Queensland Coast Adventure
from $3760
Duration: 7 Days
Discover a sliver of paradise on a 7-day adventure, bouncing from northern Queensland’s sparkling coast to its secluded islands. See beneath the surface of the beautiful Magnetic Island during an afternoon of snorkelling, meet the First Nations owners of Mungalla Station and walk through heavenly scenery on Dunk Island. If you’re looking to spot incredible wildlife, hike to waterfalls, swim in clear waters, relax on beautiful beaches and learn about local life from a leader, then this is the adventure for you.
  • Catch the ferry to Magnetic Island where you’ll find the sweeping sands of Horseshoe Bay. It’s even more beautiful beneath the surface, which you’ll find out during an afternoon of snorkelling.
  • Travel to Mungalla Station to meet the First Nations owners of the land, the Nywaigi People, and learn about their culture and history, then explore the wetlands in search of birdlife.
  • Walk through the paradisical scenery of Dunk Island, passing through rainforest filled with birdlife while keeping an eye out for dugong, sea turtles and Ulysses butterflies.
  • Magnetic Island - Day Bus Pass
  • Magnetic Island - Snorkelling with Local Guide from Reef Check Australia
  • Mungalla Station - Nywaigi First Nations Guided Day Tour
  • Girringun National Park - Wallaman Falls
  • Cardwell - Cardwell Spa Pools
  • Dunk Island - Island Circuit Hike
  • Dunk Island - Picnic lunch
  • Atherton Tablelands - Millaa Millaa Falls
  • Atherton Tablelands - Hike at Mount Hypipamee National Park
  • Atherton Tablelands - Picnic Lunch
  • Atherton Tablelands - Tolga Bat Hospital
  • Kuranda - Kuranda Markets
  • Atherton Tablelands - Mt. Uncle Distillery or Coffee Works
  • Atherton Tablelands – Curtain Tree boardwalk
  • Day 1 Location: Townsville - Magnetic Island
    Welcome to Queensland! Your adventure begins in Townsville, a delightful coastal city and your gateway to the islands of northern Queensland. A welcome meeting will take place at 1:30 pm today where you’ll meet your local leader and new travel companions. You won’t have to wait long to see scenery to take your breath away – after the meeting you’ll hop across to beautiful Magnetic Island on a ferry. On arrival, you’ll have time to get to know your new surroundings. Recommended is a short walk around Horseshoe Bay Lagoon, famed for its excellent birdwatching opportunities and cacophony of magpie geese. Dinner this evening will be quintessential Aussie fare – fish and chips. After an exciting first day, retire to your eco-lodge bungalows surrounded by the flora and fauna of the island.
    Day 2 Location: Magnetic Island
    Wake up in paradise! This morning board a local bus to Horseshoe Bay, a gorgeous 3km crescent of golden beach. Here you'll go snorkelling and come face to face with the marine life beneath the bay’s clear blue waters. You will be joined by a local guide from Reef Check Australia who are engaged in long-term reef monitoring sites in the Townsville Great Barrier Reef region. Follow the marked snorkel trail and look out for giant clams, impressive coral cover and the old Moltke shipwreck, harbouring an abundance of colourful fish. Through their partnership with Intrepid, Reef Check Australia hopes to inspire travellers to become citizen scientists and contribute to monitoring the health of our reefs and spread the word about why they are so important. The rest of the day is free for you to experience all this island has to offer. One of the best ways to get to know the island is on foot – you may like to set off on the Hawkings Point Track, one of the best places to watch the sunrise or sunset, or the Forts Walk, leading you to historic WWII fortifications, with the chance to see koalas hanging out in the trees along the track. The new 5km walking track between Nelly Bay and Arcadia serves up some seriously stunning views and rewards with the chance to swim in Alma or Geoffrey Bay at the end of the walk. You may prefer to relax in Arcadia Village, home to charming cafes and shops, plus plenty of beaches to while away an afternoon on. Your leader will be on hand to make suggestions on how to get the most out of your time here.
