Dolphins, Koalas & Islands Tour Itinerary
REF:
AUF1
VERSION:
4
| Duration: | 7 days - Brisbane to Brisbane |
| Countries Visited: | Australia |
| Age Guide: | Child 5-11 years
Adult 12-65 years |
| Max Group Size: | 16 |
| Transport: | Private Vehicle, Ferry, On Foot |
| Accommodation: | Hotels (4 Nights), Farm Stay (2 Nights) |
| What's Included: | 6 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners - All Activities and Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary - Local Tour Guides and Driver/Guides - Farm Stay - Koala Sanctuary Visit |
| Local Payment: | NO LOCAL PAYMENT |
| Highlights: | Australia - Brisbane - Moreton Island - Wild Dolphin Resort - Hand Feeding Bottlenose Dolphins - Glass House Mountains - Solothurn Animal Farm - Farm Activities - Boomerang Throwing - Koala Sanctuary |
| Optional Highlights: | No optional highlights |
| Meeting Point: | Medina Executive Brisbane
15 Ivory Lane
Brisbane
Queensland
Australia
Tel: +61 7 3218 5800
Fax: +61 7 3218 5805 |
| Introduction: | This seven day adventure gives you a taste of just a few of the attractions in and around Brisbane, Australia’s third largest city. Brisbane has a tropical landscape, and climate that lures people year round. From Brisbane, we take the ferry to Moreton Island, an island wilderness with sparkling clear water and sandy white beaches, where you can hand feed bottlenose dolphins, and explore the sand dunes, lagoons and creeks, swim, snorkel and fish. Next we head to the beautiful Glass House Mountains for our farm stay, with opportunities for horse riding, bush walks, feeding the animals and even Boomerang throwing. Returning to Brisbane, we visit the Koala Sanctuary where koalas can be cuddled, kangaroos hand-fed, and Australian wildlife encountered. |
| Day 1: | Brisbane. Today is an arrival day into the sub-tropical city of Brisbane, where you will stay at one of Brisbane’s leading hotels. The pre departure meeting will be held at 6pm in the joining hotel, giving you the chance to meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers, and the opportunity to ask any questions.
If you arrive early you may like to explore the wonderful city of Brisbane - the tropical landscape of Southbank, or maybe even cruise the Brisbane River. |
| Day 2: | Brisbane - Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort. After breakfast, we transfer to Brisbane Wharf. From here we will board a ferry taking us to Moreton Island, an island wilderness with sparkling clear water and sandy white beaches. We will spend two nights at the Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort where you will have the opportunity to hand feed wild bottlenose dolphins! There are great restaurants to choose from with 2 located right by the beach. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or maybe swim or snorkel.
The highlight of any stay is the opportunity to interact closely with nature. Each evening the Tangalooma Dolphins swim up to the beach, adjacent to the well-lit jetty. Here they are hand fed fresh fish by our Marine biologists, their staff and Resort guests. It is an unforgettable experience. Dolphin feeding is suitable for all ages, but should children require assistance you may carry them into the water or the staff are happy to assist. (B) |
| Day 3: | Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort. Today is at your own leisure. Swim, snorkel, fish, hike… Moreton Island has it all. Tall sand dunes, miles of sandy beaches, crystal clear creeks and lagoons, rocky headlands and abundant wildflowers.
There are over 75 activities to choose from including sand tobogganing, kayaking, whale watching cruises (June to October), pelican feeding, marine beach walks, marine scavenger hunts, beach volleyball and kookaburra feeding. (B) |
| Day 4: | Wild Dolphin Resort to The Animal Farm, Maleny. This morning we catch a ferry back to Brisbane for our coach transfer to the Glass House Mountains where we will spend two nights at Solothurn Animal Farm in Maleny. You will be greeted by the staff at Solothurn. The afternoon is filled with activities and free time to do as you please.
The Animal Farm is a 380 acre family-friendly farm stay, set on the rolling green hills of maleny, on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. As well as the many daily activities, there are plenty of facilities such as pool, tennis court, sauna, indoor games room, 9 dams to fish in and acres of bushwalks including a rainforest walk. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5: | The Animal Farm, Maleny. A full day of activities on the farm include milking cows, horse riding, bush walks and small animal feeding. Don’t forget to try your hand at cracking the whip and Boomerang throwing. (B,L,D)
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| Day 6: | The Animal Farm to Brisbane. This morning we check out of Solothurn Farm Stay for your coach transfer to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane. Here you are able to cuddle a koala, hand feed kangaroos, and encounter a large variety of Aussie Wildlife. You wil be dropped at our hotel in Brisbane, and the remainder of the day is free. (B) |
| Day 7: | Brisbane. The tour ends today after breakfast. (B) |
| Finishing Point: | Medina Executive Brisbane
15 Ivory Lane
Brisbane
Queensland
Australia
Tel: +61 7 3218 5800
Fax: +61 7 3218 5805 |
| Please Note: | Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more.
This itinerary will be followed as closely as possible. However there may be times when it is necessary to change the route according to local conditions.
You are free not to participate in any of the included excursions. However, please note that there will be no refund for any excursions not taken.
Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances. |
| What's Not Included: | All optional excursions and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, drinks, visas, tipping, pre-tour and post-tour accommodation. |
| | Pre Departure Information Follows |
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| Pre-Departure Meeting: | The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm THE DAY of the scheduled departure date. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers.
In each departure city we have named a joining hotel from where the tour will leave. It is your responsibility to make your way to this hotel.
PLEASE ADVISE KUMUKA OR YOUR AGENT IF YOU WILL BE ARRIVING LATE AND ARE THEREFORE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING.
In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting.
All passengers MUST bring:
1. Passport.
2. Vaccination Certificate.
3. Travel Voucher.
4. Travel Insurance Policy. |
| Insurance: | Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.
Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance. |
| Passport: | Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited. |
| Visa Requirements: | It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Kumuka trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides you with visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs.
EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.
Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith. |
| Medical Information & Vaccinations: | Vaccinations:
No vaccinations are compulsory in Australia, however you may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information.
We also recommend:
A dental check-up prior to travelling.
That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking.
You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details.
Medical Supplies:
We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit.
Below is a list of some recommended items:
Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills.
A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops. |
| Climate: | For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com.
Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything! |
| Time: | For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com or www.timeanddate.com |
| Books and Reading Material: | You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit. |
| Security: | - Do not take unnecessary valuables with you.
- A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.
- DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at the individuals’ risk.
- Pickpockets operate worldwide, you must always exercise care.
- Be aware that anything left lying around could also be liable to theft. |
| Money: | We recommend an average of AU$50-75 per day. This of course depends on your own spending habits, the number of optional excursions you wish to take and the amount of additional snacks, souvenirs and drinks you wish to buy along the way. Be aware that some towns and cities are more expensive than others. Similarly there will be some days when you may spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.
We advise that you carry a mixture of cash, credit/debit cards and travellers cheques with you on your trip. We suggest that you record your travellers cheque numbers and keep these records separate from your cheques. American Express and Thomas Cook Travellers Cheques are most widely accepted.
Credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere in Australia. They can also be used to obtain money from ATMs. You should make sure you know your PIN number. ATM cards can be used widely in Australia. Again, you will need your PIN. Your bank will provide you with more details. |
| Luggage and Personal Equipment: | How much should I take?
- Please bring lightweight walking shoes or sandals, and a day sac.
- Because of limited luggage space on transport, we must limit each passenger to ONE main suitcase or frameless backpack and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kg’s. A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.
- A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions.
- We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers checks etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.
TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!! |
| Personal Effects: | We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels and campsites there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible.
Personal Effects:
Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Torch, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes/CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen
For the children: A notebook to record the trip is a great idea - younger children can use it to stick postcards in and draw pictures of what they have seen, while older children will enjoy keeping a diary of everything they have got up to. A cheap digital camera will pay dividends, and you may want to invest in a portable DVD player. Travel games are a good idea for any longer journeys, or free time. |
| Acommodation: | We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. It will always be clean, comfortable and of a very high standard. Depending on the tour, it will range from hotels and motels, to farm stays as well as camping and even swag bushcamps. |
| Drug Policy: | Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund. |
| Optionals: | Kumuka endeavors to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Although Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by a third party.
Details and prices of optional activities will be advised by your tour leader. |
| Staying in Touch: | Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:
Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.
Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.
Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka
Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts
Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does! |
| Tour Feedback: | Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback
Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com |
| Contact Details: | KUMUKA WORLDWIDE
UK OFFICE
Hillswood Business Park 3000
Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS
Tel: +4420 7937 8855 Fax: +442075043782
Email: sales@kumuka.com
www.kumuka.com
AUSTRALIAN OFFICE
Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492
Email: sales@kumuka.com.au
www.kumuka.com.au |
| Map: |  |
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets
and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information
available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any
of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable
for compensation or refund. |
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