Australia

Can Scenic Tours organise my travel insurance?
No, this is the responsibility of the passenger, however your travel agent can do this on your behalf. We strongly advise you to take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances, which may arise as defined in the respective proposal forms. It is a good idea to take your travel insurance documents with you.

Do I need on my passport to travel to Norfolk Island?
All travellers to Norfolk Island, including Australian citizens, must hold valid passports valid for 6 months beyond the conclusion of their trip.

Please note: non-Australian citizens intending to leave from and re-enter Australia will also need to check their Australian visa requirements.

Are there any taxes payable on Norfolk Island?
Travel to Norfolk Island is exempt from Australian Departure Tax and GST.

How much luggage can I bring?
The luggage allowance whilst on tour is one suitcase with a maximum size of 76 x 53 x 28 cms (30 x 21 x 11’’) and weight of 20 kilograms. You may also carry a small backpack or the Scenic Tours issued overnight bag on board the coach for the duration of the tour. Additional bags beyond the luggage allowance may incur additional charges and are to be settled directly to the hotel or as required. It is advised that you check airline luggage requirements directly with your most significant airline carrier.

Is porterage included?
Handling and porterage of your luggage (as per the luggage allowance above) is included in your tour.  Additional bags beyond the allowance may be charged or it may be the responsibility of the passenger to forward the baggage to another destination.  Luggage handling is not included during any independent or non-escorted touring. In this situation, luggage handling and porterage will need to be organised directly with the hotel porters.

Should I attach the Scenic Tours luggage label provided prior to departure?
No, please wait until you have claimed your luggage at your destination airport. This will ensure airline companies will not tear off this tag, as it is required to easily identify your luggage for transfer services and hotels.

Are there any luggage restrictions on tour?
The Australian and New Zealand Governments have enhanced security measures to limit the amount of liquids, aerosols, and gels that can be taken through the screening point for people who are flying to and from Australia. Details of these restrictions and requirements can be found on the Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport’s website, or the New Zealand Government's Aviation Security Service website. For information regarding carry-on restrictions for other countries, please contact the relevant government agencies.

Will my luggage be secure?
We strongly advise that you do not pack anything of value in your check-in luggage and that you check-in ONLY your own suitcases. Do not carry items packed by other people. Never accept packages or articles from anyone unknown to you to carry onboard the aircraft. As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority website.

What happens if my luggage goes missing?
It is highly unlikely for your luggage to be mislaid, however we suggest if travelling as a couple to pack each suitcase with back up clothes and toiletries for each person. We also suggest writing your personal and tour details on a label INSIDE each suitcase (including name, address, telephone number, departure and return flight details). Write only your name and destination address on outside labels.

What clothing should I pack?

• Casual sportswear for daytime that can be mixed/matched/layered 
• Jumper/warm jacket for cooler mornings and nights
• Swimwear 
• Comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles for good grip 
• Sunglasses and sun hat

TASMANIA SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Please note: swimwear is required if the Spa Indulgence package is chosen in Cradle Mountain, and passengers visiting The Cadbury Chocolate Factory MUST WEAR closed-in footwear. Passengers choosing to do the full day South West Wilderness tour in Hobart will also require closed-in shoes and warm clothing.

What else do I need to pack?
The following list may be useful when packing for your trip:

• Airline tickets (plus a photocopy) 
• Travel and travel insurance documentation, and itinerary (make a copy for your emergency contact) 
• Travellers cheques/cash/debit or credit card and emergency contact numbers if lost or stolen, and a money belt 
• Spare memory card for your digital camera or film in clear plastic containers 
• Only those keys needed on return 
• Personal medication and prescriptions, extra glasses/contacts and prescriptions
• Sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent 
• Pocket calculator, address book, journal and pens 
• Tissues and anti-bacterial hand wipes or hand sanitiser  
• Raincoat or umbrella 
• Plastic bags for dirty laundry, washing powder and elastic clothesline 
• Travel alarm clock, earplugs and sleep mask 
• Adaptor plugs, mobile phone charger, battery charger

Should I provide Scenic Tours with my health and fitness details prior to travelling?
We will supply a Health and Fitness form in your travel wallet. These forms are designed to provide us with instant information if an emergency should arise. These forms will be returned unopened at the completion of the tour. It is not compulsory to fill out these forms but is strongly recommended.

