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How do I find out the prices and book your tours?
The competitive and affordable prices for our tours are listed on the tour page.
The rates listed are valid for tours until 31 March 2009.
Child rate applies up to and including 13 years of age and infants to 2 years are FOC - however we must be notified of their ages. Child seats are legally required for babies/children up to about 26kg (58 pounds) and we can arrange child seats for $20 AUD per seat.
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What should I bring on tour?
Comfortable walking shoes or boots, clothing to suit variable weather conditions [layers], sun hat, rainproof coat, insect repellent, sunblock and 1 litre water bottle.
Baggage limit on Great Ocean Road and East Gippsland tours: 1 soft sausage-type bag and 1 small carry-on or day pack only per person. Detailed itineraries for longer tours include a suggested packing list.
All necessary equipment will be supplied. All you need to bring are personal items such as clothes and toiletries and of course your camera and binoculars if you have them. top of page
What environmental policies and practices do you have?
Echidna Walkabout’s driving principle, from inception, is positive conservation. We believe that people protect what they know, and what they love. So we set out to create a style of tourism that not only minimizes negative effects on the environment, but positively creates a sense of wonder, an understanding, a power to change for the better - see our environmental practices for more information.
Baggage limit on Great Ocean Road and East Gippsland tours: 1 soft sausage-type bag and 1 small carry-on or day pack only per person. Detailed itineraries for longer tours include a suggested packing list.
All necessary equipment will be supplied. All you need to bring are personal items such as clothes and toiletries and of course your camera and binoculars if you have them. top of page
Who goes on your tours?
We have been joined by people of all ages from babies to 75 from all over the world. They have had varying levels of fitness.
Some are on their first visit to Australia or are frequent visitors who wish to experience something different. You don't have to be a wildlife specialist - we find that watching kangaroos, koalas and big flocks of wild birds is interesting to most people. If you are a wildlife lover, please book! All our guides are experienced naturalists and can provide information to suit your needs. top of page
What is the weather likely to be?
Savannah Walkabout - summer daytime temperatures range from 20 - 35C [70 - 100F]. Winter daytime temperatures range from 12 - 18C [54 - 66F]. Expect a shower of rain from July to October.
Great Ocean Road - same as for Savannah Walkabout but often windy so bring a jacket all year.
East Gippsland - is warmer in winter and cooler in summer than Melbourne. Expect some rain in July to October. top of page
Are meals/food included in on my tour?
The itinerary for each tour details what meals are provided. If there is something you can't eat or don't like let us
know and we'll arrange a menu to suit your needs. top of page
Are there insects, bugs, snakes, spiders in the bush and what precautions/treatment is there?
Yes there are bugs, snakes and other animals living in the bush, but they are unlikely to cause any problems. If fact, we see far fewer dangerous bugs and spiders in the bush than we do at home! If you are interested in seeing snakes and spiders, we will endeavour to find them, but usually we don't see them at all. Safety is one of our very high priorities. We have experienced First Aiders and are in easy radio contact. top of page
What bathroom, toilet and showering facilities are there?
Showers and toilets are available on all our tours. Facilities vary from trip to trip. Some trips have full hotel style facilities while others have more basic facilities. If you prefer a higher standard of facilities try the Savannah Walkabout, Great Ocean Road or East Gippsland Wildlife Walkabout. If you don't mind camping-style showers and toilets, try the East Gippsland Snowy River Secrets. top of page
Does the travelling vehicle have air conditioning?
Our vehicles are airconditioned, well maintained and comfortable. top of page
Can we do a special tour?
With a group of 4 or more we can provide you with a quote for a tour tailored to your group's special interests - eg bird watching, wildflowers, Aboriginal culture, etc. top of page
Where do you pick up from?
Pick up is usually from Melbourne's city hotels or Spencer Street railway station. If you have any queries regarding the tour, pickup point, times, etc we recommend you call us on your arrival in Melbourne [9646 8249] or from interstate [03 9646 8249]. top of page
Do you pick up from private residences?
We normally do not pick up from private residences. If you are not staying at a city hotel, Spencer Street railway station can be reached by train [and many buses] from suburban and country Victoria. Please contact us about 24-48 hours prior to departure date if directions, etc are needed. top of page
Can I be picked up at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport for the tour?
We do not usually pickup at the airport due to time limitations. The airport is located well away from the city centre and many transfer options are available. top of page
Drop off points?
We usually return you to a major hotel or safe city location. top of page
Can I leave the booking of a tour until I arrive in Australia/Melbourne?
Our tours are popular so we recommend you prebook to avoid disappointment. However, it MAY be possible and we would be pleased to hear from you and will try to arrange for you to join us on tour. top of page
What languages are available for your tours?
Our tours are usually available in English only. Janine is slowly learning some Italian and if another language is required for a group we can provide you with a quotation which includes an interpreter. top of page
If you have another question - please click here to email us.
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