Terms & Conditions – Simpson Desert Recovery Assurance

Anyone who is visiting the Simpson Desert with a capable fit for purpose 4 wheel drive road registered vehicle. You can also purchase cover for your motorbike.

We do accept Tour Operators but arrangements must be made directly with the Birdsville Hotel booking team.

Your nominated vehicle and up to five passengers within the recovery zone area. Our desert recovery truck can only carry 5 passengers maximum.

A minimum waiting period of 7 days from payment will be applied to all services included in package. The vehicle details cannot be amended once the package has started.

The waiting period may be waived if the package is purchased at The Birdsville Hotel in person.

Simpson Desert Recovery packages must be purchased before entering the Simpson Desert. If you are within 2 days of your arrival date you must contact us directly on 07 4656 3244 to purchase your package or do it in person at the Birdsville Hotel. Birdsville Hotel reserves the right to refuse a recovery and refund if the traveller has not checked in with the hotel via phone or at the hotel reception.

Where your nominated vehicle fails, as per the type of breakdowns we cover, once you have notified us of your breakdown our recovery crew will be dispatched as soon as possible. Your vehicle will then be recovered to Birdsville only. Please keep in mind, this is not a mobile mechanical repair service, this is a vehicle recovery service.

Following the recovery to Birdsville any repairs and further transportation are at your discretion and cost. Simpson Desert Recovery Assistance does not cover you for an Insurable Event and is not a substitute for motor vehicle insurance.

Wait times for recovery may vary and are dependent on vehicle location and prior recovery bookings. An estimated time of arrival will be given at the time of recovery assistance request.

Simpson Desert Recovery Packages are only valid for the period of 14 days and for the areas prescribed on the Recovery Zone map.

Vehicles are only covered while travelling on the specifically designated marked tracks within areas designated on the map provided at the time of purchase. If travelling on marked routes outside of the recovery zone and you experience a breakdown, we may be able to provide a recovery, but it will depend on your location and will be assessed on a case by case basis. Please understand that depending on your location, your recovery may be denied. Our primary focus is to provide recovery services to those who have purchased a recovery assistance package and are broken down within the recovery zone area.

All recoveries are back to Birdsville only.

Trailer towing is only provided if cover has been purchased for the trailer. We do not cover trailers of any sort. We only cover tow vehicles and towing of your trailer should your tow vehicle break down.

Any 4 wheel drive vehicle or off-road motorcycle that is fit for purpose to cross the Simpson Desert and which meets the following criteria:

1. Used for private purposes only; (unless tour company with prior arrangements direct with Birdsville Hotel)
2. Registered;
3. Roadworthy;
4. Does not exceed the size limitations (see below);
5. Not an Ineligible Vehicle (see below).

Simpson Desert Recovery Assistance does not cover motor vehicles or motorcycles that are:

1. Taxis and limousines;
2. Trucks, buses and other heavy vehicles that exceed the size limitations (see below);
3. Unregistered vehicles or unlicensed drivers;
4. Vehicles used for the purpose of operating a paid tour or another commercial use. Tour companies can be covered but must contact the Birdsville Hotel booking team via bookings@birdsvillehotel.com.au

Simpson Desert Recovery Assistance does not cover vehicles that exceed one or a combination of the following:

• Length 6.5m from bullbar to towbar (if longer, please email our booking team with exact details);
• Gross Weight or fully loaded weight not to exceed 4.5 tonne;
• Height 3m

Except for any rights that you are entitled to by law, Simpson Desert Recovery and the Birdsville Hotel accepts no responsibility for any damage to your Eligible Vehicle, or other vehicles or property, including (without limitation) while in the care of the Birdsville Hotel during Simpson Desert Recovery Assistance. Simpson Desert Recovery Assistance & the Birdsville Hotel will not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss, including loss of income or any other expenses, or damage that arises from providing, or failing to provide, any services.

Insurance coverage cost and risk are entirely your responsibility in all circumstances, and you agree to indemnify Simpson Desert Recovery Assistance and the Birdsville Hotel against any loss, damage or claims.

Any Simpson Desert Recovery package fees paid to the Birdsville Hotel are not refundable or transferable. If your Simpson Desert travel dates change, consideration will be given to move your cover dates but will depend on availability at the time.