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Travel in style and comfort with all your arrangements taken care of on our all-inclusive escorted Australia tours & vacations to Australia & New Zealand. Best guided vacation packages.

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About Australia’s Vacation Planning Experts Are Here to Help

Thinking about turning your dream of visiting Australia into a reality? Lucky for you, we are native Aussies and the experts when it comes to booking Australian travel! We provide you with the opportunity to choose your own itinerary and customize your Australia trip exactly to your liking. Start off by deciding whether you want to travel to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, or even a combination of these countries. We can help you make the decision based on what you want out of your Australian experience.

Choose an Itinerary or Create a Fully Custom Trip

You can choose from a number of vacation styles including independent, self-drive & guided tours. There are a vast number of things to see and do in Australia, so it helps if you make a wishlist of what you want to accomplish. Once you have a feel for what you hope to see and do, we have the opportunity to really help you out. We’ll make recommendations about the best cities, tours, and places to visit during your trip. We’ll guide you through your options so you can make informed decisions. We want to make sure you fully understand your choices so you’re delighted with the final itinerary!

To begin, choose from one of our many itineraries and tell us any adjustments you would like to make. Or, if you would like a totally custom vacation, call or email our team to begin the planning process. With our ‘modular’ itineraries we can easily customize any travel package by swapping day tours, switching hotels for upgrades, or adding/removing destinations based on your preferences – its easy! If you’re having any trouble deciding, just contact us and we’ll weigh through the pros and cons to ultimately help you make a decision.

We Take Care of the Travel Details For You

We even help you work through the trickier details of planning your Australian vacation like selecting the right accommodation, day tours, routing, flights, transfers, visas and trip insurance. We know that working out the finer details of any vacation can be stressful, so we’ll help you plan everything so you get the most ‘bang-for-your-buck’. Once your trip design looks perfect, we’ll book it for you. The only thing left for you to do is go on vacation and have a fantastic time! Whether you’re on a budget or you’re planning a luxury getaway, we’re here to help you plan the trip of a lifetime!

Get-A-Trip-Quote or Phone us Toll Free on 1-888-3592877 (CT USA, M-F 8.30am – 5pm).

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1. Step: View our Sample Australia Holiday Itineraries – you can 'mix and match' them! 2. Step: Receive and review your very own personalised Travel Itinerary & Quote Proposal. 3. Step: Communicate with Michael Nees, your local travel expert (by Email, Phone, Skype).

Audrey Mothupi & Family travellers

Michael truly is the best ! Planned an amazing 20 day trip to Australia and New Zealand and we are just at the tail end heading home soon. Everything was just as he described ! A truly seamless perfect family holiday, tailored to our needs - thanks to Michael ! Don’t hesitate ... just contact Michael and then look forward to the best holiday ever!

Lisa Mansour & Family

If you are planning a trip to Australia, and are anxious about seeing it all and doing it right, look no further than Michael Nees! He will plan the most perfect vacation and take the stress away from you. We traveled from the US, and had 10 days to enjoy as much as we could of Australia. It was the trip of a lifetime! Sydney, Blue Mountains, Port Douglas/Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and Melbourne all in 10 days and the way that Michael arranged tours and flights, it never felt like we were rushed or on the move too much. Just the right amount of planned activities and free time. We can't wait to plan a New Zealand trip and will definitely use Michael and GUEST.

Mike & Megan Family

Let me start out with thank you!!! It was a trip of a lifetime, we can’t put into words the how amazing the experience was. Your work towards our trip was fantastic and we would be honoured to be listed as a reference for folks looking for a similar journey. You did a wonderful job relating to our needs. We had some really neat pictures of the Koala bears in the Daintree experience, our guide for the day called the outfit after we left and requested they email them to me. We are now home and back to the grindstone. The girls have informed me we definitely need to plan on another trip in similar fashion. Thanks again Mike & Megan and family.

Mindy Ross – Lifestyle Travellers

I hired Michael to design a trip to Australia and New Zealand. It was important to me to use someone local and with deep knowledge of the areas to be traveled. Michael was spot on with respect to the resulting itinerary, duration, accommodations, and activities. The flow of the trip was just the right combination of relaxation and adventure. Each and every accomodation was off the hook fabulous. The amount of time in each place was perfect and the daily activities were memorable and perfectly suited to our wish list. I highly recommend Michael as a travel designer for the best down under vacation imaginable!!

