Adventure motorcycle tours are among the most rewarding ways to explore Australia's vast landscapes. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right tour? Whether you're after a leisurely scenic ride or a hardcore off-road challenge, making the right choice depends on several key factors. Here's how to find the perfect adventure tour that matches your riding style, budget, and expectations.
1. Define Your Riding Experience & Comfort Level
Your skill level is significant in determining which tour is best for you—finding one that pushes you beyond your comfort zone without completely overwhelming you. When you challenge yourself, growth as a rider happens, but there's a fine line between progression and being over your head. A tour that's too easy might not be satisfying, while one that's too difficult could lead to frustration or even safety concerns.
Always aim to stretch your limits slightly—tackling more technical terrain, riding longer distances, or experiencing a new type of adventure. This approach builds confidence and skills without unnecessary stress or risk. Before booking, consider:
Are you a beginner, intermediate, or experienced rider? Some tours cater to first-time off-road riders, while others expect a high technical ability.
What type of terrain do you enjoy? Do you prefer long stretches of dirt roads, rocky trails, deep sand, or muddy tracks? Not all tours cover the same terrain.
How comfortable are you in remote locations? Some tours take you deep into the outback with little to no access to amenities. Make sure you're comfortable with the level of isolation.
2. Budget & Inclusions
Adventure motorcycle tours range from budget-friendly to premium all-inclusive packages, offering different levels of convenience, amenities, and support. Some budget-friendly tours may require you to arrange accommodation and meals, while premium options often include high-end lodging, gourmet meals, and full mechanical support. Understanding what you're paying for can help determine whether a tour is valuable.
Additionally, consider how self-sufficient you want to be—some riders prefer a barebones adventure where they fend for themselves. In contrast, others appreciate the ease of having everything taken care of. Consider:
What's included? Are accommodation, food, fuel, permits, park entry, and mechanical support included?
Is a bike included? Some tours may seem expensive initially, but if they provide the bike, it could be a cheaper option than owning your own.
What extra costs should you expect? You should budget for fuel, riding gear, personal expenses, and optional activities.
Is insurance required? Some tour operators require travel or motorcycle insurance, but it's always a good idea to have coverage regardless of the requirement.
Unexpected events such as trip cancellations, injuries, or mechanical failures can happen, and having insurance ensures you're protected financially and logistically.
3. Bike Size & Suitability for Adventure Motorcycle Tours
Not all adventure tours are suitable for every bike. Riding the wrong type of bike for a specific tour can be the difference between an exhilarating adventure and a frustrating struggle. A large ADV bike might be perfect for long-distance dirt roads and highway sections but could become a handful in deep sand or tight single tracks. On the other hand, a lightweight enduro bike might excel in technical terrain but could leave you exhausted on long stretches of open road. Before booking, check the tour's recommended bike type to ensure your machine is up to the task and that you'll be able to enjoy the ride rather than fight through it.
Big ADV bikes (BMW GS, KTM 1290, Africa Twin) – Best suited for adventure touring on dirt roads and highways.
Mid-size adventure bikes (KTM 790, Ténéré 700, V-Strom 650) – A balance between off-road capability and touring comfort.
Lightweight enduro bikes (WR450, KTM 500EXC, DRZ400) – Ideal for technical trails, deep sand, and challenging terrain.
Check if the tour supports your bike type. Some are tailored for large adventure bikes, while others focus on lightweight machines.
4. Consider the Duration & Distance of the Tour
How much time do you have? Tour durations can vary widely:
Weekend Getaways (1-3 days) – Perfect for a quick escape and skill-building.
Long Weekend Tours (4-5 days) are great for those who want a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Extended Expeditions (6-10+ days) – For riders who want to immerse themselves in a remote, multi-day adventure fully.
Daily riding distance matters. Are you comfortable with 200-300km daily or prefer longer rides?
