Australia & New Zealand
23 days | 26 days with Fiji extension |
Australia and New Zealand—a world away.
From Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the rugged Outback to New Zealand's sheep-dotted plains and cliff-lined fjords, the South Pacific features a lineup of dramatic landscapes. In-between outdoor adventures, you’ll discover sophisticated, multicultural cities and an irresistible, carpe diem spirit on this tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Your tour package includes
- 20 nights in handpicked hotels
- 20 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 6 dinners with beer or wine
- 1 wine tasting
- 1 tasting
- 13 sightseeing tours
- Expert Tour Director & local guides
- Private deluxe motor coach
- 6 on-tour flights
- 2 ferry transfers
Included highlights
- Moreton Island
- Great Barrier Reef
- Melbourne
- Uluru
- Sydney Opera House
- Milford Sound
- Glowworm Caves
- Bob’s Peak
- Rotorua Skyline Gondola
- Traditional Māori village dinner
Itinerary
Overnight Flight2 nights
Day 1: Travel day
Begin your journey to Australia. While flying over the Pacific Ocean, you’ll cross the International Date Line and “lose” a day, jumping ahead one date on the calendar. (Don’t worry: You’ll more than make it up while on tour!)
Day 2: Travel day
Keep flying toward Australia. Soon enough, you’ll be landing in Brisbane.
Brisbane2 nights
Day 3: Arrival in Brisbane
Included meal: Welcome dinner
Welcome to Australia! Say hello to your Tour Director at the airport, then transfer to your hotel. You’ll have some time to freshen up before meeting the rest of your group at this evening’s welcome dinner. Enjoy your meal, served with beer or wine, and get excited to continue your adventure.
Day 4: Sightseeing tour of Moreton island
Included meal: Breakfast
Just off Brisbane’s shores, Moreton Island’s sandy expanse rises out of the Coral Sea. Strobing lighthouses, hulking dunes, and ghostly shipwrecks are all a quick ferry ride away—one that you’ll take with your Tour Director today.
- Sail around Moreton Island on a wildlife cruise. Whales, dolphins, and more all swim in these waters—what will you spot?
- Cruise past the Tangalooma Wrecks. These 15 ships were intentionally scuttled here and have since evolved into a synthetic ecosystem, supporting sea turtles, wobbegongs, and more than 200 species of fish.
Kick back on the island for some leisurely free time before ferrying back to Brisbane. Take it easy tonight—in a matter of hours, you’ll be heading toward the Great Barrier Reef.
Great Barrier Reef Region3 nights
Day 5: Flight to Cairns
Included meal: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before boarding a flight to Cairns—your access point to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Natural Wonders of the World. After landing, transfer to a hotel in the city and get some well-deserved rest in anticipation of tomorrow’s adventures.
Day 6: The Great Barrier Reef
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
As the largest coral reef system on the planet, the Great Barrier Reef has long fascinated both visitors and locals alike. Take a full day to explore it with your Tour Director and see it in all its majesty.
- Head to Cairns Marina, where you’ll trade your bus for a catamaran and sail out to the reef.
- Dock at a floating platform and meet with a marine biologist. As you sip tea, you’ll learn about the Great Barrier Reef’s unique ecosystem and the creatures that call it home.
- Plunge beneath the surface and admire the technicolor coral up close as you snorkel. (If you’d prefer to stay dry, your boat has a glass bottom; you can also descend into an underwater observatory or go for a ride on a semi-submersible.)
- Return to your catamaran for an included buffet lunch, then finish your day in the sun with a cup of tea and settle in for the cruise back to Cairns.
Please note: If you’re prone to seasickness and/or motion sickness, please take precautions for the boat ride out to the reef. Also, snorkeling equipment will be provided.
Day 7: Free day in the Great Barrier Reef Region
Included meal: Breakfast
To examine another facet of Aboriginal culture—and gain a deeper appreciation of the Australian rainforest—add our optional outing to Kuranda to your itinerary. Otherwise, spend a restful day in Cairns and prepare for tomorrow’s flight to Melbourne.
