ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION

IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU?
At Hosted Holidays, we want every guest to have a safe, relaxed, and rewarding travel experience.   To help ensure this, we kindly ask that you confirm at the time of booking that you are physically fit and able to take part in activities in the itinerary.

This five-day Outback Queensland journey blends history, culture, wide-open landscapes and relaxed touring, all while enjoying the comfort of luxury glamping at Mitchell Grass Retreat. Travelling in late June and early July means crisp winter mornings, sunny days and cool evenings — ideal for exploring without the intense summer heat.

This tour is perfect for travellers who enjoy Australian history, aviation, dinosaur discoveries and authentic outback hospitality. While most touring is relaxed and coach-based, there are full sightseeing days and some walking at museums and outdoor attractions.

FITNESS LEVEL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This tour is best suited to travellers with good mobility and a reasonable level of fitness, as it includes full days of sightseeing and time spent on your feet at museums and outdoor attractions. While there is no strenuous hiking, several experiences require steady movement and confidence navigating steps and uneven ground.

Throughout the journey, guests must be able to move independently without assistance. This includes getting on and off the coach multiple times daily via steps, boarding and disembarking river cruise vessels, climbing steps into historic aircraft during the Airpark Tour at the Qantas Founders Museum, and walking through expansive indoor and outdoor exhibits at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and the Australian Age of Dinosaurs. Some surfaces may be uneven, particularly in outdoor and regional settings. Guests should be comfortable walking for up to an hour at a time, standing during guided tours, and managing steps without the use of walking aids or physical assistance from fellow travellers or staff.

Our experienced tour leaders are trained to accommodate a range of abilities within the group. However, if they believe that a particular activity may present a safety risk to you or others—or may impact the overall enjoyment of the group—they are authorised, in line with our Booking Conditions, to advise you to skip that activity. These decisions are never made lightly, and your wellbeing is always our priority.

Please note that if you are asked to sit out part of the tour, refunds are not provided, and any additional expenses incurred will be your responsibility.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all Hosted Holidays. It’s important that you protect yourself in case of natural disasters, lost or delayed baggage and unforeseen medical expenses. We strongly recommend that the policy covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation and loss of luggage and personal effects.  Make sure you keep any receipts for anything you may wish to claim for on your return – i.e. medical receipts etc. Please make sure you bring a copy of your policy with you on tour. We recommend that you take out travel insurance at the time of paying your deposit.

LOCAL CUSTOMS & ETIQUITTE

Outback Queensland is known for its warm hospitality and relaxed country charm. A friendly greeting and a smile go a long way. Casual dress is widely accepted, though neat attire is appropriate for evening dinners. Respect for Indigenous culture and heritage is important, particularly during cultural dining experiences. Patience and flexibility are valued in remote regions where life moves at a slower pace.

PASSPORTS, VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Passports

All information provided is based on Australian Passport holders only – please advise your travel consultant as soon as possible if you are travelling on a different passport.

 ·       This is a domestic Australian tour.

·       Australian citizens require valid government-issued photo identification for flights (e.g., driver’s licence or passport). No visas are required.

 FOOD & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

Outback cuisine celebrates hearty country cooking and regional flavours. Highlights include:

·       Native-inspired dining experiences.

·       Traditional BBQ and camp-oven meals.

·       Classic country pub lunches.

·       Fresh Australian produce and meats.

If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please inform your travel advisor well in advance so we can do our best to accommodate your needs throughout the trip.

MEDICAL & HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities in Longreach include a regional hospital and pharmacy; however, services are limited compared to metropolitan areas.

Recommendations:

·       Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised.

·       Bring all personal medications in original packaging.

·       Winter nights can be cold — those sensitive to cooler temperatures should pack accordingly.

·       Sun protection is still essential, even in winter.

 PACKING SUGGESTIONS

Winter in Outback Queensland brings sunny days and chilly mornings and evenings. Layering is essential, as temperatures vary significantly between day and night. Comfortable, practical clothing is recommended for touring and outdoor experiences.

Suggested Packing List:

·        Lightweight long-sleeve shirts

·        Warm jacket or fleece

·        Scarf and light gloves for cool evenings

·        Comfortable walking shoes

·        Smart-casual outfit for dinners

·        Sun hat and sunglasses

·        Sunscreen (high SPF)

·        Small daypack

·        Refillable water bottle

·        Camera or smartphone for photography

·        First aid kit

·        Prescription medications (enough for the entire trip + extra in case of delays)

·        Copy of prescriptions (in case refills are needed)

·        Over-the-counter medications:

o   Pain relievers (paracetamol/ibuprofen)

o   Anti-nausea tablets (for ferry to Malta)

o   Anti-diarrhoea tablets and rehydration salts

o   Antihistamines (for allergies or insect bites)

o   Motion sickness tablets (for ferry ride or coach travel)

CLIMATE & SEASONAL INFORMATION

• Longreach & Winton: 6–23°C   (June-July)
• Very low rainfall
• Cool mornings and evenings, mild sunny days
• Clear skies ideal for stargazing

MONEY MATTERS

ATMs & Credit Card
ATMs are widely available in Longreach and Winton. Credit cards are widely accepted however smaller venues may prefer EFTPOS or cash.

Spending Money During Your Trip:
Spending habits vary by traveller, but you should allow enough cash for souvenirs, drinks, snacks, optional excursions, laundry, or personal expenses during your free time.

Gratuities:
Gratuities for included activities and meals are already covered in your Hosted Holiday, however, tips for optional tours or personal services are at your discretion and always appreciated.

CONNECTIVITY & COMMUNICATION

Wi-Fi is available at Mitchell Grass Retreat and in most town venues, though speeds may be slower than in metropolitan areas. Mobile coverage is generally available in Longreach and Winton but may drop out between towns.

Power in Queensland is 230V with Type I plugs (standard Australian plug). No adaptors are required for Australian travellers.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE

 Your economy ticket includes 20kg of checked baggage per passenger, plus on piece of cabin baggage up to 7kg.

SAFETY

Outback Queensland is considered very safe, with welcoming communities and low crime rates. Normal precautions should be taken with personal belongings. Follow all safety instructions during museum tours, river cruises and rail journeys. Stay hydrated and sun-smart during outdoor activities, even in winter months.

Your Host will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. You should use your own judgment when choosing activities or excursions, which do not form part of the trip you have booked with Hosted Holidays. We can offer assistance in choosing how to spend your free time, but neither Hosted Holidays, nor any of its representatives can provide any guarantee about the safety or suitability of any activities or excursions, nor about the operators who organise these.

Please also note that your Host has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

FUN FACTS

• Longreach is the birthplace of Qantas.
• Winton is known as Australia’s Dinosaur Capital.
• “Waltzing Matilda” was first performed in Winton in 1895.
• The outback sky offers some of Australia’s best stargazing due to minimal light pollution.

  HELPFUL TRAVEL TIPS

• Bring warm layers — outback winter nights can be surprisingly cold.
• Don’t underestimate the sun — UV levels remain high year-round.
• Carry a small day bag for full touring days.
• Take time to enjoy the night skies — the stars are extraordinary.

OPTIONAL TOURS

To be advised.

Note: All information provided is intended as a general guide only and is correct at the time of preparation. Conditions, timings, prices, and inclusions may change without notice due to factors such as weather, operational requirements, or local regulations. Hosted Holidays makes every effort to ensure accuracy but accepts no responsibility for variations beyond our control. We recommend checking closer to departure for the most up-to-date details, and please be aware that all optional activities are subject to availability and minimum participant numbers.