Australia’s West Coast & Ningaloo Reef – 8 Day Boutique Comfort Tour
Category: Accommodation Package Sightseeing
Region: Dandaragan Exmouth
State: WA
Duration:
8days
Perth to Exmouth & Ningaloo Reef – 8 Day Boutique Tour. Locally owned & operated in small groups. Amazing wildlife and nature experiences daily. Real local experiences including first nations culture. Sleep well in handpicked accommodation.
Operated By:
Perth to Exmouth & Ningaloo Reef – 8 Day Boutique Tour
An eight-day adventure like no other. What other trip offers the chance to visit the towering natural limestone Pinnacles, snorkel the waters of Ningaloo Reef – and meet a whale shark (they’re harmless, don’t worry!) – enjoy bushtucker with the Nhanda and Malgana people, catch rock lobsters, go dolphin spotting, and more? None. Book now and experience it for yourself.
Included
Visit to the largest sand dunes in WA
Walk through the mysterious alien-like limestone towers of the Pinnacles at Nambung National Park
Monkey Mia Conservation Park – Dolphin Spotting with Local Ranger
Ningaloo Reef – Glass Bottom Boat Cruise & Snorkelling Experience
Kalbarri – Rock Lobster Pot Pull Boat Trip
Monkey Mia – Didgeridoo Dreaming Night Tour with Bush Tucker
Northampton – First nations community art gallery visit
Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake)
Kalbarri National Park – Z Bend, Natures Window & Kalbarri Skywalk
Shark Bay – Eagle Bluff Lookout & Shell Beach
Shark Bay – Hamelin Pool Stromatolites
Geraldton – Orientation tour
Carnarvon – Gwoonwardu Mia (Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre)
Vlamingh Head Lighthouse Visit – Exmouth
Small Group Tour (Max 16 Guests)
All Transport (Private vehicles, boat trips)
All Accommodation – comfortable locally owned hotels
Friendly & experienced local guide
7 Breakfasts
Full itinerary
Day 1: Pinnacles National Park & Geraldton
Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting in Perth at 8.30am, before we set out for the trendy seaside resort of Geraldton. But this isn’t just any journey. We’ll stop off along the way to take in the largest dunes in WA and the mysterious alien-like limestone towers of the Pinnacles at Nambung National Park, as well as checking out the Leaning Trees of Greenough and the lovely Jurien Bay, where you might spot a sea lion or two. In Geraldton, have an orientation drive around town before dinner, drinks, and a chance to get to know everyone.
Included Activities
Visit to the largest dunes in WA
Walk through the mysterious alien-like limestone towers of the Pinnacles at Nambung National Park
Geraldton orientation tour & the stunning HMAS memorial lookout
Included Meals
None
Accommodation – Hospitality Inn Geraldton
Day 2: Northampton & Kalbarri National Park
After a leisurely breakfast, we head to historical Northampton, one of the oldest towns in Western Australia. We’ll catch some heritage buildings dating back to the 1800s, and meet the artists at a First Nations gallery. Next up: the Pink Lake at Hutt Lagoon, which truly lives up to its name, before gazing in awe at the wind-eroded sandstone of Nature’s Window, the spectacular Z-Bend Gorge, and the Kalbarri Skywalk at Kalbarri National Park.
Included Activities
Northampton – First nations community art gallery visit
Pink Lake at Hutt Lagoon
Kalbarri National Park – Z Bend, Natures Window & Kalbarri Skywalk
Included Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation – Kalbarri Edge Resort
Day 3: Shark Bay & Monkey Mia
It’s a bit of an ocean-themed day today. Jump on a boat at the Kalbarri Marina to learn about the local rock lobster industry – and even pull up some lobster pots yourself, and keep your catch to enjoy later that evening! Then it’s one sealife legend to another, as we head off to scenic Monkey Mia, where the local Dolphin population thrives. Stop via the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve for some ‘living fossils’, and one of Shark Bay’s picturesque lookouts. Put your feet up at Monkey Mia, or hit the water, before an evening First Nations experience courtesy of the Nhanda and Malgana people. This is your chance to try the didgeridoo or traditional conch shell, and taste some bush tucker.
Included Activities
Kalbarri – Rock Lobster Pot Pull Boat Trip – keep your catch to enjoy later
Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve for some ‘living fossils’
Visit the beautiful Shell Beach which is formed from billions of tiny cockle shells
First Nations experience courtesy of the Nhanda and Malgana people – try the didgeridoo or traditional conch shell, and taste some bush tucker.
Included Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation – Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
Day 4: Shark Bay & Monkey Mia
Here’s a post-breakfast activity you don’t get every day: Bottlenose dolphin-spotting with WA Parks & Wildlife experts. Learn a bit about these magnificent animals, and then take some well-earned time off to relax on the beach, snap photos to make the folks back home jealous, or sit at the bar and watch the wildlife go by. If you fancy it, there’s a sunset cruise, and you’re invited, feel free to bring a sundowner with you. If you’re lucky you might spot the elusive sea cows, or ‘Dugongs’.
Included Activities
Bottlenose dolphin-spotting with the Parks & Wildlife experts
Free afternoon to walk the beaches, hire kayaks or relax by the pool in paradise
Optional Activity – Sunset cruise and the chance to spot the elusive sea cows, or ‘Dugongs’.
Included Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation – Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
Day 5: Carnarvon
It’s definitely a more spaced out day as we head to Carnarvon Space and Technology Centre for a quick photo stop. It was created to support NASA’s Gemini, Apollo and Skylab programs. Next up, we visit the Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre to learn about the region’s unique culture and country from its First Nations custodians. Snap some pics of the Carnarvon Cactus Farm, one of the town’s quirkiest sights, before heading to – Travel along the Gascoyne Food Trail. The trail features everything from bananas and avocados, to beans, beef, ice cream, and mangoes. Relax tonight – maybe take the chance for a stroll along the beautiful foreshore to a local restaurant?
Included Activities
Quick photo stop overlooking the Carnarvon Space and Technology Centre created to support NASA’s Gemini, Apollo and Skylab
Visit the Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre
Gascoyne Food Trail drive. The trail features everything from bananas and avocados, to beans, beef, ice cream, and mangoes
Included Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation – Hospitality Inns Carnarvon
Day 6: Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef & Exmouth
Today we are off Coral Bay, home to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, the world’s largest fringing reef, we’ll embark on a glass-bottom boat tour and snorkel experience, to see up to 250 species of coral and 500 species of fish. Further along the coast we visit Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, with stunning views, then rest up in Exmouth town.
Included Activities
Visit Ningaloo reef on a glass-bottom boat tour and snorkel experience
Visit Vlamingh Head Lighthouse with breathtaking views
Included Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation – Ningaloo Lodge Exmouth
Day 7: Exmouth
It’s your day. Experience a swim with the world famous whale sharks, go whale-spotting, swim with manta rays, or get your hiking boots on – the choice is yours. You can select your optional adventure when you book your tour, or your guide can help you get set up. Please note: Public transport is non-existent in Exmouth, so pre planning your activities is a must!
Optional Activities
Choose from many local activities on land or out on Ningaloo Reef – Swim with whale sharks, manta rays, or join a day tour to Cape Range National Park
Included Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation – Ningaloo Lodge Exmouth
Day 8: Exmouth
All good things must come to an end, sadly. It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers after breakfast (Or, if you booked additional accommodation, enjoy an extended stay and the chance to do more activities). Thanks for the memories!