Melbourne3 nights
Day 8: Flight to Melbourne
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
From the basket of a hot-air ballon, the fertile expanse of the Atherton Tableland looks even more impressive. Experience it yourself by adding our optional excursion to your schedule, or take it easy for the morning.
Then, board a flight back south. Your destination: Melbourne! Touch down, transfer to your hotel, and dust off your travel day before reconvening for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Please note: Depending on flight schedules, today’s Hot-Air Balloon Ride excursion may take place on a different morning during your stay in the Great Barrier Reef region.
Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Melbourne
Included meal: Breakfast
Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city, is a cultural dynamo, sprinkled with theaters, museums, and more music venues per capita than any other place on Earth. Let your Tour Director steer you through town, pointing out and popping into major sites as you go.
Explore the Carlton Gardens, a beautiful splotch of green on the fringes of the Central Business District. Prized for its Victorian landscape design, the park features lush lawns, flower beds, and plenty of trees, both domestic and European. The Gardens’ biodiversity landed them on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and their shaded walkways make them a symbol of Melbourne.
Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral—recognizable by its soaring central spire, elegant Gothic architecture, and dark walls crafted from local bluestone—before moving on to the Shrine of Remembrance. Based on a pair of ancient Greek monuments, this classical memorial honors Australians who have served their country in war.
Pass the ever-flowing Yarra River and the Sports and Entertainment Precinct, which cements Melbourne’s status as Australia’s cultural capital. The precinct fits six world-class stadiums onto close to 100 acres of riverfront real estate and hosts the annual Australian Open tennis tournament.
Stroll through Queen Victoria Market, the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, and peruse stalls selling everything from vegetables to Australian specialties.
End your day on an adorable note by adding our optional excursion to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. If you’d rather explore on your own, stick to the nature theme and head to the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. How many of its 50,000 plants can you spot in one visit?
Day 10: Free day in Melbourne
Included meal: Breakfast
For a little sip of sunshine, join us on today’s optional outing to the Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s preeminent wine regions. You’ll drive into the rainforest-draped Dandenong Ranges, visit the bushland Healesville Sanctuary—and, yes, taste some local vintages at a winery.
Staying in town? Try to catch a match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This 100,000-seat stadium, one of the largest on the planet, hosts games for Australia’s two national sports: cricket and Australian rules football.
Uluru Region2 nights
Day 11: Transfer to the Uluru Region & sunset at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Included meal: Breakfast
This morning, bid farewell to Melbourne and fly to Australia’s Northern Territory. You’ll touch down at Ayers Rock Airport—your gateway to mystical Uluru. Rising from the Outback, this UNESCO-listed landmark has been worshipped by the Aboriginal Anangu people for millennia. Today, you’ll get to pay your respects as you tour Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
- Take in the 36 sacred domes of Kata Tjuta. Also known as the Olgas, they tower close to 1,600 feet above the ground at their highest.
- Watch as Uluru’s sandstone walls seemingly shift colors with the setting sun, morphing from dusty orange to deep red. Then, continue to your hotel and get excited—you’ll be right back there tomorrow.
Please note: The order of your itinerary may change based on flight availability.
Day 12: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Included meal: Breakfast
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park demands more than an afternoon of exploration. Today, return to the sprawling preserve and wander to your heart’s content.
- Stop at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre for a self-guided tour. Built from locally made mud bricks, this structure houses Aboriginal arts and crafts, as well as other exhibits that relay the rich history of the Anangu.
- Venture into the park itself, where—weather permitting—you’ll have free time to hike some of its trails.
With a few more hikes in the books, return to your hotel and gear up for tomorrow’s journey to Sydney—or, if you’re still feeling adventurous, join this evening’s excursion for a sunset dinner and stargazing at Ayers Rock.
Please note: The Cultural Centre may be closed on some departures. On some departures, the Evening at Ayers Rock optional excursion may take place on day 11.
Sydney3 nights
Day 13: Flight to Sydney
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Ease into your day, then take off from Ayers Rock Airport in the afternoon. Once you arrive in Sydney, you’ll sit down for an included group dinner, served with beer or wine, before retiring to your room for the evening.
