Austour's Travel Tips

Overland Adventure Travel Tips:

These Travel Hints are forwarded by Austour to all clients and/or their agent or wholesaler. Austour cannot accept responsibility for the failure of any client to receive this important information. Receipt of your booking for travel on the Great Australian Adventure, or sectors thereof, acknowledges your acceptance of the Conditions of Travel and format of tour operation as set out.

The following is designed to assist you with your pre-departure preparations and packing and to provide hints on what to expect on your Austour Great Australian Adventure or sectors thereof - (The East Coast Adventure; The Ultimate Adventure; Reef, Kakadu & Rock Adventure; Ocean to Outback Adventure; The Outback Adventure; Overland Adventure & The Red Centre Adventure).

PRE DEPARTURE BRIEFING MEETING:

When commencing your tour in Sydney we would like to insist that you attend our Pre Departure Briefing Meeting at 6.30 pm on the Friday evening (day prior to tour commencing) at Sullivan's Hotel, 21 Oxford Street, Paddington (5 mins from central Sydney by taxi or bus). Here you will meet the tour crew, fellow travellers and to learn about the operation of your Overland Adventure.

The information presented at this meeting will be given in English, French and German. It will, however, be very strongly emphasised that your Tour Coach Captain and Safari Catering Manager are Australian and only speak Australian English.

Note: this tour is promoted worldwide as an English speaking tour with language assistance in German and French.
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JOINING YOUR TOUR:

Always check your ticket for departure date, time and departure point and if unsure contact the Austour Office in Melbourne (03) 9770-2145 or Toll Free: 1 800 335 009.

Sydney: Sullivan's Hotel. 21 Oxford Street, Paddington (Tel: 02 9361 0211)
Cairns: Lake Placid Tourist Park, Lake Placid Rd, Lake Placid,Cairns. (Tel: 07 4039 2509)
Darwin: Mirambeena Resort. 64 Cavenagh Street, Darwin (Tel: 08 8946 0111)
Alice Springs: Heavitree Gap Resort. Palm Circuit, Alice Springs. (Tel: 08 8952 4866)

DEPARTURE/JOINING POINTS:

Sydney: Sullivan's Hotel. 21 Oxford Street, Paddington (Tel: 02 9361 0211) (unless otherwise advised)
Cairns: First City Caravilla Caravan Park, Kelly Street, Earlville, Queensland (Tel: 07 4054 1403)
Darwin: Mirambeena Resort. 64 Cavenagh Street, Darwin (Tel: 08 8946 0111)
Alice Springs: Heavitree Gap Resort. Palm Circuit, Alice Springs. (Tel: 08 8952 4866)

YOUR GREAT EASTLANDER ADVENTURE:

The Great Australian Adventure is designed for the person with a spirit of adventure, attracting people from around the world - Europeans, North Americans, Asians, New Zealanders and Australians and this is what makes this tour so different and so popular. Often our tours have 25% German speaking clients, 25% French speaking clients and 50% English speaking clients whose first or second language is English, however these percentages can vary dramatically from tour to tour.

The size of the group can vary and be of a mixed age group but generally people are late 20’s to late 50’s, 28 to 58 years of age is our target market. Participants must be prepared to mix with other passengers, make friends, have fun and revel in all the experiences. Our staff offers basic commentary translation and assistance in the French and German language.

You as a passenger must take into consideration the vast area of Australia that your tour is visiting - approximately 12,000 km in just 30 days. On an average day we travel 500 kms and several days are over 800 kms. Some tour operators do it in 2 or 3 days less too! There is not a great deal of free time - our aim is to show you as much of Australia as we can in the time available and at an economical cost. You may visit places you would like to explore further but time may not permit this. However, we are confident that you will come back and explore more another time.

Passengers should be prepared to rough it a little, be prepared to expect changes to itinerary, considerable variation to weather conditions (obviously affecting clothing requirements), occasional unseasonable weather and adverse road conditions - pushing your coach out of mud, through a flooded creek or sitting on the road side for several days waiting for the floodwaters to go down, waiting for spare coach parts or emergency help are all part of this type of Australian adventure.

People lacking in general good health or who suffer a lack of understanding, tolerance and flexibility should not consider such an outback adventure.

Our camping routine is what we call the "6, 7, 8 Routine". 6.00 am - wakie, wakie! pack up luggage and tents; 7.00 am - breakfast; 8.00 am - depart camp. Occasionally this routine is varied to suit operational demands.

It is important to remember that the Great Australian Adventure is not a holiday - it is an adventure!
IF
· You’d like an adventure holiday
· *You’re happy to mix with many nationalities
· You enjoy the outdoors
· You are tolerant, flexible and enjoy life
· You like to walk and try new things
· You are relatively fit and healthy
· You mix well with all ages

AUSTOUR CREW:

Tour Leader: The Coach Captain is generally your Tour Leader and guide. He really knows Australia and the vehicle. He'll not only look after you throughout the tour but will provide an informative commentary in Aussie English.

Catering Manager: Well fed passengers are happy passengers and our Catering Manager will amaze you with the variety of delicious Australian style meals all prepared from our well equipped vehicle or safari trailer kitchen - after all, you are visiting Australia to see and experience the Australian way of life and our style of food.

Tour Manager: S/he is responsible for the day to day running of the tour, confirming bookings and coordinating arrangements. S/he is multi lingual speaking French, German and English. S/he is responsible for passenger welfare and will ensure basic commentary is understood.

MULTI-LINGUAL TOURS:

The Great Australian Adventure is not a German or a French or other language speaking tour - the daily commentary and camping information is presented in English and Austour promotes this adventure as an English speaking tour.

Translations cannot always be provided whilst on cruises, attending visits or other off the coach inspections etc.

Please note that we do recommend that clients travelling on this tour have at least some knowledge of the English language and have chosen to travel on this tour with a view of improving their own English language skills. This tour is truly a multi-national tour and cannot cater specifically for the total needs of one language group therefore tolerance, cooperation and understanding is essential.

YOUR TOURING VEHICLE:

Coach: 45/48 passengers, air-conditioned, toilet and rest room equipped, adjustable reclining seats, public address system, stereo tape music, video/DVD player and may tow a fully equipped camping trailer where passenger loading exceeds 20 or 25 persons.

Austour reserves the right to substitute a smaller vehicle for passenger numbers below 20. This vehicle will not have all the facilities detailed above.

Seating: a seat rotation system applies on all tours, which ensures that passengers will enjoy forward and window seating. Adherence to this system is required by all passengers.

Smoking: is not permitted by Health Regulations & Australian Law on the vehicle. Regular stops are made en route.

Alcohol: the consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden on board the coach/vehicle according to Australian law.

YOUR SAFARI TENT ACCOMMODATION:

All tents are dome style (as pictured on our web site), twin share, with in-built floor. All tents are numbered for easy recognition and the one allocated to you will be yours for all the tour.

On the first camping day of the tour, the Tour Manager will allocate you a tent and give a demonstration of just how easy they are to erect. S/he will also issue you with a foam mattress. Don’t forget to bring your sleeping bag and a small pillow.

* You will be responsible for pitching your own tent at each camp and for folding it up each morning before breakfast.

All tents are designed for the varying outback and coastal conditions, therefore during the summer wet season we recommend you consider the Soft Adventure Budget Cabin Option. Tent passengers should they decide to upgrade to accommodation whilst on tour in the event of rain or for other reasons do so at their own expense and are totally responsible for the co-ordination of these amended arrangements.

For single tent occupancy, prior arrangements must be made and there is a surcharge. Austour discourages single tent use as it is difficult and time consuming and sometimes frustrating to pitch a tent without a colleagues help.

* Austour will accept no responsibility for the suitability of tenting partners for single travellers willing to share with a fellow passenger. Single travellers willing to share must accept the same gender rooming partners allocated by Austour.

SOFT ADVENTURE BUDGET CABIN OPTION:

The Great Australian Adventure or sectors thereof is a coach camping safari with tent accommodation. However, the Soft Adventure Budget Cabin Option fare offers twin/multi share / bunk style beds in cabin or on site caravans, without ensuite facilities, in the immediate proximity to the camping parks in lieu of tents.

This Soft Adventure Budget Option Fare must be booked prior to travel. Soft Adventure passengers camp in tents on Days 1, 2, and 3 other nights of the 30 day itinerary at the discretion of Austour.

Soft Adventure passengers must remember that they are members of a camping and not an accommodated tour. Soft adventure is budget style – refer web site for more information. The majority of occasions bathroom facilities are outside but nearby to the cabin. Bed linen is provided on most occasions, however Austour has sleeping bags provided for soft adventure clients for their tent nights so this can be used if linen is not included.

As this tour is a safari adventure and is travelling in remote regions, itineraries cannot always be adhered to and scheduled stops reached. Therefore, in the event of adverse conditions, Soft Adventure passengers may be required to camp on extra nights.

Soft Adventure passengers have their meals with the safari group at the camping park using camp stools and camp tables. There may be a short walk from the cabin to the camp kitchen and eating shelter.

The choice of Soft Adventure establishments is at the discretion of Austour. We recommend this package for departures in the summer months of November to March - the wet, humid & cyclonic season in northern Australia

Single occupancy is also available for an additional surcharge but is extremely limited and not encouraged.

* Austour will accept no responsibility for the suitability of soft adventure cabin partners for single travellers willing to share with a fellow passenger. Single travellers willing to share must accept the same gender rooming partners allocated by Austour. Some cabins may be two room cabins.

SLEEPING BAGS:

All passengers are required to provide their own sleeping bag if travelling safari/tent style. Don't forget to bring a small pillow and travel rug. We recommend the use of an inner sheet liner with your sleeping bag - this helps to keep you warm on cold nights, keeps the sleeping bag clean and may be used without sleeping bag on warm nights. No swags (bed rolls) are allowed. Sleeping bags, tents, foam mattresses and pillow are provided for the soft adventure clients for the camping nights.

You may wish to purchase a sleeping bag from us - this must be requested at time of booking with your agent. Sleeping bags must be ordered no later than 14 days prior to the tour departure.

COMPLIMENTARY PRE TOUR ACCOMMODATION:

This twin share accommodation (room only; no breakfast) in Sydney is offered to all passengers joining the Great Australian Adventure, Great Australian 30 Day Adventure Clients, in Sydney to enable attendance at our pre-departure briefing meeting. To obtain this bonus offer, it must be applied for in writing at the time you book with your agent and subject to you attending the meeting. This offer is a bonus in appreciation of your booking with the full 30 days! All other clients can choose to stay at Sullivan’s Hotel in Sydney, which is convenient for the Friday evening briefing meeting and the 6.30 am Saturday morning departure. We offer twin share for all clients apply at time of booking. The tour officially commences on the Saturday morning at 7.00 am.

MEALS:

Meal Codes on your itinerary: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

Austour provides cutlery, plate, bowl and mug in a cloth bag (called a dilly bag) for your use for meals whilst on the tour.

Your Safari Cook will serve you a hearty Australian breakfast - cereals, hot dish most mornings (bacon & eggs, poached eggs, baked beans on toast, pancakes, bread rolls, cheese cold meats etc), tea or coffee. Lunch is usually smorgasbord style salads with cold meats, fresh fruit, cake, tea or coffee. Dinner will consist of three courses - soup or an entree, cooked dinner of meat, chicken, fish etc and vegetables followed by a dessert of hot pudding or custard or fruit salad. Be prepared to put on weight! Seasonal variation to meal occurs.

Special Requirements: We cannot cater for all the special dietary requirements of passengers on an Overland Camping Tour. However, if you are a vegetarian or have a special request let us know (in writing) at the time of booking or at the latest 14 days before you join the tour, and we will endeavour to assist

Note: Where lunches and/or dinners are not included there is the opportunity to try the local cuisine.

WHAT DO YOU DO:

We do not require our passengers to be rostered on for tour duties! You are, however, responsible for keeping your own personal eating utensils clean and for pitching/dismantling your tent and rolling up your bedding. All passengers will be asked to share and participate in odd jobs around the camp to the mutual benefit of the whole group.

ALL ABOUT BAGGAGE:

The limit for this tour is three pieces - total weight not to exceed 20 kilograms or 18 kilograms if sleeping bag being provided by Austour.

1) one medium suitcase or duffle/sausage bag. The medium suitcase should not exceed 140 cm = sum of length, width and depth.
2) hand luggage - one airline type cabin bag/soft, small backpack (max 5kg)
3) one sleeping bag (2kg)

Note: the luggage limit includes sleeping bag and all hand luggage including camera equipment.

Oversize luggage may be rejected at departure point so do check it out beforehand to avoid embarrassment. The Company reserves the right to weigh luggage at departure point.

Excess luggage can be left at Austour's departure points for your collection at the end of your tour or for on-forwarding at your cost. Prior arrangements must be made for storage or on-forwarding.

WHAT TO PACK AND HOW:

The Golden Rule is don't pack too much! A recommended practice is to pack your bag, then unpack, cut it by 50% and re-pack again!! In order to protect your clothing it is suggested that you start by placing a sheet of plastic (or a large plastic bag) in the bottom of your bag, large enough for the sides to be folded over the top of your clothes and tucked in when you finish packing. Also some individual, smaller plastic bags for storing wet or dirty clothing and footwear is a good idea.

Informal dress is the order of the day - shorts, slacks, jeans, t-shirts, blouses and shirts being the usual wear with warmer clothing for evening. Outback Australia can be cold mid-year (June/July) with temperatures as low as minus 2 or 3 degrees Celsius at 5.00 am and reaching 20 to 25 degrees Celsius by lunchtime. 40 degrees+ is common in summer with 50 degrees possible and humidity of 95% in the tropics. Laundry facilities are available en route. Remember white or pastel coloured clothing shows dust and dirt stains.

* CHECK LIST:
- underclothing for one week
- 6 to-shirts/blouses/shirts
- 1 cardigan/pullover/wind-cheater
- 3 pairs jeans/slacks/shorts/dresses
- 1 swimsuit and towel
- 1 tracksuit for casual wear (or pyjamas)
- 1 parka/japara jacket
- 1 pair strong casual walking shoes
- 1 pair sandals/thongs for shower
- socks, handkerchiefs/tissues
- shaving gear - safety blades or electric
- towel, toiletries (soap/toothpaste/comb/deodorant/shampoo)
- 1 sleeping bag, sheet liner, small pillow, travel rug
- torch, camera, film, fly net
- sun-hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
- 1 small personal water bottle
- 1 tea towel

Your touring vehicle is equipped with both radio, CD player and cassette deck so bring along a favourite cassette or CD and they may be included in the on board selection. You can also bring your guitar, banjo or tin whistle for campfire entertainment - they are acceptable additions to your baggage allowance as long as you obtain prior approval.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT AUSTRALIA:

Australia is a big country covering 800 million hectares, an area equal to the size of Eastern and Western Europe plus Scandinavia and is about the same size as Mainland USA yet we only have the population of the California coast, Holland or one large European industrial area - 20 million. Imagine it!

We are an underdeveloped and underpopulated country. The sheer vastness and the diverse landscapes of Australia are difficult to describe - desert, snow, tropical rainforests to mention just a few contrasts. Australia is one of the most astonishing and beautiful continents in the world.

Australians are, generally, very friendly people, easy going and unregimented or, as we say, "laid back". We hope this is something you will like about us!

Our diverse multi-cultural society is reflected in all aspects of our every day life - food, festivals, art etc. We are a monolingual culture with an Australian version of English. Ask us to talk slower - even North Americans and the English have trouble with our Aussie English!

Come see and experience the real Australia with Austour. We can't wait to show it to you - our way.

ITINERARY CHANGES:

The Company gives your Crew the flexibility to vary both the itinerary and overnight stops in the event of adverse weather and/or road conditions. Passengers joining an Austour Overland Adventure do so knowing that they have agreed to the Company's right of flexibility in tour operation. Sometimes road access to areas is just not possible and alternative touring may need to be supplemented. We make no guarantee that you will see everything on the itinerary - we do our best. Police closure of roads and other extreme difficulties can necessitate changes. Read carefully the Austour Conditions of Travel.

OPTIONAL TOURS:

Many visits and tours in the itinerary are included in the tour fare. A few tours, cruises and visits shown as “optional” can be undertaken by you should time permit. Your Crew will book recommended options only for you, however, these costs and charges are in addition to the tour fare and are payable by you at the time.

Austour accepts no responsibility for the operation of these options and our Crew co-ordinate these activities as a service only on the request of clients. Any commentary during these options will be presented in English - language assistance can not be translated away from the Austour coach and campsite environment.

KEEPING THE BODY BEAUTIFUL!

Most coaches touring Australia have toilet/restrooms for emergency use only. During the day stops are made at conveniences. We camp at well-equipped caravan parks with hot and cold showers, toilet and laundry facilities.

Should we make camp away from civilisation (bush camp) - personal washing water is limited. For bush camps we do carry a bush toilet tent. Generally there are no bush camps on a Great Australian Adventure.

MAIL:

Mail can be received en route at the towns shown on your itinerary. Remember if receiving mail via a Post Office that they are only open on weekdays from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm being closed on weekends and public holidays.