Included Meals
Breakfast
Share:
Choose Via Tours for an excellent personalized small tour experience This small well run tour company offers excellent, well organized, and well executed tours for small groups of 9 to 16 people. We discovered that it was like traveling with a group of fun friends. Even as the oldest people (70s) in the group, we enjoyed the pool parties, snorkeling, surfing, exciting natural sites, seeing Australian animals, music in the buses and group Meals with younger travelers. We had occasional free afternoons to explore or nap! We are very well traveled and found this to be one of the most enjoyable tours we have had based on the small number and the expertise, compassion, flexibility, and knowledge of the driver and tour guide. Our trip was led by Eoin (Owen) and Tahnee, They were terrific. Their knowledge allowed us to enjoy locally family owned restaurants, snorkeling tours, surfing lessons, and very personalized services, and beautiful Hotels with good amenities. Choose Via!read moreread less
GLTG, Reservations At Autopia at Via Travel, responded to this review - 2026-03-05
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful review! It's fantastic to hear that you had an enjoyable experience with our small, well-run tour company. We’re glad you felt like you were traveling with fun friends and that you could indulge in a variety of activities like pool parties, snorkeling, surfing, and exploring exciting natural sites.
It's especially rewarding to know that Eoin (Owen) and Tahnee's expertise, compassion, and flexibility made your trip even more memorable. Their dedication to providing personalized service and local insights truly enhances the experience.
We appreciate your kind words and recommendation. Thank you for choosing Via, and we hope to host you again for more unforgettable adventures!
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Karen-Eve
28 Feb 2026
Amazing Australia The trip was amazing with Jason, our fearless professional guide!!! Very knowledgeable about the fauna and animal life through the areas we traveled.Also, always pointed us to good places to eat!! The group was small, only 6 people, which made a nice coherence with Jason. We enjoyed his professional leadership, his open and willing friendship, his friendly personality !!
An amazing unforgettable trip to Australia!!
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GLTG, Reservations at Via Travel, responded to this review - 2026-02-10
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! 🌸 We’re delighted you enjoyed the journey with Jason. We’re glad the small group setting added to the charm, and we’re honored to have been part of your unforgettable trip to Australia!
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Hanne
04 Feb 2026
Via Travel - 14 Day Boutique Tour didn’t meet our expectations. Based on the company’s overwhelmingly positive reviews and the promise of a “boutique” small-group experience, my husband and I booked a 14 day Via Travel guided tour from Sydney to Cairns at a total cost of AUD $16,980,. This was intended to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, including snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef.The tour was marketed as a boutique experience with a maximum of 16 guests. Prior to the tour I asked how many were signed up and I was told there were 4 for the first half of the tour and 2 others were joining us in Brisbane for the second half. In practice, there were only three of us for the first half and five of us for the second half. Our tour guide/driver was included in the guest count by Via Travel. This materially changed the nature of the experience and limited group interaction in ways we had certainly not anticipated when booking.
There was more driving than we had anticipated, resulting in less time spent at destinations and the accommodation quality varied considerably. Some properties had no on-site dining facilities, and breakfasts were inconsistent. There was one morning with no breakfast provided, two mornings at off-site cafés due to hotels having no restaurant, and two mornings where supermarket items were purchased by the guide and provided in accommodation with no nearby dining options. On two occasions, we were required to wash and put away cups and utensils in our accommodation or risk an additional cleaning fee. These stays did not align with our understanding of “boutique” accommodation.
The most significant concern was our guide Joseph’s conduct, particularly his alcohol consumption in the evenings. Although he did not drink while driving, he regularly consumed alcohol in group settings, including accompanying guests into town while carrying open drinks. This blurred professional boundaries and created ongoing discomfort. More importantly, this behaviour affected multiple aspects of the tour, including group dynamics and the level of engagement and support provided during key experiences. This was most noticeable on the Great Barrier Reef excursion, the highlight of our trip, where the guide’s participation and engagement was minimal.
After returning home, we raised our concerns directly with Via Travel in the hope of resolving the matter privately. Following several weeks of correspondence, the company offered a $500 travel voucher as a gesture of goodwill. As we will not be returning to Australia, this voucher was of no practical value. Via Travel’s response relied primarily on the guide’s recollection, which differed significantly from ours, and did not meaningfully address the impact these issues had on our experience. No monetary refund was offered, and we were advised the matter was considered closed.
Via Travel’s strong reputation and positive reviews were the main reasons we chose to travel with them. This experience was inconsistent with what we expected. I am sharing this feedback so future travellers can make a fully informed decision and to highlight how isolated but significant issues are handled when they arise.
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GLTG, Reservations At Autopia at Via Travel, responded to this review - 2026-02-10
Thank you for sharing your detailed and candid feedback. It's truly disappointing to hear that your once-in-a-lifetime trip did not meet your expectations, especially given the high regard and reputation of Via Travel.
Your comments about the group size discrepancies, accommodation standards, and the conduct of your guide, Joseph, highlight important areas where the experience fell short of the advertised boutique service and your expectations. The issues surrounding alcohol consumption and its impact on group dynamics and key experiences are particularly concerning.
It's understandable that you feel let down by the response from Via Travel, especially given the significant impact these issues had on your trip and the fact that the offered voucher has little value if you won't return to Australia.
Your feedback is valuable not only for future travelers but also for the company to improve their services and customer care. If you need further assistance or wish to escalate your concerns, please let me know. Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience.
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MarionR1142
29 Jan 2026
Great experience! Fantastic tour and the gide we had, Jason, was really wonderful! Sure do recommend this trip!! Hope you will enjoy this trip too.
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GLTG, Reservations At Autopia at Via Travel, responded to this review - 2026-02-10
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that Jason made your tour so enjoyable. We appreciate your recommendation and hope others will have the same fantastic experience. We look forward to welcoming you again soon-enjoy your next adventure!
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Nicole
27 Jan 2026
My husband and I booked a Via Travel 14 Day Boutique Tour from Sydney to Cairns Sydney to Cairns (AUD $16,980) expecting a “boutique” small-group experience based on the company’s excellent reviews. Unfortunately, the experience did not meet those expectations.
Although the tour was marketed as having up to 16 guests, there were only 3 of us with another 2 joining us in Brisbane. Having such a small group significantly changed the group dynamic and overall experience.
There was also more driving than anticipated, reducing time at destinations.
Accommodation often did not feel “boutique.” and some properties had no dining facilities. On two occasions we were required to wash and put away cups and utensils ourselves to avoid cleaning fees.
Our main concern was the guide’s conduct, particularly regular alcohol consumption in the evenings while socialising with guests. While he did not drink and drive, this blurred professional boundaries and affected engagement, most notably during the Great Barrier Reef excursion, the highlight of the trip.
After raising our concerns, Via Travel offered a $500 travel voucher, which was not useful as we will not be returning to Australia. No refund was offered, and the matter was closed.
Given Via Travel’s strong reputation, this experience felt inconsistent with their usual standard. I’m sharing this so future travellers can make an informed decision.
Although the tour was marketed as having up to 16 guests, there were only 3 of us with another 2 joining us in Brisbane. Having such a small group significantly changed the group dynamic and overall experience.
There was also more driving than anticipated, reducing time at destinations.
Accommodation often did not feel “boutique.” and some properties had no dining facilities. On two occasions we were required to wash and put away cups and utensils ourselves to avoid cleaning fees.
Our main concern was the guide’s conduct, particularly regular alcohol consumption in the evenings while socialising with guests. While he did not drink and drive, this blurred professional boundaries and affected engagement, most notably during the Great Barrier Reef excursion, the highlight of the trip.
After raising our concerns, Via Travel offered a $500 travel voucher, which was not useful as we will not be returning to Australia. No refund was offered, and the matter was closed.
Given Via Travel’s strong reputation, this experience felt inconsistent with their usual standard. I’m sharing this so future travellers can make an informed decision.
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Marion
25 Jan 2026
Solid tour 16 days and so much to see!Our journey led by Cara was amazing from start to
Finish. Long drives some days led to
Comfortable accommodations - some with in room laundry which was most welcome being on the road for over 2 weeks.
Cara’s care to the group was second to none and her food and entertainment recommendations in each town was well received.
Highly recommend.
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Dianejohntravel
22 Jan 2026
Amazing Tour Guide We recently did the Brisbane to Cairns tour which was great. The weather was a little unpredictable at times and so we had to do alternative activities but our guide, Cara, dealt with this effortlessly. She was amazing at arranging things for us and also did all the driving. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this company especially if you have Cara as your tour guide. She was very knowledgeable about the places we visited.read moreread less
GLTG, Reservations at Via Travel, responded to this review - 2026-01-20
We truly appreciate your kind words! It’s great to know Cara’s expertise and dedication made the Brisbane to Cairns tour enjoyable despite the weather changes. Thank you for recommending us, we’re thrilled you had such a positive experience!
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2995norms
16 Jan 2026
Awesome Adventure We have had the most amazing trip up the east coast of Australia.Everything about it was awesome, from the accommodation, travel arrangements and sightseeing , it was all top notch.
Highlights included swimming with reef sharks on the Great Barrier Reef, the magnificent water and beaches of Whitehaven, exploring Fraser Island and wine tasting in the Hunter Valley.
The star of the show was our fantastic guide Cara. Cara was extremely knowledgeable, had a great sense of humour, cooked us some great BBQs , attended to our every need and safety drove us all the way. You will have a trip you will never forget .
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GLTG, Reservations At Autopia at Via Travel, responded to this review - 2025-12-27
We had the most amazing trip along the east coast of Australia! Everything was absolutely top notch—from the accommodation and travel arrangements to the sightseeing experiences. Highlights included swimming with reef sharks on the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the stunning waters and beaches of Whitehaven, discovering Fraser Island, and enjoying wine tasting in the Hunter Valley.
The star of the trip was our fantastic guide, Cara. She was incredibly knowledgeable, had a great sense of humor, cooked delicious BBQs for us, attended to our every need, and safely drove us throughout the journey. This trip is one we will never forget. Highly recommended!
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NickyP947
19 Dec 2025
We had a great time up the East Coast with excellent accommodation and a brilliant guide who was very personable. We had an excellent trip up the East Coast with excellent accommodation and a brilliant guide who had great knowledge of the area and was a safe driver.read moreread less
GLTG, Reservations at Via Travel, responded to this review - 2025-12-07
We’re delighted you had such a great experience, thank you for sharing your feedback!
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Kildare133
03 Dec 2025
Above and beyond with Linds! I loved the trip! Linds was the perfect tour guide! We have seen the most amazing things and really dove deep into the experience of Australia, well as deep as you can in 2 weeks.The group was very nice and fun! We grew from strangers to friends from the youngest at 20 to the oldest at almost 80! We always had something to talk about and laugh :)
My only wish would be a bit more physical activities on land. Our longest walk was about 10min. But it was advertised to be very low on the physical activity side, so that was at least no surprise.
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GLTG, Reservations at Via Travel, responded to this review - 2025-10-29
Thanks so much for the wonderful review! We're thrilled you had an amazing journey with Linds and that the group bonded so beautifully. Noted on the activity level. Glad it matched expectations, and we’ll keep your feedback in mind.
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Clemens
22 Oct 2025
If you want a great Australian tour, book with Via Travel! My husband and I were on a once in a lifetime trip to Australia and wanted to include a tour with a small group, pretty easy-going, informative , and including a good portion of the coast north of Brisbane. After a lot of research, the Via Travel tour stood out. Let's just say, we made the correct choice! We had a group of 12, ages ranging from early 20s to 76. We had such a good time with the whole group[-best combination of any tour we have ever done. Our guides were Jason, and then Chris for the last couple of days. Could not have asked for better! Jason was so low key and informative-was sad to see him leave early for a personal event. Chris took over very smoothly-wish we could've gotten to know him better. Now to the places we went and accommodations- we saw so many cool things, snorkeled, hiked, some shopping time, good choices or recommendations for restaurants. The hotels were all great-much nicer than expected, which was wonderful. The tours of the rainforest , Great Barrier reef, Whitsundays Islands, a crocodile river ride, gondola ride, etc-all great!!! These guys worked hard to keep everything running smoothly. We are still in touch with the folks we traveled with, and even had dinner after the tour ended with several people! I would HIGHLY recommend Via Travel if you want a great, relaxed tour. Thank you Jason and Chris!read moreread less
GLTG, Reservations At Autopia at Via Travel, responded to this review - 2025-10-22
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with us! We are thrilled to hear that your trip to Australia was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and that you enjoyed every aspect of your tour.
It’s fantastic to know that our guides, Jason and Chris, made such a positive impact and that their knowledge and laid-back personalities contributed to your memorable journey. We’re also delighted that you loved the destinations, accommodations, and activities - from snorkeling and hiking to rainforest and reef tours. It’s always our goal to provide a seamless, enjoyable, and enriching experience, and your kind words affirm that we’re on the right track.
We’re especially pleased to hear that you connected with your fellow travelers and even kept in touch afterward. That’s exactly what we hope for - creating not just a tour, but lasting memories and friendships.
Thank you again for recommending Via Travel. We truly appreciate your trust and your kind words. We hope to have the opportunity to host you on another adventure soon!
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Carol
18 Oct 2025
Memorable and fun east coast tour! An unforgettable and memorable experience exploring the east coast of Australia from Brisbane to Port Douglas! It is a stunning part of the world and I so am glad that I went on this tour which enabled me to experience it! I wasn’t really sure what to expect as I’ve never been on a tour of this kind before however I enjoyed every second of it and was sad to see it come to an end. Some of my highlights were exploring and snorkelling around the Whitsunday Islands and also scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef which was spectacular, along with the incredible scenery throughout the tour!
The entire tour was very well organised to a high standard, was well paced and transportation was also comfortable, I also found the tour very interesting, educational and thought provoking. I learned things that I never would have known had I not gone on this tour.
I must also give a huge shout out to Jason who was a tour leader and he was simply incredible and made the tour so special. His knowledge of the various locations and wildlife was second to none and there were not many questions in which he did not know the answer! He was also extremely friendly and caring and did everything that he could to make sure that the whole group had the best time possible. He was always on hand to help anyone with any problem, no matter how big or small, and he bonded with us and felt like a friend throughout the entire tour. I could not have asked for a better tour leader.
This tour was an amazing experience that I will never forget, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat!
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Giorgio
02 Oct 2025
Just back from fabulous trip with Via Travel Australia Brisbane to Daintree Rainforest – 9 Day Boutique Tour. Highly recommend! Great mix of activities, indigenous culture, wildlife and beautiful scenery including coastal areas, tablelands and rainforests. The snorkel trips on the reef and Whitsundays were highlights. Very comfortable accommodations and buses. Guides Jason and Chris did a great job ensuring everyone in our small but diverse group was engaged and felt welcome. Pre-trip communication with Tara was the best - A+++ for responsiveness, humor, and patience.