    Day 3 Location: Mungalla Station - Lucinda
    Leave the pull of Magnetic Island behind and catch a ferry back to Townsville, where you’ll hop aboard a private vehicle and drive to Mungalla Station, with a stop at Big Crystal Creek for a refreshing swim and another stop for lunch. On arrival to Mungalla Station, meet the First Nations owners of the land, the Nywaigi People, and learn about their culture and history, including brutal conflicts with European settlers. The story you’ve been told will come to life as you visit an exhibition of pictures within the historic homestead. Then head out and explore the Mungalla wetlands in search of aquatic birdlife. Enjoy an evening at leisure at your accommodation on the Cassowary Coast, serving up unforgettable views across to Hinchinbrook Island.
    Day 4 Location: Girringun National Park - Cardwell - Mission Beach
    Head to Girringun National Park and Wallaman Falls, the highest, permanent, single-drop waterfall in Australia. Enjoy the Djyinda (pronounced 'Yin-da' and meaning falls) walk*, starting at the falls viewpoint, then weaving through open forest and into vine-thicket rainforest to the base of the falls and a return hike uphill. After lunch, stop at the Cardwell Spa Pools, a naturally-fed idyllic swimming hole. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, but it is beautiful any time of year. Finish the day in Mission Beach, our base for the next two nights.
    Day 5 Location: Dunk Island / Mission Beach
    Start your day by catching a boat transfer to Dunk Island, part of the Family Islands group and home to the beautiful Mission Beach. Get to know the island on foot during a beach walk. Your leader may share stories of the island’s fascinating history as you hike. Dunk Island also hosts plenty of magnificent wildlife, so be sure to be on the lookout for dugong and sea turtles in the ocean, and the famous blue Ulysses butterflies dancing around you. After your walk and your return to Mission Beach on the mainland, the rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish.
    Day 6 Location: Atherton Tablelands
    This morning stop for an included breakfast at a local farm and cafe in El Arish that does the best coffee in Queensland. Then make the morning drive to the Atherton Tablelands, and Millaa Millaa Falls. This place looks like a postcard for paradise, with a perfect cascade tumbling into a pool surrounded by lush rainforest. Take some time to soak it all in and snap some pictures, then carry on to Mount Hypipamee National Park for a hike. After your hike, pay a visit to the Tolga Bat Hospital, Australia’s largest bat rehabilitation facility. Here you’ll learn about the research, advocacy, and community education undertaken by the facility and make some new upside-down friends before continuing to the town of Yungaburra. We celebrate our final night with an included dinner at a restaurant that has been rated by our travellers as one of their favourites in terms of service and quality on this route.
    Day 7 Location: Atherton Tablelands / Kuranda / Cairns
    Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore Yungaburra. Your first stop today will be Curtain Fig National Park. Then it’s time to leave the Atherton Tablelands behind and drive on to the Kuranda Markets, stopping along the way at either the Mt Uncle Distillery or the Coffee Works, and at a stunning lookout point at Barron Gorge National Park. The markets sit in Kuranda village, a laidback place with a hippie vibe surrounded by rainforest. Take some time out to explore the colourful stalls of this iconic Australian market – if you’ve not picked up any souvenirs on your journey yet, this is the place to do it! Perhaps grab a bite to eat from one of many vendors, then continue your drive towards Cairns. Your adventure will come to an end upon arrival.
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    05NOV2023
    Return Date:
    11NOV2023
    3450NZD
    not available
    Last modified (date)

