It's been a little while since we last sent out an update - as you will all be aware the life of a tour operator is still very unenviable as we try to navigate our way around the current interstate border closures.We can only hope that everyone takes heed of the latest outbreak in Melbourne and Sydney and it is a timely reminder to speed up vaccinations. We won't even try and predict when our overseas tours will come back online - we know that it will happen but unfortunately, we don't have a crystal ball!
South-West Western Australia
On a more positive note, we did have two wonderful South-West WA tours in April and May - our guests were blown away by the beauty and diversity of this region of Western Australia.
We also had some pretty amazing "foodie" experiences and we certainly got to know our way around the delicious wines from this region and our "long lunches" at bothYilgarnia and Voyages Estatewere particularly memorable. We still have some spaces on our next Best of the West tour in September 2021.
Thank you Graeme for a fantastic tour. One of the best aspects was that it was so varied, great walks (just a little bit up & a little bit down), wonderful and exciting scenery, great museum in Albany and the wonderful tree top walk in the Kauri Forest, how amazing. Of course I haven't forgotten the great food and our visit to the vineyards. All in all a great holiday. Thanks again." Helen from Mosman NSW, Australia [May 2021]
Best of the West (WA) 13-day Walking tour in South West WA, Albany, Bibbulmun Track, Cape to Cape, Margaret River.
Our other new tour which we were able to operate in March was our Sydney Coastal Gems. It’s very hard to imagine that the pristine locations which we visited on this tour were just a “hop, step and jump” from “down-town” Sydney. This was also very much a “foody” tour where we were thoroughly spoilt with wonderful dining experiences inBarrenjoey House at Palm Beach, the Patonga Pubat Patonga andBells Boutique Hotel at Killcare. Our next Sydney Coastal Gems tour is March 2022.
We really enjoyed the week. The walks were all interesting and well balanced although the first day was a challenge! The small size group was important also the ability to walk at your own pace with time to admire the view and take photos. The accommodation was comfortable and the restaurants top class. Graeme was an excellent guide, knowledgeable, encouraging and fun to be with." Kerry from Melbourne VIC, Australia
Sydney Coastal Gems (NSW) 9-day Walking tour Palm Beach, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, Brisbane Water National Park, Bouddi National Park
We have some more new local tours in the pipeline too - Mallacoota and Croajingolong National Park, Flinders Island and Lamington National Park.
Croajingolong National Park, Victoria
Croajingolong NP was always one of our favourite tours when we first introduced it at the end of the 1980s. We are delighted to see that the lovely historic lodge, which we used in those early days, is still going strong and has been upgraded in terms of comfort so we are excited to be able to base ourselves in this charming guesthouse which has inspired many artists, writers and poets. We are planning a 6-day tour here at the beginning of September to take advantage of the spring wildflowers. We are currently working on the detailed itinerary -please let us know if you are interested in joining us on this tour and we shall forward you more detailed information as soon as it becomes available - numbers are limited to a maximum of 11 guests.
Flinders Island, Tasmania
A Flinders Islandtour has always been in the back of our minds – it has sparkling beaches, rugged ranges and clear sapphire waters - we are excited about its potential and we are happy to forward you further information as soon as we have finalised it – we are looking at Autumn 2022.
Lamington National Park, QLD
In Lamington National Parkwe shall be staying in the heart of the rainforest at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat next to 500 world-class waterfalls and 160 kms of walking trails. Please inform us if you would like more details about this upcoming tour which we plan to run in winter 2022.
Lovely relaxed exploration of some hidden gems on Victoria's eastern coast. Well paced, great company and terrific night time settings and dinners. Perfect for those who need a break but don't want the headache of organising it!" Andrew from Melbourne [Explore Wilson's Prom - Jan. 2021]
Grampians & Great Ocean Trail 8-day Walking tour in the Grampians National Park, Otway National Park, Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles
Mallacoota & Croajingolong 6-day Walking & Gourmet tour Mallacoota and Croajingolong National Parks, Victoria, Australia
06 September | Melbourne VIC, Australia
Seafarers Getaway, Apollo Bay
Melba Gully, Otway Ranges
High Country Victoria
Colourful Shell in Walkerville
New Zealand & Japan
We are also thrilled to be able to finally offer our very comprehensive 16-day tour of theSouth Island of New Zealand in October. We still have availability so please join us and be a part of our first overseas holiday in 18 months!
New Zealand Gateway 16-day Walking tour through Abel Tasman NP, Franz Joseph Glacier, Queenstown, Routeburn Track, Mt Cook NP
Our new Japanese tour is planned for late October and early May, 2022. If our travel bubble with Japan is not ready by October then we certainly hope that by May it will be up and running. Please request our detailed itinerary below if you are interested in joining us.
The Spritit of Japan 16-day Walking Tour of discovery from Tokyo to Hiroshima
