Hey guys,

I've been day dreaming bout doing a Contiki tour for a while now... The Aussie Explorer loos awesome, can anyone tell me about it??? Is it worth it? Spending money? etc...Also I'm a bit concerned that everyone on Contiki is just about getting pissed and making out?? Is this the case? Cause I'm totally opposite that ! What type of people go? So many questions...thank u

Hey

I did the aussie explorer reverse back in march/april and it was the greatest time of my life. It may seem like a lot of money but when you think about all the things you do, its wayyy cheaper then doing it on your own. On my tour we had every different kind of person. There were of course the ones that went out every night and got hammered but there were also people who didn't drink at all and in between too haha. No matter what type of person you are you will fit in and age doesn't isn't an issue at all, trust me. I 100% recommend this tour and if you have any more questions feel free to ask.

Drew

Good evening. I noticed u have done the aussie explorer. I was thinking of doing this trip for 2009 in march or april.

I myself have travelled many times to Europe with Contiki as well I travel alot as well, was just in South America this year.

I want to do another contiki again this time to Australia. I am from Canada.

Just some questions if your interested in answering.
Did you find this was a good time of year to go?

Did you get alot of time in each location? What were your travel days like as in length of day?

How was the food. What nationality were your tourmates mainly?

Were all the optionals good? what ones u recommend?

Did you get alot of time to do stuff on your own without the tour?

Do you have any places for your photos. I like to see your photos?

Where are you from?

How many people on your trip?

What were the accomodations like?

What was it like at Ayers Rock? u recommend that area as well.

What was your favourite part of OZ?

Talk soon email me back here
or at koss78b@yahoo.ca

thanks

hey, I did the beaches and reefs, i'll give my input on some of the questions. I thought the tour I did was long enough, but it's a more relaxed pace tour, so more could have been spent without wearing you down.
Did you get alot of time in each location? What were your travel days like as in length of day?
I thought the time in each location was sufficient. Plan on spending 6-8 hours traveling on travel days, with a stop every 2 hours. The time goes by fast but sucks when you arrive at night

How was the food. What nationality were your tourmates mainly?
I was disapointed with all the food overall in Australia, it was nothing special. Tourmates were mainly american and european


Were all the optionals good? what ones u recommend?
Do the intro dives at the greater barrier reef. Ask your guide ahead of time which optionals you'll be waiting on the bus if you don't go (the kuranda skyrail is one of them). If you are into sailing do the 3 day. If you haven't gone sailing before just do the one. You'll visit the same locations, just wont sleep on the boat.


Did you get alot of time to do stuff on your own without the tour?
Absolutely. Bring a lonely planet guide book. You'll have 1 free day in Cairns, Fraser Island, and Surfers paradise. There are also more optionals to do then contiki recommends
ex) go to one of the local beaches in cairns (take the bus)
walk to lake mackenzie in fraser island, then come back along the beach (takes about 5 hours)
go to a water park or sea world in surfers paradise.

All these are recommended in lonely planet that is not mentioned by the tour.

Do you have any places for your photos. I like to see your photos?
http://picasaweb.google.com/edg126/Australia

Where are you from?
US

How many people on your trip?
about 30

What were the accomodations like?
Cairns, Whitsundays, Surfers were standard hotels/resorts
Fraser Island and Rockhampton were very basic. Like cinderblock walls and floors with 2 bunk beds and nothing else. Walking a bit to get to the bathroom. There's enough stuff to do in both places that you aren't in your room at all so it's no big deal.

What was it like at Ayers Rock? u recommend that area as well.
I didn't go, I've seen enough scenery around the world that I didn't need to see a giant rock.

What was your favourite part of OZ?
Scuba diving at the reef
Seeing a beethoven symphony at the sydney opera house
catching up with friends from other tours.

Hiya I am doing the aussie explorer in july/auguest and just wondering if could advice me on wat clothing to take with me? I know its there winter but having bit trouble deciding what to take.

Thanks

Explorer1139346 - My name is Hillary and I too am going on Aussie Explorer next week! If you have a facebook account, I have started a facebook group for our trip. Just search for Contiki Aussie Explorer July-August, and we will show up! There are only 7 people in it so far, but the more the merrier! See you soon!!

Hillary, Philadelphia, PA, USA