Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ's

Q –   Can we hire buses without a driver and drive ourselves?
A – No. We only provide transport services with a driver.

Q – Can we drink alcohol on the bus?
A – No. We do not allow alcohol consumption in our vehicles at any time.

Q – Can we eat on the bus?
A – No. We do not allow food consumption in our vehicles.

Q – What are your bus hire rates?
A – Please see our bus hire prices page

Q – Can we extend our service if needed?
A – Yes. All services may be extended providing the vehicle does not have a job pending.

Q – Is it possible for the bus to do a few unscheduled stops on the way?

A – Yes. All detours and extra stops are permitted at the expense of the hirer. All extra pickup or drop offs not previously arranged will be charged according to time and kilometres travelled.
Toilet stops are not considered unscheduled stops.

Q – Are you allowed to have standing passengers if the seats are full?
A – No. All passengers must be seated. It is against the law to carry more passengers than the vehicle is licensed to.

Q – Can we bring our own CD or MP3 player to play on our journey?
A – Yes. Some of our buses have connections for MP3 players and play MP3 CD’s. Please check when booking.

Q – Can we bring extra passengers on the day / night than arranged?
A – Yes, as long as there are seats available and as longs as you let us know prior.

Q – Do your buses have seat belts?
A – Yes. All our coaches and minibuses have seat belts.

Q – Do you provide after midnight bus services?
A – No. However, weddings are the exception providing we provide the forward bus parts of the wedding transfers.

Q. What is the NSW law regarding baby seats in buses?
A. A driver of a bus, that is designed to seat over 12 adults (including the driver), is not required to ensure passengers, including those under 16 years of age are in a restraint. It is recommended that where a restraint is available, it should be worn.

Small Buses (9 to 12 seats)
A driver of a small bus (between 9 to 12 seats including the driver) providing a public passenger service under the Passenger Transport Act 1990 must ensure that:
All passengers younger than 12 months are secured in a child restraint.
All passengers aged over 12 months and under 16 years:
occupy a seating position that is fitted with a suitable seatbelt, and
not occupy the same seating position as another passenger, and
wear the seatbelt properly adjusted and fastened.
No passenger under 4 years old is in the front seat and a child 4 years or older but under 7 years may only sit in the front row if all of the other seats in the row or rows behind the front row are occupied by passengers who are also under 7 years old.

Q – Do you provide interstate transfers?
A – Yes, however we do not drive throughout the night (overnight) bus transfers, only full day transfers.

Q – Do you travel to all locations in Australia?
A – Yes, however we do not cross the snow line.

Q – Do you provide Snow Charters?
A – No, sorry. We do not do snow services.

Q – Can your buses drive on unsealed roads?
A – Generally no. Minibuses & coaches are subject to damage on unsealed roads. If a dirt road is wet and muddy the chances of becoming bogged is likely. Coaches and minibuses are not made for this type of road driving and a common occurrence is flat tyres and suspension damage. In some cases it may be ok if it is a short, dry and non-potholed driveway but generally no.

Q – Do all your buses have seatbelts?
A – Yes, all minibuses and coaches have seatbelts.

Q – Do all your buses have air-conditioning?
A – Yes, all minibuses and coaches have A/C.

Q – Do the buses operate on public holidays?
A – Yes, although the office will be closed.

Q – Do you have COVID-19 Procedures in place?
A – Yes, please see our COVID-19 page and Travel Update Page.

Q – Is there any special conditions regarding cancellations during this pandemic?
A – Yes, please see our COVID-19 Payments & Refunds page

Sydney Airport FAQs

Q. Where do we meet the bus at the international or domestic terminals?
A.

  • International T1 > HERE
  • Domestic T2 > HERE
  • Domestic T3 > HERE

 

Q. Where is there a good meeting point at T1?
A. There is an official meeting point between arrival exists gates A and B of the international terminal.
Most people use the McDonald’s located at the northern end of the terminal on arrivals (ground floor) level.

Q. Do you offer a Meet & Greet service?
A. Yes. We offer a meet and greet assist service at all Sydney Airport terminals.

