Embark on an unforgettable journey, packed with classic outback fun and lasting memories.

What is a tag-along 4x4 tour?

A tag-along tour is a guided off-road expedition where you drive your own 4WD vehicle (or a hired one – Ask us for recommendations) as part of a convoy following an experienced lead guide. Instead of riding as a passenger, you stay behind the wheel of your own rig while benefiting from the guide’s navigation, track assessment, safety support, and logistics.  You are responsible for your fuel and supplies unless otherwise noted. 

How does a tag-along tour work on the trail?

​​

• Lead Vehicle: The tour leader handles navigation, pacing, and obstacles from the front vehicle. The lead vehicle is armed with mapping, knowledge gained by experience and any permits for travel. Some of our tours are accompanied by two vehicles for extra support.
   

• The Convoy: Participants follow in single-file formation, keeping standard spacing and maintaining visual contact with vehicles ahead and behind. We ask that you keep your headlights on, travel at a steady pace and look out for the car behind you before making turns.
   

• Communication: Real-time track conditions, driver coaching such as selecting high/low range or picking lines, and local area facts (maybe the occasional dad joke...) are broadcast over UHF radio.
   

What are the main benefits of joining a tag-along tour verses travelling solo?

​​

• Safety & Support: Expert guides carry advanced recovery gear, satellite communications, and first-aid equipment including a snake bite kit for remote areas. We carry basic tools and equipment to all round assist with issues where we can.
   

• Recovery Assistance: If your vehicle gets bogged in sand, mud, or rocks, the leader assists with winches, snatch straps, or recovery tracks. The tour leader always coordinates the recoveries on tour. The lead vehicle does provide some recovery gear but it is always advised you carry your own for your travel prior to and after the tour.
   

• Skill Building: Beginners and intermediate drivers get hands-on experience and real-time coaching in a safe environment. Your guide is a qualified 4WD trainer and has trained thousands of people over the years from bare bones beginners to advanced.
   

• Hassle-Free Logistics: Route planning, national park permits, private land access, and campsite bookings are handled by the operator. What we do not organise but highly recommend is Travel Insurance!
   

And the best part – You will make friends and travelling companions to last a lifetime! It doesn't matter if you're travelling as a couple, a family a group or a single traveller there will always be a great time around the campfire (BYO Marshmallows)

Vehicle Setup & Equipment
 

What are the mandatory minimum requirements for my vehicle?

 

Total Overland Tours require four core setup items:
 

• 5-Watt UHF CB Radio: Fixed in-dash unit with an external antenna (a backup handheld in case of equipment failure is always a good idea) for convoy communication.
   

• All-Terrain or Mud-Terrain Tyres: Light Truck (LT) specification tyres with strong sidewalls and ample tread depth.

• Rated Recovery Points: Dedicated front and rear recovery points mounted directly to the chassis (standard factory tow eyes are not sufficient).
   

• Basic Recovery Gear: Rated snatch strap or kinetic rope, bow/soft shackles, gloves, and a shovel.
   

What extra modifications or gear are recommended for remote 4WD touring?

​​

• Air Intake Protection (Snorkel): Prevents water ingestion during river crossings and pulls cleaner air above convoy dust.
   

• Underbody & Front Protection: Bash plates to protect the sump and transmission, plus a rated bull bar for animal strike protection.
   

• Tyre Management: A 12V air compressor and tyre deflator for adjusting pressures across sand, mud, and corrugations.
   

• Load-Matched Suspension: Upgraded springs and shocks designed to handle full touring loads and rough tracks without sagging.
   

• Capacity Upgrades: Long-range fuel tanks, secondary water storage, and a certified Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) upgrade if carrying heavy gear.
   

Self-Sufficiency & Packing

How much water and food should I pack?

​​

• Water: Pack a minimum of 5 litres per person per day (7–8L in hot conditions), split across multiple tanks or jerry cans. Always carry a separate 2-day emergency reserve.
   

• Food: Fresh/frozen meals for the planned duration stored in a 12V fridge, plus 3 extra days of non perishable emergency food (canned goods, freeze-dried meals, high-calorie snacks) requiring minimal water to prepare. If you take medication make sure you bring extra days as well.
   

What spare parts and tools should I carry in my vehicle?

​​

• Spare Parts: Fuel filter, air filter, radiator hoses, serpentine belt, spare fuses, hose clamps, cable ties, tyre puncture repair kit, and 1–2L of vital fluids (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid) – As every vehicle is different you are required to bring these spares.
   

• Tools: Basic socket set, spanners, pliers, screwdrivers, vice grips, hammer, and a reliable tyre pressure gauge.
   

What emergency, health, and hygiene supplies are required?

​​

• First Aid: A remote-area first aid kit including trauma dressings, burn care, and a dedicated compression snake bite kit.
   

• Safety: A rated 1kg–2kg dry chemical fire extinguisher mounted accessibly in the cabin.
   

• Bush Hygiene: A long-handled shovel for digging bush toilets (to at least 15–20 cm depth), toilet paper, baby wipes, hand sanitiser, and heavy-duty rubbish bags to pack out all waste.
   

How do I sleep and navigate off-grid?

​​

• Shelter: A weather-appropriate swag, rooftop tent, ground tent, or vehicle sleeping setup paired with warm bedding for cold desert/inland nights. If you're like Wylie... you could be fine with a simple bed sheet. If you're like Tab then you probably should just shop the Ski gear when its on sale at Aldi.
   

• Navigation & Power: Downloaded offline maps (such as Hema or Gaia GPS) on a tablet/phone, backup paper maps, and a 12V dual-battery or portable power station setup to keep gear charged. While the lead vehicle takes care of mapping and route finding for the tour it is always advised to have these as a backup or to simply keep a record of your trip!

 

Check out our upcoming tours below: