Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I alter the package or change the itinerary?
2. Are my transfers included?
3. Are my meals included?
4. Should I exchange my money for Australia currency?
5. Are your tours escorted?
6. What should I pack?
7. What about gratuities?
8. What isn’t included in my package cost?
9. Which hotels are included in my package?
10. Do I need a Visa to enter Australia?
11. What is the time difference?
12. Can I swim everywhere, year round?
13. Contact Information

Can I alter the package or change the itinerary?

You bet you can! Your Fresh Tracks consultant will be glad to customize a trip based on exactly what you have in mind. You can change the hotels, add nights, include optional tours – the possibilities are almost endless. The only real limitations are the activity schedules and your own imagination.

Are my transfers included?

The answer to this question varies depending on your package. Please refer to the included and not included sections on your itinerary, or ask your Fresh Tracks consultant for trip specific answers.

Are my meals included?

Meals are not typically included, with the exception of guided trips. We find that this is preferable since you get to explore regional cuisine and aren’t relegated to dining at your hotel every night.

Should I exchange my money for Australia currency?

Yes, it is a good idea to travel with Australian dollars. You can either buy Australia dollars at a currency exchange centre before you leave home, or you can exchange money upon arrival in Australia. Alternately, Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted credit cards.

Are your tours escorted?

In short, no, they are not.* Your trip is all pre-booked and a detailed, day by day itinerary is included so you can follow your itinerary without worry. You will not be with the same group of people for the duration of your trip, nor will you be herded around by a guide on a daily basis. Instead, you will meet a variety of different people on each individual tour and train journey in your package. On all sightseeing portions of your trip you will have a guide providing narration. The guide will change with each tour, however, as you will always have a guide who is specialized in the area that you are traveling through. In this way, you get all the benefits of a guided tour with the added bonus of having free time to do what you really want to.

*Please note that this does not apply to active or adventure trips. Please ask if you are not clear whether your trip is guided or independent.

What should I pack?

What clothes to pack depends on where you visit, the time of year, and what you intend to do when you are traveling through Australia. Dress is typically quite casual in Australia, although if you want to make a trip to the theatre or a swanky restaurant, smarter clothes may be required. Bring a hat (a crushable one is nice and easy to pack), sunscreen, and sunglasses if you are intending to spend time outdoors. Sturdy shoes for walking will be useful. Clothing layers will be helpful if you intend to travel around to different climate zones. A warm jacket for evenings can be useful in many areas, even in summer as the temperature falls at night. In desert areas, nights can be very cold.

What about gratuities?

Tipping is not expected in Australia. It is usual to tip around 5% or round up to the nearest $10 (Australian) for a substantial meal in a restaurant. Some travelers round up to the nearest dollar in a cab, but it's okay to insist on every bit of change back. Tipping bellboys and porters is sometimes done, but no one tips bar staff, barbers, or hairdressers.

What isn’t included in my package cost?

The not included items vary a little from package to package. Your Fresh Tracks consultant will be able to clarify whether a specific item is included in your particular package. As a guideline, the following items are not included in any Fresh Tracks package:

• Trip Cancellation and Medical Insurance
• Meals other than mentioned
• Transfers other than mentioned
• Airfare
• Any Visa fees

Which hotels are included in my package?

Most packages have the option of Standard, Superior, or Deluxe hotels. These hotels are roughly the equivalent to 3, 4 or 5 star properties. Each package has been put together with a specific hotel and room type in mind. These hotels have been carefully chosen and your Fresh Tracks consultant will be happy to help you decide which category best suits your needs.

Do I need a Visa to enter Australia?

Fresh Tracks cannot be held responsible for providing the latest information on entering Australia but to assist you we provide you with these guidelines on a “without prejudice” basis.

i) You must travel with a current passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Australia.

ii) Visas are required for Americans and can be either obtained online, at www.eta.immi.gov.au. As you will need a visa with multiple entries, we highly recommend contacting them as soon as your trip is reserved.

What is the time difference?

Australia has a few different time zones, ranging from GMT+08:00 to GMT+10:00. For example, Monday at noon in New York would be 4:00 a.m. in Sydney on Tuesday (GMT+10:00). This often means that you “lose” a day when you fly into Australia and “gain” a day when you depart.

Can I swim everywhere, year round?

The ocean is a favourite place to cool off but we recommend that you check for warnings of hazardous marine-life activity before jumping in. As a note, Box Jellyfish are common near Cairns during the wet season (November-March). Swimming without full protective clothing is not permitted.

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Contact Information