Coronavirus update

Update 27 May 2020

We have been flat out at Katherine Outback Experience diversifying and expanding our businesses.

We are excited to announce we will be kicking off our first public show on Monday 8 June 2020 from 9:30-11am. We will commence Saturday shows from 20 June 2020 thereafter from 4:30-6:00pm for NT locals. We are also working on homeschool holiday programs and may add more shows subject to demand.

This month we hosted a Horsemanship Clinic at Mountain Valley Station. We have another two weekend clinics at Katherine Outback Experience scheduled for 30/31 May (full) and 13/14 June 2020 (limited places left).

We are also hosting an Australia Day Council event about disengaged youths on Tuesday 16 June with special guests that we are looking forward to sharing more information about soon.

Update 30 April 2020

The last week has presented the greatest challenges to date for our small Team. Yes, there has been lots of tears and sleepless nights however we are making progress and rebuilding to ensure we and our Team are still here and ready to jump back into shows when restrictions are lifted.

For now we are continuing to concentrate on those things we can control. With the NT Government starting to relax restrictions, we have started scaling-up the horse riding lessons. We have had a number of participants graduate from lead-line and are now offering group lessons for siblings and friends of up to four participants (T&Cs apply).

Of course we are still working on the online space in the background with Do it for Dolly Day on 8 May, 2020 still the aim to launch.

We have also added all our merchandise onto our online shop and are expecting our ‘We’re Still Here’ caps to arrive next week!

More news coming soon!

Update 17 April 2020

It’s been nearly a month now since our world was flipped on its head! It feels like we have run several marathons in that time but we do have some exciting updates to share:

  • We have launched one-on-one horse riding lessons and have been booked out everyday!
  • We secured a large number of young horses to start under saddle that will keep us busy for the whole Dry Season
  • Tom is providing horsemanship clinics to stations, upskilling their stock camps
  • We are still working on bringing part of the Katherine Outback Experience show and Tom Curtain Music to you live – watch this space!
  • We are planning an exciting event for Dolly Day on 8 May 2020!

Stay up to date with our adventures by Liking and Following us on Facebook and Instagram!

Update 30 March 2020

Firstly thank you for your patience over the last few weeks. As is the case for so many, this has been a very challenging time for our Team, working through the plethora of information, ever evolving circumstances and restrictions, and determining what our options are moving forward.

We have been working through bookings and cancellations. We have accepted that it is unlikely our show will operate again before June, if we are allowed to open again this year at all.

That said, we are not the type to sit-down. We are working on a very exciting project whereby everyone who has access to the internet will be able to join us for Katherine Outback Experience shows and more from the comfort of their homes! Watch this space!

Update 23 March 2020

We are currently experiencing high contact volumes and are aware of the recently announced travel restrictions and advice from the Federal Government.

This is a very challenging time for us and we are doing our best to respond to emails as quickly as possible with a skeleton team. We are currently reassessing our position and show schedule, and are looking into new visitor experiences to service the local market while the borders remain closed.

Update 18 March 2020

Coronavirus Precautions

Katherine Outback Experience would like to update you on the evolving 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, and the precautions we’re taking.

The health and safety of our guests and staff is always our top priority. While the overall risk in Australia of contracting COVID-19 in the community remains low, we’re taking a number of steps to ensure your continued well-being whilst visiting us.

Hygiene Practices

Katherine Outback Experience is closely following all advice received from Australian medical authorities, as well as the World Health Organisation (WHO), regarding precautions that are needed to minimise risks concerned with COVID-19.

We’re following the recommended health and safety precautions and are continuing to provide the latest updates to our staff to ensure they’re well informed.

To date, there has been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within our business. Despite this, it’s important you’re aware that we maintain the highest hygiene and cleaning practices on our experience.

We’re ensuring our staff maintain high hygiene standards at work, including practicing proper hand washing and sanitising procedures. We are also ensuring adequate training so as to respond to your needs as and when they arise.

