Phillip Island Tour | koala highlights

• Any meals not indicated – breakfast/lunch/dinner at own expense
• Travel insurance is highly recommended
• Personal expenses

1L refillable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, all-weather warm clothing, jumper or windproof jacket for the evening, small day pack 5-7kg, money for snacks and meals, and camera to capture every moment.

Our central meeting point for this tour will be Immigration Museum (east-side), 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne @ 11:45AM (winter) / 1:45PM (summer).

       Winter|Summer

• 10:25 |12:25 – Newport Bus Interchange, Mason St, Newport
• 11:00 |13:00 – YHA Metro, 78 Howard St, North Melbourne
• 11:05 |13:05 – Space Hotel, 380 Russell St, Melbourne
• 11:10 |13:10 – Rydges Melbourne, 186 Exhibition St, Melbourne
• 11:15 |13:15 – Mercure Welcome, 265 Little Bourke St, Melbourne (Hotel Guests Only)
• 11:20 |13:20 – The Village Melbourne, 167 Franklin St corner of Anthony St, Melbourne
• 11:25 |13:25 – Pegasus Apartments Hotel, 206 A’Beckett St, Melbourne
• 11:30 |13:30 – Adina Apartment Hotel, 189 Queen St, Melbourne
• 11:35 |13:35 – The Savoy Hotel, 630 Little Collins St, Melbourne
• 11:40 |13:40 – Holiday Inn, 575 Flinders Ln, Melbourne
• 11:45 |13:45 – Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St on the corner ofMarket St, Melbourne
• 11:50 |13:50 – Crown Promenade, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank

This tour is affected by daylight savings hours, and departure time changes to maximize the sunset experience.

• 03 Oct 2021 – 02 Apr 2022 summer @ 1:45pm
• 03 Apr 2022 – 01 Oct 2022 winter @ 11:45am
• 02 Oct 2022 – 01 Apr 2023 summer @ 1:45pm
• 02 Apr 2023 – 30 Sep 2023 winter @ 11:45am
• 01 Oct 2023 – 06 Apr 2024 summer @ 1:45pm

Please arrive 5-10 mins prior to you nominated pickup time so as not to delay or miss your tour.

Our Contract 

All bookings are made with Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 94 143 929 962) (us/we). By booking a trip with us you have agreed to be bound by the terms and conditions set out in these booking conditions. Your booking will be accepted by us on this basis. The services to be provided are those referred to in your booking confirmation and/or invoice. Accredited Bus Number: AC003612.

Validity 

Dates and itineraries are valid until 31 March 2023, from 1 April 2021 dates and itineraries are indicative only.

Standard Conditions 

Any references to ‘GLT’, ‘we’, ‘our’ and ‘us’ equates Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd, which applies to the following GLT brands and entities below: Autopia Tours, Wildlife Tours Australia, Boutique Touring Company and Geelong & Bellarine Tours.

Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking set out below prior to booking a trip with us. We strongly recommend that you also read the information relating to your product or service prior to booking to ensure that you understand the itinerary, style and physical demands of the tour you are undertaking. GLT will not be held responsible for passengers failing to familiarise themselves with the booking terms and conditions.

Although every effort is made, GLT shall not be liable for any illness, injury, damages, loss, delay or failure to join the tour that may occur due to factors beyond our control. We highly recommend all passengers have travel insurance coverage. GLT retains the right to alter routes, itineraries, bus type, fares, days of operation or even cancel tours if unforeseen circumstances occur. Other accredited tour operators may be used from time to time on some tours. Fares are shown in Australian Currency and are correct at the time of printing but are subject to change.

Traveller Information 

For us to confirm your travel arrangements, you must provide all requested details at the time of booking. We will collect certain information from you when you wish to book a trip, this information will be kept on file for 30-days for the purposes of contact tracing. The following personal information will be required: Your full name, contact details, email address, nationality, or Australian postcode and any pre-existing medical conditions you have which may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements. For more information about how we treat your personal information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Booking Terms and Conditions 

Customer Responsible for Own Vaccination and Testing 

The customer shall comply with all Government (Federal, State and Territory) COVID entry restrictions and vaccination guidelines or testing requirements for entry into Australia and/or at the time of travel for tour and transport services. Where the customer is not vaccinated and/or tested prior to departure, the customer will forfeit any and all monies paid and GLT holds the right to refuse to board. Where the customer cancels due to travel restrictions other than vaccination or testing requirements, the operator shall have the discretion to

(a) offer a refund or credit voucher (to be used at a later time); or

(b) to forfeit any and all monies paid by the customer.

