16 Day Discover Australia with Tasmania Exploration
From
$7699*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
| Discover Australia with Tasmania Exploration | ||
|---|---|---|
| Crystalbrook Flynn | Cairns | |
| Desert Gardens Hotel | Ayers Rock | |
| A by Adina Sydney | Sydney | |
| Vibe Hotel Adelaide | Adelaide | |
| Vibe Hotel Hobart | Hobart | |
| Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne | Melbourne | |
Not Included:
Gratuities.
Additional Information:
This package is based on pre-confirmed flights via Qantas and may only be purchased with these flights.
Accommodation Details:
Triple rooms are not available for this package.
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Package Includes
- Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed
- Flights Los Angeles-Cairns, Melbourne-Los Angeles
- Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- Intra-flights: Cairns-Ayers Rock, Ayers Rock-Sydney, Sydney-Adelaide, Adelaide-Hobart, and Hobart-Melbourne
- 13 nights First Class accommodations
- 2 nights Cairns
- 1 night Ayers Rock
- 2 nights Sydney
- 3 nights Adelaide
- 3 nights Hobart
- 2 nights Melbourne
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers
- 29 meals: 13 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 10 dinners
- Beer and wine included with all dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
- Active itinerary with unique cultural features
Tour Highlights
Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.
- Sail to Green Island and spend a relaxing day exploring the Great Barrier Reef
- Marvel at the sunrise over Uluru and watch the stunning change of color
- View many of Sydney's highlights, including the famous Opera House and the Rocks
- Visit the Cleland Wildlife Park, home to some of Australia's emblematic inhabitants
- Explore the renowned Barossa Valley with its famed wineries and enjoy tastings
- Take a walking tour of Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania and learn about its history
- Tour Port Arthur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former penal settlement
- Experience the dramatic landscapes of Bruny Island, Tasmania's hidden gem
- Discover Melbourne's food scene with a walking tour
Is This Trip Right for You?
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Discovery Tours itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Australia - In Australia the seasons are reversed compared to the United States. Spring: September – November; Summer: December – February; Fall: March – May; Winter: June – August Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. Sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses are also recommended. Australia Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/asia-pacific/default.aspx#nz-australia-weather |
| Uluru & Ayers Rock - The sun in the outback is often stronger than it is in most of the US. It is strongly recommended to bring sun protection such as sunglasses, brimmed hat, sunblock and lightweight clothing. During summer months (Dec-Mar) flies are abundant in the outback. It is recommended to bring insect repellant or fly net. |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| AUSTRALIA: Books The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough The Fatal Shore by Robert Hughes The Songlines by Bruce Chatwin The Explorers by Tim Flannery The Fatal Shore by Robert Hughes Follow the Rabbit Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington Garimard We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson Kings in Grass Castles by Mary Durak AUSTRALIA: Films Australia (2008) Rabbit Proof Fence (2002) Faces in the Mob (1992) |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Australia & New Zealand - Some domestic flights in Australia & New Zealand have a weight restriction of 44 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person, along with a carry-on weight restriction of 15 lbs. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| New Zealand and Australia - New Zealand and Australia have strict biosecurity regulations. Foreign food, plants or plant byproducts (fruits, seeds, etc.) are not allowed through customs as these could potentially become an invasive species in foreign soil. Customs officials will require you to discard anything which could be construed as invasive or hazardous, and you could possibly be detained or heavily fined. Please be aware of what you bring with you in your luggage and leave any food received on the airplane behind. It is recommended to review the customs websites prior to travel for a complete list of restricted items. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Australia Hotels - In Australia, it is against the law to smoke in hotels. If guests smoke in a hotel room, they will be subject to fines of approximately $450 to $1,900. We are unable to reserve any smoking rooms in Australia.
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| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $12 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage) : US $7 per person per day, US $4 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $7 per person per day of sightseeing, US $4 per half day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| Australia - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Australia - The Australian Dollar is the currency of Australia. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Australia - Travelers will find many familiar amenities in Australia. Stores are open all week and during the weekend. Shops throughout Australia offer aboriginal arts and crafts, fine wool garments and high-quality opal gemstones. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Australia
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| Languages |
| Australia - English is the local language. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Australia - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Australia - Australia is among the most egalitarian societies in the world. As such, honorifics such as “sir” and “ma'am” are often replaced by the more inclusive term “mate.” This familiarity is meant to demonstrate a sense of equality and is in no way considered disrespectful. Otherwise, standard courtesies should be observed just as in the United States. It is against the law to smoke in restaurants, bars, public buildings and hotel rooms. Guests smoking in these areas may be subject to fines of approximately $450 to $1,900. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.