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Owner Response - 1970-01-01
Yes! Thanks so much. We love reading reviews like yours, we do a little happy dance in the office... and you make us want to get out of here and onto one of our tours asap. And Tara smiled and blushed when she read this part! "Pre-trip communication with Tara was the best - A+++ for responsiveness, humor, and patience". You made her week.Jason and Chris are amazing, we will share this with them, they are passionate guides and love feedback like yours, keeps them going.Love that you loved the mix of activities, wildlife, amazing scenery and the comfortable accommodation and buses. And its fantastic to hear that you had 2 great experiences snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef and in the Whitsunday Islands. We love working with our local small boat operators, small group, first class experiences without the crowds.Thanks againStuVia Travel Australia
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n
01 Oct 2025
Fabulous 9 Day Boutique Tour - Brisbane to Daintree Rainforest Just back from fabulous trip with Via Travel Australia Brisbane to Daintree Rainforest – 9 Day Boutique Tour. Highly recommend! Great mix of activities, indigenous culture, wildlife and beautiful scenery including coastal areas, tablelands and rainforests. The snorkel trips on the reef and Whitsundays were highlights. Very comfortable accommodations and buses. Guides Jason and Chris did a great job ensuring everyone in our small but diverse group was engaged and felt welcome. Pre-trip communication with Tara was the best - A+++ for responsiveness, humor, and patience.read moreread less
Escape51255612204
01 Oct 2025
Beautifully and thoughtfully curated FUN tour! A beautifully and thoughtfully curated tour which provides an excellent insight into the east coast of Australia! A wide variety of things to do and places to see — I could not recommend it enough. Now I just need to come back!Having travelled solo plenty before, but never in a group, this was an entirely new experience for me. If you’re lucky enough to have Jason as your tour guide you have hit the jackpot! He brought together people of all ages and walks of life, ensuring that everyone felt important and heard, and most of all, had fun!! He was adaptable, knowledgeable, kind and hilarious throughout. Group members overcame fears and tried new things, in no short part due to Jason. I’ve made friends for life and will absolutely be returning to Aus!
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GLTG, Reservations At Autopia at Via Travel, responded to this review - 2025-10-02
Thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the thoughtfully curated tour along Australia's east coast and that it provided you with a fantastic new experience. It’s wonderful to know that Jason made such a positive impact-bringing people together, making everyone feel valued, and creating a fun, inclusive atmosphere. His adaptability, knowledge, kindness, and humor truly make a difference, and we're thrilled that he helped you overcome fears and forge lifelong friendships. Your enthusiasm and recommendation mean the world to us. We can't wait to welcome you back to Australia for more adventures!
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Amy
30 Sep 2025
I recently finished the 14-day tour from Sydney to Cairns, and it was amazing!! The itinerary was really well planned, with a great balance between driving and exploring each place. Everything ran smoothly, allowing us to just relax and enjoy the journey. The accommodations were really comfortable too.
We were really lucky to have Jason as our guide. He was caring, funny, and always made sure everyone had a great time, truly making the tour extra special. At every stop and along the way, he shared fantastic local tips and little insights you just wouldn’t find in a guidebook.
The group size was perfect and included people of all ages, but it never mattered at all. Everyone got along so well and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, almost like travelling with a small family.
I can’t recommend this tour enough!
We were really lucky to have Jason as our guide. He was caring, funny, and always made sure everyone had a great time, truly making the tour extra special. At every stop and along the way, he shared fantastic local tips and little insights you just wouldn’t find in a guidebook.
The group size was perfect and included people of all ages, but it never mattered at all. Everyone got along so well and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, almost like travelling with a small family.
I can’t recommend this tour enough!
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Owner Response - 1970-01-01
Lilli! We are all so glad that you had an amazing time! So glad you love the tour itinerary and the comfortable accommodation.Jason will be so happy to read this, you really gave a great summary of how great Jason is and the small group tour atmosphere is all about. Jason and all of our guides work passionately to make everyone has a great time and experience the real down to earth Australia and the little things that create amazing memories.It is really really nice for us to read so thanks for taking the time to write this, it means a lot and reminds us of why we do what we do.Stu Via Travel Australia
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Lilli-Mari
23 Sep 2025
Travelling with this company was a blast! They just made everything so easy, fun, and worry-free! We learned so much about the different areas, animals, plants, etc and they always had us laughing along the way!
Our tour guides, Jason and Chris, were very organized, professional, and yet laid-back at the same time. What a fantastic mix!! They were good with both young and older passengers and were very keen on us all having a great time together, which we really appreciated. We packed in a lot of sights and adventures in 9 days. What a trip! (We also got see a cassowary!)
Both Jason and Chris had exemplary driving skills, too, so one could sit back and totally enjoy the ride!
The tour guides gave 110% of themselves to their job and it really showed!! We can’t thank them enough for our awesome memories!!
Our tour guides, Jason and Chris, were very organized, professional, and yet laid-back at the same time. What a fantastic mix!! They were good with both young and older passengers and were very keen on us all having a great time together, which we really appreciated. We packed in a lot of sights and adventures in 9 days. What a trip! (We also got see a cassowary!)
Both Jason and Chris had exemplary driving skills, too, so one could sit back and totally enjoy the ride!
The tour guides gave 110% of themselves to their job and it really showed!! We can’t thank them enough for our awesome memories!!
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Owner Response - 1970-01-01
Hey Karen, wow thanks so much for taking the time to write such an amazing review. So glad that Jason and Chris helped make your trip memorable with their friendliness and knowledge, and glad to hear that you felt safe along the way with their driving, they are so great at what they do! We will share this with them, they love hearing feedback like yours.And what a great experience to see a cassowary in the wild, such a beautiful big ancient Jurassic bird!Thanks again for taking the time to write such a wonderful review. Hope to have you back one day maybe on the wild west coast of Australia next time.Stu and the team Via Travel Australia
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Karen
23 Sep 2025
What a blast!!! Travelling with this company was a blast! They just made everything so easy, fun, and worry-free! We learned so much about the different areas, animals, plants, etc and they always had us laughing along the way! Our tour guides, Jason and Chris, were very organized, professional, and yet laid-back at the same time. What a fantastic mix!! They were good with both young and older passengers and were very keen on us all having a great time together, which we really appreciated. We packed in a lot of sights and adventures in 9 days. What a trip! (We also got see a cassowary!)
Both Jason and Chris had exemplary driving skills, too, so one could sit back and totally enjoy the ride!
My husband and I would recommend this company to anyone wanting to have fun while enjoying Australia! (We would absolutely pick you guys first, for any future travels!)
The tour guides gave 110% of themselves to their job and it really showed!! We can’t thank them enough for our awesome memories!!
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GLTG, Reservations at Via Travel, responded to this review - 2025-09-30
Thank you for the fantastic review! It sounds like your adventure from Sydney to Cairns was packed with laughter, learning, and unforgettable moments. Jason and Chris clearly brought their A-game and that cassowary sighting is such a bonus! We're thrilled you had such a blast and made lasting memories. 🐾🌴🚐
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Karen
23 Sep 2025
Great itinerary, fantastic guide, unforgettable trip🫶🏼 The tour was amazing!! The itinerary was really well planned, with a great balance between driving and exploring each place. Everything ran smoothly, allowing us to just relax and enjoy the journey. The accommodations were really comfortable too.We were really lucky to have Jason as our guide. He was caring, funny, and always made sure everyone had a great time, truly making the tour extra special. At every stop and along the way, he shared fantastic local tips and little insights you just wouldn’t find in a guidebook.
The group size was perfect and included people of all ages, but it never mattered at all. Everyone got along so well and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, almost like travelling with a small family.
I can’t recommend this tour enough!
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GLTG, Reservations at Via Travel, responded to this review - 2025-09-30
Thank you for the beautiful review! It’s wonderful to hear how seamlessly everything came together, from the thoughtful itinerary to Jason’s warm and insightful guiding. Sounds like the kind of journey that turns strangers into travel family. 🛻🌴🫶🏼
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Lilli-Mari
23 Sep 2025
Sydney to Cairns Road Trip Review
Fourteen days on the road from Sydney to Cairns, and the craic was mighty every step of the way. From the youngest to the eldest, the group energy was something special. I even reached a milestone by learning to snorkel thank you Jason but what truly made the journey unforgettable was the family dynamic we created.
At the heart of it all was Jason, our leader, the gel that kept us together. Wayne and Kylie kept the transport running smoothly, never letting us down, and my many coffee stops and room changes just became part of the adventures and jokes
We ended the trip as we lived it – with laughter, tears, and a well-earned drink.
