Wildlife Walkabout

Fully accommodated wildlife journey

In the company of expert nature guides search the bush by day and night for animals and birds in a region containing the highest concentration of wildlife reserves and national parks in Australia. Journey by vehicle, boat and on foot in search of kangaroos & wallabies, wombats, four species of gliding possum, koalas and abundant birdlife in the forests, the estuaries and on the ocean. During our quest we visit magnificent stands of giant eucalypt forest, walk in rainforest, along endless untouched ocean beaches and cruise secluded rivers and waterways. Over four relaxing but fascinating days this journey investigates the abundant wildlife of far East Gippsland.

Because much of Australia's wildlife is best seen in the late afternoon and evening, some activities on this tour deliberately begin later in the day and go on into the evening. This allows participants to enjoy a restful morning after a late evening. Overnight in delightful B&B's and get to know the locals.

Day 1 : Fly out of Melbourne mid morning to East Gippsland. Our tour guide picks you up in our tour vehicle and we visit the internationally acclaimed RAMSAR wetlands of the Lakes District of East Gippsland looking for birdlife before traveling by ferry to an island sanctuary in the wetlands with a thriving colony of Koalas. We take a walk through the forest spotting many of these delightful animals in the wild. Dinner tonight is in a local restaurant. Tonight we travel deep into a eucalypt forest with our spotlight in search of 3 species of rare gliding possums. Tonight's accommodation is a B&B near the small town of Orbost where you will stay for three nights. (LD)

Day 2 : Our activities today are at the great estuary of the Bemm River on the wilderness coast. This morning we are met by a boat and our local bird watching guide to cruise the forest lined lakes and rivers of a wilderness estuary in search of Black Swans, Musk ducks, Sea Eagles, Kingfishers and other rare birdlife as we cruise the estuary and associated waterways. We also visit an untrodden beach with a complex dune system and frequently see pelagic birds. After a picnic we take a walk through the nearby coastal forest finishing the day at the local village pub for dinner. After dinner we spotlight for the elusive Wombat, wallabies and possums before returning to your accommodation. (BLD)

Day 3 : Today we travel high into the mountains of East Gippsland firstly into the towering eucalypt forests where giant gum trees soar into the sky - the tallest flowering plants on earth. You guide provides detailed information of the formation of these mighty forests. Next we take a walk in the fascinating transitional zone between the eucalypts and the rainforests before moving into a great stand of Cabbage Tree Palms. Birdlife is abundant. Finally we head back to the coast at Cape Conran, a place steeped in Aboriginal history and home to the Common Wombat. We dine outdoors tonight and then go spotlighting in search of wombats and possums and any other creatures of this entrancing location. (BLD)

Day 4: This morning we depart East Gippsland after a relaxing breakfast and transfer to Melbourne arriving in the afternoon (BL)

Location: far East Gippsland near the city of Melbourne in south-east Australia.
Departs: Sunday from Melbourne weekly September thru May
Minimum pax: 2 Maximum pax: 10
Prices - Prices are in Australian dollars. Price is for twin share accommodation S/S = single supplement days = total duration of tour including transfers to beginning of walk Price to 31 March 2004 Adult: AUD $1260. Child: (up to 13 years) AUD $960 S/S: AUD $330 Party of 4+ Adult: AUD$1140. Child: (up to 13 years) AUD $960 S/S: AUD $330 Price from 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2005 Adult: AUD$1325. Child: (up to 13 years) AUD $995 S/S: AUD $220 Party of 4+ Adult: AUD$1200. Child: (up to 13 years) AUD$995 S/S: AUD $220 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. By joining the tour you will help gain a greater understanding of the wildlife of East Gippsland's magnificent forests and national parks. 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 at any time.

Accommodation - Get to know the Locals: Accommodation is at a Bed and Breakfasts in far East Gippsland. B&B's are carefully selected for friendly, first class hospitality and service - they are run by the owner so you will get to know the locals in their own homes during your morning relaxation time. Breakfasts are convivial and often enjoyed with your hosts.

Meals on tour: All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4. So we can stay close to nature one evening meal is served in the bush to a sit down table. Wine is provided at this meal. NB Vegetarian or other food preferences should be noted at the time of booking.

Flight and Transport: This trip departs from Melbourne by plane and is met in East Gippsland by our comfortable air conditioned vehicles. The trip returns to Melbourne by vehicle or train. The price includes flight from Melbourne to East Gippsland and all other on-ground transfers whilst in East Gippsland and the return transfer to Melbourne.

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 day pack) 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. Wildlife notes will be provided to people who travel on this tour.

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.