We've compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions our clients ask us before departing on their APT tour.
Select the link for questions specifically about touring with:
- Australian Pacific Touring (APT)
- Australian Sightseeing - Day Tours
- Kangaroo Island Odysseys - South Australia, Kangaroo Island
- Kimberley Wilderness Australia - Western Australia, the Kimberley.
If you've got a question that we haven't answered here, please contact us.
Questions regarding Australian Pacific Touring (APT)
- I am travelling alone. Is this OK?
- I noticed that a lot of my meals are included. I'm a vegetarian is this going to be a problem?
- Are the flights included?
- What should I bring?
- How do I organise my visa?
- Can any APT, Travelmarvel or Newmans tour be split at any stage and then rejoined at a later date?
- If a single traveller is willing to share a room with another single traveller, but APT can't find another single traveller to share the room with, does the single traveller still have to pay the single supplement?
- Do you allow children on your tours?
- Do you have Guaranteed Departures?
- What's the difference between a Newmans New Zealand tour and an APT New Zealand tour?
- Do you use the same coach in the north and south island of New Zealand?
- If I purchase a 'Sightsee N Save' Pass, can I book day tours in advance before arriving in Australia?
- Do you allow travellers to be picked up or dropped off at the airport at any stage?
- Do you pick up or drop off at the airport from any hotel?
- Are all the 'Freedom of Choice Tours' guaranteed? What is the minimum number of people required to ensure departure?
- Are short break / independent tours guaranteed departures?
- What is the luggage restriction on my tour?
- How many seats are there on the vehicle?
- How much of a deposit is required and by when?
- Are flights included in the price of the tour?
- What is the difference between APT and Travelmarvel?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- Are you part of any rewards programs?
- What are the weather conditions, and what should we take to wear at different times of the year in Canada and Alaska?
- What are the passport requirements for travelling overseas?
- What is the average age of people on tour?
- How long is spent in the coach each day?
- Do I need a good level of fitness?
- Do we stop for lunch?
- How often do we stop on tour?
- How much am I required to tip?
- What currency do I need in Europe?
- Where does the cruise dock in town?
- Will the Cruise Ships have Internet access?
- Do I need vaccinations for the destination I am going to?
- Is it safe to travel to my destination?
Q. I am travelling alone. Is this OK?
A. Many passengers travel with APT on their own. This means that you will be accommodated in a single room. Alternatively (on many of our tours), you can choose to be matched up with a person of the same gender and pay the twin price. In this instance, accommodation will be in twin-bedded rooms. (Not applicable to short breaks / independent tours.)
Q. I noticed that a lot of my meals are included. I'm a vegetarian is this going to be a problem?
A. APT will endevour to cater for all special diets and preferences. Please advise us of your dietary requirements at the time of booking and we will include the information within your booking to ensure you are catered for appropriately. Please note that in more remote locations options may be more limited.
Q. Are the flights included?
A. Flights are generally not included within your tour. Normally, the itinerary will specifically state that flights are included when this is the case. Our reservations staff will be happy to assist you with your flight reservations.
Q. What should I bring?
A. You can download Tour Hints information from this website, found under the specific destination area that interests you, on the 'Travel Documents' and 'Before You Go' pages.
Q. How do I organise my visa?
A. Whether or not you require a visa will depend on your country of origin and your destination. Please see our Travel Tips and Advice pages found within the destinational information on this site, or feel free to ask our staff who will be able to provide you with more information.
Q. Can any APT, Travelmarvel or Newmans tour be split at any stage and then rejoined at a later date?
A. Yes, you can split an escorted tour at any stage and join the same tour at a later stage, however, this must be arranged at the time of booking and there are restrictions that apply to the duration of the tour. Ask us about our Freedom of Flexible Touring. (Note: due to some styles of touring this cannot be applied to all of our tours.)
Q. If a single traveller is willing to share a room with another single traveller, but APT can't find another single traveller to share the room with, does the single traveller still have to pay the single supplement?
A. No, APT will give them a single room at no extra cost. (Note: due to some styles of touring this cannot be applied to all of our tours.)
Q. Do you allow children on your tours?
A. Yes, however the minimum age is 7 years on our premier escorted tours. Please enquire for further details.
Q. Do you have Guaranteed Departures?
A. Yes APT does have guaranteed departures - see the Itinerary / Dates and Prices page on this website for a tour's availability, or it can be advised on enquiry.
