People often have questions about planning their holidays, when you are travelling with Ecotrek we try to answer these and more

FAQ's

How can I contact Ecotrek?

You can contact us by phone, email, fax or post.  Press visit contact us for all the details. 

Can’t I have these adventures on my own?
The short answer is ‘yes’ but the reality is that most people don’t. If you have the outdoor and organizational skills you can do it. However, we organize everything for you: delicious food, transport and equipment.  Accommodation which ranges from luxurious, comfortable heritage listed -quaint,-rustic or just functional (It really depends on the trip you are taking).

Our guides are great and will help to make this an unforgettable experience.

On most of our trips you don’t carry your luggage, just water, snacks, your lunch, a camera and a sense of wonder and adventure.

Will I need special equipment?

Walking
For our walks we require everyone to have solid, closed toe walking shoes or hiking boots, preferably with ankle support.  Sports shoes and joggers are only suitable for a few of the walks.

Cycling
For our cycling tours you can bring your own bike or use one of ours. If you don’t have the right gear like panniers or waterproof jackets use ours

Water Based Trips
We will provide all your safety gear, jackets and waterproofs. Everything you need to make your trip comfortable and safe.

How fit do I need to be?
This of course depends on the trip you choose. Our rating system of easy, moderate or hard for each tour gives you a guide. Ecotrek activities are not designed for elite athletes so if you already walk for fitness, or do other regular activity you will manage our easy rated tours with ease. The best thing is to talk to us and we can soon help you work out what you will need.

As we say at the beginning ‘Life is a journey, not a destination’ we will be taking our time to explore, smell the flowers and enjoy just ‘being there.

We will also move at the pace which suits the whole group.

How far will we walk, paddle, cycle each day?
That depends on the tour but an average for walking is about 10 to 15 kilometres per day. Paddling usually sees us going from 8 to 16 kilometres and we pedal about 20 to 50 kilometres depending on weather, terrain, the group and how we all feel.The experience is more important than the schedule There is plenty of room for making changes to the planned itinerary

Do I need travel insurance?
We recommend everyone that travels with Ecotrek has travel insurance. Please contact us for more information.
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What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
We require everyone to fill in a confidential medical form for us and if you have a pre existing medical condition, we require your doctor’s approval to travel.

What will I need to bring?
We will provide you with a comprehensive list of clothing for the trip you are going on. It is important that you don’t leave items like thermals or warm jumpers at home even if it looks warm before you leave.. In any of the places we visit the weather can be changeable no matter when you travel. We will help you with any questions about gear well in advance of your travel time.

What information will I get from Ecotrek before I travel?
When you book and pay a deposit, you will receive some information about your trip and the region  you will travel to.  Upon receipt of your final payment, we send out a comprehensive travel kit, including information of what to bring and what you can expect on your journey.  This will be sent to you either by email or by post, and will be sent either directly to you or care of your travel agent, depending on how you booked with us.

Can I use a travel agent to make my booking?
Yes, all our journeys can be booked through your travel agent or directly through Ecotrek.

What if I am a single person traveling on my own?
We welcome single travelers on our journeys,You will meet other people who share your sense of adventure and it is likely you will make lasting friendships

In most cases  people traveling on a single basis will twin share a room with one other.

Who travels on Ecotrek Adventures?
From 18 to 80. Our journeys are open to travelers of all ages - assuming you are fit and healthy. Most of our fellow travelers are aged between 40 and 70  with the  diversity of age and experience making for a great trip.

What is the history of Ecotrek?
Ecotrek started in 1982 and  has been providing adventures for over two decades. Many of our clients have enjoyed multiple trips over the years with a number of journeys being developed in close consultation with long term clients. Quite a few tours are run for groups of friends who want an experience together each year. Some of our guides have been running trips since the 80’s with an undiminished enthusiasm for their favourite wilderness areas. In April 2008 Ecotrek became part of the Adventure Collective.

Does Ecotrek cater for special dietary requirements?
We can cater for most dietary requirements but would appreciate early communication to enable our catering staff to make arrangements.  We include space for this on our booking form, which each traveler needs to complete to reserve a place on our tours. 

 

Where do I join the tour?
Ecotrek operates tours in Australia (Victoria, NSW, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania), New Zealand, Great Britain, USA, France, Austria and Finland  Our tours start and end at a prearranged central pick up point .These pick ups are provided on all tour factsheets and are confirmed, along with the pick up time, when we receive your deposit. You need to make your own arrangements to meet at this point although we can help with your organisation. 

Will my mobile phone work?
Mobile coverage in many of the areas we operate in will be limited or non existent.  Some areas  will be in mobile range, but it should not be assumed you will have coverage.  Our guides will carry the appropriate communication device (CDMA, digital or satellite phones for use in case of emergency only.)

What language are the tours conducted in?
All our tours are conducted in English.  Other languages may be catered for by arrangement as some of our Australian and Europe based guides speak two or more languages..

What sort of accommodation can I expect?
That depends on the trip you choose. You may be accommodated in a unique heritage listed mansion, a simple country Bed and Breakfast, a converted shearers quarters, a country chateau, a cottage, a swag or a tent.

Some have shared facilities and some have private ensuites.  The accommodation depends on the style of tour and the location. 

Most accommodation is on a twin share basis.

Twin share means two people sharing a room.  This will mean either a couple sharing a queen size bed or two people in one room each having a separate single bed.

What is included on my tour?
Nearly everything!  We include your accommodation, pick up from the designated meeting place, all meals, some wine with dinner (half a bottle per person), plenty of trail snacks, morning and afternoon tea, equipment and the services of our professional guides and entrance fees to any places we visit which are on our itinerary.

What is not included?
At your own expense will be additional wine beyond the half bottle per person at most dinners, and your own personal spending on souvenirs, and mementos.

How far ahead do I need to book?
We suggest you book early to ensure the date and tour of your choice