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, four 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 and get to know the locals.
Note: Tour departs every Sunday (except on or through Christmas Day), on request, from September to May.
Tour Itinerary:
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 traveling 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. Accommodation: Snowy River Homestead B&B, Orbost, or similar. Includes: (L), (D).
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 honey eaters. Next we take a walk in the fascinating transitional zone between the eucalypts and the rain forests before moving into a great stand of lowland rain forest. Bird life is abundant. We finish the day with a classic Aussie cook-out (fireside) dinner at our B&B.
Accommodation: Snowy River Homestead B&B, Orbost, or similar. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
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. Accommodation: Snowy River Homestead B&B, Orbost, or similar. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
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. Includes: (B), (L).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Minimum price is for one adult on the standard tour, sharing with other unrelated passengers. Minimum price is based on two adults traveling together, sharing a twin-share/double room. Maximum price includes single supplement - ie extra cost applied to single travelers. A lower price is available for children under 14.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
Australia
Wildlife Viewing
Ecotourism
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