    02 Nov 2023

    Trip title

    Queensland Coast Adventure

    Trip code

    PZSQ

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2023 to 31 Mar 2024

    Introduction

    Discover a sliver of paradise on a 7-day adventure, bouncing from northern Queensland’s sparkling coast to its secluded islands. See beneath the surface of the beautiful Magnetic Island during an afternoon of snorkelling, meet the First Nations owners of Mungalla Station and walk through heavenly scenery on Dunk Island. If you’re looking to spot incredible wildlife, hike to waterfalls, swim in clear waters, relax on beautiful beaches and learn about local life from a leader, then this is the adventure for you.

    Style

    Original

    Themes

    Explorer

    Transport

    Private Vehicle,Boat,Public Bus,Water Taxi

    Physical Rating

    3

    Joining point

    Café inside the Breakwater Ferry Terminal

    Sir Leslie Thiess Drive

    Townsville

    AUSTRALIA

    Finish point

    Cairns

    Cairns

    AUSTRALIA

    Important information

    START & END TIMES The tour commences in Townsville on Day 1 at 1:30 pm and finishes in Cairns on the final day (Day 7) in the late afternoon/evening after 4.00pm. We recommend you arrive a day earlier, and onward travel must be booked for the following day. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. ITINERARY CHANGES Please note that multiple activities and visits to some destinations on this trip are subject to weather and water conditions. If any of those are not possible on your departure they will be replaced with alternative activities. Please read the special information sections in the daily itinerary for more information. LUGGAGE LIMIT Due to limited vehicle space and strictly enforced road laws regarding weight limits, your main piece of luggage must be soft-sided and weigh no more than 15kg/33lb. We are unable to carry large suitcases, particularly hard/externally framed suitcases as they are difficult to store and can damage equipment and other travellers' belongings.

    Group leader

    AUSTRALIA LEADERS All group trips are accompanied by a group leader. In Australia your group leader is often also your driver, taking you from start to finish. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, as well as recommend great local eating venues. They will also introduce you to our local friends along the way. Please be aware they will be juggling many things on your tour and on some days may have less time to spend with you. But they will always be working hard to ensure you and your group have a fantastic time exploring Australia!

    Safety

    Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    BEACH SAFETY Rip currents are the leading hazard for all beach users. They can occur at any beach and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. Rip currents are responsible for around 15,000 beach rescues each year in Australia. To enjoy Australia's beaches safely, take the following simple precautions: - Always swim between the red and yellow flags. These indicate that it is a supervised location where a lifesaving service is currently on duty. - Do not swim at unsupervised locations. - Observe and obey safety signage, which indicates current and typical hazards for that location. - Ask a lifeguard or lifesaver for advice on conditions. They are there to make your experience safer and more enjoyable. - Always swim with a friend – never swim alone. - If you get into trouble, stay calm and signal for help by calling and waving your arm above your head. - Be aware of your own limitations in terms of your physical health and your swimming ability in the given conditions. Never swim while, or after, consuming alcohol.

    SNORKELLING Never dive or snorkel alone. Stay in a group when snorkelling, so someone knows where you are and when you are expected back. Check local conditions, tides, local currents, swells, current weather. Do not get caught out by tides or strong currents. Avoid heat exhaustion and sunburn. Wear dive shoes to protect your feet from sharp shells, broken coral and beach rock. Treat coral cuts with disinfectant. Don't delay treating coral cuts, as the even the smallest scratch can quickly become infected. SWIMMING Always swim with another member of your group. Do not go beyond your swimming abilities. Wear a life jacket at all times if you are not a confident swimmer and stay where it is shallow enough to touch the ground. Be aware of the real risk of stingers (jellyfish), particularly from November to March and wear a stinger suit if in the water. STINGERS & OTHER MARINE WILDLIFE Marine stingers, also known as irukandji, or stinging jellyfish, can cause extremely painful, burn-like, stinging welts, which need urgent medical attention. Wear 'stinger suits' (essentially full-body lycra suits) or protective clothing when snorkelling or entering the water. If stung: - Leave the water immediately and move into shade. - Douse the affected area with vinegar. - Continue to dribble vinegar over the area for several minutes, or until the pain eases. - If you run out of vinegar, use sea water not fresh water. - Do not rub sand into the welts. - Arrange urgent medical help and monitor the patient constantly. - Look but do NOT touch Some marine creatures are deadly. Cone shells, blue-ringed octopus, and stonefish will sting. It's painful and can be fatal. Never touch, take or tamper with any marine animals or plants. Everything is protected by law and penalties apply.

