May 2022 - Reef and Rainforest Snorkelling Tour 7D/6N

About
Gallery
Itinerary
Location
Things to keep in mind

$AUD 764 per day

Recommended by

This small group tour for as few as 12 guests, is a rich smorgasbord of fine food, iconic wildlife, culture and the best of the region's reef to rainforest experiences. It’s an intimate fully-guided snorkelling and wildlife adventure that will take you places the ordinary tourist never gets to see and spend quality time with people passionate about the region, its conservation and culture. Your hosts are actively involved in their own habitat restoration, plus the entire trip, including guest flights, is carbon and biodiversity-offset into habitat rehabilitation for Cassowaries. Guests even get to plant their own coral reef!

Tour includes two and a half days snorkelling charter for the Low Isles and visits to private snorkelling destinations on the outer reef. We hope to see a wide range of other wildlife at sea and on land, including Tree Kangaroos and Platypus.

Your journey starts ascending into the cool climate Atherton Tablelands on one of the world's longest cable-car journeys over majestic mountains and breathtaking scenery. Your guides will take you on a journey to swim in waterfalls, look for elusive Tree Kangaroos, Platypus and maybe even a wild Cassowary. You will dine on local produce and journey to the Port Douglas coastline to one of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, nestled among its own nature reserve. From there, you will join the fastest and most environmentally-conscious vessel operations on the whole Great Barrier Reef. Here you'll meet the team who have developed coral growing technology with local Universities, and join marine biologists to participate in the program and see how it's effecting change. You'll learn from experts about how the reef works and explore their favourite spots in outer and inner-reefs with the chance to swim with turtles, see clownfish and maybe even whales and dolphins.

Highlights

Skyrail onto the Atherton Tablelands over breath-taking rainforest scenery and waterfalls.
Exclusive use of an outer-reef charter vessel.
Stay in a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World on a private nature reserve.
Snorkel Lake Eacham with its rainbow fish and turtles.
Eat local rainforest meals created by world-renowned ethnographers plus a private tour of their lifetime work.
Dine al fresco and watch glow-worms after swimming in a privately-owned waterfall.
Snorkel on some of the reef’s best locations in the company of local qualified marine biologist guides.
Chance to swim with turtles and see whales and dolphins.
Plant your own coral reef and contribute to research.
Participate in an Aboriginal art workshop and take home your own hand-painted souvenir.
Contribute to habitat rehabilitation and offset your tour’s carbon and biodiversity impact.

Our Environmental Impact

In keeping with our core philosophies, this tour is run as environmentally- and culturally-sustainable as possible. There will always be an impact from any trip but we aim to minimise this as much as possible and contribute back to biodiversity.

Our trip is locally-run.
Most meals use locally-sourced produce.
Our accommodation at Thala Beach is based in private nature reserves.
Several of our partners are actively restoring native rainforest vegetation.
All Aboriginal cultural elements are led by members of the Kuku Yalanji.
Our reef vessels are among the most fuel efficient on the reef.
Our suppliers operate ethical wildlife viewing policies.
A portion of the fee goes directly into reef research with UQ, as well as planting temperature-resistant corals to regrow areas of reef.
This tour is expected to create about 54 tonnes of Carbon. We are contributing $20 per tonne to Greenfleet. Our first preference is that this will be invested in the Gurrbum Reserve, or equivalent project. Gurrbum is connecting Cassowary habitat in Mission Beach. This has both carbon and biodiversity benefits and is also contributing to a greater impact project, with investment from numerous partners.

Note, a $997 fee applies for single supplement rooms.

About

What's included

Airport pick up.
Skyrail experience from Cairns to Kuranda.
Visit to Emerald Creek Ice Creamery.
Six breakfasts, seven lunches and six dinners, including an evening meal at Rainforest Bounty, lunch at Botanical Ark.
Three nights at Thala Beach Nature Reserve, a National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World.
Two nights at either Malanda Lodge / Tinaroo Lake Resort.
One night at the Pacific Hotel Cairns.
Vehicle, fuel, guide and driver for all excursions. Excursions include fresh water and one soft drink pp for lunches, plus morning / afternoon tea.
Visit to Rainforest Heart, Mungalli Creek Biodynamic Dairy and Nerada Tea.
Dinner and swim at privately-owned Mungalli Falls.
Experienced wildlife guide and chance to see Tree Kangaroo, Platypus etc.
Lunch and tour at Botanical Ark.
Paint your own canvas or boomerang workshop.
Two days dedicated reef snorkelling.
Cruise and snorkel to the Low Isles.
Guided snorkel tour Reef ecology presentation with qualified Marine Biologist
Wetsuits or lycra suits (depending on the season).
Environmental Management Charge (reef tax) and national park entry fees.
Contribution to carbon-biodiversity projects.
Contribution to reef research and restoration.

