Frequently asked questions

What do the letters "AAT" stand for in AAT Kings name?

They stand for 'Australian Accommodated Tours'.

Will I be travelling with a reliable company?

Yes, absolutely. We are a multi-award winning company with more than 30 years experience in Australian sightseeing and Day Tours. We are a company that places the highest value on quality and service and boast a 96% satisfaction rating from past travellers, many of whom choose to travel with us again and again. We're also a bonded global member of Tour Operator Associations, with a worldwide reputation for reliability, all of which adds up to complete peace of mind when you book with us.

Will the coach be comfortable and modern?

Yes, we have one of the newest coach fleets in Australia. Our modern and luxurious Mercedes Benz and Scania coaches are equipped with air conditioning, reclining seats, seatbelts, restrooms, two door access, ample legroom and large panoramic windows, so you won't miss a thing.

How do I make a reservation?

Visit our How to Book page for full details.

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Do I need to pay a deposit when I book my tour?

Yes, you will be required to pay a deposit within 7 days of making a booking. The required deposit €150 per person for all Flexi trips and all Guided tours including Premium, Cost Saver, Explorer and Camping tours.

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When do I need to pay my booking in full?

For all Flexi trips, and all Guided tours including Premium, Cost Saver, Explorer and Camping tours, you need to pay in full 6 weeks prior to your departure date. For bookings made within 42 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.

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If I book my airfare through AAT Kings how long do I have to make payment?

It depends on the airfare booked. Some airfares are instant purchase, which means they need to be paid at the time of booking. Others are 7-day fares, so you have a little more time. You will be advised at the time of booking which airfare you are booking and when payment is due.

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What does it mean if I book on a non Guaranteed Departure?

We have designated certain departures as Guaranteed Departures, which means they have reached minimum passenger numbers and will definitely run as scheduled. We continue to add Guaranteed Departure status to tours online as they achieve minimum numbers. If you book on a non Guaranteed Departure we will determine if the tour will operate no later than 8 weeks prior to departure. If the tour is withdrawn we will work to offer you a suitable alternative. If you aren't happy with the options offered any money paid on your booking will be refunded.

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Is there a surcharge if I pay by credit card?

No.

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Can I make a change to my reservation?

Yes, please contact the travel agent you booked with to make changes.
Amendments may be levied relative to the amount of notice given. 56 days or more - €50 per person amendment fee. Less than 56 days notice will be treated as a cancellation and the applicable cancellation charges applied.
If you have a question or would like more information you are also welcome to call our staff on 020 8225 4220 or email res@aatkings.co.uk

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What are your cancellation fees?

Cancellation fees are levied relative to the amount of notice given:

All accommodated tours:  56 or more days notice - loss of deposit,
Between 21 days and 56 days -  25% of tour price,
Between 7 days and 22 days - 35% of tour price,
Between 1 and 7 days - 60% of tour price,
Day of departure or where no notice is given - 100%.

Day Tours:
More than 24 hours prior to departure - loss of deposit
24 hours or less prior to departure - 100% of tour price

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What documentation will I receive?

This depends on the touring style you are booking. Flexi trips and Day tour bookings will receive e-documentation. If you are booking on one of our Guided tours (Premium, Cost Saver, Explorer or Camping) you will receive paper documents in a complimentary leather travel wallet as well as luggage labels and a useful booklet containing valuable holiday information. You will also receive a map of the region you are visiting when you get on tour.

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When will I receive my travel documents?

All documents are sent approximately four weeks prior to travel. If you have booked through a travel agent your documents will be sent directly to the agent for you to pick-up.

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Do I need to reconfirm my tour reservation?

Please reconfirm your bookings on arrival in Australia or to the region you are visiting – please reconfirm your booking at least 24 hours prior to departure.

• To reconfirm your Guided tour in Australia call - 1300 556 100

(Opening hours: 9.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 1.00pm Saturdays)

• To reconfirm your Guided tour in New Zealand call – 0800 500 146

(Opening hours: 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 11.00am to 3.00pm Saturdays)

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Are there any discounts available?

Yes, we offer a range of discounts and savings, including Early Eagle Savings, multi-tour, group and solo traveller discounts as well as special children’s and pensioner’s rates and last-minute deals.

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Can I reserve a seat at the front of the coach?

To ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the window and front seats you cannot book the front seats. AAT Kings has a seat rotation policy on all Guided tours that means everyone changes seats daily during the course of the tour. This also means you have the opportunity to meet new people throughout your journey.

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What is the difference between the different tour types?

To suit all different holiday styles we offer a range of different touring types.

