Stray Sydney to Cairns 21 day 20 night

From: $6,395.00

  • 20% OFF 15TH JULY DEPARTURE ONLY $5116 SAVE $1279
  • Depart Sydney Finish Cairns
  • Stray Guded 21 days tour
  • See all the East Coast Highlights
  • Some meals are included
  • Dorm-style accommodation
  • Includes Whitsundays and Fraser island

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Description

Above all, this is our largest and best tour. The Stray Sydney to Cairns 21-Day Emu Tour will take you on a long journey up the East Coast. The Emu is the ideal travel companion to lead you from Sydney all the way up to tropical Cairns. You’ll visit glistening beaches and beautiful rainforests, interact with cheeky wildlife, and meet welcoming locals. And find some off-the-beaten-path destinations that aren’t on the typical tourist route. You’ll experience all that Australia has to offer in style while traveling with a local guide. Who will share their insider knowledge and a group of like-minded travelers who will become lifelong friends.

Whats included

Stray Private Coach Small Group

Firstly, take the pressure off, kick back, relax, soak up the scenery, and let someone else do the driving. Only Stray travels by private, air-conditioned bus. All the way from Sydney to Cairns, with a maximum of 24 onboard for your comfort.  See more and do more along the way, with stops for walks, waterfalls, swimming holes, food, and wine tasting!

Stray Guide

So much more than just your tour guide: expect entertaining anecdotes, great recommendations, extra support, and local insider knowledge. because they know every inch of this country. You can’t get this from a Google search!

Stray Accommodation

20 nights are included. Your accommodation is in 4-6 shared dorms in a range of hostels, backpacker resorts, and eco-lodges. Also apart from 2 nights K’Gari or Fraser Island (safari tents) and 2 nights Whitsunday Sailing (shared dorms or sections onboard yacht),

Stray meals

24 meals included 13 Breakfasts 4 Lunches 7 Dinners

Top-rated Experience

Waterfalls, canoeing, sailing, wildlife spotting! There are so many awesome inclusions with this tour, and we can’t wait for you to experience them:

  • Above all, discover your inner wine connoisseur at Hunter Valley. And taste award-winning samples fresh from the vineyard
  • Catch a glimpse of local wildlife and snap the amazing views at Port Stephens
  • Get a closer look at Australia’s laziest (and cutest) marsupials at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
  • Visit the quirky towns of Bellingen, Eumundi and Kuranda
  • Connect and gain an understanding of the incredible Aboriginal Culture through a bush walk and culturalexperience
  • Center yourself with a yoga class in laid-back Byron Bay
  • Drop into the iconic Surfers Paradise and a local conservation park
  • Spend a night exploring the buzzing riverside city of Brisbane
  • Have free time in Byron, Noosa, and Cairns to relax or explore at your own pace on another great day.
  • Embark on a 3-day 4WD safari to K’Gari/Fraser Island. Camp under the stars, visit a shipwreck and swim in crystal-clear waters before enjoying sundowners at sunset
  • Also visit the Mon Repos Turtle Centre to discover how incredible turtles really are. And taste some of Bundaberg‘s famous rum
  • Explore the breath-taking Whitsunday Islands during a 2-day/2-night sailing trip. Snorkel over vibrant, fringing reefs and visit some of the world’s most pristine beaches
  • Discover the magic of the Atherton Tablelands, from amazing waterfalls and lush rainforest to a pristine crater lake!
  • Go for a moonlit paddle through the rainforest to stargaze and spot wildlife
  • Enjoy the relaxed Cairns lifestyle and the fun nightlife that it’s famous for!

Your travel itinerary

G’day and welcome to your epic East Coast adventure. Your tour begins in Sydney with a day to yourself to explore the city sights and world famous landmarks. If you’ve just flown in, we recommend taking the train from the airport to Central Station. Your accommodation is conveniently located straight across the road. Check into the hostel anytime after 2pm, and why not begin your trip with a delicious cocktail? head down to Circular Quay and the Opera Bar. Located at the base of the Opera House, with views of the Harbour Bridge. You’ll get all the iconic Sydney pics you can dream of. At 7pm head down to the hostel bar for pizza night. To meet your Stray guide and travel mates for the next few weeks.