Garrett & Ana – Honeymooners

I cannot thank Michael enough for helping us plan a memorable honeymoon in New Zealand, our trip was flawless and Michael's support throughout was incredible. A true professional, German efficiency delivered in a Kiwi friendly manner! Specifics would be Michael’s organisation skills and dedication to helping us plan our holiday. Michael took numerous skype calls to explain and clarify things and was an incredible guiding hand in helping us decide where we stayed and what we did. During our time in New Zealand, Michael was always on hand to support and deal with any issues to help our holiday run smoothly. Taking a phone call late in the evening to rearrange a trip early the following morning is one case that springs to mind. There are few people I know who would have the dedication to ring you at 7am the following morning to make sure everything is okay! I cannot recommend Michael enough. Anyone who is planning a trip to New Zealand would do well to just sit back and let Michael take care of things. You are in safe, professional hands.

Susan & Robert Lunson – Lifestyle Travellers

My husband and I have just returned from 28 days in Australia and New Zealand. We have traveled independently and as part of tours. For this trip we decided to try working with a travel company. I stumbled upon Guest New Zealand and was most impressed with the reviews where people mentioned if they had a problem, a phone to Michael fixed it right away. That sold me on working with him, even before I met him. Michael did not disappoint. He put together a great itinerary that had us in 5 cities in Australia and driving both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. The B & B's were wonderful, the staffs attentive. The hotels were first class. And the tours were varied and fascinating, with enough time on our own for miles and miles of walking discovery. Every detail was covered. Michael always returned our calls promptly and always seemed to be smiling on the other end of the call. We would love to return and if and when we do, Michael will be planning our next trip. The next one will include train rides, ok, Michael?

What Our Customers Say

Michael truly is the best ! Planned an amazing 20 day trip to Australia and New Zealand and we are just at the tail end heading home soon. Everything was just as - Read more...

- Audrey Mothupi & Family travellers

If you are planning a trip to Australia, and are anxious about seeing it all and doing it right, look no further than Michael Nees! He will plan the most perfect - Read more...

- Lisa Mansour & Family

Let me start out with thank you!!! It was a trip of a lifetime, we can’t put into words the how amazing the experience was. Your work towards our trip was fantast - Read more...

- Mike & Megan Family

I hired Michael to design a trip to Australia and New Zealand. It was important to me to use someone local and with deep knowledge of the areas to be traveled. Mi - Read more...

- Mindy Ross – Lifestyle Travellers

I cannot thank Michael enough for helping us plan a memorable honeymoon in New Zealand, our trip was flawless and Michael's support throughout was incredible. A t - Read more...

- Garrett & Ana – Honeymooners

My husband and I have just returned from 28 days in Australia and New Zealand. We have traveled independently and as part of tours. For this trip we decided to tr - Read more...

- Susan & Robert Lunson – Lifestyle Travellers

We are Travellers, just like you!

We personally visit the regions and places we list

Over the past 20 years I have been travelling through Australia visiting key sites. It’s been my passion and commitment to find hidden beautiful places to stay, plus unique and authentic activities. Australia is full of hidden secrets! Guest Australia will definitely make your Australia trip planning easy and fun.  Let us help you find an authentic travel experience to make lasting wonderful memories.

Travel Stories for inspiration

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Travel Planning Australia

Helpful Travel Information

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Travelling between key locations in australia.

• New Zealand
• Maldives & Seychelles
• Hawaii / Mexico / Caribbean
• South/Central America
• Ocean Cruises
• River Cruises
• Luxury Cruises
• EXPERIENCES

Australia – Independent Tours Travel Team > Australia – Independent Tours

We’re Experts at custom vacations to Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific. Tell us your interests, preferred travel dates and we’ll custom build your trip to Australia and send you a quote (no obligation) all within your budget. Our 42st Year! Rated A-plus by the BBB

Our Australia independent tours allow you to travel at your own pace with plenty of flexibility to explore.  View our packages below or call us to create a custom vacation: 1-800-788-0829

Discover Australia & New Zealand during this 14-day vacation. Visit Melbourne, Cairns, Sydney, Auckland & Queenstown!

Visit Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch, Melbourne, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Sydney during this 18 day vacation. Totally Flexible!