What's not included

Getting There

Food and Accommodation

TOURING

Sicklebill Safaris

Our hosts for four days of memorable wildlife encounters are long-term members of Birdlife, Birds Queensland and the Worldwide Fund for Nature. Sue, Phil and Rowan belong to the locally based Tree Kangaroo and Mammal group which is active in forest regeneration, creation of corridors for wildlife and educating people about the need for forests as a home and food source for the local fauna. They have planted rainforest corridors and food trees for Cassowaries and replaced fallen trees after cyclones. They bought a current property and set aside a large area of our land as a nature refuge and are looking into rainforest regeneration with rainforest fruit trees which will help feed local rainforest inhabitants, starting this coming wet season. They also work with local communities in places like the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, training bird guides and helping set up locally-owned nature lodges so local, island communities can get long-term sustainable income from the forests that surround them.

Wavelength Cruises

Jenny and John Edmondson own and operate Wavelength Cruises on the Great Barrier Reef. After the bleaching events in 2016, they set up the Coral Nurture program and are now coordinating reef restoration for a number of companies. Sustainability is at the heart of the business. They have one of the most fuel-efficient vessels on the reef. The vessel was furbished using mostly recycled materials. They invest in coral research and restoration while being accredited as a Climate Action business and Advanced Ecotourism Accredited, meaning a continual investment in minimising their impact and improving their strategy. Wavelength supports scientific researchers and qualified marine biologists form their staff who take people to the reef.

SPECIAL DINING

Rainforest Bounty

Dr Geraldine McGuire (PhD) has been collecting and tasting rainforest fruits since she was a child growing up in tropical North Queensland. Witnessing first-hand the destruction of Borneo’s tropical rainforests for logging and oil palm plantations inspired her and her husband Athy to replant their 80-acre former dairy farm on the Atherton Tablelands and create an entirely new category of food products inspired by native foods and an ongoing mission to change the way we eat to restore people and the planet. 20 Years later and Geraldine is still doing what she loves and believes in and Rainforest Bounty has become a leader in regenerative agricultural systems sharing the bounty of the rainforest with Australia and the world. Our first evening meal will be spent at Rainforest Bounty.

Botanical Ark

Alan and Susan Carle commenced their project more than 35 years ago, first a subsistence farm, and more recently (1990) as a private ethno-botanical gardens. They travel the tropical regions of the world and specialise in plants that indigenous rainforest cultures have and still use for their foods, spices, shelter, medicine, cosmetics, fibres, oils, dyes - in fact for all their everyday needs. Emphasising the link between plants and peoples, Botanical Ark demonstrates this with some of the most unusual and interesting tastes and sights imaginable. On day 3, we will visit Botanical Ark for lunch and a tour, to discover some of the real values of tropical forests and how we can help save some of those forests for the Indigenous peoples.

ACCOMMODATION

Thala Beach Nature Reserve - National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World.

Thala Beach Nature Reserve will be our accommodation for four nights. This privately-owned headland located between Cairns and Port Douglas in close proximity to The Great Barrier Reef. A selection of unique accommodation options are located throughout the property. Thala is a Port Douglas resort that has achieved the highest level of Advanced Eco Certification and is a member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World.

What to bring

Here is a list of some of the items we recommend you bring.

It's worth having a full change of clothes in a day pack, in case you want to swim.
Sunglasses
Cash or credit card for optional on board purchases such as soft drinks and souvenirs
Personal water bottle (we operate a no single-use policy and with COVID restrictions our preference is to ask you to bring a bottle, though we will supply you one if needed. If we supply metal bottles, these are even worse for the environment).
Lightweight long-sleeved shirt and long trousers (only because, when we do rainforest walks, some of the plants can be a bit scratchy).
Lightweight rain-gear.
Jumper or sweatshirt for higher altitudes and at night.
Sun hat
Sunblock
Insect repellent.
Camera.
Binoculars are recommended if you have them.
A torch is useful to light pathways at night particularly on the glow-worm day.

Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1

On arrival in Cairns we will collect baggage and pick you up from the airport. We will transfer you to the Skyrail terminal where you will ride in a gondola over breathtaking waterfalls and rainforest on one of the world’s longest cable car experiences. While you are enjoying this we will drive the bus up the winding Kuranda Range Road with your luggage and we will meet you at the cable car station in Kuranda. From here we will set off towards Mareeba. Within 10 kilometres we have left the rainforest and come to an area of dry eucalypt forest which persists until we start climbing up towards Atherton. We can stop at Emerald Creek Ice Creamery near Mareeba for some home-made ice-cream (own expense) and will then drive south up to the cooler, higher areas of the southern Tablelands and your accommodation for the next 2 nights. After you have checked in and had time to refresh yourself we will head out for your evening meal. This will consist primarily of locally sourced produce served in a beautiful riverside setting at Rainforest Bounty.

Day 2

After a leisurely breakfast we will make our way to a local tea plantation where as well as sampling their locally grown tea we have a good chance of seeing the ungainly Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. From here we will head to Lake Eacham for a snorkel in the beautiful crystal waters, with the chance of seeing rainbow fish and the local Saw-shelled turtles. Lunch will be at Mungalli Creek Biodynamic Dairy where cheese platters showcasing locally made cheeses or a ploughman’s lunch will be waiting for you. After lunch we will head to the nearby property of Rainforest Heart where we will visit a rainforest tree fruit farm and taste some of the fruits. We will also taste some of the products that are made from these fruits. Davidson Plum iced tea and Davidson Plum wine are usually firm favourites and can be purchased if desired.

From here we will continue down the road to Mungalli Falls, the only privately owned World Heritage listed waterfall in Queensland. It is a 3 tier waterfall. We will explore the area and while your evening meal is being prepared you can relax in the pools at the base of the first waterfall. Platypus and turtles are often seen in this area. After dinner we will take the track down to the base of the third and final waterfall. Here there is a viewing platform and we will marvel at the glow-worm display which only becomes visible after dark. From here we will spend a little time spotlighting along the track through the forest looking for some of the local native wildlife including possums and bandicoots.

Day 3

After breakfast we will be ready to load luggage and pick up the group ready for departure about 1000. We will head out the way we came in through Mareeba where we will stop for morning tea or coffee. Instead of then turning down to Cairns we will keep going north through the dry cattle country past Lake Mitchell where Black Swans can often be seen and huge Osprey’s nest in trees by the road, towards Mt Molloy, Julatten and the Rex Highway, with the Mt Lewis massif looming above us, down to Mossman. We are aiming to get to the world famous Botanical Ark by 1330 in time for lunch. After lunch there will be a presentation on the work of the Botanical Ark. Owners Alan and Susan commenced the project over 35 years ago and travel to the tropical regions of the world specialising in plants that indigenous rainforest cultures have and still use for their foods, spice, shelter, medicine, cosmetics, fibres, oils and dyes. After this we take the group to the very comfortable Thala Beach Resort where they will check in for a four-night stay.

For those who want to, there is the chance of doing some snorkelling practice in the resort pool. There will be plenty of opportunity on the reef too (see our "other information" section for more on snorkelling).

Day 4

After an early breakfast, we will be picked up and transferred to Port Douglas where we will get on board Wavelength IV. Today we will visit three sites on the outer Great Barrier Reef, starting with a guide to learn snorkelling. Hopefully we will get the chance to swim with Green Turtles! On the way out, we’ll observe and learn about the bird life and maybe even get the chance to spot Dwarf Spinner Dolphins and there is the chance of several different species of whale. Our experts will talk about the reef conservation programs and what Wavelength are doing, in association with universities, to protect fragile areas of the GBR. You will get the chance to plant some coral yourself and see the impact this work has had.

After an early breakfast, we will board Wavelength 4 around 8am. It takes about 90 mins to get to the reef and that’s plenty of chance for everyone to get to know the crew and marine biologists. We have eighteen moorings across three different reefs and use the best ones depending on the wind direction and tide. At all times, you will be accompanied by a marine biologist to help you in the water if you need it, but most of all, to look for interesting marine life. The sites we access in good weather are among the best you will find. We actively remove coral pest predators and have been boosting the abundance of heat tolerant corals at our sites…we also have the largest coral nursery on the GBR (spread across 8 different locations). We’ll get you to participate in growing corals and replanting them back onto the reef, where they provide nurseries for a variety of fish. There is an hour of snorkelling at each site followed by refreshments and a break before we continue to the next location.

