How many will be in the Group?

Group size never exceeds 11 participants (on some walks the group size is limited to 6 participants only), led by one or two guides. These small personalised groups reduce impact on the environment while maximising your experience. Note that Special Departures (especially interstate tours) may have up to 20 participants.

Do I really get close to nature?

Lots of interaction with nature is a feature of all departures and although some time is spent travelling in a 4WD vehicle (with comfortable forward-facing seating); we have plenty of time away from the vehicle appreciating the areas we visit.

There will be time for birdwatching, taking photographs, to ask about the geology and look up close at wildflowers.

Your guides will have lots to tell you about the various environments visited, the plants and wildlife that are found there as well as stories of the history of the area.

In addition, each itinerary is planned to allow you some quiet time - to take in your surroundings at your own pace.

Pictured right: Tall Leek Orchid

How much walking?

That is entirely up to you! All trips are graded according to the length and difficulty of walks.

If you want a combination of vehicle touring and short, easy walks (up to about an hour) at a leisurely paces, select a trip graded VERY EASY.

For a little more walking try a trip graded EASY.

For more energetic walks (up to half and full days) choose a trip graded MODERATE or even CHALLENGING.

Overnight Backpacking walks for serious adventurers are found under WILDERNESS BUSHWALKS and require a good level of fitness and a keen sense of adventure.

What if I'm travelling on my own?

So do many others, so you are unlikely to be the only one travelling on your own. This is a great way to meet other like-minded travellers. As fares are twin-share you will be sharing a room (or a tent) with another participant of the same sex.

If you would prefer a room (or tent) to yourself, this can usually be arranged, however an additional Single Supplement will be charged on top of the advertised fare. Contact me for details.

Full Day by Day Itineraries

As well as detailing activities for each day, they also include departure and return times, with details of accommodation and meals included.

Full day by day itineraries are available on request for every trip, use the enquiry form on the Contact page.

Which departure point should I choose?

	Melbourne: If you select a Melbourne departure your trip will include transfers between Melbourne and Bairnsdale. (Note: Transfers usually utilise First Class travel on V/Line rail/coach services)
	Bairnsdale: Bairnsdale is 3½ - 4 hours drive east of Melbourne on Highway 1. If you would prefer not to drive, V/Line offer daily rail/coach services and I can usually provide free transfers from Bairnsdale Station.
Please contact me if you would like advice or assistance with travel arrangements or accommodation in the area before or after your trip.
What is included in the fare? All fares are twin-share and are inclusive of 4WD travel from Bairnsdale, transfers from Melbourne (on Melbourne departures), accommodation (or use of general camping equipment) and all meals as per itinerary and expertise of local guides. (All fares GST inclusive)
How do I book? Use the enquiry form on the Contact page to request a full itinerary for the trip/s you have selected and to check availability. I can mail or email a booking form which needs to be completed and returned with $100 per person deposit. Balance is due 30 days prior to departure.
Do I have any assurance of quality? Yes, Gippsland High Country Tours is accredited under the Better Business Tourism Accreditation Program. All ecotours and walks have Advanced Ecotourism Certification under the ECO Certification Program run by Ecotourism Australia.  Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation recognises Australia’s leading and most innovative ecotourism experiences, providing an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities. Gippsland High Country Tours is also a member of Tourism Alliance and Wildlife Tourism Australia. Choose an Accredited Operator with Confidence