• Premium tours are guided by a Tour Director and Driver and include more luxurious accommodation and facilities, more meals and exclusive dining experiences as well as extra sightseeing and cultural highlights.
• Cost Saver tours are designed to offer value for money with clean and comfortable accommodation, breakfast daily, some dinners and plenty or free time, while also benefiting from an expert Tour Director and Driver throughout.
• Explorer tours are run in our luxury mini-coach vehicles and average around 20 travellers. These active itineraries explore less accessible locations, stay in a mix of Premium tour standard accommodation and character-filled boutiques and are escorted by a dedicated Driver guide.
• Camping tours are about getting the most from your budget without sacrificing quality. They include modern twin share tent accommodation in well-equipped camp grounds as well as the services of a Tour Director, Driver and Private Cook to prepare hearty meals.
• Flexi trips showcase the highlights of a region or city in a short time, they allow extra flexibility as standalone or pre or post tour options. Flexi trips are run by our expert Driver guides.

If you’d like more detail on any of our touring styles visit our Touring page.

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What's included in the price of my AAT Kings Guided tours?

Exact details vary depending on the touring style you choose however, all our Guided tours include luxurious coach transport, expert Tour Director and Driver or local Driver guides, as well as many meals, sightseeing and entry fees as specified in your itinerary. Camping tours also include the services of a Private cook. If you have any questions about exactly what's included on your Guided tour contact your local travel agent or call our friendly reservations staff on +44 (0) 20 8225 4220.

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Do you organise airport transfers?

Yes, in the city your tour commences or finishes, AAT Kings offers a hotel or airport transfer at the start and end of your tour, or in-conjunction with pre or post accommodation booked with AAT Kings. Details on airport transfers are noted in our brochures or online under each itinerary’s Holiday Inclusions. We ask you advise your travel agent or our reservations team of your flight details at least 6 weeks prior to departure so that transfers can be booked.

Conditions do apply, please speak to your travel agent or call our reservations team if you have any questions.

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Who travels on AAT Kings tours?

With such a diverse range of destinations and touring styles there is no set age or type who travel with us, you can expect a wide-range of like-minded travellers. Families with children, young couples, baby boomers, solo travellers, small groups and more can be found on our Guided tours.
There is certainly no age limit for touring, with children as young as 6 through to seniors travelling us, however, the general demographic tends to be over 40.
As AAT Kings is sold internationally you will also find that there are people from all over the world on our tours, particularly North Americans, British, Europeans and many Asian nations.

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Do you operate tours in languages other than English?

Yes, we have a dedicated Special Language Department who operate select tours in Japanese, German and Italian. If you would like more information please contact us on +44 (0) 20 8225 4220 or email us at res@aatkings.co.uk.

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What options do I have if I am travelling alone?

The beauty of travelling with AAT Kings is that you won't be travelling alone. You'll have a group of like-minded travellers and soon to be friends to share in the experience with.
We also offer a room matching service on all Guided tours (not applicable on Explorer or Flexi trips) so you don't have to pay a single room supplement. Our room matching service means we will work to match you with another solo traveller of the same sex but if we can't we will provide a single room at no extra cost.

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Can I travel with children on your Guided tours?

Yes, we can accommodate children, however they must be over 6 years of age. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. We offer special rates for young travellers between 6 and 15 years.

We do recommend that people travelling with children consider whether the itinerary is suitable, in particular the activities involved and the duration of the tour to ensure children’s comfort.

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Are your Day Tours suited to elderly passengers?

Yes, with such a diverse range of Guided tours we offer sightseeing options to suit everyone. However, some tours require more walking or a higher fitness level than others. If you are unsure please check with your travel agent before booking to find out if the Guided tour you are interested in is suited to your needs

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Do you cater for special dietary requirements?

Yes, meals requests must be advised at the time of booking or 14 days prior to departure. All efforts are made to accommodate special dietary requirements, like vegetarian and coeliac meals however in some locations this cannot be guaranteed and there are special dietary requirements, like Kosher meals that cannot be accommodated simply because of the numerous locations, venues and regions visited.

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Do I need to advise AAT Kings of any special needs e.g. medication, mobility issues or serious medical conditions?

Yes, it is essential you advise us of any mobility, medical conditions or special needs you may have at the time of booking so that we can ensure your needs are met as best as possible.

Passengers requiring special assistance are welcome onboard AAT Kings tours providing they are accompanied by an able-bodied companion capable of providing all necessary assistance and do not require special assistance from AAT Kings personnel or anyone else on the tour.

