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.

Australian Fur and Feathers - in the wild
Kangaroos, Koalas and Penguins
Tour Code AFF

Join this relaxing 3 day tour from Melbourne that showcases the very best wildlife of southern Australia. We have linked together some of Australia's best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Your expert nature guide will help you find large mobs of wild Kangaroos, track down wild Koalas (as part of a special Koala Research Project), and walk quietly beside wild Little Penguins as they emerge from the ocean in the evening. But that's not all. During this tour your guide will introduce you to many more wild animals and birds. That's why we've named this tour Australian Fur and Feathers - in the wild!

As part of this experience you will have a relaxing night on Phillip Island near Melbourne, and an opportunity to learn about the early history and culture of this region.

Echidna Walkabout is a small eco tour operation and we believe that wildlife should be seen in as near to natural condition as possible. We have a reputation for providing exceptional wildlife experiences led by first class nature guides. This tour is for small groups (no more than 8 people in each group) allowing for a more personal experience and better wildlife viewing opportunities.

Location: Day 1 - West of the city of Melbourne in south-east Australia. Visit Serendip Open Range Sanctuary, You Yangs National Park

Days 2 & 3 - South-east of Melbourne at Phillip Island

Duration: 3 days - Grade - easy (note free morning in Melbourne on Day 2)
Accommodation: one night at B & B included.

Departs: on demand all year from Melbourne. (Note: no tours run on or through Christmas Day)
Returns: to Melbourne
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 )

Day 1 Kangaroos and Koalas in the Wild (Savannah Walkabout)
This fascinating guided journey begins with a detailed introduction to Australian wildlife in the wild including large mobs of Kangaroos, Emus and many birds in the open range grasslands of Serendip Sanctuary followed by a visit to a secret location to search for Koalas in the wild in the You Yangs National Park. Late in the afternoon you return to your Melbourne Accommodation. (L)
Accommodation by others

Day 2 The Little Penguins of Phillip Island – overnight on the island
After a relaxing morning your guide will pick you up at your hotel in the afternoon (timing dependent on season – pick up time provided at time of booking). Drive to Phillip Island south-east of Melbourne. This island is famous for its large colony of the Little Penguins – the smallest penguin in the world – which come ashore in a delightful “parade” each evening at dusk. After taking in the fascinating Koala Conservation Centre on the island you will join a small group of people and get close up and personal with the penguins as they walk from the sea to their burrows. Dinner and accommodation are on the island. (D)
Accommodation: B&B, Phillip Island

Day 3 Historic Churchill Island – transfer to Melbourne
This morning your guide picks you up mid morning for a short drive to Pyramid Rock overlooking the wild Southern Ocean where we often sight rare ocean going birdlife. Next we travel a short distance to Churchill Island historic homestead. Run by the National Parks Service this homestead and surrounding farm date back to the original discovery of the Melbourne region. Here you can walk in the footsteps of the early settlers in this part of the world. After lunch on Churchill Island you will be transferred back to Melbourne (B,L)
(option – transfer direct to Melbourne Airport for ongoing travels – extra cost)

Note that all departures are from the city of Melbourne and all trips return to Melbourne.

Includes

Full interpretation by experienced nature guides, meals and accommodation as described below, entry fees and transport. OPTION – transfer to Melbourne Airport on Day 3 as required at extra cost.

Expert Nature Guides:
You will be guided on this journey by our friendly, experienced and knowledgeable nature guide.
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 Bed and Breakfast (with ensuite). 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 in their own homes during your morning relaxation time. Breakfasts are convivial and often enjoyed with your hosts.

Meals on tour:
Meals are provided as detailed in the itinerary above.
Dinner is 2 courses.
Note: Alcoholic beverages are not included in the price.
NB Vegetarian or other food preferences should be noted at the time of booking.

Transport:
In our comfortable air conditioned vehicle.

What to bring:
Strong walking shoes or boots, clothing to suit variable weather conditions (please check weather forecast for accurate predicted temperatures), sun hat, rain proof coat, small torch, insect repellent, 15+ sun block, day pack and 1 litre water bottle.