    Communications

    PHONE COVERAGE & WIFI In remote areas of Australia travelling even a small distance from populated areas will see phone coverage drop off dramatically. The extent of coverage will depend on your phone provider. If you are spending longer in Australia it might be a good idea to purchase a local SIM card. Telstra and Optus deliver better coverage in rural and regional areas, while Vodafone can be very patchy. Wifi is common at accommodations in urban areas of Australia, but many of the more remote properties may not offer this service, and some properties may charge a fee for usage.

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

    Why we love it

    Catch the ferry to Magnetic Island where you’ll find the sweeping sands of Horseshoe Bay. It’s even more beautiful beneath the surface, which you’ll find out during an afternoon of snorkelling.

    Travel to Mungalla Station to meet the First Nations owners of the land, the Nywaigi People, and learn about their culture and history, then explore the wetlands in search of birdlife.

    Walk through the paradisical scenery of Dunk Island, passing through rainforest filled with birdlife while keeping an eye out for dugong, sea turtles and Ulysses butterflies.

    Is this trip right for you

    This trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves a lot of walking, allowing you to really get among nature. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing. Please note that multiple activities and visits to some destinations on this trip are subject to weather and water conditions. If any of those are not possible on your departure they will be replaced with alternative activities. Please read the special information sections in the daily itinerary for more information.

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.  COVID-19 The safety and well-being of our travellers, group leader or local representative, crew, staff, and suppliers continues to remain our highest priority as we travel. Intrepid has no specific vaccination, testing or vaccination requirements, however please be aware that some parts of the world still require COVID-19 vaccination or testing as part of their entry requirements and may have their own quarantine or isolation protocols. Please check for any additional requirements on your government's foreign travel advice website or here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/visa-health-requirements HYDRATION Daytime temperatures across Australia can be extreme from October to March with temperatures over 40C/104F. Even for travellers familiar with these temperatures, it’s easy to become dehydrated. The key point to remember is not to wait until you’re thirsty, but to drink water regularly. Adding an electrolyte solution can aid in replenishing the salts/electrolytes lost when travelling at this time of year. In extreme heat you will be required to carry 1L of water per hour of walking.

    Food and dietary requirements

    While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure. DIETARY REQUIREMENTS Australia eats multi-culturally. Everything from meat pies to ramen, tacos, curries, rice and pasta are part of the national diet. Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for in Australia and most restaurants and cafes will have a good selection of vegetarian meals. Gluten and lactose-free diets are also well catered for.

    Money matters

    The currency of Australia is the Australian dollar (AUD). Most shops will take card as well as cash, but occasionally will only take one or the other. ATMs are common in all cities and towns, but may be limited in remote areas. You may need to use a PIN for purchases, and businesses often add a small surcharge for card payments. SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. TIPPING Tipping is generally voluntary in Australia and is most commonly used to show appreciation for good service. Tipping is most common in the hospitality industry, especially at higher end restaurants and bars. If you choose to tip, the general rule is to add 10-15% to the bill. But these rules are just guidelines - feel free to tip however much or however little you feel comfortable with. After dining out, cash is left on the table, or in a tip jar at the counter. A tip can also be added to any cashless transaction that includes a tipping function. Taxi drivers won’t expect a tip, although it’s common to round up the fare to the nearest dollar. You do not need to tip hotel staff or local guides in Australia.  You may consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline 4-6 AUD per person, per day can be used.  CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

    What to take

    LUGGAGE LIMIT Due to limited vehicle space and strictly enforced road laws regarding weight limits, your main piece of luggage must be soft-sided and weigh no more than 15kg/33lb. You can also bring a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, sunscreen, etc when you’re exploring during the day. Please note that we are unable to carry large suitcases, particularly hard/externally framed suitcases as they are difficult to store and can damage equipment and other travellers' belongings.