Accommodation included: Wake Up Sydney or similar

Optional activities: Bondi to Coogee beach walk, visit Darling Harbour, explore King Street Wharf, Royal Botanic Gardens, Taronga Zoo, walk around the Opera House and the Rocks, the oldest area of Sydney. You can also take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly.

Meal options: Head down to the hostel bar for Pizza Night

We depart the harbour city this morning and make our way north to the Hunter Valley wine region. Where we’ll taste some of the local wine and cheese before continuing through to Port Stephens. Our destination for the night.

We’ll be staying at the Surfside hostel, set on 6 acres of natural bushland, with kangaroos and wallabies on site. This boutique accommodation is about creating a relaxing experience in an environmentally conscious way. They’ve used wood and glass to maximise light and ensured all development encompasses the natural flora and fauna.

Once we’ve checked in, you can explore the area, relax, or head to the beach for a swim.

Tonight, we’ll enjoy a classic Aussie BBQ dinner and get to know each other – anyone have a good icebreaker?

Accommodation: Surfside Hostel

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants

Meals included: BBQ Dinner

Included activity: Wine and Cheese Tasting

Free activities: Wildlife spotting at our accommodation, Swim or walk at the beach

This morning either enjoy a relaxing sleep in, or get up bright and early and jump in a 4WD bus. To partake in some first-class sandboarding down the Stockton Sand Dunes (optional expense). The local guide will teach you how to safely sandboard. As well as inform you all about the amazing area and the rich aboriginal history of the region.

Depending on the conditions, we can go for a walk to the summit of Tomaree Head. Which stands at 161 metres above the Port Stephens entrance. This short 2.2km return track offers breathtaking views of the coastline and panoramic views of Yacaaba Head, Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands. As well as Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches, Fingal Island and Point Stephens Lighthouse. You might even be lucky enough to see some dolphins (and if it’s May – September, you could see Whales!).

Late morning, we’ll pack up and move on to our next overnight stop, Port Macquarie. We’ll have lunch on the way before visiting the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Where we’ll get a closer look at Australia’s laziest (and arguably cutest) marsupials. Check out the information centre to learn all about the hospital’s efforts to rehabilitate, protect and preserve the koalas.

Accommodation: Port Macquarie YHA or similar

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants

Optional paid activities: Sandboarding

Meals included: Breakfast

Included activity: Koala Hospital visit

Free activities: Sleep in, swim, relax on the beach, Headland Walk

Today we’re heading to the iconic surfing town of Byron Bay, known for its relaxed vibes and no worries attitude. On the way to Byron, we’ll stop at the historic and hipster town of Bellingen to get some lunch, followed by a special Aboriginal experience learning about the First Nations people of Australia.

Your Cultural Experience takes place at an important cultural site of the Gumbaynggirr people, the stunning location of “Niigi Niigi” (Sealy Lookout) within the Orara East State Forest. You’ll go for a 2-hour tour and see 360 degree views, as well as getting the opportunity to immerse yourself in culture through stories, songs, language and the uses of native plants. By taking part in the experience, you’re making a direct contribution to the revitalisation of Gumbaynggirr language and culture. This will be an unforgettable cultural experience with an emphasis on authentic connection and contributing to helping a community regain their culture and identity.

When we arrive in Byron Bay, we’ll take you on an orientation drive around town to help you get your bearings, showing you points of interest and the top spots for food, shopping and nightlife. For the next few nights we’re staying at boutique hostel The Surf House, located right in the heart of Byron and just a couple of hundred metres from the main beach – heaven!

Accommodation: The Surf House or similar

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants, BBQ at the rooftop of the hostel

Meals included: Breakfast

Included activities: Historic town and Aboriginal Cultural Experience

Today you have a full day in Byron Bay to “cheer up, slow down, and chill out” as the town’s famous welcome sign instructs. Start your day off with a morning yoga class on the rooftop of your hostel and then spend your day exploring the laidback hippy town.

