Based in Western Australia, Global Gypsies have been successfully running small group tours across Australia and overseas for more than 20 years. Their nature-based treks are popular with tourists and locals, combining a real sense of adventure with a fabulous historical insight of the area, wrapped up in a safe and enjoyable package that just about anyone fully equipped can enjoy.

They also offer professional training in four-wheel driving (Super in Sand and Best in Bush), towing (including a DVD) and tour guiding.

However, if ever the Global Gypsies’ motto ‘Independent, but not alone’ has the most relevance, it’s with their award-winning Australian Tag-along Tours. Participants experience the best of both worlds here, with independence and comfort coming from exploring in your own 4WD plus confidence and security coming from being a part of a small convoy led by expert guide Jeremy Perks. He has extensive 4WD and tour guide experience, is a qualified mechanic, holds a remote area first-aid certificate and possesses in-depth knowledge of the wild Outback regions.

“Our enthusiastic participants get to explore securely and safely while being looked after and enjoying extraordinary experiences,” said General Manager Jan Barrie. “Many have done a lot of travelling but not in 4WDs.”

These various unique tours are ideal for novices and more experienced 4WDers alike, with the added benefit of improving your four-wheel driving skills under Jeremy’s proven guidance. “Newcomer confidence grows from about a one or two at the start to about an eight by the end of the tour,” said Jan. Covering about 250km of WA’s rugged Outback each day, the catered and self-catered tours are the ideal way to see the state’s unique flora and fauna. “We are very eco-based, highlighting exquisite nature and things like Aboriginal rock art – the four-wheel drives are just a means to get there,” said Jan.

The exhilarating journeys take you through rugged and remote WA Outback locations like the Canning Stock Route, Holland Track, the Great Australian Bight, Rudall River and the Tracks of Len Beadell, who is known as ‘the last true Australian explorer’. These adventurous Outback tours provide a challenging opportunity to explore WA and have fun while learning about its remarkable history.

“More and more Australians are retiring early these days to explore our great outdoors,” said Jan. “Our loyal customer base is generally aged 40-plus and they keep coming back to experience the different tours.”

Safety is of the highest standard, with the latest gadgets connecting all 4WDs, with constant communication via two-way radio. Prior to heading out on most tours, Global Gypsies host a comprehensive Pre-Departure Workshop to enable participants to meet each other, cover itinerary, preparation, essentials and to answer any queries.

“Our workshops relate to a particular trip and we talk about what’s ahead – like a pre-brief,” said Jan. Vehicle inspections are also undertaken and Pre-Departure Kits handed out. Global Gypsies will arrange a 4WD and/or two-way radio if you don’t have your own. “It’s essential to be fully equipped and fully prepared,” said Jan. “There’s so much that goes into each trip and all vehicles are different.”

The Tag-along Tours traverse approved bitumen, sand and dirt tracks but also offer convoy-style safaris for caravans and motor homes that stick to just the sealed stuff. “Those with no experience won’t suit all of our tours,” said Jan.

To take part in a tour you’ll need a robust 4WD, vehicle mounted two-way radio, spare tyres/wheels and camping gear or off-road camper trailer (if appropriate). Overnight camping fees, permits and entry fees to national parks are arranged by Global Gypsies and included in the price. They also bring a large marquee for protection from the rain and sun when you’re kicking back or enjoying the 1000-star dining, which is catered on some tours. Under the stars is also where you’ll be sleeping. Caravan parks and camping grounds have hot showers and toilet facilities. Bush camps offer a solar shower and bush loo. The caravan/motorhome safaris usually involve stays at powered sites.

The company is environmentally conscious by sticking to approved tracks and are licensed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions along with the Department of Transport. They also hold national accreditation with Tourism Council Australia. “We were the first tag-along company in WA to develop our own environmental policy,” said Jan. “We advocate being environmentally friendly when four-wheel driving and preach cleaning up after ourselves, with a focus on hygiene.”

Enjoy iconic destinations and attractions in remote areas as you Explore the Outback – Independent, but not alone. For more information or to make a booking visit globalgypsies.com.au or phone 08 9341 6727. Please note that a non-refundable 10 per cent deposit is required upon booking.

WA Heritage and Homesteads Tour

A little bit shorter with a little more comfort. A relaxed 11-day Outback experience through WA’s Midwest and Goldfields. Beginning in Merredin and finishing near Yalgoo. Explore the Helena Aurora Range, share an Indigenous cultural experience, marvel at Lake Ballard’s eerie sculptures, visit Hoover House and museum, relax at Niagara Dam and visit rustic towns as you learn their fascinating history.

Cost $1575 per vehicle.

Kennedy Ranges Expedition

Explore an ancient and remote pristine mountain range, where human contact outside of the tour is extremely unlikely. Beginning in Carnarvon, this catered tour provides a rolling dinner party under the stars each night, followed by storytelling around the campfire. It’s a pure Outback holiday experience with no phones, no hassle and no stress.

Robust 4WDs and sturdy camper trailers only, with 4WD tuition part of the package.

Cost is per person, made available at time of booking.

Canning Stock Route Expedition

Escorted along ‘the loneliest 4WD track in the world’ on this harsh, tough and challenging expedition. Explore this historic cattle route and its various wells. Side trips are made to assorted points of interest along this fascinating track. The tour begins in Wiluna and ends in Halls Creek, crossing several deserts and more than 1000 sand dunes over this 2000km/21-day experience filled with guided walks, stargazing, bush poetry readings and camp oven cooking.

Self-catering and only robust 4WDs. Planning and preparation is extremely important, including looking into your 4WD insurance. No pets or children under 16.

Cost $4400 per vehicle (2 people).

Tracks of Len Beadell Expedition

Retrace the historic tracks of Outback legend Len Beadell on this exciting and challenging 4WD expedition. Adventure across the Great Victoria Desert travelling from Kalgoorlie to Wiluna as you dissect the heart of Australia through Laverton, the Anne Beadell Highway to Neale Junction, the Connie Sue Highway to Warburton and the Gunbarrel Highway to Carnegie Station.Robust 4WDs and camper trailers only, as these ‘highways’ are rough and corrugated.

Cost $1980 per vehicle.

Dirk Hartog Island
‘Voluntour’ Science Safari

In conjunction with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, this hands-on eco-experience provides an opportunity to assist scientists and researchers with the island’s fragile ecosystem and help restore it to its former glory. Budding scientists will be trapping, processing and recording a range of native animals. There’s also plenty of free time to explore, fish, beachcomb and more. Partial proceeds are donated to DBCA for feral pest eradication and native species’ flourishment.

Cost $2475 per person + (special rate) barge fees.

Brilliant Bight

Join a small convoy on this 14-day safari from Kalgoorlie as you explore the rugged and magnificent southern coast to Albany. You’ll visit pristine WA beaches with endless white sand, impressive cliffs and beautiful oceans, staying in amazing campsites and facing challenging 4WD tracks. There’s loads of time to swim, bush-walk, fish and stargaze at night.

Cost is made available at the time of booking.

Rudall River Expedition

Explore one of the world’s few remaining ‘last frontiers’ in remote and rugged Rudall River/Karlamilyi. Australia’s second largest national park offers a pioneering journey covering Mount Augustus (WA’s version of Uluru) and the scenic magic of Kennedy Ranges. Scenery includes spinifex grass country, sandy deserts, Rudall River’s landmarks, rocky outcrops and salt plains, along with native flora and fauna, including 90 bird species. The Expedition begins in Newman and ends in Carnarvon. Robust 4WDs and camper trailers only.

Cost $2800 per person.

Holland Track Expedition

Drive yourself or travel as a passenger as you explore the historic track forged through the rugged bush by sandalwood cutter John Holland more than a century ago to help gold prospectors. Immerse yourself in fun pioneering nostalgia from Hyden to Coolgardie in this fully-catered five-day expedition perfect for newcomers to the 4WD experience and nature lovers alike.

Cost is made available at the time of booking.