All Mail should be addressed as follows -
Mr & Mrs, Ms. (Your name)
c/- Austour
Tour Code plus date of arrival in that place.
PO Box / Street Address
Town. State. Postcode. Australia.

Cairns: First City Caravilla Caravan Park. Kelly Street, Earlville QLD 4870
Darwin: Mirambeena Resort. 64 Cavenagh Street, Darwin NT 0800
Alice Springs: Heavitree Gap Lodge. Palm Circuit, Alice Springs. NT. 0870

CLIMATE:

Australian seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere's:
Spring - September 01 to November 30
Warm to hot
Summer - December 01 to February 28
Hot,wet and humid
Autumn - March 01 to May 31
Warm ideal for travel
Winter - June 01 to August 31
Cold morning perfect days ideal

April to September in northern and central Australia - clear warm days, with cool to cold nights. At the same time in the south - cool with occasional rain but still some sunshine.
If travelling in north Queensland or Darwin and the Top End in January, February or March be prepared for lots of rain and changes to itinerary. We often have to abandon campsites to utilise alternative halls and budget hostels - such extra costs are to be met by the passengers.

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION:

Banks:
Banking Hours: 9.30 am to 4.00 pm from Monday to Thursday
9.30 am to 5.00 pm on Friday.
Mostly closed Saturday and Sunday.
Automatic Banking/Cashpoints/Hole in the Wall facilities are available in most towns.

Credit Cards:
The most widely recognised and accepted Credit Cards in Australia are MasterCard (including Eurocard) Visa, American Express and Diners Club are also widely accepted in most major tourist centres. Other overseas cards may present difficulties. Visa and Mastercard are the most common.

Travellers Cheques:
Travellers cheques are safe, convenient and can be cashed at all banks and many of the larger hotels/motels. Australian Travellers Cheques and larger denominations are recommended.

Tipping: is optional and is not generally expected in Australia. For exceptional service a gratuity is appreciated. (Hotel and restaurant accounts do not include service charges).

Laundry/Dry Cleaning: Caravan parks at major centres on your tour will have laundry and ironing facilities available.

Electrical Appliances: 220-250 volt and 50 cycles AC 3 pin plug.

COMPANY POLICY & CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL:

By confirming your booking you acknowledge and fully understand all the terms, conditions and limitation of liability of travel as set out and any predeparture information/ticket issued.

Loss of enjoyment – Whilst Austour will take all reasonable steps to provide an enjoyable tour, it accepts no liability for any loss of enjoyment experienced by a passenger whatsoever and howsoever. Austour is an adventure tour company and adversity may be part of the adventure.
Itinerary variation – Austour reserves the right to alter or change the campsites, accommodation, visits, vehicles, itineraries and number of crew at any time for any reason whatsoever including, but not limited to, road and weather conditions, non-performance of suppliers, industrial action, operational conditions and requirements. All additional expenses incurred as a result of any delays, cancellations or alterations will be the sole responsibility of the passenger.
Remote & Outback Travel – Austour frequently travels to remote and isolated areas. Advertised schedules cannot always be adhered to. Some tours operate on a year round basis and therefore encounter weather extremes which can affect road conditions, passenger comfort and the smooth operations of a tour. Every effort will be made to complete the itinerary but no guarantee will ever be made that the itinerary can be completed as scheduled. In extreme conditions alternative touring to a completely different region could be substituted. Clients travelling do so knowing that there are no refunds for fares in the event of itinerary substitution.
Tour operations – Austour cannot guarantee that for every day of every tour vehicles will operate at the performance level that the company strives for. Any malfunction of a vehicle or its accessories – toilet, air-conditioning, catering trailer will be repaired at the next major transport city as soon as possible subject to availability of parts. However, Austour cannot accept any responsibility or liability for delays, inconvenience or uncomfortable travel brought about by such mechanical malfunctions.
Travel arrangements – A minimum number of passengers are required in order for tours to operate – for your benefit as well as the operators. Should adequate numbers not be achieved, it may be necessary to cancel a tour departure. A decision as to whether a tour will operate is usually made 4-6 weeks prior to an Overland extended tour departure or 24 hours prior for a 1, 2 or 3 day Desert Wanderer Red Centre tours. In the event of a tour being cancelled, Austour and/or the operator will do its best to offer a suitable alternative or refund monies paid, Austour will accept no responsibility for connecting travel arrangements not booked with Austour. The Travel Agent/Wholesaler is an agent of the consumer and acts on his/her behalf in all dealings with Austour. Receipt of monies by Travel Agents/Wholesalers does not constitute receipt by Austour and Austour is not liable in respect of any monies paid to a Travel Agent/Wholesaler until such monies are received by Austour. Austour bears no responsibility for misrepresentation, incorrect information/advice given by a Travel Agent/Wholesaler.
Extreme conditions – Austour, through their employees, has the absolute discretion to withdraw any troublemaker, disruptive or abusive client or lawbreaker, particularly where the safety and continued enjoyment of the party may be in jeopardy or diminished. No passenger will be permitted to embark or continue on the tour while their mental or physical condition is, in the opinion of a company representative, such as to render them incapable of caring for themselves or they become a hazard to themselves or other passengers. Austour will not be responsible for expenses resulting in such persons being precluded from completing the tour for any such reason.

