How can we help?

47 answers

• Booking & payment

  How do I actually book a trip?

  Two ways. Hit “Book now” on any trip and you pay on the spot through our own secure checkout, by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, without ever leaving the site. Trips wired to live availability confirm instantly. Everything else is on request: we confirm your date with the operator, usually within 48 hours, and if we can't, you don't pay for it. Booking a few things at once? Add them to your cart and pay once. Prefer a hand first? Hit “Enquire” or “Plan my trip” and we'll follow up today with availability and advice.

• Booking & payment

  Do you charge a booking or planning fee?

  Nope, no booking fees, no planning fees, leave it at that.

• Booking & payment

  Can I pay over time with Afterpay or Zip?

  Not yet, we don't offer Afterpay, Zip, Klarna or instalments. You pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay at checkout. For bigger orders a deposit may be available (see the deposit question).

• Booking & payment

  Can I lock in a trip with a deposit?

  On orders of $2,000 or more with a start date at least 30 days away (or open-dated), you can pay a 20% deposit (minimum $99) at checkout and the balance before you travel. Smaller orders and closer start dates are paid in full. Deposit orders are booked once the balance is paid, so your dates are confirmed after that. If the checkout doesn't offer a deposit option on your trip, it isn't available for that order.

• Booking & payment

  What's the cancellation policy?

  Every trip page and checkout shows that trip's cancellation terms before you pay. They're set by the operator and differ from trip to trip (some are non-refundable or charge fees closer to departure), and refunds follow those terms 1:1, including if the operator cancels: whatever they refund, we pass on, and we chase it for you. The one thing that's the same everywhere: if we can't confirm your booking, you don't pay for it.

• Booking & payment

  Can I change my dates after I've booked?

  Often, yes. Whether there's a fee and how much notice you need depends on the operator's terms (shown on the trip page). Sailing and fixed departures are tighter. Email us with your booking ref and we'll sort it with the operator.

• Booking & payment

  Do you do group discounts?

  Often, yes, for groups of 9 or more, depending on the operator. Email groups@wanderlusttravel.com.au with your numbers and dates and we'll come back with a custom quote.

• Booking & payment

  What happens if my trip gets cancelled because of weather?

  Operator's call, but the standard play: they'll usually offer the next available departure or a refund under that trip's own cancellation terms. The Whitsundays and Fraser tours get postponed more than you'd think, so build a flex day into your itinerary if you can. We'll chase the operator on your behalf either way.

• Booking & payment

  I missed my bus or tour pickup, what now?

  Don't panic. Message us straight away (chat or text, number's on your confirmation) and we'll ring the operator. Most will slot you on the next departure if you're within an hour. Past that, it depends on the trip, sailing and Fraser are tighter because spots are reserved. The earlier you flag it, the better the outcome.

• Booking & payment

  Do I need to reconfirm my booking before I travel?

  Most operators ask you to reconfirm your pickup time 24-48 hours before you go. The details are on your ticket and in your confirmation email.

• Booking & payment

  How long are my booking vouchers valid?

  Most operators give you 12 months from purchase to use the voucher. Sailing and 4WD trips lock you to a specific departure when you book. Bus passes are 90 days from your first scan. If you need to extend, message us, operators are usually flexible for one bump.

• Booking & payment

  Do you price-match if I find the same trip cheaper elsewhere?

  Yes, that's our Price Match Promise. If you find the exact same tour (same operator, date and inclusions) cheaper on another Australian booking site, send us the link before you book or within 48 hours of booking, and we'll do our best to beat it. If we can't beat it we'll try to match it, and if we can't do either on a particular tour, we'll tell you straight. Fiji trips aren't covered (custom-quoted). Full details at wanderlusttravel.com.au/price-match.

• Booking & payment

  Is it cheaper to book with you than direct with the operator?

  Often, not always. Many of our tours are priced below the operator's RRP (the recommended retail price the operator sets for its own tour), and we add no booking or service fees, so the price at checkout is the price you pay. Operators sometimes run specials on their own website that go below their RRP, and our Price Match doesn't cover operator websites, so on a big trip it's worth checking the operator's site too. Our cheapest-price pages put our price next to the RRP for every tour, re-checked daily: wanderlusttravel.com.au/kgari-tour-prices, /whitsundays-sailing-prices, /great-barrier-reef-tour-prices and /east-coast-tour-prices.

• Booking & payment

  I just booked and now it's on sale, can I get the difference back?

  Operator-dependent, and most won't backdate. Some agencies will. Quick rule: if you spot a sale within 48 hours of booking, message us fast and we can sometimes shuffle it. After that it's usually locked in.

• Trips & operators

  Can I do my East Coast trip in reverse, Cairns to Sydney?

  Yep. Just say 'reverse direction' when you enquire. Most operators run both ways and the price is the same. Some travellers prefer it, you peak at Sydney's nightlife instead of starting there jet-lagged.

