What to Expect
- Physical requirements:
This trip is only for physically fit and healthy travelers and is not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. You must be able to walk 2-3 miles unassisted over the course of each day, exploring on foot and standing for up to a half-hour at a time. You must also be comfortable participating in 4-6 hours of daily physical activities and sightseeing. We reserve the right for our Trip Leaders to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home if their limitations are impacting the group's experience.
- Climate & terrain:
The tropical regions in northern Australia often reach temperatures approaching the high 90s during the rainy summer months (December–March). In the desert Outback, temperatures can exceed 100 degrees during the day, and be as low as 60 at night. We’ll travel over city streets, wildlife sanctuary paths, sandy beaches, and rugged Outback trails.
- Pacing:
7 locations in 17 days with 1 one-night stay. Early mornings. There is a 5-hour overland transfer.
- Transportation:
We travel by air-conditioned bus, catamaran, and Sydney Harbour cruise boat.
- Accommodations:
We stay in hotels and resorts designed with sensitivity and appreciation for Australia’s unique landscapes.
- Group size & leadership:
16 maximum with 1 Trip Leader.
Visa Information
U.S. citizens will need a visa (or visas) for this trip. In addition, there may be other entry requirements that also need to be met. For your convenience, we’ve included a quick reference list, organized by country:
- Australia: Visa required.
- New Zealand (optional post-trip extension only): No visa required.
Travelers who are booked on this adventure will be sent a complete Visa Packet— with instructions, applications, and a list of visa fees—approximately 100 days prior to their departure. (Because many countries limit the validity of their visa from the date it is issued, or have a specific time window for when you can apply, we do not recommend applying too early.)
If you are not a U.S. citizen, do not travel with a U.S. passport, or will be traveling independently before/after this trip, then your entry requirements may be different. Please check with the appropriate embassy or a visa servicing company. To contact our recommended visa servicing company, PVS International, call toll-free at 1-800-556-9990.
Vaccinations Information
For a detailed and up-to-date list of vaccinations that are recommended for this trip, please visit the CDC’s “Traveler’s Health” website.