costs have particularly impacted on our operations in recent years.

I've heard about Australia's Horizontal Mount Everest? When will you next conduct your Simpson Desert Expedition from Andado to Birdsville?
Our last SDE was in 2006, and unfortunately the current permit restrictions no longer allow us to traverse the Simpson Desert National Park in Queensland, which therefore prevents us from reaching Birdsville. Will are however planning to conduct a major expedition in the Simpson in 2012.

How fit do I need to be?
Our treks are designed for anyone who is in good general health. You do not have to be 'ultra-fit', however a superfit person who is unhappy at leaving the comforts of home behind will not cope as well as a moderately fit person who is prepared to encounter the desert on its own terms.

Will I see any evidence of aboriginal occupation of the desert?
On nearly every trek or expedition that we have conducted, we have found either stone tools or chippings. Whilst it is permitted to examine and document these items, it is not permitted to remove them from the area.

What is the food like?
Healthy and nutritious. You will be surprised at the variation in meals that we can create. Except for refrigerated goods of course, we can carry just about anything, including fresh fruit and vegetables, and cook all meals on the campfire using woks and traditional camp-ovens. We cater to nearly all dietary requirements, bearing in mind that we operate in remote areas.

Do you use tents?
We carry tents but only use them during wet weather, and yes, it can rain in the desert during winter! You will be issued with a swag which will keep you warm during the cold nights. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag, along with other recommended items which are explained in detail in the Trek/Expedition Information Guide.

Why do you use swags?
Swags are the proven choice when it comes to bedding. Yes, we could use a combination of tents/thermarests/sleeping bags, but for durability reasons, swags are preferable. They are also uniquely Australian and we like to keep things authentic.

Can I bring my own gear like tents or a swag?
It is not necessary for you to bring camping equipment. We supply everything, as all our trek gear is designed to be tied onto the camel saddles.

How big are the groups?
We like to keep the group size small! Around 10 to 13 trekkers in addition to the crew of 4 cameleers.

Who leads the trek/expedition?
Our leaders are all experienced cameleers who have an enthusiasm and respect for the desert and will be happy to share their skills and knowledge with you. Our leaders come from all walks of life and have many 1000's of kilometres of desert travel behind them.

Our operating season is from April to September which is winter in Australia. Central Australian winters are perfect for trekking, with temperatures ranging from -5 degrees Celsius at night to the mid/high 20's during the day. Days are usually clear and sunny and occasionally during May and late September, the temperature may rise into the high 30's, but this is usually short-lived.

What communications do you carry?
All trips carry two satellite telephones as well as two GPS emergency beacons.

Can my family contact me whilst I am on the trip?
Not directly and only in an emergency. Your leader will be in regular contact with our Brisbane office but it is not practical for your family to contact you whilst you are on the trek/expedition. Our office will pass on any messages. Remember however that due to where we operate, unless there is a life threatening emergency, it is not possible for you to leave the trek/expedition.

What happens in an emergency?
All medical emergencies are handled by the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). We carry a full RFDS Medical Chest on all trips. Evacuations would be coordinated between the RFDS and the relevant State Emergency Service.

Can I charge my digital camera whilst on the trip?
We carry solar panels that charge 12 volt batteries which are in turn used to power our satphones. Obviously keeping the satphones charged takes priority over cameras, so we recommend that you bring adequate batteries for your camera. Don't' forget an extra memory card as well!

                  The lunchtime cuppa

Do we unload the camels at lunchtime?
No, the humps remain saddled until we make camp. This is perfectly fine for the animals. They will sit in their 'string' for the lunch break.

Some of the photos of your cameleers show them wearing sandals. Should I do the same?
Probably not a good idea. Our cameleers are used to walking outdoors for many continuous months at a time, and so are quite comfortable wearing sandals. We recommend that you wear your tried & tested favourite walking/trekking boots and that you bring sandals as camp footwear in the afternoon.

Are your trips suitable for children?
Unfortunately no. The minimum age requirement is 18 years. There is no maximum age limit.

I am a vegetarian. Is that a problem?
Not at all. We cater for all dietary requirements. Please note however that there is a difference between preference and needs.

Can I ride the camels?
No.These are walking treks and not 'riding safaris'. All of our camels are set up for pack work and not riding. We do have one camel that carries a riding saddle in case there is an injury and someone needs to ride.

Every winter our camels can be found working with Australian Desert Expeditions on scientific and ecological survey expeditions.
Their 2011 schedule includes a partnership with Bush Heritage Australia in the Simpson Desert, western Queensland.

Please visit www.desertexpeditions.org for more information

All photos - Andrew Harper