Day 14: Sightseeing tour of Sydney
Included meal: Breakfast
With its mesmerizing interplay of hills, waterways, and skyscrapers, the Harbour City of Sydney always puts on a show—whether it’s your first or fifth time visiting. After breakfast, join your Tour Director for a guided tour of this bucket list mainstay and discover why it’s one of the most pleasant places in the world.
- Pass the buzzing waterside district of Darling Harbour and the lush Royal Botanic Gardens in the city center.
- See The Rocks, Sydney’s oldest colonial neighborhood, and stop at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair—a bench carved into sandstone in the early-1800s—to admire the view of Sydney Harbour Bridge.
- Soak in the sunny sights of world-famous Bondi Beach and its iconic Bondi Icebergs Club—with swimming pools perched over the ocean so that crashing waves splash up into them—and the Gap, a dramatic dip in the cliffs of Watsons Bay.
- Enter the National Opal Collection and peruse its extensive assortment of Australia’s national gemstone. Each iridescent stone demands attention, but our favorite exhibit showcases opalized fossils.
- Step inside the UNESCO-listed Sydney Opera House—the 14-masted building that has graced photos and films since 1973—with a local guide and admire the architecture of this global icon from within.
Day 15: Free day in Sydney
Included meal: Breakfast
Today’s yours to do with as you please. If you’d prefer to spend it outdoors, follow the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk south until you hit the Bronte Baths. Cut into the rocky shoreline, this saltwater swimming pool looks out onto Nelson Bay—and is open to the public.
For a delightful dinner served with a helping of sweeping city views, book tonight’s optional harbour cruise. Alternatively, pop into a fish and chip shop, order your meal to go, and eat as you bask in the sunset on one of Sydney’s beaches.
Fiordland National Park Region2 nights
Day 16: Flight to the Fiordland National Park Region
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, say “goodbye” to Australia and “g’day” to New Zealand as you fly to Queenstown. After touching down, board your bus and drive to Te Anau, a town on the fringes of Fiordland National Park.
Settle into your hotel and shake off your travels before reconvening for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Day 17: Milford Sound cruise, Lake Te Anau cruise & Glowworm Caves
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Get an early start today and make your way through Fiordland National Park. At roughly 4,900 square miles, it’s New Zealand’s largest national park, and every inch of it is packed with breathtaking scenery. (And yes, there are plenty of fjords—or “fiords” as the locals spell it—throughout, interspersed with rivers, rainforests, and more.)
- Roll along the farmland of Five Rivers and past Lake Te Anau. Opening onto three inland fjords, the lake is the largest on New Zealand’s South Island and marks the beginning of the Fiordlands.
- Pass through beautiful beech forests and by more glimmering lakes before arriving at the Homer Saddle mountain pass. There, you’ll drive through Homer Tunnel, a three-quarter mile cut through the snowcapped peaks of the Darran Mountains.
From there, it’s just a short drive to Milford Sound. Leave your bus behind and transfer to a boat for a relaxing cruise along calm waters, paired with an included lunch. You’ll get a good look at Mitre Peak, too, looming more than 5,500 feet above the sound.
Before calling it a day, you’ll make one more stop. The caves that line Lake Te Anau host some special tenants: glowworms, who light up the caverns with their bioluminescence. Take a catamaran across the lake with a naturalist guide. Then, break out into smaller groups, walk into the caves, and head for those ethereal lights.
Please note: The order of today’s activities is subject to change. Also, cameras are prohibited inside the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.
Queenstown2 nights
Day 18: Queenstown via Arrowtown & Bob's Peak
Included meal: Breakfast
Today, head to the historic settlement of Arrowtown with your group. Founded in 1862 at the height of the Otago Gold Rush, the township still has its old-timey charm, courtesy of the well-preserved period buildings lining its main avenue. Beyond its principal street, you’ll find the Chinese Settlement, a collection of restored huts that once sheltered the town’s immigrant population.
Before the sun sets, take the Skyline Queenstown Gondola 1,500 feet up to Bob’s Peak. From this vantage point, you’ll have unfettered views of the Remarkables and Walter Peak, as well as Lake Wakatipu in the distance. Soak it all in as the sun dips below the horizon.
