FAQ - Swagalong Tours

What is a tagalong tour?

A tagalong is a hassle free escorted self-drive adventure! We take the stress out of planning and booking.
You drive your own 4WD in the company of like minded people.
Your guide will handle the navigation and logistics, as well as providing interpretive tour commentary.

Why tagalong with Swagalong?

Our experienced tour leaders take you safely to the best spots, sharing their extensive knowledge of the area with you. Our carefully created itineraries ensure you have the hassle free tour of a lifetime!

What 4WD experience do I need?

Cape York Explorer, Adventure & Highlights & Simpson Desert - None! As long as you are familiar with your car’s operation, you will gain all the experience you need. We are on hand to help to navigate and guide you over the many types of terrain you will experience.

Cape York Tracks - You need some basic 4WD experience. If you are comfortable knowing how and when to engage low range, and how to pick a line on rough terrain, you probably have sufficient experience. If you have done one of our tours before you will have sufficient experience. If you are not sure, call us for a chat and we will let you know.

Do I need any training?

No. We are always on hand to assist if you are unfamiliar with any techniques. But feel free to take a course if you wish!

What type of 4WD vehicle is suitable?

You will need a vehicle with a transfer case that allows the driver to select high or low range.
AWD's are suitable only for the Adventure tour.
If you are not sure, please get in touch and we will be able to advise you.

Can I hire a 4WD?

Yes. We have partnered with Overlander 4WD hire and can offer you a discount code for use with them, when you book a tour with us! www.overlanderadventures.com.au

What modifications does my 4WD need?

There are many modification that may improve your comfort or capabilities but these are the essentials:

A set of all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres in good condition.
A 5 Watt UHF radio with an external antenna for convoy communications.
Rated recovery points will help us get you out of any sticky situations.

Cape York Tracks - You will also need a sealed snorkel and we recommend a 2 inch lift kit.

What happens if my car has a problem on the trip?

Our tour leaders have a good mechanical knowledge and a full toolkit is kept in our lead vehicles. Most problems can be fixed roadside but, if not, we will get you to a repairer or to a location where you can be recovered from. We recommend you have the top level of roadside assistance cover.

Can I bring my trailer?

Cape York Explorer - Yes, as long as it’s a heavy duty off-road camper that is capable of touring on rugged tracks with some potentially deep water crossings. We suggest smaller trailers with a maximum ATM weight of 1.5t. There is a small surcharge to cover additional ferry and camping fees.

Cape York Highlights - Yes, as long as it’s a heavy duty off-road camper that is capable of touring on rugged tracks with some potentially deep water crossings. We suggest a maximum ATM weight of 2.0t. There is a small surcharge to cover additional ferry and camping fees.

Cape York Adventure - Yes. This tour is specifically designed for trailers, hybrids, small motorhomes (Explorers / Suncampers) and larger cars.

Cape York Tracks - No. This tour is not suited to trailers due to the tight and technical tracks.

Simpson Desert - No. The desert is not suitable for trailers and our permits do not allow us to take them.

We can help if you need storage in Cairns. Give us a call and we will be able to give you more advice.

Can I bring my caravan?

Yes - but only on our Cape York Adventure tour.
Designed specifically for less manouverable vehicles such as hybrids and 'vans.
You're 'van should be an 'off-road' version. This usually means a stronger chassis and suspension, a higher ride height, and some protection along the sides and at the rear.
The longer the 'van the harder it is to manage. A body length over 21ft is getting on the large size so call us to discuss!

Can I bring my children?

Of course. They will love it and learn so much more than they would at school!

What should I pack?

We will send you a full list of suggested clothing, equipment and food in our comprehensive Tour Information Pack.

What will our camp sites be like?

We camp at a variety of locations including caravan parks, National Parks, roadhouses, and on station properties. All sites have been selected to offer the best experience at each location.

What do we sleep in?

Our tours are camping based and you need to provide your own equipment (hire sets available).
Swags, tents and roof-top tents are the most popular shelters and light sleeping bags or sheets/blankets are a good choice.

