10 DAY Tropical Adventure AAISCB-6

Transcription

1 10 DAY Tropical Adventure AAISCB-6 Name: Mariana Santos Booked through: CI Travel BR Sao Paulo Your booking reference: TU Confirmed Passengers: Mariana Santos One hot and sultry trip of Australia dedicated entirely to the charms of the East Coast in tropical Queensland. Travel between the modern metropolis of Brisbane and Cairns, our gateway to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. Drifting between beaches and the Outback, this is one Australia travel opportunity you don't want to miss! Hi, and thanks for choosing to holiday with Topdeck! We really appreciate your decision to travel with us, and rest assured that the entire Topdeck team will be pulling out all the stops to make your trip an unforgettable one. Now it s time to get excited and get ready for a fantastic holiday! From all the crew at Topdeck Travel About your Trip Notes These Trip Notes contain everything you need to know before your trip departs, including where to meet, what to bring and what you can expect on your trip of a lifetime! Also, you can easily download and print this document off so you can check off the lists or bring it with you when you travel. Page 1 29/07/2016

2 Please do bear in mind though, some points should be taken as a guide only - after all, everyone s different! For example, daily spending money and clothing lists can vary greatly from one person to the next so don't be alarmed if you don't expect to spend (or even wear) so much! However, we re sure you ll find the information in general to be very useful. Please note: We strongly urge you to refresh this document as close to the time of your departure as possible to ensure you have the most up-to-date accommodation list and information available. The Bucket List More Inclusions Full-day 4WD experience on Fraser Island Authentic farm stay experience at Myella Farm Overnight sailing in the Whitsunday Islands Visit to stunning Whitehaven Beach Two nights on a tropical island Aboriginal Experience at Emu Park 9 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D) 8 nights in hotels, lodges and cabins 1 night 'liveaboard' sailing Escorted services of a fully trained Topdeck Trip Leader and Driver Joining Your Trip Your trip begins at the Hides Hotel, Cairns. 87 Lake St. Cairns Tel: Trip check-in time: 1.30pm Trip departure time: 2.00pm Getting there from the airport - Sun Palm Transport operate transfers to the city that depart regularly and will take you to the hotel ($14 per person). A taxi will cost around $25-$30. Directions from the central bus station - the hotel is an easy 15-minute walk from the station. Please note: if you have booked pre-accommodation for this trip you may be staying at the Hides Hotel or at the Greenhouse (please check the 'Additional Booked Accommodation' section of this document to confirm). If you are staying at the Greenhouse, you will need to make your own way to the Hides Hotel for when your trip departs. Finishing Your Trip Page 2 29/07/2016

3 Your trip will not likely finish until late in the afternoon on the last day of the trip. Therefore, we would recommend against booking any onward flights on the last day of the trip and make overnight accommodation arrangements instead. Extending Your Trip Topdeck also offer great trips throughout the rest of Australia, New Zealand, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa! If you wish to extend or travel further with Topdeck, check out our website or speak with your Trip Leader for more details. Your Itinerary Day 1 4th Sep 2016 Cairns Just like a double-shot macchiato in the morning, two days in Cairns will get your heart started. Meet and greet the crew in the afternoon and start planning tomorrow's adventures. -The world's most fierce and sassy bird, the cassowary, resides in Cairns. Best not to get all up in its feathered grill if you see one. -The city was officially founded in 1876 after the discovery of gold brought on a mining rush. Today it's pearls, sugar cane and fish. Not as good as gold. -Cairns plays host to the world's longest single day mail delivery. The run takes over 9 hours to complete and spans 1450 km flying between Cairns and Cape York. And you get impatient waiting for that Asos package after 5 days. Day 2 5th Sep 2016 Cairns Like the thought of spending a whole day exploring the only place in the world nestled between two World Heritage areas? Go on then. Ramp up the adventure with hot air ballooning, horse riding, bungy jumping, rafting and all those things on your tick list. Save time for a snorkelling or scuba trip to the Great Barrier Reef and take home that elusive selfie with a photobombing fish. *Pre-book your Great Barrier Reef day-trip at the time of booking to secure your spot. Meals: Breakfast. -The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest living organism and covers 2,300 kilometres of Australia's coastline. It's also home to six of the world's seven sea turtle species. Win. Page 3 29/07/2016