Q. What's the difference between a Newmans New Zealand tour and an APT New Zealand tour?
A. In many cases the tour is exactly the same, it just appears in both company brochures / websites. Contact Us should this be unclear.
Q. Do you use the same coach in the north and south island of New Zealand?
A. Yes, APT and Newmans use the same coach, tour director and coach driver for both the north and south island.
Q. If I purchase a 'Sightsee N Save' Pass, can I book day tours in advance before arriving in Australia?
A. Yes, it is possible to book on a day tour in advance if you are going on the day tour within 24 hours of arriving in Australia. However, any tour after that must be booked when you are in Australia # 1300 655 965 - our 24 hour Reservation phone number.
Q. Do you allow travellers to be picked up or dropped off at the airport at any stage?
A. Generally we restrict the airport pickup to be within three days of a tour commencing or concluding in Australia, or five days of a tour commencing or concluding in New Zealand.
Q. Do you pick up or drop off at the airport from any hotel?
A. APT will only pick up or drop off when accommodation is booked through APT, however there are some restrictions that apply to some tours in regards to the number of pick up and drop off options.
Q. Are all the 'Freedom of Choice Tours' guaranteed? What is the minimum number of people required to ensure departure?
A. In some cases there is a minimum of four passengers required for the 'Freedom of Choice Tour' to department, however it is unlikely that you won't be able to enjoy the'Freedom of Choice Tour' of your choice. Some options will need to be pre-booked prior to departure so that you don't miss out but you will be advised if you need to pre-book any options and all other options you will select on tour.
Q. Are short break / independent tours guaranteed departures?
A. These tours are made up of a combination of day tours, with the accommodation standard you nominate. Generally departures are daily (see individual itineraries for further details).
Q. What is the luggage restriction on my tour?
A. A 20 kg suitcase, plus a piece of hand luggage, however some tours have further restrictions so please refer specific restrictions for each tour.
Q. How many seats are there on the vehicle?
A. Approximately 44-48 seats, but this varies depending on the style of touring. See individual itineraries for further details.
Q. How much of a deposit is required and by when?
A. Please see Terms and Conditions on this website.
Q. Are flights included in the price of the tour?
A. We can offer air and land only. Only North America and a few Europe tours feature air inclusive. See individual itineraries for further details.
Q. What is the difference between APT and Travelmarvel?
A. Standard of touring, hotel, and inclusions.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. Please see Terms and Conditions on this website
Q. Are you part of any rewards programs?
A. No.
Q. What are the weather conditions, and what should we take to wear at different times of the year in Canada and Alaska?
A. You can download our Tour Hints information for North America, from the Travel Documents / Before You Go pages of this website.
Q. What are the passport requirements for travelling overseas?
A. The requirements change depending on your destination. Refer to our Travel Tips and Advice page, found within the specific destination information on this website. Most countries have very informative websites that explain their requirements, or contact APT or your travel agent for further details.
Q. What is the average age of people on tour?
A. Our clients are generally 50+, but more than age a positive attitude is important in a group situation. We have found ages to be as diverse and varied as the sites and attractions you will see on tour.
Q. How long is spent in the coach each day?
A. Each day's touring will vary, however, you will always get time for sightseeing or personal breaks.
Q. Do I need a good level of fitness?
A. Not really, however you will need to be able to be mobile, and if not mobile, must be travelling with a companion who can assist.There are specific tours where a good level of fitness is required so please refer to the Tour Hints information for each tour.
Q. Do we stop for lunch?
A. Yes.
Q. How often do we stop on tour?
A. Varies on the tour and length of distance travelled on the day. See individual itineraries for further details.
Q. How much am I required to tip?
A. Please refer to your Tour Hints information for each tour.
Q. What currency do I need in Europe?
A. Please refer to your Tour Hints information for the relevant currency you will require in each country.
Q. Where does the cruise dock in town?
A. Please refer to your Tour Hints information for all the Port Locations.
Q. Will the Cruise Ships have Internet access?
A. Each ship and boat are different so please refer to your Tour Hints information for all this information.
Q. Do I need vaccinations for the destination I am going to?
A. You should consult your GP or the Travel Doctor at www.tmvc.com.au for the latest immunisations and medical advice.
Q. Is it safe to travel to my destination?
A. Travel advisories and general tips can be found on this Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade www.smarttraveller.gov.au
Do you have a question that hasn't been answered here?
