FAQ
Booking a tour
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I MAKE A BOOKING?
To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking as soon as you know you can travel, and have decided on which tour you would like to go on. Some of our tours can be quite popular so it’s best to secure your spot as soon as possible.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
If you have booked a day or part-day tour, our cancellation policy is as follows:
- You can cancel your tour booking up to 7 days prior to the scheduled departure and receive a full refund less a 2% booking fee. Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee refunds for tours cancelled by you within 6 days of your departure date. If your plans change, please contact us! We would love to work with you to see if we can accommodate your needs.
- Giving you an enjoyable experience touring you around Tasmania is our first priority, however in rare and unfortunate circumstances there might be a possibility of cancellation after confirmation should there not be enough passengers on a particular tour. In the event of this occurring, we will give you a full refund or work with you to arrange an alternative tour.
If you have booked a multi-day tour or Unexpected Adventure, our cancellation policy is as follows:
- You can cancel your tour booking up to 31 days prior to the scheduled departure and receive a full refund less a 2% booking fee. Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee refunds for tours cancelled by you within 30 days of your departure date. If your plans change, please contact us! We would love to work with you to see if we can accommodate your needs.
- Giving you an enjoyable experience touring you around Tasmania is our first priority, however in rare and unfortunate circumstances there might be a possibility of cancellation after confirmation should there not be enough passengers on a particular tour. In the event of this occurring, we will give you a full refund or work with you to arrange an alternative tour.
WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDED AGES?
More important than age is attitude. We have iconic tours for those preferring a more laid-back approach to travel and our Unexpected Adventure tours will entice those with a preference for a more active experience. We’ve found over the years that if you have a curious temperament and a thirst for adventure, then age is no barrier for any of our tours.
We ask that children please be accompanied by an adult on our tours.
ARE THERE DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS?
We can offer a discount for larger groups, please enquire at the time of booking.
HOW DOES YOUR PRICE COMPARE TO YOUR COMPETITORS?
Our pricing is very competitive. Our climate-controlled minibuses are in great condition and the accommodation options we select for you are comfortable, clean and well managed.
However, what truly differentiates us is the quality of the local guides, their passion for Tasmania and the insight they communicate to you. Our access to subject matter experts on some tours, such as geologists, ecologists, historians and marine biologists, is unprecedented. Our vision is to give you access to unique insights into our enigmatic island state while maintaining competitive tour pricing.
Unlike many tour operators, we strive for our pricing to be as close to all-inclusive as practical. There are inevitably some activity and meal options which are best selected and paid for separately.
CAN I JOIN A TOUR ONCE IT’S STARTED?
If your travel dates don’t fit with the start date of the tour, we may still be able to work out a way for you to meet with the tour. Just let us know your travel dates and if we can make it happen, we will.
DO I NEED TO SPEAK ENGLISH IN ORDER TO JOIN ONE OF YOUR TOURS?
Your guide will be English speaking. We typically have a number of nationalities on our tours so your guides are used to tour members not being 100% fluent in English. Some basic English helps you to understand the guide’s commentary and instructions.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance once you have booked your tour.
I’M TRAVELLING ON MY OWN – CAN I JOIN ONE OF YOUR TOURS?
Yes! For our multi-day tours there is typically a small surcharge. Please contact us at time of booking to discuss options such as room sharing with same-gender occupant.
THERE IS A GROUP OF US THAT WANTS TO JOIN A TOUR, IS THAT OK?
Yes, groups are most welcome on tour, if you book separately just send us a quick email so we know you’re all together.
For groups over 8 people we are able to arrange a custom tour date for you so please contact us to discuss.
THERE IS A GROUP OF US THAT WANTS TO JOIN A TOUR, IS THAT OK?
Yes, groups are most welcome on tour, if you book separately just send us a quick email so we know you’re all together.
For groups over 8 people we are able to arrange a custom tour date for you so please contact us to discuss.
BEFORE & AFTER YOUR TOUR
I WANT TO BOOK FLIGHTS OUT OF TASMANIA ON THE LAST DAY OF THE TOUR, WHAT TIME DOES IT FINISH?
The tours finish at varying times. For most tours they will finish around 5-6pm on the last day so a flight later that evening from Hobart or Launceston will work. Just take into account check in times if you’re looking at international flights.