Q. What do we do if we have excess luggage that we didn’t tell you about?
A. This is a requirement we must know about at the time of booking so on the day if it fits, no problems.
If the undisclosed (to us) excess baggage or oversize luggage doesn’t fit then it will have to go in a taxi at your own expense or a second vehicle or luggage truck at your own expense.
Our vehicles are equipped with luggage storage based on 1 large suitcase and 1 carry-on. Additional baggage (except laptops or other small carry-on’s) is considered excess baggage and we need to know about it and how many per person.

Q. Can we store excess baggage in the aisle of the bus?
A. No, the aisle of all public passenger vehicle must be kept cleared in case of emergencies.
Luggage and bags cannot be stacked up over seats (unless secured) as it may become a projectile in an emergency brake procedure. This is Australian law.

Q. What are the capacities of luggage storage on the buses?
A. The minibuses bring luggage trailers which can hold 20 large suitcases.
The coaches store as per vehicle size. A 34 seater coach holds 34 large suitcases. A 42 seater holds 42 large suitcases etc.
If you have more than 1 large suitcase and 1 carry-on then we need to know.

Q. What if our group of 30+ passengers all have 2 large suitcases plus cabin bags?
A. You will need to charter a larger vehicle or another coach to accommodate the bags we bring a luggage truck (at additional expense).
Please do not assume that your excess bags will fit. We cannot stress how important this is.


Excess luggage is an extremely important factor we need to know about at the time of booking.
To avoid any dramas on the day with luggage that doesn’t fit due to excess.
If you don’t let us know then we cannot be responsible for time loss & additional costs you may incur for taxis or a second vehicle.
We cannot always bring a second vehicle or luggage truck on the day if it’s not pre-booked so please declare all excess baggage at the time of booking or if you have already made a booking then we need to know now if we need to upgrade your vehicle, bring a luggage truck or second bus.

Blue Mountains FAQs

Q. Do you run a regular Blue Mountains service departing daily?
A. No, we only operate as booked.

Q. Can we join a group or do a pay per person booking?
A. No, we are an accredited private group operator which means we only take group bookings.

Q. What are you vehicle passenger capacities?
A. We have a wide range of vehicles to suite your group size.

Q. Can you do a private tour for 2 passengers?
A. Yes we can, however the price is based on the vehicle which is a 7 seater and not per person so the tour price is the same should have 2 or 7 passengers.

Q. What can we see on a Blue Mountains Tour?
A. We can see any of the locations listed on the tour page plus any other.

Q. How long do we need on a Blue Mountains tour?
A. At least 8 hours is recommended. But we can do express 6hr tours.

Q. What is the travelling time to the Blue Mountains?
A. The travel time can be 1.5hrs to 2hrs from Sydney cbd.

Q. Can we see the major sights with the 6hrs?
A. Yes, but it doesn’t leave any time for lunch.

Q. Can we pick our own Blue Mountains sights to see?
A. Yes, all tours are flexible and the itinerary can be anything you like?

Q. Can we see Jenolan Caves on a Blue Mountains Tour?
A. Yes, but only with at least a 12hr Blue Mountains tour.
Please see our Jenolan Caves Tour & FAQs pages.

Q. Can the itinerary be changed on the day?
A. Yes, no problems.

Q. How long are half and full day Blue Mountains Tours?
A. Half day is 6hrs & full day is 8hrs – 12hrs.

Q. Are there any entry fees associated with Blue Mountains tours?
A. Yes. Scenic World, Featherdale Wildlife Park (if on itinerary) & lunch costs.

Q. Where is the best place to have lunch in the Blue Mountains?
A. There are two options at Scenic World (recommended):
EATS270
Sky high dining delivers a fresh dining experience – 270 metres above the Jamison Valley!
EATS270 is a licensed venue offering diverse lunch menus featuring seasonal produce sourced from local suppliers where possible. Signature Angus beef burgers and steakhouse chips, fresh wraps or delicious seasonal specials.
Perched on the escarpment with expansive views of the iconic Three Sisters and Jamison Valley, EATS270 offers indoor and outdoor seating for the most picturesque lunch spot in the Blue Mountains.
Open 10:30am – 3:00pm daily.
TERRACE CAFÉ
With outdoor seating and panoramic views of the Jamison Valley.
Open 9:00am – 5:00pm daily.
There are various restaurant choices in Katoomba township and Leura township has some great cafes, bakeries for some hot Aussie pies and sausage rolls, hot/cold food houses and their famous Candy Shop.

