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 take?
There is no exact luggage policy, but space on board is limited, so please be mindful. Generally we recommend a large backpack or suitcase with all your gear, plus a smaller backpack to keep on the bus for daily items (phone, water bottle, towel, sunscreen) and to take on walks. If you have a lot of luggage, it is best to leave what you do not need at your hotel or hostel, where it will usually be stored free of charge until you return. If you are unsure, please contact us.
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.
Will I be able to do any laundry whilst on tour?
For camping tours there will be no time to do laundry. However, for longer cross country tours involving hostel or hotel style accommodation you may have the opportunity to wash your clothes.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
For all camping tours require you to have a sleeping bag. If you don't have one they may be available for hire via the "join tour" button.
How fit do I need to be?
These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.
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.
Can I get online whilst travelling?
For tours incorporating hostel/hotel style accommodation you may have the opportunity to use wireless internet or use of nearby internet cafe. If you have a mobile plan with internet then that should be ok except for more remote regions.
This will vary from tour to tour so please contact us directly for more accurate information.
Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?
You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.
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.
Can I just do a section of this tour and not the whole trip?
Unfortunately it is not possible to only do a part of the tour. Passengers generally need to stay with the tour from start to finish.However, drop off locations at the end of the tour made me negotiated.
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.
If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?
Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.
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
What does Paid Locally mean?
Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.
Will I need additional money?
Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.
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.
Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?
Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.
Whilst on tour
What type of tent will I get?
Tents are designed to accommodate a minimum of 2 people and come fully set up with proper bedding. sheets, pillows and blankets. If you have booked a tour in a tent, you do not need a sleeping bag.
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 vehicle is used on this tour?
Uluru tours run in either a Troop Carrier 4WD Landcruiser or a 4WD mini bus, depending on the size of the group and how many days the trip spends in the park. Each tour varies, so please refer to the tour info panel at the top right of the page.
Are there days with a lot of driving?
The first day usually involves a couple of hours of driving to get out of the city and into the country. Once in the national parks, trips between attractions usually take between 30 minutes and an hour.On tours heading up to Darwin or down to Adelaide, expect stretches of a few hours of driving at a time. Australia is enormous and the distances between towns and attractions can be large. There are plenty of breaks along the way so you can stretch and move about.For more accurate information please see the tour itinerary.
What will the weather be like?
Between the months of April and August Central Australia is quite cold so be sure to bring warm clothing. Temperatures range from about 20c during the day right down to 2c at night.Between October and March temperature are warm, so light clothing during the day is ok. However, night times can still be quite cool so its wise to bring light winter clothing for extra warm.
Where do I meet the tour?
For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.