Can I take prescription medication to all areas including Norfolk Island?
Yes and its advisable to pack an ample supply of any medicine you are taking, copies of prescriptions and the telephone/fax number of your doctor. Because of strict drug laws, drugs you take on doctor’s orders should be carried in their original container showing the prescription label. Always keep your medication in your hand luggage.

Are there any health risks that I should be aware of?
Viral gastroenteritis is a very common virus that can be found almost anywhere, but its opportunity to spread is greater in contained environments. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It may also include fever, stomach issues and headache. The symptoms usually start 12 to 48 hours after viral infection and can last from 1 to 10 days. Most people who become sick with viral gastroenteritis recover quickly with no further problems.  However if the illness is more severe, further medical care may be required to treat dehydration. The most effective protection from personal contamination is ensuring strict attention to personal hygiene and in particular, frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water and refraining from hand-to-mouth contact.

Colds and other viruses can spread quickly in an enclosed area such as a ship. Continue to practice common-sense hygiene and respiratory courtesy. Wash your hands often and cover your coughs and sneezes.  It is recommended that passengers carry an anti-bacterial hand sanitiser, which does not require rinsing with water. Use a sanitiser frequently i.e. after shore excursions, prior to meals and throughout the day.

Motion sickness can be a problem for some people when cruising, flying or travelling on coaches and trains and it is a good idea to take precautionary measures. Drugs for treating motion sickness can be purchased at most pharmacies in Australia, however a side effect can be drowsiness. Alternatives such as ginger tablets and acupressure wristbands are also available and work well for some people.

If you have any questions regarding your health or safety while on tour, please do not hesitate to ask your Tour Director.

What sort of first aid and medical items should I bring with me?
Because we will be travelling through some remote areas, which may not have pharmacies, we advise you pack an ample supply of any medicine you are taking, copies of prescriptions and the telephone/fax number of your doctor. Because of strict drug restrictions at some airports, drugs you take on doctor’s orders should be carried in their original container showing the prescription label. Always keep your medication in your hand luggage.

Will my special requirements be met throughout the tour?
Your special requirements have been passed onto all suppliers. Special requirements refer to airline seating, special dietary and medical needs. These requirements are on a request basis only and cannot be guaranteed by Scenic Tours. We strongly advise that you reconfirm your meal requests with the Scenic Tour Director upon joining your tour.

What else should I be aware of?
The top end of the Northern Territory has a number of pests, which do not occur in other regions of the Northern Territory. For this reason, no fruit, honey, vegetables or nuts can be carried on the coach from the Darwin region to other centres, including Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs as well as Western Australia. Your Tour Director will give you more information once on tour.

Tasmania has a disease-free status and as such has quarantine inspections at all entry points. To maintain this status, you must not bring in any fresh fruit or vegetables, fish or fish products, plant or plant parts, cut flowers or anything carrying soil. Even a single item such as an apple could introduce a pest or disease and as such, trained sniffer dogs are used to detect any undeclared items.

What books can you suggest I can read prior to travelling?

Northern Territory

• In A Sunburned Country - Bill Bryson
• The Australia Stories: A Novel - Todd James Pierce
• A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
• Hell West and Crooked - Tom Cole
• In the Middle of Nowhere - Terry Underwood
• From Strength to Strength: An Autobiography - Sara Henderson
• Uluru: Australia's Aboriginal Heart - Caroline Arnold
• Aborigine Dreaming: An Introduction to the Wisdom and Thought of the Aboriginal Traditions of Australia - James Cowan

Western Australia

• In a Sunburned Country - Bill Bryson
• The Kimberley: Australia's Unique North-West - Jocelyn Burt
• Wildflowers of Western Australia - Jiri Lochman
• A Concise History of Australia - Stuart Macintyre
• The Explorers: Stories of Discovery and Adventure from the Australian Frontier - Tim F. Flannery

