5 DAY Journeys 2025
Riding, Walking or Cameleer options - dates coming soon.
Camel ride or bush walk, discovering the allure of a 5 day outback journey that will linger in your memory. Explore and camp amidst the expansive Tiriari Desert in Outback South Australia.
Wake up to sunrises that nurture the spirit, enjoy days that explore, and relax beside the evening campfire weaving memories under the Milky Way Galaxy.
Booking Journeys in 2025
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All 2025 treks can be conveniently booked online via the dated trek images above.
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Bookings are confirmed with a 20% non-refundable deposit, which is fully transferable.
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Final trekking payments are due 90 days prior to the chosen trek departure date or at whatever time you book your trek. ​
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The deposit payment must be processed online, however the final full payment can be processed via our bank account. Please refer to the Questions page for further information.
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Review our Booking Terms & Conditions & FAQ Questions pages before booking
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Camel Treks Australia requires guests to obtain travel insurance as a crucial component of our terms of participation - at the time of booking to ensure comprehensive coverage for unforeseen incidents such as extreme weather conditions, flight alterations, or accommodation issues. Please be aware that treks impacted by these events are non-refundable. Obtaining travel insurance is deemed mandatory for trek participation, and we urge all guests to secure a comprehensive policy covering the entire duration of their specific trek, as well as all travel arrangements to and from our designated destinations, whether within Australia or Overseas.
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Treks are limited and passenger numbers are restricted to allow for a personalised experience. ​​​
Step into the Outback:
10% Reduced Rate for Bushwalkers and 20% Discount for Return Trekkers
Explore 2025 Pricing once dates are listed: Click on Each Booking Tab for Details
5 Day Journeys in Outback Australia
Arriving Friday - Departing Tuesday
Trekking Guests and Terrain on Treks: Camel Treks Australia offers personalised treks in the Outback of South Australia, starting from the Clayton Station Wetlands 'Off The Birdsville Track' and extending into the lower section of the Tirari Desert's gentle sloping sand dunes. Treks are limited and passenger numbers are restricted to allow for a personalised experience with a maximum of 4 Riders, 4 Bush Walkers and 2 Cameleer Experience participants. ​​​ overnight camps are vast and there is limitless space for privacy and silence.
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Skilled Cameleers on Treks: Our Camel Trek experience is carefully curated to showcase the diverse landscape of this arid desert zone, which can features significant birdlife, flora, and fauna. A team of four or more experienced Cameleers, trained in outdoor education and eco guiding, cares, and cooks for you throughout the trek. Equipped with navigation skills and purpose-built trekking gear, they share their cameleer husbandry skills along the way.
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Vehicle Backup on Treks: Vehicle backup operates unobtrusively in the shadows, ready to be called upon if needed. Otherwise, trekkers reconnect with the vehicles each late afternoon to access their luggage, and for cameleers to prepare evening and breakfast meals.
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Pricing and Discounts: Experience a reduced rate as a bushwalker and benefit from a 20% discount as a return trekker by entering the code 'RETURN' during the booking process.
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Adelaide City, Return Charter
Optional extra with Stateliner Premier Coach Services and Complimentary Camel Treks Australia's service:
The optional extra Stateliner Premier Coach Service return transfer from Adelaide City in South Australia departs from The Adelaide Central Bus Station 85 Franklin St, Adelaide South Australia 5000. Ph: (08) 8415 5555 and offers comfort and quickness of arrival into Port Augusta City, specifically to be dropped off and meeting Cameleers at the Port Augusta East - Puma Service Station.
These optional extra tickets need to be managed by guests and can be booked directly with the Stateliner Premier Coach Service. Currently, Stateliner Premier Coach Service offers seats priced from $31.40 AUD for pensioners and seniors card holders and full fare from $62.80 AUD. Upon arrival into Port Augusta, a complimentary return transfer from the Port Augusta East - Puma Service Station is provided. This transfer utilises all-terrain four-wheel-drive vehicles with closed luggage trailers, driven by Camel Treks Australia's experienced off-road driving staff.
