How We Plan Your Custom Australian Holiday
A Personalised Journey, Planned Around You
Planning a custom Australian holiday should feel exciting, not overwhelming.
We start by understanding where you want to go, how you like to travel, the experiences that interest you and the pace that feels right for you.
From there, we create a personalised itinerary combining the best mix of accommodation, private touring, self-drive travel, rail journeys, flights, transfers and experiences.
You don't need to arrive with a complete plan. That's what we're here to help with.
How Our Planning Process Works
Step 1 — Tell Us About Your Trip
Start by telling us a little about your plans.
It helps to know:
Your approximate travel dates
How long you have available
Number of travellers
Destinations you are interested in
Preferred accommodation standard
Whether you prefer private touring, self-drive or a combination
Activities and experiences that interest you
Your approximate budget
You don't need to have every detail decided.
Once we understand what you are looking for, we can help recommend destinations and suggest a route that works realistically for your available time.
Our planning process is designed to make creating your Australian holiday simple.
From your first enquiry through to your journey itself, we work with you to shape the itinerary, refine the details and arrange the travel components required.
Step 2 — We Design Your Itinerary
We then create a personalised Australian itinerary around your interests, preferred pace and travel style.
Rather than simply connecting destinations on a map, we consider realistic travel times, how long you should spend in each location and the best way to travel between regions.
Depending on your journey, your itinerary may combine:
Private drivers and guides
Self-drive sections
Domestic flights
Rail journeys
Transfers
Cruises and scenic flights
Wildlife, food, cultural and outdoor experiences
Carefully selected accommodation
You'll receive an initial itinerary to review, and we can then adjust the route, accommodation and experiences based on your feedback.
Step 3 — We Refine the Details
Once you have reviewed your itinerary, we work with you to fine-tune the journey.
This is where we make adjustments such as changing accommodation, adding or removing activities, altering the pace or spending more time in destinations that matter most to you.
We want the itinerary to feel right before you commit to the booking.
When you are happy with the journey, we'll provide the final arrangements and explain the booking and payment process clearly.
Step 4 — Confirm Your Australian Holiday
Once you are ready to proceed, a deposit is required to confirm your arrangements.
A 20% deposit, plus the cost of any flights we arrange, is normally required to secure your holiday.
The remaining balance is due before travel in accordance with your confirmed payment schedule.
Some suppliers, including rail journeys, flights or limited-availability experiences, may require earlier payment.
Your payment dates and booking conditions will be clearly explained before you confirm your journey.
Step 5 — Your Final Travel Information
Before you travel, we'll bring the details of your journey together so you have the information you need while in Australia.
Your personalised travel information may include:
Day-by-day itinerary
Accommodation details
Pick-up and departure times
Activity information
Booking references
Driving information
Maps and directions
Important contact details
Where applicable, this information can be accessed through our travel app, making it easier to keep your itinerary together while you are travelling.
Step 6 — Travel With Local Support
When your journey begins, your arrangements are already in place.
Follow your itinerary day by day, knowing that the accommodation, transport and experiences included in your journey have been planned in advance.
If something unexpected occurs while you are travelling, our team is available to help with the arrangements we have made for you.
The aim is simple: you enjoy Australia while we help take care of the details.
Travel Australia Your Way
Use domestic flights to connect distant regions and spend more time experiencing Australia instead of driving long distances.
Include one of Australia’s iconic rail journeys as part of your itinerary for a relaxed and memorable way to travel.
Enjoy the freedom of driving yourself, with your route, accommodation and experiences carefully planned in advance.
Travel with your own private driver and guide, with the journey tailored around your interests and pace.
What Can We Arrange?
We can bring the different parts of your Australian holiday together into one carefully planned itinerary.
Accommodation
Private Touring
Rental Vehicles
Domestic Flights
Rail Journeys
Transfers
Cruises
Scenic Flights
Wildlife Experiences
Food & Wine
Cultural Experiences
Tours & Activities
Planning Australia & New Zealand Together
Australia and New Zealand work exceptionally well as one combined holiday, especially for international travellers making a long journey to this part of the world. We can plan both countries as one complete itinerary, coordinating the route, accommodation, transport and experiences so the journey flows smoothly from Australia into New Zealand without feeling like two separate trips.
Why Plan With Australian Custom Tours?
Personalised From the Start
Your journey is designed around your dates, interests and preferred travel style.
Realistic Travel Times
We plan routes that allow you to enjoy the destination rather than constantly rushing between places.
Support Along the Way
Your travel arrangements and itinerary are brought together before you leave, with support available during your journey.
Different Travel Styles Combined
Private touring, self-drive, rail and flights can all be incorporated into one itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planning Your Trip
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For most Australian holidays, we recommend starting around 6 to 12 months in advance. Planning earlier gives you more choice of accommodation, experiences and transport, particularly during busy travel periods or when your itinerary includes luxury lodges, rail journeys or limited-availability activities.
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Yes. If you already have ideas, bookings or a rough itinerary, we can work with what you have and help refine the journey.
We can review the route, travel times and accommodation, then suggest changes or additional experiences where they would improve the overall trip.
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Yes. Your initial itinerary is a starting point and can be adjusted before you confirm your holiday.
We can change destinations, accommodation, activities, travel times or the overall pace until the itinerary feels right for you.
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No. You can come to us with just your travel dates, the amount of time you have and a general idea of what you enjoy.
We can then recommend destinations, suggest a realistic route and help you build the holiday from there.
Ready to Start Planning Your Australian Holiday?
You don't need to have the whole trip worked out. Tell us your dates, how long you have, who is travelling and what you'd most like to experience. We'll help shape the journey from there.