Germans Travel helps!
This article is a summary of information about travelling in Australia with Covid 19, including helpful links about border openings and an overview of some available tours and activities.
PLEASE NOTE: Everything is constantly changing! We cannot predict the future, but we do our best to give the best estimates.
Scroll down for up-to-date information on tours and activities…
Last updated: July 15, 2020
General Coronavirus updates for Australia:
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
Important Information for Interstate Travel:
VIC (Victoria)
Since 8th of July Melbourne has returned into full lockdown. Regional VIC not yet, but it is not allowed to drive from Melbourne into the countryside. Restaurants, bars and gyms have closed again and visitors are not allowed at home for the next 6 weeks. #HOLDONMELBOURNE 😢
More Information: https://www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions-victoria
NSW (New South Wales)
Since 8th of July the borders between NSW and VIC have been closed again. from 17th of July new rules will be introduced to pubs across NSW that will limit group bookings to a maximum of 10 people and cap the number of customers inside a venue to 300 people following a concerning rise in COVID-19 cases. A lot of tours are only operating with restrictions (whale watching / diving / bridge climb). In the Blue Mountains many places are still closed, but you can arrange a private tour. ($450 for 3 people) Contact us via the Facebook Chat for more information on available tours and activities in NSW.
Further information: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules#upcoming-changes
WA (Western Australia)
Since the 5th of June tours are allowed to operate again, but not further than Broome, across the border to Northern Territory. There is no expected date for the border opening, yet as WA is basing this decision on how the situation is evolving in VIC. Here you can find the latest updates.
Further information: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-wa-roadmap
SA (South Australia)
Travellers from NT, QLD, TAS and WA are able to enter South Australia directly without restriction. Travellers from ACT and NSW, other than essential travellers, will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days after entering SA. Before entering to South Australia you have to register and fill out a form. It is recommended to submit this form 3 days before crossing the border.
Further information: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/restrictions-and-responsibilities/travel-restrictions
NT (Northern Territory)
Northern Territory will open again from the 17th of July 2020. Before crossing the border you have to fill in a pre-arrival border crossing application. Unfortunately, most of the Uluru (Ayers Rock) tours will not operate until the 1st of September. Contact us for more information.
Further information: https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/roadmap-new-normal
QLD (Queensland)
Queensland border are open since the 10th of July but the entry can be refused if you have been in one of the designated hotspots over the last 14 days. In order to cross the border you need to apply for the Queensland Border Declaration Pass. Most of the tours are operating again! Contact us through Facebook for more information on availabilities.
Further information: https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/roadmap-to-easing-queenslands-restrictions
TAS (Tasmania)
From the 15th of July onwards, almost everything is back to normal in Tasmania, but the borders will remain closed based on public health advice. The situation will be reviewed daily and an update will be provided on the 24th of July. Border restrictions to remain in place until at least 31 July. Some tours and activities are operating again. Contact us to find out more details.
Further information: https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/families-community/roadmap-to-recovery
ACT (Australian Capital Territory)
Wednesday 8 July 2020, the ACT has closed its borders for anyone travelling into the ACT from Victoria, unless they have an exemption to enter.
Further Information:https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/news-articles/act-border-restrictions
International borders:
Unfortunately, there is no announcement on when the International borders of Australia will open again.
Further information: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/
Visa extension:
Adventure Tourism Victoria have started an initiative for all Working Holiday Makers who are still in Australia. The case will be presented to the Australian Governement at the end of July to hopefully achieve a visa extension for backpackers.
Frequently asked questions:
Is it possible to travel to a "closed" state to do an (already booked) tour/activity?
It is not yet permitted to undertake "not necessary" trips. To cross a closed border you have to prove that you have a good reason like f.e. work or care giving.
I would like to rent a campervan and travel around Australia, is that already possible?
Renting a campervan is no problem. Travelling in Australia is limited based on the above mentioned border restrictions. Contact us here for Information on campervan and carrental .
What do I have to consider when I want to leave Australia?
Staying safe should have the highest priority! Flights are still operating but you might have to take another route or fly to a different airport.
More information: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/covid-19-cant-get-home
I don't want to leave the country, but my visa is expiring! What can I do?
You can apply for a Covid Visa (Subclass 408) if you have a job in one of the critical sectors like health, aged or disabled care, agriculture and food processing or childcare. A valid visa is still essential to stay in Australia.
More information: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-activity-408/australian-government-endorsed-events-covid-19
I have to travel for regional work, what do I have to consider?
You must register on the government website to announce (and prove) that you have been isolated for 14 days.
https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/industry-and-employers
I want my superannuation back. What do I have to do?
You can get your Superannuation (depending on your visa unfortunately only partly) back, if
- you have lost your job or your income has decreased by 20%
- Your visa has expired and you are back home
To get your superannuation back create an account with MyGov and add the Australian Taxation Office as a service. Here you will find a tab for Superannuation which you have to click through.
Further information: https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/super/withdrawing-and-using-your-super/early-access-to-your-super/
Can I enter Australia?