5. Identify Your Preferred Riding Style & Tour Type
Different tours cater to other styles of riding, and it's important to carefully read the full description of a tour before booking. Misjudging the type of tour can lead to frustration if the pace or difficulty isn't what you expected. Some tours are designed for leisurely scenic rides with plenty of rest stops, while others maintain a demanding schedule with long days in the saddle and technical terrain. If you prefer a relaxed ride but end up on a high-intensity endurance tour, or vice versa, it can take away from the experience. Understanding the daily itinerary, difficulty level, and group expectations will help you select a tour that aligns with your comfort and riding style.
Scenic & Relaxed – Focuses on breathtaking landscapes, coastal routes, and outback highways.
Technical & Challenging – Includes single tracks, river crossings, and rugged terrain.
Themed Tours – Women-only tours, historical rides, outback survival, or off-road training tours.
6. Group Size & Social Experience
Are you looking for a social experience or a solo getaway? Some introverts might shy away from tours because of the interaction, but with plenty of time on the bike and your own space in the hotel, you can still meet like-minded people while having your escape from reality.
Adventure riding is a unique blend of shared experiences and solitude, allowing you to engage with others when you want while still enjoying the freedom of the open road.
Additionally, more expansive group tours tend to be more cost-effective, as the overall cost of running the tour is dispersed among more people, making them a more budget-friendly option than private or small group tours.
Small group tours (4-8 riders) – More intimate, often focusing on skill-building and camaraderie.
Larger group tours (10-20+ riders) – More social, with diverse riding abilities.
Custom/private tours are ideal if you prefer riding with just a few friends or want a personalized experience. However, depending on the size of your group, this could be expensive.
7. Logistics & Starting Location
Some of the best parts of Australian adventure riding are inherently far from the cities. Before starting the adventure, the most stunning remote landscapes, rugged trails, and iconic outback routes require some travel. Planning how to get to the starting location is as important as choosing the tour.
Can you ride to the starting point, or do you need transport? Some tours require significant travel to get to the starting line, but that's where the fun is.
Are you open to a fly-and-ride option? Some tours offer rental bikes, so you don't have to ride all the way.
Time considerations: Factor in travel time to and from the tour location.
8. Safety, Support & Backup Plans
Adventure riding comes with inherent risks, and while tours offer support, it's essential not to be naive about personal safety. Always consider your own circumstances and preparedness in case something goes wrong. Having the right safety gear, understanding emergency procedures, and knowing your limits can make a big difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Does the tour include medical/emergency support? Some tours provide satellite phones, emergency beacons, or guides trained in first aid.
What happens if your bike breaks down? Some tours have support vehicles for breakdowns and luggage transport.
Consider what happens if your bike has a mechanical failure you can't fix on the road. Some tours may offer recovery options, but trailering your bike to the location can mitigate risk and ensure you're not stranded far from assistance.
Communication options: Satellite phones, GPS trackers, and group radios can be essential in remote areas.
9. Decide Between Fully Guided vs. Semi-Guided Tours
Each type of tour offers a different experience. How involved do you want to be in knowing where you're going? If you want to relax and not think about it, a fully guided cornerman-based tour is the way to go, but if you enjoy navigation, join a GPS-based tour.
Fully Guided – Everything is planned: routes, accommodation, meals, and support. Best for those who want a hassle-free experience.
Semi-Guided – Pre-planned routes with some independence, often including a support vehicle but no daily guide.
Self-Guided – Complete freedom with suggested routes and minimal support. It is best for experienced riders who enjoy adventure planning.
10. Personal Goals & Expectations
What do you want to get out of the tour? Are you looking to improve your riding skills, explore remote areas, or have a fun, hassle-free ride?
Do you want a structured itinerary or more flexibility? Some tours are highly organized, while others allow for spontaneous detours.
Consider the overall experience you want. Some riders want adventure and challenge, while others prioritize scenery and relaxation.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right adventure motorcycle tour is about more than just the destination—it's about finding the right balance of challenge, comfort, and adventure. By considering your skill level, budget, bike type, and personal expectations, you can ensure that your next adventure ride is precisely what you want.
Ready to Ride? Browse our upcoming tours and find the perfect one for you!
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