We want to visit Australia (and NZ) this year, but need to travel with a tour group.
If anyone has taken a tour, will you please share with us your opinion of your trip and the name of the company you used. Thanks

jacylou,
In case you had not seen it I have topped a thread for you from last week which covers using a Tour company in Australia.
As I said on that we have used Australian Pacific Touring (APT) several times and can highly recommend them.They were very well run and had a really good mix of people.
Have also heard good things from people who have used AAT Kings.
These are probably the biggest and most widely used Australian companies.

I've also heard many good things about APT. You can also check Insight Vacations, Tauck, etc. There are many options that depend on what you want to do and what your budget is.

Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions,

Enrique

I went in Feb. with Adventures Abroad.
www.adventures-abroad.com. They are a small group tour company, max 20 people.
Great trip. Very laid back. I have been on 5 trips with this company and really like them. You can check the itinerary on the website. I enjoyed it very much.

We are planning to visit AU and NZ next year in March or April and our travel agent recommended Goway Travel as the tour company. They seem to offer some very extensive options and extensions and seem to be quite knowledgeable. Has any one used them and did they live up to your expectations? I see APT and AAT Kings mentioned frequently but not Goway. Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks

Hi Cass,
the reason you see APT and ATT frequently mentioned is because they have the biggest advertising budget and are sold by all the travel portals
If you are looking for tours, why not search in www.google.com.au
You'll find many smaller operators who'll give you personalized service and who can be very flexible.

Enjoy your time in OZ,
Mike

Jacylou-I don't know what your age group is but if it is over 55, then you could check out Elderhostel. I have posted a question on a current post about the two tours with Elderhostel that we are considering. I have set out the two itineraries under the post or you could go to Elderhostel website. Elderhostel prices include all (or nearly all) meals and there are no optional tours, all are included in the price. Good value in my opinion.

I will be interested in what you decide.

Margo