Ultimate Australia

Pacing

• 6 locations in 16 days; 3 internal flights of 1-4 hours each; 1 drive of 7.5 hours
• International flights from Los Angeles to Melbourne depart around midnight; you'll lose one day en route as you cross the International Date Line, and regain it on the return trip; internal flights that require early wake-ups
• Airport transfers in Melbourne and Sydney may take more than 1 hour

Physical Requirements

• Not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids
• You must be able to walk 2-3 miles unassisted and participate in 4-6 hours of physical activities each day
• Some walks will be in areas with high heat or humidity
• Agility and balance are required for embarking catamaran and cruise boats
• We reserve the right for Trip Experience Leaders to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group's experience
• You may encounter animals on this trip. We make every effort to keep these encounters safe, however animals may behave unpredictably or dangerously at times. Please use caution when interacting with animals on this trip: Keep a safe distance, stay alert, and respect the animals

Climate

• Daytime temperatures range from 60-100°F
• The tropical regions in northern Australia are warm and humid; with humidity reaching up to 80% in December-March
• In the desert Outback, temperatures can exceed 100°F during the day, and drop dramatically at night

Terrain & Transportation

• Travel by 21-passenger minibus (no toilet onboard) and 20-350 passenger boats, including a catamaran
• 1 overland drive 7.5 hours long and 3 internal flights of up to 4 hours each; potential flight deviations due to lack of daily direct flights may necessitate a stopover in a different city, or result in an extra-long travel day
• 1 full-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef

Accommodations & Facilities

• Hotel rooms are smaller than U.S. and offer simple amenities
• All accommodations feature private bathrooms