4 Day 3 6th Sep 2016 Cairns to The Whitsundays ***We ask that you have packed a small overnight bag to take onboard with you as space is limited. Pack items like swimmers, beach towel, chargers, hat, sunscreen, camera, jacket, toiletries, sandals/flip flops and casual clothes for 3 days.*** Feeling like you need more air in your hair? Leave the bus and board your own private yacht for our overnight sailing trip in the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. Normally a toy for the rich and famous, today it's all yours to learn the ropes while sailing in paradise. More of a land-lover? Take the diva option and let the crew do the work whilst you feast, swim and snorkel. Included today: -Big Mango -Overnight sailing Meals: Breakfast, dinner. -Whitehaven Beach sand contains 98% pure silica, giving the beach its blinding white colour. The sand does not retain heat making it easy to walk on barefoot on a summer's day, and is great for polishing jewellery. Is there anything this sand DOESN'T do. -Of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays, only 8 are inhabited. 66 are completely deserted. Milestone birthday present? -The heart-shaped island used in Queensland advertising is REAL. Heart Reef, as it is named, is a natural coral formation off the Whitsunday coast. Day 4 7th Sep 2016 The Whitsundays to Daydream Island Keep those sunglasses on as the blinding white sands of Whitehaven stretch before you like a 7km sea of diamonds and swim with the resident Maori Wrasse at Blue Pearl Bay. Back on board, keep adrift of your seafaring skills by helping to set the sails or steer at the helm as we set course for land and two nights at Daydream Island Resort. Included today: -Whitehaven Beach -Snorkeling -Whitsunday sailing Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. -Daydream Island is a sailing enthusiast's mecca, with its outdoor aquarium hosting 80 different types of sea life and 50 varying corals. -The average water temperature in The Whitsundays is 26C. #perrrrfection. -Captain Cook first sailed through the Whitsundays in 1770 on the second Sunday of Easter, and hence named the area after the day he discovered it. #themoreyouknow Page 4 29/07/2016

5 Day 5 8th Sep 2016 Daydream Island Did someone say buffet breakfast? (Over) indulge, recharge and relax with water sports, beach volleyball and fish feeding right off the jetty. Appropriately named, Daydream Island has walking tracks, palm trees and secluded beaches. In keeping with tradition, a looong list of activities has been provided ranging from watersports to mini golf and tennis. Grab a cocktail from the swim up pool bar then make a date with a hammock and get in your happy place overlooking the pools. Included today: -Non-motorised activities -Bush walking Meals: Breakfast. Day 6 9th Sep 2016 Daydream Island to Emu Park Get out of the hammock and follow in the footsteps of Captain Cook as we head south to Emu Park. Then spread out on the sand, crack a ""cold one""(beer) and confuse yourself with the rules of beach cricket with your mates. Enjoy the Aboriginal experience where you get to learn about totems and artefacts, see some traditional dancing, try your hand at boomerang throwing and make some artwork to take home all before dinner. Included today: -Aboriginal experience and artefact souvenir Meals: Breakfast, dinner. -The only way you can keep rabbits in Queensland is if you have a magician s permit. Now that s pulling a rabbit out of a hat. -Cane toads were introduced to Australia to get rid of another pest, the cane beetle. It was later discovered this is the only thing they do not eat. The cane toad is now a national pest. Unlucky. -A species of small snail residing in tropical North Queensland was named in honour of Steve Irwin, as Crikey steveirwini. Page 5 29/07/2016

6 Day 7 10th Sep 2016 Emu Park to Myella Farm Trade the beach for the bush via Rockhampton, the beef capital of Australia. Take a selfie as you pass by the Tropic of Capricorn. This afternoon enjoy an authentic outback experience at a 2,500-acre cattle station. Embrace your inner cowboy and prepare yourself for an adventure-packed afternoon of horse riding, motor biking and cow milking. Or go walkabout on a real Aussie farm to find that right spot for the perfect outback sunset. Enjoy a hearty home cooked farm style dinner before you take to whip cracking and lassoing. Included today: -Farm sunset -Tropic of Capricorn selfie Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. -Gumby gumby, a local plant to Myella is often dried and consumed with tea as some locals believe it is an effective cancer cure. -Station = Australian term for a large farm. Equivalent to an Amerian ranch. -Countries situated between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn experience a phenonemon known as Lahaina noon - where the sun is directly overhead and buildings do not cast shadows. Day 8 11th Sep 2016 Myella Farm to Fraser Island Wake up and smell the coffee. Kick off your day with a farm breakfast before burning down the highway to catch a ferry bound for the world's largest sand island, with the longest beach in Queensland - all 75 Miles (120kms) of it. Meals: Breakfast, dinner. -Fraser Island is the largest island to be made entirely of sand, and the only place on earth where rainforest grows on sand. Page 6 29/07/2016