Tasmania

• For the Love of Tasmania - Owens Hughes
• The Fatal Shore - Robert Hughes
• South-West Tasmania - Ken Collins
• Down Home: Revisiting Tasmania - Peter Conrad
• Beyond the Reach - Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park - Chris Bell
• A Concise History of Australia - Stuart Macintyre

What time can I check in to my hotels?
If your flight arrives before noon (usually 14.00 is check-in time), the hotel may not have your room available until mid-afternoon. We do our best to prevent this from happening. Some people use this time to explore the neighbourhood, shop or relax in the hotel public areas. On arrival at your hotel, please check to see if your Tour Director has already posted tour information in the foyer.

Are laundry facilities available?
The hotels we stay at have coin-operated washing machines and dryers. Most machines take $1 and 20 cent coins. Laundry powder is available from the hotel’s reception.

What seat will I have on the coach?
To ensure all passengers have the opportunity to enjoy front and window seats, a daily seat rotation system is employed on all our coaches. It works on a scatter system where you are rotated around the coach by numbers.

Is there any specific information relating to the Orion Expedition Cruise in Western Australia?

• Luggage Allowance - the luggage allowance whilst on your cruise is not limited to a certain amount but most guests will be asked to observe the restrictions imposed by the airlines.  Please note bags will be security screened during embarkation. 
• Cruise Check-in - the ship’s personnel will identify all guests and crew embarking and disembarking the ship at all times.  On check-in all guests must provide their passenger ticket and passport/photo identification prior to receiving their Guest Identification Card.
• Clothing - during the day dress onboard is comfortable resort wear.  We suggest that you bring 4 -5 changes of clothes including shorts, t-shirts, collared and long-sleeved shirts (to avoid sunburn), enough underwear, light cardigan or windcheater, waterproof jacket and swimming costume.  In the evening, suggested attire for the gentlemen is long trousers and a collared sports shirt (jackets are not required) and for the ladies it is evening casual. The Captain's Cocktail Party prior to dinner on the second evening is dressy but not formal.
• Shoes - old reef walking shoes/neoprene slip-ons, a sturdy pair of comfortable walking shoes/boots, one pair of dress shoes, sandals that double as slippers
• Telephones and Email - all cabins feature satellite telephones.  Be aware charges apply to all off ship communications. You may telephone Orion by dialling as if you were placing a call to someone in the USA.  From Australia this would be 0011 1 then the number as follows: Telephone (Reception Desk): 954 499 5166 or Facsimile: 954 49 5167. Mobile phone coverage is limited due to the remote areas we will be travelling.  Some network providers may have better range than others. Guests may be e-mailed aboard the Orion using the following address (please be sure that the guest's name and stateroom number are inserted in the subject line) - reception.orion@orioncruises.com.au.  
• Money and Bank information - you may settle your onboard expenses using American Express, Diners Club International, Mastercard, Visa or cash. They are unable to accept personal cheques.  There are no automatic teller facilities or personal expenses cash facilities onboard so please ensure you have sufficient cash.
• Tipping - tipping is not required onboard however should you wish to recognise outstanding service from an individual staff member you are welcome to do so at your discretion.
• Water - due to the heat and humidity on some cruises, we highly recommend that you drink 2-3 litres of water a day. Water will be available in your cabin mini-refrigerator or in the lounge.
• Safety - zodiacs (motorized rubber boats) will be used in many instances to land ashore.  They will hold a safety briefing before boarding. We recommend suitable footwear be worn for shore excursions as it may be necessary to step into shallow water and wade ashore.  If you require assistance please make the cruise staff aware before boarding.  
• Smoking - Orion's no smoking policy adheres to all staterooms and the interior public spaces of the ship.  Smoking is permitted outdoors on decks 4 and 6.
• Special Meal Requirements - we strongly advise that you reconfirm your meal requests with the cruise staff on check-in onboard your cruise vessel.
• Laundry Facilities - laundry and pressing services are available on board for a nominal charge.  Due to safety reasons there are no dry cleaning facilities or in room ironing facilities.
• Valuables - a personal safe is located in your stateroom wardrobe. Instructions for use are displayed on top.