Day 5

The second day on the reef is weather dependent (so we may swap this around with the previous day, so you get the best conditions). For the last five years, Wavelength has partnered with Tangaroa Blue for marine debris clean-ups from Snapper Island (just off Port Douglas) to Howick Island which is about 200 miles north. Cedar Bay is another possible location to participate in some beach cleaning and we combine this with some outer reef snorkelling on the way home. Alternatively, depending on wind direction, we might visit an isolated reef to the south east of Port Douglas that isn’t visited by tourism operators or open to the general public. Whatever happens, we will use this day to our best advantage, to show you different aspects of the Great Barrier Reef that tourists don’t normally get to see and to contribute back to its conservation.

Day 6

Today we join a trip to the Low Isles to snorkel and we will take part in an Aboriginal art workshop, with the chance to paint and own a souvenir. Returning to our accommodation in the afternoon, we'll journey back to Cairns for a night in our hotel and final farewell dinner together to share stories and images from what is sure to have been an amazing week.

Day 7

After breakfast, it's time to head home. Either transfer to flights out of Cairns or your onward journey.

Location

Things to keep in mind

Special terms and conditions

You can book here without any obligation or risk. No money will be exchanged as $0.00 deposits are standard during COVID. This is because all suppliers have different terms and conditions. This way, we can check availability and advise you before any money changes hands.

Once you've booked, we will contact you and before any payments are made, you will receive full details of any terms and conditions, as well as how your money will be held and used, in order to secure your trip. Ay COVID-forced cancellation policies will be explained in full.

For your financial protection, a 24 hour COVID-forced cancellation applies. Details will be provided on enquiry.

When you book with us, you are booking via our travel accredited Affiliate. All tours include:

Personal one-to-one service.
Tailor-made itineraries to suit your budget and interests (where applicable).
A full list of inclusions and exclusions (no cost surprises).
Advice on flights, connections, transfers, experiences, accommodation, car hire etc. Fully-inclusive options.
Travel and health updates, visa and entry requirements.
Full advice on travel insurance and cancellation risk.
Peace of mind that you are dealing with an AFTA & ATAS accredited agency with all payments held in a Client Trust Account.
Full transparency of our Advisory & Booking Services as well as our suppliers’ terms and conditions, including payment schedules.
Hotline for 24-hour emergency assistance.
Detailed itinerary with local contact numbers for the travel products and services in your trip.
Special needs assistance (e.g. wheelchairs, child & baby assist).
Local knowledge about what to do, places to eat, weather and logistics.

Other Information

Snorkelling

Wavelength 4 has always been about snorkelling only, which means there’s no noisy equipment or a compromise with locations. As everyone is at the surface, communication is possible and means that we can give guided tours in the water. Snorkelling is very easy and staff are at hand to help give tips and there is always a thorough briefing about equipment and tips once on board. We are very mindful that a day with inappropriate equipment is a recipe for a bad day, so we have 3 sizes of masks plus corrective masks for those that wear glasses. Full body lycra suits are necessary in warmer months and provide protection from the sun – in cooler months we have 5mm short wetsuits – both are available for those that feel the chill year round … We have Cressi fins which are soft and easy to swim with – noodles and lifejackets are available also, for those who are less comfortable in the water.

Fitness

This trip is suitable for any age but will require a moderate level of fitness, if you wish to participate in snorkelling.

Can you swim 50m without any floatation assistance?

We would like to know if you are a competent swimmer and have confidence moving about in the water. If you haven’t snorkelled before that’s fine, but bear in mind that snorkelling can be a strenuous activity, so we recommend that you should be reasonably fit. For complete beginners that can already swim snorkelling is easy, especially in calm conditions. We have floatation devices and experienced crew to help you. Being relaxed makes snorkelling a lot easier. Most people who can swim will get their confidence within a couple of minutes, even if they’re nervous to start with. We will also help you practice in the resort pool before your trip.

Wavelength 4

Wavelength 4 carries up to a maximum of 48 passengers but we're only taking a maximum of 16 guests, plus guides. There is a comfortable air-conditioned saloon with lounge seating and added passive ventilation when moored to allow a quiet boat with no generator noise. A large shaded top deck has comfortable upholstered seating and lounge style open helm area. There are sun areas on the aft top deck and bow. Large panoramic windows in the saloon for great views, including forwards to help avoid seasickness. The slim hull forms, stabiliser fins and length, mean a smoother and more comfortable ride at high speed. A wide back deck with a lowering transom and swim platform make water access easy.