Thank you all for making it such a memorable journey. Miss you all and hope our friendship keep going strong
As Oscar Wilde said: “Memory is the diary we all carry about with us.” And this one will stay with me always.
Love to you all BUT Jason you are the conductor even if Carol see the Beatles live 1964.
Fourteen days on the road from Sydney to Cairns, and the craic was mighty every step of the way. From the youngest to the eldest, the group energy was something special. I even reached a milestone by learning to snorkel thank you Jason but what truly made the journey unforgettable was the family dynamic we created.
At the heart of it all was Jason, our leader, the gel that kept us together. Wayne and Kylie kept the transport running smoothly, never letting us down, and my many coffee stops and room changes just became part of the adventures and jokes
We ended the trip as we lived it – with laughter, tears, and a well-earned drink.
Thank you all for making it such a memorable journey. Miss you all and hope our friendship keep going strong
As Oscar Wilde said: “Memory is the diary we all carry about with us.” And this one will stay with me always.
Love to you all BUT Jason you are the conductor even if Carol see the Beatles live 1964.
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Owner Response - 1970-01-01
What a fabulous review Caroline, you have captured what Via Travel is all about and what we strive to create on each of our tours and put it in words so brilliantly! We are thrilled you and your fellow travellers had such a great trip and forged lasting friendships. Travelling Australia is fabulous in itself but to do so with wonderful companions while creating memories is next level! Thanks for taking the time to share this.Tara and the team at Via Travel/Autopia ToursPS. Well done on your snorkelling milestone, isn't Jason a gem!
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Caroline
22 Sep 2025
I recently did the 8 day Boutique WA tour from Perth to Exmouth. It was absolutely fantastic, our tour guide Ollie was amazing and went all out to ensure our trip ran smoothly and he was very knowledgeable with regards to the areas we visited. The group of people on the tour were amazing and we all got on so well with lots of laughs whilst seeing this amazing state. My bucket list has been ticked off finishing with incredible swims with the whalesharks in Exmouth. Highly recommend this 8 day tour, just fantastic!!!
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Owner Response - 1970-01-01
Thanks for the great review Sheryl, we are so happy you had such an amazing and joyous trip! The places we visit are stunning but it is the people we travel with that makes it so special, the laughs and shared experiences create the lasting memories :-) The whaleshark swim is the perfect way to finish the trip, it is such a delight to swim with these majestic, serene animals.So what's next on your bucket list?Tara and the Via Travel TeamPS. Fantastic photos!
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Sheryl
21 Jun 2025
We did the 8 day tour from Perth to Exmouth and it was one of the best experiences we have ever had! Originally we were considering to do the trip ourselves, but after working out expenses - it was actually a lot cheaper to go with Viatravel.
Every day was perfectly curated, it’s almost impossible to pick a favourite activity but spending 2 days at Monkey Mia was very special. Being in the water with wild dolphins - only a metre away as they are being fed! The wildlife in WA is unmatched.
Ollie was our tour guide and not only was he extremely knowledgeable of the areas we visited, but overly accomodating to specific needs of the each member of the tour group. You can tell he has such passion for his job by his positive energy and exceptional story telling! Absolute legend!
This is your sign to book the trip and make sure you include the whale shark swim as it really was the icing on the cake for us. Unreal! Thanks again!
Every day was perfectly curated, it’s almost impossible to pick a favourite activity but spending 2 days at Monkey Mia was very special. Being in the water with wild dolphins - only a metre away as they are being fed! The wildlife in WA is unmatched.
Ollie was our tour guide and not only was he extremely knowledgeable of the areas we visited, but overly accomodating to specific needs of the each member of the tour group. You can tell he has such passion for his job by his positive energy and exceptional story telling! Absolute legend!
This is your sign to book the trip and make sure you include the whale shark swim as it really was the icing on the cake for us. Unreal! Thanks again!
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Owner Response - 1970-01-01
Thanks for the aaaammmazing review Amelia! Sitting in the office reading this and wish I was on tour with Ollie myself! Hope we can have you on board one of our awesome East Coast Australia Tours one day too : D https://viatravel.com.au/east-coast-australia-tours/Thanks again from Stu and the team
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Amelia
14 Jun 2025
We took the Via Travel Brisbane to Cairns tour in April 2025. The tour was fabulous. The itinerary was really good with a nice mix of activities and down time. Eion, our tour guide, was fantastic. He was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. We highly recommend this small group tour.
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Owner Response - 1970-01-01
Thanks for your review Taylor, we are so happy you had such a great time :-) Eoin really enjoyed meeting you both, he really enjoyed your company!Absolutely love your pictures!!!!Tara - Via Travel
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Taylor
08 May 2025
Sydney - Brisbane - Cairns 14 days Tour by Via Travel The tour itinerary was well planned across 14 days. During our tour, we unfortunately encountered cyclone Alfred for 3 days. This necessitated change in travel plans at short notice. Our safety was adequately ensured and alternatives provided. Travel arrangements were comfortable and adequate time was provided at each location. All the Beaches / sites were amazing. Eoin and Jason, our Guides, were very friendly and knowledgeable. Our group of 11, comprising individuals across continents, was simply amazing and this made the tour all the more enjoyable. The tour pricing is on the higher side and needs a relook. In conclusion, an extremely enjoyable and memorable holiday.read moreread less
Rajiv
05 Apr 2025
I had the extreme pleasure to be part of the small boutique tour with Via Travel Australia. Jason, our guide, was a balance of fun, knowledge, great activities and suggestions. It was my first tour in over 10 years and if I had known what an amazing job Jason, Tara, and the rest of the crew at Via does each and every day - well I would have been on a tour with them sooner!
Through the recent floods, storms and re-routing…..the team had it covered. We felt safe and taken care of. We had a brilliant group of people; it felt like we were all traveling with friends. I cannot recommend the Via team enough, the hotels, activities, options, meals, ability to turn on a dime, and company were all exceptional.
Through the recent floods, storms and re-routing…..the team had it covered. We felt safe and taken care of. We had a brilliant group of people; it felt like we were all traveling with friends. I cannot recommend the Via team enough, the hotels, activities, options, meals, ability to turn on a dime, and company were all exceptional.
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Owner Response - 1970-01-01
Thanks Leslie! What a great review of the tour and your awesome guide Jason! We were so pleased that we were able to make the trip so enjoyable, Jason and Tara in the office worked so hard to make it smooth after the weather turned a bit naughty. Thanks again, reviews like yours makes us what we do so worthwhile! Stu and the team
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leslie
31 Mar 2025
Five ⭐️! I had the extreme pleasure to be part of the small boutique tour with Via Travel Australia. Jason, our guide, was a balance of fun, knowledge, great activities and suggestions. It was my first tour in over 10 years and if I had known what an amazing job Jason, Tara, and the rest of the crew at Via does each and every day - well I would have been on a tour with them sooner!Through the recent floods, storms and re-routing ..the team had it covered. We felt safe and taken care of. We had a brilliant group of people; it felt like we were all traveling with friends. I cannot recommend the Via team enough, the hotels, activities, options, meals, ability to turn on a dime, and company were all exceptional.
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leslie
31 Mar 2025
Fun , memorable and special I had the privilege of going on a tour with Via Travel QLD.. I have to say we had the most amazing time from the minute we met up with the tour and our guide Jason. The places with got to see and the information that Jason provided was excellent he gave us an unforgettable week , there professionalism as an organisation and dedication was evident in every aspect of our tour , if your looking for a memorable holiday Jason and Via travel QLD I would highly recommend them , Kevin &Niamh from Ireland 🇮🇪
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Kevin
15 Mar 2025
We just completed the 16 day Best of East Coast Australia tour with Via Travel. The amazing Cara was our tour guide throughout. She was passionate, knowledgeable, funny and personable. The tour was well paced, informative and beautiful. Via Travel also went out of their way to fly us north, past the flood ravaged regions, at no additional cost and with little impact on the itinerary. I would strongly recommend Via Travel when considering your many travel options.