    Below are some essential items for this trip. Please review the ‘Climate and Seasonal Information’ to ensure you pack appropriately for the weather at the time of year you are travelling. - Lightweight clothing. You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing and layers. Long shirts and pants are useful to protect against the harsh Australian sun. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry. Maybe bring a change of smart clothes for dinner in larger cities. Australia is pretty casual, shorts or a skirt and a top, with sandals, is our usual warm weather wardrobe. - Comfortable, closed-in shoes. These will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grasslands and will act as a protective barrier in the rare case of a bite or sting. A pair of sandals or thongs/flip flops are great for the beach. - Sun protection. Wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses. VALUABLES Try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables and use your hotel safe. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it much easier to obtain replacements if necessary. MORE! If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

    WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination and if it is you can simply refill with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water it is better to buy the largest available and distribute into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you.

    Climate and seasonal

    AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL HOLIDAYS The following national holidays are observed in Australia, which can affect our itinerary as traffic can be extreme, and shops, restaurants and attractions can be closed: New Year's Day (01 January) Good Friday (date varies) Anzac Day (25 April) Christmas Day (25 December) Boxing Day (26 December) EAST COAST WEATHER Australia’s east coast, from Sydney to Cairns, experiences a variety of weather and temperatures throughout the year. Summer in Sydney is humid, with average highs of 26C/78F. Spring and autumn are pleasant, with highs of 22C/72F. Winter sees more rain and highs of 17C/63F. Summer in Brisbane is the wettest time of year, with spectacular thunderstorms and highs of 30C/85F. Spring and autumn are warm and sunny with highs of 25C/77F. Winter is dry and mild, with highs of 21C/70F. In Cairns, there’s a wet season and a dry season. The wet season begins building up around December, with the most rainfall in the summer. Summer temperatures are around 31C/88F. The rain dries up around April, with temperatures reaching daytime highs of 29C/84F.

    A couple of rules

    We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader or local representative, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders or local representatives and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local representative immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Intrepid's Local Operator: 1300 544 882

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN As an Australian-owned business with a vision to change the way people see the world, Intrepid is committed to reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. While Intrepid might have done a lot to empower communities, businesses and our partners around the world over the years, there’s still a lot for us to do here at home. We are working towards a better, more inclusive and fairer Australia. You can find more information about our Reconciliation Action Plan here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/reconciliation REEF CHECK AUSTRALIA During your snorkelling experience on Magnetic Island you'll not only go snorkelling and come face to face with the marine life beneath the bay’s clear blue waters, you will also be joined by local guides from Reef Check Australia who are engaged in long-term reef monitoring sites in the Townsville Great Barrier Reef region. Through our partnership with Reef Check Australia we hope to inspire travellers to become citizen scientists and contribute to monitoring the health of our reefs and spread the word about why they are so important.

    The Intrepid Foundation

    We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than 12.8 million dollars and supported more than 130 communities worldwide. Now, with almost 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. By simply being on this trip, Intrepid Travel will make a donation to the Intrepid Foundation on your behalf. If you choose to donate too, 100% of your donations will go directly to our partners on the ground – where they’re needed most. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your group leader or local representative or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip directly supports Greening Australia, who are restoring landscapes at scale – in ways that work for communities, economies and nature. They’re taking action to rebuild resilient ecosystems across Australia, from the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef to the cool island ark of Tasmania. Donations help them tackle Australia’s complex environmental challenges through large on-ground restoration projects and research initiatives that help scale their impact. To find out more or make a donation, visit: www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/greening-australia

    Accommodation notes

    The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

    Your fellow travellers

    As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welxome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL EXPERIENCES & COMMUNITIES First Nations people have complex community obligations, and at times activities or experiences may be cancelled at late notice due to cultural commitments. In the case that we are unable to include planned activities with First Nations communities, we will endeavour to find a suitable alternative in the same or another destination on your trip.

    Accommodation

    Bungalow (with shared facilities) (2 nights),Hotel or Motel (4 nights)

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