11 Day Cape York & Torres Strait Explorer
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Overview
11 Day Cape York & Torres Strait Explorer
Travel to the tippy top of northern Queensland on an Australian adventure in Far North Queensland. Over 11 days, you’ll learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture during immersive activities with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guides, hit the beach for swims and nature walks, cross the Iron Range and soak in all the natural beauty of this rural landscape. Spend a night near Chilli Beach, camp in the bush under the clear night sky and tick Pajinka off your bucket list – the northernmost point of the country! Take an eco-cruise to spot crocodiles, walk through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cape Tribulation and discover ancient rock art. With all these activities and more, you can soak up Australia’s amazing history, landscapes and remote communities.
An alternative camping tour option can include a mix of tents and accommodation if that is your preference. Or for something special, camp in the style you could visit the Gulf Savannah wetlands and glamp at Kinrara station. A camping experience suitable for seniors.
Highlights: Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, Daintree Rainforest, Lions Den Hotel, Bloomfield Track, Lakefield National Park, Old Laura Homestead, Archer River Roadhouse, with other optional day tours offered.
Journey:
Departs & Returns to Cairns
Difficulty:
Medium
Group Size:
4- 20
Tour Code:
IPZRY
Itinerary
** The itinerary provided for each trip is representative of the types of activities contemplated, but it is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, and amenities may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events. Medium level of fitness – if guests have any mobility concerns or any pre-existing injuries / illness which may affect their participation, they are required to declare these prior to travel. Please note tours include walks that can be more than 1.5km. Travel insurance is required for this tour.
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1 Day 1: DAY 1 CAIRNS
Welcome to Cairns! Or Gimuy, in the language of the Traditional Owners of the land on which Cairns is now located. This is the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the gorgeous Daintree Rainforest. Your adventure officially starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive in Cairns with time to spare, why not check out the Cairns Botanical Gardens or simply wander the waterfront promenade, popping into a local bar. After the meeting, maybe head out with your group for a dinner.
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2 Day 2: DAY 2 CAPE TRIBULATION - ROSSVILLE
Today, you’ll take the Daintree ferry to the UNESCO World Heritage area of Cape Tribulation, which sits within the ancient Daintree Rainforest. When you arrive, head out on a short nature walk and immerse yourself in the sounds and smells of the forest, keeping your eye out for local birdlife. Daintree is over 135 million years old, making it the oldest rainforest in the world! Stop at a lookout and enjoy the beach scenery, then hop into your 4WD truck for a drive along the iconic Bloomfield Track – also known as the Coast Road, this track takes you from the cape through the forest’s many creeks. After, carry on to Rossville for the night, and maybe join your group for dinner at The Lion Den Hotel. After some pub food, spend the night stargazing at your campsite, overlooked by the Kalkajaka (Black Mountain).
Special information: Your total travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours. -
3 Day 3: DAY 3 ROSEVILLE - COOKTOWN - LAURA
Fuel up on breakfast this morning, then say goodbye to the rainforest to make tracks for Laura. Along the way, stop in a remote town and meet with your local Aboriginal guide. Attend a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, then take a bush food and medicine walk as your guide tells you stories about the land. You’ll learn more about Country and boomerang throwing as your guide shares some handmade artefacts. Have tea together and soak up your opportunity to connect with the land. Then stop at the Cooktown History Centre and learn about the significance of Cooktown and what role it played in Aboriginal history. Then, you’ll have the opportunity to take the self-guided walk to Quinkan Country’s rock art in Laura –included on the Australian Heritage Estate and listed by UNESCO as one of the top 10 rock art sites in the world.
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4 Day 4: DAY 4 LAKEFIELD NATIONAL PARK - COEN
After breakfast, make tracks for Rinyurru Lakefield National Park. When you arrive, step back in time at the Old Laura Homestead, which dates back to 1879, and immerse yourself in one of the park’s most historically significant periods. Then, head to Red Lily Lagoon to spot the waterbirds and pink lotus-lilies that carpet the lagoon. After a short walk, you’ll carry on to another peaceful lagoon, where a hundred-year-old mango tree marks the site of a historic family homestead. Have lunch on the North Kennedy River, then visit the termite mounts and grasslands of Nifold Plains. Arrive in Coen in the late afternoon – a rural town on the eastern side of the Cape York peninsula – where you’ll spend the night at camp.