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Grant
28 Feb 2025
Just finished the 16 day east coast tour and loved it. It was a smaller group which was nice. Accommodations were great. Loved the variety of spots picked for breakfast and lunches. A good mix of group stuff and free time. Our tour leader Cara, was fantastic. Great knowledge of Australia, great personality and sense of humor. She made our trip fun. Also kudos to Via travel for handling a weather related issue without impacting our trip. I'd highly recommend them.
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Carol
28 Feb 2025
Great trip! We just completed the 16 day Best of East Coast Australia tour with Via Travel. The amazing Cara was our tour guide throughout. She was passionate, knowledgeable, funny and personable. The tour was well paced, informative and beautiful. Via Travel also went out of their way to fly us north, past the flood ravaged regions, at no additional cost and with little impact on the itinerary. I would strongly recommend Via Travel when considering your many travel options.read moreread less
granta346
27 Feb 2025
Great Tour I was a little concerned when first booking this tour because it's a relatively small company. But the tour was every bit as good as the big outfits. Nice hotels, excellent guide and they smoothly handled a weather caused diversion. I would definitely book with them againread moreread less
Steve
27 Feb 2025
A great little company with the traveller at heart A great way to see so many different aspects of the east cast and the Great Barrier Reef. A small group tour that meant no long queues to see something or do something. Great atmosphere and camaraderie within the group led by a fantastic guide Cara. Cara was able to help me over come my fears and into the sea and snorkel. Both of which may not seem a lot to many but were 2 first for me - at 70!!read moreread less
KateS3866
27 Feb 2025
An amazing tour! Tour guide, accommodations, itinerary, planned excursions all 10/10. Small group which I love. Fabulous group from all across the world. Would book with this company again!
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Response from the owner - 2025-02-06
Hey Katie! Thanks for taking the time to write an amazing review! Love your photos, thanks for sharing! Stu and Team Via Travel Australia
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Katie
06 Feb 2025
My husband and I took the East coast tour from Sydney to Cairns .It was fantastic from start to finish.Everything ran smoothly and there was a relaxed atmosphere.We were part of a small group made up of different nationalities and ages.By the end it felt more like traveling with a group of friends.Eoin , our guide did an amazing job and was super helpful.We enjoyed all the usual attractions which were wonderful but we also got to experience the Australian way of life by visiting lesser well known places.We had cafe breakfasts most days which I loved and stayed in motel style accommodation , all of which were central and very comfortable. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and can recommend Via travel without hesitation .Thanks to everyone involved in providing a wonderful experience for us .
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siobhan
06 Feb 2025
Would do it all over again if I could ♥️ 5+ Star ExperienceWell paced itinerary, interesting and informative guide whilst being a lot of fun!
Small group tour and everyone was catered for.
Would recommend highly! ️️️️️
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viatravelaustralia, Owner at Via Travel, responded to this review - 1970-01-01
Hi Sarah!
Thanks so much for you fantastic review : D
We hope you can join another adventure with us in the future.
Stu
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Sarah
03 Nov 2024
The best experience After a two-week trip, I would like to summarize the extraordinary experience I had in Australia:The trip for me was accompanied by great concerns and endless doubts. Much to my surprise, thanks to one man, Irish by origin, I discovered a new world full of good things. This is Ian, the one and only legendary guide! There are no people like you, Ian. You are humane, patient, professional, serious, interesting, knowledgeable, diverse and multidisciplinary.
I enjoyed every moment and I have no doubt that thanks to you I got to know a country rich in amazing people, landscapes, nature, culture and much more.
The company that organized the trip, Via Travel, is simply genius - it is a trip that was organized in a smart, professional and most amazing way!
I couldn't ask for more! I was blessed! Continue on your wonderful path with amazing people!
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viatravelaustralia, Owner at Via Travel, responded to this review - 1970-01-01
Hey Einat! Thanks for the amazing review and so glad that you had a great time after feeling any doubts at all.
Our small team behind the scenes.... and our AMAZING guides work so hard to make a great experience's for our guests.
Take care and maybe see you back with is again one day : D
Stu
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Einat
18 Oct 2024
Perth to Exmouth/Ningaloo - amazing spring and Summar Thank you to our amazing guide Summar and our fellow passengers for a fantastic road trip from Perth to Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef. While our main goal was to live our dream of swimming with whale sharks, our journey together turned out to be equally memorable.The tour was a great mix of naturals wonders, cultural experiences and sharing good times together, all facilitated by Summar and enhanced by her knowledge, kindness and sense of fun.
Highlights for us were the Pinnacles, the Aboriginal arts centre at Northampton, Kalbarri National Park, crayfishing, the famous WA spring wildflowers, snorkeling on Ningaloo Reef, and the friendships made.
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viatravelaustralia, Owner at Via Travel, responded to this review - 1970-01-01
Thanks so much for the incredible review of the trip and your guide Summmar!
So nice the way that you describe the trip, this is exactly what we want to deliver to our guests and so nice to get the feedback : D
Stu
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Linda
06 Oct 2024
An Exciting, never boring, Informative small Group tour. Worth every penny!! Thank you Summar! What a trip we had. It was excellent- just 9 of us and our amazing Guide Summar. From Perth to Exmouth. Amazing Pinnacles to swimming with Whale Sharks. Summar was exceptional looking after us all and so well informed. We had the best time and I would do it all again.
We made friends for life. Thank you!!
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viatravelaustralia, Owner at Via Travel, responded to this review - 1970-01-01
Thanks for the great review Pioneer!
Summar is an amazing guide and glad that you enjoyed the national parks and the bucket list swim with the friendly gentle giants / whale sharks : D
Have a great weekend and thanks again for the review!
Stu & Team Via Travel Australia - Small Group Tours
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Pioneer37197981550
04 Oct 2024
8 days from Perth to Ningaloo/Exmouth - a great way to experience the west coast The tour was excellent. It contains all the interesting and famous spots aling the eay, Pinnacles desert, Kalibarri NP, Coral Bay, Monkey Mia and much more. The final destination at Ningaloo and Exmouth was great with the option to snorkle and swim with whalesharks. An important success factor to the tour was our fabolous driver and guide Summar. Summar was always smiling, serviceminded and knowlegdable about the places we visited. The best!The fact that the group was small, only 9 people, also made this a memorable tour. Our best recommendations! Bente and Per, Norway
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viatravelaustralia, Owner at Via Travel, responded to this review - 1970-01-01
Hey Bente & Per from Norway!
What a great review and description of the highlights from you tour, thanks! Summar is amazing and we will pass this onto her thanks : D
Thanks for the great review Pioneer!
Summar is an amazing guide and glad that you enjoyed the national parks and the bucket list swim with the friendly gentle giants / whale sharks : D
Have a great weekend and thanks again for the review!
Stu & Team Via Travel Australia - Small Group Tours
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Bente
03 Oct 2024
Perth to Exmouth with Via travel After a shaky start with the travel agent we booked this tour with it was a fabulous tour, with a wonderful guide. Book with Via direct for the trip from Perth to Exmouth. The sites are breathtaking and guide amazing.Be ready for early starts and lots of driving but worth it
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viatravelaustralia, Owner at Via Travel, responded to this review - 1970-01-01
Thanks for the review and so glad you had an amazing time! (despite the shaky start with your travel agent). We hope to have you on board a east coast tour with us in the future : D
Thanks again
Stu & Team Via Travel Australia - Small Group Tours
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Wanderer06933546273
22 Aug 2024
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip in July from Perth to Exmouth with Via Travel. The scenery was breathtaking and our tour guide, Jason, was outstanding - he was very well organised, thoughtful and great company.