Visit Melbourne, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch & Queenstown during this exciting 22 day vacation. Itinerary can be easily modified! Daily departures.

WHAT’S INCLUDED: Round trip economy flights from Los Angeles to Australia, Flights within Australia including Melbourne, Cairns & Sydney, 4 nights Melbourne, 4 nights Cairns, 4 nights Sydney, Airline fuel surcharges & taxes, 24-hour Emergency Travel Assistance

The bottom line is – Unless your travel is imperative – wait before purchasing an airline ticket. We are, however, planning the land portion of vacations for the last part of 2022 and in 2023 and 2024.  Call or email us for details.

Choosing between Australia & New Zealand can be hard. Both are gorgeous and have different attractions, activities and sights to see. Why choose when you can visit both during a cruise? Here are some fantastic reasons why a cruise to Australia & New Zealand should be on your bucket list.

Discover three of Australia’s iconic spots as you travel through Sydney, Uluru, and Cairns on this 10-night vacation.

Visit the two of the most popular parts of Australia, particularly for first time visitors. Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and harbourside Sydney. See the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and more, snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, then get to know the secrets of the rainforest.

Have a Travel Team Trip Designer plan and book your perfect Downunder vacation and save you money!!

On this Australia Adventure Vacation, explore the one and only Great Barrier Reef, discover the secrets of the Daintree Rainforest, hand-feed wild dolphins & much more!

Discover the hidden gems and flavors of Western and South Australia. Experience gorgeous beaches, fantastic food, wine & even close up encounters with wildlife!

During this amazing vacation you will see Tasmania, discover the wilderness of majestic mountains, white sand beaches, Melbourne and snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef.

During this 11-night vacation visit Sydney, Hobart, the Blue Mountains & Melbourne. Take in Sydney’s sights before venturing to the spectacular Blue Mountains. Drive from Hobart to the Cradle Mountains, and then get to know the Phillip Island penguins and Melbourne.

Be whisked off on a journey of discovery as you visit some of the most beautiful beaches, mountains and lakes of Australia and New Zealand.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef in style! 4-star hotels, transfers, and activities included during this 8 day Australia vacation! Experience some of Australia’s most beautiful landscape as you explore the Great Barrier Reef, see the flora and fauna of the Daintree Rainforest and more!

Experience Australia on this luxury reef and beach vacation in the Whitsunday Islands. The Whitsundays are one of the most exclusive and luxurious gateways to the Great Barrier Reef

Experience the Ghan Expedition during this 4-day rail journey from Darwin to Adelaide is a coast to coast journey like no other, exploring the best of the Northern Territory and South Australia.

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Travel Team Sales 173 Palmer Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901 800-788-0829 / 406-991-1155 Travel Team (Old Office) 3837 13th Ave W, Suite 109, Seattle, WA 98119 800-788-0829 / 206-301-0443 ©1998-2024 The Travel Team. All rights reserved.

Australia Independent Holidays

If you want the freedom to explore Australia independently, but don’t necessarily want a self-drive holiday, consider an independent touring holiday.

Set your own pace and combine independent travelling with the convenience of pre-arranged accommodation and transportation. Travel around Australia by rail, plane or scheduled bus services – as well as having a car when you want one.

Discover cultural hub Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road, Perth, gateway to Western Australia, or the vineyards of the Barossa Valley near Adelaide. Explore the world famous Sydney Harbour and the nearby Blue Mountains or head into the Red Centre to see iconic Uluru or up to Queensland to sail out to the Great Barrier Reef. Learn about the fascinating Aboriginal culture of the regions while you’re there.

Explore this vibrant and exciting country as suits you. Discuss tailor making a holiday with our Travel Specialists.

Discover Our Way

• First hand knowledge on tap
• Plan your trip with your own travel specialist
• We offer flexibility to suit you
• Feefo Platinum Service Award
• We'll help you find the right:
• Accommodation style
• Ways to travel
• You set the pace
• 24/7 in country support and guidance
• Full financial protection
• Travel disruption support
• Our flexibility promise
• View Our Guarantee »

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Independent Australian Explorer

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 ARRIVE IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
• Day 2 SYDNEY
• Day 3 SYDNEY
• Day 4 SYDNEY–CAIRNS
• Day 5 CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF
• Day 6 CAIRNS
• Day 7 CAIRNS–MELBOURNE
• Day 8 MELBOURNE
• Day 9 MELBOURNE
• Day 10 MELBOURNE

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Sustainability initiatives.