What toilet facilities will there be?

Cape York Explorer, Adventure, & Highlights - Every campsite has either flushing or composting toilets. Most days there will be some facilities on our travels but you should be prepared to use the bush toilet on occasion.

Cape York Tracks - Most campsites have flushing or composting toilets but we do bush camp on several nights where there are no facilities. Most days there will be some facilities on our travels but you should be prepared to use the bush toilet on occasion.

Simpson Desert - Either side of the desert are either flushing or composting toilets. In the desert you will need a 'bush loo'. We provide suggestions in our Tour Information Pack.

When can I have a shower?

Cape York Explorer, Adventure, & Highlights - With the exception of 3 nights in National Parks, all campsites have showering facilities. The two nights at Eliot Falls offer exceptional freshwater swimming so there is only one night at Chili Beach where you may need to go without a wetting!

Cape York Tracks - There are 7 nights where we have no showers but 3 of those have fresh water swimming.

Simpson Desert - Either side of the desert we have showers available. In the desert you will need a portable shower or an alternative method such as a bucket wash or the use of wet-wipes etc.

What level of fitness is required?

A basic level of fitness is required for all our tours. You do not have to participate in any physically demanding activity unless you want to. Depending on the tour, there are a number of short walks that may require a moderate level of exertion for a short time. Feel free to contact us if you want any further information.

What happens if I become unwell?

Our lead vehicles carry a comprehensive first aid kit and a defibrillator. Our tour leaders are trained and certified in First Aid and CPR. We carry satellite comms so we can call for help from anywhere and a PLB so we can be found quickly. We also have details of RFDS runways and medical kit locations on hand.

Do I need to pay for any extras?

The tour pages list all inclusions. Generally you will need to allow for food and drink, fuel, any additional tours you arrange yourself, and any souvenirs you buy.

Do I need to book anything?

Only if you want to do something on your free days. We suggest you book that yourself, well in advance. Feel free to ask us if you need any help with this.

What will the weather be like?

Cape York - Usually great - dry and sunny but not too hot or humid!
Our trips are during the dry season - In Bamaga, average monthly rainfall is under 10mm and average daytime temperatures are in the high 20’s dropping to the low 20’s overnight. The southern part of our trips average in the high teen’s overnight.
Make sure you have provisions for a cool night or a rain shower - just in case!

Simpson Desert - Normally dry with daytime temperatures around 20-25°C. Overnight temperatures drop to an average winter temperature of 4°C. So you'll need to dress for both!

How many people will be on the trip?

Usually 8 cars which means a typical trip will be 12-16 people.

Will we have time for sightseeing and relaxing?

Plenty! We run very relaxed tours. During the day we will traverse amazing landscapes and stop at significant points of interest. You will have plenty of time to stop for photos. We try to make camp early so you have time to explore the area on foot, wet a line, or watch the spectacular wildlife.

How much driving will we do?

We aim for 3½ hours driving per day. A couple of days are longer and a few are shorter. We average about 180km per driving day and the return trip from Cairns is about 3300km.

What is a typical day like?

We start each day with a morning briefing around 8am. We will stop for morning tea around 10am and lunch around midday. Depending on the itinerary, we try to tie these stops in with points of interest. The trip leader will share their knowledge with you at every stop and you will have time to explore and take photos. We aim to set up camp mid-afternoon which gives you plenty of downtime before settling in for the evening and a chat around the fire.

Do I need insurance or breakdown cover?

For your vehicle - We strongly suggest that you have fully comprehensive cover on your vehicle, the highest level of RAC/NRMA breakdown cover, and for the Simpson desert, recovery insurance.
For you - We strongly suggest travel insurance to include illness, injury, and very importantly, cancellation and inability to travel, just in case.

Do you need a deposit?

Yes. We ask for a 20% non-refundable deposit when you make your booking.

When is full payment due?

The final payment is due sixty days before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions