Preparing for the trip
Where can I get more information about this trip?
If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.
What should I pack?
Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.
What immunisations do I need?
For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.
Do I need to take any medical supplies?
It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.
How much luggage can I bring?
You can bring is much as luggage as you like. However, during each tour on the east coast, whether its a 2 day Fraser tour or a 3 Day Whitsunday tour, there will be luggage restrictions - generally to around 10-15kg per person. In these scenarios, you'll be able to leave the bulk of your luggage at your hostel/hotel whilst you're on tour.
Where can I store my luggage whilst on tour?
During the tour your main luggage will be stored in the tour trailer. The trailer is kept locked, but the complete safety of your gear from theft or damage cannot be guaranteed – which is why good travel insurance matters. If you need to store luggage while you are away on tour, this can usually be done through your accommodation; most hostels and hotels will store it safely free of charge.
Where can I do laundry?
Each hostel and hotel we book you into will have laundry facilities you can use.
Do I need travel insurance?
Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.
Private tours and families
Is it possible to travel in a private group?
If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.
Booking the trip
Do I have to book this tour online?
Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.
If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?
Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.
How do I know when a tour is available?
You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.
Does the tour price include flights?
No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!
How far in advance do I need to book my tour?
As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.
How do I know what date this package is available?
Since these packages are made up of a wide variety of different hotels, tours and transport we need to check that all these things are available one after another from the starting date you need. Although our calendar says that you can go any day you like, please contact us directly so that we can piece it all together for you and reconfirm that everything is ok.
Who travels with us
Is this tour for me?
These tours are made up of small groups with a range of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Groups are usually an even mix of men and women, and everyone shares an enthusiasm for the outdoors, nature, adventure and culture. They suit travellers who want to really explore and share the experience with likeminded people. Whether you are camping by a billabong in Kakadu National Park or sharing a cabin in Tasmania, travellers on these trips want more than just a sightseeing tour – they are chasing a hands-on group experience.The trips are packed with highlights and the pace can be fast. There may be some long drives, and passengers should expect to help out when setting up camp or cooking food – this is a group adventure. There is always time to chill out, have a cold beer (or wine!) and soak up your surroundings. As always, if in doubt then contact us directly with your concerns.
Cost and Fees
Are there any additional costs?
Whilst you are on the various tours we book for you, you do not need to pay anything extra. All food, accommodation, transport and equipmenet will be provided for you. When you are not on a tour, the only additional costs you need prepare for is food and drink. Accommodation and transport along the east coast will be covered for.Flights are not included in packages where flights are required.
Do I need to tip the guide?
If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.
Whilst on tour
Where will I stay during the trip?
These trips stay in a wide variety of accommodation, all of it run by friendly, hospitable locals whose job it is to make sure you enjoy your stay. It varies between hostels, hotels, camping and even sleeping on boats, so please check your itinerary for exact details.For those who would like more privacy, we may be able to upgrade you to a twin or double room with private facilities. Just ask!
What will the food be like?
The emphasis is on fresh food wherever possible, and meals on these tours are nutritious and varied. Vegetarian and gluten-free diets can be catered for, but if you have very specific dietary needs you may need to provide your own food – please discuss this at the time of booking. Breakfast is cereals, fruit, toast, tea and coffee. Lunch is usually a self-serve picnic of sandwiches and salads, and dinner is cooked – pastas, barbecues, rice dishes and other hearty food to keep you going. Water is carried in the vehicle, and you'll often have the chance to buy your own drinks, ice creams and so on at stops. Please refer to each individual tour or package to see which meals are included.
Can you cater for special diets?
Most dietary needs can be catered for. Please let us know at the time of booking so arrangements can be made. Travellers with more specific diets may be asked to bring along additional snacks.
Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?
We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.
What transport is used on this trip?
This trip uses everything from trains to boats to buses – and in some cases, even a horse! For specific information on what transport you'll be on, please refer to your itinerary.
What is the weather like on the east coast?
The east coast of Australia is an extremely long piece of coastline and it traverses very different weather patterns, from the temperate south in Sydney to the tropical north in Cairns. Irrespective of the season, In summer, if you are travelling between Sydney and Cairns, you are probably going to either experience wetter more humid weather nearer Cairns. In winter months, clear and dry conditions near cairns and cooler and wetter weather nearer Sydney.
Will I travel with the same people the whole time?
No. This itinerary is made up of various different tours and accommodation. You may run into the same people as you travel along the east coast, however, each tour will have new people who will likely be moving to different cities and destinations after their trip.
How do I travel between destinations?
All destinations such as Noosa Head, Cairns, Airlie Beach, Brisbane etc are connected together using the greyhound bus network. We'll book all your passes for you and provide you with the meeting locations and times. These will be in coordination with your tours and accommodation so that its easy for you to meet each bus to get to your next destination.Please be aware though that packages where flights are required, flights need to be booked by the traveller and are not included. If you need help with dates and times when booking your flight, please contact us.
What happens if I miss the bus?
If you miss your bus or flight please contact us immediately via phone or email. We'll need to try and push back your other tours and accommodation however we can't guarantee that this is possible. In most cases, if you miss your bus you may end up missing out on the next tour that we planned for you and may need to skip to the next part of your itinerary.
