Embarking on Imprint's tour of Australia is an adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes and engaging culture - both modern and traditional. Starting in Melbourne, indulge in the city’s eclectic food scene and vibrant street art. Traveling north, you’ll explore the Great Barrier Reef, snorkeling among colorful coral and tropical fish. A visit to the rain forests of Raintree add a new travel ecosystem. Traveling back south you'll discover a blend of coastal beauty, verdant national parks, and history. Culminating in Sydney, you’ll marvel at the iconic Opera House and the views of the Harbor Bridge. If you opt for the extension you'll visit the ancient landscapes of the Outback offering a visit to the storied landmark of Uluru. Each destination unveils a unique experience of Australia, making for an unforgettable journey.
Visa Requirements: Participants must obtain Visitor Visas themselves for all countries at their own expense. The acquisition of visitor visas to any country is the sole responsibility of the traveler. Imprint is unable to assist with the acquisition of visas or help with issues you might encounter during the process. Any information below is provided as a courtesy only.
To visit Australia, you'll need an Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).
Q: How do I obtain an ETA for Australia?
A: You need the ETA before arrival. Acquire the ETA app and apply online: AUSTRALIA
Q: What information will I need to complete the online visa process?
A: A digital passport size headshot and digital passport image
Q: How much will the ETA cost?
A: Aus$20 (US$13)
Q: How long will the process take?
A: Usually immediate
Q: What should I expect after registering and paying the deposit for the tour?
A: You will receive a confirmation email welcoming you to the tour. This email will include a link to a 'Manage Booking' page where you can view and edit all your trip details. Also included is your deposit receipt, payment schedule, and information for purchasing travel insurance. Imprint Tours STRONGLY recommends purchasing trip insurance.
Q: Is my deposit refundable?
A: Your deposit is refundable for 30 days, after which it is non-refundable for any reason.
Q: Are flights included?
A: International Flights to/from the tour are NOT included. Internal tour flights (Melbourne > Cairns; Cairns > Brisbane) are included.
Q: What airport do I use to join/depart the tour?
A: The tour starts in Melbourne (MEL) on April 15 and ends in Sydney (SYD) on April 27 (after breakfast).
Q: Should I arrive early for the tour?
A: When you arrive is entirely up to you. Most Imprint travelers arrive 1 day early.
Q: Can I skip breakfast on the final day and depart early that morning?
A: Yes, you are not obliged to partake of the final breakfast, nor will you miss any tour activities.
Q: If I'm extending to Uluru, which airport should I use for my return flight?
A: The Uluru extension ends at the Sydney airport (18:00) on April 29.
Q: Does Imprint provide or arrange airport transfers?
A: No, airport transfers are the traveler's responsibility to arrange. Basic information will be included in the 8-Week Letter.
Q: Does Imprint provide advice about airlines, routing, or booking?
A: No, Imprint does not provide these services.
Q: When should I book my flight?
A: Avoid booking flights before Aug 15 unless you confirm the tour status.
Q: Do I need to check the tour status after Aug 15?
A: No, if you have not received a cancellation notice from Imprint by Aug 15, you may assume the tour is a go.
Q: What time will the tour start on April 15?
A: About 17:00 (5:00PM)
Q: What time will the tour end on April 27?
A: After breakfast
Q: Can I skip breakfast on the final day and depart early that morning?
A: Yes, you are not obliged to partake of the final breakfast, nor will you miss any tour activities.
Q: How do I take advantage of the Early Pay Discount (EPD)?
A: To receive the $300 EPD, you must register for the EPD price and pay in full by the designated date. The payment system already reflects this discount. You will receive a notice of final payment due one week prior. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding EPD as cancellation incurs a penalty.
Q: If I’ve chosen to take advantage of the Early Pay Discount (EPD), and subsequently cancel, what penalties will I incur?
A: If you’ve opted for the EPD and paid in full, but then cancel, your deposit plus $400 of the EPD price is non-refundable. If no deposit has been paid, $1000 of the EPD price is non-refundable.
Q: Can I pay with a Credit Card?
A: Yes, you can opt to pay via Credit Card. However, you must pay the Credit Card fees, which are non-refundable in the case of cancellation.
Q: Can I avoid the Credit Card fees?
A: Yes, you can pay via ACH transfer without fees.