7 Day 9 12th Sep 2016 Fraser Island Fraser is literally one huge pile of sand - as if someone dropped the Sahara Desert into the Pacific Ocean and scattered it with dingoes and rainforests. Four-wheel-drive along the beach highway to mingle with the Pinnacles Coloured Sands (considered a place of good luck for the Indigenous Butchulla women), Eli Creek and the Maheno Shipwreck before testing out your stand up paddling skills on the crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie. Included today: -Fraser Island 4WD tour -Lake MacKenzie -Central Station -Coloured Sands -Maheno Shipwreck -Eli Creek Meals: Breakfast, lunch. - Fraser Island is so named due to Elizabeth Fraser and her shipwreck survival story. Basically: she was a tough lady who braved and survived childbirth in a lifeboat, subsequent loss of her child, becoming widowed and captured by the island's inhabitants. Day 10 13th Sep 2016 Fraser Island to Brisbane Next stop: BrisVegas (aka Brisbane). Don't let its namesake fool you - there are no late-night wedding chapels in the sunshine state capital. Brisbane doesn t have surf, but it does have a man made beach in the centre of the city. Figure out how to make your holiday last a bit longer. Your boss doesn t need you that badly. Included today: -Brisbane city walking tour Meals: Breakfast. -During the January 2011 floods, Carbrook Golf Club became shark infested after a river bank broke nearby and flooded the area. Bull sharks still live there to this day. #straya -In 1942, a two-night riot broke out between US and Brisbane military due to access to services and differences in pay. Afterwards, U.S. Army Sergeant Bill Bentson recalled how...it sort of settled down and you go into a pub and an Aussie would come and up and slap me on the back. ""Oh, wasn't that a good ruckus we had the other night? And have a beer on me."" #straya -The Walter Taylor suspension bridge is the only habitable bridge dwelling in the Southern Hemisphere, with the previous occupants only vacating in mid Accommodation Addresses Below is a list of the names and addresses of the premises at which you will be staying each night of your trip. If you like, you can print off a copy to leave with family and friends stuck back at home! Page 7 29/07/2016

8 Please Note: In rare circumstances due to unforeseeable events, these details may change as the date of your departure approaches. Abbreviations BB - Bed and breakfast only HB - Half-board; includes bed, breakfast and lunch or dinner RO - Room only Hides Hotel (BB) 87 Lake Street Cairns Telephone: Night Live Aboard Sailing Adventure (FB) Shop 1 The Esplanade Whitsunday Airlie Beach Telephone: Quad: Mariana Santos Check In: 04 Sep 2016 Check Out: 06 Sep 2016 Multi-Share: Mariana Santos Check In: 06 Sep 2016 Check Out: 07 Sep 2016 Daydream Island Resort PMB 22 Mackay Telephone: Emus Beach Resort (HB) 92 Pattison Street Emus Beach Telephone: Quad: Mariana Santos Check In: 07 Sep 2016 Check Out: 09 Sep 2016 Quad: Mariana Santos Check In: 09 Sep 2016 Check Out: 10 Sep 2016 Myella Farm Stay (HB) 1591 Baralaba/Rannes Road Baralaba Telephone: Quad: Mariana Santos Check In: 10 Sep 2016 Check Out: 11 Sep 2016 Kingfisher Bay Resort (HB) Fraser Island Telephone: Quad: Mariana Santos Check In: 11 Sep 2016 Check Out: 13 Sep 2016 Accommodation On East Coast trips you will stay at a variety of multi-share accommodation, which may include hotels, hostels, motels, cabins, sailing yachts and even a farm stay! The number of people in a room varies depending on the type of accommodation. To keep costs down accommodation is based on a four-share, same-sex basis. There is no camping on our East Coast trips. Page 8 29/07/2016