Shopping Tours FAQs

Q. Do you run a regular Shopping Tour service departing daily?
A. No, we only operate as booked.

Q. Can we join a group or do a pay per person booking?
A. No, we are an accredited private group operator which means we only take group bookings.

Q. Can you do a private Shopping tour for 2 passengers?
A. Yes we can, however the price is based on the vehicle which is a 7 seater (in this circumstance) and not per person so the tour price is the same should have 2 or 7 passengers.

Q. How many shopping destinations can we do on the day?
A. It depends on how many hours are booked.

Q. How long do we need for a Shopping Tour?
A. Shopping tours usually require 6hrs or more but can be as long or a short as you like.

Q. Can we pick our own shopping locations?
A. Yes absolutely, we encourage you show us places we may not know about.

Q. Can the itinerary be changed on the day?
A. Yes, no problems.

Q. Are there any entry fees associated with shopping tours?
A. No, all factory outlets listed on our shopping tour are fee entry.

Q. Do you operate all year round?
A. Yes, we provide bespoke shopping tours any time of the year.

Q. What are the prices for shopping tour buses?
A. Costs depends on many factors: start and finish time: pickup location, bus size etc

Q. Where do we meet to start the shopping tour?
A. We pick you up from the location of your choice.

Q. Can we pickup from multiple locations?
A. Yes, we can pickup from as many locations as you like. Keeping in mind that if you book a 6hr service and want 10 pickup locations then the time starts from the first pickup.

Hunter Valley FAQs

Q. What is the Cellar Door?
A. The Cellar Door means you cannot buy the product retail, only at the winery or restaurants.

Q. How many wineries can you usually visit in a day?
A. Depending on the size of the group….tours from Sydney are usually 10 hours. Given that there’s 5 hours in travelling time (2.5 hours each way) leaves 5 hours in the Hunter Valley for wineries. Also adding an hour for lunch leaves about 4 hours to visit wineries. Large groups can take 45 minutes to an hour per winery and smaller groups 30 minutes plus. Adding travelling time between wineries…it’s about 5 or 6 wineries for the smaller minibus size groups and 3 or 4 wineries for the coach size groups.

Q. Do we need to make bookings for the wineries?
A. Yes, most wineries require bookings for tastings, smaller groups are usually ok at most wineries but always check with the winery before adding it to you list of wineries to visit.

Q. Does it cost any money for wine tasting?
A. Yes, usually $4 or $5 per person depending on the winery. Always check with the winery before adding it to your list.

Q. Whare can we have lunch?
A. Some wineries have restaurants that require bookings in advance, others can usually cater to the smaller group. As always, check with the winery.

Q. If we bring our own picnic lunch, is there somewhere nice to have a picnic?
A. Yes, many of the larger wineries have picnic tables with fantastic views over the vineyards and the valley.

Q. Can you plan a winery itinerary for us?
A. Yes, we can create an itinerary based on your tastes and ideas. We like to visit a mixture of larger wineries and smaller wineries.

Q. Are all wineries accessible by coach?
A. No, many smaller wineries do not have coach parking facilities or turning room for coaches. Minibuses are usually OK.

Q. Do you have a list of wineries in the Hunter Valley that we can make our selection from?
A. Yes, please click HERE for the Hunter Valley Wineries list. See end of page for our choice wineries

Q. What time do the wineries open & close?
A. Most operate from 10am to 5pm.

Q. What wineries do you recommend? Or what is a good itinerary?
A. It depends on the group size and vehicle accessibility etc but we like to mix up the experience and allow the visitor to not just taste wine but also to have an option to have some food tastings as well.
See our Hunter Valley page for our recommendations and accessibility for minibuses and coaches.

Q. If there are some kids in the family, is there anything for them to see & do?
A. Yes, but generally a wine tasting tour is for adults so kids may find it boring watching the adults taste wine but there is the Hunter Valley Gardens to visit and the chocolate factory which is on the grounds of another winery. If you are going to bring kids along, please remember that there is about 5 hrs in travelling time to and from the Hunter Valley so make sure they have some things to keep them amused during the travel time. If you are planning on bringing kids then we recommend that you make a visit to the Hunter Valley Gardens which can take 2 hours or more to see the attractions.