Day 19: Sightseeing tour of Queenstown
Included meal: Breakfast
Adventurous types flock to Queenstown for its snow sports, rafting, and more, while others visit for the sight of snow-covered mountains and easy access to the Central Otago wine region. Today, your Tour Director will introduce you to its downtown and lakefront areas before setting you loose for a free afternoon.
To trek back through time, book our optional excursion and cruise to the base of Walter Peak aboard the steamship TSS Earnslaw. Or, to slow things down and remain in the present, enjoy some solo relaxation at the Onsen Hot Pools. (Cedar-lined soaking tubs with epic mountain views? Yes, please.)
Please note: Your tour of Queenstown may take place on the evening of day 18.
Rotorua2 nights
Day 20: Flight to Rotorua
Included meal: Breakfast
Take off from Queenstown’s airport and chart a course for New Zealand’s North Island. Soon, you’ll land in Rotorua, a lakeside town first settled by the Maori in the mid-14th century.
After getting your bags, you’ll transfer to your hotel, where you’ll have the night to relax.
Please note: Based on flight availability, some departures may fly from Queenstown to Auckland before transferring to Rotorua by bus.
Day 21: Sightseeing tour of the Rotorua Region & traditional Māori village dinner
Included meals: Breakfast, Wine tasting, Tasting, Dinner
Begin your travels through the Rotorua region by heading to the base of Mount Ngongotaha, where you’ll board the Skyline Gondola. Look out over shimmering Lake Rotorua as you ride to the mountain’s peak, then stop at the Volcanic Hills Winery for a tasting.
Make your way back down Mount Ngongotaha and transfer to Whakarewarewa, a living Maori village tucked away in a geothermal hotbed.
- Meet a local guide to learn about the Maori’s traditional way of life. (You’ll also get to try a unique snack: sweet corn cooked in the area’s gurgling springs.)
- Walk through Government Gardens. For centuries, the area was used by the Maori as a bird-snaring ground and battlefield; nowadays, it’s a public park, anchored by the Rotorua Museum.
After returning to your hotel for some downtime, strike back out beyond Rotorua for a private dinner, hosted by a Maori village.
- Kick your evening off with a whakatau, a welcome ceremony centered on the ideas of manaakitanga (showing respect) and whakawhanaungatanga (establishing relationships).
- Sit down to a home-cooked, two-course meal, prepared using the steam spouted from geothermal vents.
- Join your hosts for a cultural discussion and dig deeper into the life, culture, architecture, and aspirations of their village. Please note: You’ll need to take off your shoes during the Maori village visit.
Auckland1 night
Day 22: Sightseeing tour of Auckland
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
After breakfast, board your bus and drive to Auckland. Squeezed between two natural harbors, the City of Sails stuns with its coastal scenery and cosmopolitan culture. Let your Tour Director show you around and get a taste of Kiwi life through the city’s highlights: Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, an elegant clifftop reserve with panoramic harbor views; the Sky Tower, the second-tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere; and the Auckland Domain, a vast public park tucked into a crater left by an age-old eruption.
Later, celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner, served with beer or wine.
Flight Home
Day 23: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or board a flight bound for a slice of tropical paradise. (If you’re someone who needs a vacation after their vacation, you’ll want to add the extension to Fiji.)
Fiji extension
Palm trees swaying in the wind, beach towels beckoning you to use them—a trip Down Under’s the experience of a lifetime, so why not add Fiji to the mix while you’re there? After a whirlwind 22 days, wind down in a nation known for its relaxing vibes. An optional snorkeling trip to tiny Tivua Island? An immersive look into Fijian culture? A heaping helping of free time to spend on pristine Pacific beaches? You’ll have two full days to yourself, and how you fill them is entirely your call.
Fiji3 nights
Day 23: Flight to Fiji
Included meal: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport—but instead of flying home, soar through the skies toward Nadi, a town on the main Fijian island of Viti Levu. Once you arrive, transfer to your seaside hotel and find the best place to savor the ocean breeze.