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Stateliner Premier Coach Service​
Arrival: Embark on your journey on Friday morning from The Adelaide Central Bus Station at 85 Franklin St, Adelaide, South Australia, with the Stateliner Premier Coach Service departing at 8:25 am. Arrive at Port Augusta East - Puma Service Station by 12:54 noon. A representative from Camel Treks Australia will be on hand to welcome your arrival and assist with your luggage. Subsequently, you'll be transferred to the Clayton Station Wetlands in one of our four-wheel-drive vehicles, traversing the picturesque Flinders Ranges and Marree township. It is from Marree that we arrive at the southern end of the famous Birdsville Track, and journey 50kms north east to Clayton Station, which is a diverse landscape of approximately one thousand square miles.
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Departure: On Tuesday morning, Camel Treks Australia Cameleers will help with your luggage, transferring you from Clayton Station Wetlands. Expect a 5 hour journey to Port Augusta East - Puma Service Station for the 3.47pm departure coach service from Port Augusta East - Puma Service Station to the Adelaide Central Bus Station, Adelaide City, South Australia, arriving at 8.15pm.
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NOTE: Kindly avoid purchasing food or coffee upon arrival at the Puma Service Station. We aim to depart promptly and will make stops at cafes in Quorn and Hawker for lunch. Camel Treks Australia will provide the evening meal. On the return journey, we will once again visit townships with cafes, and upon arriving in Port Augusta, there will be time for lunch at a local cafe before boarding for Adelaide City.
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Contact: For inquiries or reservations, you can reach Stateliner Premier Coach Service by phone at 1300 851 345 or via email at reservations@premierstateliner.com.au. Direct bookings can also be conveniently made online through their website at Stateliner Premier Coach Service.
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Arriving earlier or linger longer in Adelaide City: The City has a range of accommodation and experiences which can be found via the South Australia Tourism Commission.​
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Self-Driving: If you choose self-driving to Clayton Station guests can meet us in the evening at the Clayton Station Wetlands Camping grounds, located opposite the Clayton Station Homestead.
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Guests can easily self-drive in standard 2-wheel drive vehicles, provided they have high ground clearance for the final 50 km of dirt road on the Birdsville Track from Marree township to Clayton Station. Many guests have split the 7 hour 50 minute drive into two days, staying overnight at the halfway point Hawker Township region—perhaps visit Wilpena Pound and overnight at Merna Mora Station, conveniently located off the main road for an effortless start the next day.
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Self-drivers are welcome to arrive at Clayton Station Wetlands before our arrival, which serves as our first night's camp for all Camel Treks Australia journeys in 2024. We kindly request that you review the Outback Roads website before departure. It's important for self-drivers to be aware that road and weather conditions can rapidly vary in the Outback, with frequent crossings of native animals and station stock on the roads; we recommend avoiding driving at dawn and dusk. Additionally, self-driving guests should ensure they have a spare tyre, an adequate supply of drinking water, and confidence in the mechanical reliability of their vehicles. Please note that mechanical services and towing services from the Northern Flinders onwards are limited and costly. Now might be a good time to check your RAA or equivalent membership.
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Self-driving guests can arrive at The Clayton Station Wetlands Camping Ground anytime in the afternoon. However, please note that the Camel Treks Australia crew will likely not arrive until 6 pm onwards and will provide a late evening meal. If you arrive earlier, feel free to enjoy the hot tub and showers. For navigation, we recommend setting your GPS to Clayton Station, Birdsville Track, or Marree in South Australia (postcode 5733). Follow the Birdsville Track from Marree to reach Clayton Station, approximately 50 km from Marree.
Explore Marree Township before navigating the 50-kilometre dirt road of the Birdsville Track to reach the Clayton Station Wetlands Campground. Upon the arrival of our Cameleers, they will guide you in safely parking your car, caravan, or trailer for the duration of your trek.
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To avoid confusion, we request early arrivals to wait for cameleers at the Clayton Station Wetlands Campground instead of proceeding to the busy working Station base at the Clayton Station Homestead. Please be aware that we will be in transit with guests arriving on the above mentioned bus schedule, with an expected 5 - 6 hour transit depending on road conditions and wildlife activity.