Then contact us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
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Australian Sightseeing - Day Tours
- Is there a discount for 2 people?
- Can you do more of a discount?
- Where do you pick us up from?
- But can't you pick us up from our hotel?
- What meals do you provide on tours?
- Where do the tours actually stop and which sights do they only drive by?
- What is the size of the group on the coach, and does the coach have toilets on board?
- Do the lunches cater for vegetarian/Halal meals?
- Are the tours fully guided - is there commentary?
- What days does the tour run?
- What type of animals will I see?
- How close can we get to the penguins at Phillip Island?
- Is the coach wheelchair accessible?
- Is the tour suitable for older passengers?
- If no lunch / dinner is provide are there places they can purchase it?
- What age does a child have to be?
- Will I be dropped off back at my hotel?
- What time does the tour conclude?
- What's the weather going be like?
- If I purchase a 'Sightsee N Save' Pass, can I book day tours in advance before arriving in Australia?
- Are short break / independent tours guaranteed departures?
Q. Is there a discount for 2 people?
A. No
Q. Can you do more of a discount?
A. Only 1 (one) discount applies.
Q. Where do you pick us up from?
A. We pick up from Most Centrally Located Hotels. Please enquire at time of booking.
Q. But can't you pick us up from our hotel?
A. If we cannot then we will advise if you of the closest pick up to your hotel.
Q. What meals do you provide on tours?
A. This varies and you will need to refer to the itinerary on this website to see what meals are included.
Q. Where do the tours actually stop and which sights do they only drive by?
A. This depends on what tour you are on, please refer to the itinerary on this website for further details.
Q. What is the size of the group on the coach, and does the coach have toilets on board?
A. Maximum group size is 48, but this will depend on what tour it is. There are smaller vehicles used on some tours. And yes, our coaches have a toilet, but our smaller vehicles do not. See itinerary for further details.
Q. Do the lunches cater for vegetarian / Halal meals?
A. Yes, you just need to advise us at the time of booking any dietary requirements.
Q. Are the tours fully guided - is there commentary?
A. Most tours are guided and commentary is provided, but again this will depend on what tour you are doing.
Q. What days does the tour run?
A. Depends on what tour, as they operate on different dates. See itinerary for further details.
Q. What type of animals will I see?
A. Depends on what tour you're doing. See itinerary for further details.
Q. How close can we get to the penguins at Phillip Island?
A. There are viewing platforms which allow excellent sightings.
Q. Is the coach wheelchair accessible?
A. Yes, but passenger must have a collapsible wheelchair and a carer to assist, as the driver is legally not able to assist.
Q. Is the tour suitable for older passengers?
A. If you have any health or mobility concerns, regardless of age, please advise us and we can clarify if a tour is suitable or not.
Q. If no lunch / dinner is provided are there places we can purchase it?
A. Yes.
Q. What age does a child have to be to travel on a day tour?
A. 3 to 14 years inclusive.
Q. Will I be dropped off back at my hotel?
A. Most of the time we will be able to do this, and for some reason if we cannot, we will drop you off at the closest drop off point.
Q. What time does the tour conclude?
A. This differs, please refer to the itinerary on this website.
Q. What's the weather going be like?
A. Obviously this differs on the city you are in and the time of the year.
Q. If I purchase a 'Sightsee N Save' Pass, can I book day tours in advance before arriving in Australia?
A. Yes, it is possible to book on a day tour in advance if you are going on the day tour within 24 hours of arriving in Australia. However, any tour after that must be booked when you are in Australia # 1300 655 965 - our 24 hour Reservation phone number.
Q. Are short breaks / independent tours guaranteed departures?
A. These tours are made up of a combination of day tours, with the accommodation standard you nominate. Generally departures are daily (see individual itineraries for further details).
Do you have a question that hasn't been answered here?
Then contact us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
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Questions regarding travelling on Kangaroo Island
- How big is Kangaroo Island? How much time do I need to visit the main attractions?
- How do I get to Kangaroo Island?
- Can I buy a package including accommodation and transport from Adelaide?
- How do I get my information and tickets?
- If I have a free day, can I get around KI with public transport?
- What clothes are appropriate? Is there any luggage restrictions?
- Shall I take my own meals on tour?
- Is there a guarantee to see animals? Can I cuddle a Koala or a Sealion?
- Where do I stay on Kangaroo Island?
- Do you have restaurants on Kangaroo Island?