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Reviews About This Operator

• Tour Operator Globus 5.0
• Gerardus · 27th November 2022 Accommodation excellent, scenery superb, Tour Guide had excellent knowledge of areas visited and gave clear... Show more

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• Tuesday 30 Apr, 2024 Thursday 9 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Wednesday 1 May, 2024 Friday 10 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Thursday 2 May, 2024 Saturday 11 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Friday 3 May, 2024 Sunday 12 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Saturday 4 May, 2024 Monday 13 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Sunday 5 May, 2024 Tuesday 14 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Monday 6 May, 2024 Wednesday 15 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Tuesday 7 May, 2024 Thursday 16 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Wednesday 8 May, 2024 Friday 17 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Thursday 9 May, 2024 Saturday 18 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Friday 10 May, 2024 Sunday 19 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Saturday 11 May, 2024 Monday 20 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Sunday 12 May, 2024 Tuesday 21 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Monday 13 May, 2024 Wednesday 22 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Tuesday 14 May, 2024 Thursday 23 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Wednesday 15 May, 2024 Friday 24 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Thursday 16 May, 2024 Saturday 25 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Friday 17 May, 2024 Sunday 26 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Saturday 18 May, 2024 Monday 27 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Sunday 19 May, 2024 Tuesday 28 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Monday 20 May, 2024 Wednesday 29 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Tuesday 21 May, 2024 Thursday 30 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Wednesday 22 May, 2024 Friday 31 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Thursday 23 May, 2024 Saturday 1 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Friday 24 May, 2024 Sunday 2 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Saturday 25 May, 2024 Monday 3 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Sunday 26 May, 2024 Tuesday 4 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Monday 27 May, 2024 Wednesday 5 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Tuesday 28 May, 2024 Thursday 6 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Wednesday 29 May, 2024 Friday 7 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Thursday 30 May, 2024 Saturday 8 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Friday 31 May, 2024 Sunday 9 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Saturday 1 Jun, 2024 Monday 10 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Sunday 2 Jun, 2024 Tuesday 11 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Monday 3 Jun, 2024 Wednesday 12 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Tuesday 4 Jun, 2024 Thursday 13 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Wednesday 5 Jun, 2024 Friday 14 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Thursday 6 Jun, 2024 Saturday 15 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Friday 7 Jun, 2024 Sunday 16 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Saturday 8 Jun, 2024 Monday 17 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Sunday 9 Jun, 2024 Tuesday 18 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Monday 10 Jun, 2024 Wednesday 19 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Tuesday 11 Jun, 2024 Thursday 20 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Wednesday 12 Jun, 2024 Friday 21 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Thursday 13 Jun, 2024 Saturday 22 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Friday 14 Jun, 2024 Sunday 23 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Saturday 15 Jun, 2024 Monday 24 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Sunday 16 Jun, 2024 Tuesday 25 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Monday 17 Jun, 2024 Wednesday 26 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Tuesday 18 Jun, 2024 Thursday 27 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Wednesday 19 Jun, 2024 Friday 28 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Thursday 20 Jun, 2024 Saturday 29 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Friday 21 Jun, 2024 Sunday 30 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Saturday 22 Jun, 2024 Monday 1 Jul, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Sunday 23 Jun, 2024 Tuesday 2 Jul, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Monday 24 Jun, 2024 Wednesday 3 Jul, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Tuesday 25 Jun, 2024 Thursday 4 Jul, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €2,713 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• 56 Other Unavailable Departures
• Get Instant Confirmation Wednesday 26 Jun, 2024 Friday 5 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €2,713 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 27 Jun, 2024 Saturday 6 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €2,713 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Friday 28 Jun, 2024 Sunday 7 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €2,713 Confirm Dates
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• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 30 Jun, 2024 Tuesday 9 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €2,713 Confirm Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

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Good to Know

• Currency $ Australian Dollar Australia

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type I.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an infected area for Australia. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Australia. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 16th June 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 16th June 2024, a minimum payment of €250 is required to confirm your booking with Globus. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 50 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Globus will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Globus" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Australia Reviews & Ratings

Trusted Customer

Tasmanian Wonders

We enjoyed our sightseeing tour of Tasmania. We were disappointed there was insufficient time on many days to take the optional tours. We recommend the bathrooms in ...

