Echidna Walkabout Wildlife East Gippsland Australia Nature
Tour Melbourne 4 days
In the wild - Australian Nature Tours You can see the unique
wildlife of Australia in their natural environment - join us! The
best way to get to know our famous Australian mammals and birds is
in the wild - in natural bushland close to Melbourne or in the
wilderness areas of south east Australia. Come and see wild
Kangaroos, Koalas, Emus, Cockatoos and Wallabies with us!
Echidna Walkabout is based in Melbourne, Victoria. Their tours are
ideal for travellers of all ages from all over the
world.
Wildlife Walkabout
Tour Code: EG3 - returns to Melbourne
Tour Code: EG3L - Inter-Capital Link to Sydney
A fully accommodated wildlife journey over four days!
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. Meet and talk with the local Aboriginal people at their
own special meeting place. Visit a Wildlife Shelter and learn
about the care injured Australian animals. Overnight in a
delightful B&B and get to know the locals.
Journey deep into the Australian bush - by vehicle and on foot
- in search of kangaroos & wallabies, wombats, gliding possums,
koalas and abundant birdlife in the forests, beside the estuaries
and on the remote beaches and sandunes of the Southern Ocean.
Visit magnificent stands of giant eucalypt forest, walk in
rainforest, along endless untouched ocean beaches and beside
secluded rivers and waterways.
- Location: East Gippsland
- Duration: 4 days - Grade - easy
- Accommodation: Three nights at B & B included.
- Departs: Departs from Melbourne: each Sunday September
through to end of May
- May. (Note: no tours run on or through Christmas Day)
- Returns: to Melbourne on day 4 (or EG3L Sydney)
- Minimum pax: 2 Maximum pax: 8
Day by Day Description
(Note meal inclusions shown thus: B=breakfast, L=lunch,
D=dinner )
NOTE: this itinerary is an indication only, due to conditions
on the day it can change slightly to maximise wildlife viewing
opportunities
Day 1 - SUNDAY: We transfer you from your hotel to East Gippsland.
We travel past internationally acclaimed RAMSAR wetlands of the
Lakes District of East Gippsland before travelling 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 in a small town where you will
stay for three nights. (LD)
Accommodation: B&B, Orbost.
Day 2 - MONDAY: 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. Your guide provides detailed information of the formation
of these mighty forests, and helps you search for Lyrebirds,
parrots and honeyeaters. Next we take a walk in the fascinating
transitional zone between the eucalypts and the rainforests before
moving into a great stand of lowland rainforest. Birdlife is
abundant. We finish the day with a classic Aussie cook-out
(fireside) dinner at our B&B. (BLD)
Accommodation: B&B, Orbost.
Day 3 - TUESDAY: Our activities today are at a great river estuary
on the Wilderness Coast. Walk beside the forest lined lakes and
rivers of a wilderness estuary in search of Sea Eagles, parrots,
swans and other birdlife. We also visit a quiet beach with a
complex dune system and frequently see beach and ocean-going
birds. After a picnic lunch we take a walk through the nearby
coastal forest in search of bush birds and huge goanna lizards. At
the end of the day we visit a refuge for injured and orphaned
Australian wildlife and learn about their rehabilitation. (BLD)
Accommodation: B&B, Orbost.
Day 4 - WEDNESDAY: This morning we depart East Gippsland after a
relaxing breakfast. On the way back to Melbourne we visit the
Krowathunkoolong Keeping Place, an informative Aboriginal Cultural
Centre in Bairnsdale, then transfer to Melbourne arriving in the
afternoon (B,L)
Includes:
Full interpretation by experienced nature guides, all
transport, meals and accommodation as described above and entry
fees.
Expert Guides:
You will be guided on this journey by our friendly,
experienced and knowledgeable nature guide. 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 of Echidna
Walkabout. 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 Homestead-style Bed and Breakfast 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 during your morning relaxation time.
All rooms have ensuites.
Meals on tour:
All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4.
NB Vegetarian or other food preferences should be noted at the
time of booking.
Transport:
In comfortable air conditioned vehicles.
What to bring:
Strong walking shoes or boots, clothing to suit variable
weather conditions (please check weather forecast for accurate
predictions), sun hat, rainproof coat, small torch, insect
repellent, 15+ sunblock, daypack and 1 litre water bottle. Camera
and binoculars are recommended if you have them. You can 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, but we must be
informed in advance. 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.
About Us:
Echidna Walkabout is a small eco tour operation owned by
Janine Duffy and Roger Smith who believe that wildlife should be
seen in as near to natural condition as possible. They have a
reputation for providing exceptional wildlife experiences led by
first class nature guides. Their tour groups are small (no more
than 8 people) allowing for a more personal experience and better
wildlife viewing opportunities.
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