Minimum carbon footprint of construction was achieved by local build, recyclable materials, and welding with the help of solar electricity (50kW solar system at the boat builder). Modern technology Yanmar engines (IMO Tier 2) with specialised mufflers for noise reduction and optimum turbo performance giving clean fuel burn and peak fuel efficiency and there are large roof-mounted solar panels and smart technology electrical systems to reduce generator usage. We have a very low fuel use of approximately XX litres per passenger. (This emits XXkgs CO2). The offset value is about XX cents, which we add into our reef research fund. We don't use antifouling.

Seasickness

Should you have any concerns regarding seasickness, please take seasickness medication (i.e. Travacalm HO) with a light breakfast before boarding on the day to assist with your trip to the reef. Travacalm HO are readily available for purchase from all local pharmacies (open until 8pm daily). If you can’t get to a pharmacy we do have Travacalm for sale on board, but ideally it should be taken earlier.

*Price

Prices may vary due subject to availability and accommodation type, number of travellers and activities.

Read all Terms and Conditions

Your rights

These Booking & Advisory Services Terms and Conditions are designed to protect your rights under Australian Consumer law by ensuring that you are fully aware of all Travel Providers' terms and conditions, including payment schedules, before you commit to purchasing travel. These Booking & Advisory Services Terms and Conditions (below) are owned by our "Travel Affiliate" Darebin Travel. If there is any doubt as to your rights or obligations, our Travel Affiliate will answer your questions.

When you accept these terms and conditions, you agree that DeluxeLife Pty Ltd (ACN: 647 484 115) and its associates and suppliers (except our Travel Affiliate, as prescribed in the Booking & Advisory Services Terms and Conditions, below) shall not be liable for any loss and/or damage (including without limitation incidental or consequential damages and/or lost profits) resulting from your access to and/or inability to use the travel services provided by our Travel Affiliate Darebin Travel.

Booking & Advisory Services Terms and Conditions

Summary

1. References to "us", "we" and/or "our" in these Booking & Advisory Services Terms and Conditions means Darebin Travel Pty Ltd (ABN: 70 005 763 208) trading as Darebin Travel.
2. We are a travel agent. We arrange travel services and sell a Travel Product on behalf of Third Party Travel Providers (Providers) including airlines, tour and cruise operators, car hirers and accommodation providers. We may charge a service fee for providing this service (outlined in the Schedule of Professional Service Fees).
3. Once we have booked a Travel Product on your behalf, your contract is then with the Provider of those services.
4. Your rights to amend or cancel your Travel Booking and the cost of doing so will be governed by the Provider's terms and conditions. The Provider’s terms and conditions may be non-refundable or may have amendment and cancellation fees. It is important that you understand this when entering into a contract with us. These fees are in addition to amendment and cancellation fees charged by us, outlined in the Schedule of Professional Service Fees.

Agency

5. We provide you with Booking & Advisory Services that allow you to acquire Travel Products from a Provider. We act as an agent for the Provider.
6. By acquiring Booking & Advisory Services from us, you agree that you have read and understood our terms and conditions and the terms and conditions of the Providers.

Fees and Commissions

7. We charge a fee for providing the Booking & Advisory Services to you. The fee is non-refundable, even if the Travel Product is not used.
8. All fees are outlined in the Schedule of Professional Service Fees.
9. We may receive a commission, fee, rebate, gift or financial incentives from Providers, in respect of your booking. Any commission, gift, fee, rebate and/or financial incentive received by us from Providers in relation to your booking is non-refundable in the event of cancellation.

Liability of Agency and Limitations of Liability

10. We are liable to you for providing Booking & Advisory Services in accordance with these terms and conditions.
11. Our travel Booking & Advisory Services come with guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law which cannot be excluded. These guarantees include that the services:
a. will be provided with due care and skill;
b. will be reasonably fit for the specified purpose;
c. can reasonably be expected to achieve the desired result; and
d. will be provided within a reasonable time.
12. If we do not meet any of the expectations set out in paragraph 11, you have rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
13. Subject to the Australian Consumer Law, we are not liable for any technical errors, corruption of any data, unauthorised access to your personal data, inaccuracies in information supplied by you or third parties, or failure to complete bookings when that failure is due to circumstances beyond our control.
14. Subject to the application of consumer guarantees which may be implied into the supply of Booking & Advisory Services to you, we are not otherwise liable to you or anyone else for any loss or damage which is suffered directly or indirectly in connection with the:
a. the delivery or non-delivery of the Travel Product; or
b. any act or omission of Providers or other third parties.
15. Apart from the rights you have under the Trade Practices Act that cannot be lawfully excluded, we shall not be liable for any inconvenience, delay, loss, death, injury or damage to you or your belongings or otherwise caused directly or indirectly by the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of third party suppliers, force majeure or any other event which is beyond our control.
16. Nothing in these terms and conditions is intended to exclude or restrict the application of consumer guarantees under consumer protection law.