For the purposes of (a), the operator reserves the right to withhold such a reasonable sum to cover administrative expenses and other losses, dependent on when notice of cancellation is given by the customer.

Cancellations & Refund Policy 

Cancellation by the Traveller 

We understand that travel plans can sometimes change, if you cancel some or all portions of your booking the cancellation terms set out below will apply. A cancellation will only take effect when we receive written confirmation that you have sent to your relevant booking agent notifying them of your cancellation.

If you wish to change or cancel a trip:

Day Trips 

(a) Flexible Date Changes – unlimited supply of free date changes available up until 7-days prior to departure; or

(b) 2 to 7-days prior to departure:

• we will hold 100% of the deposit paid by you as a credit voucher, valid for redemption within 3-years from the date of purchase
• any credit voucher resulting from cancellation may be applied towards any other tour operated by GLT within Australia; or

(c) 8-days or more prior to departure,

• we will refund the balance paid by you in connection to your booking less any unrecoverable costs; or

(d) failure to board on tour or cancelled within 2-days/48-hrs will result in full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund; or

(e) cancellation prior to departure due to you having COVID-19/ “flu-like symptoms”, supported by a medical certificate, we will refund 100% of monies paid by you either directly or via your booking agent.

Extended Trips

(a) Flexible Date Changes – unlimited supply of free date changes available up until 30-days prior to departure; or

(b) 14 to 30-days prior to departure:

• we will hold 100% of monies paid by you as a credit voucher, valid for redemption within 3-years from the date of purchase
• any credit voucher resulting from cancellation may be applied towards any other tour operated by GLT within Australia; or

(c) 31-days or more prior to departure,

• we will refund the balance paid by you in connection to your booking less any unrecoverable costs; or

(d) failure to board on tour or cancelled within 14-days will result in full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund; or

(e) cancellation prior to departure due to you having COVID-19/ “flu-like symptoms”, supported by a medical certificate, we will refund 100% of monies paid by you either directly or via your booking agent.

Any credit travel voucher resulting from cancellation under (Cancellation by the Traveller) has an expiry date of 3 years and maybe applied towards any other available trip offered by us. This credit is transferable however not redeemable for cash.

Note different cancellation conditions may apply if/when booked through third party agents, your travel consultant will advise if differences apply. We strongly advise you to take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. If you fail to join a trip, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made or compensation for departure costs incurred. The above cancellation terms are less than any unrecoverable costs by accommodation providers, travel agents, third-party affiliates and supplier fees.

Cancellation by the Operator 

Our trips are guaranteed to depart once they have one fully paid traveller onboard unless the minimum group size specifically states otherwise (refer to Product Fact Sheets) or in the event of a Force Majeure resulting in the cancellation of a trip.

We may cancel a trip at any time up to 7-days (Day Trips) and 30-days (Short-Break / Extended Tours) before departure. Alternatively, we can cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if, due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability or other external events occur that deem it not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary.

Standard Cancellation 

If we cancel your trip, we can offer you a choice of:

(a) a 100% reimbursement of monies paid for your trip

(a) transfer amounts paid to alternative departure date or tour operated by GLT; or (c) issued with a credit travel voucher to the amount paid for your trip, valid for 3-years

Force Majeure Cancellation 

If a trip is cancelled due to a ‘Force Majeure Event’, we can offer you a choice of:

(a) a 100% credit voucher of monies paid for your trip; or

(b) a refund minus unrecoverable costs.

If the cancellation due to a ‘Force Majeure Event’ occurs after a trip has commenced, we can offer you a choice of a pro-rata:

(a) 110% credit voucher for the days that remain on your trip; or

(b) refund minus unrecoverable costs of the days that remain on your trip.

Any credit travel voucher resulting from cancellation as mentioned in (Cancellation by the Traveller):

• 3-year expiry date and may be applied towards any other available trip offered by GLT;
• are not redeemable for cash;
• excludes flights or insurance as they will have their own booking conditions

In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control, refunds will be less than any unrecoverable costs. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess or non-refundable flights.