We are equipped with hand sanitiser and face masks. If any guest present unwell or with flu-like symptoms either during one of our experiences or at check-in, they’ll be provided with a face mask and hand sanitiser, and as soon as possible, isolated from other guests. 

Cleaning Practices

We uphold the highest standards when it comes to cleaning equipment and preparing food on our experiences, and have stringent processes in place. We clean at a minimum before and after every show, which includes the use of recommended cleaning products and practices.

Booking Policy

Katherine Outback Experience is committed to providing our guests with travel planning flexibility for guests booked for an experience up to 30 April 2020. This date may be revised as this situation continues to change.

As per our Cancellation Policy, we will provide a full refund for all cancellations for groups of less than 10 people made no less than 24 hours prior to the show.

For groups greater than 10 people who have provided their 50% non-refundable deposit, we will offer free name and date changes.

For guest whose travel plans in the short term have been affected by temporary government-enacted travel restriction measures, please contact us at [email protected]

At this time, Katherine Outback Experience will continue to operate and guests will be informed should this change. We thank you for your ongoing support. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What restrictions are in place?
The Australian Government has implemented travel restrictions for countries and areas affected by COVID-19. This continues to be monitored and updated. For the latest advice please visit:
DFAT Smart Traveller site  www.smartraveller.gov.au
The Centre for Disease Control (CDC)  www.cdc.gov
Department of Health  www.health.gov.au

Are shows still running?
Katherine Outback Experience shows will continue to operate and guests will be informed should this change. We thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to welcoming you on board soon. As our 1.5 hour Standard Shows are subject to meeting minimum numbers, we do recommend booking a week in advance. Should shows get cancelled, guests will be offered a free transfer to an alternative show time or provided a full refund. 

What precautions are in place to ensure guest safety?

We are committed to your wellbeing and our team has enhanced our already robust cleaning and hygiene standards using the latest COVID-19 guidance from Australian health bodies. 

We uphold the highest standards when it comes to cleaning equipment and facilities at Katherine Outback Experience, and have stringent processes in place. We clean at a minimum before and after every show, which includes the use of an antibacterial/ disinfection cleaning product that reduces the risk of harmful viruses, moulds, fungus, algae and other possible harmful pathogenic bacteria.

What happens if services are cancelled?
Should any services be cancelled, all guests will be notified and given the opportunity to rebook their experience for an alternative date or offered a full refund.

Can I change my date of travel to a later time?

Absolutely! Please contact our reservations team by email at [email protected] or on 1300 818 612.  

Can I cancel if I don’t want to travel?
Of course. As per our Cancellation Policy, if you are a group of less than 10 people, you are entitled to a full refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours prior to the show. For cancellations within 24 hours of the show, we are more than happy to issue a credit note valid for three years or transfer your booking to another name. 

For groups who have paid their 50% non-refundable deposit, we are more than willing to transfer your visit to an alternative date or provide a 3 year credit voucher. 

Please contact our reservations team by email at [email protected] or on 1300 818 612.  

Some insurance companies may also cover you for cancellation as per your policy and we encourage you to make direct contact with your insurer.

How can I stay safe?
The most important thing to avoid catching any virus is to wash your hands and avoid touching your face. It is also advised to use hand sanitiser and cover your sneeze or cough with your arm, not your hands. According to the World Health Organisation, if you’re healthy, wearing a mask is not recommended unless you have respiratory issues like coughing or sneezing.

What do I do if I’m feeling unwell?
If you have flu-like symptoms, you should seek your doctor’s advice. For more information on coronavirus, visit Australian Department of Health, or contact the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 (in Australia) or your local health authorities for instructions on what to do.

If you are feeling unwell, please do not come onsite at risk of infecting other guests and staff. We are a family owned and operated business and have a 5-month-old baby. We will happily discuss any booking concerns over the phone. Please contact us on 1300 818 612. 

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