Australia: Melbourne, Tasmania & Great Barrier Reef - 12 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the overall description of this tour?

  Australia doesn't do "pick one." This trip blends vibrant cities, wild coastlines, and natural wonders that seem determined to outdo each other. Travel from Melbourne through Tasmania's wild landscapes to Sydney's postcard-perfect harbour and tropical Cairns, picking up culture, wildlife, and scenery along the way. Indigenous-led experiences and room to set your own pace round things out nicely.

• What is the travel style for this tour?

  The Geluxe Collection

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  The physical rating for this tour is 3.

• What are the minimum and maximum age requirements for this tour?

  The minimum age for this tour is 18 and the maximum age is 100.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16.

• What type of accommodation is provided?

  Accommodation will be in Hotels for 11 nights.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  This trip includes 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 6 dinners.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

  All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. The maximum luggage allowance on domestic flights within Australia is 1 checked bag (20 kg) and 1 carry-on (7 kg) per person.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours traveling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Highlights include climbing granite peaks and white-sand trails in Freycinet National Park, wandering MONA's daring galleries of contemporary Tasmanian art, sleeping at Manly's historic Quarantine Station by Sydney's harbour, kayaking or surfing Sydney's northern beaches on your own OMG Day, and snorkeling a full day across the Great Barrier Reef's coral gardens.

• What is included in the tour?

  Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group in Melbourne. Your OMG Day: Kayaking or Surfing, Manly Beach. Arrival transfer in Melbourne. Indigenous walking tour in Melbourne. Internal flights. Visit to Freycinet National Park. Visit to Maria Island. Visit to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). Quarantine Station Story Tour at Q Station. Sydney Harbour ferry experience between Manly and Sydney. Backcountry Bliss rainforest experience. Great Barrier Reef full-day excursion. Free time and opportunities to explore Melbourne, Tasmania, Sydney, Manly, and Cairns independently. All tips included, except CEO tips. Transportation throughout the itinerary to all included activities.

• What modes of transportation are used during the trip?

  The modes of transportation include private vehicle, internal flights, ferry, and walking.

• Who will be leading the group?

  A CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will lead throughout the trip, supported by local guides.

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  We believe solo travelers should not have to pay more to travel, so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently, and solo travelers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

• If I choose to purchase "My Own Room," are there any exceptions during the trip?

  Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  In Sydney, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is an optional activity, costing between 385-415 per person.

• What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory for this trip. At a minimum, you must be covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. We strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage; please review your itinerary to ensure you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance, proof of trip purchase with a credit card in your name is required. Your leader will verify your insurance details.

• What general safety tips and free-time guidelines should I follow?

  We recommend checking your government's travel advice before departure and using a neck wallet or money belt for valuables. Leave expensive jewelry at home. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for luggage. Your group leader (CEO) can amend the itinerary for safety concerns and will accompany all included activities. During free time, use good judgment when selecting optional activities as the tour operator makes no representations about their safety or the operators. While cities are generally safe during the day, it's recommended to stay in small groups and use taxis at night. Water-based activities should only be undertaken with a guide; swimming and snorkeling are always at your own risk. Consult our travel safety resources for more information.

• Are there any specific safety considerations for this itinerary, particularly regarding extreme heat?

  Between November and March, there can be extreme heat (43-46°C) in central Australia, which may lead to heat exhaustion. Drink plenty of water and replenish electrolytes. Our CEOs are first-aid trained and aware of these risks. Some included walks may be closed if temperatures exceed 36°C for safety. Walks will be offered early in the day when possible, and CEOs will monitor conditions and may cancel walks due to extreme heat.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout your trip, including the Equaldex tool for destination-specific information.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  The Australian currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but foreign transaction fees may apply. Credit and debit cards are useful for cash advances (ensure you have your PIN; many ATMs accept only 4-digit PINs), but do not rely on them as your only source of money. A combination of local currency (smaller bills), traveler's cheques, and credit cards is best. ATMs are available, but check with your bank before travel. Currency exchange can be done prior to travel or at airports/banks. Always carry more funds than you expect to need. Refer to www.xe.com for daily exchange rates.

• What emergency funds do I need access to on this trip?

  Please ensure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund. This is to be used in rare circumstances outside our control, such as a natural disaster requiring a change to our planned route.

• What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?

  It is not customary in Australia to tip service providers, but it is appreciated for outstanding service, usually not more than 10% in quality restaurants. Do not tip local guides unless specifically asked by your CEO. At the end of the trip, a small tip for your Chief Experience Officer is optional and not expected, but appreciated if they did an outstanding job.

• Who do I contact for arrival issues or in the event of an emergency?

  For dire need, call the local office in Melbourne first (+61 432 705 621 from outside Australia, 0432 705 621 from within Australia). If no immediate answer, leave a detailed message. For arrival transfers, if your flight changes within 48 hours, call the emergency number to advise, or you'll need to make your own way to the hotel. If your transfer doesn't arrive within 30 minutes, take a taxi. If you cannot reach the local operations manager, contact our Sales team via toll-free numbers for North America (1 888 800 4100), UK (0344 272 0000), Germany (0800 365 1000), Australia (1 300 796 618), New Zealand (0800 333 307), or +1 416 260 0999 for other regions.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that turns travel into impact by helping local communities earn income from tourism. They develop and support community-owned businesses that benefit Indigenous people, empower women, provide youth employment, and protect the environment. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation directly supports Planeterra projects. You can join the Dollar-a-day Program to contribute to these efforts.

• Does the tour operator have an email newsletter I can subscribe to?

  Yes, you can subscribe to the adventure travel e-newsletter for travel news, trip information, stories, and contests at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/. You can also sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn about their foundation's work at Planeterra's monthly news.