Congratulations on booking your Cooee Tour! Good preparation is the difference between a holiday that flows smoothly and one spent dealing with avoidable problems. This guide covers everything you need to check, organise, and pack before you depart — so you can focus on the experience rather than the logistics.
📋 Four Things to Sort First
Manage Your Booking
Log in to the Cooee Tours Tour Personaliser and complete your traveller details — dietary requirements, medical conditions, emergency contacts, and any special requests. The more we know in advance, the better we can tailor your experience. Check that your name matches exactly as it appears on your passport.
Update your booking →
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa requirements vary significantly depending on your passport country and destination. For tours in Australia, international visitors typically require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) or Tourist Visa — both applied for online before travel via the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Always verify current requirements as rules change without notice.
Check visa requirements ↗
Health & Wellbeing
Review any health requirements or vaccinations relevant to your destination. Carry enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus a few extra days as a buffer in case of delays. If you have food allergies or a medical condition that needs to be managed on tour, advise your booking agent before departure and notify your tour director on arrival.
Discuss health requirements →
Frequently Asked Questions
We've compiled answers to the most common pre-departure questions from our travellers covering luggage limits, document timelines, dietary needs, travel insurance, and what to expect on arrival. See the full FAQ section below for detailed answers to each topic.
Explore all FAQs →✅ Top 7 Tips for Travelling with Cooee
Check your passport expiration date
All travellers must hold a passport valid for at least six months after the end of their trip. Do not assume your passport is fine — check the expiry date on the photo page before booking flights. Always carry your passport and other travel documents in your hand luggage, never in checked baggage which could be lost or delayed. If you need to renew, allow a minimum of 6–8 weeks in Australia — longer during peak periods and particularly around school holidays and summer.
Get comprehensive travel insurance
Cooee Tours strongly recommends comprehensive medical and travel insurance covering your entire time away from home — including any pre-tour and post-tour independent travel. Your policy should cover medical expenses (including emergency evacuation, which can be extraordinarily expensive in remote areas), trip cancellation, delayed or lost luggage, and any activities you plan to undertake. Pack your policy document in your carry-on, and add your insurer's emergency contact number to your phone before you leave. Add your insurance policy details to your Tour Personaliser so all your important information is in one place.
Expect your documents one week before departure
Approximately one week before your tour departs, you will receive all required documents via email — including any flights and hotel reservations made with Cooee Tours. Check your spam or junk folder if you haven't received them 5 days before departure. Print copies as a backup if you prefer paper documents, and take a screenshot of your confirmation on your phone. If anything appears incorrect or is missing, contact us immediately at contact@waggiegroup.com or 0409 661 342.
Pack a universal travel adaptor
Australia uses Type I sockets (the angled three-pin flat plug) at 230V/50Hz. If you're travelling from the US, Japan, Europe, or the UK, you will need an adaptor for your phone charger, laptop, and any other appliances. A compact universal travel adaptor handles all international plug types and saves the frustration of finding your devices won't charge on arrival. USB-C charging cables are increasingly available at most Australian airports if you forget.
Prepare your medications before you leave
Pack a personal medical kit in your carry-on, as pharmacies can be difficult to access and some medications require a prescription. Carry all prescription medications in their original labelled containers with a copy of the prescription. A suggested packing list for your medical kit:
- General-purpose antibiotic (discuss with your GP before travel)
- Cold, flu, and sore throat medication
- Your preferred pain relief (paracetamol or ibuprofen)
- Medication for gastrointestinal upsets
- Antihistamines for allergies or insect reactions
- Blister pads and bandaids in various sizes
- Insect repellent (DEET-based for tropical Queensland and the Northern Territory)
- Any personal prescription medications with at least 5 extra days' supply
Know the luggage limits and pack accordingly
The majority of Cooee Tours allow 16–20kg of checked luggage per person. Pack clothing appropriate for the season of your destination — even in summer many Australian regions get significantly cooler in the evenings, so include a light jacket or fleece layer. We recommend lightweight, breathable fabrics and rain protection for wet weather. Pack light to medium weight clothing that can be layered. Quality walking shoes are essential for all tours. Packing light makes transfers faster, protects you from excess baggage fees, and leaves room for souvenirs on the return journey.
Sort your Australian currency before departure
For tours within Australia you'll use Australian Dollars (AUD). Major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted at virtually all venues. However, for farmers' markets, small local vendors, and tips for excellent service, some cash is useful. If you're arriving from overseas, you can withdraw AUD from ATMs at all major Australian airports. Travel debit cards with low international conversion fees (Wise, Revolut) are a cost-effective option for international travellers. Avoid currency exchange booths at airports if possible — rates are typically poor.