Q: If I am registering for the optional extension, why do I need to designate EPD or Full Price when the extension price is the same for both?
A: Designating EPD or Full Price on the optional extension allows us to sync up payments for your entire trip in order to invoice you accurately.
Q: Can I choose to delay final payment until Dec 15, 2025?
A: Yes, you must register for a Full Price package, then pay your balance due by Dec !5. You will receive a notice of final payment due one week prior.
Q: Is there any penalty for cancellation of a non-EPD registration?
A: No, there is no penalty for cancellation until Dec 15. However, your deposit is forfeit if the 30 days has elapsed (see above).
Q: What if I have to cancel after Dec !5?
A: After Dec 15, 2025 all payments are final and non-refundable for any reason.
Q: What should I do to prepare for the tour?
A: About 8 weeks before departure, you'll receive a detailed email with a packing list, sightseeing suggestions, and other important information. Meanwhile, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date and has two clean pages for visa stamps.
Q: Since Imprint is unable to assist with pre- and post-tour hotel bookings, how do I book non-tour hotel nights?
A: For pre-tour nights, the first tour hotel in Melbourne is Savoy on Little Collins. For post-tour nights, the final tour hotel in Sydney is A by Adina. Bookings are under Pan Pacific and Mondumo Tours, standard rooms. Final hotel bookings with roster names will be made about 60 days prior to the tour start.
Q: If I want to book pre-tour nights in the Savoy hotel, can Imprint assist in making sure I stay in the same room when the tour begins?
A: No, Imprint is unable to assist with this. You must deal directly with the hotel to make any special arrangements.
Q: What if the first and/or last tour hotels are fully booked for the pre- and/or post-tour nights I am interested in?
A: You must make your own alternative arrangements. We suggest using your favorite hotel booking engine to choose an accommodation with the location, price, and standard of your choice.
Q: If I need a complete list of tour hotels, where do I find that?
A: On the Australia Tour ITINERARY page (scroll down) on the Imprint website.
Q: Are there any critical things I need to keep in mind?
A:
Print and keep the confirmation letter for reference.
Add reid@imprinttours.com to your email address book.
Download & activate Whatsapp for essential on-tour communications.
Check your bank’s policy on international ATM withdrawal or Credit Card fees.
Q: What health precautions should I take?
A: Visit the CDC website or your local travel medicine clinic for suggested inoculations for Australia. We cannot advise on inoculations due to liability concerns.
This tour involves moderate to demanding physical activity, including walking tours, climbing steps, and excursions to natural sites with uneven terrain. Participants should be in good health and capable of handling such activities.
Q: What mindset should I have for the tour?
A: Be flexible, independent, and personally responsible. Expect challenges and surprises, especially in less-developed areas. Positive, flexible attitudes contribute to a better group experience.
Q: Why is travel insurance important?
A: Travel insurance protects your investment against unforeseen events like flight delays, baggage loss, or sudden illness. We recommend Trawick.
Trip cancellation insurance helps protect you and the investment you made in your trip when you travel. It provides pre-departure benefits in case you must cancel your trip before you have the chance to take it, and post-departure benefits such as travel delay, trip interruption, and emergency medical expenses to protect you while you are traveling.
In case you haven't read our Terms and Conditions carefully, we would like to repeat the importance of purchasing travel protection.
For more than 25 years, Trawick International has been a trusted provider of international insurance, administration, and assistance services. Trawick International provides personalized service and trusted guidance. With 24/7 customer support and worldwide protection, you’ll have everything you need for everywhere you’ll go.
We understand your plans can change quickly and unforeseen events could impact your travel plans. We feel it's important to consider purchasing a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment.
Comprehensive Travel Protection and Travel Medical Insurance Plans may provide coverage for:
Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Trip Delay
Missed Connection
Baggage Benefits
Baggage and Personal Effects
Baggage Delay
Emergency Accident and Sickness
Medical Expense
Dental Expenses
Emergency Evacuation
Repatriation of Remains
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
*Please make sure to read your specific plan document as coverage may vary depending on state and policy purchased.
For policy questions please call Trawick International’s 24/7 customer service team at 888-301-9289.
