Best of Australia - 14 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What kind of experience can I expect from the 'Best of Australia' tour?

  This 14-day tour focuses on Australia's east coast, offering a solid mix of must-do experiences and uncommon adventures. You'll enjoy activities like a boat ride around the Whitsundays and a trek through Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  The tour includes stays in hotels for 11 nights and rainforest cabins for 2 nights. Please note that properties with only two stories may not have elevators, requiring you to carry your luggage upstairs.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  Yes, 5 breakfasts and 2 lunches are included in the tour price. Generally, other meals are not included to provide flexibility in choosing where, what, and with whom to eat, though groups often dine together. Your CEO can suggest local restaurants.

• What is the required physical fitness level for this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 2 (easy). An average level of fitness and mobility is required. Travelers must be able to walk without assistance, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, a medical questionnaire signed by your physician is required.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travelers, with an average group size of 12.

• Are there any age restrictions for joining this trip?

  You must be 18 years or older to travel unaccompanied on this tour. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• What are the primary modes of transportation used during the tour?

  A variety of transport modes are used on this coastal tour, including private vehicles, boats, planes, walking, and ferries. Local flights are included within the itinerary, with a maximum luggage allowance of 1 checked bag (20 kgs) and 1 carry-on (7 kgs) per person.

• What are some of the main highlights and included activities of this tour?

  Key highlights include an Indigenous-led rainforest walk in Daintree, a boating excursion around the Whitsunday Islands, hikes and a ride on the Scenic Railway in the Blue Mountains, and an orientation walk in Sydney. You'll also have free time in Cairns, Byron Bay, and Sydney.

• What optional activities are available, and what are their estimated costs?

  Optional activities include a Great Barrier Reef visit (approx. 209-217 AUD), Daintree Rainforest Night Walk (approx. 55 AUD), Skydiving in Byron Bay (approx. 409 AUD), and a Sydney Opera House visit (approx. 43-199 AUD). Snorkeling in the Whitsunday Islands and visiting Daintree National Park and Cape Byron Lighthouse are free optional activities.

• What should I know about currency and credit cards in Australia?

  The local currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards are widely accepted for most purchases. ATMs are common, but ensure your debit/credit cards (Cirrus, Plus, Visa, MasterCard) are compatible and remember your PIN (many ATMs accept only 4-digit PINs). It is recommended to carry a combination of local currency (smaller bills), traveler's cheques, and credit cards. Currency exchange is available at airports and most banks.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join without evidence of coverage for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and lost luggage coverage are also strongly recommended. Ensure your policy covers all included adventure activities.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  No, there is no single supplement for solo travelers on group trips. You will be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex.

• What is the role of the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) on the tour?

  Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will manage the logistics of your trip, providing information on the places you visit, suggesting activities and local eating spots, and introducing you to local contacts. They possess broad general knowledge of the countries visited and aim to ensure you have the best possible experience.

• What are the visa and passport requirements for this trip?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. It is your responsibility to check and obtain the most up-to-date visa requirements for your nationality by contacting your local embassy or consulate, or consulting your travel agent.

• What should I know about Wi-Fi and internet access during the tour?

  Please be aware that Wi-Fi and internet access in Australia are not as readily available as in some other parts of the world. There may be additional charges to connect, and speeds might be slower than you are accustomed to.

• Are there any considerations regarding public holidays or accommodation facilities?

  During Australian public holidays (e.g., Christmas, New Year's Day, Easter, Anzac Day), there may be some service limitations, disruptions to schedules, and closures of optional activities or restaurants. Additionally, some two-story accommodations may not have elevators, requiring you to carry your luggage up stairs.

• How much emergency money should I bring?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent in AUD) as an 'emergency' fund, for unforeseen circumstances such as route changes due to natural disasters. This is a rare occurrence.

• What should I know about the Whitsunday Islands Boating Excursion?

  The high-speed catamaran excursion to the Whitsunday Islands may not be suitable for all travelers. If you have any medical conditions, injuries, or physical disabilities, please contact us to confirm suitability. For safety reasons, pregnant guests are not permitted on this excursion.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Your CEO will advise you on suitable locations and facilities for doing laundry along the trip.

• What are the rules regarding illegal drugs and behavior on the trip?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated and contravene local laws, risking the safety of the group. The exploitation of prostitutes is also against the tour's philosophy. Your group leader has the right to expel any member found possessing or using drugs or exploiting prostitutes.

• Is tipping customary in Australia, and what is the guideline for tipping the CEO?

  Tipping service providers is not customary in Australia, but it is appreciated for outstanding service, usually no more than 10% in quality restaurants. Do not tip local guides unless specifically requested by your CEO. For an outstanding CEO at the end of the trip, a tip of 5-10 AUD per person, per day is a guideline.

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

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including those identifying as LGBTQ+, is a priority. For specific concerns, it's recommended to visit the tour operator's LGBTQ+ travel page for resources like the Equaldex tool, which can help with destination planning.