🎒 Pre-Departure Checklist
Use this as your final checklist in the days before you leave. Tick each item off as you complete it.
- Passport valid 6+ months beyond return
- Visa confirmed (if required)
- Travel insurance purchased & docs packed
- Tour confirmation email saved/printed
- Tour Personaliser completed
- Prescription medications packed (carry-on)
- Personal medical kit assembled
- Universal travel adaptor packed
- Walking shoes broken in before departure
- Light jacket / warm layer packed
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ and broad-brim hat
- Phone charger + backup battery
- Emergency contacts saved in phone
- Insurer's emergency number saved
- Luggage weight checked (16–20kg max)
- Itinerary shared with someone at home
Luggage Weight Tip
Weigh your bags at home before departure using luggage scales — airport excess charges can be significant. If your bags are over the limit, consider wearing heavier items on travel day or shipping some items ahead.
🛬 What to Expect on Arrival
Your tour experience begins the moment you arrive. Here's what to expect in the first 24 hours:
Tour Director Meet & Greet
Your Cooee Tours director will meet you at the designated meeting point detailed in your pre-departure email. They will brief you on the tour schedule, introduce the group, and answer any immediate questions. If you're arriving late due to a delayed flight, contact us as soon as possible on 0409 661 342.
First Night: Get Your Bearings
Use your first evening to rest from travel, sort your luggage for the days ahead, charge all your devices, and confirm any medication schedules. A good night's sleep before Day 1 of your tour makes an enormous difference to how much you enjoy the experience. Don't plan intensive activity for your arrival evening.
Keep Your Documents Safe
Keep your passport, tour documents, and travel insurance paperwork on your person or in the room safe at all times. Take photos of all key documents and email them to yourself — if originals are lost, having a digital copy makes replacement significantly faster.
📞 Get in Touch
Our team is available to answer any questions you have before your tour. We'd rather you asked than arrived uncertain about something important. Don't hesitate to reach out — that's what we're here for.
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Location
Brisbane, QLD, AustraliaReady to Book Your Next Australian Tour?
Browse Cooee Tours' small-group day experiences across Queensland — Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Cairns. Expert local guides, transparent pricing, and everything you need sent to you a week before departure.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long before my trip should my passport be valid?
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the last day of your trip. Always check this well before booking international flights. If renewal is needed, allow 6–8 weeks minimum in Australia — longer during peak periods. Always carry your passport in your hand luggage.
Do I need travel insurance for an Australian tour?
Cooee Tours strongly recommends comprehensive medical and travel insurance for your entire trip. Your policy should cover medical expenses and emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and baggage. Pack the policy document and add your insurer's emergency number to your phone before departure. Add insurance details to your Tour Personaliser so everything is in one place.
When will I receive my tour documents?
Approximately one week before your tour departs, you will receive all required documents via email — including any flights and hotel reservations made with Cooee Tours. Check your spam folder if you haven't received them by 5 days before departure. Contact us immediately if anything is missing or incorrect.
What are the luggage limits on Cooee Tours?
The majority of Cooee Tours allow 16–20kg of checked luggage. Pack for the season of your destination — even warm locations get cooler in the evenings, so include a light layer. Quality walking shoes are essential. Pack light to leave room for souvenirs and to make transfers easier throughout the tour.
Do I need a visa to visit Australia?
Visa requirements depend on your passport country. Australian and New Zealand citizens do not require a visa. Most other nationalities require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority), an eVisitor visa, or a Tourist visa — all applied for online before travel. Check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for current requirements specific to your nationality. Always apply well before travel — don't leave this until the week of departure.
How should I handle money on tour in Australia?
Australia uses Australian Dollars (AUD). Major credit and debit cards are accepted at virtually all venues. For smaller vendors, markets, and tips, some cash is useful. International travellers should consider a travel debit card with low conversion fees (Wise, Revolut) — these typically offer better rates than airport currency exchanges or your home bank's international rates.
What medical supplies should I pack?
Pack a personal medical kit in your carry-on including: pain relief (paracetamol or ibuprofen), cold/flu medication, medicine for gastrointestinal upsets, antihistamines, blister pads and bandaids, insect repellent (DEET-based for northern Queensland and the NT), and all prescription medications with at least 5 extra days' supply. Carry prescriptions in original labelled containers with a copy of the script.