You can walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse, mainland Australia’s most easterly point, or check out the many eclectic boutiques and cafes around town. You could join a sea kayaking or snorkel trip and search for dolphins and other marine life, or even go for an iconic Australian activity – learning to surf.

Accommodation: The Surf House or similar

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants

Optional paid activities: Surf lesson, dolphin kayak, skydive

Included activity: Morning yoga class

Free activities: Walk to the lighthouse, swim, relax on the beach, check out the shops and cafes, free surfboard hire

You lucky thing – you have ANOTHER free day to explore Byron Bay today. Tick off any activities you didn’t get the chance to do yesterday, or pass the day wandering the township or relaxing on the beach. Hone your surf skills with more lessons or borrow one of the free surfboards at your hostel to try it out by yourself.

If you’re a foodie, we assure you that eating your way around Byron is an experience in itself.  There are heaps of vegetarian and vegan options available, a couple of our favourites are the Cardamom Pod for lunch and No Bones for dinner, both of which are super close to your hostel. This evening, head to the Saturday twilight markets for some live music and lots of boutique stalls showcasing local arts, crafts and some incredible food.

Accommodation: The Surf House or similar

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants.  We recommend trying one of the many great vegan options!

Optional paid activities: Surf lesson, dolphin kayak, snorkel or dive, skydive

Free activities: Walk to the lighthouse, swim, relax on the beach, check out the shops and cafes

This morning, meet your guide and group outside the Surf House hostel at 8:50am. Then we’ll jump on the Stray bus and depart north across the NSW border to Queensland, and head to the famous Surfers Paradise where we’ll stretch our legs and grab some lunch. We’ll then head to a nearby nature reserve to spot some wild kangaroos, before continuing to Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland for the night. And head down to Southbank for a walk along the Brisbane River and then check out some of the many bars and restaurants.  We’ll then head to a nearby nature reserve to spot some wild kangaroos, before continuing to Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland for the night. We’ll head down to Southbank for a walk along the Brisbane River and then check out some of the many bars and restaurants.

Accommodation: Brisbane YHA or similar

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants

Free activities: Visit Surfers Paradise, kangaroo spotting, catch the Brisbane city ferry

It’s a relaxed departure today as we leave Brisbane mid-morning and make our way north to Noosa. We’ll stop along the way for lunch and a walk to see incredible views of Noosa and Noosa headlands before arriving at our accommodation in the afternoon.

Our Noosa accommodation is less of a hostel and more of a resort, with a pool and a licensed cafe (did someone say poolside margaritas?) as well as designer dorms with privacy screens and USB charging points. This evening, we’ll grab a drink at the bar and make plans to head and explore Noosa.

Accommodation: Bounce Noosa

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, dinner at hostel

Meals included: Breakfast, drink on arrival

Free activities: Swim, walks, lookouts

Today you have a completely free day to spend doing whatever you like. Explore the Everglades by kayak, or book a skydive and see Noosa and its surroundings from above. Grab a sun lounger and get some much-needed R&R; go for a walk around the incredible headland, visit the beach or have a long, lazy lunch in the sun because you deserve it. The Noosa Surf Club is one of our faves so if you’d like to go out for dinner, you can’t go wrong with a local hotspot!

Accommodation: Bounce Noosa

Optional paid activities:  Everglades Kayak, Skydive, Surf Lesson

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants

Free activities: Chilling by the resort pool, going for a walk in the National Park, visiting the famous beach or checking out the local boutiques and cafes

It’s an early start this morning as you head out for your 3-day, 2-night K’Gari (Fraser Island) adventure. During this amazing experience you’ll explore the largest sand island in the world on a 4WD expedition, see the magical Lake Boorangoora (Mckenzie), discover towering rainforests, spot a wild dingo, cruise along endless sandy beaches, and lose yourself in the magic of stargazing. If you fancy learning how to drive a 4WD, you can do that! This is going to be one of the best experiences of your whole trip and is definitely the best way to explore this world-heritage-listed National Park.

