How can we help?

46 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. Your payment is held in trust until you travel, and your booking is confirmed within 24 hours (instantly on trips wired to live availability). Prefer a hand first? Hit “Enquire” or “Plan my trip” and we'll come back within 24 hours with availability, advice and the booking sorted for you.

• 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?

  We process payments through Square, which supports Afterpay on most card payments, you'll see the option at checkout if the trip amount qualifies (typically $100–$2,000). For larger trips, Square offers Klarna pay-in-4 or 'Pay over time' options. Zip Pay isn't currently supported through Square, if you specifically need Zip, email us and we'll arrange a deposit-then-balance plan instead.

• Booking & payment

  Can I lock in a trip with a deposit?

  Many trips let you secure your spot with a 10–20% deposit and pay the balance closer to departure. It varies by operator, message us with the trip and dates and we'll confirm the deposit option.

• Booking & payment

  What's the cancellation policy?

  Cancellation terms vary by operator, so check the trip page before you book. The good news: most give you free changes up to 14 to 30 days out. And if life throws you a curveball after booking, just message us. We'll go to bat with the operator on your behalf.

• Booking & payment

  Can I change my dates after I've booked?

  Usually yes, up to 14 days before departure with no fee. Some trips (like sailing departures with fixed schedules) need more notice. Email us with your booking ref and we'll make the change happen.

• Booking & payment

  Do you do group discounts?

  Yes, groups of 9 or more usually get 5–15% off depending on the operator. Email groups@wanderlusttravel.com.au with your numbers and dates, 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 rebook you on the next available departure (no fee) or refund you in full. 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?

  Yes, call or text the operator 48-72 hours out to confirm pickup time and meeting point. They'll send you the details. We'll email you a reminder 5 days before your trip with their number and exactly what to ask.

• 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?

  Sometimes yes, depends on the operator's policy. Screenshot the cheaper listing and send it through. We'll either match it or tell you straight if it's already as low as it gets. No haggle theatre, honest answers.

• 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 bus passes (Greyhound / Premier) actually work?

  You buy a 'pass' good for a stretch of the East Coast, Sydney→Cairns is the classic. Hop off in any town along the route, book your next leg 24-48 hours out via the app, hop back on. Most passes are valid 90 days. Premier is cheaper, Greyhound runs more frequently. Both have their fans. Full breakdown 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 operated by a vetted partner (e.g. Adventure Tours Australia, Whitsundays Sailing Adventures, Intrepid). We only work with Rezdy-listed operators that have their own insurance, reviews and track record.

• 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, most other 417 nationalities), the rule still applies: 88 days (3 months) of specified work in a regional area, farm, fishing, construction, mining or plant/animal cultivation, extends your visa for a second year. Full breakdown on 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. The operator still charges 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?

  Yes, and it's not optional for any reputable trip. 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 18-30s, 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 within a few hours.

• 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. Reply within hours, usually faster.

• About Wanderlust

  Are you ATAS accredited?

  Not yet, ATAS accreditation requires 12 months of trading. We'll apply in our second year. In the meantime, every trip we sell is booked directly with a verified operator (with their own ATAS or equivalent) so your money is always with a licensed provider.

• 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 reply within a few hours during AEST business hours, and within 24 hours always.