Special information: Your total travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.Lakefield National Park is located in a basin that drains very slowly after the wet season. Access depends on whether roads are passable, and the official opening times each year can be as late as the end of July. On this trip you’ll visit Lakefield National Park as soon as it opens after the wet season. If the park is still closed on your departure date, you’ll travel north on the main Peninsula Development Road via Coen to Archer River Roadhouse, where you will spend the night camping.
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5 Day 5: DAY 5 IRON RANGE NATIONAL PARK
This morning, you’ll continue north to Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park – the largest area of lowland tropical rainforest in Australia – through Cape York’s wilderness. Stop at Mount Tozer viewpoint and take a short walk for views of the mountain that rises in the distance. Next, visit the small coastal community of Portland Roads. This remote tropical outpost is a historical site framed by mangroves and famous for its small local cafe. If it’s open, maybe sit down for a coffee and a snack before heading to Chilli Beach – a long, sweeping beach, popular for fishing and birdwatching. Chill out under the swaying palms and take in the remote beach landscape, then head to your campsite.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.Your campsite tonight has a shared, non-flush toilet but no showers. -
6 Day 6: DAY 6 IRON RANGE NATIONAL PARK - WENLOCK RIVER
Maybe rise early this morning and go bird watching in the surrounding rain forest – if you’re lucky, you may spot the elusive palm cockatoo, red-bellied pitta and yellow-billed kingfisher. Just a short drive from your campsite is Lockhart River Arts Indigenous Corporation – established in 1995, the artists of Lockhart River Art Centre have been recognised for many years as ‘The Art Gang’. You’ll visit here before heading to your campground on the Wenlock River – you’ll be staying at Moreton Telegraph Station for the next two nights, which was part of the Cape York Telegraph line, completed in 1887.
Special information: Your total travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours. -
7 Day 7: DAY 7 WEIPA - WENLOCK RIVER
This morning, you’ll drive to the Western Cape Cultural Centre. Here, you’ll learn about the history and culture of the region of Weipa and its surrounding communities. This centre plays an important role in preserving traditional language within the region through informative displays and artworks. After, you’ll hop on a boat cruise to see Cape York from the water – look out for saltwater crocodiles and the numerous bird species that live in these waterways and mangroves and learn about the local culture and wildlife habitats. After, visit Lake Patricia and head out on a short walk with your leader around the area. Tonight, you’ll have dinner back at your campground on the river and spend another night under the stars.
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8 Day 8: DAY 8 APUDTHAMA NATIONAL PARK - SEISIA
This morning, you’ll carry on to Kennedy’s Lost Camp to learn about Edmund Besley Court Kennedy J. P. – an Australian explorer in the mid-19th-century, known for his knowledge of (and untimely end in) Cape York. You’ll then visit Fruit Bat Falls, which sits within Apudthama National Park. These lush, bushy falls are a beautiful spot for a nature walk and a swim. After, carry on to the Jardine River ferry for the short journey to Seisia – home to the most northerly mainland community in Queensland and a gorgeous spot with a beach, still waters and palm trees. You’ll spend the next three nights in the local caravan park and have dinner with your group at the site.
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9 Day 9: DAY 9 PAJINKA - CAPE YORK - SEISIA
Today, you’ll drive to the northernmost point of the mainland of Australia – Pajinka. Once you cross this mighty spot off your bucket list with a walk along the inland route, carry on to Somerset Beach and Fly Point for a beach visit and some photos, trying to spot the resident turtles. Then, carry on to the plane wreckage from World War II – located throughout Cape York, there are now plane wreckages where there were functioning Allied air bases during the war. These are a reminder of how close the fight really was to Australian shores. End the day with a visit to the remote community of Injinoo (also known as Cowal Creek or Small River) then take some time to wander through the town of Bamaga and stock up on snacks before making your way back to Seisia for the night.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. -
10 Day 10: DAY 10 THURSDAY ISLAND (TORRES STRAIT) - SEISIA
This morning, you’ll take the ferry to Thursday Island for a cultural activity with a local Torres Strait Islander guide. When you arrive, learn more about the culture of the Torres Strait Islander people on a guided walk along Bayo Beach. After lunch, jump back aboard the ferry for your last night in Seisia.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.The ferry ride can be quite choppy – if you’re prone to seasickness, make sure to have some seasickness tablets with you.
The Department of Agriculture restricts certain items from Thursday Island to mainland Australia. It will be your responsibility to check that the items you’re carrying are not prohibited.
