Sept. 10th to Sept. 17th 2011

FAQ.....

• How much does it cost? – The minimum requirement to enter the Tour is $4300 per vehicle. This is made up of a $500 (including GST) deposit and $3800 of donations. In addition, another $495 per crewmember is required. These donations are tax deductible.

• How do I go about getting that money? – Most entrants use the traditional methods of fundraising dinners, approaches to sponsors/supporters. Other ideas are in the Tour Entrants Booking Guide, included in the information disc posted upon receipt of an official entry.

• Any other costs? – The only other costs for the Tour are meal monies (generally around $825 incl. GST per person). You will need to cover your own expenses for accommodation, fuel, beverages and repairs. For a Holden sized car, about $1,500 will cover the fuel for a return journey.

• How long does the Tour last? – The Tour generally starts on a Saturday and finishes on the following Saturday week. This may increase by one or two days depending on where the final destination has been set.

• Is the Tour a Race or Rally? – No, the Tour is a fun and social event that is ‘A drive in the outback with a few mates’. It allows you to get away from the hassles of work and have an interesting and sociable time checking out the scenery and hospitality of the outback. You'll also be helping needy and disadvantaged kids using the Learning & Life Centre.

• What sort of car can I use? – The car or truck must be older than 1979. In addition, regular 4wd's are accepted as long as they agree to support a '2WD' vehicle. Also, an attractively themed vehicle or vehicle deemed to have publicity value for the event, regardless of the age, may be accepted at the Tour organisers discretion. At all times consult the Tour Organiser before purchasing a vehicle.

• What modifications are allowed? – You can modify the vehicle to increase strength (some modifications are recommended and/or compulsory) but may not be modified for greatly increased performance.

• Do I need to be able to fix the car myself if something goes wrong? – Not necessarily. The organisers provide Mobile Workshops whose job it is to repair cars along the side of the road. If you are in a town with a mechanical workshop, it’s your responsibility to get the car fixed there.

• How many crew can I take? - The minimum is two (for obvious reasons) and the maximum is four or the legal seating capacity (buses are restricted to 6 people). Holden’s, Falcons & Valiants may be more comfortable with a crew of three, whereas a Chev, Pontiac or Galaxie can accommodate four more comfortably.

• Is the route & destination the same each year? – No, the route & destination change each year. The Event Director tries to pick interesting and desirable locations for the route & destination each year.

• What about safety? – Safety is our primary focus. All cars are tracked during the day by officials, who are in contact via HF radio and satellite phone with a central command post. The Tour has its own team of paramedics and has full contact with RFDS & local authorities. No entrant will be left behind.

• What about meals? – The Tour organisers arrange for local organisations to cater for the entrants. You will receive three meals a day on the Tour as well as entry to the final presentation dinner and any side tours that have been organised. The local caterers, be they CWA or P&C, will be running a bar at each dinner location. Entertainment is usually provided every third night from local bands or other entertainers.

• What about accommodation on the Tour? – Hotel/Motel accommodation can be scarce or non-existent along the Tour route. Entrants should be prepared to camp at least a few nights. In these instances, the organisers arrange for the use of the local footy oval or similar, so toilet/shower facilities will be available.

• Are there any prizes or awards? – The only serious prizes or awards are for fundraising. There are Mega Hero, Super Hero, Everyday Hero & Hero awards for various levels of achievements. All other awards are humorous – such as the NANA award (Not A Navigators A#$%hole or most geographically displaced - assuming they make it to the finish), or the 'Rusty Nuts' award (most mechanical breakdowns).

• Is bribing compulsory (I’ve heard of thousand dollar bribes on other events just to cross a bridge)? – Bribing is not a usual part of the Tour. Some local communities may run a raffle or similar at the meals for a gold coin, but this is the only time you may be asked for extra donations.

• What do I do now? – Complete the entry form and attach the registration fee of $500 (GST included) and forward it to the Tour organiser.

• Fundraising and Costs? – Fundraising dollars cannot be used to fund your costs in the Tour. Fundraising cannot cover meals, accommodation and costs of your car.