I WANT TO STAY IN TASMANIA FOR A FEW DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER MY TOUR – CAN I BOOK ACCOMMODATION AND ACTIVITIES THROUGH YOU?
Absolutely! One of the great things about booking with Tours around Tasmania is that we can make pre and post tour arrangements for you. Let us know what you would like to do and we can look into options for you including additional transport, accommodation and activities.
WHAT CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR SHOULD I BRING FOR MY TOUR?
It’s obvious that we absolutely love Tasmania…and we’d just love to share this beautiful island state with you in a comfortable setting! While Hobart is Australia’s second driest capital city, Tasmania can quite literally experience four seasons in one day (it is why we love it after all!). As a result, we recommend that you bring a sunhat, beanie, sunscreen and a waterproof jacket. Wear layers, preferably quick-drying material. We also recommend comfortable shoes or boots for walking.
DO YOU HAVE COVID-SAFE Procedures
Tours Around Tasmania have developed a thorough COVID plan to ensure the safety and well being of our staff and passengers.
Our team is briefed and trained on the new requirements with regard to passenger safety and comfort, cleaning of buses, physical distancing and our “stay at home” policy if they are feeling unwell.
Our tour coaches are cleaned before, during and after touring. Our driver guides are all provided with several hospital grade disinfectant products, hand sanitiser for themselves and passengers and personal protective equipment.
ACTIVITIES ON TOUR
ARE PRE-BOOKED ACTIVITIES GUARANTEED?
Yes, however some activities are weather dependent and we might not know until on the day if they are going to be cancelled.
WHAT HAPPENS IF AN ACTIVITY IS CANCELLED DUE TO POOR WEATHER?
Absolutely! One of the great things about booking with Tours around Tasmania is that we can make pre and post tour arrangements for you. Let us know what you would like to do and we can look into options for you including additional transport, accommodation and activities.
I ONLY HAVE A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME – WHICH 5 DAY TOUR IS BEST, THE EAST OR WEST COAST?
It depends on what you would like to see. The East Coast Explorer takes you to the icons that Tasmania is famous for such as Port Arthur, Wineglass Bay and Bay of Fires. The Wild West Coast tour, on the other hand, gives you a true wilderness experience in Tasmania’s western wilds. Both tours take you to Cradle Mountain.
If you want an immersive, pack-free hiking experience you will love the 4-day Tasman Walking Tour where you get to soak up the views while walking with a geologist one day and an ecologist the next.
ACCOMMODATION
WHAT ACCOMMODATION DO YOU USE?
Our tours typically use 3 or 4 star accommodation including hotels, motels and lodges. We select accommodation providers based on location, comfort, management reputation and other unique attributes (such as a cosy fireplace for gatherings on cold nights).
WILL I SHARE BATHROOMS?
Some of our accommodation providers do have shared bathroom facilities. For example, the Port Arthur Lodge have spacious facilities for him and her. We always ensure these are maintained to the highest standard and cater for the number of people on our small group tours.
WILL I HAVE MY OWN ROOM?
If you are travelling as a single you have the option to share a room and pay the reduced twin share rates, or you can elect to have your own private room for the single supplement price.
FOOD, DRINK AND MEALS
WHAT MEALS ARE INCLUDED WHILE ON TOUR?
Meals can vary widely depending on the tour you select. Each tour will specify how many meals are included in the price. We strive to price our tours with as many meal inclusions as possible, however inevitably there are some meals which are better selected and paid for separately. On some tours your guide will supply a continental breakfast each morning of your tour. This will consist of cereal, toast, spreads, yogurt, fruit, tea, coffee and juice.
DO YOU CATER FOR VEGETARIANS/VEGANS?
Yes – we often have vegetarian/vegan guests and all cafes and restaurants in Tasmania offer these options. If you can’t see any on the menu just ask, as most places will happily prepare something for you.
HOW DO YOU ACCOMMODATE FOOD ALLERGIES AND OTHER DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?
Please let us know in the ‘Special Requirements’ section on the booking form if you have any food allergies. We can then arrange for your tour guide to have the right cereal, milk and bread available for breakfast on day one.
Your tour guide can then purchase more supplies as you travel around. If you have severe allergies, please bring an Epi-Pen with you.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON TOUR
ARE THERE BAGGAGE LIMITATIONS?