Organisation of tour was excellent. Guide and driver/coach were 10 out of 10. Included meals were of variable standards and there could have been more optional excu...

Karen Creighton

Some accommodation a little disappointing , very noisy rooms , eg Best Western in Hobart and Launceston. Breakfast in Burnie not satisfactory . The highlight was S...

Muriel Marillier

Just loved the whole trip. The driving was very good and the cometary was excellent.

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Dozens of pilot whales beach on western Australian coast

Dozens of pilot whales beached on the western Australian coast and wildlife authorities were trying to rescue them, officials said Thursday.

Between 50 and 100 whales were stranded at Toby’s Inlet near the tourist town of Dunsborough, the Parks and Wildlife Service of Western Australia state said in a statement.

Staff from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and Perth Zoo veterinarians were being deployed, the statement said.

Dunsborough is 285 kilometers (177 miles) by road south of Perth, the state’s capital and largest city.

Officials urged the public not to try to rescue the whales on their own.

“We know people want to help, but we asked that people please do not attempt to rescue the animals without direction of DBCA staff as this may cause further injury, and distress to the animals and hinder a coordinated rescue effort,” the statement said.

Almost 100 long-finned pilot whales died or were euthanized after a two-day rescue attempt last July in a mass stranding on Cheynes Beach near the former whaling station of Albany , 355 kilometers (220 miles) southeast of Dunsborough.

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Dubai flooding: Everything you need to know if your Emirates flight is cancelled

Dubai chaos leaves hundreds of thousands stranded around the world, article bookmarked.

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Helen and Roman from Manchester should be heading home from New Zealand today after visiting family near the capital, Wellington. The couple have been told their Emirates flights via Dubai are cancelled and there is no clear timetable for getting them back to the UK ; Helen is running short of medication.

Gwen and her husband are stranded in paradise – Bali , to be precise – with no certainty about when they might leave. “We can’t seem to get any contact with Emirates to be advised of another flight to the UK,” Gwen tells The Independent . She adds: “We don’t want to be stuck in Dubai at the airport. Can you update us on the position and offer any advice?”

They are just four of the hundreds of thousands of passengers who have been stranded by the unprecedented storm and flooding in Dubai.

On a typical day, 250,000 people pass through the world’s busiest international airport; Dubai overtook London Heathrow for this title several years ago.

But over the past 48 hours the vast majority have seen their flights cancelled, diverted or heavily delayed due to flooding.

Bizarrely, the way that air passengers’ rights rules are structured means that people who have yet to leave the country are in a far stronger position than those in far-flung corners of Asia , Australasia and Africa.

These are the key issues.

What’s the problem?

A severe storm began in the early hours of Tuesday 16 April. Dubai was drenched in a year and a half’s worth of rain in a single day , killing at least one person and disrupting travel through the airport that handles more international passengers than any other.

Flooding and associated disruption is continuing to cause widespread cancellations.

All airlines using Dubai International Airport affected, with British Airways flights from London Heathrow diverting in successive days to Bahrain and Abu Dhabi .

But passengers on Emirates – which flies more people on intercontinental journeys than any other airline – are collectively facing far bigger problems.

How bad are things?

A snapshot by The Independent of all the overnight Emirates departures due to arrive in Dubai from the UK on Thursday morning shows the scale of the problem. Bear in mind that most of the aircraft used are Airbus A380 “SuperJumbo” planes carrying more than 500 passengers.

• Cancelled: London Heathrow (three), London Stansted, Birmingham and Glasgow. That represents around 3,000 people who did not arrive as expected on Thursday. Crucially, because the outbound flights were cancelled, a similar number did not fly out from Dubai to the UK.
• Delayed: The minimum delay arriving in Dubai was two hours, for a single flight from Heathrow. A second Stansted flight was three hours late, while arrivals of another flight from Heathrow and one from Newcastle were four hours late. But the standard delay was six hours, affecting passengers from Gatwick, Heathrow, Glasgow and Manchester.