Do I need to bring electrical adaptor plugs to Norfolk Island?
Norfolk Island's electricity current is 240 volts AC, 50 cycles, three-pin plug. As electricity is made locally by diesel generators, a power surge protection device is advised for electronic equipment, particularly computers.

Are all credit cards widely accepted?
While Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in mainland Australia and Tasmania, you may find American Express and Diners Club somewhat limited. Major credit cards can be used on Norfolk Island, with American Express and Diners Club enjoying fewer acceptances than MasterCard and Visa.

Are ATMs readily available?
You will find ATMs available in major cities but limited in smaller towns. EFTPOS is quite widely available in the outback, although the 'cash out' facility may be limited.

On Norfolk Island an ATM is situated at the Commonwealth Bank at Burnt Pine.

What are banking hours?
Banks in major cities in mainland Australia and Tasmania are open between 09.00-16.30 on weekdays.

Please note: due to the isolation of some areas we travel to, it may not be possible to get to a bank each day during business hours, please ensure you carry enough cash for drinks and snacks etc.

Banks on Norfolk Island are open Monday through Friday from 09.00-16.00. There is a Commonwealth Bank at Burnt Pine and a Westpac Bank with no ATM.

What monetary currency is in use on Norfolk Island?
The Australian Dollar is the official currency of Norfolk Island.

Can I take travellers cheques to Norfolk Island?
Yes, you may also like to bring some money in travellers cheques in Australian dollars. If lost or stolen these can be replaced fast.

Is there tax-free shopping available on Norfolk Island?
Norfolk Island has become one of the leading tax-free shopping destinations for Australians and New Zealanders. In fact, some visitors come to Norfolk just to shop. You'll find all the usual duty free items plus many extras i.e. shoes, clothes, figurines, dinnerware, giftware, collectables, sporting goods and toys. There are more than 70 tax-free shops, many of them specialising in a diverse range of quality merchandise which is not readily available in Australia or New Zealand. The shopping precinct is centrally located, so that you can stroll from one shop to another at your leisure.

Spirits are 20-50% cheaper than mainland prices and the Government-operated Liquor Bond Store supplies all liquor. A special concession for visitors entitles airline ticket holders to a once-only 30% discount off marked prices for a maximum of three litres of spirits.

What are shopping hours on Norfolk Island?
Usual shopping hours are 09.00-17.00. Some shops are closed all day Sundays, and on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.

What is the tipping protocol?
Tipping is becoming more widespread especially in restaurants. Although you don't need to tip you may like to show appreciation for excellent service when eating out on your own or at the end of your tour to the Tour Director and Coach Captain.

What are the customs allowances on return to Australia from Norfolk Island?
Apart from personal effects, returning travellers over 18 years of age are allowed to bring into Australia the following goods duty free:

• Alcohol – 2.25 litres
• Cigarettes and Tobacco – 250 grams or 50 cigars

Other articles up to a total combined value of AUD$900 are free of duty and tax, but goods in excess of this may attract both.

What is the climate like?
Australia's climate is characterised by its diversity, as temperature and precipitation differ from region to region and from season to season.

The Top End
The top end has just two seasons - tropical summer in November to March, and tropical winter in May to October. It's warm all year round, but summer is wetter and winter is dry. The crisp, clean air, warm dry days, low humidity and cool nights of Darwin's winter are perfect for outdoors adventures and touring.

The Red Centre
As you'd expect of a desert environment, Alice Springs and Uluru are mostly dry, with brilliant blue skies year round. Average annual rainfall is 286 millimetres (less than a can of soft drink). From October to March you'll need sunscreen and a hat, and for the cooler season (May to September) take extra clothing for cold mornings. Winter nights range from balmy through to cold. Autumn and spring will give you sunny days with cloudless skies and crisp, cool nights. Summer is the time when Central Australia is at its most vivid, with hot days and balmy nights. December to February are the hottest months - usually more than 35°C.