Worldwide Travel Assistance is available 24 hours a/ day, 7 days a week. Trawick International offers immediate online policy confirmation of coverage, personalized ID cards and plan documents. Our Global Response Center (GRC) is staffed by a diverse team of bilingual and multilingual professionals. Trawick Internationals Assistance Provider OnCall International can arrange access to over 180 written and spoken languages to ensure we can deliver clear, accurate, and culturally sensitive emergency response and assistance to travelers anywhere in the world, at any time.
Please Note: Full coverage terms and details, including exclusions and limitations, are contained in the insurance policy. Product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. Plan sold by Trawick International. Insurance is provided by either Technology Insurance Company or Wesco Insurance Company, an AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. company and non-insurance services by Trawick International. Limitations and exclusions apply. Trip cancelation plans are only valid for residents of the United States.
12 nights accommodation
All breakfasts, 5 dinners, and 1 lunch
Bus & plane travel throughout the tour
All tips are included: tour manager, escort, local guides, drivers, group meals, hotel staffs
Full-time services of Aussie tour manager, Imprint escort, local guides
All entrance fees: National Gallery, Royal Botanical Garden, Cairns Aquarium, Sydney Opera House, Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, Dorrigo NP
Melbourne & Sydney walking tours, Melbourne tram tour, Great Barrier Reef snorkeling, Daintree excursion, Skyrail, Sky Walk, Opera House tour
North shore/Manly Beach excursion, wine tasting, Ebor Waterfalls, Sheep or cattle dog experience, Heritage Trail, Coffs Harbour excursion, and more
Flights to and from our tours are NOT included
STRONGLY Recommended
Participants are responsible for obtaining a Visa and paying all associated fees
Participants are responsible for the cost of all drinks and free-time meals throughout the tour
Activities not listed in the itinerary, such as free-time sightseeing and activities
Flight baggage overage fees
Expenditures of a personal nature
Day 1 Welcome to Australia
We’ll kick off with a welcome meeting and drinks around 4pm, followed by a short orientation walk, ending in our first Aussie dinner together.
Day 2 Tram, Walking Tour, National Gallery
Melbourne offers a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. We’ll begin our explorations with a historic tram ride around the city, followed by a walking tour of some of Melbourne's important historic sites. We'll wander through narrow alleys with colorful street art, boutique shops, and cozy cafés. After free time for lunch, we visit the National Gallery of Victoria, with a guided tour focusing on the Australian Collection.
Savoy on Little Collins (2 nights) https://savoyhotelmelbourne.com/
Day 3 Cairns Aquarium
After breakfast, we’ll head to Melbourne’s airport to catch our flight north to Cairns. Upon arrival we’ll have an orientation and visit the Cairns Aquarium for an introduction to the diverse ecosystems of North Queensland's two World Heritage listed areas – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Visitors can explore coral displays, interactive touch tanks, and fascinating exhibits featuring sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles.
Day 4 GBR Excursion
An excursion to the Great Barrier Reef is an unforgettable adventure, offering the chance to explore one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Glide through crystal-clear waters teeming with coral gardens and colorful marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays. Options include observing the reef from a semi-submersible vessel, simply dipping your toes in, or snorkeling above the coral. It is a perfect activity for nature lovers and underwater explorers alike.
Day 5 Scenic Railway, Kuranda, Rainforest Cableway
From Cairns we board the Kuranda Scenic Railway and travel through World Heritage listed Barron River National Park. The mountain rail route was originally used to service the mining regions of the Atherton Tablelands. Free time upon arrival allows for investigation of the Kuranda Heritage Markets and boutique shops, a visit to Koala Gardens, or the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. We return to Cairns, not via train, but by the Rainforest Cableway known as the Skyrail, providing even more stunning views across the rainforest of the Wet Tropics.
Crystalbrook Flynn (3 nights) https://www.crystalbrookcollection.com/flynn
Day 6 Scenic Coast Drive
Today is a travel day as we fly south to Brisbane. Upon arrival we’ll embark on a scenic drive to Coffs Harbor. The drive from Brisbane to Coffs takes us along Australia’s beautiful Pacific Coast, featuring ocean views, rolling hinterlands, and charming coastal towns, making it a picturesque and relaxing journey.
Day 7 Board Walk Tour, Jetty Quarter, Scenic strolls
A free morning allows enjoyment of our resort accommodations. After lunch we'll explore the historic Jetty Quarter and then visit Sealey's Lookout for panoramic views of Coffs Harbor city and the surrounding coast. Then we will continue to Look At Me Now Headland to meet the local population of Eastern Grey kangaroos.
Aunuka Beach Resort (2 nights) https://all.accor.com/hotel/B3H8/index.en.shtml
Day 8 Dorrigo National Park
Our destination today is Uralla. A drive through the picturesque Bellinger Valley offers rolling green pastures, charming villages, and stunning mountain views. In Dorrigo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we’ll enjoy a light hike through ancient rainforests and take in panoramic views from the Skywalk lookout. Continuing on, a visit to Ebor Falls reveals a two-tiered cascade surrounded by rugged cliffs and walking trails, providing the perfect finale to a day of natural beauty.
Day 9 Heritage Trail, Farm visit
Uralla boasts a blend of history, culture, and hands-on experiences. We’ll begin today with a walking tour of the Heritage Trail, exploring at the colonial past, bushranger (outlaw) lore, and local stories of the town. In the afternoon we’ll board our coach and head into the heart of rural Australia for a farm visit and to meet some local Aussie characters. Witness the skill and agility of working sheep or cattle dogs in action, showcasing Australia’s pastoral heritage.
The Bushranger Motor Inn, Uralla (2 nights) https://www.bushrangermotorinn.com.au/
Day 10 Scenic drive, Rocks neighborhood
On our final journey south we’ll drive through the charming Hunter Valley, passing rolling vineyards and a picturesque countryside. Quick stops in Tamworth & Muswellbrook allow photo opportunities with a Giant Guitar and Magpie. Continuing south, the Pacific Highway crosses the Hawkesbury Basin with its many dramatic sandstone gorges. Arriving in Sydney we’ll enjoy an exploration of the colorful and engaging Rocks neighborhood, with iconic views of the famous Harbor Bridge and Opera House.
Day 11 Opera House, Botanical Garden
This morning we visit the renowned Sydney Opera House with a guided tour. We’ll have behind-the-scenes access and learn the unique construction and design story. After our Opera visit we'll take a guided walk through the Royal Botanic Garden. The walk ends at the Australian Museum, which you are free to visit at your own pace. Your afternoon is free for personal explorations.
Day 12 North Shore and Manly Beach
Today, we’ll ferry across Sydney’s harbor for discovering the North Shore and Manly Beach. Enjoy a scenic walk along the beautiful coastal path between Manly and Shelley Beaches, home to the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, a favorite local spot. There will be free time to investigate nearby beaches, rock pools, and dramatic sandstone headlands. We'll conclude our Australian journey with a Happy Hour and Q&A session with some Manly locals, and a final Aussie feast together.
Day 13
Tour over after breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfers.
A by Adina (3 nights) https://abyadina.com/luxury-hotels/sydney/
Day 13 Uluru-Kata-Tjuta NP and Walpa Gorge
This morning we fly from Sydney to Uluru, the spiritual heart of the Australian Outback. Known formerly as Ayers Rock, the monolith dominates the surrounding desert landscape. This afternoon we explore the boulder formations and unique flora and fauna of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Our guide will reveal the many attributes of this diverse environment and its cultural significance as a sacred Aboriginal site. At Walpa Gorge we’ll walk between the mighty conglomerate domes and learn how they have evolved over millions of years. Take time to listen to the wind (Walpa) far above. The spirituality of this place impresses everyone who ventures here. This evening is free for you to relax at our 5 star accommodation.
Day 2 Uluru Sunrise, Mutijulu, Field of Light
We need an early start today to travel to Uluru, its vast shape rising from the sand dunes in the early dawn light. Our guide will take us to a special location to watch the sun rise over the mighty rock. We will hear the Creation stories of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (python) and learn about the Mala people. After a “bush breakfast” we visit Mutijulu Waterhole where we hear it’s story and see the rock art nearby. Then we'll drive around the base of Uluru before returning to our hotel. This evening we visit The Field of Light art installation. More than 50,000 slender stems crowned with lighted glass spheres glow as darkness falls. As far as the eye can see colored light illuminates the desert. Enjoy a three course dinner followed by an explanation of the southern night sky from the resident star talker. A truly magical way to round off our last evening together!
Day 2 Uluru
Return flight to Sydney. Extension ends at Sydney airport.
Sails in the Desert (2 nights) https://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/accommodation/sails-in-the-desert
