Bird Watching Tours - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding our tours, along with our replies.
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Crossing a creek on the Bullita access road (photo copyright Marg Lacey)
What sort of vehicle do you use?
For our extended tours we currently use a Land Rover Discovery seven seater (max-six passengers) with a purpose built tour trailer. All seats including the third row in the back are comfortable for adults. While the third row seats are comfortable, getting in and out is not as easy to access as the other seats.
The front passenger’s seat gives the best view while travelling, so it is a courtesy on group tours to rotate all seating.
There are usb charge ports suitable for phones and some cameras in the vehicle and the trailer.
What kind of accommodation is provided on tour?
All accommodation on scheduled group tours is queen plus single with ensuite in a comfortable, air-conditioned cabin or motel room. Upgrades are available at some locations and can be requested.
You can find information about Darwin accommodation for pre and post tour here.
How much luggage can I take?
We have room for four full size suitcases and back packs in the trailer. There is also room for two mid-sized suitcases in the travel pod on the roof-rack. This breaks down to a suitcase (preferably mid-sized) and day pack per person on a group tour. Excess luggage can usually be stored at your accommodation in Darwin for the duration of our tour. If there are more than four passengers, room for camera gear and big lenses will be limited. We have a spotting scope on board, for everyone’s use.
What are the meal options?
We have a car fridge and ice box to keep drinks, salads and fresh fruit cold. We carry a variety of tinned salmon and tuna. There are plenty of nuts, muesli bars and snacks on hand. We happily cater for vegans and vegetarians as well as special dietary requirements. Iced water is on hand at all times and we supply stainless steel bottles for your personal use while on tour, which can be topped up at any time. On a group tour it is helpful to have an assistant for meal preparation (often the front seat passenger enjoys being the designated assistant for the day). Breakfast and lunch is enjoyed in the field with the birds, dinner is at restaurants, alcoholic drinks are usually available at dinner but are at your own expense.
How safe are your tours?
We have never had an accident or incident on tour beyond the occasional twisted ankle or knee. We take our responsibility to keep you safe very seriously. Apart from the normal risks associated with travel, the only unique risks you could face are dehydration and dangerous wildlife. Crocodiles are potentially dangerous only when people enter a river or billabong or get too close to the edge of the water. We have first aid training and the car is equipped with a first aid kit (and I carry a small one in my pack when we are away from the car), fire extinguisher, uhf radios and satellite phone. It is always best that we keep together as a group. Handwash and water, sunscreen and deet free insect repellent is within easy reach for all in the trailer. We have a food licence and maintain a very high standard of cleanliness and hygiene with food preparation and serving.
What are your Terms and Conditions?
Please click here to read our Terms and Conditions in full. Of particular interest at the moment is - What happens in the event of a Government lockdown?
In the event of cancellation due to Government Restrictions for travel, eg Covid-19 lockdown, payment will be fully refunded, less any charges already incurred, or deposit may be converted to a voucher for a similar future tour.
What level of fitness is required for your tours?
The pace of all tours is relaxed and not rushed, but can involve some rocky, steep or long (up to four kilometre) walks. Some people use a walking stick for uneven ground. While we are happy to cater to the needs of people with health and fitness limitations, we need to be able to keep together as a group. If you anticipate that keeping up may be difficult, a private charter may be more appropriate.
When is the best time to visit?
June to August are the most comfortable for people not acclimatised to high heat and humidity. September to October will be hotter and more humid, but the birding can be even better in those months. From November on it gets very humid and some species are harder to find. A detailed discussion of Top End weather can found here.
What kind of clothing and footwear do you recommend?
Protection from biting insects and the sun is an important consideration. A broad-brimmed hat, light coloured and light weight long sleeves and long pants are recommended. Laundry facilities are available at the resorts and parks we stay at. Some of our guests wash a shirt and small items for the next day in their room the night before. A small backpack for carrying water and other gear is handy for the longer walks. Walking shoes are adequate, comfortable hiking boots are probably better, we cover terrain that varies from flat, even ground to rocky and mildly steep. Photo - Mike and guest dressed appropriately for the top end sunshine and possible annoying insects (right)!
A few additional notes about what you can expect on tour:-
Etiquette – A relaxed, friendly atmosphere is the norm on tour, so there is not the need for too much in the way of rules. Eating dry food in the car while travelling is fine, but anything milky or messy is to be avoided so that the vehicle remains reasonably clean and odour free for the duration of the tour. Please apply sunscreen or insect repellent on leaving the car rather than while in the car. Some six legged wildlife invariably enters the car when we stop and start. This can be distressing to people who are not used to insects. Insects are best encouraged to leave by lowering the window while moving and shooed away, this is preferable to squashing them on the windows or roof lining! For the comfort of others and consideration for the environment, tours are strictly non-smoking.
Emergency contact – In case your family needs to reach you while we are on tour, we will be in phone range most nights. Ian’s phone number on tour is 0455 745 102, though we will not always be in range. Our satellite phone ensures we are always within range of emergency services, should the need arise.
Wifi can be accessed at some accommodation places.
Thank you for your cooperation in making your experience as enjoyable as we can!