Currently you can only enter Australia if you have an Australian passport, a Permanent Resident Visa or close family in Australia. The only entry points are Sydney and Melbourne and there are quarantine regulations under which you must spend 14 days in the government quarantine zones. We do not know if there is a fee for this. Please contact Home Affairs Global Service in advance: 131 881 (calls can only be made from Australia).
Further information: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-advice-and-restrictions-faqs
Info links from Melbourne and Sydney Airport can be found below:
https://www.sydneyairport.com.au/info-sheet/covid19
https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/Passengers/Passenger-information/COVID-19?viewmode=0
My flight is scheduled but I am not allowed to enter Australia, what can I do?
Contact your airline and try to cancel the flight or rebook to an open ticket.
So when can I travel to Australia?
International borders most likely won’t be opening for International travellers before next year. Travelling between Australia and New Zealand will most likely be possible earlier. If you have already booked a trip for this year, check the cancellation policy so you can cancel in time to avoid unnecessary costs.
More information: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au
Is there no other option?
Some exceptions have been made already with more to be expected. International students who have already studied here are allowed to come back since June, and maybe an exception will be made for new International students, but we don't know when.
As Working Holiday Makers are highly demanded as regional worker and aupairs we hope that they will be able to enter to Australia earlier with proof of employment and under quarantine regulations.
Which tours are operating again in Australia?
We have been asked this question many times over the last few weeks which is why we have put together a list of popular tours which are operating again or soon will be. Please contact us via the Facebook chat to find out more information on availabilities, which tour suite you the best, and to make a booking. Our advise is independent and FREE and the price for your booking will be the same or less (package prices) as if you would book through the supplier directly.
I want to book a tourWe can also help you with booking transport. I want to book a campervan or car
Tours and activities on the East Coast
- SPOT X Surf-Camp:
2 days 3 nights $279 daily
5 days 4 nights $545 daily - Byron Bay:
Divers License Byron Bay $425
Kajaking with dolphins $75 daily
Nimbin-Tour $55 from September
Skydive $299 for the moment only on the weekend - Fraser Island:
Fraser Explorer Daytour
From Rainbow Beach: $199 - täglich
From Hervey Bay: $199
From Noosa: $199
Dingos
2 days 1 night Mondays and Wednesday
3 days 2 nights Fridays
Dropbaer will most likely operate again from September 2020
Pippies will operate again from September 2020
We can also help you to hire a 4WD + Campinggear
- Town of 1770:
Scooteroo – not operating, yet - Whitsundays:
Overnight tours:
Spank me: Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday $320
Tongarra: Wednesday and Friday $449
Avatar: Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday $350
Atlantic Clipper: every Tuesday $449
Boats that will be operaring at a later stage:
Wings: $555 from 14th of August, different days
Powerplay: $535 from 1st of August, different days
Eureka: $519 available up on request! Contact us as the departure is not guaranteed
Broomstick $499 from September
Condor: $499 from September
Solway $549 up on request
Ride to Paradise $599, from September
2 Days 1 Night:
SV Whitehaven: from 23rd of July twice a week
Hammer: from September
Contact us for information on more boats!
1 Day:
Thundercat / Bullet, every day!
Ocean Rafting – every day $189
Skydive Airlie Beach : $295 + $25 Levy- every day
Tours and activities in Cairns:
Great Barrier Reef Passions of Paradise: $175 + $20 Levy 3x per week
Live aboard Divers Den: (3 Day Dive) from 22nd of August 2020 $615 + $20Levy
Dreamtime
For information on more tours contact us via Facebook.
Tours and activities on the Westcoast:
Broome to Darwin with Road 2 Adventure, 14 days $1695 - (1 x per month)
Perth 2 Broome with Road 2 Adventure, 19 days, $2195 (1x per month)
Why not bus Perth to Broome, 14 days $1599 (2 x per month)
There are more tours available. Contact us to get free advise or if you want to book your own campervan or car Facebook.
Tours and activities in the Outback (most tours will operate again from September)
Groovy Grape Rock Patrol: Adelaide to Alice Springs 6 days >> $965 from September
Groovy Grape Rock to Water: Alice Springs to Adelaide in 6 days >> $915 from September
Barossa Valley to Adelaide $125 >> from September (4x per week)
Great Ocean Road & Grampians to Adelaide to Melbourne >> $465 from September
Great Ocean Road & Grampians, Melbourne to Adelaide >> $464 from September
Phillip Island day tour $175 (2x per week) from September
Wilsons Prom daytour $169 (1x per week) from September
Grampians daytour $169 (1x per week) from September
Tours and activities in Tasmania
Tasman Island Cruise daily
Most likely from September:
Bruny Island Daytour with UDU
Tassie Wild 3 with UDU
Famous 5 with UDU
Mt Field, Mt Wellington & Wildlife with Tours Tasmania
Maria Island Nationalpark Tours Tasmania
Mt Wellingtin Descent
From 1st of August:
Territory Expeditions (Kakadu und Litchfield)
From 1st of September:
Jump Tours Tasmania
Tours Tasmania
West Adventure Tours (Westcoast)
Nullarbor Traveler
Wildlife Tours (Melbourne)
Autopia Tours (Westcoast and Melbourne)
Still unknown:
Wayoutback
Adventure Tours
Mulgas
Kimberley Adventure Tours
The Rock Tour
Rock Stars