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| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Australia |
Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 26: Australia Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 30: Holy Saturday Mar 31: Easter Sunday Apr 1: Easter Monday Apr 25: ANZAC Day Jun 10: King's Birthday Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Holidays 2025 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 26: Australia Day Apr 18: Good Friday Apr 19: Holy Saturday Apr 20: Easter Apr 21: Easter Monday Apr 25: ANZAC Day Jun 6: King's Birthday Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day |
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The trip was very memorable and enjoyable. Kevin, our tour guide, was a great guy. Not only was he knowledgeable of New Zealand culture and scenery, Kevin added a lot of zest to the trip with his witty remarks and unrivaled sense of humor. Overall, I would recommend this trip to anybody who wishes to explore the majestical beauty of New Zealand.
Michael L.
This was our first trip and we booked based on a recommendation from a good friend. We had no prior experience with which to compare and had never been to that part of the world. I must say though that we had a wonderful time due to Gate 1's efforts; the tour guide, Lindsay; and pure luck. All of our stops and activities were enjoyable and went off smoothly. The most significant of these for us were the dinner with the family in Rotorua and the Haka ceremony and dinner because they exposed us to the cultural aspects that emphasized the difference between their lives and some of those in Auckland and Wellington. The trans alpine train ride and our time at Milford Sound were also memorable. We were lucky in that the only rain during the entire trip occurred either before or after we embarked each day. The build up of increasing beauty and diversity of landscapes ending with the boat trip on Milford Sound kept the fatigue and weariness I had expected, from setting in. I think the glue that brought it all together was Lindsay. All of the scenery and people were speaking in their own way but he was the one interpreting it for us. I don't recall a question that went unanswered and responses often included references to past historic and/or personal experiences. He knew where we were going but also knew and showed us interesting ways to get there. For example, on our visit to the capital he got the driver to take us to the observation station on Mt. Victoria overlooking Wellington. This was not listed on the itinerary but the views made it a pleasant bonus. Same goes for the short walk through the red wood forest. The meals were very good but his culinary expertise enhanced the experience. He had the perfect mixture of professionalism, knowledge and experience. He took a genuine interest in all of us. He anticipated and coached us on how to approach many sites already crowded with other tour groups. Finally his love for his country and its people was unwavering, not in your face, but undeniable.
Herbert W.
My wife, and I celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary during our New Zealand Discovery Tour. Our Tour Director, Richard, is an outstanding, professional, knowledgeable, organized, and empathetic person. Richard's organization of information and knowledge of New Zealand made the trip easy and interesting. If Gate 1 has a rating system Richard is 100% and an outstanding ambassador for Gate 1 travel. If we could request a tour director for our future travel, it would be Richard.
Barrett W.
After our Australia Gate 1 trip (which was superb) I was expecting the same in New Zealand. It took a day or two to adjust to "Di" (Dianna) style having come off the outstanding experience Fiona. But by the end of the 2nd day we had settled into "Di" and her different style. Once she got the feel of our group she excelled in providing personal and practical information and guidance about New Zealand Moari culture, history, language (which was fun learning key words and phrases) and an exceptionally detailed explanation of the of the New Zealand focus on preserving its natural environment, animals and birds life, and uniqueness of everything. With a background in cultural anthropology/archaeology I found Di's information extremely informative and well presented. She also gave personal information and experiences about New Zealand which truly helped our group grasp the uniqueness of New Zealand. I learned so much from Di both on the bus and during nature and city walks. Her knowledge (which she freely shared to the delight of everyone) of NZ was well received and greatly appreciated. By the end of the tour I ranked Di in the top 5 Gate 1 tour directors I have known.
William G.
Our New Zealand Discovery tour was awesome. Annaliesa was an outstanding tour manager. We had great weather and thought the itinerary was terrific, really highlighting the culture of NZ along with the amazing scenery.
Anne B.
This is my 5th Gate One Tour and by far THE BEST! Why? Because of Tour Manager Aaron. I don't have enough adjectives to describe how organized, helpful, informative & congenial he was. Each morning and evening he summarized what to expect. As we traveled around NZ I'd think of a question and Aaron would answer without my asking. His comments and descriptions resulted in my making notes about things I'd like to read more about when we got home. Hotel check in was a breeze. Orientation at the latest stop clear, concise, and full of helpful tips, things to see & do, where to eat, how to get there. I am so grateful. New Zealand is a varied, beautiful country with great people and Aaron is the perfect host and my #1 Kiwi!
Sharon D.
New Zealand was Amazing and Gate One was the perfect vessel for the trip. Aaron was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his homeland. He was very thorough with his information and his task of keeping the group focused. Geoff was a great driver and always was happy to interact and tell us about his homeland. Josh was also an exceptional driver and he was great when he helped me with understanding Marmite. In addition, Josh was very helpful assisting people on/off the bus. He also seemed to really care about the safety of the group by constantly being vigilant. New Zealand and the Gate One staff are amazing. Thank you.