Day 24: Free day in Fiji
Included meal: Breakfast
Fill up with breakfast, then plan your next moves. For a more active schedule, take up our excursion to Tivua Island and fill your day with snorkeling, sailing, and sunshine. For something more restful, hang back at your hotel and make full use of its amenities (like the immaculate beaches along the Pacific).
Day 25: Free day in Fiji
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your final day on tour looks similar: Either laze away the hours in beachside bliss or opt into an excursion and let us plan an outing for you. If you choose the latter, you’re in for a treat. You’ll strike out for Viseisei, one of the oldest settlements in the country, and dive into Fijian culture, complete with a welcome ceremony and a kava tasting.
This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner, served with beer or wine, and celebrate a trip well-spent alongside your fellow travelers.
Flight Home
Day 26: Depature
Included meal: Breakfast
Spend the afternoon relaxing in a dayroom, then transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Reviews
Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
Melbourne - Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
This historic and elegant hotel is located in the central business district of Melbourne off of Flinders Street. Guests enjoy the on-site restaurant, bar, and views of the city. Nearby you'll find the Southbank Promenade, the...
Uluru Region - Desert Gardens Hotel
This scenic hotel is located within view of Uluru. Guests enjoy an art gallery, sprawling gardens, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find scenic lookouts, the Red Ochre Spa, and resort shops.
Great Barrier Reef Region - Pullman Cairns International
This luxurious hotel is located in Cairns. Guests enjoy a tropical outdoor pool surrounded by lush gardens, the Vie Spa offering rejuvenating treatments, and Coco's Kitchen + Bar serving exquisite local seafood and...
Sydney - Mercure Sydney
This deluxe hotel is located in Sydney's central business district. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, rooftop pool, and fitness center. Nearby you'll find Sydney Opera House, Chinatown, and the Powerhouse Museum.
Fiordland National Park Region - Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau
This comfortable hotel is located in Te Anu. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and hotel bar. Nearby, you'll find the waterfront and Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre.
Queenstown - Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown
This contemporary hotel is located steps away from Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. Guests enjoy the outdoor terrace, fitness center, and bar featuring local craft beers and Otago wines. Nearby you'll find Queenstown Hill...
Rotorua - Millennium Hotel Rotorua
This eco-friendly hotel is located next to Lake Rotorua. Guests enjoy a heated pool, spa, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find geothermal parklands, Te Puia Maori Arts and Crafts, and Government Gardens.
Auckland - Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland
This modern hotel is located in Auckland's vibrant city center. Guests enjoy a fully equipped fitness center, 24-hour room service, and convenient kitchenette facilities in select rooms. Nearby, you'll find the iconic Sky Tower...
Fiji - Shangri-La Yanuca Island
This picturesque hotel is located on the private island of Yanuca in Fiji. Guests enjoy the 9-hole golf course, multiple swimming pools, and the spa. Nearby you'll find several beaches, restaurants, and the Garden of the...
Flights
Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
Add our airfare and you’ll get:
- Round-trip flight for your tour
- Airport transfers at your destination
- A great price locked in today
- 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
- Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
- Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
FAQ
- In order to enter Australia and New Zealand (and the Republic of Fiji on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
- U.S. and Canadian passport holders must purchase an individual visa from the Australian government’s Electronic Travel Authority mobile app. Alternatively, you can apply for an eVisa or traditional visa in advance. To do so, visit the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs and follow our walkthrough guide. For additional assistance, you may use a third-party provider like VisaCentral—however, these services charge a fee in addition to the cost of your visa.
- U.S. and Canadian passport holders must purchase an individual visa and pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy on the New Zealand government’s Electronic Travel Authority website nzeta.immigration.govt.nz prior to departure.
- U.S. and Canadian citizens are automatically issued a visa upon arrival in Fiji (on the tour extension).
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code AUN.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Brisbane and depart from Auckland (or Nadi on the tour extension).
- Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who booked their own flights are responsible for securing their own airport transfers.