- How big are the groups?
- What is the weather like on Kangaroo Island? Can I come to Kangaroo Island all year round?
- What sort of vehicle is being used?
- I do not want to join a normal tour. Can you arrange a private tour for me with a personalised itinerary?
Q. How big is Kangaroo Island? How much time do I need to visit the main attractions?
A. Kangaroo Island is the third largest of Australia's islands with over 4400 square kilometres and approx. 160 km extension from east to west. Two days of touring are a suggested minimum to appreciate the main attractions and appreciate this Nature Island.
Q. How do I get to Kangaroo Island?
A. Kangaroo Island has regular morning and evening flight connections between Adelaide and Kingscote, as well as regular ferry connection between Cape Jervis and Penneshaw.
Q. Can I buy a package including accommodation and transport from Adelaide?
A. Kangaroo Island Odysseys can take all the worries out of your trip to KI. You can book your touring with your choice of flight OR ferry (all including your complimentary Adelaide hotel pick up). On KI you have the choice of booking standard accommodation, first class accommodation or Boutique B&B accommodation (including all meals)
Q. How do I get my information and tickets?
A. After finalising the booking, you will receive an invoice / confirmation and an itinerary outlining the details of your trip. You will not need any tickets for your transportation. The airline as well as the ferry operator offer paperless travel. You just need to present photo-ID at check-in.
Q. If I have a free day, can I get around KI with public transport?
A. There is no public transport or even taxis on KI. The only possibility is to join a tour, or bring or rent a vehicle.
Q. What clothes are appropriate? Is there any luggage restrictions?
A. Comfortable clothes and walking shoes are recommended. Always take a windcheater / rain-jacket or fleece, the weather can change at any time. We recommend to only take an overnight bag for your stay on KI. Airlines have luggage restrictions (10-15 kg per person).
Q. Shall I take my own meals on tour?
A. While on tour, KI Odysseys will provide you with a freshly prepared gourmet picnic (mostly barbecue) including wine. Light refreshments are available throughout the day. We will stop and serve morning or afternoon coffee with biscuits.
Q. Is there a guarantee to see animals? Can I cuddle a Koala or a Sealion?
A. One third of Kangaroo Island is national park. We will be searching for animals in their own habitat. Observation without interaction is how our tours are run. Our tours will provide you with a unique wildlife experience, although there will be no interaction with the animals.
Q. Where do I stay on Kangaroo Island?
A. When booking a package, you have the choice of Standard, First Class or Boutique B&B accommodation. KI Odysseys works with a number of Hotels and B&Bs, and will take you to your accommodation and pick you up for transfer or touring. Standard and First Class accommodation are on a ROOM ONLY-basis, there are no meals included. Boutique B&B accommodation, especially due to their remote locations, will always include Dinner and Breakfast.
Q. Do you have restaurants on Kangaroo Island?
A. Major townships (Kingscote, Penneshaw, American River) have a limited number of restaurants. Most of these are part of the hotels, but the pubs also serve a good meal.
Q. How big are the groups?
A. Our tours are small, personalised groups with a minimum of 2 passengers and a maximum of 12 passengers per vehicle. If the group is more than 6 passengers, we will supply a second guide.
Q. What is the weather like on Kangaroo Island? Can I come to Kangaroo Island all year round?
A. Kangaroo Island can be visited all year round. It has a temperate, mediterranean climate. Kangaroo Island is very exposed to the elements, as the next landmass to the south is Antarctica. Therefore changes in weather can occur suddenly and without much warning.
Q. What sort of vehicle is being used?
A. KI Odysseys only uses 4WD vehicles with a seating capacity from 4 to 12 passengers. Only one third of the island roads are sealed, and 4WD vehicles allow us to explore KI off-the-beaten-track.
Q. I do not want to join a normal tour. Can you arrange a private tour for me with a personalised itinerary?
A. KI Odysseys can organise a personalised itinerary with your own personal vehicle and guide. As a family group or a group of friends, if you have specialised interest in ornithology or photography, please contact us for a special itinerary and a special quotation for your group.
Do you have a question that wasn't answered here?
Then contact us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
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Questions regarding travelling the Kimberley
- How old is 'too old'?
- How fit is fit for a Kimberley adventure?
- Wilderness Camps? Tents? You call this a holiday?
- What's a standard camping meal?
- When is the Kimberley at its best?