• Trips & operators

  What if I don't click with my tour group?

  Honestly? Rare. Most backpacker tours self-select for the same vibe (early-20s to early-30s, mostly solo, all up for a yarn). But if it's genuinely not working, you can usually peel off in the next town with no penalty. Worst case, message us and we'll help you pivot.

• Trips & operators

  Will I have fun on a backpacker tour if I don't drink?

  100%. The 'party trip' stereotype is overblown, most days are activities (snorkelling, sailing, hiking, surf lessons) and 30-50% of people on group trips don't drink much or at all. Tell your guide upfront and they'll point you to the non-drinking crew at dinners.

• Trips & operators

  Where do I leave my big backpack on overnight sailing or Fraser tours?

  Hostel reception in the town you depart from, Airlie Beach for Whitsundays, Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach for Fraser. Usually $5-10 per bag for the trip duration. Some operators store it on the boat or 4WD itself. Bring a small daypack with swimmers, sunscreen, phone charger and a change of jocks. That's it.

• While you're there

  What if I get homesick halfway through my trip?

  Normal. Almost everyone hits a wall around week 2-3. Best fixes: book a 'do nothing' day, ring home, eat something familiar from your hostel kitchen. If it's serious or you want to head home early, message us, we'll help with flight changes and any insurance claims.

• Safety & insurance

  Should I worry about snakes, sharks or jellyfish?

  Real talk: deaths from wildlife in Australia are vanishingly rare, kangaroos hit by cars are a bigger risk to drivers. Beaches in tropical north Nov-May have stinger nets, always swim inside them. Snakes leave you alone unless cornered. Use the swim flags. You'll be fine.

• Setting up in Australia

  Can you help me sort a TFN, Aussie bank account and SIM when I land?

  Yes. The cheat-sheet order is: SIM first (Telstra prepaid $30 at the airport, best regional coverage), then a Wise account online same day (works as a debit card immediately), then your TFN via the ATO portal (5 min, free, takes 10 business days to arrive). Bank account (Commonwealth, ING or Macquarie) once you've got a local address. Ask in chat for our full landing guide.

• While you're there

  How do Greyhound bus passes actually work?

  You buy a pass for a stretch of the country, Sydney→Cairns on the East Coast pass is the classic. Hop off in any town along the route, book your next leg 24-48 hours out in the Greyhound app, hop back on. You can book your pass with us on our [bus passes page](/bus-passes).

• Trips & operators

  Are there age limits on trips?

  Most trips are aimed at 18-to-30s but anyone over 18 can book. A few (like the Working Holiday Starter Pack) are tied to visa age caps (35 for most nationalities, 30 for some). The exact age range is listed on every trip page.

• Trips & operators

  Are these trips good for solo travellers?

  Yes, most of our travellers book solo. Group trips usually have 8–25 people and you'll be paired with a same-sex roommate (or you can pay a single supplement for your own room).

• Trips & operators

  Who actually runs the trips?

  Each trip is run by a vetted, licensed local operator with its own insurance, guides and review track record, and our own Travel Mates line is run by us. You book and pay through Wanderlust, and we look after you before, during and after the trip.

• Trips & operators

  Can you handle vegetarian / vegan / gluten-free / allergies?

  Yes, flag dietary needs in your enquiry or at booking. Most operators can accommodate vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, halal and common allergies with notice. Severe allergies (e.g. anaphylaxis): tell us early so we can confirm with the operator before you book.

• Trips & operators

  How fit do I need to be?

  Every trip lists a difficulty level, Chill, Active or Pumping. Chill means walking and short hikes. Active means full-day activities like surfing, snorkelling, 4WD beach days. Pumping means multi-day hikes or dive certs.

• While you're there

  What should I pack?

  Each operator sends a packing list when you book. As a baseline for Australia trips: swimmers, reef-safe sunscreen, refillable water bottle, light layers, decent walking shoes, a power bank. For NZ/cool-weather trips add a fleece + waterproof.

• Visas & working holiday

  Do I need a visa to travel in Australia?

  Yes, every non-citizen needs one. Most short-stay tourists use an ETA (eVisitor for EU passports) which takes minutes online. If you want to work, you need a Working Holiday (subclass 417) or Work & Holiday (subclass 462) visa. We can help you choose, message us.

• Visas & working holiday

  What is the 88-day visa work requirement?

  Depends on your passport. **UK passport holders are exempt since 1 July 2024** (UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement), you can apply for a second or third Working Holiday Visa without doing any specified work. For everyone else (Ireland, Germany, France, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Japan and most other nationalities), the rule still applies: 88 days (3 months) of specified work lets you apply for a second year, and 6 months for a third. Specified work means farm work, construction, mining or tree planting in a regional postcode, or tourism and hospitality in Northern Australia or a remote postcode. 462 visa holders have a shorter list. Check any job in seconds with our [postcode checker](/jobs#checker). Heads up: the government plans to move second and third-year visas to a ballot, see our [88-day visa work blog post](/blog/88-day-visa-work-guide-uk-backpackers).