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11 Day 11: DAY 11 SEISIA - CAIRNS
Today after breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to Seisia and take a transfer to Bamaga Airport, where you’ll leave your leader and take an unaccompanied flight back to Cairns. When you arrive, your adventure will come to an end at the airport. If you’d like to extend your stay in Cairns, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Special information: Due to the unpredictability of the flight schedule, we recommend booking an additional night in Cairns for today.
** Itinerary is subject to change
START & END POINT LOCATION & TIME
This trip starts in Cairns with a welcome meeting at our joining point hotel at 6pm on day 1. The trip finishes on the last day upon the included flight’s arrival time at Cairns Airport. Please see the daily itinerary for more information.
CAMPING
This is a camping trip where you will be expected to pitch your tent at each location (tents are provided). Please bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Alternatively you can hire a sleeping bag at an additional cost. Please ask your booking agent to request a sleeping bag for you if you like to take advantage of this option. Please note that facilities are basic and are shared with other campers that are not part of our group. The facilities at our campsite in Iron Range National Park are very basic, with bush toilets and no showers.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available to be booked on this trip. It comprises the first night of the trip in Cairns at our hotel and allocates you your own tent for the rest of the trip. Travellers without a confirmed single supplement will be sharing a tent with another member of the group.
INCLUDED FLIGHT
The flight from Bamaga to Cairns is included on this trip and will be unaccompanied by a tour leader. The trip finishes on arrival at Cairns Airport, with no other transport or accommodation included on this day. Due to the unpredictability of the flight schedule, we recommend booking an additional night in Cairns on Day 11.
LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS
As we have limited storage space on our vehicle, please limit your luggage to no more than 15kg in a soft case bag.
LONG TRAVELLING DAYS & EARLY MORNINGS
This trip involves some early mornings and long travelling days. Please see the daily itinerary for more information. Take into consideration the weather when you are thinking of travelling and ensure you are well hydrated in the tropical heat.
Tour Inclusions
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Highlights
- Make the pilgrimage to Pajinka (Cape York) – the continent’s northernmost point and one of Australia’s most remote and unique locations, known as ‘The Tip’.
- Take a ferry to Thursday Island and learn more about the culture of the Torres Strait Islander people on a guided walk along Bayo Beach with a Torres Strait Islander Guide.
- Cross the Iron Range for a night near Chilli Beach – this picture-perfect white sand beach is framed by palm trees.
- Head into the mangroves on an eco-cruise in Weipa to spot crocodiles sunning themselves on the muddy riverbanks.
- Learn about Aboriginal culture in a remote retreat outside Cooktown with an Aboriginal guide, try bush food and listen to storytelling about the land and its ancestors. Then, learn about Torres Strait Islander culture in Seisia.
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Inclusions
- 9 breakfasts
- 9 lunches
- 8 dinners
- Private 4WD Overland Vehicle
- Hotel (1 night)
- Camping (8 nights)
- Camping with basic facilities (1 night)
- Thursday Island – Return ferry
- Bamaga – Flight to Cairns
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is there phone service in Far North Queensland?
In most towns you will get phone service, but there are large stretches between towns that may not have service. Satellite phones are carried on tours for emergency use. Phone service will be possible in Cairns, Laura, Seisia, Roko Island, Thursday Island, Horn Island, Weipa, Cooktown and Coen. There may be other locations and all service will depend on the phone carrier used.
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How can I pay for my tour?We use TravelPay to process credit cards as it is recommended by AFTA (The Australian Federation of Travel Agents) as it provides protection in the event of supplier insolvency.
Credit Card Customer Payment Link enter this link into your browser: pay.travelpay.com.au/AUSTC
If paying via the Customer Payment Link, please ensure you complete all fields and ensure you enter the correct Trip Reference Number, so we can identify your payment. Remember that ‘TravelPay’ will appear on your credit card statement.
Credit card surcharges will apply when paying by credit card. We accept all credit cards and relevant credit card fee is applied when processing: Mastercard – 1.30%, Visa – 1.50%, American Express – 2.20%, Diners Card – 2.75%, International Credit Cards – 3.25%
Direct Deposit payments take up to 3 business days to process. Please call your consultant to confirm bank details, and notify us when your payment has been made
Commonwealth Bank: Australian Tours and Cruises
Reference: Your Trip Number
BSB: 062-504 Account: 1### ##68
International Direct Deposit: Add $25 for bank fees
SWIFT or BIC CODE: CTBAAU2S
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What medical clearance form do I use for the cargo boat?MV Trinity Bay Passengers
IMPORTANT: Please note that MV “Trinity Bay” requires passengers to complete a Passenger Medical Information Form to advise the crew of any medical issues they may need to be aware of. This information will also be used by medical attendants in the event of a medical emergency or accident.