April 2025
"Embark on a sensory journey through the lower Tirari Desert on our exclusive 5-day Outback journey. Delight your palate with camp oven-cooked damper bread, wholesome meals, and divine desserts, savoured in the magnetic glow of the desert campfire. Connect with fellow travellers as stories unfold against the backdrop of the vast Outback. Witness the desert's magical transformation at sunset, the rejuvenating beauty of sunrise, and the celestial spectacle of the night sky, unveiling the wonders of the Milky Way Galaxy. Camel riding over the undulating dunes offer a unique perspective of this endless landscape. Join us for an odyssey that promises to captivate your senses."
April 2025
"Escape to the lower Tirari Desert on our 5-day Outback journey, where cameleers aim to delights and celestial wonders converge. Indulge in the camp oven-cooked damper bread, hearty meals, and decadent sweets, shared beneath the twinkling desert stars. Around the campfire, tales come alive, fostering camaraderie and creating cherished memories. Immerse yourself in the desert's kaleidoscope of colours at sunset, the tranquil beauty of sunrise, and the cosmic display of the night sky, revealing the splendours of the Milky Way Galaxy. Camel riding over the soft dunes provides an intimate encounter with this expansive landscape. Join us for an adventure that promises to ignite your senses and energise.
A typical day on our camel trek unfolds with a serene rhythm:
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Morning Delights: Begin with hot tea or coffee 1 hour after sunrise
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Breakfast Bounty: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast amid the picturesque surroundings.
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Camel Moments: Capture the beauty of camels grazing in the morning light.
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Guest Engagement: Join in as guests are welcome to assist with camel care.
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Saddling Up: Observe or participate as cameleers prepare camels for the day's journey.
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Scenic Walk: Set out for a walk with camels, cameleers, and fellow guests.
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Midday Pause: Take a break for lunch halfway to the next campsite.
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Camp Arrival: Reach a new campsite in the late afternoon.
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Unsaddling Ritual: Join the process of removing saddles and blankets from camels.
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Evening Atmosphere: Experience the magic of evenings with campfires, stories, and new friendships.
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Guest Participation: Choose your level of involvement, from observing to hands-on engagement.
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Hot Soak: At certain campsites a relaxing wash in the hot Artesian Basin waters is possible.
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The trek's unhurried pace ensures you savour every moment of this unique holiday adventure. Each morning offers opportunities to witness and participate in the saddle-fitting process, fostering a deeper connection with the camels and the trek experience.
With an average daily trek of 8-15kms, there's ample time for exploration, relaxation, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Outback. Morning activities commence at sunrise, allowing guests to appreciate the tranquil light and enjoy a leisurely start to their day.
Whether you're an early riser or prefer a bit more sleep, our camel trek accommodates your pace for an enriching and memorable experience.
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DAY 1. Transfer Day and Arrival at the Clayton Station Wetlands Campground
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If you have opted for the additional service departing Adelaide at 8:25 am on Friday with the Stateliner Premier Coach Service from the Adelaide Central Bus Station, our Cameleers will welcome you at the Port Augusta Regional City, specifically at the Port Augusta East - Puma Service Station, at 12:54 noon.
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Our goal is to depart promptly, and along the journey, we'll make stops at cafes in the Quorn and Hawker townships for refreshments and lunch. We'll provide frequent toilet breaks and pauses at notable locations en-route, taking you through the picturesque Flinders Ranges and Outback. A highlight stop will be the camel historic township of Marree, where you can explore camel memorabilia and, perhaps, enjoy a drink at the old Marree Hotel showcasing regional Gin creations. It is from Marree that we arrive at the southern end of the famous Birdsville Track, and journey 50kms north east to Clayton Station, which is a diverse landscape of approximately one thousand square miles.
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Upon arrival at the Clayton Station Wetlands Campground, our staff will assist you in setting up our brand new Darche luxury King-Size Swags and preparing the communal, natural, rejuvenating hot water artesian basin spa-sized outdoor tub, ideal for relaxation under the stars on your first night in the Outback. If the tub isn't to your liking, we can highly recommend the relaxing artesian showers. While you enjoy, our Cameleers will prepare a delicious evening meal for you to savour under the clear night sky.
