Savannah Walkabout ….
One Day Eco-tour from Melbourne
Venture
into 'real Australia' to see wild kangaroos and koalas, abundant
birdlife and discover a rich Aboriginal heritage. Learn about
native animals and plants both in the famous open-range grasslands
of Serendip Sanctuary on the Western Plains and in the bushlands
of Brisbane Ranges National Park. Within easy reach from the centre
of the city of Melbourne, these environments provide the perfect
introduction to Australia's unique wildlife and indigenous culture.
See and walk amongst Kangaroos in large free ranging groups. Spot
emus, wallabies, koalas and other unique Australian wildlife and
enjoy a delicious bush lunch. The Brisbane Ranges are home to
a large and healthy population of wild koalas and we rarely miss
out on multiple sightings of these delightful creatures. During
your journey your guide will share with you the great significance
of the Western Plains to Aboriginal people.
NOTE: this itinerary is an indication only, due
to conditions on the day it can change slightly to maximise wildlife
viewing opportunities
We depart Melbourne at around 9.30am to travel just
45 minutes to the west to Serendip Open Range Sanctuary,
where we are immediately amongst wild kangaroos and native birds.
Often our entrance is heralded by the screeching of Cockatoos
or the chattering of Honeyeaters. After a short walk to meet the
kangaroos, we begin our special Safari Drive around the Sanctuary
to see emus and huge wild mobs of kangaroos. We stop often
to enjoy the antics of the animals, and disembark for short walks
to the lake (home to large populations of waterbirds) and through
the gum trees. Before lunch we visit a protected population of
wallabies and get close to some strange Australian birds. Our
picnic lunch is served in an open-air setting at the Sanctuary,
and includes fruit and cakes, coffee and delicious Australian
"Billy tea". Your guide will explain the history and
recipe for the traditional tea of the Swagmen. Leaving Serendip,
we travel just 20 minutes further west to the bushland of Brisbane
Ranges National Park. The park is home to a large and healthy
population of wild Koalas, which we research and monitor to
ensure the best possible sightings. We take a very easy walk through
the gum trees, searching for koalas, wallabies, kangaroos and
birds in their natural setting. Your guide will point out plants
and features of interest, explain some of the history of the area
and, where possible, introduce you to known, named koalas that
are part of our research project. The area we walk through is
of great significance to the local Aboriginal People of the
Wathaurong Tribe. Freshwater lakes and billabongs nearby provided
a rich food source for them, and some signs of their occupation
still remain. Your guide will share their knowledge with you.
Though we will not be meeting any Aboriginal People on this tour,
we act with the knowledge, consent and support of the Wathaurong
Community. We return to Melbourne at about 6pm.
Location: the Great Western Plains near Melbourne
including Serendip Open Range Sanctuary and the Brisbane Ranges
National Park.
Grade - easy.
Departs: daily from city of Melbourne 9am to 9:30am all
year.
Returns: to Melbourne approximately 6pm.
Minimum pax: 2 Maximum pax: 8
Prices - Price is in Australian dollars. Price from 1 April
2002 to 31 March 2004: AUD $145, Child (up to and including 13
years) AUD $110 Price from 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2005: AUD
$150, Child (up to and including 13 years) AUD $115
Includes: Expert Nature Guides: You will be guided on this journey
by friendly, experienced and knowledgeable nature guides. Many
hours of research work precede the tour to ensure that you see
and learn about native wildlife in its natural environment. First
class standards in guidance are the hallmark. Our in-house nature
guide training program ensures that all guides have an in-depth
working knowledge of the wildlife and environments you will see.
Guides carry two way radios which link them to our office and
to emergency services.