9 The 'More Inclusions' section of this document details what type of accommodation will be used for our overnight stops. If you are travelling with a friend and require twin or double accommodation, this is available at a small extra charge. Should this be required, you can select this at the time of booking. Optional Activities On all trips we have arranged extra activities that we think will enhance your travel experience, but you have a choice as to whether or not you will participate. These are not included in the cost of your trip. They are usually organised on a group participation basis and should be taken into consideration when budgeting your spending money. None of the Optional Activities on your trip are operated by Topdeck, nor do they form part of your contract with Topdeck for your trip. Topdeck arranges the activity as an agent of the local supplier. Should you participate in any Optional Activities your contract will be with the local supplier and their conditions will apply. Please note: while we make every effort to keep these prices as accurate and up-to-date as possible, they are subject to change and in rare circumstances the actual price may vary slightly to what is published here. Cairns Great Barrier Reef Day Tour AU$149 Bungy Jump AU$169 Minjin Swing AU$129 Tully River Rafting AU$209 Baron River Rafting AU$133 Xtreme Rafting AU$250 Go Wild Day Tour AU$145 Go Jungle Surfing Day Tour AU$239 Hot Air Ballooning AU$250 Myella Farm Motorbike Lesson AU$65 Horse Riding AU$75 Fraser Island Scenic Flight AU$75 Meals Your included meals are detailed in the 'More Inclusions' section of this document. Breakfasts are included each day (except on the first morning). A typical breakfast consists of cereals with milk or yoghurt, bread, a range of spreads, and fruit juice, tea or coffee. It is rare to get a hot breakfast, though on some occasions it may be available. Included evening meals will be combination of those prepared by the Topdeck Road Crew, local restaurants and places in which we stay. If you have any dietary requirements we will make every effort to cater to your specific needs as long as you advise your travel agent or Page 9 29/07/2016

10 Topdeck Trip Consultant when you book. But please be aware that although we will do everything in our power to arrange it, we cannot guarantee that every restaurant we use will be able to cater to all dietary needs. We also cannot cater for tastes or dislikes, as most of our included evening meals feature a set menu. No Tip Necessary Your Topdeck crew never expect tips themselves and will not ask for any; that s not what friends do! We also know how much tipping can cost you. So go ahead, spoil yourself with the money you will save by travelling with Topdeck (just don t forget Mum s souvenir). Topdeck Travel App Our travel app has landed! It is available for all passengers on our trips in Europe (excluding festivals) and in North America. More destinations coming soon With a range of cool features including a Currency Converter, Budget Planner, Check-In tool and Social Timeline (so your next #TravelEnvy post is never too far away) you can plan your trip like a pro. Think of it like your very own Topdeck Trip Leader, always on call with the latest info, weather, maps and city guides to give you the trip of a lifetime, all in the palm of your hand. Get it for iphone Get it for Android Finances Changing Money ATMs/cashpoints are available all over Australia and are the safest and easiest way to access money. Major credit cards are also accepted and we recommend you bring yours along in case you see something special that you hadn't budgeted for. Spending Money Based on experience, we recommend at least $70 $80 per day. This is to cover daily expenses including sightseeing, small souvenir shopping and non-included meals. Remember, this is a rough figure only and spending habits vary greatly between individuals according to their budget and habits! Tipping While tips are always welcomed, it is neither customary nor expected that you tip in Australia. Topdeck Top Tip: it is a really good idea to hide away somewhere a small amount of cash and/or extra card; this will really come in handy in the unlikely event that you lose your wallet or any other kind of emergency. Page 10 29/07/2016

11 Insurance In a perfect world, no one would need insurance, but we highly recommend you to take out extensive coverage to cover cancellations, medical expenses, lost or damaged baggage and other unfortunate incidents. Our partner World Nomads provides travel insurance designed for adventurous travellers, with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities. For more information, check out Bring a copy of your insurance policy with you so we can keep a backup on file in case of an unexpected incident.. Passports and Visas Depending on your nationality, you may require a visa to enter Australia. It is your responsibility to obtain this prior to the departure of your trip. Consult Australian visa requirements or your own government's website to determine what visa you will require. Remember that some visas can take up to six weeks to obtain, so do not leave it until the last minute. Also keep in mind that the validity of the visa often runs from the date of issue rather than date of entry into the country. Please check with the appropriate embassies prior to departure as requirements do change periodically. Health and Safety We want to make sure you re having the time of your life while travelling with us. Therefore, if you suffer from any kind of medical condition or allergies, we will need to know at the time of booking, or at least six weeks prior to the departure of your trip. If you require regular medication, you must have a sufficient supply before your trip departs, as it may be difficult to obtain while travelling. You must be able to administer your own medication, as Topdeck Road Crew will not be able to administer it, and there are no guarantees that there will be anyone with first aid training on board. Vaccinations There are currently no compulsory vaccinations required for any of the countries this trip visits. Please reconfirm this with your GP or health professional before you leave as conditions can change. General Information Currency The currency unit in Australia is the Australian dollar (AUD or A$), divided into 100 cents. It is generally always possible to exchange money in to local currency after arriving in the country, and the easiest way is to make a withdrawal from a local ATM. Power Page 11 29/07/2016

