Gippsland Wildlife Expedition

Snowy River Secrets …. EAST GIPPSLAND WILDLIFE EXPEDITION

A classic journey into wilderness equal to the best in the world This is the ultimate way to experience East Gippsland! Our high quality vehicle-based expedition visits the most remote region of south-eastern Australia - an unspoilt wilderness of rugged mountains, deep, pure rivers, dense rainforest, abundant wildlife and long ocean beaches. Highlights of the expeditions are the plunging ramparts of the Snowy River Gorge and the upland rainforests of Errinundra Plateau. Your expert nature guide provides interpretation of the environment and indigenous culture. Travel through three dramatic and totally different ecosystems in the wilderness region of far East Gippsland. This fully guided vehicle-based expedition visits the most remote and unexplored region of south-eastern Australia containing the greatest density of national parks on the island continent. The expedition travels deep into the rainshadow of the Snowy River Gorge then high into the cool temperate rainforests of Errinundra Plateau before plunging down to the wilderness coastline. East Gippsland is renowned for its diversity of wildlife and flora. Our guides provide a comprehensive ecological overview/interpretation of many aspects of the environment and of the Aboriginal cultural traditions of the areas we travel through. Road travel is minimised with most time spent on a wide variety of bush-based experiences from our base camps.

Day 1 - Sunday: transfer Melbourne to East Gippsland (by vehicle or train), tour briefing, go underground into fabulous Buchan Caves, walk with wild kangaroos and other wildlife, overnight at B&B.(LD)

Day 2 - Monday: travel by vehicle high into the Australian Alps, walk to waterfalls and overview massive gorges before driving into Australia's deepest gorge in the Snowy River National Park. Camp in the famous Snowy River Valley, walk in this fascinating rainshadow woodland and learn about the Aboriginal people of this area. (BLD)

Day 3 - Tuesday: we drive beside the wild Deddick River high into Errinundra National Park, walk in cool temperate rainforest, see huge eucalyptus trees, view the mountain wildlife by day and by night. Our Base Camp is set high on Errinundra Plateau beside the national park (BLD)

Day 4 - Wednesday: take an easy walk through towering gum trees up to the top of the plateau and overview the entire alpine region before taking one of Australia's most exceptional forest drives through cool and warm temperate rainforest. Walk in a grove of magnificent palm trees in dense lowland rainforest before heading to the coast at Cape Conran on the Southern Ocean then visit the mouth of the mighty Snowy River before travelling to your B&B for the evening (BLD)

Day 5 - Thursday: transfer back to Melbourne (vehicle or train) (BL)

Location: the Snowy River and Errinundra National Parks in East Gippsland near the city of Melbourne in south-east Australia.
Departs: Sunday from Melbourne weekly September thru May
Minimum pax: 2 Maximum pax: 16
Prices - Prices are in Australian dollars Price is for twin share accommodation S/S = single supplement Price from 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2004 Adult: AUD$1050. Child: (up to 13 years) AUD$830 S/S: AUD$230 Price from 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2005 Adult: AUD$1190. Child: (up to 13 years) AUD$895 S/S: AUD$240

Includes: Full interpretation by experienced nature guides, all on ground transfers, meals and accommodation as described below, entry fees and vehicle based support crew.

Expert Guides: First class standards in guidance are the hallmark of Echidna Walkabout. Our in-house nature guide training program ensures that all guides have an in-depth working knowledge of the environments you will travel through. Vehicles and guides carry two way radios which link them to our office and to emergency services.

Meals on tour: All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on final day included. In camp, delicious meals are served to a sit-down table and wine is provided for most evening meals.
NB: Vegetarian or other food preferences should be noted at the time of booking.

4 Star Wilderness Base Camping: Stay in our luxurious base camps in specially designed twin share tents. You can stand full height in these tents. Delicious meals are served to a sit down table and wine is provided for most evening meals. Camps include hot showers and basic bathroom facilities.

Transport: In comfortable air conditioned vehicles. Some expeditions will depart Melbourne by train and be picked up in the region by our vehicle - in this case details of how to get to the train and ticketing will be provided by us. All transfers are included in the prices.

What to bring: Strong walking shoes or boots, clothing to suit variable weather conditions (temperatures range from 0C to +35C, sun hat, rainproof coat, small torch, insect repellent, sunblock, daypack (or we can supply a day pack for you) and 1 litre water bottle. You should also bring swimming gear. As space is limited please keep luggage to 1 sausage bag OR 1 backpack OR 1 small suitcase per person. During the journey we can store extra luggage in Melbourne as required. Hand luggage should be small.

Please note that whilst every attempt will be made to follow our planned route National Park Service requirements and weather conditions may cause amendments which will be clearly outlined to you by your guide.