Alan J.
Overall it was a wonderful trip! The highlights were the town of Rotorua with the Maori cultural center & native show, Queenstown and Te Anau with spectacular scenery on the boat cruise. Dinner with a native family was special Our guide Lindsey was exceptional! Great personality, encyclopedic knowledge of New Zealand and Maori culture being Maori himself. He went the extra mile to make sure we were safe, comfortable and having our needs met. I would have liked to have spent more time in Napier & Queenstown. I would have liked to visit a winery or two in Marlborough or Hawke's bay. Doing both islands was a little ambitious. It did give a good feel for New Zealand but by it's nature it was a "Cook's Tour". I would like to go back to NZ on a focused wine lover's tour. This was my second Gate 1 tour. I compliment Gate 1 on their exceptional organization, top notch accommodations and their selection of outstanding tour guides.
James G.
I have traveled with Gate 1 (now 29 trips) and I have to say (no strongly want to say) the Australia trip was one of the best I have experienced. Why? Because of the Tour Director "Fiona!" She was superb for giving all the standard expected items (ie. times, room assignments, arrival/departure information, bus seat rotation, etc), but she gave/provided much more because of her extensive and appreciative knowledge of Australia and the places we were experiencing Fiona gave us valuable tips so we saw, comprehended and understood more about culture, aboriginal and European peoples, geographic and natural environment.
William G.
Kevin was an amazing tour manager: building group cohesiveness, emphasizing safety, letting us discover the new wonders of each day. New Zealand is beautiful. The pacing of the tour was relaxed. The long drives were broken with walks, sights, quick 10 am tea, and more. On the bus, Kevin built rapport for bus drivers (Tommy and David) with the group. Kevin's quirky humor and stories helped bus time fly by. We enjoyed New Zealand, our 12th Gate1 tour. We left wanting more, but understand that the length is confined for two-week vacations. Definitely, NZ is on our "go back" list. The pacing maximized our ability to see lots without feeling rushed. This tour was already fine-tuned, worked like clockwork. Kevin clearly had a long-term mutually respectful relationship with selected hotels, restaurants, tour guides, and vendors for boats, and more. Long-term, trusted vendors enhanced our experience.
Christine V.
The 14 day New Zealand tour was fantastic. The culture, people and stunning beauty of the islands are beyond compare. Aaron was a superb TM. Organization and attention to detail were impeccable, but it was his ability to communicate information to the tour group that really stood out. Whether it was the history of the islands, Maori legends and traditions, details regarding flora and fauna, or briefings about the itineraries, Aaron shared it all with humor, enthusiasm and positivity. His abilities as TM helped a diverse tour group to come together and enjoy the tour, and each other, in a very profound way.
Andy M.
My fiancé and I as well as my cousin and his wife just completed the Gate 1 Travel tour to Australia and Tasmania. We had a most incredible trip covering major towns and cities on the east coast, IIuru and Tasmania. Bruny Island was stunning. I commend Gate 1 for the fabulous trip you put together. I can't begin to imagine how much work was involved with all the arrangements. It was the trip of a lifetime for us. Bravo! Kudos go to our tour guide, Matthew. He was the best. He was informative, fun, attentive and a real good guy. He nicknamed us "The Mob" and helped us all to speak Aussie. He took great care of us even diffusing a potential confrontation that surfaced in Melbourne. Please keep up the good work.
William S.
Our New Zealand trip was fabulous! Our tour manager, Kirsten was so knowledgeable about her country and provided all kinds of information and little stories along the way. Our tour group was so fun and made the trip very enjoyable and fun. This was our first tour and we couldn't have asked for better weather, beautiful scenery and fun experiences. We will be using Gate One for our next trip. Thanks for all your help booking.
Teresa C.
Our trip was outstanding. Factors contributing to this include: A stellar guide. Aaron was organized, considerate of individual needs, and an excellent communicator. His commentary was insightful, engaging, and always relevant. He is very knowledgeable about history, natural history, and about Maori culture. Of the three group tours we have been on, Aaron we clearly our favorite tour guide! Our itinerary was great. There was great variety. We hit the highlights that we were most interested in. No one travel day was exceptionally long. We had a good blend of being "on the go" and downtime. The hotels and food were great. We loved the variety. We liked that the hotels were very close to the city center/main attractions. We appreciated the way our bags were handled. Our coach drivers - Steve and Larry - were excellent. The coaches were comfortable.
David L.
I had a great trip! Linda, the tour guide, was so incredible the entire trip. On the last day my group told her how much she meant to us on the trip. She knew everything about NZ and we all said we now know everything about NZ due to her. The bus drivers were wonderful too! Thank you for a memorable experience!
