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
(Note: no tours run on or through Christmas Day)
Returns: to Melbourne on day 4 (or EG3L Sydney)
Minimum pax: 2 Maximum pax: 8

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.
 

Itinerary

(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.