If required by Part 1 of the Sea Swift Passenger Medical Form, a GP Fit-to-Travel Clearance is available to print and take to your GP for signature.
Please email a copy back to reservations@capeyorktours.com.au to complete your booking, please include your booking reference number in the email.Bookings are not confirmed until all forms are completed and returned.
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Is there mobile phone reception and internet cafe access on the tour?Digital mobile telephones only operate in Cooktown. Telstra NEXT G telephones work in Cooktown, Laura, Coen, Weipa and Thursday Island. Email access via internet cafes is generally not available. Most phones these days can recieve emails.
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Is it possible to recharge phones, cameras etc on the tour?Telephones, cameras and other electrical devises can be charged using mains power in Cooktown, Musgrave, Coen, Weipa, Bramwell Station and Cape York.
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What is the policy on alcohol on the tour?The Government has imposed very strict alcohol regulations throughout Cape York Peninsula and our company has a permit to carry certain quantities of alcohol and complies with all regulations and laws. Please contact our office for further, more recent information.
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What is the policy on smoking on the tour?As per Government regulations, smoking is not permitted in vehicles. Ample stops provide time for smoking breaks.
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Where can I store my car and caravan?There are a number of places to store your vehicle or caravan. We can give you the details to book directly once your tour dates are confirmed.
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Are special dietary requirements catered for on the tour?If a passenger is on a medically prescribed diet, we will do our absolute utmost to cater suitable meals for that person. Please contact our office to discuss any diet needs.
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What are the meals provided on the tour?Your Guides / Chefs work extremely hard to provide passengers with excellent, wholesome meals. Breakfast consists of a choice of at least 3 cereals, toast and spreads. Lunch has a variety of cold meats and an abundant selection of salad vegetables on rolls or sandwiches. Evening meals begin with happy hour followed by a 2 course meal which could be a grill, roast, casserole, BBQ, fresh fish and appropriate selection of vegetables followed by a tasty dessert.
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What type of toilet and shower facilities should be expected on the tour?Toilets are either flushing or National Park composting type and showers are available most nights and if not, a long, soaking soap free swim in a shallow, safe stream is available.
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How far do we travel each day?These tours are designed to show the very best of Cape York Peninsula. The day normally starts around 8.00am ending approximately 4.00pm covering 300 kilometers per day. During the normal course of the day you will stop for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. The tour also stops at places of interest, towns, communities and any notable flora or fauna features.
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How many people will be on the tour?The maximum number of passengers depends on the seating in the 4WD vehicles which range from 4 to 22 seats.
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How does the tour run?All tours are conducted on a partial participation basis, it generates friendship and conversation. The Tour Leader does all cooking however assistance with vegetable peeling, firewood collection and filling water buckets is greatly appreciated. Passengers assist with washing and wiping and erect their own tents (unless on pre-erected tent camping tour or on accommodated tour) after a demonstration, those less agile will be given assistance.
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How much luggage am I allowed?Baggage space is limited. One soft sided sausage style bag per person measuring approximately 600mm x 500mm x 300mm with a maximum weight of about 10kgs plus one small day pack per person for inside the vehicle. Excess luggage may be stored at your accommodation.
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What clothing should I bring?4 tee shirts
4 shorts or skirts
Swimmers/Towel
Water bottle
A spray jacket/warm jacket
1 pair of sandals
Shady hat
Torch
Toiletries
Laundry powder
Insect repellent
Small day pack
Track suit pants/jeans
NB: clothes line & pegs are supplied by us (campers only) PLEASE AVOID ARTICLES OF WHITE/LIGHT CLOTHING AS DUST MAY STAIN
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How comfortable are the 4WD vehicles and seating used on the tour?Vehicle seats are individual, padded bucket seats with lap and sash seat belts. Vehicle suspensions are modified to ride as comfortably as possible to Cape York. A seat rotation is normally done each day.
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What kind of boats are used on the tour?M.V Trinity Bay carries 38 passengers stopping at Horn Island, Thursday Island and Bamaga. The trip normally takes 2.5 days and you will sleep on the boat for 2 nights. Accommodation is in either twin cabins or 3-4 passengers per cabin, all cabins have share bathroom facilities. A licensed bar is on the ship and your trip includes meals as indicated in the tour itinerary.
