Here are some of the questions we are commonly asked about our tours, along with their answers. If you have any question for which you can’t find an answer, please use the live chat service at the bottom of any page to chat with one of our friendly customer service staff, or you can contact us by other means.
Eco-tourism, short for ecological tourism, is a form of travel that focuses on visiting natural areas while minimising environmental impact, supporting conservation efforts, and benefiting local communities. It’s about fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.
Environmentally Responsible Travel
Eco-tourism emphasises sustainable practices to reduce carbon footprints, such as using renewable energy, minimising waste, and conserving water. It avoids activities that harm ecosystems or wildlife.
Respect for Local Cultures
Eco-tourism promotes cultural sensitivity and engagement with indigenous or local communities. It encourages travellers to learn about and respect local traditions, customs, and lifestyles.
Economic Benefits for Local Communities
It prioritises hiring local guides, using locally-owned accommodations, and purchasing goods and services from local businesses. This helps stimulate the local economy and create sustainable livelihoods.
Education and Awareness
Eco-tourism often includes educational components, such as guided nature walks, wildlife spotting, or cultural tours, to raise awareness about environmental and cultural issues.
SA Eco Tours is operated by Mick Murdoch, who has been involved in South Australian tourism for almost 40 years. Mick is a member of the Australian Tourism Export Council and and is a National Parks and Wildlife Service Licensed Tour Operator. SA Eco Tours is certified by Eco-Tourism Australia and is an accredited Australian Tourism Business.
If you are booking online, the booking system should prompt you for all required information. If you are booking via email or phone, please make sure that you provide your email address and the contact phone number you will be using in Australia.
Tours depart initially from the Adelaide Central Bus Station, at the corner of Franklin Street and Bowen Street, Adelaide. If you will be meeting the tour group here, please arrive by 7:30 am.
We are also able to pick you up from your hotel, provided that it is located within the Adelaide central business district (CBD). If you would prefer this, please make sure you let us know at the time of booking or soon after. We make hotel pickups between 7:45 am and 8:30 am.
We will arrive back at the Adelaide Central Bus Station between 4:30pm and 6:00pm on the last day of your tour. We are also able to drop you off at your hotel as long as it’s located within the Adelaide central business district (CBD).
We have two main vehicles, and which one is used on a tour will depend primarily on the number of passengers booked.
For larger tours (up to 8 passengers total), we use a customised Toyota HiAce Commuter SLWB, specially modified for our outback needs.
For smaller groups (up to 4 passengers total), we use a luxury, late-model 4WD vehicle.
Please follow the following requirements:
Please email us at info@saecotours.com.au (including your name, tour and tour departure date) and let us know of any dietary requirements that need to be taken into consideration.
There are no longer any special requirements or travel restrictions related to COVID-19.
All optional extras must be booked through SA Eco Tours after booking your tour and before your tour departs. You can do this by emailing us at info@saecotours.com.au. Please include details of which tour you are booked on, your tour departure date and the extra activity in which you are interested. If you are booking a scenic flight, please include the body weights of anyone who will be flying, as we are required to pass that on to the flight provider.
Single accommodation is for a single adult passenger travelling alone. This provides you with a room to yourself.
Double/Twin Share accommodation is for two adult passengers travelling together and sharing a room. A double arrangement provides you with one larger bed shared between two people, while a twin share arrangement provides you with two separate single beds, one per person. If you book this option, please advise whether you require a double or a twin share arrangement.
Some tours also offer triple-share and quad-share options:
Triple-share accommodation provides you with some combination of bedding suitable for three adults sharing a room. The exact bed arrangements may differ depending on accommodation available.
Quad-share accommodation provides you with some combination of bedding suitable for four adults sharing a room. The exact bed arrangements may differ depending on accommodation available.
Child accommodation is for a child travelling with one or more adults and sharing a room with them. A child cannot travel alone; this option must be selected along with at least one of the adult accommodation options.
Payment terms will depend on how you’re booking, how you’re paying and how far in advance of your departure date you’re booking.
Booking online (via our website) requires full payment upfront. There’ll also be a service fee (charged by our booking platform) and you’ll also need to pay a small card fee if you are paying by credit card.
Booking direct (via phone or email) not only gives you personalised service but also allows you to save money. Here you’ll need to pay 30% of your tour cost upfront to secure the booking and the remainder at least 60 days before departure (or if you’re booking less than 60 days before your departure date, you’ll need to pay the full amount upfront). There will be a 1.5% fee for credit card payments but no fee if you elect to pay via EFT/direct deposit.
Payment methods available will depend on how you’re booking.
If you’re booking online (through our website) you can pay via credit card, EFT/direct deposit, PayPal, Google Pay or Apple Pay. Paying by credit card will attract a 2.5% card processing fee.
If you’re booking direct (via phone or email) you can pay via credit card, EFT/direct deposit, or PayPal. Paying by credit card will atract a 1.5% card processing fee.
You can make payment arrangements by emailing us at admin@saecotours.com.au or by calling Mick on 0417 830 533.
Small group and private charter South Australian outback 4WD eco tours.
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