Kara C.
My wife and I just returned from a fabulous tour of New Zealand with Gate 1. Needless to say, we were impressed with the encyclopedic knowledge of our tour manager, Kirsten. She also provided us with supplementary information in the form of handouts concerning NZ flora, fauna, history, government, art, culture, and the economy. She was very patient and, at all times, positive, despite encountering minor hiccups during the trip. One example - one our group left her purse (with her passport) at a cafe in a town, and we had to backtrack to retrieve it. Kirsten worked well with both bus drivers in getting us to where we needed to be on time. Kirsten took great care of our group, and generously shared her knowledge of all things New Zealand in a light and informative manner. I noted that her knowledge at one of the national parks exceeded that of the local guide!
Leslie K.
It was a great tour with a great, caring tour guide, Annalise. First class bus drivers Chris and Gerry, irreplaceable every day, keeping us hydrated and safe on the road. Every day was a big surprise with beautiful places, comfortable hotels, timely and tasty meals. Our group was like big Family. Annalise was the Best.
Zofia R.
My husband and I were fortunate enough to have Clinton as our tour manager for our recent (Oct 15th - Oct 26th) 2023 New Zealand tour. He was absolutely wonderful! His knowledge of almost everything New Zealand was amazing, his personality engaging and entertaining, and his concern for the welfare of his guests was nothing short of excellent! He had "comfort" stops throughout the days we were on the bus for many hours, and stopped at interesting sights for ten to twenty minutes to give us a break. We were also lucky enough to have a great group of people to travel with! We will definitely be travelling with Gate1 because of the impression Clinton has left us with, AND we will be telling our friends too!
Elaine S.
The trip to Australia was for myself and my husband and we both had a wonderful time. Our tour guide, Tracy, was fantastic. She was very knowledgeable, had a great personality and always went out of her way to be sure that everyone was having a good time. I had some dietary restrictions and she always made sure that there was food that I could eat and never made it an issue. We had many flights which were surprisingly on time and she made sure that the check-in procedure went smoothly. The guides at the different destinations were very informative and we were very pleased with all the meals that were included. Although we were on the go, the pace was good and we did see a good portion of eastern Australia. I was especially happy that I could swim at the Great Barrier Reef where we had good weather and enjoyed dinner under the stars at Ayers Rock. We would recommend this trip to anyone considering going to Australia and you would be very lucky to have Tracy as your guide.
Beverly M.
Kevin is unique. We would classify him as one of the best tour managers we've ever had over many years of travel. He did lots of things to ensure us a great experience. For example, when a restaurant failed to serve the dessert on the menu, the famous Pavlova; he discretely arranged the next hotel to make and serve it to us. He was unfailingly upbeat, greeting us all the time with a broad smile and a cheerful "Kira ora." And he was funny and kept us laughing with his many jokes which he cracked with perfect delivery. Definitely a natural comedian. Because of his wit and humor, it was easy to overlook something else: his command of facts and figures about the culture, people, and history of NZ. He told us wonderful Maori stories about the "long cloud" and the "silver fern" and the doomed love between the maiden and the man in Rotorua. I even took notes so I can remember them long after this trip. If I had one wish, it would be that he had given us more details about what to do in our spare time. Perhaps cite his favorite local spots and even occasionally walk with us or take us to them . Without a doubt, Kevin was first-rate thoughtful, knowledgeable, and hugely entertaining.
Jeanne O.
Wonderful! Gate 1 did a nice job (again) on New Zealand. The hotels, food and tours were very good. Our tour guide Kevin was a hoot and we were always laughing on the bus. He was concerned with making us happy and enjoying our tour. Another job well done, thanks!
Trudy M. Mokena, IL
Excellent! Clinton, our Tour guide, was so fun. We ran into several obstacles and he handled them seamlessly. All the hotels were great. The schedule was a good mix of busy and rest. I loved our small group. We were very compatible and had a great time together. New Zealand is beautiful. This was one of my favorite trips.
Penny Z. Overland Park, KS
The trip to New Zealand was excellent. Richard is a great tour guide.
Alan S. Hilton Head Island, SC
It was excellent. Our guide, Greg, did a masterful job ... The itinerary was well-planned, including the day at leisure in Queenstown, which was gratefully received. Coach tours all have their drawbacks, but they were greatly overridden by convenience and the relatively small group. We simply could not have been happier with the trip, including the hotels and meals.
Bruce C. Aiken, SC
Beautiful country and we had amazing weather. Food was incredible and our bus driver John was the best one we have ever had. Did lots of commentary and was fun.
Roy B. Saskatchewan, Canada