Liability of the Provider

17. Once you have acquired Booking & Advisory Services from us, the Provider will provide you with the Travel Product on the terms and conditions agreed between you and the Provider. You should obtain and read the Provider's terms and conditions before acquiring Booking & Advisory Services from us.
18. The Provider is liable to you for a breach of obligations in providing you with the Travel Product.
19. As an agent of the Provider, we have no control over or liability for, the services provided by Providers. We cannot guarantee the performance of the Provider and we have no liability in respect of the supply of any Travel Products including any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by any provider of travel services or products by Providers. All bookings with us are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability imposed by the Provider.

Booking Terms

20. The Travel Products offered are subject to availability and can be withdrawn without notice by the Provider. Travel Products may also change at any time in accordance with any Provider's terms and conditions.
21. When making a booking, you must provide details of each traveller correctly. We have no responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the incorrect entry of a traveller's details.
22. Travel Products obtained through the Booking & Advisory Services are not guaranteed until payment has been made in full and documents have been processed.
23. It is your responsibility to contact the Provider prior to departure to ensure there is no change to the scheduled departure time.
24. Most airlines offer only electronic confirmation of your reservation, or 'e-ticketing'. We cannot be held responsible if your e-ticket does not arrive due to an incorrect email address or your junk email settings. You must notify us immediately if you change your email address or contact telephone number after making a booking. It is your responsibility to advise us if you have not received your e-ticket confirmation.
25. When making a booking you must advise your consultant of any medical, dietary or mobility conditions you may have.
26. When making a booking you must advise us if you are pregnant.

Payment Terms

27. All pricing is reflected in Australian Dollars unless otherwise specified.
28. All pricing is inclusive of goods and services tax (GST), or other such value added taxes where applicable.
29. Payments processed in foreign currency (currency other than the original card holders country of issue), may incur a currency conversion fee. Please refer to your financial institution for applicable fees.
30. We sell Travel Products in two different ways:
a. as merchant, where we take payment directly from you at the time of booking confirmation; or
b. as retail, where your Travel Product will either be paid to the Provider directly at the time of booking or payable to the Provider on the date of travel.
31. Travel Products purchased in accordance with the 'retail' method, will not be bound by these terms and conditions and you are responsible for pursuing any claims of cancellation, re-scheduling, refunds or chargebacks directly with the merchant.
32. As the merchant we are governed by the terms and conditions of the Provider of the merchant facility.
33. A credit card or debit card fee may also be charged by certain Providers and low cost carriers. You will be notified of such charges prior to your purchase.
34. All charges, including the credit card fees, may be in another currency (e.g. EUR), which we will provide an estimate for in Australian dollars.

Refunds and Credits

35. If you cancel your Travel Product, your right to a refund or credit is subject to the terms and conditions of the Provider.
36. If the Provider is required to provide you with a refund or credit for the Travel Product, we will liaise with the Provider to arrange that refund. Where you are entitled to a refund, we are unable to provide you with this refund until we receive it from the Provider. Please note that most Providers take 60 – 90 days to process any refund.
37. Any refund or credit will be subject to these terms and conditions and will not include the Booking & Service Advisory fee, credit card fees or any commissions received. You may also be charged a cancellation fee by the Provider.
38. Where refunds for unused services are allowed, a service fee may be charged by the Provider against the value of the refund.

No Show

39. If you have a booking for a Travel Product (including flights and accommodation) but you do not show up to check-in or otherwise do not avail yourself of such Travel Product, you will not be entitled to any refund from us.

Cancellation and Amendments

40. If you amend or cancel your Travel Product, we reserve the right to charge the cancellation and amendment fees as per the Schedule of Professional Service Fees.
41. The Provider may charge cancellation and amendment fees in accordance with the terms and conditions agreed between you and the Provider. These will be in addition to the fees charged by us. We are not liable for any cancellation fees or refusals to refund made by the Provider.
42. Many Providers treat name changes and route and/or itinerary alterations as a full cancellation and these can incur full cancellation charges.
43. We will not charge a cancellation or amendment fee if you cancel or amend your booking due to a breach by us of our obligations to you or due to our fault.

