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. You can safely book online at our secure payment facility.
The prices listed are valid for tours until 31 March 2012.
The prices quoted are for twin share accommodation and a single
supplement needs to be added to the amount for single
accommodation.
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 around $20 AUD per seat. top of page
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, Mungo Outback Journey 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. 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 Southern Cross railway station for most of our tours.
Savannah Walkabout -
There is a set pickup schedule for the Savannah Walkabout one day tour to minimise unnecessary travel emissions. (see our environment practices) We have chosen five hotels that are quick and easy to
access, are easy to find, and are already popular with our guests and
agents: SW
pickup locations map effective immediately on all new
Savannah Walkabout (SW) bookings. Upon receiving a new booking, we will suggest a pickup location from
this list below (or you can). Please provide your contact phone
number or accommodation details so that we can confirm pickup time and
provide a map, if required.
Please be ready at the pickup point 5 minutes before the pickup time.
08.40am Langham Hotel (1 Southgate Avenue Southbank)
08.45am Crown Promenade Hotel (8 Whiteman St, Southbank)
09.10am Rydges Melbourne Hotel (186 Exhibition St, Melbourne City)
09.15am Swanston Grand Mercure Hotel (195 Swanston St, Melbourne City)
09.30am Holiday Inn on Flinders Hotel (575 Flinders Lane/corner Spencer
St, Melbourne City)
You will be returned to the same location as pickup.
A pickup time and location must be booked at time of tour
booking. The tour vehicle will not go to pickup locations unless
they are booked for that day. So if you change your plans, you do
need to tell us.
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 cannot pick up from private residences - see above. If you are not
staying at a city hotel, The Holiday Inn on Flinders Hotel near Southern Cross 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 mostly 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 your pickup point. 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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