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Peter
05 Aug 2024
A great trip up the West Coast WA Tour from Perth to ExmouthDay 1 There could have been pick up several places in Perth.
Nambung was interesting, so was Carnavon (day 5) Ningaloo Reef (day 6) and Exmouth (day 7&8). The really nice places are Kalbarri (lobster fishing) and the trip to the National park (day 2&3). The First Nations experience and visiting parks and places around Shark Bay and Monkey Mia (day 3&4) is well worth the money.
This trip is totally dependent on an excellent tour guide to be a success. You need knowledge of history, nature, people, culture and all that is special for this aera.
We were lucky and got Summar as our guide.
She was also an excellent driver.
Todo the trip in 8 days may feels abit short, a day or two extra in Kalbarri would have been nice.
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Jonny
20 May 2024
The guides are passionate about Australian history, wildlife, and culture, and they are committed to delivering real local experiences to our guests. The company offers a diverse range of tour packages, so you can find the perfect one to discover Australia’s wildlife, Aboriginal culture, stunning nature, food, wine, and more.
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Response from the owner - 2024-05-09
We love our guides, they are the best!!
Tara - Via Travel
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Hilly
09 May 2024
We recently took a trip from Sydney to Cairns with Via Travel Australia, and it was an unforgettable experience! A special shout-out to our guide, Justin, who was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. He made sure every part of our journey was enjoyable and went smoothly. Highly recommend booking your next adventure with them!
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Alexandra
09 May 2024
AMAZING Aussie small group tour Having traveled to 50+ countries now, this tour was one of the most epic trips I've ever done. In fact, the dive and snorkeling day trip was one of the most awe-inspiring experiences of my life. Besides that though, the tour was a great mix of interesting excursions, like K'Gari and the Whitsundays, to epic coastal regions and beach towns like Byron Bay, an incredible visit to the Daintree Rainforest, and incredibly insightful and enriching visits with First Nations and aboriginal groups. The tour guides, Jason and Justin, were absolutely TOP!!! Looked after the group and filled us in on Australian history along the way. On one of the longer drive days, Justin had even organized a fun group trivia session which helped break up the drive. The hotels and holiday apartments were all comfortable and in-line with expectations - not 5* luxury but all well-appointed, clean, and local boutique style accommodations - some even had free laundry facilities which was a HUGE PLUS. Overall, I would highly recommend this trip!!read moreread less
jdub1028
01 May 2024
I actually only did the Brisbane to cairns portion of this tour, but had others in our group who completed the entire thing. They pack so much fun times into for my group only a week, but I never felt rushed at any of the locations. They always gave us ample time to see everything and enjoy the sites. From Fraser Island, to the Whitsundays, the Atherton Tablelands, and a day on the Great Barrier Reef. As a small group tour your able to get close knit with everyone and meet many people from all around the world. Our tour guide Justin was amazing, so informative, full of energy, and one of the best tour guides making sure everyone had the best time. I’m fact one day we were supposed to be having a long driving day, and our bus broke, we waited at the hotel for some time, but Justin problem solved until he was able to find us another form of transportation. The included meals were great, and the locations Justin picked to give us as an option for dinners on our first night somewhere was always great food. I would highly recommend Via Travel to anyone, especially if you get Justin as a guide.
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Response from the owner - 2024-04-09
Thank you Ann for your kind words and recommendation! We're delighted you enjoyed your Brisbane to Cairns tour with Via Travel, especially with our guide Justin. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back soon for another unforgettable adventure.
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Ann
09 Apr 2024
Brisbane to Cairns 8 day tour I actually only did the Brisbane to cairns portion of this tour, but had others in our group who completed the entire thing. They pack so much fun times into for my group only a week, but I never felt rushed at any of the locations. They always gave us ample time to see everything and enjoy the sites. From Fraser Island, to the Whitsundays, the Atherton Tablelands, and a day on the Great Barrier Reef. As a small group tour your able to get close knit with everyone and meet many people from all around the world. Our tour guide Justin was amazing, so informative, full of energy, and one of the best tour guides making sure everyone had the best time. I’m fact one day we were supposed to be having a long driving day, and our bus broke, we waited at the hotel for some time, but Justin problem solved until he was able to find us another form of transportation. The included meals were great, and the locations Justin picked to give us as an option for dinners on our first night somewhere was always great food. I would highly recommend Via Travel to anyone, especially if you get Justin as a guide.read moreread less
Bbb9467
03 Apr 2024
Trip of a Lifetime I have done 5 solo trips around the world, and this was a trip to forever remember. I booked a dream getaway to Australia’s Golden Coast to escape the cold winters of the crazy city of sin Las Vegas, NV in February 2023. This was my first time experiencing a tour with Via Travel. What an incredible journey this was. With travel, you must keep an open mind to who you will meet, what you will see and weather of course. Group was perfect size to travel with, it didn’t feel like a crazy large group like Contiki, with 40+ people walking all together like a parade (which is a fun experience to have when you’re under the age of 35). For this tour, ages range from early 20’s to the older adventurous elders. It was also mixed with traveling couples to solo travelers, and I believe our group size was only 12.Hotels selected were great and comfortable, because I was traveling solo, I paid extra to have my own room. Worth the extra money, unless you have no preference. I am in my mid/late 30’s so having comfortable and clean hotel rooms was key, my hostile days are long gone.
Experiences were incredible, a few highlights that were my favorite was visiting the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie, wine tasting in the Hunter Valley, taking a dip under a live waterfall in Bielsdown River, having belly hurting laughs with Cockatoo Paul, and soaking in all the sun in Byron Bay. I did not want to leave Bryon, it’s such a magical gem of a place.
Restaurants selected that were included in your booking were amazing. I am a lucky one and have no food allergies and love to eat anything..but for the ones from our group that had allergies or food preferences they were accommodated
As far as our tour guide Eoin Kennedy was beyond amazing!! By far the best tour guide I have ever had on a trip. He was personal, provided great insight, extremely knowledgeable, and had an awesome personality. Lots of laughs were shared. He is a one-man band when touring the group, he is not only your tour guide, but he is also your driver. Definitely would book another trip just to have him as my tour guide again.
I booked the 8-day excursion with Via Travel, which started in Sydney and ended in Brisbane, from there I continued my trip solo to the Whitsunday’s. About half of the group stayed on to continue the trip up the coast, and the rest either continued traveling or traveled back home. Everyone from my group was wonderful, lots of laughs, fun memories, and friendships created.
Don’t think about booking, be about booking!
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Lindsey
29 Mar 2024
Wonderful group travel experience with Via Travel My girlfriend and mine recent 16-day group trip from Sydney to Cairns with Via Travel was an unforgettable adventure filled with unforgettable experiences. From the vibrant streets of Byron Bay to the serene beauty of Noosa National Park, where we shared our accommodations with lots of wild kangaroos, every moment was amazing.One of the highlights of the trip was the snorkelling excursion to Whitsunday Islands, offering surreal views of colourful marine life and stunning coral reefs.
Magnetic Island charmed us with its laid-back atmosphere and stunning coastal scenery, while the lively city of Cairns provided the perfect finale to our journey, with a fun last night out with the whole group.
Throughout the journey, our guide, Jason, played an important role in enhancing our experience. His knowledge about each destination, coupled with his enthusiasm, made every stop on our itinerary come alive. Jason's attention to detail and dedication to ensuring our comfort and enjoyment were truly appreciated.