Q. Can we change the itinerary we make or you make on the day?
A. Yes, we can stop at any winery that we pass. Wineries for which you have made a booking with generally wish you to arrive on time as they have other bookings for groups after yours. If you miss your time slot you may not be able to get the booking pushed forward so you may miss out.

Q. Can we extend our service if required?
A. Yes, all services can be extended and costed accordingly to extra time needed.

Q. Can we drink our purchases on the bus or can we dink any alcohol on the bus?
A. No, sorry, there is no alcohol consumption allowed at any time.

Canberra Tours FAQs

Q. Do you run a regular Canberra Tour service departing daily?
A. No, we only operate as booked.

Q. Can we join a group or do a pay per person booking?
A. No, we are an accredited private group operator which means we only take group bookings.

Q. Can you do a private tour for 2 passengers?
A. Yes we can, however the price is based on the vehicle which would be a 7 seater and not per person so the tour price is the same should have 2 or 7 passengers.

Q. What can we see on your Canberra tour?
A. We can see any of the locations listed on the tour page plus others.

Q. How long do we need on a Canberra tour?
A. Canberra tours require 12hrs.

Q. What is the travelling time to Canberra?
A. 4hrs each way which includes a compulsory stop over at Marulan both ways.

Q. We’ve heard that it takes 3hrs from Sydney to Canberra. Why do you take 4hrs?
A. Being an accredited operator means all our vehicle regardless of size can only travel at 100kph even though the freeway is 110kph. Over long distance this adds time plus 20-30 minutes stopover at Marulan makes it a 4hr journey each way.

Q. Can we pick our own Canberra sights to see?
A. Yes, all tours are flexible and the itinerary can be anything you like?

Q. Can the itinerary be changed on the day?
A. Yes, no problems.

Q. Are there any entry fees associated with Canberra tours?
A. No, all attractions listed on our tour are fee entry.

Q. What other costs are there on Canberra tours on the day?
A. Only lunch expenses.

Sydney Tours FAQs

Q. Do you run a regular Sydney Tour service departing daily?
A. No, we only operate as booked.

Q. Can we join a group or do a pay per person booking?
A. No, we are a private group operator which means we only take group bookings.

Q. What can we see on a Sydney Tour?
A. We can see any of the locations listed on the tour page plus any other.

Q. How long do we need on the tour?
A. The tour is based on a minimum of 4hrs.

Q. Can we see the major sights with the 4hrs?
A. Yes.

Q. Can we pick our own Sydney sights to see?
A. Yes, all tours are flexible and the itinerary can be anything you like?

Q. Can the itinerary be changed on the day?
A. Yes, no problems.

Q. Are the major sights in Sydney wheelchair accessible?
A. Unfortunately not and we hope they will be accessible soon.

Q. How long is a half day and full day Sydney Tour?
A. Half day is 4hrs – 6hrs & full day is 7hrs – 12hrs.

Q. Can we see Manly during a half day Sydney Tour?
A. Yes, but considering Manly is at least 45 minutes each way plus time spent there then it doesn’t leave much time for other Sydney sights. We have a Northern Beaches tour in which Manly and its lookouts are included.

Q. Are there any entry fees associated with Sydney Tours?
A. Depends on the location. Sydney Tower, Aquarium, Wildlife Zoo all have entry fees.

Q. What other costs are involved with Sydney Tours?
A. besides entry fees, meals & drinks are the only own expense additional cost.

Q. Where is the best location to have lunch on a Sydney Tour?
A. Bondi Beach has a wide range of food options such as cafés, restaurants, fast food, fish & chips, salad bars & snack bars. Sydney city also has a wide range of choices.

Q. Do you provide tour guides?
A. No, all tour guides are booked through a professional tour guide association. We recommend your agent negotiate with the guide directly where you can select a guide in your own native language and negotiate prices.

Q. Do you provide driver guides or driver commentary?
A. We reccomend you use a professional tour guide for all tours as Sydney is a very busy city and for safety reasons we want the driver concentrating on the roads and traffic at all times.

