PREPARING FOR YOUR ADVENTURE

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR HIKING ADVENTURE

Alpine Nature Experience offers exclusive and adventurous hikes in the high country. To make sure you adventure stays memorable in a good way, we encourage you to follow a few simple steps to prepare your experience with us. 

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Below are some FAQs to help you get a full grasp on what to expect and what you’ll need to bring/organise.

How to get to Bright?

Road
Bright is about 3.5 hours’ drive from Melbourne via the M31 Hume Freeway and the Snow Road C522 near Glenrowan (Great Alpine Road) turnoff near Wangaratta. Bright is about 45 minutes from the turnoff.

Trains
Trains run daily from Melbourne and Sydney via Wangaratta, a 1 hour drive from Bright. Go to vline.com.au for timetable information.

Buses
VLine runs daily bus services to Bright. Phone 1800 800 007 or go to vline.com.au for a timetable. Alps Bus Link offers services from Bright to Omeo via Harrietville, Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain: Phone 03 5151 1711 or go to Dysongroup.com.au/alps-link

Alpine Spirit Coaches and Snowball Express operate coach services in the North East. Winter services available to Mount Hotham Resort refer to website for online alpinespiritcoaches.com.au  and Snowball Express

Where do we start / park?

Where:Cobden St carpark in Bright, next to the police station.

Meeting point: Carpark, 2 Cobden St, Bright VIC 3741

Is the parking secured?

We will park the cars in the centre of Bright, in proximity to the police station. This is a safe spot, however please leave all valuables out of sight. We decline all responsibility for lost or stolen items. 

I don't want to drive, can I catch a bus?

Yes. We have teamed up with Alpine Spirit Coaches and Snowball Express to offer bus transportation from Melbourne, Adelaide, and other regional towns. Let us know in advance and we can arrange transport for you.

How do I get to Falls Creek and back to my car?

You will be transferred from Bright to Falls Creek with our private shuttle, and from Hotham back to Bright at the end of the trip. 

What’s the required level of fitness?

Whether you opted for self-guided or guided hike, we can adapt the route to your fitness level. Regardless, a reasonable walking fitness level is essential to ensure that you enjoy the hike. You need to be prepared to walk for several hours for two days in a row on uneven terrain.
The Falls to Hotham crossing is often referred to as a GRADE 3-4 – MODERATE TO CHALLENGING Walk. Distances are longer, up to 20km. Steep hill sections and rough surfaces. Walking experience and active lifestyle necessary.

What is an all inclusive curated hike?

It means that we have taken the guesswork out of the hike. Immersing oneself in nature is at the centre of all of Alpine Nature Experience’s offerings. Our curated hike offers a different approach to the way you hike: no need to carry large packs or a tent – worry about maps and itinerary – cook at camp – find transport – it is all done for you. With our all inclusive hike, you can focus on the ultimate pleasure of hiking and have fun, we handle all the logistic.

What does ‘pack-free walking ‘mean?

It means that we will transport all your luggage from one point to another. You will not have to carry everything. You will only need to carry the essentials during the hike, such as snacks, water, map etc.

What does ‘self-guided’ mean?

Self-guided means that you embark on the hike in pairs or small group, without a guide. This gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. You will get a 2ways Sat-phone so we can stay in contact with you in case of an emergency. After your first day of hiking, you will meet us at the campground, where your dinner and tree-top tent will be ready and waiting for you.

How many kilometres will I have to walk?

You will have to walk an average of 15 kms a day for around 5-6 hours. We can tailor the route to your group depending on fitness level and weather. Talk to us on arrival or prior to the trip to have a look at different options. 

What gear is provided?

You will embarked on an all-inclusive hike, so we take care of most things. However, if you feel more comfortable with your own gear, give us a call and we can organise for you to use it, if deemed suitable.

AT CAMP 
Sleeping bag & liner, Pillow, Tree Top Tent, Insulated Mattress, All food and drinks, Toilets and toilet paper, Hot camp shower, Eco-friendly soap

IN YOUR DAY PACK 
Field notes & map, Lunch pack, First aid kit, Insect repellent, Water & snacks , Toilet paper (extra), Small compostable/ plastic bag as your bin 

Optional Day pack package (supplement applies)
All of the above plus: Rucksack 30l, Water pouch 3L, Hiking poles, Poncho, Head torch

What should I wear?

During the adventure we may be exposed to all sorts of weather, dress accordingly.
We have prepared a How to pack / What to wear checklist for you as part of the welcoming pack. 

What to expect at camp?

