April 2011

 

Gypsies cater for growing interest

WILD WEST NOW POPULAR

Intrepid Gypsies in the desert

Discovering remote Australia in safetyAdventurous travellers on a Global Gypsies safari

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AUSTRALIA'S 'Wild, Wild West' is seeing more and more four-wheel-drivers and caravanners busy exploring their own back yard – and it’s easy to understand why.

Western Australia has some of the most fabulous back-to-nature destinations in the world!

Perth-based tag-along tour operators and 4WD trainers Global Gypsies try to keep on top of consumer trends and adapt their products accordingly.

To reflect the growing interest in escorted caravan/motorhome safaris back at home, the Gypsies will lead one caravan tour through Karijini National Park in May and a second through the wildflower region in October.

There are also plenty of challenging self-drive experiences for dedicated 4WD enthusiasts.

The company pointed out that the advantage of joining a tag-along tour with Global Gypsies was that you’re independent but not alone.

Participants travel in a small convoy led by an expert guide with catering provided on most tours.

Award-winning convoy leader and guide Jeremy Perks, who is a director of Global Gypsies, is trained in remote area first aid, a qualified mechanic and an experienced bushman.

On most tours the Gypsies also provide quality catering thanks to experienced safari hostess Rebina Criddle, so the intrepid adventurers need not worry about food shopping, refrigeration or cooking.

And for those who don’t own their own 4WD, they can hire one and camping equipment at special rates.

Clients who want some driving or caravanning tuition before they leave home can also save $100 on a 4WD or towing training course if they book it with their tour.

In June, the Gypsies will explore the Kimberley region on an escorted, catered 16-day self-drive 4WD adventure taking in all the iconic hot spots.

Director Jan Barrie says that with all the media hype about the Kimberley over the past two years (not to mention 'THAT' movie), interest in this destination has been the highest ever and their annual Kimberley Explorer Tour was fully booked months in advance.

"Next year we’ll probably run two safaris beginning and ending in Broome to cope with customer demand," she said.

In July there will be a brand new 14-day Gypsy discovery tour through the desert – the Tracks of Len Beadell Expedition – starting in Kalgoorlie and ending in Wiluna and traversing the Anne Beadell Connie Sue and the Gun Barrel highways.

In August there’s the opportunity to join the Gypsies as they tackle 'the loneliest 4WD track in the world' – the Canning Stock Route.

Led by experienced tour leader Charlie Gilbert, this 20-day self-catering expedition will begin in Halls Creek and end in Wiluna.

The Canning is the ultimate 4WD challenge with over 2000 km of outback emptiness stretching endlessly across the desert, more than 900 steep sand dunes, no service stations, no shops and only minimal water and a few bush toilets.

The Gypsies will provide guidance and mechanical support and will coordinate permits, fuel stops and advise on food and water supplies.

"People wanting to explore the exciting remote areas of the Wild West safely and confidently should travel with an experienced, knowledgeable and reputable tour operator," Ms Barrie said.

For more details on tours or training, contact Global Gypsies on (08) 9341 6727 or click here

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