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We support local businesses and communities throughout the duration of our Adelaide to Alice Springs tour. We visit many small outback towns from Adelaide to Alice Springs. We support Iga Warta Aboriginal Community with a commitment that is included in our itinerary for all of our tours.
We pay the community to camp there and join in some uniquely Indigenous Australian activities (eg. Mud pit painting and songs and storytelling around their campfire). During our trips we visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the Oodnadatta School (primarily Aboriginal), the Oodnadatta Hospital and the School of the Air. We make donations to these enterprises and encourage any passengers so inclined to do the same.
The nature of outback communities ensures that local staff and produce are utilised at all times. In the remote outback towns that we visit, almost all of the businesses are run by locals and while some produce is transported in we always give preference to local fresh produce. We promote close relationships with our outback suppliers and have long standing partnerships with many. We are a certified Eco Tourism Australia Tour company. This certification involves an in-depth submission regarding economic, environmental and social sustainability.
Camp sites on our Adelaide to Alice Springs tour are always chosen to ensure little or no impact to the environment occurs. Due to the arid and isolated nature of the areas we visit an understanding of minimal water use is essential. All water is carried in and grey water carried out. We purchase reusable items (utensils and containers) and buy food in bulk with minimal packaging. All waste is carried out and disposed of in an appropriate manner. Our vehicles are serviced and maintained after each trip by a certified mechanic to ensure that they operate at peak efficiency. Part of the outback experience is to see native animals and local flora in their environment.
Our guides all have a keen interest and respect for our flora and fauna. Wildlife is viewed but never provoked, chased or cornered. We explain to our passengers that noise must be kept to a minimum, to avoid rapid or sudden movement and to avoid camera flashes and to use safe night lights. Disturbance of flora is kept to an absolute minimum.
The primary social/political situation in the areas that we visit relates to indigenous issues. Our guides have broad understanding of all the issues involved and are sensitive to the indigenous perspective. These issues are present and discussed with passengers throughout the tours. As an example, the traditional owners view Uluru/Ayres Rock as a sacred place and prefer it not to be climbed. Whilst climbing the Rock is an accepted Tourism activity with most companies, our guides explain the spiritual significance and the vast majority of our passengers take pride in not doing so.
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