Frequently Asked Questions
Bookings, Reservations and Payments
How do I book?
To proceed with a booking please click on the BOOK IT NOW button at the bottom of your quote and submit a booking form. Once we receive this your request will be actioned.
Is it available?
Until you have received a confirmation of your booking, it is on a request basis. Availability is NOT checked at the time of quoting as there can be a considerable time lapse between you quoting and the time you actually make the booking. Turnaround on bookings is 2-5 hours during business hours (Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm : Saturday 8am - 12noon).
How can I contact you?
You can either email the consultant mentioned on the quote or you can phone the reservations department on 07 3512 8111 and ask for the consultant handling your booking. Please have your QW reference ready.
What if I don't hear from you after I have made the booking request?
We resond to all booking requests, if you do not receive a response from your consultant please contact them either by email or phone.
Hotmail/Yahoo addresses
If you have a Hotmail or Yahoo email address, please check your junk mail folder as these providers often send emails/PDF’s straight there and not to your inbox.
How can I tell if you are a reputable company?
Travel Online Australia Pty Ltd is a member of AFTA & the TCF, this can be verified by clicking on the links below. We are also a member of IATA and our member number is 02 3 5707 3.
- Australian Federated Travel Agents
- Travel Compensation Fund (Travel Agent Search - Milton)
When will my credit card be charged?
Your card will ONLY be charged if the booking has been confirmed exactly as quoted (plus fees), this does NOT include any special request you make. If we are unable to confirm your booking as requested no charges apply.
What if I have special requests?
Step 5 on the booking form gives you the opportunity to let us know your requests.
Please be aware that room location & early check-in/late check-out requests will be passed onto the property, and while they try to accommodate requests these can NOT be guaranteed. Please check with the property on check-in.
What does my quote include?
All inclusions are outlined in blue box of your quote. Unless meals are specifically mentioned the quote is room only. If you are quoting from the Specials section where meals and tours are packaged together you MUST select them from the options offered when doing your quote.
Is my quote per person or the total for my party?
The cost on your quote is for the total number of people in your party, this is the number you entered when you first initiated the quote process, it is also mentioned in the top line in the blue box.
Are there any additional charges or hidden costs?
No there are no hidden costs.
Credit Card fees do apply and are added to all credit card transactions:
2% - Visa, Mastercard, Bankcard, 4% - Amex, Diners.
I do not like entering my credit card details online -
As secure delivery of your credit card information is essential, we use Secure Sockets Layer technology, and public-key security. During transmission of your credit card details, the encryption software will transfer your information from your browser to our server in an encrypted form that eliminates any possibility of the information being intercepted enroute over the internet. You may advise credit details by phone, however we do not recommend it.
What if I do not have a credit card?
Contact your consultant via email and you will be advised on other payment options.
What is a Stay/Pay?
In the off season or when properties have low occupancy they put out quick specials, one of the more popular is a Stay/Pay where you pay for a certain number of nights and receive 1 or in some cases 2 nights free, they are often only valid for short periods of time.
Example: Stay 4 Nights/Pay 3 Nights - The total stay is 4 nights but you only pay for 3 nights - 1 night is free.
Are there any specials?
All current specials are shown at the time of quoting. For all specials please refer to our specials website.
What if I need to cancel or amend my booking?
Please see our Terms & Conditions for full details.
General Traveller Information
What will the weather be like?
Being a vast country, Australia's climate varies from wet and tropical, dry and hot or cold and snowy depending on where you are. Sydney is in the southern Temperate Zone and does not suffer extremes of cold or heat. Seasons in Australia are the reverse of North America and Europe. Summer is December to February, autumn (fall) March to May, winter June to August, and spring September to November. The Sydney climate is similar to coastal California and the northern Mediterranean. Summer temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius with high humidity, particularly around February.
The further north you go, the hotter it gets with a definite 'wet' season in Tropical North Queensland - Great Barrier Reef and the Top End of the Northern Territory. For those who like to ski, there is excellent snow and facilities in New South Wales and Victoria in Winter.
Temperature Conversion:
For visitors more accustomed to using Fahrenheit for temperatures than Celsius, the simplest method for an approximate conversion is to double the Celsius temperature and add 32. Hence, 20 degrees Celsius = (2x20)+32 = 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Capital city temperatures:
- Cairns summer 31C winter 18C
- Brisbane summer 29C Winter 10C
- Whitsundays summer 29C winter 12C
- Alice Springs summer 36C winter 6C
- Hobart summer 22C winter 4C
- Melbourne summer 27C winter 5C
- Sydney summer 26C winter 8C
- Darwin summer 32C winter 19C
- Adelaide summer 30C winter 14C
- Perth summer 32C winter 8C
Wherever you go though, remember that the Australian sun is very powerful so sunscreen and a hat should be part of your everyday hand luggage.
Do I need an international drivers licence to hire a car?
All drivers must hold a current, non-probationary licence (with an English translation shown on the licence) from their country of residence, or an international drivers permit. Licences (and a valid passport) must be carried at all times when driving, and for rentals longer than three months, licence regulations should be checked with the motor registration authority on arrival in Australia.
When is the best time to go scuba diving?
Scuba divers will be rewarded in many areas of Australia, not just the Great Barrier Reef. There are also excellent dive spots around Sydney, off the NSW & Queensland coast. Wherever there is good diving there will be professional dive shops with instructors for all levels and gear hire. Diving in Australia is available year round, sunlight will make visibility better and turbulent weather, rough seas and rain can also effect visibility.
How long does it take to drive from Sydney to Cairns?
Visitors to Australia are always surprised at the size of Australia and the time and distance it takes to travel between places. Sydney to Cairns is 2447km or about 36 hours continuous driving with limited toilet stops.
Are the jellyfish dangerous?
Most jellyfish in Australia are harmless gelatinous creatures with umbrella like bodies and flowing tentacles. However, the box jellyfish, found in tropical Queensland, are extremely nasty. Called stingers they can inflict excruciating pain and even death from a single brush. In the wet season (November to April) they live off the coast and swimming is only advised in enclosed areas (most beaches have these). The good news is, these jellyfish are never found on the Great Barrier Reef itself so it is safe to swim, snorkel and dive there all year round. But, on the coast, observe the signs.
Where can I get an Australian Visa from?
If you are planning a holiday or short trip to Australia you will need to apply for either a visa or an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). For more information please see the following website: http://www.eta.immi.gov.au