You can bring a suitcase or backpack up to 25kg. If we have a full minibus we will have a trailer where you can store this as we travel around.
You can also bring a day pack in the van. If you will have more luggage than this, please send us an email and we can check if there will be room in the trailer for any extra bags.
WHAT IS THE POLICY ON TIPPING?
Tipping is not compulsory in Australia, however is much appreciated. If you feel you have received excellent service and would like to show your gratitude a tip will be most welcomed by your guide.
There are no set amounts or cultural guidelines on tipping in Australia so what you feel comfortable with will be just fine.
WHAT KIND OF WI-FI INTERNET ACCESS IS OFFERED THROUGHOUT THE TRIP?
Wi-Fi is typically available where we stay so you can keep your family and friends up to date with your Tour around Tasmania.
Some places will offer a certain amount of free Wi-Fi and some places will have a charge, it all varies depending on the location and what the property is able to offer.
WHAT LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IS DEMANDED EACH DAY?
This will vary significantly between our various tours. For example, our various Unexpected Adventure tours may include the opportunity to kayak or swim in one of our rivers or lakes, hoist the sails on a tall ship, or partake in full days of hiking. On the other hand, on our iconic tours, you may only walk to a scenic lookout on a well maintained path. How active an experience you select is of course entirely up to you.
WHAT WEATHER CONDITIONS CAN I EXPECT?
Tasmania has four distinct seasons with the warmest months being December to March.
The average maximum daily summer temperatures are between 17 and 23 degrees Celsius and winter daily temperatures sit between 3 and 11 degrees Celsius.
Rainfall varies dramatically across the island. Hobart, with an average of 626 millimetres is Australia's second-driest capital city (after Adelaide), while on the west coast an annual average of 2,400 mm ensures the rainforest thrives.
Regardless of where you travel in Tasmania you should be prepared for sudden, temporary deterioration in the weather, especially if on one of our Unexpected Adventures. Always carry additional warm clothing, including a waterproof outer layer. Bring layers, so you can add or remove clothing depending on the weather – and don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, as the sun in Tasmania can be harsh.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS BAD WEATHER ON THE TOUR?
We have flexibility with the tours. Our guides will make stops along the way at places of interest that aren't weather dependent such as wineries or one of Tasmania’s famous epicurean destinations, so you will still see some amazing places in the rain!
HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED EACH DAY?
Aside from meals, you might want to budget for drinks if you choose to head out at night in larger towns. We endeavour to include as much as practicable in our tour pricing.
WHAT SIZE VEHICLE IS USED TO TRANSPORT PASSENGERS ON TOUR?
Our fleet of 15 minibuses range from our Volkswagen Caravelle with 8 seats through to our Higher Munro with 29 seats. When enjoying one of our day trips you will typically be in a 14 seat Toyota Hi-Ace. Our multi-day tours typically use the larger 15 seat Renault Master or a 21 seat Toyota Coaster. One of the reasons we only have small group sizes is to have plenty of room left in the buses as you travel around to stretch out! Our vehicles are clean and maintained to the best standards.
OUR TOUR GUIDES
WHAT DOES THE GUIDE DO DURING THE TOUR?
The tour guide is a multi-skilled ball of energy. From introducing the group members at the start of the tour, to sharing their knowledge of Tasmania, they are so much more than a bus driver.
As an experienced guide, they also have the flexibility to take the group to different stops depending on the mood of the day. If we have a bunch of Gelato lovers, you can bet your guide will find a great spot to pull over for a stop. Our guides have the sophistication to adjust the sharing of their knowledge to suit the needs of the tour.
They can also suggest places to eat and drink in the evening, and can even help get a BBQ going.
There will be times when your tour guide will need to spend time on paper work, reconfirming activity/accommodation bookings and making sure the vehicle is clean and maintained so if you don’t see them around they’ll most likely be off doing the ‘housekeeping’ side of things, however they will be around later in the day.
DOES THE GUIDE SPEAK OTHER LANGUAGES?
Generally they only speak English. If you would like a guide that can speak a specific language, then a private tour option might suit you so please contact us to arrange.
ARE YOUR TOUR GUIDES CERTIFIED IN FIRST AID?
Yes – our tour guides go through certified First Aid Courses every three years which is the standard in Tasmania. They can assist until professional help can be reached if required.