After a bus, ferry and 4WD transfer, you’ll arrive at Beach Camp on K’gari (your accommodation for the next 2 nights). You’ll have some tasty lunch and then you can check out the camp which has a kitchen and a deck with ocean views. We’ll then head out for your first adventure to see some of the Island highlights.

This evening, you’ll arrive back at camp to enjoy dinner, share stories, play the didgeridoo around the campfire and engage in some mind-blowing stargazing. Tonight, you’ll be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves as you settle into your safari tent (which includes a comfy mattress and hotel quality linens).

Accommodation: Beach Camp K’gari (Fraser Island) Safari Tents*

*Between Oct-Nov 22 the groups will be staying in cabins rather than safari tents.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks

Included activities: K’gari adventure tour

This morning, wake up to the gorgeous golden sunrise over the ocean, enjoy breakfast and get ready for a fun-filled morning exploring K’gari and her hidden treasures. Enjoy lunch on the beach and then spend the afternoon discovering more lakes (there are over 100!) and epic views before arriving back to camp in time for another dinner under the stars and some fun evening activities.

Accommodation: Beach Camp K’gari (Fraser Island) in 2-3 share Safari Tents*

*Between Oct-Nov 22 the groups will be staying in cabins rather than safari tents.

es included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks

Included activities: K’gari adventure tour

After breakfast today you’ll hit the inland tracks to discover towering trees and take one last refreshing dip, enjoy lunch in the forest and then begin your journey back to the mainland, arriving into Rainbow Beach around mid-afternoon ready for your next journey north up to Bundaberg.

Bundaberg is well-known for sugarcane, rum, ginger beer and more recently has been called the ‘Bundaberg Bowl’ for its reputation of growing and producing fresh food that’s served across the country. Your accommodation in Bundaberg is a relaxed eco-resort, this time you’ll be located by a nature reserve and have access to a spa, sauna, tennis courts and more!  Tonight we’ll have a group BBQ dinner and a chilled evening.

It’s a day of exploring Bundaberg today! After breakfast we’ll head to the Mon Repos turtle centre for a wholesome morning learning all about these amazing animals. The centre supports the largest concentration of nesting mating turtles on the eastern Australian mainland.  You can grab a snack or lunch at the onsite indigenous inspired Gidji cafe.

In the afternoon we’ll head to the Bundaberg Rum Centre for a tour of their distillery and a tasting of their iconic rum. Or, if you’d prefer a full day out on the water and the chance to visit the Southern part of the Great Barrier Reef, your guide can book you onto the incredible Lady Musgrave Full Day Snorkel Tour for a day of snorkelling, a boat cruise, island walk and delicious food.

Accommodation: Kelly’s Eco Resort or similar

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants

Optional paid activities: Lady Musgrave Full Day Snorkel Tour

Meals included: Breakfast

Included Activities:  Rum Tasting

Free activities: Checking out Bargara Beach

Today is a big drive day to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the amazing Whitsunday Islands, so load up on the snacks, make sure your phone is charged, and you’ve got some good tunes loaded up. We’ll make some stops to stretch our legs and see some sweet views along the way, arriving in Airlie in the evening.

Accommodation: Base Airlie Beach or similar

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, bakery, restaurants

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, enjoy a sleep in, take a stroll down to the Airlie lagoon for a dip, and then check in and receive your briefing for your sailing trip. After lunch, head down to the marina to meet your crew and jump onboard a 76-foot, maxi-sailing yacht, which will be your home for the next two days. As you leave the marina and Airlie Beach behind you, watch your crew hoist the sails for an exhilarating cruise out to the Whitsunday Islands, part of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Once you arrive out around the islands, jump in for a swim or snorkel amongst the fringing reef, and then enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand on one of the crew’s favourite little beaches. In the evening, relax on deck, have a few drinks, and get to know the crew. Stargaze and let the calm waters gently rock you to sleep. For the adventurous, mats are provided to sleep on deck under the stars, or if you prefer a bit more comfort, a bed awaits you below deck.

