Mornington Peninsula walking holiday, Victoria

Planet

Walking is the very best way to really experience an area, rather than viewing life through the windows of a coach. Walking is active adventure tourism and we aim to introduce people to a range of natural and cultural environments and assist in developing an understanding and sincere appreciation of those environments. The ultimate aim is for clients to leave us with a strong desire to value and protect those environments for future generations.

We lead by example and encourage others to follow. We believe that we are doing our job well when our clients leave a tour having had a fabulous, fun-filled holiday but also come away with a broader appreciation of and respect for the natural environment. Ideally, they come to walk and leave as ambassadors for the environment. We stay on formed tracks, avoid trampling vegetation, insist that all rubbish is carried out, and pick up rubbish left by others. Group sizes on self-guided trips are usually only two. On group-guided trips, the maximum size is 15 but there are two guides so we can split into smaller parties, limiting our impact.

To help the environment , we educate our clients about the natural and cultural environment in an entertaining and enjoyable manner. All guests are given with a recyclable silicon container, insulated bag and eco friendly spork. We also encourage our guests to only take photos of plants and animals without using camera flashes, they must look after the environment wherever possible. We plan our walks to utilize toilets wherever possible and if not available, we provide clear instructions on burying waste and carrying out any sanitary items. We view wildlife from a distance and never feed native animals. We do not light fires in the bush and we do not allow people to smoke on walks. Our motto is “Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos and a piece of someone else’s rubbish”.

We offer walks with meal packages and use local restaurants and lodges which use local and seasonally grown food.

On this walk, we visit Point Napean Park which sits on one of the most treacherous coastlines of Victoria an extra cost.

We have advanced Eco Tourism accreditation. We aim to minimise energy use and reduce, reuse and recycle. We have led the conversation with regard to the environment and tourism for nearly 30 years.

People

Mornington is a first-world destination with wineries, and excellent accommodation options not to mention the food, but with a stunning natural backdrop. This trip allows walkers to access this landscape and get well beyond the surface, providing a platform for people to commune with nature, broadening the appeal of the national park system to a broader demographic than what is normally possible.

On this tour, we employ local guides and drivers. As we are a medium-sized company. All guides undergo our comprehensive training program and this is tailored to each individual’s needs. It covers areas such as safety, first aid, group management, minimal impact techniques, environmental interpretation, cultural considerations.

We also see to it that our guests stay in a comfortable local accommodations with various characters that each accommodation has to offer. It could be a cozy B&B or a comfortable homestay. When we use lodges and motels, we look for small, family-run places in attractive locations.

It is also very important across all our walks that guests are provided with good food. Meals are plentiful, nutritious, wholesome and, wherever possible, offer local ingredients or specialties. No matter which holiday you choose, the accommodation and meals will add an interesting local flavour to your experience.We use local restaurants and encourage guests to stay longer, take a tour on the community and make the most of the area and what it has to offer. At the start of our walk, we educate our guests what a specific area has to offer

We have partnered with Odonata and Mt Rothwell to help raise funds for their work to restore populations of threatened species. We join other nature-loving organisations such as Landcare, University of Melbourne, Zoos Victoria, National Australia Bank & various state governments who also work alongside Odonata and Mt Rothwell. To take part, simply opt in to donate 10 cents per kilometre you walk with us and we will match your donation.