A “Force Majeure Event” includes but is not limited to: acts of God; war; civil commotion; riot; blockade or embargo; fire; explosion; breakdown; union dispute; earthquake; epidemic, pandemic or other health emergencies; flood; windstorm or other extreme weather events; lack or failure of courses of supply; passage of any law, order, proclamation, regulation, ordinance, demand, requisition or requirement or any other act of any government authority, beyond the reasonable control of the parties, whether or not foreseeable, which would make it dangerous or not viable for a trip to commence or continue. 

Travel Insurance 

We recommend all guests have travel insurance and should be taken out at the time of booking prior to tour departure. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200 000 for each of the categories of cover.

We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number and emergency contact number with you rather than the bank’s name and credit card details.

Child Policy (Age Requirements) 

Our child and infant policy and pricing do vary depending on the trip; this is due to the diversity in our product range. All travellers under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian. For exact details see tour specific FAQs.

Prices and surcharges 

Our tour prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practices within the travel industry. This means our tour prices may vary at any time in accordance with demand, market conditions and availability. It is likely that different passengers on the same trip have been charged different prices. Your best option if you like the price you see is to book at that time. Any reduced pricing or discounts that may become available after you have paid will not apply. If you wish to cancel your booking to take advantage of a cheaper price, full cancellation conditions apply as set out below (Cancellation by the Traveller). The most up to date pricing are available on our websites. Please note that a surcharge may be applied to a purchase made by a credit card.

Alcohol Policy 

Alcohol is not permitted on board our vehicles. We reserve the right to refuse re-entry if passengers are overly intoxicated and propose a threat to other passengers, our driver or our vehicle. We also reserve the right to advise at any time prior to departure and whilst in operation, that alcohol is no longer permitted. The legal drinking age in Australia is 18 years old, and a photo ID is required.

Luggage Policy 

To maximise the comfort of your journey no luggage storage facilities are provided on our (Day Trips): It is recommended you bring a small day pack no bigger than 5-7kg. (Short-Break / Extended Tours): Maximum baggage allowance per person is 15-20kg preferably a soft travelling pack. Excessive amounts of luggage may incur a surcharge fee. Inappropriate luggage presented on the day of departures such as surfboards, and bikes and an excessive amount of luggage may result in refusal to board unless previously arranged. Other: mobility scooters, wheelchairs, pushers, prams, walking frames and other walking aids cannot be stored safely on our vehicles, please advise prior to booking if there are any of these aids required.

Pickup up & Drop Off 

GLT may offer complimentary inner city pickup and drop off services to various accommodation providers. Please note it is the customer’s responsibility to be waiting out the front of your selected pickup location (accommodation provider) at least 10 minutes before departure. Failure to wait out the front of your selected location may result in the tour guide being unable to locate you causing failure to load. GLT cannot be held responsible for passengers who fail to load.

Special Requirements 

Please notify the Get Lost Travel group of any dietary requirements, food allergies and/or medical conditions at the time of booking or 7-days prior to tour departure. Limited food options are available on extended tours, forward planning is required to ensure we can accommodate but not guaranteed.

Booking Confirmations & Enquiries 

All reservations must be confirmed within 48 hours of departure via email to [email protected]

At Autopia Tours, we actively promote the protection of flora and fauna on our Phillip Island Tour. It is our duty to ensure there is minimal disturbance to this National Heritage Listed region and the species that call it home. Cultural sensitivity and respect for the traditional owners should also be shown at all times.

Part of our responsibility is educating guests on minimal impact practices and the importance of ensuring the safety of wildlife and the environmental sustainability of the destinations we visit.

Learn more about EcoTourism: https://www.ecotourism.org.au/

Traditional Owners

Autopia Tours would like to begin by paying our respects to the traditional owners of this country, with specific acknowledgement to the Bunurong people. Please be conscious and respectful of the sensitivities of indigenous culture and the spiritual connection they have with the land at all times.

Wildlife Encounters

The natural behaviours of wildlife are to be respected and not interfered with. When viewing wildlife, people should take care to avoid rapid or sudden movements, which could frighten the animal, and should keep noise to a minimum and refrain from touching, petting, or feeding all wildlife including birds. Contact with people can introduce diseases to wildlife and can cause them to become aggressive.