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What kind of air planes are used on the tour?Generally medium sized air planes with a capacity of 20 to 50 passengers are used. During peak season when services are in demand we occasionally use smaller aircraft carrying 8 or less passengers.
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Should travel insurance be organised before going on the tour?Travel Insurance
As a valued customer of Cape York Tours, we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase discounted travel insurance. It is HIGHLY recommended that passengers take out travel insurance. As a valued customer we are pleased to offer you the opportunity get a quote from Cover-More Travel Insurance.
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Should I bring extra spending money for incidentals?We suggest about $300 per person. Credit cards and EFTPOS machines are accessible in most places throughout Cape York.
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What is excluded from the price of your Cape York tour?Any costs incurred before or after departure. Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary. Any personal items such as newspapers, telephone, alcohol and drinks, laundry, personal and travel insurance. It is HIGHLY recommended that passengers take out travel insurance which specifically covers cancellation fees, most claims arise from either personnel or close-family illness before departure resulting in cancellation charges. We suggest you talk to your car, home or life insurer and purchase a policy that will cover you for cancellation fees in the unlikely event that you need to cancel your Cape York tour.
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What is included in the price of your Cape York Tours from Cairns?If on a camping tour – all camping equipment including tents with a floor built into them, mattresses, National Park fees, land access and usage fees to local communities, all camping fees. If on an accommodated tour – all accommodation costs whilst on tour. Meals as indicated: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D).
Tour Pricing
All prices are per person in AUD.
| Twin Share | Single | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Season From | $ 4,995 | + $270 |
| 2026 Season From | $ 5,245 | + $270 |
Itineraries are subject to change. Travel insurance is highly recommended for all Cape York Tours as it is a remote location.
Availability
Additional Information
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Additional Information
Caravan Park Accommodation
There are three Caravan Parks to choose from with limited storage options available at one of these properties. The Caravan Parks usually request a minimum stay of at least 4 nights pre/post tour to store your caravan/car/campervan/motorhome. Storage prices are anywhere from $30-$40 per night. These Caravan Parks are located all around the Cairns region and if applicable to your chosen tour itinerary your 4WD safari vehicle will either pick up or drop you off at your chosen Caravan Park. We are happy to book this for you or provide you with these Caravan Park options once your selected tour booking has been confirmed. Should passengers choose to stay elsewhere, we can advise you which pick-up point is the closest to your chosen accommodation.Motel Accommodation
We work with a local motel located in the Cairns CBD that offers quality, clean, and a range of good value room styles (see below). The room styles and rates listed below include free Wi-Fi, guest laundry, swimming pool & luggage storage whilst you are on tour. Your tour bus will pick you up and drop you off at the front door of the motel. We’re happy to make the booking for you or we will give you the motel details after you have booked your Cape York Tour.STANDARD ROOM (20-25 sqm) Rooms have 1 queen bed or 2 single beds
ROOM FACILITIES Air Conditioning, 42″ LCD Television, Tea/Coffee Making Facilities, Small Fridge, Safe, Iron & Ironing Board, WiFi.ONE BEDROOM SUITE (50SQM) Rooms have 1 queen bed or 2 single beds
ROOM FACILITIES Air Conditioning, 42″ LCD Television, Tea/Coffee Making Facilities, Small Fridge, Safe, Iron & Ironing Board, WiFi, Private Balcony.Travel Insurance
As a valued customer we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase discounted travel insurance. It is HIGHLY recommended that passengers take out travel insurance or trip cancellation cover. As a valued customer we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to get a free no-obligation quote from NIB Travel Insurance.Credit Card Payments
Credit Card Customer Payment Link enter this link into your browser: pay.travelpay.com.au/AUSTCIf paying via the Customer Payment Link, please ensure you complete all fields and ensure you enter the correct Trip Reference Number, so we can identify your payment.
Credit card surcharges will apply when paying by credit card. We accept all credit cards and relevant credit card fee is applied when processing: Mastercard – 1.20%, Visa – 1.40%, American Express – 1.80%, Diners Card – 2.5%, International Credit Cards – 3.8%
Direct Deposit
Direct Deposit payments take up to 3 business days to process. Please notify your consultant of your payment once it has been processed.Commonwealth Bank: Australian Tours and Cruises
Reference: Your Trip Number
BSB: 062-504 Account: 1##6 ##68
Branch Address: Shop 1/80-84 William St, Bathurst NSW 2795
In Bank Payment of Cash Or Cheque: Add $5 for bank fees
International Direct Deposit: Add $25 for bank fees
SWIFT or BIC CODE: CTBAAU2S
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