Cancellations and Amendments for Online Low Cost Carrier Bookings Only

44. If your flight booking is with a low cost carrier, you can only cancel or change your booking by contacting the Provider directly.
Cancellations and amendments for hotel bookings only

Cancellations and Amendments for Hotel Bookings Only

45. Please review the cancellation policy for your hotel booking for any penalties that may apply.

Force Majeure

46. We will not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations in booking the Travel Product that is due to events beyond our control.
47. If a force majeure event occurs that affects your booking, your entitlement to a refund, a credit or re-scheduled travel booking will depend on the Provider's terms and conditions.
48. If your booking is impacted by a force majeure event and you are entitled to a refund or credit from the Provider, we will facilitate this refund or credit.
49. The Booking & Service Advisory fee, credit card fees or any commissions received are non-refundable in the circumstance that a force majeure event occurs.

Low Cost Flights

50. If you book a low cost flight with us, we will make the booking on your behalf and your contract for your low cost flight will also be subject to the airline's booking terms and conditions.
51. It is your responsibility to ensure that all details of the booking are correct before proceeding. For any changes or cancellations, please contact the airline directly, quoting your reference.

Additional Airline Charges

52. Some Providers may also charge additional fees. Please check with the Provider for their full terms and conditions.

Hotel/Accommodation Bookings

53. Some Providers will require an additional charge to be paid locally (e.g. a resort fee) at the time of check in or check out. This amount is in addition to the amount shown during the booking process under the 'total booking cost' amount.
54. There may be taxes levied abroad but not paid at the point of purchase that are payable in relation to your hotel booking (e.g. local taxes, sales tax etc.). Any local taxes will be payable by you directly to the Provider at the time of check in/check out.

Changes in Price and Itineraries

55. We reserve the right to cancel your booking in the event we have reasonable grounds to believe it is fraudulent.
56. If a Provider changes any part of your booking for reasons beyond its control, we will use our reasonable endeavours to notify you. If any such changes result in your Travel Product costing more or otherwise being materially different, then you may cancel the Travel Product. Any refund would be subject to the Travel Provider terms and conditions.
57. These terms and conditions are subject to variation at any time. Any variation will be displayed here, and you will be deemed to have accepted a variation if you have made a booking after it has been displayed.

Your Obligations and Warranties

58. You warrant to us that:
a. you are at least 18 years old and have the power, capacity and authority to enter into a binding contract with us and with the Providers of the Travel Products that you acquire;
b. you have read and understood these terms and conditions and if booking on behalf of third parties, you have conveyed these terms and conditions to them;
c. the information you provide us about yourself is true, accurate, current and complete (apart from any optional items) as required by any registration process;
d. you have considered acquiring comprehensive travel insurance and we are not responsible for any failure by you to acquire adequate insurance cover; and
e. you will use the Booking & Advisory Services in accordance with these terms and conditions and you will not use the Booking & Advisory Services in any way to breach any laws or defame anyone.

Jurisdiction and Law

59. All matters arising out of or in connection with the Booking & Advisory Services and these terms and conditions are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia. By acquiring the Booking & Advisory Services, you consent and submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the laws of Victoria, Australia.

Definitions

" We" and "us" means Darebin Travel.

" You" or "your" means any user of our Website or any person who acquires the Booking & Advisory Services, including any person who acquires a Travel Product (whether or not the Booking & Advisory Services were acquired by another person).

" Booking & Advisory Services" means services provided by us to you in assisting you to acquire a Travel Product from a Provider and includes advisory and consulting services.

"Force Majeure” means, but not limited to: acts of God, accident, riot, war, terrorist act, epidemic, pandemic, quarantine, outbreaks of infectious disease or any other public health crisis, civil commotion, breakdown of communication facilities, natural catastrophes, adverse weather conditions, governmental acts or omissions, changes in laws or regulations, national strikes, fire, explosion and generalised lack of availability of raw materials or energy.

“ Travel Provider” or "Provider" or "Providers" means the company or person who provides you with the Travel Product on terms and conditions agreed with you.

" Travel Product" means the service or product provided by a Provider, for example, an airline or a hotel.

