Frequently Asked Questions
How many will be in the group?
What if I am travelling on my own?
Do I really get close to nature?
Ecotourism, what does the tick mean?
What is included in the tour price?
How do I book?
How much walking will there be?
Where do the tours start and can I use public transport?
Who are the Guides?
What sort of vehicle do we travel in?
Do I have any assurance of quality?
Gippsland High Country Tours is now closed, but please read on and follow the links to various pages with suggestions of other similar tour options.
COVID-19
We will be cautiously re-commencing a limited tour program in 2022 for FULLY VACCINATED participants (ie: at least double vaccinated against COVID-19). Download our COVID information here.
How many will be in the group and what do you mean by small group tours?
Group size never exceeds 10 participants led by one or two guides and on many tours and walks the group size is limited to 4 participants only.
You enjoy the fun and companionship of other like-minded nature lovers without the crowd and our small personalised groups reduce impacts on the environment while maximising your experience. Friendships are often formed and many solo travellers comment how much they enjoy the friendly and inclusive groups.
At Gippsland High Country Tours we are proud of our return client base and our recommendation rate. On any tour you are likely to find other participants who are repeat clients. Some have travelled with us many times over.
Small groups enhance your experience
What if I am travelling on my own?
So do many others, so you are unlikely to be the only solo traveller in the group. This is a great way to meet other like-minded travellers and those travelling alone often comment how much they enjoy the friendly inclusive groups.
As fares are twin-share you will be sharing a room with another participant of the same sex. If you would prefer a room to yourself, this can usually be arranged if you book early, however an additional Single Supplement will be charged on top of the advertised fare. Contact us for details.
Enjoy the companionship of like-minded travellers
Do I really get close to nature?
Absolutely! We will help you re-connect with nature and re-vitalise your senses. Relax, breathe in the clear air and take time to smell the fragrant bush scents. Listen to the waves lapping on a deserted beach or touch the smooth trunks of the snowgums. You choose how much walking you want before you book but regardless of which tour you select, you can be assured that the pace is relaxed with lots of interaction with nature.
In addition, your guide will share an appreciation and understanding of the environments you visit so you return home feeling richer for the experience. There will be stories of local history and plenty to learn about plants and wildlife, but we also encourage you to take the time for birdwatching, taking photographs, wondering about geology and landscapes or to get on your knees to look up close at wildflowers.
Peace and quiet are precious moments in this modern world with its relentless digital demands so we understand how important it is to give you time for solitude so you can take in your surroundings at you own pace and enjoy the atmosphere.
Stand still and just listen to the quiet sounds of the forest
Ecotourism, what does the Tick mean?
In 2018 Gippsland High Country Tours was inducted into the Ecotourism Australia Hall of fame for maintaining Accreditation for over 20 years. Australia’s Ecotourism Certification Program is an innovative “world first” program. It is a national scheme with hundreds of products across every state and territory of Australia.
Choosing a product that displays an Eco Certification logo means you will enjoy an experience with a quality operator, leaving minimal impact on the environment.
Advanced Ecotourism Certification recognises Australia’s leading and most innovative ecotourism products, 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 proud that all ecotour and walk products in the regular program have received Advanced Eco Certification.
We were also certified as a Green Travel Leader many years ago which recognises businesses who have been eco certified for over 10 years demonstrating their commitment to quality and environmental responsibility. And in 2018 we were inducted into the Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame. In our case we have held Ecotourism Accreditation for our tours for 26 years now! More information on the eco-certification scheme is available from Ecotourism Australia
What is included in the tour price or fare and how do I get a detailed itinerary?
Our program of eco-tours and walks are all-inclusive packages.
Life is busy and making holiday arrangements take time so all our Nature Tours and Walking Ecotours are fully packaged. The price is all inclusive of travel from the departure point (usually Bairnsdale), expertise of local guides and accommodation and meals as per itinerary.
We make all the arrangements, and do all the planning right down to your accommodation and meals. We can cater for most dietary requirments, just be sure to let us know in advance.