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Day 2. Cameleers Rise Early for Your First Day of Trekking
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Early in the morning, our Cameleers rise to prepare hot coffee and tea, setting up the breakfast/lunch tent with an array of options to cater to all tastes. As a group, we pack up and transfer to locate the camels deeper on Clayton Station. Observe as we muster the camels, halter them, apply lead ropes, and feel free to become as hands-on as you'd like, brushing, blanketing, and saddling the camels before we embark on a full day's trek, covering typically between 10-15kms before setting up camp along the Clayton Creek.
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The trees along the creek-line are teeming with birdlife, dingoes are regularly spotted, and the colours of the sunset never fail to disappoint. Once our Cameleers have completed their camel tasks, they set about lighting the evening campfire, boiling the billy, and preparing the evening meal, which frequently includes making damper breads with main meals and sweet puddings for dessert.
May 2025
"Embark on a 5-day Outback journey through the expansive lower Tirari Desert. Indulge your taste buds with camp oven-cooked damper bread, hearty meals, and delectable sweet puddings under the vast desert sky. Gather around the campfire for stories and laughter, creating unforgettable memories in the heart of the Outback. Experience the desert's changing hues at sunset, the breathtaking brilliance of sunrise, and the crystal-clear night sky revealing the Milky Way Galaxy and beyond. Join us for an adventure that engages all your senses and guides you through a very grounded world."
May 2025
"Immerse yourself in the magic of the lower Tirari Desert with our exclusive 5-day Outback journey. Savour the unique flavours of camp oven-cooked damper bread, wholesome meals, and delightful sweet treats, shared under the celestial dome of the desert night. Enveloped by the warmth of the campfire, stories come alive, creating bonds that last a lifetime. Witness the desert's kaleidoscope of colours at sunset, the ethereal beauty of sunrise, and the enchanting night sky showcasing the Milky Way Galaxy. Camel riding over gentle dunes completes this extraordinary Outback journey."
August 2025
"Discover the allure of the lower Tirari Desert on our 5-day Outback journey, where culinary delights meet celestial wonders. Feast on camp oven-cooked damper bread, hearty meals, and luscious desserts around the campfire, forging connections and sharing joy in the desert's embrace. Marvel at the desert's vibrant palette at sunset, the ethereal glow of sunrise, and the stargazing spectacle of the night sky, revealing the mysteries of the Milky Way Galaxy. Riding camels over the gentle sand dunes adds a touch of adventure to this immersive journey. Join us for an expedition that promises a symphony of senses with the cameleers and camels."
DAY 3:
We journey deeper into the parallel sand dunes of the Tirari Desert, observing their increasing height as we venture northward. There are varying distances between the dunes, separated by the inter-dune flats. The dune ridge-tops stretch across hundreds of kilometers, punctuated by salt lakes and immense sand formations running from north to south. Situated in the eastern reaches of South Australia's Far North, the Tirari Desert encompasses part of the Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park, with Lake Eyre North to its west.
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The Tirari Desert hosts a diverse range of flora and fauna. Sandhill canegrass and sandhill wattle dominate the dune crests and mobile slopes, while varied grasses thrives on stable slopes and sandy corridors. Sparse shrublands of acacia, and eremophila are common on dune flanks, with saltbush and bluebush found in swales and interdune flats. Coolibah woodlands can be found flourishing around good rainfall catchment areas and floodplains.
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Among the threatened and vulnerable species in the Tirari Desert are the Crest-tailed mulgara, dusky hopping mouse, fawn hopping-mouse, grey falcon, and woma python. A night walk with head torch is worthwhile. Finally the Australian Dingo is at home here and it is not uncommon to see them and hear their unique howl. They pose us no threat, but do tuck your shoes away at night!
September 2025
"Embark on a 5-day Outback journey through the lower Tirari Desert, where culinary delights and celestial spectacles await. Tantalise your taste buds with camp oven-cooked damper bread, hearty meals, and delightful desserts, enjoyed around the warm glow of the desert campfire. Share laughter and stories, forging connections that linger long after the journey ends. Witness the lower Tirari Desert's captivating transformation at sunset, the serene beauty of sunrise, and the celestial ballet of the night sky, revealing the wonders of the Milky Way Galaxy. Camel riding over the soft sand dunes offers a quiet, yet adventurous experience to this exclusive journey. Join us for an expedition that promises a blend of flavours, camaraderie, and vistas."
