There is no such thing as an 'easy day' on this tour. There are a lot of ups and downs, often quite rocky and uneven terrain. However, the walk has been designed to make it achievable to those with a reasonable amount of fitness by the fact that you only carry a daypack.

A positive mental attitude is most important. If you focus on the scenery, the company and the moment, not on the kilometres, then you find yourself reaching your destination with little problem. If you have done some training prior to the walk, you will enjoy it all the more.

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!

Victorian weather is notoriously changeable. Be prepared for a variety of weather, with the possibility of cold, windy and wet conditions. It is not necessary to ‘dress’ for evening meals – casual, comfortable clothing is sufficient.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS

• Day pack

• Water bottle/bladder

• Walking boots

• Rain jacket

• Long-sleeve shirt with collar (for sun protection)

• Sunhat

• Long-legged pants (or shorts with long gaiters)

• Warm jacket and hat

• High factor sunscreen

• Blister pads and/or tape for hotspots or blisters on your feet

• Insect repellent

• Sunglasses

• Toiletries

• Watch or alarm clock

• Towel and swimwear (summer months)

• Travel documents

OPTIONAL ITEMS

• Waterproof cover for a day pack

• Waterproof walking boots

• Long gaiters

• Walking poles

• Camera

• Small binoculars

• Torch/head torch

SPECIALIST GEAR FOR THIS WALK

Walking boots – waterproof walking boots/shoes with full ankle support are recommended for this walk. Make sure your footwear is well worn-in and comfortable. The Operator also recommends hiking socks – they minimise the chance of getting blisters. The key to preventing blisters and avoiding unnecessary pain is to eliminate friction.

All meals are included, with the exception of lunch on the last day, when you can pick up something on the way home. Breakfast comprises cereals, fruit, yoghurt, toast, juice, tea and freshly brewed coffee. Each day your leader will provide morning tea for you. Fruit is also available. Most days, lunch is self-made from fresh breads, salads, and meats. Enjoy pre-dinner nibbles with fellow guests each evening while your guides prepare a delicious two-course meal for dinner.

Please let The Operator know upon booking of any dietary requirements. They can happily adapt the menu to accommodate most dietary needs. Assistance is appreciated with clearing away and washing up.

Victoria experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year. During the summer, daily temperatures are between 14C/57F and 27C/80F. During winter, daily temperatures are between 6C/42F and 13C/55F. Spring is the wettest time of year, with October’s average rainfall reaching 53mm.

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.