In order to help you decide if a Guided coach tour is a suitable holiday for yourself, take a look at our Special Assistance Information. Prior to booking confirmation, you will need to complete a Special Assistance Form and return it to AAT Kings so that we can request confirmation of travel.

If you have any questions or need help deciding if an escorted tour is right for you please contact our friendly reservations team.

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What are AAT Kings' booking terms and conditions?

Please visit our Terms and Conditions page for full details.

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Do I need travel insurance?

We strongly advise all travellers take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.

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How many other people will I be travelling with?

Depending on the Guided tour you choose and the time of year you are travelling our group sizes can vary from fewer than 21 people up to 50 people, so there is a great opportunity to mingle and make new friends.

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Are the recommended arrival and departure times strict?

It is important you are aware of arrival and departure times of your tour. Check with your travel agent or our reservations staff for the starting time of your tour to ensure you allow time to connect into the city where your tour commences. It is also important to adhere to departure times while on tour because for the comfort of everyone onboard, and to ensure no one misses out on the planned experiences, the coach will not wait and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to catch up.

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Can I join or leave a tour part way through?

Yes, you are free to join and leave as you like, however we request you advise us at the time of booking or let your Tour Manager know if you plan on doing so. Please note, we cannot provide refunds for unused portions of your tour.

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Will I have time on my own?

Yes, we pride ourselves on offering the perfect mix of sightseeing and free time. While many amazing must-see experiences are included, there is also time to shop, explore, relax in a local café or take a walk.

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How often do we stop on tour?

On travelling days you will stop every 2 to 3 hours either at a rest stop where you will have access to food and facilities or for sightseeing, activities or free time.

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Can I stay on the coach when we stop if I am feeling tired?

No, for security reasons the coach will be locked at every stop.

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What meals will be served on tour?

Over half your meals are included on our tours, like hearty breakfasts and many delicious dinners.
Breakfast is included daily on all tours and generally comprises of cereals, fruit juices and a selection of cooked dishes such as eggs, bacon and sausages, plus, toast, preserves, tea and coffee. Many dinners are also included and always provide choice with either quality buffet or a la carte menu to choose from. Dinner is also always accompanied by dessert options and tea and coffee.

There are some meals we intentionally don’t include, like lunches and some dinners. We give you the flexibility to explore in your free time and try all kinds of local tastes.

On Premium tours we also include special Highlight Dinners that are an experience in their own right, like a BBQ dinner under the stars at Kata Tjuta or a traditional Maori Hangi feast.

‘You are invited’ are our newly introduced dining concepts. They give travellers on our Premium Guided tours, unique meal experiences, with the opportunity to feel the true essence of a destination through its history, its locals and its produce. Whether it’s a chance to meet Margaret River winemakers over a delicious lunch or being welcomed into a historic family home for a home cooked meal.

On Camping tours meals vary slightly as you travel with your own Private chef who prepares innovative cuisine from a specially designed trailer complete with built-in cooker, refrigerator and water tanks. Breakfasts are prepared each morning as are many picnic style lunches and amazing dinners ranging from Aussie barbeques to traditional roast dinners and tropical buffets. Part of the unique Camping tour experience means getting close to nature and having a more hands-on experience with participation in preparation and tidying up at meal times a rewarding and enjoyable part of the experience.

Read more on the AAT Kings dining experience.

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What do I need to bring on tour?

On all Guided tours a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, weatherproof jacket and good walking shoes are a good starting point for packing. There is no need for lots of formal clothes, however you might like to include a few options to wear out for dinner, but above all you want to be comfortable.

Casual, drip-dry lightweight clothes are perfect. Other items, depending on your tour might include insect repellant, a swimming costume and towel, small portable umbrella, travel alarm clock, medications and of course your camera to capture all those wonderful sights.

It is also important to consider the region you will be visiting and the season you will be travelling. Take a look at our destination pages for more information on average temperatures to help you pack for your holiday. Other things to think about are the activities you will be taking part in, for example the Australian outback can be quite dusty so we recommend you avoid packing light coloured clothing, mosquito’s can also be a nuisance during the wet season and all year around at sunset and dusk in Northern Queensland and the Northern Territory, so we also advise you bring mosquito repellant if you are travelling to these regions.

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Camping tours

On our Camping tours we will provide you with a free sleeping bag and camping essentials kit to ensure you have all the best equipment for a comfortable and hassle free holiday. The kit, which is yours to keep, includes a quality sleeping bag, torch, cup, mug, plate, bowl and cutlery. Please note the sleeping bag provided are standard size so if you are tall you may want to consider bringing your own or an additional rug or blanket.