Accommodation: Open shared dorm-style accommodation on a maxi sailing yacht

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes

Meals included: Afternoon Snacks, Dinner & Dessert (BYO drinks)

Included activities: Sailing, snorkelling and exploring the Whitsunday Islands

This morning, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re in paradise. But as you wake up on a yacht surrounded by beautiful islands and enjoy a delicious breakfast on deck as you sail towards Whitsunday Island, home to the best beach in the world, Whitehaven Beach, You’ll disembark and enjoy a bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout, and then spend the rest of the day exploring and relaxing on Whitehaven Beach. You can also go snorkelling today, enjoy a sunset beach session, and have another fun evening onboard with your group and the crew.

Accommodation: Shared dorm cabins or sections on a maxi sailing yacht

Meals included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner & Dessert

Included activities: Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, bushwalking,sailing, and snorkeling

Enjoy your final morning on-board the yacht, have one last magical swim or snorkel, and then sail on back to Airlie Beach. This afternoon, we’ll jump back on the bus and head to Townsville.  We’ll then catch the ferry over to our next destination, Magnetic Island, in the late afternoon. Nearly 50% of ‘Maggie Island’ is national parkland, and it’s surrounded by amazing beaches and abundant wildlife. Your guide will fill you in on the activities you can do around the island over the next couple of days.

Accommodation: Selina or similar

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants

Meals included: Breakfast, Morning Tea

Included Activities: Sailing, Snorkeling, Magnetic island ferry

Today you will wake up in paradise and have a full free day to explore. This beautiful island is home to the historic Forts Complex, which you see in a scenic walk with your Guide. At the end, you’ll be rewarded with some incredible views over the island and ocean beyond. Spend the rest of your day relaxing on the secluded beaches, hiking through native bush or searching for wildlife! Top tip: stay alert and keep your eyes on the trees, Maggie Island is one of the best places in Australia to see koalas in the wild!

Accommodation:  Selina or similar

Meal options: Self-cater, bakery or cafes

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Free activities: Walk

We’ll catch the ferry back to the mainland in the morning, and then we’ll get on the road again and head up to the stunning Atherton Tablelands. We’ll stop at the famous Millaa Millaa Falls along the way for a swim and some amazing photo ops.

We’ll go for a walk and a swim in Lake Eacham, a beautiful crater lake, and visit the heritage-listed Curtain Fig Tree, before making our way to Cairns. Tonight, we’re staying at an amazing resort with its own man-made beach! We’ll have a group dinner at the resort and then check out the legendary Cairns nightlife.

Accommodation: Gilligan’s Cairns or similar

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Included activities: Magnetic Island ferry, swim, walk, waterfalls

Today is a completely free day. So if you have a few too many cocktails last night, enjoy a lazy sleep-in. And perhaps some hair-of-the-dog by the pool in the afternoon. If you’re ready for another day of adventure, why not book into a tour of Cape Tribulation? Or go to see the iconic Great Barrier Reef?

Accommodation: Gilligan’s Cairns or similar

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants

Optional Activities: Cape Tribulation day trip, bungy jump, Great Barrier Reef trip, skydive, rafting

Meals included: Breakfast

Free activities: Hang out at the amazing resort pool, walk the Esplanade, another option visit the Botanical gardens

Today is the final day of your Stray adventure. Give a wave and a hug to your new friends and head off for the next leg of your adventure. Taking with you the most incredible memories and everything you’ve learned about Australia’s special culture and wildlife And of course, some classic Aussie lingo: G’day Mates!

Important info before travel

    • Trip starts: Arrival day is on a Monday and we depart from Sydney on Tuesday morning.

    • Transport: Travel by private Stray bus, ferry and 4WD (K’Gari/Fraser Island), sailing yacht (Whitsundays).

    • Included meals: Any dietary requirements or allergies must be advised upon booking. So that they can be catered to where possible.

    • Guides: Additionally your Guide is your Bus Driver, Activity Organiser, Tour Guide, and friend. They’re always on hand to give you travel trips, advice and any help you need.