12 Australia uses the AS/NZS 3112 (Type I) standard three-flat-prong plug and a single adaptor will work throughout the country. Voltage Throughout Australia the voltage is a uniform 220v-240v. If the voltage is the same or similar in your home country your appliance will comply. If you have a 110v appliance you will need to use a transformer to avoid potentially damaging it. In Cases of Emergency While we hope you never have to use it, if for any reason you need to contact someone from Topdeck, whether it be that you have missed a trip departure meeting, have become separated from your trip on the road or any other unforeseeable problem, the following options are available to you. Brisbane Office Your best recourse to assistance during the day is to call our team between 6am-6pm Monday to Friday and 6am-4pm on Saturdays Australia (QLD) time. Tel: (from inside Australia); Or (from outside Australia) Emergency Contact If you need to contact Topdeck outside of the above hours the following number is available: Mobile: (+61) Please remember if it is a genuine emergency, we of course want you to call us; however, if it can wait until the next day, we ask that you call during our office hours. Thank you. What to Bring Suggested packing list The golden rule is to travel as light as you can. Only bring what you really need and leave plenty of space for things you might want to buy. Don't forget you will have to carry your bag around yourself before and after the trip, as well as in and out of where you re staying while on your trip! Please be aware that in winter months (May-September) night time temperatures can drop to near freezing, so warmer clothing will be required especially if visiting rural locations or on our swag experience. The following is a suggested clothing list only, based on our experience. 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes (more sturdy boots if travelling between Melbourne to Darwin) 1 pair of smart-casual shoes 1 pair of thongs/jandals/flip-flops 2 pairs jeans/trousers 2 pairs shorts/skirts Page 12 29/07/2016

13 4 shirts/t-shirts 2 sweaters/jumpers Smart casual evening wear 1 rainproof jacket 1 warm jacket Underwear and socks! General Things to Pack Swimming costume Beach Towel Toiletries Hat & Sunscreen Basic medical kit (including plasters, aspirin etc.) Washing powder Insect repellent Conversion plug Optional Torch Travel pillow We recommend soft bags, suitcases or frameless backpacks, plus a small day pack or carry bag. No external framed bags please, as they damage other bags on the coach. Please limit your luggage to a maximum of 20kg. Luggage must not exceed dimensions of 70cm in height, 45cm in width and 25cm in depth. Only one piece of luggage is allowed. Please note that due to space and weight restrictions on our coaches, passengers with too much luggage on departure morning may be told that they cannot take their entire luggage with them. Luggage storage facilities are usually available at the departure point, if they are not available you will have to make your own arrangements to have it stored or shipped home. Any luggage left behind will be at your own risk and you will be required to pay any costs incurred. Final Checklist Passport (with visas if required!) Airline tickets (where applicable) Insurance Policy (you must bring these details with you) Camera; batteries; chargers; conversion plug Topdeck ekit global phone card, SIM card or phone Page 13 29/07/2016

14 Keep in touch & stay secure Claim your free Topdeck Global SIM card before you leave for your trip! Just follow this link to claim yours: - use your Topdeck Booking Reference and purchase a minimum of $20 calling credit. The Topdeck SIM is a roaming SIM and designed just for travellers. Drop it into your unlocked handset and enjoy huge savings on international calls, SMS and Data, when travelling throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Africa and the Middle East. Every SIM card also includes the ekit Travel Journal. The Travel Journal automatically updates your location to Google maps on a daily basis. This allows you to keep track of where you ve been, and with the option to publish this on Facebook and Twitter you can easily show-off your travels to friends and family. Not only does this provide a hassle free way of keeping in contact, but you can text in your own journal updates or photos and receive free notifications when people comment on your Facebook timeline. Free SIM card and US$10 bonus call credit, when you purchase US$20 of call credit Coverage in over 190 countries (including all of Europe) Free shipping to Australia, UK, Europe, USA and Canada Save up to 90% on international calls Data from $0.49/MB Pre-paid so no worry about bill shock! *Please check that your handset is unlocked with your phone provider before you depart. You will be unable to use SIMs with a locked handset. For more information visit the previous URL or phone our dedicated 24/7 Customer Service on: Australia: UK: USA: Canada: Global SIMs must be pre-ordered. Security Use ekit s travel vault and avoid hassles along the way. You can securely store all your important documents online, passport number, insurance and visa information and travellers cheques details. Refer to the ekit brochure or visit Starting to get excited?! Page 14 29/07/2016