Day 4: A Full Day of Desert Adventure
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Cameleers rise early to kindle the fire, boiling the eco billy for authentic coffee and offering an assortment of teas. Inside the kitchen tent, they prepare provisions for breakfast and lunch, providing a diverse selection to choose from. Early risers are welcomed to join the Cameleers in preparing the camels for the day ahead.
Depending on the wind direction, our journey will take us either north or south, ultimately leading us to the southern end of the Tirari Desert—a hidden gem accessible only through private lands such as Clayton Station.
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The Tirari Desert: An Enigmatic Landscape
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The Tirari Desert, part of the Simpson–Strzelecki dune fields bioregion, lies within the complex desert country of northeastern South Australia, flanked by the Simpson Desert to the north and the Sturt Stony and Strzelecki deserts to the east. Covering 15,000 square kilometres entirely within South Australia, the Tirari Desert is a unique ecosystem.
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The Cooper Creek winds through the northern Tirari Desert, fostering a corridor of coolibah shrubland. Salt lakes and north-to-south sand dunes dominate the landscape, covered with canegrass and sparse acacia shrubland. Sandhill canegrass and sandhill wattle grace the dune crests and slopes, while hard spinifex thrives on stable slopes and sandy corridors between dunes.
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Sparse, tall shrubland of acacia, eremophila, and grevillea dots the dune flanks, with saltbush and bluebush found in swales and interdune flats. Occasional crossings of floodplains and gibber plains—desert pavements covered with closely packed, interlocking rock fragments—add diversity to the terrain.
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After rainfall, Gibber plains transform into short-lived herb-fields of ephemeral grasses, chenopods, or daisies. The Tirari Desert, like the Simpson Desert, is characterised by predominantly north–south-oriented parallel longitudinal dunes. Smaller areas of transverse and reticulate dunes appear near river and creek systems. Tirari's dunes, though sharing characteristics with those further north, are generally lower, shorter in length, more closely spaced, and closely associated with clay pans and salt lakes.
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This day provides trekking guests with a genuine sense of Australia's arid desert environment, one that the camels effortlessly glide over with ease and enjoyment.
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Day 5. Goodbye to Camels, Tirari Desert and Return Transfers
The return journey to Port Augusta from Clayton Station, off the Birdsville Track, is an adventure in itself. We start our day early, with the option to refresh in the hot artesian showers or indulge in a soak in the hot tub. After packing our bags and enjoying breakfast, we set out along the Birdsville Track, immersing ourselves in the picturesque landscapes of the Outback, Far North and Central Flinders Ranges.
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If time allows, we make a stop at The Maree Oasis Cafe, where you can purchase souvenirs to remember this unique region. We also visit the Aboriginal Ochre Pits before pausing for lunch at The Flinders Cafe in Hawker. Our journey continues via Quorn, winding our way back to Port Augusta.
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While goodbyes may be bittersweet, the memories we've shared will last a lifetime.
Before booking your camel trek, we ask you to thoroughly read our BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS, which include our Privacy Policy, Refunds Policy, and Terms of Use.
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Please understand that Camel Treks Australia operates in remote landscapes across Australia, Mongolia, India, and Morocco, where good general fitness is a requirement for attendance. It is vital that all individuals booking a trek meet the outlined criteria. We take all due care to communicate the fitness standards necessary for participation, and we reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone whose health may be compromised. If you are experiencing discomfort, injured, or unwell, we kindly ask that you refrain from participating in particular activities. In certain cases, a letter of medical support may be required, especially for conditions outlined in our BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS.
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It is your responsibility to inform the cameleers of any injuries or health issues each time you participate in a camel trekking day or any associated international journey. Additionally, we expect all prospective guests to fully disclose their medical history and conditions, confirming that no information has been withheld.
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Camel Treks Australia indemnifies our cameleers, staff, and all associated persons, including the owners of Clayton Station, during the facilitation of any Australian camel trek or international journey. Your honesty and transparency regarding your health are essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