All you need to do is make your booking, pack your bag and arrive at the departure point. Then just relax and enjoy what nature provides with guided walks, birdwatching, relaxation time or a more educational experience – the choice is yours.
Full day by day itineraries are available on request for every trip. As well as detailing activities and destinations for each day, itineraries also include departure and return times plus accommodation and meals that are included in the tour price.
How do I book?
Email us on info@gippslandhighcountrytours.com.au to to request a full itinerary and booking form for the tour/s you have selected, check availability or to reserve a place.If you have special dietary requirments or would like to request single room accommodation, you will need to note this clearly on the booking form.
The booking form needs to be completed and returned with non-refundable deposit of $200 per person. Balance is due 60 days prior to departure. The booking form includes booking conditions and provides details of payment options.
Wildlife encounters are always a joy.
Where do the tours start and can I use public transport?
Nearly all the nature tours and walk in our program commence in Bairnsdale which is in the East Gippsland region of Victoria and yes you can get there on public transport from Melbourne. You need to make your own arrangements to travel to Bairnsdale, but we are very happy to help with travel advice or suggest accommodation in the area if you would like to extend your stay.
Train/Coach to Bairnsdale: Using the V/Line service is a great option and it is more eco-friendly than an extra car on the road. You can sit back and relax, catch up on some sleep, read or enjoy the passing scenery. V/Line offer multiple train and train/coach services daily from Melbourne to Bairnsdale and on most tours, the itinerary fits around train arrival and departure times so your guide will be there to meet you at Bairnsdale Station when you arrive.
You book your own ticket with V/Line and can access any concessions or discounts V/Line offer (ie: Senior discount, or use a Pensioner Free Rail Pass). The train starts at Southern Cross Station, Melbourne but also stops briefly at Flinders St., Caulfield and Dandenong to pick-up and set down passengers. Help reduce your carbon footprint by using public transport!
Driving to Bairnsdale: Bairnsdale is approximately 3½- 4 hours drive east of Melbourne on the A1 (Princes Highway). Off the street car parking can usually be arranged nearby for the duration of the tour.
How much walking?
That is entirely up to you! All trips are graded according to the length and difficulty of walks.
If you want short, easy nature walks at a leisurely pace, select a trip graded easy or easy-moderate. Nature will be the focus and this is slow travel. There will be time for birdwatching, wildflower rambles, history and or just enjoying nature and the landscapes. You will find these tours on the Nature Tours page.
For more energetic walks where you really stretch your legs (half and up to full days) choose a trip graded moderate or even challenging. Walking is a great way to escape the stresses of your everyday life and immerse yourself in nature. You will find these tours on the Walking Ecotours page.
What sort of vehicle do we travel in?
We select the best vehicle for each tour depending on the terrain travelled and the size of the group.
A modern Toyota Landcruiser 4WD station wagon (below left) seats 4 passengers for smaller groups. This has a high step so speak to us if you feel this might be a problem. Luggage is stowed in the rear of the vehicle.
When we don't requre four wheel drive and there is a larger group, an 11 seater minibus (below right) is a comfortable way to travel. The minibus has a lower step and luggage is stowed in the rear or on a trailer for larger groups.
Please ask at the time of booking if you would like to know more details about the vehicle to be used on your particular trip.
If you travelled with us years ago you may wonder where our very capable 4WD Toyota Arkana safari bus is. This classic outback tour vehicle featured forward facing bus-style seating for a maximum of 9 passengers. We are very fond of our Arkana, but it is currently not in service, retired quietly to the shed dreaming of past adventures. Read more about the Arkana's history on our Blog page here.
Arkana Safari Bus
Do I have any assurance of quality?
Yes you do. All ecotours and walks have Advanced Ecotourism Certification under the EcoCertification Program run by Ecotourism Australia.
Gippsland High Country Tours is licensed by Parks Victoria, are certified Green Travel Leaders and certified under the Respecting Our Culture Program. We are also members of Wildlife Tourism Australia.
Choose an Accredited Operator with Confidence
Do you have any other questions?
Please don't hesitate to ask. Just email us on info@gippslandhighcountrytours.com.au