Associated products – Where Austour does not operate the tour, attractions, excursions, accommodation establishments and/or optional activities, which may be included or offered in association with the tour, Austour will not be liable for any loss, damage or injury arising in any manner including whether as a result of negligence or otherwise.
Tour fares quoted in this brochure and other Austour literature or advertising are subject to any significant increases in air fares, fuel prices, government taxes or other tour related costs or by the service providers
Airlines – Virgin Blue, Qantas, Jet Star, Tiger Airways or any other airline involvement in tours is as air carriers only. These airlines shall carry no responsibility for statements in the literature relating to the tours or any of its features.
Single travellers – Austour will accept no responsibility for the suitability of rooming partners for single travellers willing to share with a fellow passenger. Single travellers willing to share accept the rooming partners and room standard allocated by Austour/operator. Single travellers are encouraged to share twin.
The Austour Price – Prices shown are twin share and are valid from 1st April to 31st March each year as shown and, where shown, include all accommodation, meals and sightseeing as listed in itinerary. T=Tent; M=Hotel/Motel; C=Multishare cabin, van or bunkhouse; L=Lodge; R=Resort; (B=Breakfast (L=Lunch; (D)=Dinner; (S)=Snack. Accommodation upgrades for whatever reason are always at passenger’s own expense. Ground Content means Overland component by ground and excludes travel to and from the point of commencement and conclusion of the tour. All fares are quoted in Australian dollars, and include GST. Child fares are available up to and including age 15.
Bookings – A deposit of $200.00 per person or 25% is required within 7 days of booking. Balance is payable to Austour or your Travel Agent/Wholesaler 45 days prior to departure.
Amendment Fees – A charge of $25 per booking is payable for each change to your original booking to cover communication and administration costs.
Cancellation Policy – Cancellations must be made in writing. Notice received 30 days or more prior to departure: $75 per person administration fee. 15 – 29 days: 25% of tour fare 5 - 14 days: 50% of tour fare 48 hours - 4 days: 75% of tour fare. Within 48 hours, failing to load or leaving the tour on route: 100% of tour fare. These charges are in addition to fees which may be levied by service providers or travel agents/wholesalers. The Directors reserve the ultimate right without notice to vary the above conditions to cancel, amend or vary the tour itinerary and/or vehicles and the Directors shall incur no liability for any such cancellation or variation.
Standby Travel - Special conditions: Booking must be made within 24 hours of departure and seats are on an available space basis. The fare is non refundable and itinerary variations may occur.
Travel Insurance – Austour accepts no responsibility for loss/damage to personal effects and strongly recommends travellers take out travel insurance to cover cancellation, loss or damage to luggage and other medical or travel aspects. Austour accepts no responsibility for costs involved for pre booked air travel if a tour is cancelled.

Credit Card Transaction Fees:
In August 2002 the Reserve Bank of Australia passed laws that change the way credit card charges work in Australia. Merchants can recoup the service fees charged by Banks for using credit cards to pay your invoice.

The idea is to increase competition and ultimately drive down costs. Credit card transaction fees are now commonly charged across all sectors of the economy. The travel industry is no exception, with businesses such as airlines, travel agents and tour operators having these fees in place for several years. There is no profit margin included in the credit card transaction fees.

A fee of 2% is levied on all MasterCard and Visa card transactions. American Express, JCB and Diners Club incur a fee of 5%. These rates are inclusive of GST.

The fee only applies if you wish to pay using your direct card. Other forms of payment such as cash, cheque or direct bank deposits*are available with no fees associated.

* note: some international direct bank deposits do attract bank fees.

Revised July 2008

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