- When you arrive in Brisbane, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a very fast-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- One 1-night stay
- Most days and evenings full of included activities (more if you add excursions) Most transportation by motor coach
- Some transportation by boat and commercial flight
- Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy
Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day - this includes city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills
- Entry/exit from the Sydney Opera house requires 100 stairs each way
- Accessing the Glowworm Caves will include navigating multiple flights of steep stairs, wet pathways, and narrow catwalks
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour
Climate Considerations
- Travelers can expect a wide variety of climates on this tour from dry, desert-like climate in Uluru Region to cooler, rainy climates in Southern New Zealand
- Countries visited on this tour are in the Southern hemisphere so their seasons are opposite of those in North America
- Summer months are considered December- February, while winter is June - August
- The wet season in Fiji is from November-April. Days consist of brief but often heavy rains
Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team. We’re here to help!
- This tour includes various modes of transportation, including boats, planes, and motor coaches. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
- Flights from Brisbane to Cairns, Cairns to Melbourne, Melbourne to the Uluru Region, the Uluru Region to Sydney, Sydney to Queenstown, and Queenstown to Rotorua, as well as a boat ride to Moreton Island, the Great Barrier Reef, and Milford Sound, are included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a flight from Auckland to Nadi.)
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- Private motor coaches and boats may have steps required to board and often do not provide access to ramps or lifts.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and included flights.
- A checked bag may not be included in your airline ticket.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at airports and hotels.
- We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
- A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
- You may also wish to pack a swimsuit, as there are opportunities to swim on tour.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- The Australian sun is very hot. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Bug repellent is also useful, as there can be flies in the Outback certain times of year.
- Travelers prone to seasickness may want to take special precautions for the boat rides on tour.
- We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
- In case of emergencies, we also recommend packing your medical insurance card in your carry-on.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, and local charm.
- Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-four-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
- Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
- Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in Australian hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- Australia and New Zealand (and Fiji on the tour extension) operate on the standard 220-240 volts and use Types I plugs with three large, flat pins set on an angle.
- Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
- Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
- If you choose to go swimming, be careful of powerful surf. Make sure to obey signs and lifeguards’ orders, and always swim between the marked flags.
- Travelers prone to seasickness should note that this tour includes boat rides.
- The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code AUN.
- This tour includes two lunches and six dinners: They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, or a soft drink, as well as water.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- Australian menus emphasize high-quality steaks and lamb chops, though meat pies are also popular. Regional specialties include shellfish (such as Sydney rock oysters and crabs) and smoked sausages brought to South Australia by German settlers. The national beverage is beer, and a visit to an Aussie pub is a popular pastime, but the country’s wines are also superb.
- In New Zealand, there are many good local varieties of seafood, excellent lamb and fresh fruits, including kiwi and passion fruits. For lunch, tea rooms serve savory meat pies, quiche, and desserts.
- On the tour extension, Fijian cuisine is traditionally healthy and fresh, incorporating local seafood, coconut, pineapple, and tubers such as taro.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $4USD per person per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- You will use the Australian dollar and the New Zealand dollar (plus the Fiji dollar on the tour extension).
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
- To ensure you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend you download the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. The app is free and provides important deadlines, entry requirements, your detailed itinerary, packing tips and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the chat feature in the app.
- Wifi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wifi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director in Australia and New Zealand.
- You will have a different Tour Director for your tour extension in Fiji than on your main tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- While in Australia, you'll travel through Australian Central Standard Time (14.5 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time) and Australian Eastern Standard Time (15 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time).
- New Zealand is 17 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time.
- Fiji is 16 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time.
- When it’s noon on Monday in New York, it’s 1:30am on Tuesday in the Uluru Region, 2am in Cairns, 3am in Melbourne, and 5am in Queenstown (and 4am in Fiji on the tour extension).
- Please note, some regions of Australia do not observe Daylight savings time
- When you travel with Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- Go Ahead Tours encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
- To protect the delicate reef ecosystems, make sure to use reef-safe sunscreen.
- When you come across wild animals on tour, take the philosophies of World Animal Protection to heart: Don’t touch or feed them, and maintain a respectful distance. The animals you encounter on your trip should be able to exhibit natural forms of behavior.
- Furthermore, avoid buying exploitative animal products, like crafts made from tortoiseshell or meals such as shark fin soup.
- If you feel we aren’t meeting any of these commitments, please let us know.