Jenolan Caves FAQs

Q. Do you run a regular Jenolan Caves bus service departing daily?
A. No, we only operate as booked.

Q. Can we join a group or do a pay per person booking?
A. No, we are an accredited private group operator which means we only take group bookings.

Q. Can you do a private tour for 2 passengers?
A. Yes we can, however the price is based on the vehicle which in this case is a 12 seater and not per person so the tour price is the same should have 2 or 12 passengers.

Q. What else can we see on a Jenolan Caves tour?
A. On the way back to Sydney we can go via the Zig Zag Railway or visit some Blue Mountains sights.

Q. How long do we need on a Jenolan Caves day tour?
A. Jenolan Caves tours require 12hrs.

Q. What is the travelling time to Jenolan Caves?
A. 3.5hrs each way from Sydney.

Q. How long do we need at Jenolan Caves?
A. Cave tours are generally 60 to 90 minutes. Adding lunch then at least 3hrs at Jenolan Caves.

Q. We have children so what is the best cave tour for kids?
A. Chifley Cave is the best cave tour for kids and takes about an hour & has the least amount of steps.

Q. Do we need to be fit to have a cave tour?
A. No, but there are a lot of steps in all caves and most caves have some low sections in which you have to bend so as long as you have general mobility then you’ll be ok.

Q. What should we wear for Jenolan Caves? We heard it’s quite cold.
A. During winter months it’s cold so winter wear is required. Inside the caves (& the deeper you go) the temperature decreases so bring a jumper (sweater) or jacket to be on the safe side in the non-winter months. If you feel the cold then wear long pants as well.

Q. Can I purchase a jumper (sweater) or jacket at Jenolan Caves?
A. Yes, there is a gift shop that sells cold weather gear.

Q. Do you get wet doing a cave tour?
A. Not really. All caves have drips of water coming down in places and the ground is usually damp so wear enclosed shoes.

Q. Are Jenolan Cave tours dangerous?
A. No, if it was dangerous it wouldn’t be open as a tourist attraction.

Q. What else can we do at Jenolan Caves?
A. There are many walks available in the area.

Q. Are all the cave tours guided?
A. Yes, but there is one cave that is self-guided and free entry only with a purchase of a paid tour.

Q. Can we have lunch at Jenolan Caves?
A. Yes, there is sit down hot food available.

Q. What is the situation with the daily road closure at Jenolan Caves?
A. The last section of Jenolan Caves Road is one way (entering Jenolan) from 11:45 AM to 1:15 PM every day. This allows larger vehicles and coaches more room to manoeuvre & to enter Jenolan safely from the narrow roadway.

Q. What are the cave choices?
A. Please see the Jenolan Caves Cave Guide

Q. Do you have any maps or more information on Jenolan Caves?
A. Yes. Please see the Jenolan Caves Village Map and Cave Guide (pdf documents for download)

Race Day FAQs

Q. Where is the best spot to meet the bus at Randwick Racecourse?
A. Until the light rail is completed at Randwick, the pickup location cannot be confirmed.

Q. Where is the best spot to meet the bus at Rosehill Racecourse?
A. The best spot is on Grand Ave outside the carpark entrance.

Q. What is the best time for the return pickup after the last race?
A. Generally the last race is at 17:30 so an 18:00 pickup would be recommended so to give time for you to collect you winnings and/or go to the toilet before departing on the bus
In the winter months the last race is generally 16:15 so a 17:00 pickup time is recommended.
Please check the race schedule for last race time before confirming the return pickup time.

Q. What are the race times?
A. Gates Open – 10.30am
First Race – 11.45am
Last Race – 5.30pm

Q. What do I wear in the general public area?
A. Entry to the general admission areas of the racecourse requires guests to be neatly dressed. Shoes and a shirt must be worn at all times. Guests wearing fancy dress costumes will be denied entry to the racecourse. All general admission dining rooms and function venues require smart casual attire – for example: dress jeans and a nice shirt (no shorts or thongs).

Q. What Happens in Bad Weather – Do the Races get called off?
A. In the event of inclement weather, radio station 2KY (1017 AM dial) will keep you informed as to whether the AJC will cancel the Race Day. In the event that the AJC cancels a race meeting, and you have pre-purchased general admission and/or a dining package to the affected race day, the AJC will refund your money on the next business day.

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