Once in Dubai, though, their problems could just be beginning. Hundreds of flights are delayed, and onward connections on Emirates to destinations such as Colombo in Sri Lanka , the Seychelles and Kolkata in India are cancelled.

Many Emirates flights are resuming, but with planes, pilots and cabin crew scattered around the world it will be some time before a full schedule is running again.

When flights resume, the passengers who are booked on those departures take priority – with people who may have been waiting for days at the back of the queue.

What does Emirates say?

“Emirates extends our sincerest apologies to impacted customers who have experienced delays and disruption to their travel plans caused by bad weather and road conditions.

“We appreciate how difficult it is for everyone affected. While some customers have been able to return home or reach their destination, we are aware that many are still waiting to get on flights.

“Our teams are working hard to restore our scheduled operations, as well as secure accommodation and other amenities for affected customers at the airport. Our primary concern will always be the safety of our customers and crew, and this will never be compromised.”

The airline adds that Dubai airport “remains congested” and warns: “There may still be delays to arriving and departing flights.”

Emirates says: “Customers impacted by flight cancellations should contact their booking agent, DM us [@EmiratesSupport on X/Twitter], or visit emirat.es/support for rebooking.”

What is the position for British travellers due to be flying out to or via Dubai?

Air passengers’ rights rules mean they are in a strong position. Any airline that cancels a flight from a UK airport, for any reason, must provide passengers with:

• An onward flight as soon as possible, including on a rival airline if seats are available. For example, a passenger from London to Sydney could expect to be rebooked via Hong Kong, Singapore or Doha if Emirates has no room but Cathay Pacific, Singapore or Qatar Airways does.
• Hotels and meals as appropriate until they can reach their destination.

No cash compensation is payable because the cause of the delay is beyond Emirates’ control.

Passengers in Dubai awaiting an onward connection – what is the outlook?

Emirates says: “While some customers have been able to return home or reach their destination, we are aware that many are still waiting to get on flights. Our teams are working hard to restore our scheduled operations.”

The airline says it is trying to “secure accommodation and other amenities for affected customers at the airport”.

Anyone who arrived from the UK (or anywhere in the European Union) is entitled to a hotel, meals and an onward flight on any airline as soon as possible.

Passengers travelling in the opposite direction have no such legal protection.

Airlines generally provide stranded passengers with accommodation and meals, but such is the pressure on hotels that this may not happen. There is no legal obligation to arrange care.

What about people stranded in Asia, Africa or Australasia with connections via Dubai?

As they are flying on a non-British/non-European airline from outside the UK/EU, they have no formal rights besides the general principle that the airline will get them home when possible.

Travel insurance may cover added costs, and possible make a modest payment (typically £25 for each 12 hours) for the length of the delay.

I’m booked on a package holiday. Does that make a difference?

If you have bought flights and accommodation at the same time from the same provider, you have an extra layer of consumer protection. The Package Travel Regulations mean that the company that sold you the trip is responsible for ensuring the holiday goes ahead as planned – and must take action if it does not. For example:

• If you are booked to travel to the Maldives via Dubai, the holiday firm could look for alternative flights.
• Should your short break to Dubai be impossible because of cancelled flights or conditions on the ground, you are due a full refund.
• Stranded on the other side of the world? The holiday company must find a solution for you, and ensure your welfare while you wait.

If I pay for my own hotel or alternative flight, can I claim it back from Emirates?

That depends. If you are in the UK – or stranded in Dubai en route from the UK to a third country – and Emirates has been unable to provide you with these, then you should be able to claim. In all other circumstances, such as being stranded in Bali, it is unlikely the airline will pay up.

Travel insurance may help.

What about other airlines flying in and out of Dubai?

They are also facing big problems. Flydubai, the short-haul cousin of Emirates, made dozens of cancellations on Tuesday and Wednesday, with many flights on Thursday heavily delayed.

FlyNas, the Saudi budget airline, has cancelled more flights than any other on Thursday.

Other carriers, including British Airways and Royal Brunei, have grounded some UK flights, but operations overall are not as badly affected because Dubai represents only a tiny proportion of flying for most airlines.

I have a flight to or via Dubai next week. Should I worry?

Probably not. Emirates and other carriers should be back on track, and as mentioned anyone with a booking for a flight that goes ahead takes precedence over those who may have been waiting a week after a cancelled flight.

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