A heartfelt thank you to everyone that has written to me in my three months here. I've loved the whole experience and my webhut messages has been a big part of that. They've been superb and thank you all so much for taking the time and effort to write to me - it's something that i still find weird to comprehend.
Do you know any of the Edenites? What are their dark secrets? Email us and dish the dirt.
Advised kit list
This list is intended to help you pack your bags for Eden. The final choice on what to bring is largely left to you, but there are certain items that are not allowed into Eden and others that will be provided for you. Anything you do choose to bring you have to carry-so a comfortable rucksack would be advisable.
Your luggage restriction, as dictated by the airline, is one piece weighing no more than 32kg and one piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 5kg. Your hand luggage must be small enough to go in the overhead locker. Be aware that 32kg is very heavy, so test your bag and see if you could carry it for a day and a night on a trek through the rainforest. If you find your bag is too heavy, you will have to leave things behind on the way to Eden. You will not be able to retrieve these items.
The environment in Eden is very different from that which you may have seen on Shipwrecked, so your clothing requirements will be different. We would strongly advise that as well as summer clothes and swimwear you also have clothes that will cover you and protect you from the sun, rain and insects.
Banned items: Before you enter Eden you and your luggage will be thoroughly searched by the production team to ensure that no forbidden items are smuggled in. Banned items include:
All electrical/battery items including cameras and phones.
Recorded music.
Watches.
Shampoo/shower gel/soap/shaving cream/toothpaste or similar products as they will contaminate the water supply. Alternatives to these products will be provided.
No logos/company names on items, particularly clothing.
No plain white tops as they cause problems with the television cameras.
Filter cigarettes.
We will provide:
Sunscreen.
Vitamins.
Washing products (shampoo/soap/toothpaste etc).
Insect repellent/nets.
One pair of suitable boots once you arrive in Eden.
Tools (knives, torches, cooking utensils and equipment).
Bedding (do not bring sleeping bags).
First aid kit (including plasters, antiseptic etc but not painkillers or other personal medication.
Sanitary towels and tampons.
Condoms.
You must bring:
A sun hat.
Sunglasses.
Thick socks (for boots).
At least one pair of strong comfortable shoes for trekking and cold weather.
Change of shoes for hot weather (such as sandals).
Two pairs of long, lightweight trousers, such as combat trousers, to protect against insects.
A strong, waterproof jacket
Two warm tops for the evenings. A fleece is recommended.
Long-sleeved, lightweight T-shirts to protect against the sun and insects.
Swimwear
Any shaving equipment (soap will be provided).
Any medication you require, including painkillers and a sufficient supply of contraceptive pills (we cannot provide these). You must make sure that the production team are aware of any medication that you that you will be taking.
Other Items: The items specified above are only the absolute essentials. You will also need other items of clothing (i.e. shorts/t-shirts/sarongs). You are not banned from taking make up or mirrors, this decision is up to you.
You can take jewellery and any other sentimental items, but we cannot be responsible for any loss or damage to personal belongings. So please only take what you really feel you need.
Alcohol can be taken. It is up to you how much, but the amount has to be within your duty free limit, i.e. 1125ml (just over one litre) of wines, beers, or spirits.
Filter cigarettes are strictly forbidden due to the damage they cause to the environment.Tobacco can be taken to roll cigarettes but this also has to be within the duty free limit of 250g.
It is also worth noting that any illegal substances or items such as weapons or knives cannot be taken into the country or into Eden. Attempting to do so could result in legal consequences and expulsion from Eden.
You cannot carry foodstuffs through customs, so there is no point stuffing your bags with supplies. An exception to this rule is confectionary, such as chocolate and boiled sweets.
As we have mentioned before there are no specific vaccinations to enter Australia, but you are advised to have full, up-to-date immunisation against:
Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP)
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
Polio
We hope that this answers most of your questions and allows you to be prepared for an unforgettable experience in Eden.
The Eden small print: Laws of Eden - a sound constitution is the basis of a civilised society. Health & safety briefing - what to do if you get bitten by a snake or want to have sex.
