Move up the fabulous Queensland coast in this wonderful adventure. Observe the majesty of spectacular waterfalls, deep gorges and beautiful white sand beaches. Take an optional excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, or just kick back, relax and let the world go by. With beaches, farmstays and a visit to Sydney, this is a truly well-rounded Aussie experience! Coastal Adventure Sydney to Cairns Original 2008 GPO 6 13 Min 6, Max 13. Australia and South Pacific Australia Sydney Cairns Australia Australia Chill Out 13 2 2 http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/australia/australia_fighting-kangaroos.jpg Arrive in Sydney at 8 am. Travelling to Byron Bay, Australia's most easterly point, with numerous beaches, unspoilt countryside, and relaxed lifestyle. Here we can enjoy the fantastic views from the lighthouse and try to spot some dolphins. Have the opportunity to take an optional sea kayak, surfing or just relax at the beautiful sandy beaches. Journeying north we reach Queensland. Along its coast stretches the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural world wonders and home to thousands of shimmering coral, colorful fish and marine species. On our way to Hervey Bay, we pass by the trendy Gold Coast and Brisbane, Australia’s fourth largest metropolis. In the morning we cross the sheltered waters of the Great Sandy Strait to Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. We start our two-day 4 wheel-drive adventure checking out some of Fraser Island’s inland sights including Hammerstone Sand Blow, the ghostly remainders of the Maheno Shipwreck, the Coloured Sands, and the magnificent rainforest. We will learn about the island’s history, fauna and flora and can swim in freshwater creeks and crystal clear lakes. Experience true Outback charm as you stay on a working farm. Explore this true Aussie ranch on an optional horseback excursion, or just do your own walkabout. Embrace the warm hospitality of your hosts at this farmstay and enjoy a proper Outback cookout. Returning to the coast after a night experiencing the outback life at Myella Farm, head for the world famous Whitsundays. There is plenty of time to have fun and relax. Take an optional boat tour to the Great Barrier Reef or just soak up the Australian sun on one of the beautiful white sand beaches. Today is free time to experience the Whitsundays or just relax on the beach. Working your way up the coast, fall upon Mission Beach and its sun-kissed white sandy beaches. Surrounded by lush rainforest, visit what is known to the locals as the tallest waterfall in Australia: Wallaman Falls. Stopping at picturesque Millaa Millaa Falls, end your journey in Cairns. But first, a visit to Fig Tree National Park and the spectacular site of the world famous Curtain Fig Tree is in order. Trek start and welcome meeting at 8:00 a.m. at our hotel in Sydney. Sightseeing and shopping in Sydney. We're off to the popular resort town Port Macquarie on teh North Coast of New South Wales. We visit the Koala Hospital, which is Australia's oldest koala hospital, and learn more about the adorable koalas.

Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia with a metropolitan area population of over 4.2 million people. Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and is located on the country's south-east coast. The first European colony in Australia, Sydney was established in 1788 at Sydney Cove by Arthur Phillip who led the First Fleet from Britain. Built around Port Jackson, which includes Sydney Harbour, the city of Sydney has been called the "Harbour City". It is Australia's largest financial center and a major international tourist destination, notable for its beaches and twin andmarks: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
Our next stop is Byron Bay, Australia‘s most easterly point, with numerous beaches, unspoilt countryside, and relaxed lifestyle. Here we can enjoy the fantastic views from the lighthouse and try to spot some dolphins. We have the opportunity to go sea kayaking, surfing or just relax at the beautiful sandy beaches.

Byron Bay
Byron Bay is the largest town in Byron Shire, located at the most Easterly point on Australia's main land, in the Northern Rivers Region of New South Wales. Byron Bay is located 790 km north of Sydney and 173 km south of Brisbane. It has the distinction of being one of the many places along the East Coast of Australia which was named by Captain James Cook as he sailed up the coast in 1770. Byron Bay has gained a reputation of having a relaxed and often alternative atmosphere. Its atmosphere coupled with its many beaches, Julian Rocks marine reserve, Cape Byron lighthouse, unspoiled hinterland, and nearby world heritage listed national parks has helped cement Byron Bay as a world renowned place to live and visit. Journeying north we reach Queensland. Along its coast stretches the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural world wonders and home to thousands of shimmering coral, colorful fish and marine species. On our way to Hervey Bay, we pass by the trendy Gold Coast and Brisbane, Australia’s fourth largest metropolis. In the morning we cross the sheltered waters of the Great Sandy Strait to Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. We start our two-day 4 wheel-drive adventure checking out some of Fraser Island’s inland sights including Hammerstone Sand Blow, the ghostly remainders of the Maheno Shipwreck, the Coloured Sands, and the magnificent rainforest. We will learn about the island’s history, fauna and flora and can swim in freshwater creeks and crystal clear lakes.