Broome
Broome's climate is warm sunny days, balmy nights and spectacular storms during the tropical summer. It's a city with just two seasons. The 'cooler' months of April to October bring rainless, balmy days, while November to March bask in higher temperatures and monsoonal rains. Average cool season temperatures reach about 30°C in the day and a low of 15°C at night, whilst warm season highs are 33°C and 26°C at night.

Perth
With its Mediterranean climate, Perth averages eight hours of sunshine a day, year round. It has four seasons, with average temperatures of around 30°C in summer and around 18°C in winter. January to March are usually the hottest months, with temperatures sometimes rising to 40°C at this time, however the heat is dry and the 'Fremantle Doctor' - a refreshing south-westerly ocean breeze - can be relied upon to bring mid-afternoon relief.

Tasmania
Tasmania’s weather is unpredictable. Though summer temperatures average a comfortable 20°C, it can unexpectedly snow in December. In winter and autumn average temperatures are 12°C. Spring is warm, but bring extra clothing for the evenings. Tasmania's summer days are wonderfully long - at midsummer, daylight lasts more than 15 hours. Rainfall varies dramatically between East and West coasts. Hobart is the nation’s second driest capital city with an annual rainfall of approx 626mm, while the West coast has an annual rainfall of approx 2,400mm.

Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island's weather is sub-tropical with lovely summer days ranging from 24°- 29°C and nights from 19°-21°C. Mid-winter days are idyllic with temperatures ranging from 12°C at night to 19°-21°C during the day. There is always a breeze and no wet or dry season.

What languages are spoken on Norfolk Island?
The language spoken on Norfolk Island is English, but you'll hear the Islanders speaking Norfolk, a unique language derived from the speech of the Bounty Mutineers and their Tahitian wives and companions who settled Pitcairn Island in 1790.

What are some useful Norfolk phrases?

• Watawieh Yourle? - How are you?
• Si Yourle Morla - See you tomorrow
• Kushu' - Good

What is the best way to make phone calls whilst on tour?
Most rooms at hotels have telephones. Be aware every hotel will vary with rates and flag fall costs and therefore phone calls may be expensive. The most efficient and economical way to call home is to use a phone card, which can be purchased in any local newsagent.

Please note: mobile phone coverage in outback Australia is limited due to the remote areas we will be travelling. Some network providers may have better range than others.

How do I make telephone calls back to Australia from Norfolk Island?
The international telephone services are generally of excellent standard. It is important to remember, that telephone calls are charged at international rates and can be expensive. You will also pay a surcharge if calling from the hotel phones. Public IDD coin operated booths open 24 hours. Only Norfolk Island phone cards are accepted which may be purchased at several outlets near your hotel. Local calls are free. There is some limited mobile phone coverage on Norfolk Island, however we suggest that you contact your mobile phone supplier to discuss whether it will be available for you and whether you will need to make a change to your account, such as activating International Roaming. Local SIM cards can be purchased if your carrier does not provide coverage on Norfolk Island, however they will not work if your mobile phone is locked into a network.

What are the time zone differences?

Northern Territory
The Northern Territory is half an hour behind Australian Eastern Standard time.

Western Australia
Western Australia is 2 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard time.

Tasmania
Tasmania operates on Australian Eastern Standard Time. For daylight savings, clocks are advanced one hour between October and March.

Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island is 1.5 hours ahead of Australian Eastern Standard Time. Norfolk Island does not have daylight saving.

Please note: these are all guidelines only, as daylight saving changes will alter respective time variances.

Is the water safe to drink?
The tap water throughout Australia and Norfolk Island is generally safe to drink. Due to the outback heat and humidity, we highly recommend that you drink 2-3 litres of water a day. Bottled water is available from all hotels and stops.

Can you accommodate special dietary requirements?
Yes. If you have not already advised your travel agent at the time of booking please let your Tour Director know at the start of the tour any special needs or dietary requirements so they can be best accommodated.

Are pickpockets prevalent?
Crowded tourist sites are at pickpocket risk so you should always be on alert. Keep your money hidden preferably in an inside pocket or money belt. While travelling don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

What do I do if my passport is lost or stolen whilst I am on Norfolk Island?
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport.