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What’s included?
Each tour itinerary indicates inclusions. Unless otherwise indicated, tours include all transportation, meals and accommodation, local tour guides, admissions and entry fees, cruises, water, juices, coffee and tea. Each passenger (except on day tours) receives an individual trip kit, including personal comfort pack (soap, shampoo, sunscreen, repellent, moisture wipes). Transportation to and from the points of departure and return are not included. Alcoholic drinks, personal purchases and optional extra activities are not included.
Where will I sleep?
Details of accommodation are listed elsewhere on this site for each tour. Accommodation is in unique and unusual properties and will generally be twin-share. Limited tour options for single supplements and upgrades to own facilities are available but bear in mind that on some nights on some tours neither of these options is available.
What do I need to bring?
You should include clothes suitable for the weather to be expected, sturdy walking shoes and socks, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, as well as a water bottle, day pack, camera, swimming gear and towel and money for personal purchases. You will need adequate clothing for the duration of the tour (washing facilities are available at times), toiletries, personal medications, a torch, small electronic items and chargers. A full packing guide will be provided at the time of confirming your booking.
How much luggage can I bring?
Tour vehicles have limited space, so luggage is restricted to a soft travel bag or backpack per person weighing no more than 15kg, plus a day pack or hand bag.
What will I eat?
Paperbark Tours meals are varied and nutritious, featuring fresh ingredients locally sourced wherever possible. Breakfasts usually consist of juices, cereals, toasts, fruit, tea and coffee; cooked breakfasts are sometimes available. Morning and afternoon teas are almost always provided, consisting of fresh cakes, pastries and biscuits, and tea or coffee. Lunches are usually picnic spreads including cold meats, salads, rolls and fruit. Dinners might be homestead meals provided by your accommodation hosts; dinners or BBQs cooked by your driver/guides; or meals in top-class local restaurants. If you are vegetarian or gluten intolerant we can cater for you, but if you have specific dietary needs you may need to provide your own food. Please discuss any such requirements at the time of booking.
How fit do I have to be?
Our tours involve a moderate degree of physical activity, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. Walks can range from 15 minutes to 2 hours, and if you enjoy swimming – in the ocean, in mountain streams or in a waterfall – then you’ll definitely enjoy our tours. If you have any doubts about how you will handle our tours, please feel free to discuss it with us before confirming your booking.
If I am a single traveller, what arrangements can I expect?
We welcome single travellers, and know that many of you will make new friends through one of our tours. Most of our tours have a limited number of single supplements, and in these cases the additional charge is limited to the increased cost of providing a single room that is levied on us by the accommodation provider. Where you are willing, we will strive to accommodate single travellers with others of the same gender and similar age and interests. Where we are unable to do this, you will be provided with single accommodation at a twin-share rate. Paperbark Tours accepts no responsibility for the rooming partner in a twin-share room but if at any time you consider your rooming partner to be unsuitable we will, subject to availability, arrange single accommodation.
How much time is spent travelling each day?
Distances travelled each day vary but generally range between 100kms and 400kms, or between 2 and 5 hours in total; most sectors are no longer than 2 hours at one stretch. There are frequent stops for sightseeing, side tours, rest and refreshment, meals, photos and meeting the locals. Departures are generally about 8.00am with each day’s travel finishing with free time before a reasonably early dinner.
What’s the weather like?
Our itineraries have been developed to take advantage of the best climatic conditions for reach of the regions you’ll visit. In most circumstances you will find daytime temperatures varying from about 12 to 30 Celsius, with night conditions fairly moderate, although night-time temperatures in the Outback can be decidedly cool. You are almost certain to catch days of brilliant sunshine as well as the occasional wet weather day during an extended tour. Daily weather conditions vary considerably and it is best to check with us prior to departure for the latest updates.
Can I smoke and drink on tour?
Government regulations forbid smoking in tourist coaches, however frequent stops will provide an opportunity for those who desire to smoke. Accommodation is in no smoking rooms, unless a passenger specifically requests a smoking room and one is available.
What’s the vehicle like?
You’ll travel in a purpose-built, air-conditioned 4WD coach with 12 comfortable passenger seats, large windows, individual reading lights and air vents, 12v charging sockets and magazine/luggage nets. The vehicle has a large storage room, refrigeration for drinks and provisions, plenty of drinking water and a hand basin. It is not equipped with a rest room but there will be ample stops along the way. It handles the highways with ease but has the capacity to take you to less travelled places off the main roads.
How do I stay in touch on the road?
We carry a full range of communications equipment including mobile and satellite phones and UHF radio for necessary communications. We also carry wireless internet modems and netbook computers so you can stay in touch with family and friends via email or social networking sites. We recommend you bring your mobile phone and we provide on-board charging points but do keep in mind that, depending on your network, you may not get coverage in all places.
What facilities are available?
You will find ready access to most services and facilities you have come to expect at home, although not all services are necessarily available in every place we stop. We can provide you with a full list of services and facilities available in each place, including mobile phone coverage, financial services, medical and pharmaceutical facilities, laundry, retail and personal services.
Do I have to help with the chores?
Paperbark Tours does not operate camping tours, so there is no necessity to pitch a tent or prepare a campsite. We or our local hosts provide all your meals and so you will not find you are asked to peel, cut, slice, dice, fry, roast or bake anything. You will also not be asked to do the washing up or cleaning, so your evenings and meal times are available for you to relax, take in the sights, mingle with your fellow travellers and perhaps update your travel diary, blog, email, or social networking posts. Of course, if you were to offer to help with any chores, we would never be so rude as to refuse and, besides, we find team work is often an excellent way to get to know your travel party!
Can children go on the tours?
Because of the nature of our tours, regrettably we do not accommodate children under 8. Children aged 8-12 are eligible for a child fare if accompanied by at least one adult. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not included and we strongly recommend that you secure your own travel insurance against illness or injury, loss or damage to personal belongings, and inability to travel on the confirmed departure date.
Where can I book a tour?
There is a secure direct online booking facility on this site, which you can reach by clicking on the Book Now button on the More Information page for each tour. Or you can book by phone on 1300 925 939. Travel agents can book our tours once they have registered with us, which is a straightforward process.
What are the conditions for booking and cancellation?
See the separate page on this site for our terms and conditions.
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