Fraser Island World Heritage Area (Great Sandy N.P.) Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world at 1630 km². It was inscribed as a World Heritage site in 1992. Fraser Island is located off the east coast of Australia approximately 200 km north of Brisbane, Queensland. The island is separated from the mainland by the Great Sandy Strait. With Cooloola, the island forms the Great Sandy Region, stretching 175 km north to south, varying in width up to 25 km, with the highest elevation of 260 m. The Fraser Island area is protected in the name of Great Sandy National Park. Fraser Island has over 100 dune lakes, as well as the second highest concentration of lakes in Australia after Tasmania.The freshwater lakes on Fraser Island are some of the cleanest lakes in the world.
Today we head inland to Cania Gorge National Park, which boasts 30 km2 of spectacular landscape, sandstone cliffs, caves, eucalypt and dry rain forest. This secluded ara is home to kangoroos, wallabies and over 100 species of birds. We continue inland to Myella Farm to experience outback life on a working cattle ranch. At the farm we help feeding the horses, milk the cows and enjoy authentic ranchstyle meals. We have the opportunity to explore the farm on horseback or on a motorbike.

Passing countless cane fields and sugar mills, we make our way to Airlie Beach, the lively harbor town situated on the Whitsunday Coast. The Whitsundays consist of over 90 islands and waterways, which fall within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Many optional activities to explore the idyllic Whitsunday Islands and the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef are offered here: helicopter flights, boat trips, snorkeling, or scuba diving over the coral reefs. Today you have free time to experience all what the Whitsundays has to offer. Take a day sail through these fascinating islands or just relax on the beach the day is yours to discover.
Today we head further north. We drive past the busy towns of Townsville and Ingham, a sugarfarming country town. We visit the magnificent Wallaman Falls, Australia’s largest sheer drop waterfall, tumbling 305m down to a large pool. Afterwards we drive to the relaxed beachfront town of Mission Beach. On our way to Cairns we stop at the picturesque Millaa Millaa Falls, a popular swimming spot. Then we arrive at Curtain Fig Tree National Park, which includes the renowned giant Curtain Fig Tree. It is one of the largest trees in North Queensland and one of the best known attractions on the Tablelands. Its “curtain” of aerial roots drops 15 m to the ground. Afterwards we drive to Cairns, known for its lush tropical setting close to the Great Barrier Reef.

Curtain Fig N.P.
The Curtain Fig Tree is one of the largest trees in Tropical North Queensland, and one of the best known attractions on the Atherton Tableland. It is located just out of Yungaburra. The large fig tree found in this park is unique because the extensive aerial roots, that drop 15m to the forest floor, have formed a "curtain". Starting from a seed dropped high in the canopy, this strangler fig grew vertical roots, which gradually became thicker and interwoven. Over hundreds of years these roots have strangled the host causing it to fall into a neighboring tree — a stage unique to the development of this fig. Vertical fig roots then formed a curtain-like appearance and the host trees rotted away, leaving the freestanding fig tree. The tree is thought to be nearly 50m tall, with a trunk circumference of 39m, and is estimated to be over 500 years old. An elevated boardwalk protects the tree while allowing visitors uninterrupted views of the fig from all angles.
A last opportunity for city sightseeing and shopping in Cairns. 1945 1720 1175 840 2245 1720 1315 1720 1945 1720 1175 840 2245 1720 1315 1720 Accommodation Paticipation Camping (10 nts), Tented camp (1 nt), Hotel (1 nt) Brief Highlights Sydney, Byron Bay, Hervey Bay, Sunshine Coast, Fraser Island, Great Sandy Strait, Hammerstone Sand Blow, Coloured Sands, Maheno Shipwreck, Cania Gorge National Park, Baralaba, Cairns. Brochure Notes This is not a dedicated G.A.P Adventures tour and you will be pooled with non G.A.P Adventures passengers. Group Leader Tour leader/Driver, local guides. Group Size Min 6, Max 13. Included Highlights Fraser Island 4x4 excursion, Cania Gorge National Park, Farmstay, Wallaaman Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls, Fig Tree National Park. Local Payment There is not local payment for this program. Max Pax 13 Meal Budget Allow USD250 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included 2 Breakfast, 2 lunch, 2 dinner. Min Pax 6 Recommendation Want to see more of the outback of Queensland check out Queesnland Outback Experience, OAQP. Special Comments Web Please note that price is seasonal. StartFinish Sydney to Cairns Transport Van, 4WD, walking. A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
About Accommodation Campsites are either selected for their scenic beauty, their convenient location to places of interest, their environment and/or their facilities available. We aim to offer you a selection of different types of camp- sites. You will find the necessary facilities, toilets and in most cases showers, washing machines and dryers at many campsites, so please do not take too many clothes with you. If you have never camped before – no problem! You will find it great with our modern easy-to-pitch tents. Your trek leader will show you how to pitch a tent on the first day. On many treks we also spend a few nights in reasonably priced hotels/motels/hostels for your convenience. These nights are specially marked in the tour itinerary.
Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Brochure Intro Move up the fabulous Queensland coast in this wonderful adventure. Observe the majesty of spectacular waterfalls, deep gorges and beautiful white sand beaches. Take an optional excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, or just kick back, relax and let the world go by. With beaches, farmstays and a visit to Sydney, this is a truly well-rounded Aussie experience! Checklist Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travellers cheques
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
G.A.P Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Jeans / trousers / shorts
Socks / underwear
T-Shirts / tops
Casual evening “out”clothes
Warm jacket / rain coat / umbrella
Sweaters
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes
Tennis shoes / sandals
Swim wear
Sunglasses / sunhat
Warm sleeping bag (required for all Suntrek tours)
Toiletries / towels / soap
Shaver
First aid kit / insect repellent
Suntan lotion / lip-salve
Sewing kit
Flashlight
Plastic bags (for laundry)
Travel plug
Binoculars
Camera / films / batteries / memory cards
Mini-alarm clock
Scissors / army knife
Writing material / address-book
Pillow for extra comfort if desired
(self-inflating air mattress supplied)
Tissues
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking). Departure Tax Departure Tax is included in all International and Domestic tickets in Australia. Detailed Trip Notes Time Zones
AEST (equal to CET +9 hours and EST +18 hours):
New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, Australian Capital
Territory
ACST (equal to CET + 8 ½ hours and EST +17 ½ hours):
South Australia, Northern Territory, Broken Hill (NSW).
AWST (equal to CET + 7 hours and EST + 16 hours):
Western Australia
The “Daylight Savings Time” (+ 1 hour) begins every year late October
and ends late March and is observed by all states except Queensland
and Northern Territory, and in Tasmania it starts a month earlier and
finishes up to a month later than in the other states.
Note: CET is Central European Time (Germany, France, Netherlands,
Switzerland, Italy and others), EST is Eastern Standard Time (New York
and others)

Telephone
International incoming calls need a 61 in front of the number and drop the 0. Outgoing international calls use 0011 and then the country code of the country being called. Public pay phones take 40 cent for local calls or you can buy a phone card. For directory assistance call 1223 (automated service).
We recommend that you bring an international calling card with access numbers for all countries you are traveling to. That way you can charge your phone card from hotels or public phone booths to your own account and won’t have to pay high fees. If you are using a mobile phone from home, check with your mobile phone provider
before you leave if all areas that you travel to are on your provider’s network or if some areas are excluded. American travelers need a tri- band phone. Dossier Disclaimer The information in this dossier has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. The group leader will advise you of any changes at the initial group meeting. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to improve the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your dossier to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro Move up the fabulous Queensland coast in this wonderful adventure. Observe the majesty of spectacular waterfalls, deep gorges and beautiful white sand beaches. Take an optional excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, or just kick back, relax and let the world go by. With beaches, farmstays and a visit to Sydney, this is a truly well-rounded Aussie experience! Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

Suntrek Local Office – Australia
Local Office Tel: +61 (07) 5596 6724 or mobile phone: +61 (0) 419 766 724

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467 – Andrew

Mention your name, your trek’s name, location and phone number where you can be reached.
Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Finishing Point Instructions Shopping and sightseeing in the departure city is on the agenda on the last day of the travel program. The trek leader will drop you off at our selected departure/arrival hotel (drop off time varies depending on the trek). To ensure that you have enough time for airport transfers and check-in procedures at the airport, the earliest recommended flight time for return flights on this last day is 4.00 pm in the afternoon. FIT A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts our local staff and others at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our local representatives / offices have the right to refuse service to anyone if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes. FIT Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact the emergency local contact details provided in this dossier. If an arrival airport transfer is included in your tour and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs. FIT Dossier Disclaimer The information in this dossier has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. The local guide will advise you of any changes in destination. Please note that our brochure is usually released in September each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to improve the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your dossier to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. FIT Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips - it is the passengers responsibility to ensure they have the correct coverage. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Contact your Insurance company / bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number. FIT Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The dossier is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. FIT Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Please note that local representatives/offices have the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While our local representatives/offices will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer 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. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay together and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions. Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description Our trek leaders will do everything possible to make your holiday the best you have ever had, but total success will depend on your own enthusiasm and cooperation. Each tour is unique. Much of your enjoyment will come from the team spirit in your group and the fun you will have together, as well as from the Australian settings. We cannot stress strongly enough the importance of your own positive thinking and attitude. Have the right approach and you will be assured a great time. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Important Notes This is not a dedicated G.A.P Adventures tour and you will be pooled with non G.A.P Adventures passengers. Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The dossier is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard Polaris visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Joining Hotel Pensione Hotel
631-635 George Street
Sydney, NSW 2000
Tel: +61 (02) 9265 8888
Fax: +61 (02) 9211 9825 Joining Instructions Airport to hotel is easy to get to. Take a shuttle bus (fare approx. AUD10) from the airport's arrival area behind baggage claim/customs to the hotel. Buy the ticket at the ticket booth and wait for bus at bay 7 or 29. Or take a taxi (fare approx. AUD30)

On the first day of the tour there will be a welcome meeting / briefing at 8am at the start hotel. This gives everyone a chance to meet the trek leader and the fellow Suntrekkers and get more information and details about what the trek will be like.
Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a Local Payment that is paid to the Leader/Representative in cash on day 1 of your tour. This Local Payment is put towards local expenses, such as arranging internal flights as well as entrance and guide fees. Local Payments also reduce the need to wire or transfer funds which can become very expensive. This lowers our operational costs so we can pass the savings on to you. The local payment is in addition to, and is not included in, the base tour price.
Meals Buying and cooking the food, washing up, etc. are shared chores of the trek participants. Teams of two people will carry out the camp duties on a rotating basis. We usually cook our evening meals together on our own stove, or barbeque food over the campfire. We keep our food costs as low as possible by sharing the expenses. Each participant who wants to contribute needs about US$ 35-40 / AUD 45-55 per week. Breakfast and dinner are paid from this food kitty, while lunch is not included. Sometimes we will go out for dinner and eat at restau- rants at verybody’s own expense. Your trek leader will participate in the food kitty as well.
Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an 'average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers over the age of 70, or travellers with a pre-existing medical condition, are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that senior travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical and culture shock ratings in this dossier for more information.

Please note that all passengers, regardless of age traveling on the MS Explorer or the MS Andrea are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange As currency exchange rates in Australia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com As of Jan 2008 the exchange rate for Australia was 1 USD = 1.124 AUD. There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travellers cheques in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities Ultimate fun. On all our tours you can participate in a wide variety of thrilling optional activities such as hiking, horseback riding, rafting, water sports, scenic flights, mountain biking, etc. Since not every passenger wants to participate in the same activities, they are not included in the trek price. All these activities are offered by local operators and as such are not an integral part of our treks – you just book and pay for them ‘on the spot’.
Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your G.A.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveler and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

We would like to give you a couple of tips to start you thinking about traveling sustainably.
-Please bring rechargeable batteries, a battery charger (and plug adapter if necessary). Batteries are incredibly toxic and many places that we travel do not have proper disposal facilities. Rechargeables are best but if this is not possible we recommend that you bring any used batteries back home with you for proper disposal.
-Please ask before taking pictures. Just as you would not like to have a stranger come up to you and take a picture of you while sitting on your front porch either do the locals of the places that we visit. As you can imagine pictures of their children are also not appreciated.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer 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. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping Tipping is not expected in Australia. However due to a large number of visitors tipping does occur and is appreciated. If service in restaurants has been outstanding you might wish to leave 10% or just round up the bill. If at the end of your trek you are satisfied with the job your trek leader did, feel free to give him a tip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2008 - December 31st 2008. Visas A valid passport and visa is required. For some nationalities, the visa can be issued by your Travel Agency or the Australian Embassy via Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) ETA‘s are available for stays up to 3 months. We Want Your Photos Want to see your photos in print or on the web? Then enter our annual "Great G.A.P Adventures Travel Photo Contest". Simply go online to gapadventures.com/contests/photo_contest to upload your images for a chance to win great prizes including a trip for two! Every year, G.A.P Adventures publishes the best photos received from our travellers in our new brochure. If you prefer to submit slide film or photos instead of digital entries online, just make sure they are clearly marked with your name and contact details on each and the place where it was taken. Unfortunately, we are unable to return any entries. Send mailed entries to "Photo Editor" at our head office.
What to Take All baggage is transported in a luggage trailer. Please bring tough bags as small scratches and minor damages can occur. Remember, do not bring too much baggage – only soft bags and rucksacks (suitcases are not permitted!) Traveling light is recommended. You will find numerous opportunities for doing laundry while on trek. Luggage limit for our tours: 1 medium sized bag (max. weight limit: 15kg in Australia), 1 sleeping bag and 1 piece of hand luggage.

As we will be traveling in changing climate zones, we advise you to carefully choose your clothing: comfortable, suitable pieces for cold and warm days. Please also consider the time of year during which you are traveling and the region. North: tropical hot and humid. South: subtropic to mild and an arid climate in the center of the continent. Light clothes are adequate for the north all year round and for the south in the Australian spring and summer. The Australian winter last from June-August in the south, when you need warmer clothes. Rainy season in the tropical north is during the Australian summer. 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 are likely to be of a variety of ages 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.