- What about the 4-Wheel Drive vehicles?
- What to bring?
- Can clothes be washed along the way?
- Are the Wilderness Camps licensed to sell alcohol?
- Which airlines fly to the Kimberley?
- Are there scenic helicopter flights over Mitchell Falls and the Bungle Bungle?
Q. How old is 'too old'?
A. On a Kimberley adventure there's no such thing as too old, as our tours put the spring back into your step. It doesn't matter what age you are as long as you are in good health, and have a spirit of adventure.
Q. How fit is fit for a Kimberley adventure?
A. Join us and swim in remote waterholes and below striking waterfalls. Enjoy guided bushwalks (sometimes over uneven terrain) on all our tours. And yes, a good general level of fitness is required.
Q. Wilderness Camps? Tents? You call this a holiday?
A. Absolutely! Our network of Wilderness Camps feature permanent and sturdy tented cabins. You don't even have to put your own tent up! Cabin comforts include a raised wooden floor, comfortable twin beds with thick mattresses, doonas, pillows, a side table, and even interior lighting. And crisp bed linen provides that extra touch.
Our camps also feature hot and cold showers, low-impact permanent toilet facilities and low voltage night lighting throughout the camp. We are proud to have been able to establish our camps on Aboriginal land, with the welcome of traditional owners.
Q. What's a standard camping meal?
A. There's nothing standard about our meals; they are praised as being plentiful, well balanced, and healthy. Breakfasts include cereal, toast with condiments, and often with cooked options. Lunches are fresh with a variety of cold meats, salads and breads, served picnic style. Dinners are delicious home-style three-course meals, served in unique insect-proof dining areas. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine with your evening meal, and reflect on another great Kimberley day.
Q. When is the Kimberley at its best?
A. April through to October is the most pleasant months to travel through the remote Kimberley region. In April/May and September/October the weather is fine and hot with mild nights (average maximum 33 degrees Celsius). From June to August the days are fine and warm with cool nights (average maximum 29 degrees Celsius). Rainfall is rare.
Q. What about the 4-Wheel Drive vehicles?
A. Our modern fleet consists of Isuzu and Oka 4-wheel drive vehicles that have air conditioning, comfortable coach-style seating, and are seat belt equipped. These vehicles are fitted with satellite telephones ensuring uninterrupted communications with our Kununurra base, in case of an emergency. All vehicles have been specifically designed for the rugged Kimberley terrain.
Q. What to bring?
A. Casual, drip dry, hand washable clothing is recommended. Bring 4 or 5 changes of clothing, including shorts, T-shirts, collared and long sleeve shirts to avoid sunburn, and a windcheater and pants for cooler evenings. A good pair of hiking boots is recommended, along with some shoes you don't mind getting wet. It is recommended that you bring a sun hat, sunglasses, sun block and all necessary toiletries. We suggest you also bring a sturdy water container (at least one litre in volume) and a torch.
Q. Can clothes be washed along the way?
A. Hand washing facilities are available at each of our Wilderness Camps. In larger centres such as Kununurra and Broome, hotels feature coin-operated washing machines and dryers.
Q. Are the Wilderness Camps licensed to sell alcohol?
A. Our Wilderness Camps are not licensed to sell alcohol. A complimentary glass of wine is available with dinner when staying at our Wilderness Camps (to guests over 18 years-of-age). Should you wish to bring your own alcohol, you are most welcome to do so. Alcohol can be purchased in Broome, Kununurra or Darwin. For environmental reasons we ask that you purchase alcohol in aluminium cans for recycling. Note: A liquor license for Bungle Bungle Wilderness Camp is pending.
Q. Which airlines fly to the Kimberley?
A. Qantas and Virgin Blue both fly to Darwin and Broome from all major Australian centres. Air North, the Kimberley's regional airline operates daily services between Darwin, Kununurra and Broome.
Q. Are there scenic helicopter flights over Mitchell Falls and the Bungle Bungle?
A. The uniqueness of the Kimberley region can be fully appreciated from the seat of a nimble helicopter. Helicopter flights over the Mitchell Falls range in price from $50-$250 per person, depending on the duration of the flight you choose.
Flights along the remote Kimberley Coastline start at $250 per person for 45 minutes. In the Bungle Bungle (Purnululu National Park), allow $200-$250 for a spectacular 30 minute flight over the beehive domes.
All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD).
Do you have a question that wasn't answered here?
Then contact us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
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