" Website" means our website https://deluxelife.com.au/

Schedule of Professional Service Fees

Planning Fee	$125 per itinerary. Creating unique travel itineraries is our specialty. For detailed quotations providing tailored recommendations for custom designed tours, a non-refundable planning fee applies. Should you proceed with booking, this fee is credited towards your trip.
Service Fees	$40 Domestic/Trans-Tasman airfare per person or as discounted
	$150.00 International airfare per person or as discounted
	$50.00 Domestic/Trans-Tasman business class airfare per person or as discounted
	$200.00 International business class airfare per person or as discounted
	NIL Domestic/Trans-Tasman package, tour, or cruise per booking
	NIL International package, tour, or cruise per booking
	$ Other Services dependent on service explained to you
	$200 to $500 Itinerary planning per booking (credited towards reservation once booked)
Deposit & Balance	For all bookings, the initial deposit is 20% and the balance of payment is due 60 days before departure. If Travel Provider terms and conditions vary, we may request an additional deposit from you, after the initial deposit is paid, plus the balance payment date may also vary. After you have paid your initial deposit, you will have five days cooling off period to accept these Booking & Advisory Terms and Conditions, during which time your deposit is refundable. After 5 days has passed, or you have accepted the Terms and Conditions, the deposit will automatically become non-refundable. Note, some Travel Products must be paid in full at time of booking. Service Fees must also be paid at time of booking and are non-refundable.
Amendment Fees	Changes to Domestic/Trans-Tasman bookings will incur a fee of $50 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
Amendment Fees	Changes to International bookings (excluding Trans-Tasman bookings) will incur a fee of $50 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
Cancellation Fees	Cancellations to Domestic/Trans-Tasman bookings will incur a fee of $75 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
Cancellation Fees	Cancellations to International bookings (excluding Trans-Tasman bookings) will incur a fee of $150 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
Credit Card Fees	Visa - an additional 2.0% applies
	Mastercard - an additional 2.0% applies
	American Express - an additional 2.0% applies

(All fees exclude GST, where applicable).

Privacy Notice

Darebin Travel collects your personal information to enable us to respond to your queries and provide you with the Booking & Advisory Services, including assisting in arrangements with Providers (such as hotels and flights).

We will also use your personal information to personalise the service we provide you, including your experience on our, and other, websites, and to provide you with information about our, and our partners’, business, products and services. Your personal information may be shared between entities within Darebin Travel and with DeluxeLife Pty Ltd (ACN: 647 484 115), disclosed to suppliers, Providers, our cloud infrastructure, our contractors and to others where authorised or required by law. Some of these entities may be located overseas.

ANNEXURE – TRAVEL TIPS FOR TRAVEL PRODUCTS

These tips set out below are NOT legally binding terms and conditions.

Passports, Visas and Health Requirements

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the required documents, including visas and passports, before travelling to a destination. For more information please log on to www.dfat.gov.au and www.smarttraveller.gov.au. Please check with the respective Embassy or Consulate of each country that you are travelling to, as many destinations require visas for both Australians and non-Australian passport holders. For more information, log on to www.visalink.com.au. You need to ensure that you have at least 6 months validity on your passport from the date of your departure return.

For International travellers booked on flights to the USA, including Hawaii, it is now mandatory, under the Visa Waiver Program to receive an electronic authorisation known as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) no less than 72 hours before travel to the USA. This can be obtained from the following website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ .

For international travellers booked on flights to Canada, you either need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport. An eTA can be obtained from the following website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of any health requirements for your travel destinations. Vaccinations are strongly recommended for certain destinations. You need to contact your local doctor who will advise you of these requirements. Please note that vaccinations may be recommended before your travel departure date.

Travel Advice

We recommend that you contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or visit their website at www.dfat.gov.au for general travel advice, as well as specific advice (including safety alert levels) relating to the destination you wish to visit.

Ticketing

For international and domestic departure, e-tickets will be issued upon payment and completion of the booking process. All other travel documentation, such as hotel booking confirmations, will be emailed to the email address you provided as an e-document. Should the Provider issue paper vouchers, these will be posted to the address you provided.

Baggage Allowance

Baggage allowance varies from airline to airline and in many cases the airfare you have paid may not include the cost to cover checked baggage. Please check with your Travel Advisor and/or the airline providing your flights for the allowances.

Frequent Flyers & Special Requests

For more information on whether your airfare is eligible for Frequent Flyer rewards, please contact the airline directly. When booking online, please ensure that you have entered your correct number. For bookings made by telephone via our Customer Service Team, please advise of your Frequent Flyer details and these will be added to your reservation. We do not take any responsibility should an airline not register your trip. You should retain copies of your air ticket and boarding pass.

Special requests will be passed on to the Providers but cannot be guaranteed.

Where do you want to travel next?