This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Some trips may have individual inclusions that may be of a higher physical rating compared to the overall rating of the trip. Please read the day-to-day itinerary carefully to find out more details on each day's activities and whether they are suitable for you. Activities can be opted out of if you don't want to participate.

Below are some essential items for this trip. 

• 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 the 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. A wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and 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. The Operator strongly recommends 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.

Australia’s east coast, from Brisbane to Cairns, experiences a variety of weather and temperatures throughout the year.

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.

When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than anyone, 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.

You may also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, US$3-6 per person (in a currency relevant to your destination) per day can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your leader on your trip.

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.

The Operator will try their very hardest to accommodate all dietary requirements, but in some out-of-the-way places, it can be very difficult to guarantee. They will let you know if there are places on your itinerary where this is the case. Please let them know at the time of booking of any food requirements or allergies, and they'll pass the information onto your leader. It is also a great idea to bring a card with your dietary requirements written in the local language for those times you are eating away from the group.

Yes, you can.
If you have a departure date in mind, but you're not ready to pay the full amount just yet, then you can secure your booking with a low deposit from only $400.

Contact our travel experts for assistance with booking via deposit in one of the below ways:

• Send us a message on chat!
• Email us at support@backpackerdeals.com.
• Send us an enquiry here.
• Give us a call on the number specific to your region:

  • 1300 358 071 (AU)

  • 0800 461 254 (NZ)

  • +1 (240) 786-1143 (US)

  • +61 (7) 3130-0516 (Intl)