An easy to assemble safari tent (2.3 metres high) and foam mattress is also provided for your use during your trip. All camping sites used are hand-picked to ensure you have access to the best facilities and of course the most scenic locations.

You will need to pack a bath towel and all toiletries you require. You may also like to pack a small pillow. While there is a pillow built into the mattress we recommend bringing your own. Other handy things to pack include moist towellettes for use in dry camps where there are no permanent toilet and shower facilities, a bed sheet (for summer departures) or travel rug and warm night attire as the nights can get very cold between May and September, washing powder and a length of string and pegs for hanging clothes to dry.

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Are the luggage restrictions really strict? What happens if I go over?

Owing to strict government vehicle weight restrictions, one medium size suitcase per person (soft bag for Camping tours), the sum of its length/width not to exceed 140cm (56”). Maximum weight of all luggage not to exceed 20kg (44lbs). We suggest you have wheels on your suitcase, as there are certain places where assistance is not available (e.g. railway station and cruise terminal).

Additional small personal items may be carried on the vehicle in your one piece of hand luggage which may be carried onboard the coach: Please note that luggage with adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartments and cannot be accepted as hand luggage. Alternative arrangements should be made for forwarding excess baggage to the final destination prior to commencing your AAT Kings tour.

N.B.
On Queensland tours which visit Day Dream, Long and/or Fraser Island, you will be required to leave some items on-board the coach due to further weight restrictions on the boat launches to these islands.

Passengers booked on a small group tour operated by Wilderness Challenge are only permitted to carry a small soft carry bag (30x30x70cm) with a maximum weight of 10kg, plus a small day pack.

Passengers booked on an Aussie Adventures tour of 2 days or more are only permitted a medium soft bag to a maximum of 12kg.

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Do I need to bring water on tour with me?

It is recommended you carry plenty of drinking water, particularly in warmer climates. Some tours will require you to carry minimum quantities of drinking water for activities, particularly when walking or touring in Australia’s Northern Territory. Drinking water can also vary from region to region and you should check with our crew for suitability of consumption or specific water requirements while on tour if you aren’t sure.

We have drinking water available on our coaches so we suggest you pack a refillable water bottle, so you always have one on hand and you’re doing something to help the environment at the same time.

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What are Optional activities?

We've included the must-see and must-do experiences in all our tours but we also offer you the choice of Optional activities. Optional activities are offered to enhance your experience further.

To assist you with planning your budget, you will be sent a day-by-day itinerary of your tour including the full details of all Optional activities, and their costs, with your final documents about a month before your tour. You can take the time to look through what's on offer and decide which, if any, Optional activities you would like to take part in. Optional activities will be booked and organised by your Tour Director or Driver guide on your behalf while on tour. You then pay the supplier directly, in cash or by credit card for your Optional activity.

Some examples of Optional activities include a camel ride or early morning hot-air balloon trip over the Australian outback, an unforgettable journey onboard The Ghan, a 4WD adventure through the Bungle Bungles or a Maori cultural experience. These amazing experiences are available to you at an additional cost, but the choice is completely up to you. Note: AAT Kings operates some of the Optional activities offered, but many are run by independent third parties. AAT Kings accepts no liability where Optional activities are operated by a third party.

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How can I pay for the Optional activities?

Optional activities will be booked and organised by your Tour Director or Driver guide on your behalf while on tour. You then pay the supplier directly, in cash or by credit card for your Optional activity.

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Is smoking allowed on your Guided tours?

Government regulations prohibit smoking on board all tourist coaches in Australia and New Zealand. Please restrict smoking to the ample stops on your tour. Smoking is also not permitted in restaurants and public spaces such as shops, museums and art galleries in Australia and New Zealand. There are also hotels throughout Australia and New Zealand that are completely non-smoking, meaning smoking rooms are not always available.

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Are tours affected by Easter, Christmas or other Public Holidays?

No, we run tours during public holidays and festivities around Australia and New Zealand. However, retail shops, banks, museums and other commercial businesses could be closed for business, your Tour Director will be on hand to ensure you are well advised in case of special holiday or public holiday trading. Your hotels will operate as normal.

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Do I need to tip my Tour Director, Driver or Driver guide?

While it’s not compulsory in Australia or New Zealand, tipping is becoming an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis. Likewise on your AAT Kings tour, if you feel that your Tour Director, Driver, Driver guide or Private cook has done an excellent job, then we would recommend tipping up to the equivalent of AUD$5/NZ$5 per day. However, it’s not compulsory. It is up to you!

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