Small Group Travel
Travelling with Park Trek is as much a social occasion as it is a terrific outdoor experience. We’ve been in the business now for 10 years providing our participants with a wide range of travel holidays with the focus on small group sizes of 6 to 16 participants. Please note that some of our trips run with less and some with a lot more. We love the fact that many friendships have arisen between the participants on our trips and we enjoy seeing a lot of our participants return for another outing with us, many bringing their own friends, or family members along.
Shortly before the trip you will receive a detailed tour itinerary. It outlines the tour day by day and also inform you of the time and place where you will be picked up. After getting picked up you will head off towards the days first walk, usually a few hours away. During the morning tea break you will be introduced to the other participants and the guide will brief you about the day’s activities.
A day with Park Trek
A typical day starts around 7.30 when breakfast is served. During breakfast we also prepare our lunches that we will bring with us on the walk. At 8.30 we walk out the door and start our first walk which might be on our doorstep or a short drive away. Some walks may last all day, others consists of two to three shorter walks. Each tour is composed of a number of walks with varying length and difficulty. Typically there are one or two ‘Big’ days where we walk all day. A shorter option for those who prefer a more leisurely walk will be offered. Each evening at dinner time the guides will give a detailed briefing about the following day, so you will know what each day has in store.
On the trail there is usually a guide up front and for larger groups one in the back. Our style of walking depends on the terrain and weather. On clearly marked tracks in good weather we relax and walkers often spread out and walk in their own pace, taking time to photograph or enjoy the views along the track. On faint tracks in bad weather we keep it tight and stay together. The guides will determine the style of walking for each section with the group’s safety and enjoyment in mind.
Walking is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and getting some exercise at the same time. But of course our walks are much more than getting from point A to B. Along the track we take in the beauty of the bush, and stop to talk about interesting and special plants and wildlife. Be sure to bring your camera along as you never know what we might come across. Many of our guests have a special interest in photography, birds or flowers and enjoy the variety of landscapes and environments they are exposed to during the walks. Often we bring local guides along, which are always greatly appreciated.
On some days we mix the walking with a bit of local touring that showcases some highlight of the area. This might be a boat cruise on river full of crocodiles, a Ranger led walk to a seal colony or a visit to an Aboriginal community to learn about bush tucker.
After a day of walking we return to our place of stay late afternoon. It’s then that we like to have on hand plenty of refreshments with fresh coffee, tea and snacks. As the sun passes over the yard arm, out comes the wine and evening nibbles, while dinner is cooked in the background. The social end of the day is a great time for folks to chat, unwind and enjoy having the hospitality laid on for them. Later in the evening we give a short briefing on what to expect the following day. Typically our guides repeat a lot of the information because we understand that guests are in holiday mode, a sure sign that being away from your workaday surrounds is doing your well-being the world of good!
Walking safety
You can rest assured that you are in safe hand while walking with us. Our Guides are mature and experienced outdoors people who are trained in First Aid and outdoor leadership. During walks our guides are equipped with comprehensive First Aid kits, short wave radios and satellite phones. Our considerable experience in the bush means that we can deal confidently with any issues that might arise on the trail. The care that Park Trek staff gives their clients was demonstrated on a walk when guides took turns carrying an injured walker piggy back style back to base.
Some responsibility for walking safety falls on you, and it is important that you follow the instructions of the guide, especially so in difficult terrain or during bad weather when chances of slipping or getting lost increase. Good equipment is also vital to walking safety: a good pair of boots keeps you on your feet and proper rain gear keeps you dry and warm during inclement weather.
