The walking on this trip is over easy to moderate terrain, and distances covered can vary from 5 to 20 km (please check day descriptions for details). Some of the walks are circular, but some can be out-and-back walks. Be prepared for daily ascents and descents, sometimes with short, steep sections. Terrain can be rocky with loose gravel or with roots, which may become slippery when wet. This tour is ideal for nature lovers, and the leaders set an even pace, providing time to take photos and appreciate the beautiful surroundings.

The best way to prepare physically for the trip is to walk, walk and walk some more – preferably on rocky and uneven surfaces and lots of stair walking. Try to walk frequently. Even walking around your suburb will get you walk-fit. By the start of your tour, you should be able to comfortably walk 12km and try and do a few 20km walks on rough tracks, as well as be fairly comfortable with steep up and downhill sections.

The Operator knows that this type of preparation is difficult to fit into a busy schedule. If you don't have the time to do long walks, they recommend doing regular stair walking sessions. Walking small distances frequently helps a lot as well. For instance, walking 3-5km four times a week, and 8km once a week, is a great help. If you're doing short training sessions, make sure you get yourself puffed and sweaty. Otherwise, you won't benefit from your efforts. Another good way to get your glutes, hamstrings and quads well prepared is with regular lunges and squats. Then, as you get closer to the walk, take it up a notch and do jumping squats. And start walking in the shoes you will wear on the walk now!

LUGGAGE LIMIT

Please keep your luggage size and weight to a minimum. One small soft-sided bag plus a day pack (no more than 15 kg in total per person) is essential due to limited space for luggage in the vehicles. The Operator recommends against bringing hard/externally framed suitcases as they are difficult to store in the vehicle and can damage equipment and other travellers' belongings.

PACKING

Be prepared for a variety of weather, with the possibility of cold, windy and wet conditions and, in the warmer months, hot days as well. It is not necessary to 'dress' for evening meals; casual, comfortable clothing is sufficient.

Essential items

• Personal identification
• Copy of your travel insurance policy and 24-hour contact number
• Credit card and spending money
• Comfortable daypack (25–35 litres) with rain cover
• Water bottle(s) or hydration bladder (2+ litres recommended)
• Comfortable and well-worn in hiking shoes or boots
• Camera and mobile phone

Personal items

• Blister kit, rehydration salts, mosquito repellent, sunscreen and first-aid kit, including any personal medication
• Toiletries
• High-factor sunscreen and high-UV sunglasses
• Hand sanitiser
• Toilet paper and small zip lock bags for rubbish
• Blister pads and/or tape for hotspots or blisters on your feet
• Lightweight quick-drying towel and swimwear (summer months)

Clothing

• Several pairs of walking socks
• T-shirts (lightweight, quick-drying fabric)
• Long-sleeved trekking shirts
• Shorts
• Rain jacket
• Long-sleeve shirt with collar (for sun protection)
• Long-legged pants (or shorts with long gaiters)
• Warm jacket and hat
• Warm fleece/gloves/beanie in winter

Optional items

• Waterproof cover for a day pack
• Long gaiters
• Walking poles
• Flip flops/comfortable 'evening' shoes

Miscellaneous

• LED head torch with spare batteries
• Camera and spare batteries for the camera
• Reading and writing material
• Padlock for bag
• Waterproof bags for rain protection while walking

Walking shoes/boots note

Waterproof walking boots with full ankle support are recommended for walking trips. Make sure your footwear is well worn-in and comfortable. The Operator also recommends hiking socks with at least one spare pair, as you will find these minimise the chance of getting blisters. The key to preventing blisters and avoiding unnecessary pain is to eliminate friction.

WATER BOTTLE

Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of the vehicles and at some of the accommodation. Your leader will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination, and if it is, you can simply refill with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you.

While travelling, you'll experience the vast array of excellent food available in the world. Your group leader can suggest restaurants to try during your trip. Generally, not all meals are included in the trip price to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where what and with whom to eat. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please inform your booking agent before departure.

PICNIC LUNCH

Most lunches on this trip are taken in a scenic spot during the day's walk. The daily itinerary specifies whether this is included. If provided, lunch typically consists of a sandwich or wrap and fruit. Please feel free to substitute this with your own snacks if you wish, such as muesli bars and additional fruit. Make sure you let your booking agent know if The Operator needs to be aware of any dietary requirements, as well as also inform your leader of this at your group meeting.

In Australia, while appreciated, tipping can be the exception rather than the norm. As a guide, tipping is appropriate though not required in a restaurant for a meal (10-15% as a general rule). In a taxi, a cafe or a bar, rounding up is acceptable.

You can consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, AUD2-5 per person per day can be used as a guideline. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.