This is a broad-based designation applicable to most tours. These programs consist of groups of people traveling together with guides for the duration of the trip. Guides provide travelers with information about all the sights and points of interest they visit... (Typically, the same guide will stay with the group throughout the entire tour).

For the most part, all travelers on a particular tour will stay in the same type of accommodations, use the same form of transportation, and follow the same itinerary. The majority of escorted tours include most meals, although it varies by tour company... but remember, Australia and its outback is huge you can expect standards to vary a good deal, especially if your tour visits remote areas.

While most escorted tours have set departure dates and itineraries, many of them provide some free time for travelers to explore on their own.

You will travel in a specialized air-conditioned coach designed for outback conditions, towing a special trailer equipped with kitchen, fresh water and all the necessary camping gear.

You will overnight in a variety of campgrounds from wilderness bush camps to 5 star caravan parks; you stay at hotels in the major cities... These tours are fully escorted and will always include an experienced driver and safari cook and often an experienced tour director.

One driver, and a small, mixed group of around 12 passengers together in a 4WD bus, Oka, LWB Land Cruiser Troopcarrier or similar specialised all-terrain vehicle will make up your tour group... Tours can be from 3 days to 3 weeks, and visit some of Australia's more spectacular scenery... you travel deep into the outback and go where conventional coaches cannot travel.

These 'off-the-beaten-track' trips are designed for the more adventurous traveler looking for a true bush experience rather than just another sightseeing tour... The tours are usually fully catered with tents and food towed behind in a trailer or packed onto roof racks. You are generally accompanied by a driver/guide and a safari cook, and will overnight in everything from outback bush camps to quality caravan parks.

The advantage of this type of tour is that you don't do the driving, don't need any special equipment, and you have great socialising opportunities.

These are fully escorted, self-drive 4WD trips (tours) in your own or a hired 4WD vehicle... You travel as part of a small group in a convoy led by an expert guide. Previous off-road experience is not necessary and you can generally chose either self-catering or a fully catered trip.

The advantage of this type of trip is that you travel in the comfort of your own vehicle, but at the same time you are able to count on the experience of your guide. Your guide will also provide or look after:

• emergency first aid kit
• assistance and equipment for vehicle recovery and puncture repair
• assistance with minor mechanical repairs
• national park fees, desert passes and permits
• tour route and maps

And for those still learning 4WD skills, you'll get hands-on training as you enjoy your trip... Distances covered can vary, but generally you cover about 300km (190 miles) per day on a combination of approved bitumen, sand and dirt tracks, with each vehicle being provided with a UHF (CB) radio. In addition, the escort vehicle will often carry an EPIRB (electronic positioning indicating radio beacon) a Royal Doctor Service radio and satellite phone.

This is where the tour operator takes you in his own 4WD vehicle, so there's usually a limit of 4-6 passengers... This type of tour can be highly personalised and would appeal to a family or close friends wanting to experience the Australian outback. It is very "up close and personal."

The "ultimate experience" offers you travel in style and comfort aboard an exclusive, and specially appointed aircraft... The beauty of the private aircraft is that you are able to view the landscape below from a birds eye perspective... and combine spectacular aerial sightseeing with fascinating ground tours. These tours allow you to see a lot of Australia in a very short time.

Each journey is limited to a small party of discerning travelers who have an interest in the natural and environmental highlights of each destination as well as the cultural and historic ones... Air cruising is a wonderful concept, which allows you to spend less time traveling and more time exploring.

The diversity of Aboriginal culture comes from the 40,000 - 60,000 years it took to develop - whether it is distinctive Aboriginal art or the music and dance these tours bring to you some of the cultural and living experience of Australia's Indigenous people. Whether you choose to cruise the East Alligator River or seek a "hands on" outback tour in Arnhem Land, or walk in the shadow of Uluru (Ayers Rock). Your aboriginal guide will introduce you to the area's history and culture... this type of holiday gives you the opportunity to meet, talk to and learn from the traditional inhabitants of Australia.

Experiencing and learning about Aboriginal culture and traditions is an ever increasing draw card to Australia, and authentic Aboriginal tours are set to become a "must do" for all travelers, from all nations... whether you are a backpacker or someone who likes their creature comforts.

These tours attract those who prefer not to travel in a group with an accompanying escort, preferring a more independent style of traveling...but enjoying the security of knowing where the night will be spent.

You organise your own transport, but have the flexibility to join scheduled tours with a different group of people each time. Local guides will often be arranged for sightseeing tours, day trips or travel activities. These tours are generally more leisurely, allowing you more time to pursue special interests, with the flexibility to further explore areas of special appeal.