• Visas & working holiday

  Is it true UK backpackers don't have to do farm work anymore?

  Yes, since 1 July 2024, UK passport holders on a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) don't need 88 days of specified work to apply for a second or third year visa. The age cap also went up to 35 (from 30 for most other nationalities). This is part of the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement. Only UK passport holders get this, Irish, German, French, Canadian etc. still need the 88 days.

• Visas & working holiday

  When should I apply for my visa?

  ETAs are usually instant but allow 5 business days. Working Holiday visas can take 2 days to 4 weeks depending on your nationality. Apply at least a month before you want to fly.

• Money & costs

  What's included in the trip price?

  It's listed clearly on every trip page under “What's included”. Usually: accommodation, transport between locations, main activities, some meals. Usually NOT: flights to the start point, travel insurance, alcohol, personal extras (massages, optional activities).

• Money & costs

  Are prices in AUD?

  Yes, all prices on the site are Australian dollars. You can flip the currency switcher (top of every page) to see roughly what it costs in USD, GBP, EUR, NZD or CAD. You're charged in AUD at checkout.

• Money & costs

  Is tipping expected?

  In Australia and NZ: no, tipping isn't expected. Round up if you want to. In Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, Fiji, Philippines: small tips for guides and drivers are appreciated, usually $5–10 AUD/day per traveller for a multi-day trip guide.

• Money & costs

  How much extra budget should I bring on top of the trip price?

  Rough guide per day, on top of trip cost: AU/NZ $80–120, Bali/Thailand $30–60, Fiji $50–80, Philippines $40–70. Covers food not included, drinks, optional activities and incidentals. Going on the piss every night → bring more.

• Safety & insurance

  Do I need travel insurance?

  We strongly recommend it, and some operators require it: each trip page says so under “Not included”. Cover medical, theft, trip cancellation, and any “adventure activities” you'll do (diving, skydiving, motorbikes). We recommend World Nomads or SafetyWing for backpackers, both let you buy from abroad and extend month-to-month.

• Safety & insurance

  Is solo female travel safe on these trips?

  Most of our trips have group sizes of 8–25 with mixed-gender accommodation options. Australia and NZ are very safe for solo female travellers. South-East Asia takes more awareness, we'll talk you through what to expect for the specific trip. Message us anytime.

• Safety & insurance

  Are there vaccination or health requirements?

  COVID rules are mostly gone everywhere we operate, but check the official entry rules of your destination 2 weeks before flying. For South-East Asia, your GP or a travel clinic will advise on Hep A/B, typhoid and rabies. We're not doctors, please verify with a medical pro.

• While you're there

  Will I have WiFi / mobile data on trips?

  Australia and NZ: hostels and most cafés have WiFi. Get a local prepaid SIM (Telstra or Boost in AU; Spark in NZ) for $30 ≈ 20GB. South-East Asia: prepaid SIMs are $5–15 for 10GB+. Operators on multi-day trips usually have a daily WiFi window.

• While you're there

  When's the best time to visit?

  Each destination page has a “Best time” line. Quick guide: East Coast Australia is good year-round but Apr-Oct for Cairns/reef; Bali is dry May-Sep; Thailand is Nov-Apr; NZ South Island peaks Dec-Mar; Fiji is May-Oct.

• While you're there

  Will I meet other people on the trip?

  Yes, that's the point. Most trips are small-group format (8–25 travellers), mostly 18-35s, mostly solo or duo bookings. You'll have a group chat before the trip and probably stay mates after. Plenty of group dinners + open seating on activities.

• About Wanderlust

  Are you a real travel agent or just an aggregator?

  We're a real, independent Australian travel agency. We're not a price-comparison engine and not owned by any tour company. We hand-pick every trip on the site and reply to messages personally, usually the same day.

• About Wanderlust

  If planning is free, how do you make money?

  Operators pay us a small commission when you book, out of their margin, not on top of your price. You pay the same whether you book through us or direct. We just bring the curation and the post-booking support.

• About Wanderlust

  Where are you based?

  Byron Bay, NSW. We're online-first so most contact is via email, DM and live chat, but we're a real team on Australian time. We follow up the same day.

• About Wanderlust

  Are you ATAS accredited?

  Not yet. ATAS is the travel industry's accreditation scheme for agents; it isn't a compensation fund. Every trip we sell is run by the operator named on the tour page, on instant-book tours your card is only charged once the operator confirms your seat, and you don't pay for an on-request booking we can't confirm. More on how to check us: wanderlusttravel.com.au/is-wanderlust-legit

• About Wanderlust

  What's the fastest way to reach you?

  Live chat (bottom-right of any page) for quick questions. Email hello@wanderlusttravel.com.au for anything detailed. We follow up the same day, during AEST business hours.