Wildlife should not be handled or fed, unless by certified wildlife handlers. Feeding wildlife can alter their natural foraging behaviour and can lead to disease or illness through contact with people and the introduction of foods that are harmful to their digestive system. Feeding wildlife can also cause them to become aggressive toward people.

Wildlife that appears to be in distress, injured or in danger should be reported immediately to the appropriate authority, such as your Guide/Tour Leader, a National Park Ranger, or Visitor Centre Staff.

Protecting our National Parks

People should remain on designated walking tracks, behind safety barriers/fences, and follow all directions given by the guide/tour leader. Venturing off these can alter fragile ecosystems and can harm wildlife shelters and native vegetation. There are other dangers to be aware of too, such as cliff edges, unstable rock formations, overhanging tree branches, and slippery ground cover. Remaining on track ensures safe visitation for guests and the environment.

No flora or fauna should be removed from their natural setting. This includes dead wood, fallen leaves, flowers, and so forth, as they form part of the ecosystem of the region and their removal could cause a disturbance.

Waste Management

All buses are fitted with waste bins. No organic waste should be disposed of on the ground. Although organic, items such as banana peels, apple cores, bread, and other food scraps, are not natural/native to the region and can introduce pest species, diseases or harm to wildlife if found and eaten. We recommend all passengers bring a water bottle with them on our Phillip Island Tour. Purchasing bottled water contributes large amounts of plastic into landfills. Therefore, we ask guests to bring their own bottles, as there is access to water refill stations available on our vehicles. Please ensure you stay hydrated throughout the tour to reduce the risk of sun exposure and dehydration.

First Aid

All our guides carry a current Level 2 First Aid certificate. Please report any accident or illness to your tour guide. We recommend anyone with an existing medical condition carry their medication with them on tour and notify their tour guide at the beginning of the tour.

If you are a smoker! We ask you to refrain from smoking whilst in the company of other passengers and limit it to designated smoking areas. Smoking is not permitted on any of our vehicles, or in any type of accommodation including permanent campsites. We make frequent ‘comfort stops’ to allow free time for guests but cannot guaranteed smoke breaks. Please ensure you dispose of your cigarette butt responsibly and appropriately.

What is a suitable age for this tour?

Child fare prices apply from 0 to 12 years old. Infants aged 0 to 4 are not permitted to travel on adult laps and must be safely restrained within a child protective seat. Infant protective seats are free of charge and must be requested at the time of booking. Please note our vehicles do not have the storage to accommodate prams or strollers, these must be left at your hotel or accommodation.

What time do the penguins arrive?

Every day of the year, penguins arrive at sunset. Check our penguin arrival calendar to find out what time that is during your visit. We suggest you arrive one hour before the penguins start arriving so you can explore the visitor center displays, and grab a meal at the cafe, before heading down to the beach for the parade.

Can I take photos at the Penguin Parade?

No photography or filming is permitted at the Penguin Parade. Penguins have sensitive eyes and a bright, sudden flash or unusual light can frighten or disorientate a penguin. To ensure penguins keep coming back to this special area we ask you not to use your cameras, camcorders, or camera phones at the Penguin Parade. Rangers will be onsite to ensure people adhere to this request.

How much luggage can I bring on tour?

We ask that guests travelling on day trips bring small day packs and hand luggage only as we have limited storage onboard our vehicles. Suitcases and large backpacks must be put in storage at your hotel or bus station lockers prior to boarding our vehicles.

How many people are on this tour?

We operate this tour with a maximum of 23 passengers, our vehicles are 24-seater Mitsubishi Rosa buses. This vehicle makes for a safe & comfortable journey (air-conditioned), with large passenger windows for unobstructed views. It is possible that the trip will be conducted in a 38-seater on rare occasions.  

How fit do I need to be for this tour?

A low level of fitness is required to complete the walks on this tour itinerary.

What happens if it rains, will the tour proceed?

In the event of rain or inclement weather, your travel experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider. This tour would only be cancelled in extreme weather conditions, whereby it’s not safe to travel on Phillip Island. The Penguin Parade is at sunset and outside, we highly recommend bringing all-weather clothing on this tour as temperatures can be cool and windy in the evenings. 

Our COVID Statement

For your safety, we have implemented comprehensive hygiene measures and increased regular sanitation. Temperature checks of all staff will be conducted pre-departure, with disposable face masks and hand-sanitizer provided. For more information click here.