    • Stray Travellers: Find your tribe and make meaningful connections together with travellers from all over the world. The majority of our passengers are aged between 20-35 but there is no age limit!

    • But you just need to be reasonably fit and be young at heart! 70% of our travellers are travelling solo.

    • Stray Covid Safety Measures: Staff and operators we will be doing everything we can to reduce the risk of transmission. And we will be playing it safe with safety measures. Such as regular bus cleaning and disinfecting, and having hand sanitiser on the bus. If you would like a copy of our full COVID-19 Safety Plan,

You should bring a backpack or small/medium suitcase (up to 15kg) filled with…

  • Your clothes with at least one warm jumper and a pair of trousers.
  • Swimsuit / Towel
  • Bug repellent
  • Reef Safe Sunblock / Hat
  • Day pack
  • Water bottle
  • Waterproof jacket (shell)
  • Walking shoes/trainers
  • Sarong/shawl


In winter (May – September) we also suggest packing a warm hat, jacket and light thermals or clothes you can layer, particularly for the South Island of New Zealand where it gets very cold. In Asia between Nov – Mar it can also get pretty cold in Northern Thailand and Laos and you will need a warm jumper and trousers.

You won’t be needing…

  • Sleeping bag
  • Pillow
  • Blankets or sheets

  1. These points make up all of the terms of contract between Stray (‘Stray’ or ‘us/we’) and the customer (‘passenger/you’).
  2. Prices: Prices: All prices are inclusive of tax. Prices listed on Stray’s website may be rounded. The final amount charged may vary +/- $0.50 of the advertised price.  New Zealand products are priced in NZD. Australian products are priced in AUD. Asia products are priced in USD
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  4. Behaviour: Stray is not a common carrier and therefore can refuse to carry a person whose behaviour is detrimental to the enjoyment of the group. By travelling with Stray you agree to accept the authority of the Guide and accept their decisions. Our staff are entitled to a safe working environment, and our passengers to a great experience. Any threats to safety, being physical or verbal, or inappropriate behaviour may result in removal from the trip. If a Guide requires a passenger to leave the trip no refunds will be given and the passenger in question will be responsible for their own travel costs from that point.
  5. Published information: Stray will endeavour to adhere to published/stated departure, arrival and general travel times however on occasion, external and unpredictable events may prevent us from meeting these times. In these scenarios Stray is not liable for any loss or damage arising out of, or consequentially upon, any abandonment of, or delay in, any departure. We make a concerted effort to ensure the accuracy of our brochure, Stray Mate and website content however on occasion details may vary. Liaise with your Guide or Stray’s reservations team for clarification. Where a new brochure has been published (as shown by the validity date) it supersedes all older brochures. Anything listed in the brochure as free is not considered included in the ticket price and is non-refundable and non-transferable, no matter what the circumstances.
  6. Disruptions: Stray will not be held liable for unforeseen disruptions to your trip that are beyond our control (weather, natural disasters, third party service changes, etc). We will always endeavour to assist you but encourage you to take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy that will cover you for unforeseen disruptions, cancelling and cutting short your trip, delayed departures, accident and medical.
  7. Sickness & injury: While all care will be taken, Stray will not be held liable for any sickness or injury to any customer.
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  9. Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is not included with Stray passes or tours. Adequate and valid travel insurance is compulsory to travel with Stray in all regions. Your travel insurance policy must cover you for accidents, injury, illness and death medical expenses, including any related to pre-existing medical conditions, emergency repatriation (including helicopter rescue and air ambulance where applicable) and personal liability. Stray also recommends that it covers tour cancellation or curtailment, loss of/damage to luggage, personal effects and natural disasters. When travelling with us in Asia, you must provide Stray with your travel insurance details prior to departure and carry your policy information with you while travelling and produce it on request. Your trip may be cancelled or you may be removed from a tour if you cannot provide proof of travel insurance at any time. We do not take responsibility for any personal possessions lost under any circumstances.
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  12. Illegal activity: If passengers are caught with non-prescription, illegal drugs or partaking in illegal activities while travelling with Stray, any resulting consequences (incarceration, capital punishment and even death) will result in the passengers Stray pass/tour being nullified (voided) without refund. Stray will refuse carriage and will take no responsibility for passengers partaking in illegal activities.