In conclusion, our experience with Via Travel exceeded all expectations, thanks to the breathtaking destinations, and the exceptional guidance provided by Jason. We highly recommend Via Travel to anyone seeking an enriching and unforgettable group travel experience in Australia.
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jacobn943
25 Mar 2024
Trip of a lifetime from Brisbane to Cairns and everything in between!!! Absolutely would recommend Via Travel .. so informative, supportive and more importantly we had the trip of a lifetime and our tour guide Justin was outstanding. He ensured that we enjoyed every single second of our holiday and could not have done enough for us. We loved Brisbane,Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef and Cairns and everything in between and he encouraged us to enjoy the Australian sense of adventure!!!We would never have been able to achieve all the activities in this region without Via travel and their local knowledge, this was key to everything for us!!! Via travel ensure that all age groups feel included and experience that sense of adventure. A BIG thank you Justin, not only for your knowledge but most importantly for your kindness.
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Siobhan
18 Mar 2024
I had the most amazing 18 day trip up the East Coast of Australia with Via travel! Jason, our tour guide, was a wealth of knowledge! He was so much fun, organised and really flexible! He is definitely highly experienced and knows Australia inside and out! The tour group was small which meant moving from place to place was a lot easier and we could be flexible about our plans each day! We stayed in great accommodation, a lot of which was locally owned which I really enjoyed. It was nice to stay in smaller rooms of three people, I got to stay with my two friends for the whole trip which was epic! We packed so much into the tour. Even on days where we were travelling more, Jason squeezed in little nuggets to break up the journeys. I felt we covered everything I wanted to see on the East Coast and would definitely recommend it for anyone looking to travel in a smaller group setting! The highlight of the trip was Magnetic Island, our accommodation was brilliant and even though we had a free day, Jason took us around the island to see all the best spots, wild koalas, wallabies and waterfalls!! Thank you so much Jason and Via for an epic tour and hopefully I can catch one of your West Coast trips next!
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Emma
14 Mar 2024
I recently embarked on a tour from Brisbane to Cairns, and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience! From start to finish, Jason, our tour guide, made the journey incredibly enjoyable. His knowledge, enthusiasm, and attention to detail truly elevated the entire trip. One of the highlights was our stop at Magnetic Island, where the fun seemed endless. Jason orchestrated fantastic activities that allowed us to explore the island's beauty while creating memories that will last a lifetime. From snorkeling adventures to relaxing beach picnics, every moment was filled with excitement and wonder. What truly set this tour apart was the incredible group dynamic fostered by Jason. He had a remarkable ability to bring people together, creating a sense of camaraderie among us all. Whether we were sharing stories around the table or embarking on an early morning hike, the bond we formed made the journey even more special. Overall, this tour exceeded all expectations, thanks in large part to Jason's exceptional guidance and the fantastic group dynamic. If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure from Brisbane to Cairns, look no further. This tour is an absolute must! Five stars all the way.
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Niall
13 Mar 2024
We did a 7-day trip on the east coast from Brisbane to Cairns. It was a great trip with a great guide (Eoin), who was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and fun. The trip was well organized and well-curated.
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Response from the owner - 2024-03-12
Hey Greg! Thanks fort he great review of our trip and your guide Eoin!
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Greg
10 Mar 2024
I recently had the pleasure of joining a Via tour travelling up the East Coast of Australia from Sydney to Port Douglas. It was a fabulous trip full of surprises and a huge variety of activities. All were included which I appreciated as it becomes annoying when every option incurs an additional charge. The accommodation was fabulous; we were surprised to find that we often ended up in a small studio with our own laundry facilities. Breakfast was included every morning and we were often taken to wonderful local cafes. But beating all was our guide Eoin who ensure everything was fun and ran smoothly. On our particular trip the weather caused a few issues but he ensured back up plans were made. His sense of humour and sense of fun too the trip to another level. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
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rachel
02 Mar 2024
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Sydney-Brisbane Adventure trip! Easy going agenda, with full respect to the land and the people. The hotels, meals, and particularly the obligatory Aussie BBQ were great. Byron Bay was a bliss, wish I stayed a month :) Would skip Dorrigo and Newy, but understand that’s en route to nicer places! Shout out to Eoin for being such a legend! Careful - you will want to love to Australia ???????? after this trip! 100% recommended!
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Response from the owner - 2024-02-16
What's a trip to Australia without a barbie (BBQ)?!
Thanks for the feedback, we're thrilled you had such a fabulous trip and that Via Travel got to play a part in that. We think Eoin is a legend too!
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Ania
16 Feb 2024
We were lucky enough to travel with Jason as our tour guide up the Gold Coast from Sydney to Cairns. It was the trip of a lifetime. The tour was full of experiences, knowledge, fun while learning about the culture of Australia, the history, the wildlife, the plant life and sea life. I cannot speak highly enough of the experience with Via Travel Australia. The places chosen to stay were unique and not all big commercial hotels. The group dinners were well coordinated. The ability to ask the guide questions as they came up and the personal commentary as the group was small enough not to get lost in the crowd. Every detail down to Jason shopping for a bbq at the hotel including some native foods like kangaroo. We got to see them, pet them and taste them if we chose to. He even took the time to drive us to find a Kasawari bird in the wild. I will definitely be doing more tours with Via Travel Australia… 5 stars all the way!
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Response from the owner - 2024-02-16
Thanks so much Lisa! We can't wait to see you onboard again soon :-)
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Lisa
16 Feb 2024
This was one of the best experiences of my life. The people I was with and the places we went were all amazing. The guide Justin Clarke was fantastic. He was a great guide, bus driver and friend. He really connected to everyone and encouraged everyone to interact with each other. When unexpected events occurred, he dealt with them with ease. This tour was absolutely with it.
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Justin
16 Feb 2024
We traveled with Via Travel Australia along the eastern coast of Australia from Sydney to Cairns. The trip was exceptional as we saw and experienced the absolute beauty of the country. We experienced kaolas and kangaroos at a rehab hospital facility, learned about the aboriginal culture, snorkeled at the great barrier reef, hiked through the daintree rain forest just to name a few experiences. The entire trip was led and managed by an over the top experienced crew. Our tour leader, Eoin Kennedy, was/is quite simply the best leader we’ve had on any tour we ever taken in the past. He is empathetic to the needs and happiness of the clients, incredibly knowledgeable, and has a fantastic sense of humor. His stories about the places and locales along the way help to enhance the travel experiences. I highly recommend Via Travel Australia for your Australian trips. Seriously good!
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Response from the owner - 2024-02-16
Hi David, Thanks for such a great review of our Sydney to Cairns east coast Australia tour. It is heartwarming for our small team when we get to read reviews like yours about our small group local tours. It reminds us why we love what we do! Have a great day and we hope you can join us for another trip in the future. Stu and Team Via
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David
16 Feb 2024
Took part in a Complete East Coast Tour with Via Travel Australia and it was the trip of a life time! Guides involved on the tour were knowledgeable and passionate about the information they were providing, which makes all the difference on longer tours (shout out Jason and Eoin) The tour provided good structure and guidance, but also at no point felt feel strict or rushed, always allowing for flexibility and personalization dependent on the group and their interests. Made it feel like custom experience rather than just a repeated paint by numbers tour. Excited for my next tour I book with Via
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Alexander
16 Feb 2024
East Coast tour with Via Travel Took part in a Complete East Coast Tour with Via Travel Australia and it was the trip of a life time! Guides involved on the tour were knowledgeable and passionate about the information they were providing, which makes all the difference on longer tours (shout out Jason and Eoin) The tour provided good structure and guidance, but also at no point felt feel strict or rushed, always allowing for flexibility and personalization dependent on the group and their interests. Made it feel like custom experience rather than just a repeated paint by numbers tour. Felt like a family by the end of the tour!read moreread less
AlexMarginson
09 Feb 2024