4 days: Wildlife Walkabout - Wilderness Journey in south-east Australia

Tour Details

Operator

Echidna Walkabout

Destination

Snowy River Country

Departs From

Melbourne City

Tour Description

See and learn about Australia’s birds and animals in depth and in the wild. Relax for three nights in a friendly bush homestead B&B. Learn about the history and culture of the local Aboriginal People. All in a region containing the highest concentration of National Parks and wildlife reserves in Australia.
Journey by vehicle and on foot in search of kangaroos & wallabies, wombats, three species of gliding possum, koalas and abundant birdlife in the forests, the estuaries and on the ocean. During our quest we visit magnificent stands of giant eucalypt forest, walk in rainforest, along endless untouched ocean beaches and alongside secluded rivers and waterways. Over four relaxing but fascinating days this journey investigates the abundant wildlife of far East Gippsland. Because much of Australia's wildlife is best seen in the late afternoon and evening, some activities on this tour deliberately begin later in the day and go on into the evening. This allows participants to enjoy a restful morning after a late evening.
Overnight in a delightful B&B homestead style accommodation and get to know the locals

BEFORE YOU BOOK THIS TOUR - because this tour can fill unexpectedly we request that you check with us before booking. To do this click the yellow "Ask A Question" button below. Please provide us with your required tour start date (must be a Sunday) and ask any questions you may have. We will get back to you within 24 hours (usually less) with the latest update on availability.

DETAILS - (meal inclusions shown as: 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: Snowy River Homestead B&B, Orbost, or similar

Day 2 - MONDAY: Today we travel 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 Nature Guide provides detailed information of the formation of these mighty forests, and helps you search for Lyrebirds, parrots and honeyeaters. We take a walk through the eucalyptus forest and into a fascinating and ancient mountain rainforest. Birds and reptiles are abundant. We finish the day with a classic Aussie cook-out (fireside) dinner at our B&B. (BLD)
Accommodation: Snowy River Homestead B&B, Orbost, or similar

Day 3 - TUESDAY: Our activities today are at a great river estuary on the Wilderness Coast. First we walk into a large lowland (warm temperate) rainforest in search of birds. Then through a heathland and along a forest-lined river to it’s estuary on the Wilderness Coast. We search for Sea Eagles, cockatoos, kingfishers, swans and and huge goanna lizards. We visit a quiet beach with a complex dune system and frequently see beach and ocean-going birds. After lunch we take a walk on the nearby rocky headland, peering into rock pools, walking past wind-sculpted coastal shrubs looking at the expanse of the 90 mile beach. Our dinner tonight is a picnic in the bush overlooking the beach (weather permitting). On our way back to our B&B we search the plains for wallabies, kangaroos and wombats. (BLD)
Accommodation: Snowy River Homestead B&B, Orbost, or similar

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)