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  14. Deposit payments: A $200 deposit is required upon booking. Full payment is required within 6 months of the booking or a minimum of 31 days prior to departure (whichever comes first). If the full payment is not received in the designated time frame, Stray reserves the right to cancel the booking. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. When you pay by deposit, you have committed to paying the price advertised at the time of booking, regardless of any price changes or alternative promotions that become available. If you want to cancel your Stray pass after pay the deposit, please check the details of Stray’s Cancellation Policy.
  15. Promotions with free inclusions or value-adds: A value added product (which could be a pass, journey, accommodation, activity or good) is a product which is included free of charge with the purchase of another Stray product. Value-added products cannot be sold, transferred to another traveller’s name, exchanged for a refund or an alternative product. If a traveller is unable to redeem the value-add product within 18 months of the original purchase it is forfeited. Once travel has commenced, Stray’s Cancellation Policy applies and neither of the bundled products is subject to a refund. If a promotion has bespoke terms or conditions for a free or value-added offer (e.g. travel date restrictions) these will supersede our standard conditions. [term amended from 12 months to 18 months on 11 March 2020]
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  18. Disputes: Should you wish to raise any issues regarding your trip, it is your responsibility to notify Stray as soon as possible so that we have every reasonable opportunity to resolve the issue.
    If you are currently travelling: Advise your Stray Guide of your concern immediately so that steps can be taken to address the matter. If you would prefer to contact Stray directly, email feedback@straytravel.com.
    If you have finished travelling: You must email feedback@straytravel.com within 28 days of the dispute in question.
    We will not consider claims that are submitted 28 days after the dispute in question. Please provide a valid email address so we can provide a written response.
  19. Law: These terms and conditions apply to the extent that they are NOT inconsistent with, or in contravention of, any obligation imposed on Stray by local law in the country of travel.
  20. Children: New Zealand Tours: Children aged 12-17 may travel, only if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (The Select Tours only). Children are entitled to 15% off the full retail price of Stray Journeys Select Tour based on their age at the time of commencing travel (not booking). Australia Tours: Children aged 12-17 may travel if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (The Select Tours only). Asia Tours: Children aged 12-17 may travel if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Travellers aged 16 or 17 years old can only travel alone with a signed consent form from a parent or guardian (contact Stray reservations for the form – book@straytravel.com). Please note: some of Stray’s accommodations in Asia are 18+ only, which means that any travellers younger than 17 may need to find alternative accommodation or stay in a private room.
  21. Luggage: Luggage must be limited to one backpack, bag or case per person with a maximum weight of 15kgs as our buses have limited storage space. You may also travel with a daypack for cameras, valuables, raincoats and items you will need to access throughout the day. Stray does not take any responsibility for any damage to, or loss of, any property or personal effects under any circumstances while passengers are utilising any of the services which Stray provides or markets.
  22. Fuel: We have fuel efficient buses to minimise our consumption but we reserve the right to put in place a fuel surcharge (at any time post ticket purchase) if fuel prices increase significantly during the pricing validity. Any surcharge will be payable to your Guide on your first day of travel. It will be a maximum of $30 local currency (NZD/AUD/USD) and will be clearly outlined online if initiated.
  23. Water safety: During your Stray trip there are options to be involved in swimming or water based activities independent of Stray and its partners. It is the passenger’s sole responsibility to determine if he or she is qualified and capable of participating in any water activity, and he or she chooses to participate at their own discretion.
  24. Fitness: Our tours are active so a reasonable amount of fitness is required. We undertake walks throughout the day to break up travel days.  If you have any concerns regarding your suitability for any of our tours, please discuss this with our reservations staff before booking.
  25. Dietary requirements and allergies: Any dietary requirements or allergies must be advised upon booking so they can be catered to where possible.
  26. Cancellations: If you cancel your pass or tour a cancellation fee will apply. See Stray’s Cancellation Policy.