About APT
Celebrating almost a century of travel
As Australia’s largest family-owned tour and cruise company, APT is committed to delivering unforgettable travel experiences to our valued guests. What began as a vision, over 95 years ago, has now grown into a proud global business, demonstrating the power of dreaming fully.
The APT Story
1920s
In the 1920s, the cable tram drivers in Melbourne’s northern suburbs went on an extended strike. While some saw inconvenience, a 24-year-old mechanic named Bill McGeary saw opportunity. Bill converted his truck into a makeshift bus and began ferrying commuters. Over the next 20 years, he bought more buses to cover more and more routes.
School rounds and greyhounds
As the business grew, Bill looked beyond commuter bus routes and secured contracts for a number of school runs as well as trips to greyhound and harness racing events. But in the mid-1950s, Bill’s health began to fail and the once-thriving business deteriorated. Determined to save it, Bill’s son, a then 19-year-old Geoff McGeary, obtained a special under-age bus driver’s licence and took up the challenge of running the business.
Next stop: the Red Centre Parlor Coaches
As it turned out, Geoff not only possessed his father’s entrepreneurial spirit, but also his own insatiable appetite for discovering new destinations. Recognising Australians’ increasing enthusiasm for domestic tourism, Geoff became involved in pioneering camping holidays to Central Australia and Queensland.
On board with the times
As the 1960s rolled into the 1970s, the company, having become Australian Pacific Coaches, was soon conducting day tours and themed weekends, including trips that took Victorians to Sydney to see the then-risque musical, ‘Hair’. In the mid-’70s, the company made its first foray overseas, operating escorted journeys through New Zealand, as Australian Pacific Tours (APT). Following almost two decades of consistent growth, APT looked even further afield and started its Canada and Alaska program in 1991. In doing so, the company moved beyond traditional coach touring to include journeys by luxury train and cruise ship. Over the years, APT also built on its outback experience in the Northern Territory and introduced luxury wilderness adventures in Western Australia's remote Kimberley region.
Embarking on new adventures
In 2005, Geoff saw an opportunity to introduce Australians and New Zealanders to a new style of travel and launched the company’s innovative European river cruising holidays. Since then, APT has continued to expand its range, which today covers more than 70 countries around the globe.
It’s about the people
On a personal note, Geoff’s services to Australian tourism were acknowledged in 2014 when he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. He was also recognised as an Australian Tourism Legend at the 2015 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards. Geoff is characteristically modest about his achievements. “It’s not about what I’ve done, it’s about our people,” Geoff reflects. “Our people are so passionate about dreaming up once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences for our guests and making them possible. That makes me really proud.”
The APT Difference
For nearly a century, APT has been showing the world to our guests. We understand freedom and flexibility are important. That’s why when booking with us, we’ll support you if plans change, and ensure your health and safety are our highest priority.
Our travel experts will look after all aspects of your journey with unrivalled care. There’s 24/7 emergency support and we’ll keep you updated on any travel requirements.
APT has a 98% guest satisfaction rating. Our awards include the Australian Federation of Travel Agents’ Most Outstanding Tour Operator – Global for 2023 and Best Tour Operator Domestic – 2012-2016, 2018-2019, and 2023 Best Holiday Operator by Reader’s Digest.
We’re proud to be Australia’s leader in luxury travel, committed to delivering unforgettable travel experiences to our valued guests for almost a century.
When you travel with APT, you can discover hidden delights in the world’s most exciting destinations. All our experiences are specially curated with exclusive moments unavailable to most.
The cuisine of Australia is as diverse as it is delectable. Each state offers a tantalising array of traditional and contemporary dishes. The settings in which you will dine are truly like no other.
We offer a range of travel styles for you to choose from, including river cruising, small ship expedition cruising, remote journeys, land journeys, rail journeys, luxury short breaks and more.
APT’s world-class crews will look after you every step of the way on your journey. From experienced Tour Directors to our Lodge Hosts at APT’s exclusive network of Kimberley Wilderness Lodges, our crew is there to support your every need.
OneTomorrow is our charity fund. Our goal is to make a lasting, positive impact on nature and communities through support for environmental and humanitarian causes.
APT Awards
APT is honoured when our guests and travel industry bestow us with prestigious awards, and over the years there have been many. We are very proud of our 98% customer satisfaction rating and take great pride in our membership of all key travel industry associations.
Here is just a taste of the awards APT has achieved
ATIA - Australian Travel Industry Association
• Most Outstanding Tour Operator - Global – 2023
• Best River Cruise Operator, 2015 – 2019
• Best Tour Operator – Domestic, 2012 - 2016, 2018 – 2019
Australia Day Honours List
• Medal of the Order of Australia for services to Tourism – Judy Vanrenen, 2019
Cruise Critic – Editors Picks Awards
• Best River Cruise Line, 2019
Cruise Passenger - Reader's Choice Awards
• Best Overall River Cruise Line, 2015, 2017 – 2019
Reader's Digest
• Best Holiday Operator, 2023
APT Travel Group
Travelmarvel
Fun, exciting and hassle-free, Travelmarvel holidays are designed for those who seek premium organised travel on their own terms.
Captain's Choice
Since 1994, Captain’s Choice has remained uncompromising in its quest to create and curate the world’s most enriching journeys.
Botanica
Australia’s leading operator of specialist tours and cruises, Botanica’s carefully tailored worldwide itineraries are led by expert botanical guides.
Antarctica Flights
Antarctica Flights operates the world’s most unique day trip – a sightseeing flight over Antarctica aboard a privately chartered Qantas aircraft.
OneTomorrow
One Tomorrow is a not for profit organisation working to deliver a positive and enduring impact on the nature and communities we touch.