Our camp is set up to be unique with one motto: Simplicity is a luxury.
There you will get to experience nature from above, levitating off the ground while watching the stars with your partner or a friend in our unique Tree Top Tent.
Most food is cooked on the fires with a focus on local fresh organic produce.
We also have limited power to recharge your phone, hot camp shower, a selection of soft drinks and alcohols. 

How many people can fit in the tents?

We have  two and  three person tents. Depending on the group size we can combine them differently. The three person tent is very spacious and you won’t sleep side by side. Have a look at the tents layout below.  

Do you take care of the food?

We do. The offer includes all dinners, breakfasts, walkers lunch and snacks as well as drinks at camp. We can cater for most food allergies. Please make sure you specify when booking. 

What about the accomodation and Falls Creek and Hotham?

At Falls Creek: Diana Lodge and is best described as a premium Alpine lodge. Lisa (DAL) and Jean-Francois (ANE) have worked closely to develop this unique offer as a collaborative product.  Lisa’s personal service and experience really makes this place special. 

At Hotham: Our preferred accommodation at Hotham are the luxurious Mountain Dreaming studio suite. Mountain Dreaming Apartments make it easy for you to enjoy all that M Hotham has to offer.  The General is your one stop venue with supermarket, bar, restaurant, live entertainment and more. You will have uninterrupted views of the mountains during your stay.

Alternatively we may accommodate larger group at the 4 star Ramada Resort at Dinner Plain. The resort is in a marvellous location in a really beautiful alpine setting but also enables easy access to the Dinner Plain hamlet.

What happens if I am really tired during the hike?

Before you go on a hike with us, make sure that your fitness level is appropriate for the hike. If you feel tired or unwell before departure, you might need to consider rescheduling.
Please note that there is no easy pull-out option during the hike.
We have included enough time for some rests in the hike duration; it is better to do several stops rather than being tired and continuing to walk. And remember, one step at the time will get you far. 

Can I bring my kids?

The Falls to Hotham crossing is not recommended for children under the age of 16. Please get in touch with us prior to booking.

How will someone contact me in case of an emergency?

Your group will receive a Sat-phone as part of the Emergency Kit. We will be able to track you at all times. In case of an emergency you will be able to send us a message.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The mountain is an unpredictable environment. We run our hikes in all conditions including in average weather (we call it bikini weather). The only time we will cancel a tour is when the conditions are declared unsafe. If so, we will contact you directly to inform you and offer a refund or to reschedule.

Can I book a hike if I have a health condition?

It is recommended to get clearance from your doctor before booking your hike. If you are unsure, please contact us.

What happens if I want to cancel?

Our adventures require a lot of preparation and we only have a very limited number of spots per season.

Changes or cancellation of bookings up to 4 weeks prior and outside of the COVID policy will at a minimum forfeit the deposit and incur a 10% fee per person.  

If you wish to cancel your trip and are not able to transfer to another date as outlined above, we will charge the following amounts per person for estimated losses from the date we receive your written cancellation:

  1. more than 60 days before departure, $400 per person.
  2. between 59-28 days before departure, 50% of trip price.
  3. 28 days or less before departure, 100% of trip price.

Should I take out travel insurance?

We strongly encourage you to take out a travel insurance policy. At a minimum, please make sure that you have a Victorian ambulance cover. In the unlikely event of an emergency most points on the walk are only available by helicopter.

What time does my trip start and finish?

Your trip will start when you get picked up at Bright around 4pm and finish around 12pm on the last day.

Will I have to carry a heavy pack?

No = You will only need to carry the essentials in a small day pack. We will transport the remainder of your luggage for you.

What happens if I have a food allergy?

We can cater for most dietary requirements. Please let us know when booking. 

Do I need to bring my own snacks?

No, we provide all the necessary snacks for the two days of hike. However, if you have some specific dietary requirement, you are more than welcome to bring your own snacks.

Do you offer discounts for private groups?

If you want to book a large group, please contact us directly and we will be able to offer you a tailored package to suit your needs .

What will the weather be like?

In Summer, the weather is generally good. However, it can be unpredictable. Therefore, it is required to bring the necessary equipment listed in the checklist.. Remember that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing 😉

When do I receive my welcome pack?

We know that you cannot wait to join us for an unforgettable experience. Therefore, we will send you a package with all your trip information before your departure. Your package should arrive to your nominated address 3 weeks before your departure. If you have booked less than a month prior to the hike, your welcoming pack will be waiting for you at the start of the tour. In the meantime, we will also send you all the documents electronically

Still have questions?

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